Exploring Israel From North to South
From the picturesque Galilee region in the north to Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, the Dead Sea and south through the Negev to the Red Sea resort town of Eilat, Israel’s stunning collection of ancient holy sites, natural landscapes and modern attractions is simply ‘beyond belief.’
The north of Israel offers a calming mix of breathtaking landscapes, historic churches, modern marvels and world-class spa resorts. In the Galilee, locals and travelers alike often spend the day touring a mélange of holy sites, including Tiberias, Tabgha, the Mount of Beatitudes and for a refreshing swim, the Sea of Galilee.
Travelers in the Galilee can pay a visit to Rosh Hanikra, a naturally formed underground cavern with an abundance of grottos; or the Old City of Acre, a UNESCO World Heritage site boasting 16th-century Crusader ruins. Northern Israel also boasts many 5-star spa resorts and boutique hotels, including the Carmel Forest Spa, Mitspe Hayamim and the Efendi Hotel.
Home to holy sites for the world’s three major monotheistic religions, Jerusalem offers an unprecedented mix of historical and modern attractions that will surprise even the most sophisticated of travelers.
The Old City of Jerusalem is also home to: the Western Wall, the holiest site in the world for the Jewish religion; the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, one of the holiest sites in the world for Christians; as well as the Via Dolorosa and Dome of the Rock.
In addition to its historical sites, Jerusalem boasts high-end hotels, museums and modern attractions, including the First Station Complex, an original Ottoman-era train station-turned-entertainment hotspot.
West of Jerusalem on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea is Tel Aviv-Jaffa, offering a wide range of activities and experiences for travelers of all interests. Tel Aviv boasts an endless selection of high-end restaurants, authentic food stalls, cafes and bustling al fresco markets, including the Levinsky and Carmel Markets.
Tel Aviv is also home to world-class museums and galleries, including the Tel Aviv Museum of Art and exhibition spaces in the Neve Tzedek neighborhood, as well as state-of-the-art cultural performance spaces. Jaffa is teeming with modern attractions and historical sites, including the Jaffa Port, one of the oldest ports mentioned in the bible which stands today as an entertainment hotspot.
For those more tuned to serene desert landscapes, Israel’s Negev Desert boasts Masada, offering ancient ruins and a majestic view of the Judean Desert. And many travelers end their tour of Masada with a relaxing soak in the buoyant waters of the nearby Dead Sea.
Watersports enthusiasts will never find a dull moment in Eilat, Israel’s seaside resort town that welcomes thousands of travelers and locals each year to swim amongst the tropical fish and coral reef in the crystal-clear Red Sea.
And for travelers wishing to explore the Negev Desert off the beaten path, the region is home to a collection of majestic natural attractions, including the Ramon Crater, Timna National Park and Ein Avdat.
For more information visit: www.goisrael.com