[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Jerusalem” font_container=”tag:h1|text_align:center” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Jerusalem, City of Gold is one of the most famous cities in the world and one of the most beautiful. Part of Jerusalem’s charm is that all structures are made of the same golden colored stone and the city is divided into neighborhoods which each have a unique character. The heart of Jerusalem is the Old City within the 16th century fortified walls. It was here that Jesus was crucified; where the 1st century Holy Jewish Temple stood and where Muslims believe Muhammad made the Night Journey. Here you can see the Dome of the Rock, the Western Wall, David’s Citadel and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre as well as many other fascinating sites
In the “new” modern city beyond the Old City walls there are sidewalk cafes, malls, chic stores and classy hotels but there are also quaint markets, Orthodox Jewish neighborhoods which have not changed for hundreds of years, the world famous Yad VaShem Holocaust Museum and the Israel Museum.[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery type=”flexslider_slide” interval=”3″ images=”4153,4146,4148″ img_size=”full” onclick=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Tel aviv” font_container=”tag:h1|text_align:center” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]If Jerusalem is the religious heart of the country then Tel Aviv is the center of culture, nightlife, fashion and business. The “Big Orange” is also called the White City because of the many Bauhaus buildings which were built here in the 1930s and 40s. The 400+ Bauhaus structures earned Tel Aviv UNESCO World Heritage Status. Tel Aviv has many interesting neighborhoods; many tree lined avenues, galleries, museums and theatres. There is a thriving café culture and trendy hipster neighborhoods like Florentine. To experience the vibrant character of Tel Aviv the best place to visit is the Carmel Market, an open air market selling a myriad of goods and food. Sun lovers can enjoy the long sandy beaches along Tel Aviv’s Mediterranean coast. The beachfront promenade is lined with fun cafes, bar and restaurants.
Tel Aviv’s old port area has been completely repurposed and is now an entertainment and retail haven with a gorgeous wooden boardwalk along the water’s edge. Tel Aviv boasts many parks including the large HaYarkon Park home to the Yarkon River. If you are in Israel for business you will probably be based in Tel Aviv and can take advantage of the many amenities and cultural centers. Tel Aviv is a joint municipality with the adjacent Jaffa. Jaffa is an ancient port city with quaint narrow alleys, a dynamic flea market like no other and a fascinating history. When the sun goes down Tel Aviv comes alive with a wide range of restaurants from gourmet to falafel as well as night clubs which cater to all tastes.
Tel Aviv is a fun, exciting and modern destination for enjoying the urban lifestyle, culture and beach life.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”4441″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Dead Sea” font_container=”tag:h1|text_align:center” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]No visit to Israel is complete without a visit to the Dead Sea. The 50km long sea is located between Jordan and Israel along the Jordan Rift Valley in Southern Israel on the edge of the Judean Desert. It is a natural wonder; a salt lake almost 10 times as salty as the Ocean. The Dead Sea is most famed as being the lowest point on Earth. Because of the high salinity nothing lives in the waters of the Dead Sea but the shore is alive with tourists and locals enjoying the Dead Sea beaches, health spas and hotels.
The Dead Sea is rich in potassium, iron, magnesium and other minerals. It is a popular spa location where the natural properties of the Dead Sea are used for beauty and health treatments. All the elements of the Dead Sea region have been found to have healthy benefits. The oxygen-rich Dead Sea air helps those with breathing problems like asthma. The mineral-rich water and black Dead Sea mud help blood circulation, skin disorders like eczema and psoriases plus arthritis and aches and pains in joints and muscles. A soak in the Dead Sea also relieves stress. Being the lowest point on Earth even the sun light is healthy at the Dead Sea as the effect of dangerous ultra-violet radiation is weakened.
While at the Dead Sea you can enjoy the spa treatments, laze on the beach, float in the water (where you can’t sink because of the buoyant saline water) and visit attractions in the area. Top attractions in the Dead Sea region include Ein Gedi, a lush green oasis in the desert with waterfalls, streams and archaeological sites. Also visit Masada, an ancient hill top fortress and symbol of Jewish courage due to the historic events which took place here over 1,900 years ago. You can even see the Qumran caves where the Dead Sea scrolls were discovered. The desert in this region has many hidden wonders which you can discover on a tour or take an exciting jeep excursion across the sands.
The Dead Sea is an amazing one day tour destination with plenty to do and an excellent place to unwind and relax. You can also say you’ve seen one of the Seven Wonders of the World.[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery type=”flexslider_slide” interval=”3″ images=”3253,3270″ img_size=”full” onclick=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Haifa” font_container=”tag:h1|text_align:center” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Israel’s third biggest city is built on the slopes of Mount Carmel and along the edge of a large and active port harbor in the Bay of Haifa. Haifa is the Capital of the North, located about 90km north of Tel Aviv. Haifa is unique in being home to diverse communities of Jews, Muslims, Christians and Druze who live in harmony. The cultural life is a blend of these traditions and the individual neighborhoods in Haifa each offer an insight into the various cultures. Being on Carmel Mountain and on the edge of the Carmel Mountain Range Haifa is surrounded by hills and mountains covered with lush forests and nature reserves. The city of Haifa is between the green mountains and the gorgeous blue bay.
Haifa’s top attraction is the Baha’i Gardens, a stunning garden of 18 terraces which cascade down Carmel Mountain in the middle of the city. The gardens are topped with the gold domed shrine of Bab, the religious founder of the Baha’i faith. Highlights of this unique city include the only underground transit system in the country, the Carmelit; the top science museum in the country, MadaTech; the Stella Maris Monastery; the German Colony and the Cave of Elijah where the Biblical prophet took shelter.
Haifa makes an exciting and fascinating stop on any tour to northern Israel.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3251″ img_size=”full” css_animation=”bottom-to-top”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Masada” font_container=”tag:h1|text_align:center” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Masada is a unique site; a stark rocky cliff, standing alone in the heart of the Judean Desert wilderness. It rises to a height of 1500 feet above the nearby Dead Sea. On Masada’s plateau summit visitors can see the remains of a fortress Palace built in 31BC by King Herod the Great. This stronghold overlooks the Dead Sea and served as Herod’s personal hiding place.
About 70 years later in 66AD, Masada became a refuge for a group of Jewish zealots. The zealots were fleeing the Romans after a failed revolt in Jerusalem and Judea. The Jews of Masada became the last outpost of resistance to the Romans. A tragic story of faith, bravery and heroism ensued as the Jews were held siege by Roman troops for 3-4 years. In the final hours before the Romans finally managed to breech the hill top the Jews of Masada decided to commit mass suicide rather than be taken as Roman slaves and prisoners.
Masada is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural and historic significance. Visitors can reach the archaeological remains on Masada via the ‘snake trail’, a 1.5 hour path up the slope of Masada or by a convenient cable car. On the top of Masada’s plateau summit are the well preserved remains of Herod’s palace; a Roman bathhouse; store rooms; dwellings, cisterns and dovecotes. Several frescos and floor mosaics have also survived and you can see a synagogue created by the Jewish zealots.
The remote and harsh environment as well as the challenging location on the hill top plateau meant that the remains were left untouched for almost two millennia and have survived in excellent condition. Not only can visitors learn about the ancient history of Masada but you can enjoy the expansive views across the desert and Dead Sea. Tours to Masada can be combined with a visit to other attractions in the region like the Dead Sea and Ein Gedi.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3255″ img_size=”full” css_animation=”bottom-to-top”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Galilee” font_container=”tag:h1|text_align:center” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]The Galilee is Israel’s greenest region; many say the landscape resembles Europe’s countryside. The Galilee is located in northern Israel and is traditionally divided into upper, lower and western Galilee. The region has mountains, valleys, rivers, forests and a patchwork of farmlands. The scenic region offers visitors many opportunities for outdoor activities as well as having several fascinating cities and towns.
Jesus spent time in the Galilee during his ministry when he went from village to village preaching and performing miracles in places like Capernaum and on the Mount of Beatitudes. The gorgeous Sea of Galilee is also in this region and here Jesus is said to have walked on water and calmed the storm. At the Sea of Galilee visitors can take part in water sports, go for a boat excursion and swim at one of several beaches. The city of Tiberius sits on the edge of the Sea of Galilee and is used as a base by many tourists to explore the region. Other sites in the Galilee include Nazareth, which has magnificent churches; the Hula Valley, a major stop over point for millions of migrating birds; the Jordan River where you can go kayaking or even be baptized; Mount Tabor; Druze villages; Arbel; the archaeological sites at Kursi; Keshet Cave and Tsfat.
Tsfat (Safed or Tzfat) is the highest city in the country, perched on a hill top it is also an enchanting Holy Jewish city. It was here that the Jewish mystic tradition of Kabbalah was born. Safed is home to an artists’ quarter, historic synagogues and a beautiful Old Town of narrow winding alleys lined by stone houses.
Thanks to the fertile land of the Galilee the region has a reputation for producing excellent produce and has developed an incredible culinary culture. The area is dotted with gourmet restaurants and stores selling specialty goods like locally produced wine, cheese, olive oil and fruit. There are many kibbutzim in the area where visitors can stay in B&Bs and enjoy exploring the delicious cuisine of the region as well.
On a tour of the Galilee you can choose to focus on walking in the footsteps of Jesus; visiting Jewish sites like Tzfat and Tiberius or exploring the natural wonder of the region.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3256″ img_size=”full” css_animation=”right-to-left”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Eilat” font_container=”tag:h1|text_align:center” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Eilat has Israel’s only aquarium and a unique underwater observatory which takes you beneath the surface of the Red Sea. Eilat is perfect for simply relaxing on the soft sandy beaches and using a snorkel or going scuba diving to exploring the coral reefs inhabited by tropical fish. Many beaches along Eilat’s shore offer exciting water sports like skiing wake boarding, sailing and kayaking. Another unique site in Eilat is the Dolphin Reef where an enclosure has been created but left open to the sea so dolphins can come and go as they please. The dolphins come into the enclosure throughout the day to be fed and to play. Visitors can swim with the dolphins or relax on the Dolphin Reef’s private beach. After a day in the sun visitors can enjoy a wide variety of stores selling duty free goods as Eilat is a tax free port city. There is a mall with a huge ice rink in the center, an IMAX cinema, an open air market, excellent restaurants, nightclubs and luxurious resort hotels.
With the translucent sea on one side Eilat has the Red Canyon and desert as its backdrop. Visitors can go on jeep excursions into the desert; take a camel ride through the canyon; meet desert animals at Bar-Hai Nature Reserve or visit nearby Timna Geological Park. Timna offers a number of activities in the dramatic landscape of the valley. The Timna Valley is rich in minerals including copper, iron and manganese which create multi-colored sand and a red landscape. The area is the traditional site of Solomon’s Mines and was indeed the site of copper mines run by ancient Egyptians. The site offers a sound and light show projected on the red cliffs and strangely shaped rock formations of the park.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3336″ img_size=”full” css_animation=”top-to-bottom”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”The Negev” font_container=”tag:h1|text_align:center” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]The capital of the Negev is Be’er Sheva; a large metropolis with plenty to offer. In the 19th century the Ottomans built a regional police station here which is now a major attraction together with the Ottoman era Great Mosque. Other attractions in Be’er Sheva include Abraham’s Well, Mandate era buildings, art museums, restaurants, archaeological remains and the weekly outdoor market frequented by locals from the city and Bedouin settlements.
Kibbutz Sde Boker is the former home of Prime Minister David Ben Gurion, he retired here at the end of his political career and his home is now a museum.
Ein Avdat is a canyon with gorgeous waterfalls and dramatic cliffs. It is the site of archaeological findings from the Nabataean civilization and there is evidence of Byzantine cave dwelling monks. Ein Avdat is a UNESCO site due to the unique 3rd century Byzantine church discovered here and the part Ein Avdat played on the ancient Incense Route. Mamshit is another archaeological site in the Negev which was an important stop on the Incense Route during the Nabataean period.
Mitzpeh Ramon is a town on the edge of the Ramon Crater, an enormous naturally formed crater. There is a Visitor Center on the cliffs overlooking the crater where you can learn about the geology of this unique site through interactive exhibits and information about the local flora and fauna. The center also holds an exhibition and memorial for the Israeli astronaut, Ilan Ramon.
A visit to the Negev would not be complete without enjoying the stark, dramatic landscape of the desert; discovering the unique flora and fauna and meeting the people who have made the desert bloom.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3351″ img_size=”full” css_animation=”bottom-to-top”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Golan Heights” font_container=”tag:h1|text_align:center” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]The Golan Heights is a mountainous plateau in north eastern Israel, overlooking the Sea of Galilee. The mountain range was formed millions of years ago by volcanic eruptions which created the Basalt rock of the Golan. The area has numerous sources of water, waterfalls, streams and rivers. The abundant water and rich soil makes the Golan one of the most fertile areas for cultivating the land and a paradise for nature lovers. The Golan Heights are the site of many wineries and you can see vineyards cascading down the hill sides adding to the idyllic scenery.
Top attractions in the Golan Heights include Hamat Gader where there are natural thermal springs and spa facilities; Gamla an excavated ancient Jewish city; Katzrin where a Talmudic era village has been discovered and restored plus Mount Bental, once a Syrian stronghold from where you can see into Syria.
Tel Dan Nature Reserve is one of the most beautiful reserves in the area. Here you can walk along signposted paths passed significant landmarks. Along the route you are never far from a babbling brook, natural springs, a gushing river or calm natural pools where you can swim.
The Banias Nature Reserve is so beautiful and enchanting that it is believed to be the Biblical Garden of Paradise. There is a picturesque waterfall, thick vegetation, lush forests and peaceful pools of water. The Banias is at the foot of another top Golan Heights attraction – Mount Hermon. The Hermon is Israel’s only ski resort, open in the winter when the mount is covered in snow.
A visit to the Golan Heights is an incredible way of seeing a different side of Israel, a side most tourists never get to see.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3376″ img_size=”full” css_animation=”left-to-right”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row parallax=”content-moving” parallax_image=”3336″][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]I am text block. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][rev_slider_vc alias=”tripadvisor”][/vc_column][/vc_row]