... and its lush, green valley. Iconic and modern cities demonstrating coolness and mystic history at the same time. Here, you can lounge in the shadows of some of the most important religious sites, eat out on vegan food par excellence and have fun at the beach – what else could an ambitious traveler ask for? To discover Israel’s uniqueness, start your travel planning with these travel tips.
1) Float in the Dead Sea at the Ein Gedi SPA and search for the Black Pearl!
Will you walk on water like this long-haired man in sandals in the Middle East more than 2,000 years ago? Maybe not. But what you can do at the Dead Sea is to visit a Kibbutz with a SPA. The SPA is situated 458 meters below sea level. In addition, Ein Gedi offers excellent cosmetics (“Black Pearl”), which is made of the local resources mud and salt. Hike at Ein Gedi and enjoy the tropical garden of the local hotel.
Check out www.deadsea.com and www.ahava.com.
2) Lake Genezareth – don’t just drive by!
Would you like a change of scenery to clear your head and recharge your batteries? Make a detour to Tiberias and relax at the border of the lake Genezareth. There are several resorts available for recreation after a visit to the main religious sites. Tip: plan a visit to Deck’s restaurant for some Hummus and grilled specialties. See you there!
3) Walk on the circuits in the Old City of Jerusalem - the Festival of Light
The Old City of Jerusalem is not only a spiritual hotspot but also hosts numerous events and cultural highlights. Since 2008, the one-week long Festival of Light is a must for visitors in summer. Light art installations, music, and mapping projects are all over town, leading to an unforgettable overall experience. Last year, over 950.000 visitors walked through the illuminated trails in the old city’s alleys, squares, and its surroundings. There is also a wide range of food sellers serving regional dishes like falafel or bagels. Admission is free. The light installations and showcases will be presented until the 4th of July.
Check out www.lightinjerusalem.com/2019-map-english for a street map.
4) Relax. This is The Container
Want to dine 24 (!) salads in a cool location like the old port of Jaffa / Tel Aviv? Then come to the Container. You will be treated to a lot of salads, sauces, hummus and fish or meat. Eating means sharing in Israel. If you do not like large meals, ask for one to share. Attention: they seem to try a kind of pop up restaurant strategy now and might change their location.
http://www.container.org.il/container/שרימפס/
5) Visit Roman sites – and savor the sun on an endless white beach at Cesarea
Cesarea is well known for its monuments showcasing Roman history. Birds mosaics, a large arena, and an aqueduct. Further tempting during our visit: the seemingly endless white beach next to the aqueduct.
6) Be refreshed where Jesus was baptized
This summer promises many hours of sunshine. If you still want to be outside at such temperatures, you should visit Qasr el Yahud in the wilderness of the Jordan river valley. This is the official place where Jesus was baptized. It is one of the most important sites for pilgrims and Christians from all over the world. White, long baptismal robes are available at the entrance. If you are not in for a swim, enjoy the lush green location and the ambiance.
7) Don't resist the fortress Masada
High up above on a plateau, the iconic fortress of Masada towers over the Dead Sea. A visit is obligatory – it is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also has symbolic value for heroism, determination, and freedom. The monument was built in 30 BCE by King Herod who included a vast cistern system in the structure. Provisions for 10 years were stocked in the fortress because Herodes was afraid of his enemies. He even imported barrels of Italian wine.
100 years later, Jewish fighters occupied the fortress as their last refuge. They were besieged by the Romans, but committed mass suicide before the fortress capitulated.
Today, visitors can access the mountain easily by a cable car (a five-minute ride) or, via a steep trail called snake path. A visitor center with a cafeteria and a shop welcomes tourists. The tour starts with a short film about the story of the site. There is no shadow up there, so, if you go in the mid of the day, take water, sunscreen and UV clothing with you.
8) Join the sweet and fast life in busy Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv is an ultracool destination. A good mood is almost guaranteed. In the morning, countless coffee shops offer great coffee and breakfast. To join the crowd of caffeine-addicts, bring your laptop. Most of the visitors are on their way to their office or are remote workers. Meetings take place next to programmers discussing their work and groups of students who try to make design decisions. For a break, go to the beachfront. Here, people are also busy. The beach invites you to be sportive and display your sixpack! Get a surfboard and jump into the waves, use one of the free open-air gyms or just go for a walk.
The most important thing in Tel Aviv seems to keep on moving. For getting from A to B, we recommend: borrow an electric scooter (use the bird or lime app). Leave it at the entrance of the Mahane Yehuda Market. Fresh pomegranate or orange juice will refresh you there.
9) Be a hero – or feel like one in Akko
Did you like the episodes of Games of Thrones? You might love the enormous fortress in Acre. It contains underground rooms, halls, and tunnels for several thousand people. The structure was used as a hospital, dining hall, church, living room and much more. And there is even a secret tunnel you might like to inform Samsa about.
So visit the Templar’s Fortress, the bathhouse with a multimedia show (Yes, you should take the audioguide!), and the museum.
10) Eat
Pomegranate juice, Hummus, Falafel, Shawarma, and Shakshuka are only some of the dishes we recommend. You do not know all of those dishes yet? Then, please start. ;-) And don’t forget the salad.
