Sitting on the shores of the Mediterranean, the “Miami of the Middle East” has something for everyone to enjoy! From sandy beaches and clubbing, to delicious local flavors and a wide range of historical and architectural attractions, Tel Aviv appeals to the culture buff and the thrill seeker alike. The 4000 buildings that make up the so-called White City offer the most comprehensive collection of Bauhaus architecture outside of Germany while Jaffa, one of the world’s oldest port cities, is today a multi-ethnic community that combines modern and traditional architecture. A perfect example of the ever-changing character of this city of contradictions.
Tel Aviv is also known as a foodie paradise so make sure you sample some of the traditional local delicacies like falafel and hummus during your time there and don’t miss out on the different pita-based treats that can be found throughout the city. If you are looking for a culture fix, the Tel Aviv Art Museum is an absolute must-see! It is one of Israel’s leading cultural institutions and features a wide variety of local and international contemporary works from various artistic disciplines. The extraordinary way in which Tel Aviv mixes history with modernity is bound to captivate even the most cynical of travelers while its unmistakable cosmopolitan vibe and palpable energy is sure to leave a lasting impression upon anyone who visits the Israeli capital.
Not too long ago, if you were to make the journey to Jerusalem it would mainly be to discover monuments of faith. Today, one of the oldest and most coveted cities in the world is known as much for its abundance of religious sites as for its fusion cuisine, stylish design hotels and fashionable rooftop bars. Jerusalem is the cradle of three of the world’s major religions – Judaism, Christianity and Islam and as such, you’ll be hard pressed to find a city that can boast cultural and historical diversity to a comparable extent.
As you explore the holy city of Jerusalem, some of the attractions you absolutely shouldn’t miss include the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Temple Mount, and the Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to important religious sites for Jews, Christians and Muslims alike. To experience the city’s contemporary side, be sure to visit the Machane Yehuda open-air food market and try some local food and wine just like the locals do. There’s also a plethora of new design hotels worth a passing visit as well as many contemporary restaurants you must try to complete the experience. Unequivocally historic and excitingly contemporary, no trip to Israel could ever be complete without visiting the fascinating city of Jerusalem.
The Majestic Negev Desert
Covering more than half of Israel, the Negev Desert is a vast, rocky landscape made up of dusty mountains, dry riverbeds and deep craters. Yet, this seemingly barren and inhospitable place is surprisingly rich in culture, history and adventure! Hike to the top of the fortress of Masada to experience the spectacular desert sunrise and hear about ancient heroic tales that have long shaped local mythology. Take a journey through time as you learn of the struggles of the last Jewish people in their fight against the oppressive might of the Roman Empire and their heroic last stand in this historic fort that is one of Israel’s most popular tourist attractions. Stare in wonder at the most spectacular star lit night sky you’ve ever seen and visit the impossibly steep cliffs of the Ramon Krater to appreciate the otherworldly terrain of the Judean desert. Brave the Negev and you'll be rewarded with fascinating history and images of unparalleled beauty.
The Wondrous Dead Sea
At 431 meters below sea level, the Dead Sea is the lowest place on planet earth. Beyond its unconventional beauty and extraordinary geology, the Dead Sea is also famously one of the oldest spa and wellness destinations in the world. With a level of salinity that is almost ten times that of the world’s oceans – it allows you to effortlessly float on its surface as if weightless! The mineral soil surrounding the Dead Sea is renowned for its therapeutic properties, and people have been drawn to these waters from antiquity up to the present day in search of enhanced wellbeing. If you are looking for a change of pace during your time in this part of Israel, there is also plenty of history for you to indulge in. In fact, the Dead Sea Scrolls that have been called the greatest archaeological find of the 20th century were discovered in this region. Today, you can find them in the Qumran caves and spread across the Judean desert.
The Enchanted Sea of Galilee
The Sea of Galilee is a unique geological wonder surrounded by charming rural settlements. At 215 meters below sea level, it’s the earth’s lowest freshwater lake while it is also referenced in the writings of the New Testament. In fact, the Sea of Galilee is where Jesus first met two of his disciples, Peter and Andrew, and where he performed several miracles like walking on water and the calming of the storm. Besides being a pilgrimage site for different denominations of Christianity, it’s can also be a place to relax and let go of the stress of daily life. Hike up to Mount Gilboa and witness the site of the historic battles between King Saul and the Philistines and visit some of the region’s popular towns like Acre, Nahariya, Nazareth, Safed, Karmiel, Shaghur, Afula, Tiberias, and the port city of Haifa, which serves as the region’s commercial hub.
The Tiberias Hot Springs with its ancient pools fed by 17 natural springs is the go-to-place to enjoy massages, mud treatments and Turkish baths. If you’re looking for a bit of excitement, you can walk or bike around the sea of Galilee and enjoy the magnificent scenery. You can even cruise the lake in a floating restaurant, nightclub yacht, which can be booked year-round!
With so much to see and do, it’s no surprise that Israel has found its way into the bucket-lists of sophisticated travelers the world over. If you’re dreaming about visiting Israel, get in touch with one of our TrueTrips experts who will help you create a seamless, custom-built travel experience just as you want it!