Places we definitely recommend for you to visit!

Tel Aviv.

The first thing you will see when you look out of the window before the plane starts its descent on Ben Gurion airport, is the city of Tel Aviv. Tel Aviv is the cultural and economic center of Israel. It is a cosmopolitan city with a vibrant urban life. Not surprising, this city is called ‘the city that never sleeps’. Kilometers of sandy beaches, an abundance of museums, galleries, restaurants and an active night life are definitely the ingredients to use in planning a day in Tel Aviv. The official name of Tel Aviv is Tel Aviv – Yafo. Jaffa or Yafo preceded today’s Tel Aviv. Ancient Jaffa is located at the end of the beach promenade. With a history of over 4000 years she may call herself the oldest port in the world. It was to Jaffa that the cedar wood from Lebanon was transported which king Solomon used to build the temple in Jerusalem. Go and visit the completely restored old city center of Jaffa with its old clock tower, built in 1906, or visit the Yafo Museum.

Another way to get to know Tel Aviv is by bike. You can rent a bike in several places in the city. Ride through the Neve Tzedek neighbourhood with its many cultural attractions. Neve Tzedek was the first neighbourhood that was built outside the walls of Jaffa. Not far from Neve Tzedek you find the Carmel market with its many fresh products, a real feast for the eyes.  If you are looking for souvenirs, ride to nearby Nahalat Benyamin. On Tuesdays and Fridays, artists sell their hand-made souvenirs, paintings and other items.  

Jerusalem.

In Hebrew Jerusalem is called Yerushalayim; the city of peace. Many of the Holy places are located in “the heart” of the Old City, surrounded by a city wall with eight gates. This unique city draws thousands of pilgrims and tourists every year.

Discover the present and the past. Walk along the different stations of the Via Dolorosa to the Holy Sepulchre Church. Visit the Wailing Wall in the Jewish Quarter. Behind the Wailing Wall lies the Temple square with the El-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock. Within walking distance from the Wailing Wall you find the excavations of the fascinating City of David, in the Kidron Valley. Here are the origins of the Holy city. Visit the remains and listen to the historical meaning of the City of David. Walk through the tunnel of Shiloah which still has water running through it. What we would like to suggest is to end your day with the sound and light show in the Tower of David (Citadel), located next to the Jaffa Gate.

The Dead Sea.

At about half an hour’s drive from Jerusalem you find the Dead Sea at a depth of 420 meters below sea level. The Dead Sea lies at the lowest point of the earth. We don’t want you to miss the opportunity to float on the Dead Sea. This is possible because about one third of this mineral-rich water consists of salt. Hence the name in Hebrew: Yam Hamelach (sea of salt). This makes it totally impossible for any life to exist in the Dead Sea. The combination of hot springs, filtered sun-rays and rich mineral mud have turned Ein Gedi and Ein Bokek into favourite health resorts. 

 

 

Masada.

Combine a visit to the Dead Sea with a visit to the historical fortress of Masada. This rock fortress lies at a height of 440 meter on the western side of the Dead Sea. Masada was built by king Herod when he fled Jerusalem, in the year 40 B.C. Masada is known because of the Zealots who, during three years, fought a courageous battle against the Romans. A unique way to visit Masada is early in the morning before sunrise. You can walk to the top via the ancient Snake Path. From there you can enjoy a beautiful sunrise and a fantastic view.

 

Golan Heights.

One of the most beautiful parts of Israel can be found in the North of Israel: the Golan Heights. There is an abundance of beautiful nature reserves, historical and archeological places of interest.  All year round there are possibilities for all kinds of activities. In the winter you can enjoy skiing on snow-covered Mount Hermon. During the Spring and the Fall you can enjoy walks in beautiful nature parks. Israel is famous for its many parks. As you walk here, you will come across waterfalls and breath-taking ravines. In the summer, your children swim or kayak in one of the streams of the Banias nature reserve. And if you like a good glass of wine, you have found the right place. The Golan Heights are known for its good wines. Do visit one of the many boutique wine cellars.

 

Safed.

Safed is the highest city in Israel. From here you have a magnificent view over the green landscape of the Galilee and the Lake of Tiberias. Safed is one of the four holy cities in Israel. Since 1600, Safed is the center of the Kabbala (Jewish Mysticism). In the Jewish quarter there are many synagogues, among them the Caro Synagogue. Here you can see Torah scrolls that are over 400 years old. Safed is not only known because of the Kabbala, but also because of its artists’ quarter. Here you will find the beautiful old homes of the artists. This is where they have their studio’s and their galleries. As you walk through the paved alleys, you can enjoy their art work exhibited in the shop windows.

Caesarea.

One of the most impressive excavations of Israel is Caesarea. This ancient port was built by king Herod as a present for emperor Caesar August. Hence the name Caesarea. Scattered over an area of about 120 acres, you will find unique buildings from different periods in history, e.g. a hippodrome, ruins of city walls and a palace. Visit these buildings and let them take you back in time. People who love diving also like this place. There is also a beautiful beach. Under water you can explore the ruins of the ancient port. Don’t forget the Roman theater which continues to be used even today. In the summer many concerts are given by Israeli artists and artists from abroad.

Akko.

In the North of Israel, at the Mediterranean sea, lies the port city of Akko. In antiquity many tried to conquer this port, because of its excellent strategic location. It was a link between Israel and European countries. Many conquerors such as the Greeks, the Arabs, the Romans and the Crusaders, left a beautiful legacy behind. Many buildings from antiquity have been preserved and these give the city its medieval and eastern dimension. This is the reason that UNESCO, in 2001, named Akko a world heritage site. The most important place of interest is the underground Crusader fortress.From one of the towers, the Burj al-Kuraijim, you have a great view of the whole city.