One of the oldest cities in the world and the planet’s spiritual epicentre, Jerusalem is an essential part of Israel travel, sure to heighten your appreciation for ancient marvels. Within Jerusalem’s Old City one can marvel at ancient Islamic architecture at the shrine of the Dome of the Rock, and stumble into the holiest Christian landmark, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher built in 335. The Tower of David citadel should also be high on your to-do list in the Old City, being sure to take in the Kotel Tunnels stretching for 485-metres beneath the city.
ISRAEL
TRAVEL IN ISRAEL
Just twice the size of New York City, the tiny country of Israel packs incredible diversity and beauty into its slice of Middle Eastern land. The centre of much political tension and regional instability, it calls travellers looking to step beyond the boundaries of their everyday life and experience a whole new world. One of the most vital things to do in Israel is undeniably visit the Old City of Jerusalem, a spiritual epicentre of the world and the supposed site of Jesus’s death, resurrection and empty tomb. But ancient religious sites are just part of the story; the streets of Tel Aviv portray a more progressive and cosmopolitan persona. Here you can sip cocktails in shiny beach bars, admire modern art, and dance the night away in world-class nightclubs. Another quintessential Israeli experience is a float in the Dead Sea, where salt waters offer unusual buoyancy and heal many bodily ailments. You can try to tread this dense water if you’re feeling energetic, in fact it may help burn off some of the countless falafels and shnitzels you will have likely consumed by the end of your trip. Not to mention the sweet pastry of börek, which is likely to grab your attention many times given the numerous fillings on offer - all of which you ‘need’ to try. Those with more time to spare can journey to the very south of Israel to the beach resort town of Eilat, a popular diving site and the gateway to geologically astounding Red Canyon. From Bible Lands Museum to the Red Sea Jazz Festival, Rosh Hashanah to Yad Vashem, your Israel itinerary deserves plenty of careful consideration.
FAST FACTS
Language: Hebrew, Arabic, Modern Standard Arabic
Currency: Israeli Shekel
Electricity: 220V
Visas: Click here to see if you need a visa to enter Israel.
Dialing Code: +972
Time Zone: GMT+3
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See more about ContikiTHINGS TO DO IN ISRAEL
Visit the Old City of Jerusalem
Be amazed by the Church of the Holy Sepulcher
Buried within Christian Quarter of Jerusalem’s Old City you will find the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem where, according to historic mythology, Jesus was crucified and resurrected, and a shrine now stands around his empty tomb. Built in the year 335, you need not be a religious devotee to appreciate the significance and architectural wonder of this Israel landmark. Though you may need to battle crowds to make it inside the church, the awe of the central dome and shrine will make it all worthwhile.
Walk through the Kotel Tunnels
Once you’ve taken in the impossible history and wonder of Jerusalem’s Old City from above, it will be time to appreciate it from a new angle by heading underground into the Kotel Tunnels. The ancient limestone wall of Kotel - also known as the Wailing or Western Wall - has less than 20 metres of its length exposed above ground, leaving some 485 metres buried beneath the city. The narrow walkways are lit by an orange glow and behold an eerie sense of mystery, but remain one of the most popular things to do in Israel.
Swim in the Dead Sea
Sprawling across the border of Israel of Jordan, the surreal natural buoyancy of the Dead Sea is a must experience when visiting this country, as it’s one of the only places in the world where one can submerge in water ten times saltier than the ocean. Said to be the lowest valley on the planet, this landlocked body of water sees an unusual amount of minerals descending into it, caking in the sun to create a salt content of over 30%. Though a visit here won’t see you admiring brightly coloured fish or the usual beach paradise setting, this water is said to heal many bodily ailments - or at the very least it will give you a relaxing float under the Middle Eastern sun.
Enjoy a sunset on Tel Aviv beach
Despite the immense history found across Israel, there are many areas which brag a uniquely cosmopolitan charm. Nowhere can this be witnessed more than the beaches of Tel Aviv, where the hours of sunset attract travellers and tourists alike. Watch the beaches turn golden from the popular cafe of Tzfoni BeTayelet on Geula Beach, or sip cocktails amongst a hip crowd at Banana Beach. For a more low-key and free experience simply stroll along the Tel Aviv promenade - no matter how you take it in it is sure to cement your love of this country.
Hike the Red Canyon in Eilat
The geologically astounding Red Canyon of Eilat offers travellers a hiking experience like no other, with the narrow crevices offering a prehistoric walk of immense beauty. Venturing through a gorge formed within a sandstone rock, the hike itself is less than 300-metres, though the unpredictable terrain and high ladders make it seem a whole lot longer. If you time this trip correctly you can witness the changing landscape of the sun dancing along the lines of colour within the canyon.
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TOP 5 FESTIVALS IN ISRAEL
Consult any Israel guide and you’ll read of an incredible festival collection, marked by special religious events that are heartwarming and all inclusive. Visit during Passover, Purim or Rosh Hashanah, not to mention the classical music event of Israel Festival.
Passover - Culture
A Jewish celebration of liberation honoured for a week every year, Passover is momentous part of the Israeli calendar. Expect outdoor markets, street performances and overflowing restaurants, or accept the exceptional hospitality of Judaism devotees by attending a family passover meal.
Israel Festival - Music
Held in Israel since 1961, the Israel Festival has grown substantially from its classical beginnings in an ancient Roman theatre. Now showcased in various locations across Jerusalem for 3-weeks each Spring, it is one of the most important events in Israel.
Red Sea Jazz Festival - Music
Bring both international and local acts to centre stage, the Red Sea Jazz Festival is sure to see you swaying in the salty breeze of the seaside town of Eilat. First held in 1987, the event has grown to be a 4-day celebration of jazz with concerts and workshops aplenty.
Purim - Culture
Though Purim is a holiday linked traditionally to Judaism, the festivities are now honoured extensively across the country of Israel. The ways to celebrate are numerous and varied, but usually include giving gifts to the poor, eating traditional foods like hamantaschen pastries, and attending masquerade parties.
Rosh Hashanah - Culture
The Jewish New Year of Rosh Hashanah falls in the Hebrew month of Tishrei, which usually pairs with the Gregorian calendar month of September. The time is marked by reverence, family time, shared meal and sweet treats, followed by a 10-day holiday.
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TOP 5 MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES IN ISRAEL
Spend some time considering the museums in Israel before mapping out your itinerary, being sure to include the 44 acre Holocaust memorial site of Yad Vashem and the archaeological collections of Israel Museum. Meanwhile those keen to step back in time to look at the lives of those mentioned in the bible can visit the intriguing Bible Lands museum.
Israel Museum
A medley of art and archeology, the Israel Museum has grown considerably since it was established in 1965, now holding a collection of over half a million items. Sprawling across 4 wings and offering a rotation of progressive exhibitions, this important space is one of the best museums in Israel.
Tel Aviv Museum of Art
Housed in a white, cutting-edge building on King Saul Avenue, the Tel Aviv Museum of Art is home to both contemporary and classic arts, with a keen focus on works by local artists. With areas dedicated to photography, Israeli architecture and visual arts, this museum has earned its acclaim as one of the best in the country.
Bible Lands Museum
A fascinating exploration of archaeology and history, Bible Lands takes visitors on a journey through the lives and times of the people mentioned in the best-selling book of all time. Found in Jerusalem’s Museum Row, the historical artefacts found here will intrigue even the most passionate atheist.
Yad Vashem
Yad Vashem is a Holocaust memorial site sprawling over 44-acres of Mount Herzl. Featuring a history museum, synagogue, research institute, library, publishing house, and more, it holds the deserving title of the holocaust remembrance centre of the world.
Israel National Museum of Science, Technology, and Space
Haifa, Israel’s third largest city, is home to the Israel National Museum of Science, Technology, and Space, also known as madatech. With exhibitions tackling subjects like astronomy, green energy, and aviation, this museum could entertain a full day of travels.
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FOOD IN ISRAEL
Golden fried shnitzel, flakey pastry snacks and perfect falafels crammed in hot pita bread are just some of the hallmarks of this special cuisine. Mealtimes are often shared between friends and family in a ceremonious manner - if you can secure an invite to a family meal you will see a new and special side of this country.
Falafel
One of the region’s most beloved exports, the humble falafel has fans in every corner of the globe. Usually made from ground fava beans and or chickpeas, mixed with herbs and deep fried, these tasty balls are commonly served in a pita bread pocket heaped with salad, tahini sauces and pickled vegetables.
Best eaten at - Falafel Gabai, Bograshov St 25, Tel Aviv
Shnitzel
The pounded meat of shnitzel is a beloved dish in numerous countries across the world, and here in Israel it has its own variation. Fried in eggs and bread crumbs, often peppered with paprika and sesame seeds, it can be purchased in a pita with hummus for a handy snack on the run.
Best eaten at - Les Sardines, 3, HaMayim St, Eilat
Israeli salad
Often called the country’s national dish, Israeli salad featuring small cube cuts of tomato, cucumber, onion, parsley, and capsicum. Usually dressed with lemon and olive oil, this zesty favourite is a common breakfast accompaniment and a must try when visiting Israel.
Best eaten at - Achla - Platinum Grill, Kamen St 1, Eilat
Börek
The delicious pastry snack of börek may once have been the food of immigrants, it has grown to be a popular dish amongst all walks of life in Israel. The fillings found within the flakey sheets of pastry are many and varied, ranging from tzfat cheese with za'atar herbs to simple mashed potato.
Best eaten at - Manou Bashouk, Etz Hayyim St, Jerusalem
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