ISRAEL STAYS WARM IN THE WINTER
Travelers looking for respite from North America’s cold and lengthy winter need look no further than Israel – a country just the size of New Jersey that contains a diverse landscape, sunny weather, modern attractions and a plethora of outdoor activities to appeal to the senses of a wide range of travelers.
In the north, Israel’s picturesque Galilee region boasts mountains and forests, as well as world-class wineries offering wine tastings, workshops and private tours year-round. The recently opened 40-mile Gospel Trail is the perfect combination of history and outdoor fitness, boasting hiking and biking routes connecting important sites from the life of Jesus, as well as other historical and religious sites. And travelers simply looking to enjoy a relaxing weekend amidst stunning nature can check into one of Israel’s several organic spa resorts or bed-and-breakfasts.
Israel’s capital of art and culture, Tel Aviv experiences 300 days of sunny weather per year, and has a climate similar to San Diego and Miami. Along the city’s Mediterranean coastline, travelers can enjoy the warm winter rays and rent a surfboard or sailboat and cycle along the pulsating tayelet, or boardwalk.
Tel Aviv is also home to a diverse selection of museums, art and cultural centers scattered throughout the city. This year, the Tel Aviv Municipality launched the first-ever Art Year festival, with street art, live music and interactive conceptual exhibitions taking place outdoors and in various venues around the city. Tel Aviv is also home to three newly renovated cultural institutions, the Tel Aviv Cinematheque, HaBima National Theater and the new wing at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, providing endless options for travelers to experience art, culture and music all yearlong.
More than just holy sites, Jerusalem is a modern city with international flair boasting a mélange of high-end restaurants, hotels and museums. Last year marked the unveiling of the newly renovated Israel Museum, the largest cultural institution in Israel housing fine art galleries and archeological findings, including the legendary Dead Sea Scrolls. For foodies, Jerusalem is known for its Mahane Yehuda market with vibrant food stalls selling everything from fresh produce and dairy to products to desserts and local specialties.
For adventure-minded travelers, Israel’s Negev desert remains warm until the sun sets, and provides a myriad of outdoor and sport activities. Hikers can traverse the contours of Mitzpe Ramon, the world’s largest naturally formed crater, or enjoy a sunrise hike up Masada, a mountaintop fortress built by King Herod in the first century.
Even farther south in Israel lies Timna National Park, a Mars-like landscape with massive rock formations, including Solomon’s Pillars, and multi-level hiking and rock-climbing trails. The temperate desert weather in an other-wordly landscape is also ideal for nighttime stargazing and overnight camping trips.
At the very bottom tip of Israel rests Eilat, Israel’s southern resort town along the Red Sea. Eilat is a haven for water-sports lovers wishing to scuba dive or snorkel amongst the Red Sea’s vast collection of tropical fish and vibrant coral reefs; or simply take a relaxing dip while enjoying a serene mountainous landscape. And at night, travelers can enjoy a vast range of local pubs, dance clubs and high-end restaurants, as well as a massive IMAX Theater and indoor shopping malls.
Come find the Israel in you. To know more, visit www.goisrael.com.
