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Israel

Israel Highlights

Israel, located in the Middle East, is a country known for its rich history, religious significance, and diverse landscapes. Jerusalem, the capital, offers landmarks like the historic Western Wall, the Dome of the Rock, and the vibrant Mahane Yehuda Market. Beyond the capital, explore the modern city of Tel Aviv, the unique landscapes of the Negev Desert, or the therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea. Don`t miss the ancient fortress of Masada, the beautiful Bahá`í Gardens in Haifa, or the historic city of Nazareth. Israeli cuisine, known for dishes like hummus, shakshuka, and a variety of unique salads, is flavorful and diverse. Whether you`re exploring a historic religious site, relaxing on a Mediterranean beach, or hiking in a beautiful national park, Israel offers a captivating and diverse travel experience.

Top 10 Attractions

Bahá`í Gardens

In the heart of Haifa, on a mountain overlooking the city, is the stunning Bahá`í Gardens. As the name suggests, it`s home to the Bahá`í Faith and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The gardens comprise of a staircase of nineteen terraces extending all... more

In the heart of Haifa, on a mountain overlooking the city, is the stunning Bahá`í Gardens. As the name suggests, it`s home to the Bahá`í Faith and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The gardens comprise of a staircase of nineteen terraces extending all the way up the northern slope of Mount Carmel. The geometry, stunning floral arrangements, and the view of the city below make it one of the most visited attractions in Israel.

Beit She`an National Park

Beit She`an is one of the most ancient sites in Israel. It has been continuously inhabited for over 5,000 years and the ruins visible today tell the tale of the many different civilizations who made their home in the city. The National Park includes... more

Beit She`an is one of the most ancient sites in Israel. It has been continuously inhabited for over 5,000 years and the ruins visible today tell the tale of the many different civilizations who made their home in the city. The National Park includes Roman ruins, with a theater, a bathhouse, an impressive colonnaded street, and much more.

Caesarea National Park

Caesarea National Park is located on the coast of Mediterranean sea - halfway between Tel Aviv and Haifa. The city and harbor were built under Herod the Great during c. 22–10 BC. The archaeological ruins are on display in the extensive Caesarea Natio... more

Caesarea National Park is located on the coast of Mediterranean sea - halfway between Tel Aviv and Haifa. The city and harbor were built under Herod the Great during c. 22–10 BC. The archaeological ruins are on display in the extensive Caesarea National Park and are a popular tourist attraction. The park features a restored Roman amphitheater which hosts concerts in the summer, a Hippodrome, reconstructed stables, a governor`s palace, and more.

City of David

Located just outside the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem, the City of David is an archaeological park that tells the story of the establishment of Jerusalem, its wars and hardships, its prophets and kings, and the history of the Jews during Biblic... more

Located just outside the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem, the City of David is an archaeological park that tells the story of the establishment of Jerusalem, its wars and hardships, its prophets and kings, and the history of the Jews during Biblical times. The remains include a complex water system that was used by the residents thousands of years ago.

Dead Sea

The Dead Sea, bordered by Jordan to the east and Israel and Palestine to the west, is one of the most intriguing places on Earth. Due to high salinity, it`s impossible to sink in the waters. The mud found in the Dead Sea is also full of minerals and... more

The Dead Sea, bordered by Jordan to the east and Israel and Palestine to the west, is one of the most intriguing places on Earth. Due to high salinity, it`s impossible to sink in the waters. The mud found in the Dead Sea is also full of minerals and is beneficial for skin health. Besides, the sea is surrounded by stunning landscapes, including beaches, cliffs and salt formations.

Dome of the Rock

The Dome of the Rock is an Islamic shrine located on the Temple Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem. One of the oldest works of Islamic architecture, the Dome of the Rock is a landmark of Jerusalem with its golden dome and octagonal blue walls that ar... more

The Dome of the Rock is an Islamic shrine located on the Temple Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem. One of the oldest works of Islamic architecture, the Dome of the Rock is a landmark of Jerusalem with its golden dome and octagonal blue walls that are adorned with Arabic calligraphy of Koranic verses. The interior of the dome is lavishly decorated with mosaic, faience and marble, much of which was added several centuries after its completion. It also contains the Foundation Stone which bears great significance in the Abrahamic religions.

Eilat Coral Beach Nature Reserve

Eilat Coral Beach Nature Reserve is a great spot for diving and snorkeling. The coral reef along the coast of Eilat, one of the northernmost in the world, is unique due to its extraordinary high rate of growth. The underwater marine observatory at th... more

Eilat Coral Beach Nature Reserve is a great spot for diving and snorkeling. The coral reef along the coast of Eilat, one of the northernmost in the world, is unique due to its extraordinary high rate of growth. The underwater marine observatory at the Nature Reserve is the largest underwater observatory in the Middle East.

Ein Gedi Nature Reserve

Ein Gedi Nature Reserve is a nature reserve that includes two spring-fed streams with flowing water year-round: Nahal David and Nahal Arugot. One of the most exciting and widely-toured places in Israel, the oasis is home to many types of plant, bird... more

Ein Gedi Nature Reserve is a nature reserve that includes two spring-fed streams with flowing water year-round: Nahal David and Nahal Arugot. One of the most exciting and widely-toured places in Israel, the oasis is home to many types of plant, bird and animal species. It also has several archaeological sites.

Israel Museum

The Israel Museum in Jerusalem, established in 1965, is Israel`s largest cultural institution. This vast complex houses the Shrine of the Book, displaying the Dead Sea Scrolls, the most significant archaeological discovery of the 20th century. The mu... more

The Israel Museum in Jerusalem, established in 1965, is Israel`s largest cultural institution. This vast complex houses the Shrine of the Book, displaying the Dead Sea Scrolls, the most significant archaeological discovery of the 20th century. The museum`s extensive collection of Holy Land archaeology, Jewish religious and folk art, world-class fine arts, and a large collection of works by leading Israeli artists make it a must-see for visitors.

Masada

Masada is an ancient fortress in southern Israel`s Judean Desert. It`s on a massive plateau overlooking the Dead Sea. A cable car and a long, winding path climb up to the fortifications, built around 30 B.C. Among the ruins are King Herod’s Palace, w... more

Masada is an ancient fortress in southern Israel`s Judean Desert. It`s on a massive plateau overlooking the Dead Sea. A cable car and a long, winding path climb up to the fortifications, built around 30 B.C. Among the ruins are King Herod’s Palace, which sprawls over 3 terraces, and a Roman-style bathhouse with mosaic floors. The Masada Museum has archaeological exhibits and recreations of historical scenes.

Negev Desert

The Negev Desert covers more than half of Israel. It`s a vast, diverse landscape with unique geologic features and ancient history. Visitors to the Negev can explore impressive crater formations, hike through canyons, visit ancient Nabatean cities, a... more

The Negev Desert covers more than half of Israel. It`s a vast, diverse landscape with unique geologic features and ancient history. Visitors to the Negev can explore impressive crater formations, hike through canyons, visit ancient Nabatean cities, and witness unique desert agriculture.

Old City of Jerusalem

The Old City of Jerusalem is one of the most intense places on Earth! At the heart of the Jewish, Islamic, and Christian religions, this one-kilometer, walled-in area in the center of Jerusalem is beyond words and cannot be missed. The Old City is ho... more

The Old City of Jerusalem is one of the most intense places on Earth! At the heart of the Jewish, Islamic, and Christian religions, this one-kilometer, walled-in area in the center of Jerusalem is beyond words and cannot be missed. The Old City is home to the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Dome of the Rock.

Palmach Museum

The Palmach Museum in Tel Aviv offers a unique multimedia experience depicting the Palmach legacy through the stories of individuals in the Palmach, the elite fighting force of the Haganah - the underground military organization of the Jewish communi... more

The Palmach Museum in Tel Aviv offers a unique multimedia experience depicting the Palmach legacy through the stories of individuals in the Palmach, the elite fighting force of the Haganah - the underground military organization of the Jewish community during the British Mandate for Palestine. Instead of viewing exhibits, visitors journey through time, experiencing the reality of life during this period.

Qumran National Park

Qumran National Park is an archaeological site in the West Bank. It`s best known as the settlement nearest to the Qumran Caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were hidden, caves in the sheer desert cliffs and beneath, in the marl terrace. The scrolls were... more

Qumran National Park is an archaeological site in the West Bank. It`s best known as the settlement nearest to the Qumran Caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were hidden, caves in the sheer desert cliffs and beneath, in the marl terrace. The scrolls were discovered by a Bedouin shepherd in the 1940s.

Rosh Hanikra Grottoes

Rosh Hanikra Grottoes are cavernous tunnels formed by sea action on the soft chalk rock. They branch off in various directions with some interconnecting segments. In the past, the only access to them was from the sea and experienced divers were the o... more

Rosh Hanikra Grottoes are cavernous tunnels formed by sea action on the soft chalk rock. They branch off in various directions with some interconnecting segments. In the past, the only access to them was from the sea and experienced divers were the only ones capable of visiting. Today a cable car takes visitors down to see the grottoes.

Sea of Galilee

The Sea of Galilee, also known as Kinneret, Lake of Gennesaret, or Lake Tiberias, is the largest freshwater lake in Israel, and it is approximately 53 km in circumference, about 21 km long, and 13 km wide. The lake has become a popular destination fo... more

The Sea of Galilee, also known as Kinneret, Lake of Gennesaret, or Lake Tiberias, is the largest freshwater lake in Israel, and it is approximately 53 km in circumference, about 21 km long, and 13 km wide. The lake has become a popular destination for Christian pilgrims who visit Israel to see the places where Jesus performed miracles according to the New Testament, such as his walking on water, calming the storm and feeding the multitude.

The Baha’i Gardens in ‘Akko

While not as well-known or as extensive as the Bahá`í Gardens in Haifa, the Bahá`í Gardens in `Akko (Acre) offer a tranquil and beautiful destination. This site is where Bahá`u`lláh, the founder of the Bahá`í Faith, was exiled and where he wrote many... more

While not as well-known or as extensive as the Bahá`í Gardens in Haifa, the Bahá`í Gardens in `Akko (Acre) offer a tranquil and beautiful destination. This site is where Bahá`u`lláh, the founder of the Bahá`í Faith, was exiled and where he wrote many of his most important works. It`s also where he died and was buried, and the shrine is considered a holy place for pilgrimage.

The Ramon Crater

The Ramon Crater is a geological feature of Israel`s Negev desert. Located at the peak of Mount Negev, some 85 km south of the city of Beersheba, the landform is not an impact crater from a meteor nor a volcanic crater formed by a volcanic eruption,... more

The Ramon Crater is a geological feature of Israel`s Negev desert. Located at the peak of Mount Negev, some 85 km south of the city of Beersheba, the landform is not an impact crater from a meteor nor a volcanic crater formed by a volcanic eruption, but rather is the world`s largest "erosion cirque". The crater is 40 km long, 2–10 km wide and 500 meters deep, and is shaped like an elongated heart. The only settlement in the area is the small town of Mitzpe Ramon located on the northern edge of the crater. The area is known for its stunning beauty and unique geologic features, including colorful sandstone and volcanic rock formations.

The Western Wall

The Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall, is one of the most significant sites in the world for the Jewish faith. Located in the Old City of Jerusalem, it`s a remnant of the Second Jewish Temple that was destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE. Toda... more

The Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall, is one of the most significant sites in the world for the Jewish faith. Located in the Old City of Jerusalem, it`s a remnant of the Second Jewish Temple that was destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE. Today, it is a site of prayer and pilgrimage sacred to the Jewish people. Thousands of people journey to the wall every year to visit and recite prayers. These prayers are either spoken or written down and placed in the small cracks of the wall.

Yad Vashem

Yad Vashem, Israel`s largest Holocaust memorial, is set on the slopes of the Mount of Remembrance on the edge of Jerusalem. The memorial consists of a complex containing the Holocaust History Museum, memorial sites such as the Children`s Memorial and... more

Yad Vashem, Israel`s largest Holocaust memorial, is set on the slopes of the Mount of Remembrance on the edge of Jerusalem. The memorial consists of a complex containing the Holocaust History Museum, memorial sites such as the Children`s Memorial and the Hall of Remembrance, The Museum of Holocaust Art, sculptures, outdoor commemorative sites such as the Valley of the Communities, a synagogue, a research institute with archives, a library, a publishing house, and an educational center named The International School/Institute for Holocaust Studies.

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