Israel - Cheap Holidays from Co-op Travel

Israel Travel Guide

Israel is a land suffused with the importance of its position, as the cradle of Judaism, Christianity and Islam alike. This cultural complexity is further reflected by the diversity of its natural landscape, which varies from the salty serenity of the Dead Sea, to verdant national parks and parched desert plateaus.Most visits to the Holy Land are ushered in with a trip to the capital city of Jerusalem. The vibrant streets bustle with the activity of modern city-dwellers and busy markets spill out onto ancient cobbled streets against a skyline of sacred sites. The modern commercial centre of Tel Aviv is dedicated to the more hedonistic pursuits of life, that come in the form of sun-drenched beaches, good restaurants, designer clothing stores and sophisticated night clubs. Sunbathing and scuba diving is the allure of the Red Sea port of Elat, while relaxation and spa resorts are a specialty of the Dead Sea experience. The Galilee area, north of Jerusalem, is the destination of pilgrims and nature-lovers alike. Its concentration of holy sites provides a fascinating visit, particularly around the azure stretches of the Sea of Galilee. The cosmopolitan reaches of the Jewish-Arab city of Haifa provide a glorious base from which to explore the Galilee area, as well as the magnificent sea grottoes of Rosh Hanikra.Home to over 200 museums, Israel has the highest number of museums per capita in the whole world - further underlining its status as one of the most culturally-rich tourist destinations on the planet - while its national parks are roundly celebrated for their accessibility and beauty, as well. Nearly 3.5 million people visited Israel on holiday last year, confirming its reputation as a chief international tourist destination.

Israel Travel Guide

Need To Know

Money:

The Israeli Shekel (ILS) is divided into 100 agorot (singular is agora). Money can be changed in the small exchange bureaux found on most main streets, or at banks and hotels. ATMs are prevalent throughout the country and linked to American systems. Most banks are open Sunday through to Friday until noon, and are open again from 4pm till 6pm on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Major credit cards are widely accepted, as are travellers cheques, though commission on these is high.

Time:

Electricity:

220 volts, 50Hz; European-style two-pin and round three-pin plugs are used.

Language:

Hebrew and Arabic are the official languages of Israel. Most of the population also speak English.

Health:

There are no special precautions required for travel to Israel, but insect protection from August to November is recommended due to the prevalence of the West Nile virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes. A Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended as well as a tetanus vaccine. Bird Flu has been discovered in Gaza as well as in a number of towns in Israel. The risk to travellers is very low, but close contact with live birds should be avoided, and all egg and poultry dishes should be well cooked as a precaution. Medical facilities in Israel are excellent but treatment can be very expensive, so it is essential that travellers take out full insurance.

Tipping:

Tipping in Israel, according to the level of service, is expected (unless a service charge is added to the bill).

Safety:

Travellers in Israel should maintain a high level of vigilance and keep up to date with developments. The risk of terrorist attacks remains high and travellers to the region, including Jerusalem, need to exercise caution particularly around locations specifically targeted by attacks in the past such as bars, nightclubs, markets and buses. Suicide bombers have targeted crowded public areas resulting in hundreds of deaths and injuries over the years, and although foreigners have not been specific targets, many have been caught up in the attacks. Check with local embassies for the latest travel advisory notices. All travel to the Gaza Strip and the West Bank should be avoided. There is also a continuing threat of kidnap of foreign nationals in the Gaza Strip and West Bank.

Customs:

Israel is a largely religious society and religious customs should be respected. Indecent behaviour is not tolerated and offenders will be arrested and fined heavily or imprisoned. Care should be taken not to photograph any military or police personnel or installations, and visitors should be discreet about taking photographs in Jewish Orthodox areas and of Jewish Orthodox people. It is advisable to carry official identification at all times.

Business:

The majority of business in Israel is centred in Tel Aviv. Dress tends to be less formal than in the USA and Europe, but business people tend to dress in suits for important meetings or presentations so formal attire is recommended. Women should dress more conservatively, especially in strictly religious areas. Business cards are usually exchanged, though with little formality involved. Meetings often do not begin promptly and much time can be given to socialising. Business hours are usually from 8.30am to 5pm, from Sunday to Thursday, and on Friday mornings. Sundays are regarded as a normal business day.

Duty Free:

Travellers to Israel do not have to pay duty on 250 cigarettes or 250g of other tobacco products; 2 litres wine and 1 litre of other types of alcoholic beverages; 250ml of eau de cologne or perfume; and gifts to the value of US$150 for residents and US$125 for non-residents. Prohibited items include fresh meat and fresh fruit (especially from South Africa).

Communications:

The international access code for Israel is +972. The outgoing code is 00 (not from public phones) followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). There are other outgoing codes depending on which network is used to dial out on. City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)2 for Jerusalem. Public phones are card operated and are readily available, and instruction cards state whether to dial 012, 013 or 014 for overseas. The local mobile phone operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most international operators; otherwise mobile phones can easily be rented. Internet cafes are available in the main towns and tourist areas all over Israel.

Israel Travel Guide

Israel Attractions

Masada

Description:

Situated in the Judean Desert and overlooking the Dead Sea, is one of Israel's most popular tourist attractions - the mountaintop fortress of Masada (sometimes spelled Massada). This enduring symbol of Jewish history is the site of the heroic defiance by 967 Jewish Zealots, who rose against the Roman Empire in 66 AD and took their own lives when defeat seemed inevitable. A cable car ride or hike up the Snake Path takes one to the top, where breathtaking views can be enjoyed over the Dead Sea and the surrounding desert. The Masada Sound and Light Show recounts this dramatic history with special pyrotechnic effects, and takes place in a natural amphitheatre on the west side of the mountain reachable only from Arad.

Address:

Postcode:

Telephone:

(07) 658 4207/8

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Website:

www.parks.org.il

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Description:

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the holiest Christian site in Jerusalem - the site of Jesus' crucifixion, burial and resurrection. First constructed in 335 by Emperor Constantine, persistent damage has been inflicted on the structure over the centuries and subsequent repair-work has been undertaken by the religious communities that administer it. The Church contains the Chapel of Golgotha and the three Stations of the Cross where Jesus was crucified, and the Sepulchre itself marks the place of his burial and resurrection.

Address:

Via Dolorosa, Old City

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Telephone:

(02) 627 3314

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Website:

Temple Mount (Al-Haram al-Sharif)

Description:

Temple Mount, known by some as Mount Moriah, is a site of tremendous religious importance to Muslims, Jews and Christians alike. It is one of Jerusalem's most famous landmarks and can be found within the walled section of the Old City. The glinting golden dome of the Dome of the Rock rises impressively from Jerusalem's skyline and has become the city's most distinguishable feature. Temple Mount is of Jewish and Christian historical importance on two accounts: the large rock is believed to be the place where Abraham offered his son Isaac up for sacrifice, and the First Temple is the place where the Ark of the Covenant was housed. Even though off limits to Jews today, it is still a focal-point of Jewish life, and Jews worldwide face the Temple Mount during prayer. For Muslims the same rock is the place from which Muhammad, in a dream, ascended to heaven. In commemoration of this apotheosis, the Dome of the Rock was built over the site in the 7th century. It is known to Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary or Al-Haram al-Sharif, and is one of the three most important sites in Islamic culture. Also located on the Temple Mount are the Al Aqsa Mosque and the Islamic Museum, which houses a collection of Korans and other Islamic relics.

Address:

Temple Mount, Old City

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Telephone:

(02) 628 3393

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Website:

Western Wall (HaKotel HaMaaravi)

Description:

The Western Wall, known to non-Jews as the Wailing Wall, is the most sacred Jewish prayer-site in the world. Thousands of worshippers gather year-round to pray there, and to place folded written prayers into the crevices of the wall. The 1,916-foot (584m) wall is all that remains of the Second Temple of Jerusalem, built in 30BC by King Herod. It is made up of enormous stone blocks, and endures as a tribute to the scale of workmanship in past eras. Following Orthodox Jewish practice, the praying sections have been separated for men and women. Men are required to wear a skullcap (kippah) and women must be modestly dressed. On Fridays, the Jewish Shabbat or Sabbath, the men's section particularly pulsates with the songs and prayers of the faithful, for in principle, the whole area is an Orthodox synagogue. The wall is also sacred to Muslims, who believe that it is where the prophet Muhammad tied up his winged horse, al-Buraq, before ascending into heaven.

Address:

Temple Mount, Old City

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Via Dolorosa

Description:

The Via Dolorosa (Road of Sorrow), also known as the Way of the Cross, is the route Jesus is said to have followed as he carried the cross to his crucifixion. There are 14 stations along the way commemorating different events, starting at Lion's Gate in the Muslim Quarter of the Old City, where Jesus was convicted by Pontius Pilate, and ending at his tomb, inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre within the Christian Quarter. Every Friday at 3pm priests lead a procession and prayers are said at each station. A steady stream of pilgrims remember and honour Jesus' sacrifice by walking the Way of the Cross each year.

Address:

Via Dolorosa, Old City

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Yad VaShem

Description:

This vital memorial to the Holocaust provides a multifaceted tribute to the millions of Jews who died during World War II. The focus of the museum is to commemorate and document the events of the Holocaust and provide ongoing research and education. The Museum's archive collection is the world's largest and most comprehensive collection of material, containing documents, photographs, films and videotaped testimonies of survivors. These can be read and viewed in the allocated rooms - and doing so is an emotional, sobering experience. An inspiring tribute to the victims is The Hall of Names, where the names of the six million Holocaust victims are displayed. Symbolic gravestones are created from the 'Pages of Testimony', records of the biographical details of millions deceased. Yad Vashem's library contains an impressive collection of material in many languages. The Historical Museum chronicles the history of the Holocaust, from the implementation of the Nazi's anti-Jewish policies to the mass murder of the concentration camps. The display includes photographs, artefacts, documents and audio-visual material. An important collection of Holocaust art is displayed in Yad Vashem's Art Museum. The International School for Holocaust Studies and Holocaust Research provides education and ongoing research on the Holocaust at both national and international levels. Other facets of the Yad Vashem experience include the Righteous Among the Nations exhibition, honouring the non-Jews who risked their lives during the Holocaust to save Jews; and the Encyclopaedia of Communities, which records the historical-geographical communities of Jews destroyed or damaged during the Nazi regime.

Address:

Har Hazikaron

Postcode:

Telephone:

(02) 644 3749 or (02) 644 3686

Email:

tourism@yadvashem.org.il

Website:

www.yadvashem.org

The Israel Museum

Description:

The Israel Museum has achieved world-class status with its remarkable collections, spanning from prehistoric archaeology to contemporary art. These include displays of archaeology from the Holy Land, a comprehensive compilation of Judaica and ethnology of Jewish people, and a fine art collection encompassing the Old Masters to renowned contemporary works. Perhaps the most famous artefacts in the museum are the Dead Sea Scrolls, which date from the 3rd century BCE to the 1st century AD, and were discovered in a cave by a shepherd in 1947. Numerous temporary exhibitions, publications and educational activities form part of the museum's cultural programme, and over 950,000 visitors are drawn to this vast complex each year. Another great attraction of the Museum is its Art Garden, which was designed by the Japanese-American sculptor Isamu Noguchi. It is a fusion of Zen landscaping, incorporating the natural vegetation of the area such as rosemary bushes, olive and fig trees. Displayed within this picturesque setting are the famous sculptures of Rodin, Bourdelle, Maillol, David Smith, Henry Moore, Richard Serra, Sol LeWitt and James Turrell.

Address:

Ruppin Boulevard, near Parliament

Postcode:

Telephone:

(02) 670 8811

Email:

info@imj.org.il

Website:

www.imj.org.il

Citadel or Tower of David

Description:

The Citadel was constructed in the 1st century BC as a fortress for King Herod, and has since served as a strategic defence position of the Old City. The tallest tower of the Citadel, the Phasael, is the place to appreciate the magnificent view as well as the orientation of the Old City. The Citadel contains the excellent Museum of the History of Jerusalem, featuring fascinating displays of 4,000 years of the city's past.

Address:

Jaffa Gate

Postcode:

Telephone:

(02) 626 5333

Email:

tower@netvision.net.il

Website:

www.towerofdavid.org.il

Bethlehem

Description:

Bethlehem is just six miles (10km) south of Jerusalem, and is a major tourist attraction for pilgrims and visitors alike. The putative birthplace of Jesus, this is a charming town despite its tourist-centred commercialism. The Church of the Nativity is the focal point for a visit to the town, erected over the site of Jesus' birthplace. Bethlehem is also a wonderful place to experience the variety of Christian monasteries that represent every permutation of Christianity. Christmas is celebrated on three separate dates in accordance with the Catholic and Western church calendars, the Eastern calendar followed by the Armenians, and the Julian calendar followed by the Greek Orthodox and Eastern churches. For further exploration of the town's cultural diversity, visit the Bethlehem Museum, established by the Arab Women's Union to celebrate the area's Palestinian cultural heritage. The exhibits include displays from traditional household items to clothing, jewellery and old photographs. (The Bethlehem Museum is open Monday to Wednesday and Friday and Saturday between 8am and 5pm, and on Thursdays between 8am and 12pm.)

Address:

The PNA Tourist Ministry, located on the south side of Manger Square, is open Monday to Saturday between 8am and 2.30pm

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Website:

www.bethlehem-city.org

The Dead Sea

Description:

The Dead Sea and its immediate environment is a landscape abundant with natural wonders. Most notable of these is the high salt and mineral concentration found in the sea's waters, that enables visitors to float effortlessly on the surface. The therapeutic properties of the black mud found in the region are formed by a mixture of sea minerals and organic elements. For a completely rejuvenating experience, several Dead Sea spa resorts offer a range of health and beauty treatments. The Ein Gedi Spa is on the western shore. Equally fascinating are the archaeological sites of the Dead Sea region, with traces remaining of Persian, Greek, Roman and other civilisations. Notable historical locations include the notorious biblical city of Sodom that was destroyed along with Gomorra. Salt pillars emerge from this eight-mile (12km) geological ridge, located in the southern part of the Dead Sea area.

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Telephone:

(08) 659 4760 (Ein Gedi Spa)

Email:

Website:

www.ngedi.com

Tel Aviv Museum of Art

Description:

The Tel Aviv Museum of Art has boasted the country's leading exhibition of modern art since its inception in 1932. A permanent collection of European and American art features prominent Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings by Chagall, Dali, Cezanne and Monet. The museum offers an active program of changing exhibitions, as well as exciting cultural programs such as music and dance performances, cinema screenings and public lectures.

Address:

27 Shaul Hamelech Boulevard

Postcode:

Telephone:

(03) 607 7020

Email:

Website:

www.tamuseum.com

Eretz Israel Museum (The Land of Israel Museum)

Description:

The Eretz Israel Museum has a unique layout and character, more in the nature of a museum park clustered around the ancient mound of the Tel Kasile, where ongoing archaeological excavations are in progress. The museum consists of various pavilions, each displaying different cultural facets and collections. Visitors can purchase a map to help them navigate through this fascinating campus, which covers 3,000 years of history, culture and art relating to the land of Israel.

Address:

2 Haim Levanon Street, Ramat Aviv

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Telephone:

(03) 641 5244

Email:

Website:

www.eretzmuseum.org.il

Museum of the Jewish Diaspora (Beit Hatefutsot)

Description:

The focus of this museum is to convey the story of the Jewish people, from the time of the expulsion of the Jews from Israel by the Romans 2,500 years ago, to their subsequent return to Israel. The multi-storey displays and exhibitions reflect the diverse Jewish communities that have been sustained over time by common cultural and religious links. The Jewish Music Centre has thousands of recordings of Jewish music, from traditional fare to the music of communities that were wiped out in the Holocaust, as well as works by Jewish composers. There is also a genealogy centre where visitors can explore their ancestry from thousands of records of Jewish families from around the world, and register their own family trees for future generations.

Address:

Tel Aviv University Campus, Klausner Street, Ramat Aviv

Postcode:

Telephone:

(03) 745 7800

Email:

bhwebmas@post.tau.ac.il

Website:

www.bh.org.il

Jaffa

Description:

The historical port city of Jaffa is easily reached from Tel Aviv by foot or car. Its inhabitants have included notable biblical, Greek and Roman figures, and its name is said to have been derived from Japhet, Noah's son. Archaeological finds indicate that Jaffa existed as a port city 4,000 years ago, serving both Egyptian and Phoenician sailors on their sea voyages. The entrance to the Old Town is marked by the Ottoman Clock Tower, a prominent landmark and meeting-point. Jaffa has become a popular tourist attraction filled with interesting shops, Mediterranean-style restaurants and sun-drenched cafes. There are artist quarters, studios and galleries as well as shops specialising in Judaica and archaeology. At night the historical walls are illuminated, revealing a beautiful architectural backdrop offset against the soft lapping of the sea against the ancient port walls. An exploration into Jaffa's history can be experienced at the Jaffa Museum, which contains a dazzling collection of artefacts. (The museum is located at 10 Mifratz Shlomo Street, Old Jaffa and is open from Sunday to Thursday between 9am and 1pm.)

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Hamat Tiberias National Park

Description:

The 17 springs of Hamat Tiberias flow from a source that stretches 33ft (10m) below the ground. Its therapeutic powers have been used since ancient times to cure various ailments. The Hamat Tiberias synagogue, built between 337 and 286 BC, contains the oldest surviving mosaic floor in Israel. The central mosaic is a beautifully preserved design representing a large zodiac with Helios at its centre guiding his celestial chariot in the direction of the sun.

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Telephone:

(06) 672 5287

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Website:

www.parks.org.il

Beit She'an National Park

Description:

Beit She'an was established in the 5th century BC. Its strategic location brought with it many skirmishes in an effort to control this hilltop settlement. It was the seat of Egyptian rule before falling to the King of Assyria and was later resettled as a Hellenistic city during the time of Alexander the Great. A period of conquests then followed, until the Romans returned the city to its former residents. It prospered during the time of Hadrian and experienced its golden age after the Bar Kochva revolt. Numerous buildings were constructed during this time and the residents enjoyed a time of peaceful coexistence. After Christianity was declared the official religion of the Roman Empire in the 4th century AD, the face of the city changed markedly. This was followed by further conquests until an earthquake left the city in ruins. Settlements later sprung up around the site of the ruins and the city received an influx of people post-1948 and the establishment of the State of Israel. It is now a thriving city built around the remains of an ancient centre. Most notable amongst the ruins is the Roman theatre, Byzantine bathhouse, Roman street and colonnade, and the amphitheatre used for gladiatorial battles. Budget between 2 and 4 hours to see the park properly.

Address:

The Beit She'an National Park is located in the city of Beit She'an

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Telephone:

(04) 6587189

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Website:

www.parks.org.il

Gan Hashlosha National Park (Sahne)

Description:

The warm waters of the Amal River flow through the length of the park and can be enjoyed year round, with temperatures in the region averaging around 82ºF (28ºC). Visitors to Gan Hashlosha can relax in the natural pools and rejuvenate in the natural jacuzzi that occurs underneath the flowing stream of an invigorating waterfall. Of cultural interest are the hydro-powered flour mill, the tower-and-stockade museum and the Museum of Regional and Mediterranean Archaeology. The latter museum contains a collection of Greek tools and a display of archaeological findings from Beit She'an Valley, Iran and Egypt.

Address:

The park is on Route 669, approximately 15 minutes from Beit She'an

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Telephone:

(06) 658 6219; (06) 658 6352 (museum)

Email:

Website:

www.parks.org.il

Caesarea

Description:

The ancient port-city of Caesarea was established 2,000 years ago by Herod the Great as a tribute to the Roman Emperor, Augustus Caesar. Its rich archaeological heritage includes the remains of Roman architecture - most notably, an aqueduct, a theatre, houses and palaces. For diving enthusiasts, diving amongst the ruins of Herod's city provides an extraordinary experience. Modern-day Caesarea has become well known for its fine homes, 18-hole golf course, luxury hotels, galleries and boutiques. Miles of sandy beaches stretch along the Mediterranean coastline and visitors can enjoy the sun-soaked atmosphere against this luxurious backdrop.

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Nazareth

Description:

Nazareth is one of the most important Christian holy sites, attracting pilgrims from all over the world. It was here that Jesus spent most of his life and it was here that the Miracle of the Annunciation took place. Nazareth is home to both Christians and Muslims (the largest Muslim population in Israel, in fact), and is a quaint amalgamation of red roofs and white churches dotted along the slopes of the Galilean hillside. Breathtaking views can be enjoyed from the summit, which looks out onto the Jezreel Valley. The Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth is one of the most important sites in the Christian world. The walls of the upper sanctuary are decorated with panels depicting scenes from the life of Mary that have been donated by Catholic communities from around the world. The nearby Church of St Joseph houses the remains of Crusader bas-reliefs, capitals and inscriptions found during the Church's construction. The Synagogue Church in Nazareth is thought to have been built over the site where Jesus preached and read of the coming of the Messiah. The Mosque Quarter is an interesting area comprising an elegant mosque within the central market area. The Turkish-style edifice was constructed in 1812 and today belongs to the wealthy Fahoum family.

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Eilat

Description:

Located at the northern tip of the Red Sea, Eilat is a popular holiday resort that boasts wonderfully warm temperatures that seldom drop below 70°F (21°C). Many visitors travel to Eilat to enjoy its fantastic diving and snorkeling opportunities in the Red Sea, one of the world's most magnificent marine preserves. Brightly coloured coral fish, moray eels and even manta rays can be seen, while landlubbers will enjoy lazing on the beautiful beach and splashing in the shallows.A lesser-known activity in Eilat is bird-watching, as more than one billion birds navigate between the Mediterranean coast and the Jordan Mountains, making the area one of the best places to watch migratory flight. The Timna Valley National Park is located just north of Eilat and is a wonderful excursion for those wanting a day in the desert on camel-back or by jeep, while the more active can enjoy hiking in the desert mountains.

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The Underwater Observatory Marine Park

Description:

Visitors to the Underwater Observatory Marine Park just south of Eilat can enjoy viewing all kinds of fantastic marine life in the gigantic 360,000-litre seawater aquarium. Animals such as eels, sharks, turtles and stingrays can be seen, while the rare fish aquarium is home to some exquisite (and poisonous) fish. There is even a kids club for younger visitors to enjoy, where they can learn about the wonders of the ocean.

Address:

Postcode:

Telephone:

(02) 8636 4200

Email:

info@coralworld.com

Website:

www.coralworld.com/eilat/eng

Hezekiah's Tunnel

Description:

Yet another fascinating historical attraction in Jerusalem, Hezekiah's Tunnel is an absolute must-see for those who like to combine their sightseeing with a real sense of discovery and adventure. The tunnel, which is about 2,700 years old, was built by Hezekiah in preparation for an attack by the invading Assyrians - he thought by "[stopping] the water of the springs that were outside the city" (II Chronicles 32) and redirecting it under the city, he could protect Jerusalem's precious water supply and so outlast the invaders. The incredible feat - the tunnel is 1,640 feet (500m) long, and carved out of solid rock - is made all the more remarkable when one learns that its middle section, which zig-zags wildly, was constructed like because the two teams of diggers (each operating from a different end of the tunnel) were trying to locate each other by the sound of the other's picks working against the rock. One of the very few 8th-century BC tourist attractions you can actually explore, Hezekiah's Tunnel is a wonderful place to pass a couple of hours, wandering through the bowels of Jerusalem's Old City. It is a particularly popular activity for kids, although less so for the highly claustrophobic.

Address:

Hashiloah Road

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Carmel Market

Description:

The Carmel Market - or Shuk Ha'Carmel - will entrance all visitors to Tel Aviv with its bustling atmosphere and fine selection of goods and produce. Located in the 'trendy side' of town (just off Allenby Street), the Carmel Market is basically one long alley, jam-packed with shoppers and vendors loudly advertising their wares. Although you can buy almost anything at the Carmel Market - from clothing and footwear to flowers, trinkets and cell phone accessories - and usually at better prices than you'll find elsewhere in the city, the real attraction is its mouth-watering array of fresh produce. Shop for the freshest fruit and vegetables, cheeses and baked goods, while soaking up the typically Middle Eastern market atmosphere. The Carmel Market operates every day of the week except Saturday.

Address:

Near the Hatachana Complex and Allenby Street

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Makhtesh Ramon (Ramon Crater)

Description:

The Makhtesh Ramon (Ramon Crater) is an extremely interesting geological site located in Israel's Negev Desert, about 53 miles (85km) south of the city of Be'er Sheva. The crater (or more properly, makhtesh) was not formed from the impact of a meteor, but is rather a geological formation unique to the Negev desert, caused by millions of years of erosion and weathering following the retreat of the ocean. These days, the 40km-long, 500m-deep crater is housed within Ramon National Park, one of Israel's most popular ecotourism destinations. The crater, which is shaped like an elongated heart, is a magnificent sight - and a potent reminder of the incredible age of the region. The crater is also home to a variety of indigenous plants and animals, including the Nubian ibex, striped hyena, Arabian leopard and Dorcas gazelle. There are numerous hiking trails leading down to the bottom of the crater, where you can see the ruins of prehistoric Khan Saharonim (a stop used by Nabatean traders travelling the Incense Route more than 2,000 years ago). An ideal destination for those who like their experiences of nature to be silent and expansive, there are also wonderful star-gazing opportunities (and cheap accommodation) available at the nearby town of Mitzpe Ramon.

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The Baha'i Gardens

Description:

Once known as the Hanging Gardens of Haifa, the Baha'i Gardens - taken together with the resplendent Shrine of the Bab perched on Mount Carmel - are not only a UNESCO World Heritage site, but one of Israel's most-visited tourist attractions, seeing over half a million visitors every year. The Baha'i faith, which emphasises the spiritual unity of all humankind, could hardly have a more perfect expression of these beliefs than the magnificent terraced gardens that cascade down from the golden-domed shrine. Constructed in geometric patterns (nine concentric circles), with precious detailing and loving incorporation of the natural features of the surrounding landscape, what is so unforgettable about the gardens is how perfectly and scrupulously they are maintained. Deemed by followers of the Baha'i faith to be a 'gift to all humanity', the beauty of the gardens and the amount of care that goes into their upkeep is both palpable and inspiring. A visit to the Baha'i Gardens must also take in the Louis Promenade (located above the staircase-like terraces), from where you can enjoy unbeatable views of Haifa and the Mediterranean Sea.

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Website:

www.ganbahai.org.il/en

Beaches

Description:

Given the fact that the whole of the city's western edge is one long strip of gorgeous Mediterranean coastline, it's unsurprising that going to the beach is one of Tel Aviv's most popular tourist activities. Blessed with fine, dry and sunny weather for most of the year, sandy beaches and warm sea temperatures, Tel Aviv is a great choice for travellers seeking a beach holiday abroad. The coastline is divided into about ten beaches, all of which have their own appeal. The best beach for swimming in Tel Aviv is the Hilton Beach, while Gordon Beach is popular with tourists and has some good bars and cafes. Drums Beach is popular among backpackers (there are evening drumming sessions at the local hangout, the Chinky Beach Bar), and gay travellers will feel especially at home at Atzmout Beach. Most beaches in Tel Aviv are free, and boast decent facilities (such as toilets, showers, umbrellas and deck chairs).

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Israel Travel Guide

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Israel Attractions

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