Located in Western Asia, Israel borders Lebanon in the north, Syria in the north-east, Jordan and the West Bank in the east and Egypt and Gaza Strip in the south-west. From the days of prophets to the modern day travellers, Israel has been a place of interest of people from all walks of life.

Considered to many as the Holy Land, Israel has also much to offer in terms of travel especially in its second most populous city of Tel Aviv. Travellers can indulge in urban taste through its many museums, operas, fine dining both local and international cuisine and its many art galleries. The city’s thriving nightlight keeps visitors dancing the night away with its 24 hour culture every day.

Jerusalem, the capital is considered to be the holy city to three major religions of the world – Judaism, Christianity and Islam. After being destroyed twice, besieged 23 times, attacked 52 times and captured and recaptured 44 times, Jerusalem is an incomparable destination that is both historical and spiritual.



Regions

Galilee:
Located in the northern highland region of Israel, its home to the city of Nazareth and Mount Meron, the country’s highest mountain.

Israeli North Coast:
Extending along the Mediterranean coastline, the fascinating historical city of Akko lies here. Considered as a holy city in the Bahá'í Faith it is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Israeli Coastal Plain:
Houses the very metropolitan Tel Aviv.

Shephelah:
Considered an important region during biblical and modern times for it is known as the gateway to Jerusalem.

Negev:
A wide desert landscape and the least populated area in Israel. The nomadic Bedouin live here.

Golan Heights:
One of the disputed areas, been under the control of Israel since 1967. Its home to the magnificent Nimrod Castle.

Palestinian Territories:
Another disputed area constituting the West bank and the Gaza Strip. The biblical cities of Bethlehem and Jericho are located here.



Highlights:

The Wailing Wall:
A site for Jewish prayer and pilgrimage, it is situated in the old city of Jerusalem at the foot of the western side of the Temple Mount.

The Jesus Trail:
A pilgrimage route with a distance of 138km that begins in Nazareth.

Dome of Rock:
Completed in 691 CE, it has tremendous religious significance to Islam as it is considered the spot where Muhammad ascended to heaven with the angel Gabriel.

Visit the Rock Fortress of Masada:
Standing erect 1,300 feet above the western shore of the Dead Sea, it’s where the Hebrews took their final stand against the Romans from 66-73 AD. Israel.

Mary’s Well:
Visit the biblical location where the angel Gabriel visited Mary to in the event known as the Annunciation. Located nearby is also the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation.

Visit King David’s Tomb:
Located on mount Zion, is the burial place of the second king of Israel.

Israel National Museum:
Situated on a hill in Givat Ram, it houses the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Herod’s Palace:
Located in Caesarea, the palace though in ruins makes it possible to see the enormous size of the largest of all the palaces built by Herod the Great.

Shopping:
Visit the many shopping streets along Dizengoff, Shenkin, Herzl, Nakhlat Binyamin and Levinsky and also the bi-weekly art markets. Most stores close at midday on Friday.

Visit a winery:
There are over 200 wineries in Israel producing excellent red and white vintages and sparkling wines.

Witness or take part in the Maccabiah:
A colourful sports event for locals, tourist and sports lovers who wish to show their support and love for sports in Israel.

Diving:
Swim, snorkel or dive in the bay of Eilat, home to Israel’s coral reefs.
Mouth Hermon: Israel’s only Ski Resort soaring 6000 feet high with about 28 miles of ski run.




Explore travel tips & travel diaries - For Travelers, By Travelers. Find hostels, backpackers, b&b's, hotels and other accommodations on Traveldudes.