Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv is the ideal middle-eastern oasis of prosperity and opulence, often addressed as the Mediterranean Manhattan, Tel Aviv is a vibrant metropolis with UNESCO Listed buildings overlooking its fine strip of beaches, classy restaurants, upmarket bistros, art galleries, military museums, hummus joints and peaceful parks. A visit to the Tel Aviv Museum of Art showcasing the best of Arabian art history, houses rare collection of the impressionist and post-impressionist art and offers exciting activities for children. The old railway station and compound of HATACHANA, another cultural hotspot, is a center of performing arts and entertainment which hosts several live shows and open air performances. For shopping enthusiasts, a visit to the towering Azrieli Center – also the largest mall is Israel, is a must not only for its retail offerings but also for its sheer architectural marvel. If you fancy antiques, the Jaffa Flea Market offers rare and exquisite collector items, ranging from classic Arabian furniture and artifacts, Arabian drums and furniture with Arabic wood work – all at reasonably cheap rates. After a long day in the city, bask in the Mediterranean twilight on the classic Hilton beach, with some fun water sport activities or enjoy a vibrant sundowner party with DJ’s and classy restaurants on the Gordon beach, relaxing the night away in the Saltwater swimming pool.
The Mediterranean Coast (Caesarea, Haifa, Akko, Rosh Hanikra)
Located an hour’s drive north of Tel Aviv, brings you to Caesarea – the historical port town and Israel’s only International golf Club sharing space alongside iconic ruins, archeological sites and palace grounds, Roman amphitheater – now a scene for modern concerts and performances and a National Park that is a fitting commemoration of the once mighty port town. Haifa, located on the slopes of the Carmel Mountain, is a significant site of the Bahá’í pilgrims and the Bahá’í World Center – a UNESCO heritage site. The port town is also a remarkable icon of Jewish – Arab co-existence and boasts of some notable tourist attractions, like Sea of Galilee, Nazareth, Safed and Golan heights, all located within close proximity to Haifa. Akko (Acre), a port city on the Mediterranean coast is known for its well-preserved old city walls and a tunnel in the walls houses the popular Treasures in the Walls Ethnographic Museum, depicting daily life from the Ottoman times to the 20th century. Rosh HaNikra or Hanikra, in the Mediterranean sea between isreal and Lebenon, is a spectacular geological formation with its white chalk cliff face that opens into magnificent grottos.
Megiddo
Located 45 kms to the east of Caesarea, Megiddo or the Tel Megiddo is the biblical site of Armageddon. The modern kibbutz (Community settlements) was established in 1949 by Holocaust survivors from Hungary and Poland after the Second World War and today is the only human settlement in the area. The Megiddo National Park houses the archeological sites with walking trails that connect the remnants from over 25 distinct historical periods, dated from 4000 BCE to 400 BCE. With expansive views, intriguing tunnels and strategic warfare and defense structures, Megiddo is a journal that chronicles human survival and evolution over several centuries.
Jerusalem
The blessed land denoting hope and faith to millions around the world, Jerusalem is the spiritual pinnacle for Christians, Muslims and Jews. Heavy with the devoted fragrance of incense and candle, the air around the old city is buzzing with the sounds of church bells, prayer calls from the mosque and the Jewish Shofar. While the old city streets, lined by thrumming souqs (markets) can be mesmerizing, the tales of the violent past, dipped in sieges and sacrifices, is written all over the walls and the grounds of the holy city. Apart from the holy sites, the Israel museum is a treasure trove of cultural artifacts dating back to 5000 AD, and, among others, houses the oldest biblical manuscripts, The Dead Sea Scrolls. The Yad Vashem memorial, honoring the six million Jews who died at the hands of the Nazis, is a powerful and poignant reminder of the much recent tragedies befalling the people of one of the most ancient cultures of the world.
Bethlehem
The biblical birthplace of Jesus, Bethlehem is a Palestinian town south of Jerusalem and the inlaid silver- star in the grotto under the 6th century church of Nativity is a star attraction for millions of Christian pilgrims who throng the city. The church also shares a Manger Square with the 15th-century Church of St. Catherine and the 1860 Mosque of Omar. Having born witness to a significant moment in the history of mankind, Bethlehem proudly wears the memories of the auspicious event, with stories of the birth of the savior in almost every cobble stone and wall within its premises. Bethlehem can also be a charming old town to non- religious tourists, with its lively old bazaars, the epic Mar Saba monastery and the electric street art that epitomizes the positivity and creativity through the spectacular murals adorning the wall separating Jerusalem and Palestine.
Dead Sea
One of the many miracles of Nature, the Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth, standing at 428 meters below sea level. Surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, jagged bluffs of the Judean Desert and clefts of the dry canyons, rises the cobalt blue waters of the Dead Sea, heavy with salt and oily minerals. Modern mineral spa’s thriving on the banks, offer soothing indulgence to thousands of tourists daily. Nearby are the Masada and Qumran bluffs where development is ongoing to create hiking trails, biking paths and a botanical garden. The Oases of Ein Gedi nearby is resplendent with lush greenery, nourished by year round fresh water springs. With a heavy concentration of salt and minerals, the Dead Sea is considered to be one of the oldest natural Health Spa’s in the world. Also, with the water density of the Dead Sea being 1.24 kg/Liters, the experience of swimming in the sea unique and similar to floating. Significant spots of interest around the Dead Sea include the Historic archeological site of Masada, and the Masada Museum, The Ein Gedi Nature reserve, the Qumran National park and the ‘Situation of Man’ Sculpture in Sodom.
