Israel Travel Blog

Jerusalem is built on a plateau in the Judean Hills; this ancient city is surrounded by rocky peaks; thick forests and lush valleys. It is incredible to think of all the pilgrims, armies and travelers – Jews, Christians and Muslims that made their way to the City of Gold on foot over thousands of years.Sataf Nature Trail.Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinWith some of the spectacular hikes around Jerusalem, it is possible to experience, in a small way, the awe ancient travelers must have felt when making their way through the rugged hills towards Jerusalem. Today the precious landscape around Jerusalem is preserved in national parks and nature reserves. Here is a selection of just some of the trails you can follow in the Jerusalem area, although there are many more.Ein Kerem to Derech HaGefen HikeThis unique and rather off-the-beaten-track hike takes you from Ein Kerem, a quant community near Jerusalem to the well-known Derech HaGefen Café. It is a short, easy hike where you can see the Jerusalem suburbs on the horizon most of the time. The bonus of this hiking trail is that you can explore the picturesque community of Ein Kerem where stone houses are draped with ivy and bougainvillea and the quaint lanes have courtyard cafes and arts and crafts stores. Leave Ein Kerem's main street, Rechov Ein Karem where an Israel Trail marker leads down to Madregot Gan Eden (Steps of Paradise). Pass the trail market indicating Derech Sorek and continue down Emek HaTeimanim Street leaving the Israel Trail. Continue on Emek HaTeimanim which becomes a lane and then a dirt path leading into the open countryside. Hike until you see a sign to Derech Hagefen. The last part of the hike is on a road (Derech Hagefen) and passes rural dwellings with charming gardens. End the hike with a meal or drink at the Derech Hagefen Café then retrace your steps back to Ein Kerem.Ein Kerem, Jerusalem.Photo byLaura SiegalonUnsplashNahal Refa'imHike Trail in Begin ParkMost hikers head to northern Israel when they are looking for winter hikes, but the best winter hike near Jerusalem is to Nahal Refaim which only flows in the winter. This hike is especially good after a few days of rain when the river is at its fullest. The hiking trail to the river banks and back again is about 2km altogether with quite a steep climb on the way back. The hike starts in Begin Park, less than a half-hour from Jerusalem. Follow the red trail markers through forests and over rocky areas. The trail crosses a road and continues on the Israel Trail taking you down a steep hill. Then cross another road and join the trail marked by green markers. At that point, the trail meets the wide, rapidly-flowing river flanked by eucalyptus trees, wildflowers, and other vegetation. If you want to extend the hike, then continue following the green markers or you could opt to retrace your steps.Givat HaTurmusim Hike through Wild FlowersHikers visiting the Holy Land often imagine they will only find desert hikes in Israel but on this stunning hike route just outside Jerusalem, you'll be awe-struck by the spectacular show of bright purple-blue "turmusim" or wild lupine flowers. You can see the flower-filled meadows in full bloom in February and March but the rest of the year you will still find yourself surrounded by breathtaking scenery. The brilliantly colored flowers stand out against a backdrop of dark green hills. Givat HaTurmusim (Lupine Hill) can be explored on a 6km circular route or you can simply scale the hill.Wild lupine flowers,Givat HaTurmusim, Israel.Photo credit: © ShutterstockShvil HaMayanot Hike TrailOn this 3km hike trail, you'll need to double-back and return to the starting point along the same route. The hike starts about 15 minutes from Jerusalem city center close to Ein Hendek on the road between Ein Keram and Moshav Even Sapir and meanders through the western slopes of the Judean Hills. Shvil HaMayanot (Trail of Springs) takes you along a chain of five natural spring pools. You'll also encounter tunnels; woodlands; olive groves and ancient ruins. At some of the springs you can see how ancient inhabitants channeled the spring water into stone-constructed pools; some of which have been restored. The route ends near the Yad Kennedy memorial. It's possible to do this hike year-round but it is best from December to April. If you want to stretch out this hike to make it longer take a detour to Handak Spring which is a tunnel spring carved into the stone and dry in the summer. If you have a flashlight you can walk into the spring tunnel.Sataf Nature TrailSataf is a site where ancient agricultural techniques, specifically terraced farming have been recreated alongside two picturesque springs – Bikura Spring and Sataf Spring. The original agricultural terraces were built 4500 years ago. Sataf is about 14km from Jerusalem and the hiking trail can be accessed from the Sataf parking lot. The hike can be done year-round and has various amenities such as a café, toilets, and picnic trails. Within the Sataf grounds are two hike trail options – the 1.5km-long Blue Trail that takes a circular route and the 2km-long Green Trail which passes the two springs. There are other longer routes including the 8.5km Red Trail which is considered one of the best in the Jerusalem area.

Hanukah, the Jewish Festival of Lights commemorates the 2nd century BC victory of a small group of Jews that rose up against Greek-Syrian oppressors and were victorious. Known as the Maccabean Revolt, after the leaders, the uprising resulted in the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. The Maccabees found only a small jar of pure oil to light the temple's seven-branch candelabrum. Yet the oil miraculously lasted eight days. In memory of this miracle and the rededication of the temple Jews around the world celebrate Hanukah by lighting an additional candle on the candelabra (menorah) each night of the holiday. In many places in Israel, you can see public menorah-lighting ceremonies held at sundown each night of Hanukah. In Israel, you can experience the holiday through many special Hanukah events. Here is a selection of the top 2019 Hanukah events in Israel.Tel Aviv Independence Park – 22.12.2019 (Gan Ha'atzmaut) Menorah-Lighting Event.In Tel Aviv's Independence Park, the first candle of Hanukah will be lit in a special ceremony and there will be live musical performances, activities for kids and food stalls.Tel Aviv International Synagogue – 23.12.2019, 23 Frishman Street, Tel AvivThe TAIS is organizing a rooftop candle lighting tour in the Old City of Jerusalem followed by a performance of favorite tunes from the Fiddler on the Roof at the Hebrew University. The tour includes transport from the Tel Aviv International Synagogue.Bavli Community Center – 23.12.2019, 6 Toledano Street, Tel Aviv, 16:30-18:00The Bavli neighborhood is hosting a Hanukah parade of lights that will travel from the Yarkon Park through Hanna Zemer to the Bavli Community Center where there will be a candle lighting ceremony, live performances and donuts.Tower of David: Hanukah Menorahs and Christmas Trees Tour of the Old City – 24.12.2019, Old City Jerusalem.This is a guided 3-hour tour starting at 8:30 pm. The Tower of David also offers a lantern-lit tour starting at 16:30 on the Citadel walls and ending with Hanukah songs, candle lighting and donuts. At the Tower of David, there will be family activities including "Escape the Tower", a family escape rooms experience lasting 1.5 hours. Participants must be over 9 years old.HanuChristmas 2019 – 24.12.2019, Habima, Tel Aviv, 21:30-23:30After a candle-lighting ceremony in Habima Square join others on eco-friendly bikes or skates and role or ride to the Christmas tree in Jaffa. Riders are encouraged to come in Christmas or Hanukah-themed fancy-dress.Raanana City Lights – 25-26.12.2019, Ahuza Street, Raanana, 10:00-22:00The small city in the Sharon Area will host, for the first time, a festival of lights along the length of the main street. The festival will include light instillations, art created out of lights; movement performances; street performers; live sculptures; illumination workshops; video installations and food stalls.Ashdod Lantern Tour – 25.12.2019, meeting point West Hotel Lobby, Ashdod, 19:00Pre-registration with Ashdod Tourism is necessary for this lamp-light tour of the city. Take a Hanukah tour of Ashdod's streets, Lachish Park along the creek and past various displays of Hanukah menorahs.Wine on the Vine - 27.12.2019, 3 Elazar Ben Azrya Street, Tel Aviv, 09:00-14:30WIZO and Wine on the Vine is collaborating to deliver a special Hanukah wine experience in the Elah Valley. Get transportation to and from Tel Aviv and a themed tour through the Elah Valley including two winery visits and a stop at the Maccabee battle site.Holiday of Holidays – weekends in December, HaifaOn weekends in December, including Hanukah weekends the communities of all faiths in Haifa will be celebrating the Holiday of Holidays with live performances, lectures, markets, street performers, exhibitions, children's activities and tours.Safed Chanukah Candle Tours – 22-30.12.2019, Safed (not on Friday night)Shvil HaLev and Tzfat Kabbalah Center both offer guided evening tours of the Old Jewish Quarter of Safed where you can see Hanukah menorah candles in every window.Hasmonean Village – Year-round, ShilatThe perfect time to visit Hashmonai Village is during Hanukah when there are special events at the site where a typical ancient Jewish village has been recreated. The whole family can enjoy interactive, fun activities like olive picking, making oil lamps from clay, preparing medicinal herbs and feeding farm animals.Sounds of Music in the Desert Festival - 25-28.12.2019, Kibbutz Sde Boker, Upper NegevThis annual festival is in its 22nd year and brings together some of the country's top musical performers representing a wide range of styles. Enjoy original Israeli music as well as a light show, tours, delicious food and other activities.Street Theatre Festival Eilat – 24-26.12.2019, 15:00-19:00 and 27.12.2019, 10:00-14:00 Eilat Museum and Art Gallery PlazaEnjoy free performances by living statues; street artists; musicians; acrobats and circus performers.Hanukklayim – 24-26.12.2019, 17:00-21:00 (IDF Square to the Western Wall) and 18:00-23:00 (IDF Square to Rockefeller Museum), Old City JerusalemTwo routes through the Old City have been created for families during Hanukah. Along the way they can stop at activity stations, see light installations and performance stages. In addition, it is possible to take a menorah tour to homes in the Jewish Quarter; Hanukah candle lighting at the Rabbi Yochanan Ben Zakai Synagogue (17:00-20:00 on the hour) and enjoy cantorial performances in Zabekiah's Cave (19:30).Lighting up the Night (Maorim et HaLiyla) – 23-30.12.2019, Jerusalem Center, 17:00-22:00Multiple events are being held in Jerusalem's city center to celebrate Hanukah including a large menorah in Cats' Square (Khatulot Square);"Street of Wishes" on Ben Yehuda Street; performances and activities in Herbert Samuel Plaza; street performances; street parties and video art displays on three large city buildings.

Christmas 2019 is just around the corner, and in Israel, the land where the events of Christmas actually took place there is excitement in the air as decorations go up, trees are erected in city centers and churches prepare for special Christmas services. You won't see Christmas celebrated in all Israeli cities but in places where there are Christian communities you can experience the holiday season in the Holy Land, unlike anywhere else in the world. To help you plan your time in Israel as you celebrate Christmas here are some of the most popular and special 2019 Christmas events in Israel.2019 Christmas Events in JerusalemYMCA Christmas Concert: 24.12.2019, 19:30-21:30The traditional Christmas celebrations at the historic YMCA building in Jerusalem include a Christmas Eve concert featuring more than 80 performers. Among those performing will be the Jerusalem Street Orchestra; YMCA Academy Orchestra; the Jerusalem Oratorio Choir and the Jerusalem Youth Choir, with youths from West and East Jerusalem. You can expect to hear all the classic Christmas songs and enjoy a festive atmosphere at this annual event.Santa’s House: Throughout December 2019, 17:00-20:00Each year Santa’s House opens its doors to excited young visitors. Situated on St. Peter’s Street in the heart of Jerusalem’s Old City, Santa’s House is a non-profit attraction supported by donations with the sole purpose of delighting young visitors. The house belongs to a family whose generations have inhabited the Old City for over 700 years. Santa’s House is decked-out with traditional Christmas decorations and although it may not be the North Pole, families can enjoy the warm, cheerful atmosphere in Santa’s house.Dormition Church Christmas Concert: 2019: 21/12/2019, 11:00Attend a Christmas concert in the beautiful Dormition Church on Mount Zion. This year’s guest performer will be the French classic organist, Maurice Clerc. The concert will include a variety of arrangements on the organ. Enjoy the music of this world-renowned performer in the surroundings of one of Jerusalem’s most exquisite churches.The Dormition Church2019 Christmas Events in JaffaHappy Market: 20/12/2019, 10:00-16:00This lively market takes place at the Art Club at 9 Shach Street. The market stalls will hold hand-made goods such as ceramics, jewelry, glassware, clothing as well as flowers and a range of Christmas items. No Israeli market would be complete without some delicious food stalls and at the Happy Market, you won’t go hungry! Free admission.Jaffa Christmas Parade 2019: 27/12/2019, 17:30This annual parade includes music; decorated parade floats escorted by Santa figures and other holiday-themed participants. The parade will travel along Yefet Street stopping at a number of points along the way including the churches along the route where kids will be treated with sweets, small gifts and other surprises. Free admission.Scouts Christmas Carnival Parade: Friday 06.01.2020, 17:30 (there may be changes)Come join this annual parade presented by more than 550 scouts, members of Jaffa’s Orthodox Scouts Club. The parade will travel from Evn Rashd Street, down the length of Yefet Street to St. George’s Church on Louis Pasteur Street. This traditional carnival includes costumed participants, performances by the scouts’ orchestra ending with a brilliant firework display. Free admission.A Christmas treeScouts Christmas Carnival Parade2019 Christmas Events in Western GalileeChristmas Run in Mi'ilya: Friday, 20.12.2019, 08:00This will the 5th year that this fun run has been held in the beautiful Galilee to celebrate Christmas and the Festival of Lights, Hanukah. Each year this Christian village is decorated with colorful Christmas lights and Christmas trees for the holiday season. The run marks a coming-together of people of different faiths and cultures. People of all faiths, persuasions and communities are invited to join in for a run through the lanes of this magical Galilee village. You’ll have the choice of a 2km, 5km or a competitive 10km run. The run has been created to suit individuals as well as families with kids. There will be prizes for the winners in categories above 5km. A fee will be charged for Participation in the Christmas run.Western Galilee Winter Festival: Thursday-Saturday, 19.12.2019-21.12.2019 (times may vary)The Western Galilee Now Organization holds an annual Winter Festival with events and happenings spread across several villages. There will be an exciting schedule of Christmas-related events. Kfar Pasuta is considered one of the best festival villages where the celebrations include a wide range of activities; musical performances; Christmas carols; family activities and tours through the quaint lanes. Kfar Eilabun is another popular destination during the festival; here there is a Christmas tree lighting ceremony in the village square and an adjacent Christmas market. The Kfar Eilabun celebrations include street performers, a parade and wonderful kid’s shows.Christmas Season in Mi’ilya:Saturday – Monday, 21.12.2019-23.12.2019, 10:00-24:00 - The traditional Christmas market in Mi’ilya has Christmas food stalls, artists’ stalls, Christmas candy stalls and sale of Christmas decorations. The market is also where you can see kid’s shows and towards nightfall musical performances for all the family.Tuesday – Wednesday, 2.12.2019-25.12.2019 10:00-18:00 – One of the most moving events in Mi’ilya during the Christmas season is the church service and choral singing held in the Greek Orthodox Holy Mary Church. Free admission.2019 Christmas Events in HaifaHaifa Holiday of Holidays Festival: Thursday – Sunday, 19.12.2019-28.12.2019, various hours throughout the day.The Holiday of Holiday Festival is one of the largest and most important festive season events held in Israel. 2019 will be the 26th year of this festival that takes place on weekends throughout December in the Wadi Nisnas neighborhood and down to the German Colony at the lower end of the Baha'i Garden. The holiday of Holidays celebrates Haifa’s multicultural communities and the principles of mutual respect; cultural tolerance and diversity. The city is decorated with colorful decorations and lights; there is a wide range of special events, musical performances, lectures, parties and markets held throughout Haifa. Many of the festival events have free admission and most of the exhibitions will be open from 10 am to 8 pm.Among the events of the Holiday of Holiday festival 2019:Opening Ceremony, Beit HaGefen Theatre, 19.12.2019, 20:30 – Join locals and dignitaries for a festive opening ceremony where there will be game tables, tours, musical performances, stand-up performances and much more.Christmas Parade, Ein Dor Catholic Church, 21.12.2019, 17:00 – the traditional Christmas parade in Haifa will travel down Ein Dor Street and continues to Allenby Street via the German Colony and back again.Family Happening, Beit HaGefen yard, 26.12.2019, 11:00-15:00 – This fun-filled annual happening for the whole family includes creative workshops; make-up stations; food stalls; circus performances; fun games where everyone can participate and more.

It is important to choose a private tour guide in Israel carefully to make sure you get the most out of your trip. Not all tour guides are created equally! There are many fly-by-nights, self-appointed “guides” that could charge exorbitant fees and ruin your holiday. Your time is valuable and on a trip to Israel, you’ll want to make the most of it. Private guides are generally more expensive than group tours but they are worth every shekel. With a private tour guide you’ll get one-on-one service; a trip tailor-made for you and luxury air-conditioned transportation. Having a private guide means you can make a personal connection with the guide and talk freely, asking any questions you may have without 30 other tourists in the group! Here are a few tips about how to find the best possible private tour guide for your trip to the Holy Land.What Makes a Good Private Tour Guide in Israel?There are some qualities in a private tour guide that you can’t know in advance. Although by choosing a private guide from a reputable tour company and by discussing the trip ahead of time you can get a feel for your guide’s character. An ideal private tour guide should be punctual; organized; have enough energy to get you through the day; have a sense of humor and patience. The best private tour guides are local and have extensive knowledge of the country. Unlike guides on group tours, Israel private tours should be flexible so that you can stay longer at a place if you want to or skip a site if you see something more interesting along the way. A good private tour guide knows when to give you room to look around by your selves (for example in a market, on a beach, while enjoying lunch, or at a religious site). You want a private tour guide that respects your space. Some tour guides never stop talking while others don’t say enough. A good tour guide knows just how much information to give you at each site and when to be quiet and let you soak up the atmosphere.Choose a Professional Private Guide from a Reputable CompanyProfessional tour guides in Israel are trained and issued a tour guide license by the Ministry of Tourism. Israeli tour guides undergo lengthy training, they have to pass an exam and if they intend to guide children or drive a tour vehicle there are additional courses. With a reputable tour company, their credentials should appear prominently on their website. Israel has several well-established tour companies that employ only certified guides and supervise the guides to make sure they keep a high standard of work.A private tour guide from a reputable company will have a whole support team to provide him with all the transportation, marketing, up-dates about attraction, customer service, an accounting department, and more. Your private tour guide will be able to concentrate on giving you the best possible tour without having to worry about accounting, marketing, and logistics which are taken care of by the tour company office. Using a reputable tour company will put your mind at rest as you will always have someone to contact if things go wrong.Choose a Private Tour Guide Who Speaks Your LanguageIsrael is a land of immigrants; when the state was established Jews came from across the globe to settle here. The multi-cultural society means that you will have no problem finding a tour guide that speaks your language. Whether your native tongue is Russian, French, Spanish, English or even Mandarin there are private tour guides in Israel to serve you. If you are English speakers, then make sure your guide speaks a good level of English and will not have to um and ah looking for the right words when explaining things. Having a private guide that speaks good English will make all the difference to your trip. Your guide should also have a good command of Hebrew in order to talk to the locals.Choose a Private Guide that Suits YouYour private guide’s job is to show you the things that interest you as well as a few gems that only a local would know about. Before arriving in Israel you should discuss your preferences with your guide and settle on a basic itinerary. Most private guides that work with larger companies already have recommended itineraries that they can offer you in order to make planning your trip easier. You can discuss the suggested itinerary and adjust it according to your travel style and interests. If you prefer to travel at an easy-going pace and stay longer at each site, then let your guide know in advance. If you are one of those travelers that like to move fast and see as much as possible the guide should be aware of that too. Tell your private guide your specific interests – do you want to see Christian landmarks; natural wonders; Jewish heritage sites; sites from modern history or perhaps a little of everything. Have a good discussion with your private guide and tailor-make your trip before the day of the tour. This will save time and make your tour day run more smoothly.Choose a Private Tour Guide that Will Give You Something ExtraSo when you’ve found a private tour guide that meets all the above criteria there should still be something extra, something special that makes your guide stand-out. Hopefully, your chosen guide will be friendly and excited about showing you his country. Some of the best tour guides will share a few private anecdotes and insights into life in Israel. The benefits of a private tour guide in Israel don’t end when the tour comes to an end as your guide can recommend the best restaurants; local experiences and other sites in Israel that you might want to visit. Hopefully, your time in Israel will be magical and you’ll leave with good memories having been introduced to the Holy Land by an excellent private tour guide.

Israel and Jordan share a border and the two are friendly neighbors with many ties. Both countries are home to incredible historic and cultural sites worth seeing. When the two are so close it seems a pity not to combine Israel and Jordan in a single trip. Even if you only have time to visit Jordan's top attractions, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Petra which is also one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Luckily there are many tour options that combine Israel and Jordan no matter how long you plan to spend in the region. For tour packages that include places in Jordan like Jerash, Madaba, and Amman the Sheikh Hussein Border Crossing near Jerusalem is often used. Other tours enter Jordan from the Arava Border Crossing in Eilat which is the closest crossing to Petra.Package Tours that Combine Israel and JordanIf your time is limited then a package tour might be the best option to see Israel and Jordan on one trip as all the logistics are taken care of for you. Some Petra tours from Israelsplit the days evenly covering top destinations in Israel as well as several highlights in Jordan. For example, you can see Israel and Jordan in one tour package over 12 days starting in Israel and spending 8 days in the Holy Land and 4 days in Jordan. Tour places like Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee, Golan Heights, Jerusalem, and the Dead Sea. Then travel to Jordan and visit Jerash, the capital of Amman, Madaba famed for its Byzantine mosaics, The biblicalMount Nebo, and the spectacular Petra Archeological Park. There are shorter package trips where you spend just one day visiting Petra in Jordan and the rest of your time in Israel. To make this quick trip to Petra possible shorter package trips may include a flight from Tel Aviv to Eilat and from there, it is just 2 hours across the border to Petra. With longer package tours the journey can be made by entering Jordan by bus via the Sheikh Hussein Border Crossing.Petra Tours from Tel AvivIf you're based in central Israel, you don't have to miss out on a trip to Petra. You can travel toPetra from Tel Aviv with a 1-4 day tour. The shortest of these tours starts with an early morning flight from Tel Aviv to Eilat where you are met at the Ramon Airport and taken across the Arava Border Crossing to Petra. At the end of an exhilarating day, the tour ends with a return flight from Eilat to Tel Aviv. There are similar tours that give you an extra day to enjoy Eilat and others that last 3-4 days and include more destinations in Jordan and overnight stays in Amman and Petra. These 1-4 day tours from Tel Aviv are perfect for combining with a longer stay in Israel.Petra Tours from EilatThe Israel-Jordan border crossing closest to Petra is in Eilat, a beach resort city on the edge of the Red Sea. There are a number of tours toIf you're visiting Eilat, Petra Tourscan make your trip much more exciting: just take a Petra Tour from Eilat, see the ancient Petra Treasury and Royal Tombs - then go back for a relaxing stay on the beach of Israel's best resort city.You can take a 1-day tour from Eilat to Petra or opt for a 2-day tour that gives you a guided tour of Petra and a day to explore the ancient city by yourself. One of the most exciting tours to Petra from Eilat is the two-day tour that gives you a tour day in Petra and a day in Wadi Rum, a Jordanian desert wilderness with striking rock formations. On one of these tours, you can take a desert jeep safari through Wadi Rum and even a short panoramic tour of Aqaba, Jordan's Red Sea port city. Tours with overnight stays in Jordan will include accommodations in Wadi Musa - the gateway to the Petra Archeological Park - or in awesome glamping sites in Wadi Rum.

Jerusalem is held sacred by the three major monotheistic religions – Christianity, Judaism and Islam. Each of these religions has sacred, traditional and ancestral sites within Jerusalem. In ancient times Jerusalem was believed to be the center of the world. Packed tightly together in the Old City of Jerusalem is the holiest religious sites of the three religions and one of the sites, Temple Mount is sacred to all three.Rooftop view of Jerusalem's Old City. Photo byKatie ChenonUnsplashSo Why is Jerusalem a Sacred City for Christians, Muslims, and Jews?Visitors to Israel can take tours to Jerusalem that focus specifically on the Christian, Jewish or Islamic sites, or alternatively, there are day tours of Jerusalem that cover the city in general.Jerusalem as a Sacred Christian CityAll of the New Testament takes place in the Land of Israel and Jerusalem specifically is associated with major events in the life of Jesus. For hundreds of years Jerusalem has attracted Christians from different denominations and many beautiful historic churches and monasteries have been built. Among the most important Christian sites in Jerusalem, there is the Mount of Olives where churches mark various events in Jesus’ life including the site where he taught the Lord’s Prayer marked by the Church of the Pater Noster and the place where he looked out across Jerusalem and wept, marked by the Dominus Flevit Church. At the foot of the mount is the Church of All Nations alongside the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed and was arrested on the eve of his crucifixion. In the Old City of Jerusalem is the Via Dolorosa, a route through the narrow lanes where Jesus walked on his way to Calvary and his crucifixion. At the end of the Via Dolorosa is the holiest site in Jerusalem, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. This massive 4th-century church holds many chapels and shrines as well as the final Stations of the Cross, Calvary (Golgotha), and Jesus’ Tomb. Other sites that make Jerusalem a holy city for Christians are the Room of the Last Supper and the Chapel of Ascension where Jesus ascended to heaven.The Church of all Nations, Jerusalem, Israel. Photo byRaimond KlavinsonUnsplashJerusalem as a Sacred Jewish CityJerusalem is the spiritual and ancestral heart of Judaism and has been since the 10th century BC. The city features prominently in the Old Testament which names Jerusalem as the holy city. Jerusalem is mentioned a total of 669 times in the Old Testament and Zion (another name for the city) is mentioned 154 times. The Jewish Torah tells how the First Temple was built on Temple Mount in the 10th century BC and destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar in 587BC. Then the Second Temple was built in its place in the 6th century BC only to be destroyed by the Romans in 70AD. Evidence of this and other events and locations mentioned in the Torah have been uncovered in excavations in Jerusalem.As such Jerusalem has special significance in Jewish law and traditions. For example, Jews around the world pray facing Jerusalem. Today only the Western Wall remains from the Temple structure and is considered the holiest Jewish site in the world. Other Jewish sites in Jerusalem include King David’s Tomb; the City of David (the excavated original biblical city); the Hurva Synagogue and Mt. Zion. Jewish teachings hold that the Messiah will come when the Temple is rebuilt.The Western Wall, Jerusalem. Photo byThomas VogelonUnsplashJerusalem as a Sacred Islamic CityIslamic tradition holds Jerusalem (Al Quds) as sacred together with Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia. The Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem is believed to be “the farthest mosque” visited in 621AD by Prophet Muhammad and recorded as the nocturnal journey in the Koran. Although Jerusalem is not mentioned in the Koran by name its association with the nocturnal journey earned its great significance.Many of the hadith (holy Islamic writings) mention Jerusalem by name. Jerusalem was the Qibla or direction Muslims faced in prayer until 625 when it was changed to Mecca. Prophet Muhammad also made Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque a pilgrimage destination. The most important Islamic sites in Jerusalem are on Temple Mount (the Noble Sanctuary or Haram Ash Sharif) and include the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock, a sacred shrine believed to be where Muhammad ascended to heaven. The Islamic association with Jerusalem is also history. Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent was responsible for constructing the present Old City walls and Jerusalem had Muslim rulers during several historic periods.Dome of the Rock, Temple Mount, Jerusalem. Photo by Jorge Fernández Salas on Unsplash

Tourists arriving in Israel’s port cities of Haifa or Ashdod can take a short ship-to-shore excursion to many of the top attractions. Israel is a small country and most of the important destinations are close enough to Haifa or Ashdod to be included in a day tour. Israel cruise excursions include pick-up from the port, a fully-guided day of sightseeing and drop-off at your cruise ship in time for your cruise departure. Most shore excursions are private tours which means there is a recommended suggested itinerary but you can alter it to your liking. If there are places you are more interested in you can stay longer and if there are places you would rather not visit you can swap them for places that interest you more. The cruise excursions include air-conditioned transportation and the tour price is determined by the distance covered; guide language; length of tour (usually 10 hours); size of vehicle and the day of the week.Israel Cruise Excursion Options from Haifa PortCruise Excursion to Nazareth and the GalileeAlthough Ashdod is a little too far south to get all the way to the north and back in time for your cruise departure Haifa is well located for a day trip to the north. From Haifa port this ship-to-shore excursion travels north to one of the most beautiful areas of the country. The Galilee has rolling hills with a patchwork of farmlands; forests; olive groves; vineyards and small villages and towns. Stop in Nazareth to tour the Church of Ascension and the Church of Saint Joseph built above grottos that may have been the Holy Family’s home and Joseph’s carpentry workshop. Then continue to Tiberias on the edge of the Sea of Galilee and visit Biblical landmarks around the lake like Capernaum and the Mount of Beatitudes.Haifa Port Cruise Excursion to Haifa and AcreSeeing as you are docking in Haifa why not do some sightseeing here. Visit the magnificent Baha’i Gardens planted on 18 terraces that cascade down Mount Carmel. You can also learn about the unique Baha’i religion. At the foot of Mount Carmel see the restored German Templar Quarter. As you travel north stop in Acre, an ancient city built of stone. Descend beneath the Old City of Acre to an underground Crusader city and learn about the many conquerors that have passed through Acre leaving their mark. Your guide will take you on a walk through the bazaar and show you the Turkish baths and Turkish Citadel used years later by the British to hold Jewish prisoners. If you have time travel to the northernmost point of Israel’s coast and walk through the pristine sea caves of Rosh HaNikra.Israel Cruise Excursion Options from Ashdod Port or Haifa PortJerusalem and Dead Sea/BethlehemTake a tour of the Holy Land’s top destination – Jerusalem. Get an overview of Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives where there are many churches marking Biblical sites and at the foot of the mount is the Church of All Nations and the Garden of Gethsemane. Take a walk through the Old City where you can visit the Western Wall; the Old City bazaar; ancient synagogues; walk the Via Dolorosa and spend time in the stunning Church of the Holy Sepulchre. As this is a private tour you can pick and choose the sites in the Old City that interest you. Perhaps even include a visit to Mount Zion to see King David’s Tomb and the Room of the Last Supper. You could also visit the Yad VaShem Holocaust Museum or the archaeological site of the City of David established 3,000 years ago. As an option, you could spend half your day in Jerusalem and the other half visiting Bethlehem to see where Jesus was born or the Dead Sea, a natural wonder at the lowest point on Earth where the water is ten times saltier than the ocean.Masada and Dead Sea Ship-to-Shore ExcursionTravel from your cruise ship south to Masada, a massive “mesa” a flat-topped mount with steep rocky sides. Masada rises out of the flat desert landscape and served King Herod who wanted a safe retreat. Visitors can take a cable car to Masada’s summit and tour the remains of Herod’s large fortress-palace complex which includes storerooms, guardrooms, palaces, Roman baths and more. From the top of Masada, there are brilliant views across the desert all the way to the Dead Sea which is where you can spend the rest of the day. The tour takes you to one of the Dead Sea beaches where you can indulge in the sun, sea and fresh air which have been found to have therapeutic beauty and health benefits. Get a classic photo floating in the salty water where it is impossible to sink! As a private cruise excursion, you can choose how much time to spend on the beach and whether to include other stops like Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found or the desert oasis of Ein Gedi.Caesarea and Tel AvivAfter being met by your personal guide at Haifa or Ashdod port travel to Caesarea to the excavated site of a powerful Roman port city built by King Herod. Here you can walk among the remains of storehouses, temples, palaces and Roman baths. See the amphitheater that is still used to this day and the hippodrome where chariots once rode alongside the sea. Also, see the Crusader walls and structures build hundreds of years later. From the old to the new the tour takes you to Israel’s modern metropolis of Tel Aviv. See the long stretch of beach flanked by a wide promenade; discover the up-market Rothschild Boulevard; experience the hustle and bustle of Carmel Market and wander through the quaint historic neighborhood of Neve Tsedek. Other sites to include on your private tour of Tel Aviv are Dizengoff Street; Yitzchak Rabin Square and the marvelous Jaffa Port.See all our recommended Israel Shore Excursions

Eilat is Israel’s southernmost city on the edge of the Red Sea. It is a beach resort packed with attractions, idyllic beaches and perfect holiday weather most of the year. Now there is even a new international airport on the outskirts of the city so that visitors can arrive in Eilat directly from overseas. To make Eilat even more appealing it is a tax-free port which means it is the only city in Israel where you don’t pay tax on your purchases! Here is a breakdown of the top Eilat attractions and things to do when you visit Eilat.Eilat BeachesEilat’s Red Sea coastline offers a range of beaches from small, intimate sandy coves to wide popular beaches with all amenities. Many beaches are walking distance from the city center and most hotels while others are further west towards the border with Egypt. Choose your favorite beach from the hip, laid-back Mosh Beach; North Beach, best for swimming, water sports and accessibility from the city center; Princess Beach or Coral Beach Nature Reserve for snorkeling; Dolphin Reef Beach where you swim alongside dolphins or the small Harush Beach where there is a restaurant/bar on the sand and a diving school. At Harush and several other beaches you can rent a snorkel and mask to explore the coral reefs. Some of the beaches are devoted completely to water sports like Hanania Beach.Eilat Water AttractionsWithout a doubt the top attraction in Eilat is the sea whether it is relaxing on the beach, taking a boat excursion or doing water sports. Water sports in Eilat include parasailing, water skiing, jet skis, banana boats, tubing, kayaking, sup, canoeing and wind surfing. These activities are offered at many of the Eilat beaches for a reasonable price and with no need to pre-book. You can even rent a speed-boat and go out on the water by yourself. Another popular water attraction is diving and snorkeling. Even if you’ve never dived before you can take a short introductory course at one of Eilat’s dive schools. If you’d prefer to snorkel then rent a snorkel and mask from one of the beach stalls and explore the Eilat coral reefs that lie beneath the water just meters from the shore. You can literally walk into the water and find yourself facing stunning coral reefs teaming with colorful tropical fish. For a relaxing excursion on the water there are regular cruises that take visitors out in glass-bottom boats or on the water for lunch, a sundown dinner or a party where the cruise boat stops at sea and passengers can jump into the water.Dolphin ReefAt Dolphin Reef you can watch dolphins in their natural habitat; you can swim with the dolphins and watch them eat and play within an ecological site which is open to the sea so that dolphins can choose to come and go. The dolphins return to the site where they are fed and treated well yet they can go back out into the sea whenever they choose. The grounds of Dolphin Reef have lush vegetation, ponds, restaurant, a small cinema where films about the dolphins are shown, a souvenir store and a diving center. You can relax on Dolphin Reef beach, swim, see the dolphins being fed or go diving or snorkeling with the dolphins. Dolphin Reef is a private business and requires an entrance fee.Petra Tours from EilatWhy stay just in Eilat when it is so easy to make a day trip to Petra in Jordan. Petra is a UNESCO-listed archaeological site where a powerful Nabataeanian city once stood. This unique city was created in the Jordanian desert by carving structures out of rose-colored rock. Thanks to the climate and its remote location Petra has been well-preserved, surviving about 2,300 years. Visitors to Petra can see temples, tombs, cavernous chambers and structures from other eras including a Roman amphitheatre and Byzantine church. Day tours to Petra leave daily and include pick-up and drop-off from your Eilat hotel.Underwater Observatory ParkThis marine park displays sea creatures in a number of tanks including sharks and rare fish. There is a glass-bottomed boat that takes visitors out on the water to see the coral reefs up-close and a 4D movie about marine life in the Red Sea. The highlight of a visit to this site is the underwater observatory built off-shore where you can descend beneath sea-level and get a 360° view of the coral reefs and marine life. The marine park also has restaurants (including one in the observatory) and attractions for the whole family.Ice MallEilat has several excellent malls but the most interesting is the Ice Mall. Here a large ice rink lies in the middle of the mall with stores arranged on two levels looking onto the rink. Visitors can rent skates by the hour and enjoy a break from shopping. During the summer there are regular skating performances throughout the day. The mall has several other attractions for kids as well as restaurants and cafes.Desert AttractionsJust a few minutes inland from Eilat are the Red Mountains and the desert. You can take a desert excursion riding a camel, donkey or horse. There are also jeep safaris into the desert; ATV and RZR excursions; hike trails and eco-tours to the most scenic areas of the Negev Desert. If you go further inland you will reach Timna Park, a valley with awesome scenery and geological and archaeological wonders. Take a tour from Eilat to Masada and the Dead Sea located about 2.5hrs north.Other Eilat AttractionsAs if that’s not enough Eilat also offers an adventure rope park; Escape Rooms; IMAX 4D cinema; a skate park; musical fountain; climbing walls; bowling; karaoke; an amusement park and botanical garden.

Israel may be a small country but it is packed with some of the most fascinating historical landmarks, natural wonders, holy sites and vibrant modern cities. There is so much to see; delicious foods to try and unique people to meet that you could stay in Israel for years and still not cover it all! To help you plan your time in Israel here are some of the most recommended trips for travelers that want to discover the magic of this magnificent country.The terraces of Bahai Gardens in Haifa, Israel.Photo credit: © ShutterstockMost Recommended Israel Trips for ChristiansWhether you visit Israel as a Christian, Jew, or Muslim; whether you have come to explore the culture, history, or natural wonders there are a few must-see sites that every visitor to Israel should include. Must-see Israel destinations are Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, the Dead Sea, and the Sea of Galilee. If you have more time, then include Bethlehem, Masada, Jericho, and Eilat in the south plus Caesarea, Haifa, Acre, Rosh Hanikra, and the Golan Heights in the north. Trips to Jerusalem for Christians - Christians traveling to Israel should make a beeline for Jerusalem, a city packed with biblical landmarks. One of the most popular trips in Israel follows in the footsteps of Jesus. On the Mount of Olives see the Garden of Gethsemane, the Church of All Nations, the Pater Noster, where Jesus taught his followers the Lord's Prayer, and Dominus Flevit, where Jesus looked out across Jerusalem.In the Old City of Jerusalem, you can explore the Armenian Quarter; walk through the Jewish Quarter, home to the Byzantine Cardo and stop at the Western Wall, the most sacred Jewish site in the world. Walk along the Via Dolorosa, a route that Jesus walked with 14 Stations of the Cross as he carried his cross towards his crucifixion at Calvary.Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Aedicule.Photo credit: © ShutterstockToday Calvary, as well as Christ's tomb is within the massive 4th century Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Just outside the walls of the Old City is Mount Zion, the site of the Room of the Last Supper. If you have more time you could visit the modern city of Jerusalem, the Holocaust Museum, the Israel Museum; Mahane Yehuda Market, and Jerusalem's archaeological sites.Trips to Bethlehem for ChristiansOn your trip to Israel, you could consider combining a half-day trip to Jerusalem with a visit to either Bethlehem, Jericho or the Dead Sea. Bethlehem is a town in the West Bank Palestinian Authority Area and so most travelers choose guided tours to Bethlehem for safety and convenience.In Bethlehem, you can stop in Manger Square and spend time in the Church of Nativity, which was built around the Holy Grotto where Jesus was born. In the adjacent St. Catherine's Church, there are underground chambers holding shrines and memorials. While in Bethlehem stop at the Milk Grotto where it is said that Mary nursed baby Jesus.The Church of Saint Catherine, Bethlehem.Photo credit: © ShutterstockTrips to Galilee for ChristiansGalilee is second only to Jerusalem for its concentration of biblical sites. Travel through the verdant countryside of rolling hills, farmlands, and forests to the Sea of Galilee. You can travel around the shores of the sea stopping to see where Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount on the Mounts of Beatitudes,Capernaum, where Jesus lived during his ministry, Cana, where Jesus turned water into wine and Tabgha, the site of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fish.All of these Christian sites are marked by beautiful churches. Nazareth, the town of Christ's childhood is also in Galilee and today is home to the Church of Annunciation where an angel Gabriel told Mary of her future child. While in Nazareth visit the Church of St. Joseph, built on the site where the Holy family once had their home and Joseph's carpentry. Your Israeltripcould include being baptized in the Jordan River at Yardenit at the foot of the Golan.Most Recommended Trips for Jewish Travelers in IsraelLike Christian travelers, Jews visiting Israel will want to spend time in Jerusalem where so much Jewish history unfolded.A tourist in Masada looking at the Dead Sea, Israel. Photo credit: © ShutterstockTrips to Jerusalem for Jewish TravelersHighlights for Jewish visitors to Jerusalem include the Western Wall and the Tomb of King David on Mount Zion. While in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City you can visit four 17th-18th century Sephardi synagogues. Delve deep into the history of Jerusalem and go underground to the excavated City of David, the original Jerusalem settlement dating back to the Bronze Age and Iron Age.Some trips to Israel combine a day in the Old City with a visit to Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum. The museum holds an overwhelming amount of authentic documents, historic photographs, artifacts, and video testimonials from Holocaust survivors.Jewish travelers will no doubt be interested in seeing the Knesset, Israel's parliament building, and the Mount of Olives where there is a 4,000-year-old Jewish cemetery facing the Old City.From the Mount of Olives, you can look out across the Old City to Temple Mount where the holy Jewish Temple once stood, and also see three monolithic ancient Jewish burial tombs in Kidron Valley.The Jewish Quarter in the Old City of Jerusalem. Photo credit: © ShutterstockTrips to Southern Israel for Jewish TravelersJews have an intrinsic connection with Israel; almost every landmark in Israel has some significance for Jews – be it biblical, historical, or modern. Jewish travelers should make a trip to Masada, a rock outcrop rising out of the Judean Desert and overlooking the Dead Sea. Visitors can take a cable car to the summit of Masada where King Herod built a massive palace-fortress in 31-37BC. Much of the complex has survived thanks to the dry climate and remote location. Masada was also the site of a significant event in Jewish history during the First Jewish-Roman War (73-74AD) when Sicarii Jews took refuge on the mount. They remained on Masada, under siege by Roman troops until the standoff ended in a mass suicide as the Jews chose to die rather than submit to the Romans. Visitors can combine a trip to Masada with time at the Dead Sea; a visit to Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered and perhaps also visit Ein Gedi, a modern kibbutz, a nature reserve, and desert oasis.Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, Israel. Photo credit: © Oksana MatsTrips to Northern Israel for Jewish TravelersA top recommended trip to the Galilee and Golan for Jewish travelers focuses on attractions like the Shalom Observatory; Katzrin, where there is an excavated Talmudic-era Jewish village; the Golan Antiquities Museum where you can learn about the ancient Jewish city of Gamla and Mt. Bental, site of abandoned Syrian bunkers and trenches.A Classic Trip Along Israel's Mediterranean CoastA classic trip to Northern Israel includes a drive up the coastal road stretching along the Mediterranean Sea, stopping briefly in Caesarea to see where Herod built his port city 2,000 years ago and a stop in Haifa to marvel at the breathtaking Bahai Gardens which cascade down Mount Carmel on 18 perfectly symmetrical terraces. A little further up the coast is Acre, one of the most interesting and beautiful old cities in the country. The Old City has been built and rebuilt over the years with the Crusaders and Turks leaving a lasting impression. On your trip to Israel be sure to visit the Old City Market and the underground Crusader city in Acre. Continuing up the coast to the most northerly point on the border with Lebanon you can visit Rosh Hanikra, a complex of white limestone sea caves.The Aqueduct Beach, Caesarea.Photo credit: © ShutterstockTrips for Fun and Sun in IsraelIf you're not coming to Israel for the culture, history, or religious sites then you should head for Tel Aviv, a vibrant modern city with a dynamic nightlife and parties that end as the sun comes up. In Tel Aviv, you can party all night and spend the days on the beach, in local sidewalk cafes, bars, art galleries, and markets. Tel Aviv has a thriving LGBT community and the city is extremely inclusive and cosmopolitan. When you've had enough of the "Big Orange" head south to Eilat, Israel's ultimate beach resort city on the edge of the Red Sea. Here there are endless beach attractions, watersports, resort hotels; a Dolphin Reef, and even a mall built around an ice rink. Eilat is also a tax-free port so it's perfect for shopaholics.Recommended Trips for a Pampering Tour of IsraelIf you'd rather not negotiate the public transport system or battle on the highways with Israeli drivers, then spoil yourself with a private guided tour on your trip to Israel. If you take a private tour of Israel, you can pick and choose the destinations that interest you most; you can determine how much time you spend in each place and you will have a driver at your disposal to get you to and from each attraction. Private tours offer a recommended itinerary which you can then adapt to suit your interests and schedule. The same goes for cruise travelers arriving in Haifa or Ashdod where you can take a private guided tour straight from the port to your chosen destination and be back in time to join your ship for departure. If you are interested in Israel Shore Excursions, make sure you choose a trustworthy Israeli tour operator.Tel Aviv coastline and Marina.Photo credit: © Shutterstock

Israel is a small country that is packed with attractions and points of interest but with careful planning it is possible to see Israel in 7 Days. You can cover the highlights of Israel either by traveling independently or by joining an organized tour. If you choose to travel independently the best way to see as much as possible is to rent a car. This way you can reach the more remote locations without having to rely on slow or irregular public transport. However if you would rather sit back and relax then join a 7-days Israel tour that takes care of all logistics, accommodation, guide services and all other aspects of your sightseeing. Here is a brief summary of the essential sites to see during a week in Israel. These are also the places you would visit on an organized one week Israel tour.7-Day Israel Tour ItineraryOn an organized week-long tour of Israel you have free time in Tel Aviv at the beginning of the tour and in Jerusalem at the end of the tour. If you are planning your time in Israel independently it is a good idea to also give yourself free time in these stunning cities. In Tel Aviv you can enjoy the beaches, museums, markets and great shopping. In Jerusalem there is the dynamic new city and the magical Old City.Travel north through the Galilee and visit Nazareth, Jesus’ childhood home and site of the annunciation. Continue to the Sea of Galilee and stop in Capernaum, where Jesus based himself during his ministry; Tiberias and at churches on the water’s edge. Here you can see the Mount of Beatitudes and take a boat excursion out onto the beautiful inland sea. Tour the coastal cities of Caesarea where you can tour the remains of an ancient Roman port city; Acre, site of an underground Crusader city and Haifa, home to the Baha’i Gardens that cascade down 18 terraces on Mt. Carmel. Also travel to the northernmost point of the coast and walk through the Rosh HaNikra sea caves.7-day Israel tour packages take you to the Golan Heights, a range of mountains covered with lush forests, farmlands and vineyards. Here you can visit ancient remains of a Jewish Talmudic-era village and synagogue in Katzrin; the remains of Syrian fortifications and bunkers as well as the Shalom Observatory where you can look down on the Sea of Galilee. No week in Israel would be complete without time in Jerusalem. On a tour (or independently) visit the Mount of Olives for Christian sites or Mt. Scopus for a panoramic view of the city. Take a walk through the Old City stopping at the Western Wall, the most sacred Jewish site in the world; walk the Via Dolorosa, retracing Jesus’ footsteps on his way to Calvary and spend time in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre which encompasses Jesus’ tomb and Calvary. There are many interesting excavation sites in and around the Old City as well as ancient churches and synagogues. Some tours include a visit to King David’s Tomb and the Room of the Last Supper on Mt. Zion while others take you to Yad VaShem Holocaust Museum.Spend a day traveling south to Masada, an incredible mesa, with a plateau summit. You can take a cable car to the summit and tour a fortress complex built on the mount almost 2,000 years ago. Not far from Masada is the Dead Sea, one of Israel’s top attractions and the lowest point on the planet. Here you can relax on the shore of the sea; enjoy the natural health and beauty benefits of the mineral-rich water and even indulge in spa treatments at Dead Sea hotels. Masada and the Dead Sea are not easy to reach by public transport and the drive through the desert can be daunting; for this reason, many travelers prefer to take a guided day tour or package tour that includes a visit to the Dead Sea and Masada.Other 7-Day Israel Tour OptionsIf you are visiting Israel specifically to see Christian Biblical landmarks or Jewish heritage sites you can plan your week in the Holy Land to focus on those destinations. There are also organized 7-day Israel tours that are tailor-made for Christians or Jewish travelers. Israel package tours for Christians include highlights like Jerusalem; Bethlehem; Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee. Many include an opportunity to get baptized in the River Jordan. Jewish package tours in Israel visit sites in Jerusalem and across the country. Most week-long tours of Israel include must-see places like the Dead Sea, Sea of Galilee and Jerusalem.

The Judean Desert lies in between the Judean Mountains and the Dead Seain Southeastern Israel and is sometimes referred to as the Judean Wilderness. The desert is about 85km long and 25km wide stretching from just below Jerusalem at about 1,000m above sea level past the Dead Sea at about 421m below sea level. The desert holds a wealth of incredible natural wonders; diverse, dramatic landscapes, a rich history and ancient landmarks.The Judean Desert, Israel.Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinThe Judean Desert landscape has dry river beds (wadis), canyons, rocky mountains, and barren plains as well as many waterfalls and streams that create a stunning green oasis. Much of the Judean Desert is in the Palestinian territories of Judea and along the western shore of the Dead Sea.Judean Desert Jeep SafarisAs driving off-road into the desert by yourself is not advisable the best way to discover the Judean Desert is to take a desert jeep safari. You can join a Judean Desert Jeep Tour from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem so that you don’t even have to find your own way to the desert. The tour starts when you are picked up in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv and drive south descending below sea level to the Dead Sea region. At this point, you change to an off-road vehicle and enter the desert. The safari takes you by jeep across rocky hills, through dry river beds (wadis), and stops at various points of interest like the Murbaat Caves and Cliffs of Dragot. Jeep safari tours into the Judean Desertare led by experts who can tell you all about the desert flora and fauna. Tours return to the Dead Sea where you can cool off before making the return journey to Tel Aviv or Jerusalem.Camel near the Dead Sea, Judean Desert, Israel. Photo byAmit LahavonUnsplashHiking, Sports, and Activities in the Judean DesertThe Judean Desert is a popular destination for hiking, extreme sports, and bird watching. All these activities should only be undertaken with a guide. Popular activities in the Judean Desert include snapping, climbing, off-road jeeping, and bird watching. The weather has a huge impact on visitors to the Judean Desert – both the extreme heat of summer and flash floods in the winter.Highlights of the Judean DesertSt. George’s Monastery – This beautiful Greek Orthodox monastery in Wadi Qelt clings to vertical cliffs and is reached by a pedestrian bridge across the valley. Originally built in the Byzantine era and rebuilt in the 12th century the site is associated with Elijah and other biblical protagonists.Wadi Qelt – Kelt Oasis or Nahal Prat lies between Jerichoand Mitzpe Jericho. Here you can see unique flora and fauna, the stunning St. George’s Monastery, and the ancient Wadi Qelt Synagogue.Qumran – Qumran lies on the shore of the Dead Sea and is the closest community to the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found in 1947. Visitors can see the caves and also the excavation site of ancient remains dating back to the Hellenistic Period (134-104BC) when a community of Essenes Jews lived here isolated from the rest of society and devoted themselves to biblical study.Qumran caves, Israel. Photo credit: © ShutterstockCaves of Murbaat – These historic caves have interesting square entrances and once held ancient treasures left by Jews who hid here during the Bar Kochba Revolt against the Romans in 132AD. Today the caves are still of interest but the findings are now on display in the Israel Museum.Metsuke Dragot– Situated on the northern shore of the Dead Sea, Metsuke Dragot or the Dragot Cliffs offer a breathtaking view across Murabat Wadi and the Dead Sea. An eco-friendly community is located on the cliffs and offers accommodation and hospitality for visitors.Ein Gedi – Ein Gedi is a kibbutz (with a hotel) as well as a natural desert oasis on the edge of the Dead Sea. Here you can follow paths to picturesque waterfalls and alongside streams flanked by lush vegetation. Arad – Arad is a modern city lying between the Negev and Judean Deserts. Arad attractions include a market and Tel Arad, an archaeological site where ancient Arad once stood.Bird's eye view of the Dead Sea, Israel.Photo byDave HerringonUnsplashJericho – A biblical city considered to be one of the oldest in the world. Tours to Jericho stop at biblical sites like the Zacchaeus sycamore tree and at the archeological site of Tel Jericho.Ma’ale Adumim – This quiet Israeli West Bank city is home to hidden lush natural springs and the ruins of the Byzantine Monastery of Martyrius.Masada – This massive mesa, or rock outcrop has a flat plateau summit where you can tour the remains of Herod’s ancient fortress. There is a cable car that takes visitors to the top and the ruins are well preserved. There is also a visitor’s center and food court at the base of Masada. As this is a hard location to reach many travelers opt to take an organized tour to Masada that includes a stop at the Dead Sea.The Dead Sea – The number one attraction in the region is the sea at the lowest point on Earth. There are beaches along the shore of the hyper-saline Dead Sea (some free and others with an entrance fee) where you can soak up the sun and float in the mineral-rich water which has proven health and beauty benefits.Winding road in the Judean Desert.Photo byRobert ByeonUnsplash

The best way to get to know Jerusalem is to spend several days exploring both independently and with an organized Jerusalem tour. Some of the sites and attractions you can discover for yourself while others are better seen with a knowledgeable guide on one of the many Jerusalem day tours. Here are a few ideas on how you can get to Jerusalem.Statue of King David at the entrance to King David's Tomb, Jerusalem. Photo credit: © ShutterstockSee the Highlights of JerusalemBefore you start delving into the unusual and unique attractions of Jerusalem it is worth seeing the top 10 Jerusalem attractions that all visitors to the city should see. Among the top 10, there are the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Mount of Olives, and the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum. Although there are some Jerusalem attractions that all travelers will want to see, your personal top 10 will depend on your interests. If you are a Christian traveler you will probably be drawn towards the churches on the Mount of Olives; the Room of the Last Supper and Via Dolorosa among other biblical sites. Jewish travelers will want to include other landmarks in their top 10 Jerusalem attractions, for example, the City of David; Knesset, and theSephardi synagogues of the Old City.Mount of Olives with ancient tombs. Photo credit: © ShutterstockJerusalem Old City GuideIf your time is short and you can only go to one place in Jerusalem then it has to be the Old City. Within the 16th century stone walls, the 1km² city holds Jerusalem’s top attractions. The Old City is also home to the most important Christian, Jewish and Muslim landmarks – the Church of the Holy Sepulchre; the Western Wall and Temple Mount, home to the Al-Aqsa Mosque and Dome of the Rock. Spend your time exploring the narrow lanes of the Old City. In the Armenian Quarter see the exquisitely painted ceramics; in the Christian Quarter follow the Via Dolorosa and see where Jesus was crucified; in the Muslim Quarter shop in the traditional market and in the Jewish Quarter see ancient synagogues, museums and beneath the Temple Mount walls.Temple Mount, Jerusalem. Photo credit: © ShutterstockAttractions in New Jerusalem Don’t miss out on the attractions in New Jerusalem. Many tourists, especially those short on time concentrate all their sightseeing in the Old City but New Jerusalem has much to offer. Visit the ultra-religious neighborhood of Mea Shearim; the colorful Mahane Yehuda Market; the Knesset; the Chagall windows; the Bridge of Strings; the Israel Supreme Court and the Jerusalem Israel Museum. New Jerusalem has some incredible malls and the lively Ben Yehuda pedestrian street with outdoor cafes. There are plenty of art galleries, parks like the Wohl Rose Park and the Haas Promenade where you can get an overview of the city. Visit the 130-year restored First Jerusalem Train Station that is now a hip cultural and culinary hub and spend some time in a local café people-watching.Church of all Nations, Jerusalem.Photo credit: © ShutterstockJerusalem Machane Yehuda MarketIf you really want to experience the lively atmosphere of local Jerusalemites then head for the Mahane Yehuda Market. You’ll find stalls selling fresh produce, baked goods, pickles, spices, fish, meat, eggs, and about every other type of food you can imagine. Not only that but the market, which has both outdoor and covered sections is home to excellent restaurants. Some of the market eateries are run by top Israeli chefs and others serve up traditional dishes from around the world. Try Ethiopian pita bread; a Georgian pastry; British fish and chips or Spanish tapas. In addition to food, the market sells household goods, fashion items, and more. Be sure to visit the “doctor” who serves up freshly squeezed fruit drinks made with unusual ingredients that are said to have therapeutic properties whether you want to treat a sore back or a broken heart!Gethsemane Garden, Jerusalem.Photo credit: © ShutterstockGet to Know Jerusalem NeighborhoodsAlthough most travelers limit themselves to the Old City there are several wonderful Jerusalem neighborhoods worth visiting. Stop in downtown West Jerusalem for excellent food and a vibrant nightlife scene. Near Mahane Yehuda Market see interesting street art and one-off bars and restaurants. In the Nachlaot neighborhood see where a former ultra-orthodox traditional neighborhood has transformed into a hip, cosmopolitan hang-out for artists and musicians. The neighborhood has narrow lanes, historic homes with hidden courtyards, and a bohemian atmosphere.Musrara is a picturesque neighborhood with many art galleries and museums including Museum on the Seam that focuses on socio-politically inspired contemporary art. The German Colony is where you’ll find up-market boutiques, charming cafes, and restaurants housed in historic buildings with Bauhaus, Ottoman, and Templar-style architecture. The Germany Colony’s Emek Refaim Street is the place to people-watch and visit the neighborhood’s best stores and restaurants. Ein Kerem is arguably the most beautiful of the Jerusalem neighborhoods. Ein Kerem has a village-feel with charming stone houses, window boxes, craft stores, excellent restaurants, and several attractions including Mary’s Well and John the Baptist Church.Dominus Flevit Church, Jerusalem.Photo credit: © Shutterstock

The Dead Sea is a must-see attraction for any trip to Israel. This natural wonder is a salt lake at the lowest point on Earth 418m below sea level in southern Israel’s Negev Desert. The Dead Sea is not centrally located; it is 170km from Tel Aviv and 100km from Jerusalem. Once there you can enjoy one of the many Dead Sea beaches, the Dead Sea spas and hotels. The high concentration of minerals in the saline water and Dead Sea mud has health and beauty benefits. Even the sunshine and air in the Dead Sea region are known to have properties beneficial to our health.View of the Dead Sea from the top of Masada Fortress.Photo credit: © ShutterstockPublic Transport to the Dead SeaThere are no trains that reach the Dead Seaalthough you could catch a train to Be’er Sheva and from there a bus to the Dead Sea. Alternatively, take the bus from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem to the Dead Sea. The buses stop at Ein Gedi and Ein Bokek, both places where there are things to do near the Dead Sea. The journey takes about 1.5hr-2hrs. Buses leave from the Jerusalem Central Bus Station and from Tel Aviv’s Arlozorov Bus Station. It is advisable to leave early so that you can maximize your time at the Dead Sea. The last bus from the Dead Sea back to central Israel leaves in the late afternoon so be careful not to miss the bus! There are no buses to the Dead Sea on Shabbat or public holidays.Road Sign on the way to the Dead Sea, Israel. Photo by Amit Lahav on UnsplashDead Sea ToursThe easiest way to visit the Dead Sea is to join a Dead Sea day tour. There are several to choose from including tours that include stops at other popular sites like Masada, Jerusalem, Jericho, Ein Gedi, or Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Some day tours stop at several sites while others give you a full day at the Dead Sea and can offer the option of Dead Sea spa visits or lunch at one of the Dead Sea spa hotels. The Dead Sea is usually included in multi-day package tours that cover attractions across the country.Renting a Car to Drive to the Dead SeaYou could rent a car from anywhere in the country and make the trip south independently. Use a navigation app or GPS device to help you reach the Dead Sea. The steep winding roads through the desert hills are notoriously dangerous and you will need to drive very carefully.The Dead Sea Shore from above. Photo by Artem Belinski on UnsplashVisit the Dead Sea by TaxiIf you are nervous about traveling alone by car to the Dead Sea then it is possible to go by taxi although this is quite an expensive option. Taxis to the Dead Sea should be arranged in advance and can include hotel pick-up. A slightly cheaper option is a shared taxi (mini-bus) run by a private taxi company which departs from major cities. You will then have to find an available taxi to make the return journey or preferably arrange it ahead of time.Take a Private Tour to the Dead SeaOn a private tour to the Dead Sea, you can tailor-make your trip by including other sites along the way. Popular destinations often included on a private day tour to the Dead Sea are Jerusalem, Jericho, Qumran, or Masada. On a private tour, you will have the driver, an air-conditioned vehicle, and a guide who will devote all of his time to you.A man reading a book in the Dead Sea, Israel.Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

Many Israel package tours include some free time in Tel Aviv, a magical city with a unique blend of attractions both historic and ultra-modern. You’ll have no problem finding things to do if you have a day at leisure in Tel Aviv.Explore Tel Aviv NeighborhoodsTel Aviv has some diverse neighborhoods each with their own unique character. Among the most interesting Tel Aviv neighborhoods there is Florentin, a hipster hangout with a bo-ho feel in Southern Tel Aviv. The former commercial area has transformed into a trendy destination with quirky bars and ethnic restaurants. The place has a shabby-chic feel with many independent small stores selling everything from art and tie-dye clothing to designer sweets and hand-made jewelry. This is the neighborhood where you can sit for hours in a café people-watching. Another top Tel Aviv neighborhood is Neve Tzedek, originally the first Jewish neighborhood built outside of Jaffa. Today the small homes, courtyards and narrow lanes have been restored and converted into boutique stores, art galleries, chic cafes, eateries and one-off stores. The neighborhood has a small village feel and most buildings are dripping with gorgeous bougainvillea or flower boxes.Visit Old Jaffa and Jaffa PortJaffa is now a part of the city of Tel Aviv-Jaffa; it is the oldest part of the city at the southern end of Tel Aviv’s beachfront promenade. The ancient city of Jaffa is built on a cliff overlooking the Old Port of Jaffa and the sea beyond. Jaffa is associated with the Biblical characters of Jonah and St. Peter. As you enter Jaffa the first sight that meets you is the Jaffa Clock Tower that dates back to the early 20th-century Ottoman era. On the inland side of the main road, you’ll find a labyrinth of market lanes and trendy restaurants and bars. On the right-hand side is the Old Port. Narrow lanes, each named after the signs of the zodiac lead down to the water. The lanes of Old Jaffa are lined with art galleries, small stores, and eateries. You can visit the Jaffa Museum to learn more about the city’s history.Tel Aviv MuseumsYou could spend several days visiting the wonderful museums of Tel Aviv. If you are an art-lover then your best choice would be the Tel Aviv Museum of Art where contemporary and modern art is displayed in a spectacular venue that includes a unique modern building, the main building and the Helena Rubinstein Pavilion. Here you can see works by some of the greatest artists of all time including Chagall, Reuven Rubin, Klimt, Kandinsky, Van Gogh, Miro, Roy Lichtenstein and work by Israeli artists such as Nahum Gutman. Other Tel Aviv museums worth checking out include the Eretz Israel Museum focused on Israel’s heritage, land and culture and the Museum of Jewish People focused on Jewish communities around the world and their traditions.Tel Aviv Free AttractionsYou won’t have to spend much money on your free day in Tel Aviv; just wandering the streets can be enough to keep you busy for hours. On a walk, through Tel Aviv you can enjoy the Bauhaus architecture which has earned Tel Aviv UNESCO statue as the “White City.” You can easily walk to the best Tel Aviv beaches which are located minutes from the city center. The wide sandy beaches line the beachfront promenade the length of Tel Aviv. Another great way to spend your time is at the Tel Aviv Port. This former port has been gentrified and converted to a wonderful outdoor attraction for the whole family. The many markets in the city include Carmen Market and the markets of Jaffa where you could wend away hours taking in the sights and sounds. Take a walk through any of Tel Aviv’s neighborhoods to see Tel Aviv street art by local and international artists. Many of the street artists in Tel Aviv use their art to bring attention to social issues or the human condition.