Israel Travel Blog

Last night saw the opening of the 54th annual Israel Festival in Jerusalem with Shalom Hanoch hosting leading Israeli performers like Danny Sanderson, Yehuda Poliker and Berry Sakharof. The theme of this year’s festival is interdisciplinary performing arts.The festival aims to present audiences with non-commercial performances which are the cutting edge and the latest creations in the performance world. Among the unique venues there will be the Sultan’s Pool, the Israel Museum, the First Station, the Jerusalem Theatre, Machon Hartman, venues in Ein Kerem, the International Convention Center and the Gerard Behar Center.The line-up for the festival includes many European performers as well as local talent. Among the 12 visiting performers there are productions from Finland, France, China, Romania and the Czech Republic. Among the much anticipated performances there will be She She Pop’s, a post-dramatic (PDT) production from Germany which is based on Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring. From Italy’s Romeo Castellucci comes Julius Caesar, Spare Parts, a new look at the Shakespearean classic which will be performed at the Jerusalem YMCA. Elementary Particles is a multi-disciplinary piece about the psycho-sexual complexities of the modern generation. The performance is four hours long and follows the experiences of two brothers. Mystery Magnet is the Belgian contribution to the festival presented by creator Miet Warlop and company. Another guest from abroad will be French dancer/choreographer Xavier le Roy performing a solo piece, Unfinished Self. Another dance performance is Snakeskin by Canadian dancer Benoit la Chambre. Famed American choreographer, Trisha Brown will also take part in the festival.Among the Israeli contributions is prize winning director Eyal Weiser’s drama How Is the Beast. At the Jerusalem Khan Theatre audiences can see Kineret Kineret, based on Nathan Alterman’s play. The Vertigo Dance Company will be performing their acclaimed piece Prades and Changes. The festival will present the premiere performance of Badad, a musical based on the life and music of Israeli legend Zohar Argov. The musical will be performed in the magical surroundings of the Tower of David. One of the most popular events of the festival which will be returning for the 10th consecutive year is a marathon of Tchaikovsky music. The Israel Festival will also present performances geared towards younger audiences. There will be the musical Bear in Mind based on Goldilocks and a dance piece, Carnival of the animals.Tickets for the festival performances are already on sale and some shows are sold out. Prices range from 80ILS to 155ILS. The 54th Israel festival will take place from May 25 to June 24 at the Jerusalem Theatre and other venues in the city. There will also be several free open-air performances at the First Station.

The Old City of Acre is a delight. Among Acre’s fascinating and beautiful buildings you can see several picturesque churches, each with an amazing history. As the formal capital of the Crusader Kingdom, Acre was an important pilgrimage site for Christians in the 13th century. Its old churches still keep their local charm, it feels calm and peaceful inside today even though they are in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the port city of Acre.Aerial view of Acre port. Photo by Daniel Newman on UnsplashSt. Andrew's Greek Catholic Melkite Church, AcreThis church faces seaward in the southwestern corner of the Old City of Acre. It was constructed in 1765 on the ruins of the Crusader Period Church of San Andreas which was destroyed by the Mamlukes in 1291. The shell of the two-story Crusader church survived and later stones from this original church were used in the construction of the church we see today.The beautiful interior has thick stone columns and glistening gold, richly decorated iconostasis. There is a spiral staircase leading up to the choir and a high vault ceiling. The upper story of the original Crusader church remains and is still in ruins although plans have been made to restore these rooms. St. Andrew’s has a beautiful bell tower that juts out above the houses. The bell which once hung in the tower can be seen outside the church at the base of a staircase that leads up to the as-yet not restored second floor.A picturesque facade in Acre.Photo by Shalev Cohen on UnsplashSt. George’s Greek Orthodox Catholic Church, AcreThis church was built in Acre during the Ottoman Era. The church was constructed on the remains of a Crusader church which was probably destroyed at the end of the 13th century by the Mamlukes and stood empty for 400 years before being rebuilt. The church is named after the 1st century St. George of Lod (Lydda).The church has a plain exterior with a carving of St. George’s cross above the door. Above the main entrance on the southern side is a relief depicting St. George fighting the dragon. Embedded in the wall is a symbol from 1846 depicting the two-headed eagle. Facing the church you can see a small tomb of George the Cypriot, an 18th-century martyr but not the namesake of the church.Boats in Acre Port.Photo by Ameer Basheer on UnsplashSt. John’s Church, AcreJust 50 meters from St. Andrew's is St. John’s Church. This tall building is adjacent to the Acre lighthouse and is home to the Latin Franciscan community. The church has been tentatively dated to the 18th century due to an inscription on the wall of 1737. The original structure on this site was a church built as part of the Hospitaller Center and mentioned in documents from 1149. It is the only active Latin Catholic church in Acre. The church interior is sparsely decorated with exposed stone and a high vaulted ceiling.The Maronite Church of AcreThe Maronite Church of Acre is a little over 300 meters from St. Andrew’s and St. John’s. The Maronites are an Eastern Roman Catholic church with origins in the Middle East.The Franciscan Terra Sancta Church, AcreThis is one of the Franciscan churches in the city. The Franciscans place great importance on Acre as it is believed that St. Francis of Assisi visited the city from 1219 to 1220. The first Franciscan monastery was constructed in Acre in 1217 under Father Elia Da Cortona.A street in the Old City of Acre.Photo credit: © Dmitry Mishin

The Mount of Olives overlooks Jerusalem’s Old City it is home to some of the most beautiful and historic churches in the city. This mountain also plays an important role in the last week of Jesus ' life and encompasses the sites connected with his Ascension.The Russian Orthodox Church ofMary Magdalene, Jerusalem. Photo credit: © ShutterstockChurch of Mary Magdalene (The Russian Orthodox Church)The distinctive seven gold onion domes of the beautiful Church of Mary Magdalene shine out on the landscape of the Mt. of Olives. The building was constructed in 1888 in honor of the Russian czar’s mother. The church has a traditional Russian 17th-century tent structure and within the church are exquisite mosaics.Russian Orthodox Convent and Church of the AscensionThe 64-meter tall tower of this site stands out from its location in the village of A-Tur located on the Mount of Olives. According to Russian Orthodox tradition, this was the site of Jesus’ ascension. The church and convent were built in 1870-1887 and there is also a chapel dedicated to John the Baptist.Augusta Victoria Lutheran Hospital, Church and TowerThe Augusta Victoria Lutheran Hospital (AVH) tower is a prominent feature of the Mount of Olives' skyline. The AVH was established in 1950 and since then has been involved in helping Palestinian refugees and providing services to the Palestinian community in cooperation with UNRWA and the UN. The building was constructed in 1910 and was the first in Jerusalem to have electricity.Chapel of the Ascension (Dome of Ascension)Situated at the highest point in Jerusalem, the small octagonal Сhapel of Ascension has a distinctive dome and was constructed in 392AD; it marks the place where Jesus is thought to have ascended to heaven (Acts 7-11). A stone with an embedded footprint is believed to be the footprint of Jesus as he stepped up to heaven. TThe original structure was destroyed by Persians in 614AD and reconstructed by the Crusaders. In 1198 it was purchased by Saladin and functioned as a mosque. Today it belongs to the Islamic Waqf of Jerusalem and a mosque has been constructed adjacent to the Chapel which draws many Christian visitors.Church of All Nations (Basilica of the Agony)This is theMount of Olives’most prominent and most beautiful church, it is recognizable by the stunning gold mosaic on the church façade. The church is adjacent to the Garden of Gethsemane and marks the place where Jesus prayed on the night of his arrest. A large rock near the high altar is said to be where Jesus prayed. The church’s construction was funded by 12 nations, hence the name of the church. Within the Church of All Nations, each of the nations is remembered by a mosaic inlaid in the gold ceiling of the church's 12 cupolas.Church of All Nations, Mt. of Olives.Photo credit: © ShutterstockDominus Flevit (The Lord Wept)This church was designed by Anton Barluzzi and constructed in 1955; it resembles the shape of a teardrop in memory of the moment when Christ wept as he foresaw the destruction of Jerusalem. The Dominus Flevit Franciscan church is located between the Tomb of the Prophets and the Church of St. Mary Magdalene.Pater Noster (The Church of the Lord’s Prayer)The Church of the Pater Noster is built on the site where Jesus is thought to have taught his disciples the Lord’s Prayer (Luke 11:2); the cave adjacent to the church is the actual site where the biblical event is thought to have occurred. The present church was built in 1874 after the destruction of earlier churches on the site. The church is run by the Catholic Carmelite Cloistered Sisters who reside in the adjoining convent.Other sites on the Mount of Olives include the Tomb of Mujir al-Din al-Ulaymi; the Tomb of the Prophets; Mary’s Tomb; Brigham Young University – Jerusalem Campus; Burial Crypt of Rabiya al-Adawiyya, Pelagia, Hulda; the Ibrahimieh Community College; Garden of Gethsemane; International House of Prayer; Jerusalem Princess Basma Center for Disabled Children and the Little Family of Resurrection.To visit the churches of the Mount of Olives join Jerusalem In the Footsteps of Jesus Tour. For a customized itinerary book Mount of Olives Churches Private Walking Tour.Pater Noster Church. Photo credit: © Shutterstock

Acre is one of the most fascinating and beautiful cities you could visit in Israel. It is reminiscent of the Old Port of Jaffa and of Jerusalem as the Old City of Acre is also built from magnificent stone. The Old City is “living history”; the ancient houses within the Old City walls are still occupied and alive with activity. Almost all the things to see and do in Acre are located in the Old City on the edge of the Mediterranean. The Old City of Acre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On arrival in Acre head straight to the undeground Crusader City.Nargilas (hookas) at Acre Port.Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinAs you approach the Old City on your left will be a car park next to a Police Station. At the far end of the car park is the entrance to the Enchanted Garden or Festival Garden an entrance courtyard to the Hospitaller Fortress. The courtyard is surrounded by walls and you enter through an arched doorway in the wall. Inside you are immediately covered by the shade of massive, ancient trees and in the center of the courtyard is a beautiful fountain.In the garden, you can find the ticket booth where you buy tickets for attractions in Acre, Western Galilee, and Upper Galilee. It is also the site of the Visitors Center and Reservation Center. Purchase your tickets here for several sites which can be explored from here. With your ticket, you get a free audio guide (you have to leave your ID as a deposit). Your ticket includes a 7-minute film introducing you to the sites of Acre which is screened in the Visitors Center. From the Enchanted Garden head into the Hospitaller Fortress.Inside the Crusader Citadel, Acre.Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinHospitaller Fortress, AcreThe military monastic order of the Knights Hospitaller was dedicated to caring for the sick and specifically pilgrims who had arrived in the Holy Land from Europe to visit Holy sites. The Hospitallers constructed their fortress from the late 12th century to the early 13th century. The Hospitaller Fortress also called the Knights’ Hall was created when the Hospitaller Order was forced to move their headquarters from Jerusalem to Acre during the Second Crusader Kingdom (1291-1191) because of Muslim forces occupying Jerusalem. They constructed two or three floors around a central courtyard as well as an underground reservoir and sewage system. Visitors enter the cool first floor of the Hospitaller Fortress as the upper levels were destroyed by later Muslim conquerors. The ancient chambers are expansive with dramatic arches above each entrance. In the Hospitaller refectory, you can see massive 3 meter thick pillars supporting the groin-vaulted ceiling. The central courtyard covers 1200m² and is surrounded by arches supporting what was the upper level. You can see a long ramp leading down into the courtyard. This was for riders to enter on horseback. The Northern Hall is divided into 6 smaller halls and has a 10-meter high barrel vault ceiling supported by arches. The Sugar Bowl Hall is similar. It was constructed over the reservoir which was divided into two interconnecting halls. The courtyard ofHospitaller Fortress, Acre.Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinSugar production utensils were found in the storeroom; the Hospitallers were leaders in the sugar industry. The Hall of Pillars covers 1300m² covered by an 8-meter high groin-vaulted ceiling supported by square stone pillars. This was the Hospitaller conference room and storage room. You can also walk along the Southern Street of the Hospitaller Complex and visit the Hall of the Imprisoned. While in the Knights’ Fortress you can visit the Okashi Art Museum where temporary exhibitions are on display within the historic halls. Perhaps the most exciting section of this site is the narrow, low ceilinged escape tunnel that the Hospitallers carved out of the rock from their fortress to the sea. This is the only section of the complex which is not wheelchair accessible. Once you follow the tunnel to the end you will reach an open area where there is a small souvenir store. Through the store, you reach the Turkish Bazaar. The Hospitallers are not to be confused with the Knights’ Templar who built their acre fortress in another part of the Old City during a different period of history.Ceramics for sale at the Acre Old City Market. Photo credit: © ShutterstockTurkish Bazaar, AcreAcre Old City Market (also known as the Turkish Bazaar) is today a gentrified quaint narrow stone lane lined with restaurants and specialty stores housed beneath arched entrances which once would have been Turkish stores. You can grab a bite to eat or continue on to your right to the Turkish Baths and Citadel or your left to the main Market Street.Heading back through the Turkish Bazaar you reach the main market street/Via Regis/Kings Way which runs north to south from the entrance of the Old City to the port. This would have been the main throughway during the Crusader period. Here you can enjoy the local color, buy souvenirs, eat delicious local sweetmeats and dine in authentic restaurants. It is not geared towards tourists but rather the local community coming to buy their vegetables, fish, meat, clothing, and household items. At the southern end of the market street is Chaim Parchi’s home ( former al-Jazzar’s Minister of Finance and the Pasha’s right-hand man during the 18th-19th century), and the Ramchal Synagogue.Ramchal Synagogue, AcreThis synagogue is named after the Acre Rabbi who lived here from 1743 to 1747. In 1758 the Bedouin ruler Dahar el-Omar took over Acre and confiscated the building which was one of the finest in the city. He constructed the el-Mualek Mosque on top of the synagogue. The Jews were given a replacement building north of the mosque. The new Ramchal synagogue was much smaller and today it has been restored and can be visited by the general public.A street in Acre Old City.Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinUnderground Prisoners Museum, AcreIn the former Citadel, the British set up their prison where they held members of the various Jewish underground resistance organizations. The Jews were fighting for an independent Jewish state and to get rid of British Mandatory rule. Among the prisoners was Zeev Jabotinsky, Commander of the Jewish Defense of Jerusalem.Other “guests” in the prison were members of the Haganah and Etzel including Moshe Dayan, Moshe Carmel. The museum features statue figures of prisons arranged as they would have been when imprisoned. The prison offers a comprehensive introduction to this period of history and the Jewish resistance groups which fought for the establishment of Israel.Hammam al-Basha (Turkish Bath), AcreVisitors enter this restored 18th century Turkish Bath from a small courtyard. Each visitor has an audio guide and enters with a group every half hour for a half-hour visit. The Turkish Bath was an addition to the city during the Ottoman Period. The leading Pasha al-Jazzar made many changes to the city turning it into a powerful stronghold. Visitors to the Turkish Baths see an informative film in the first room (summer dressing room) where traders visiting Acre would come to relax and wash. Then you move on to the intermediary rooms where traders would get massages and special treatments. Finally, there is the large steam room with a fountain in the middle and a magnificent ceiling with small air holes. Throughout the baths, there are statues of bathers in various activities.Hammam al-Basha (Turkish Bath), Acre. Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinAcre PortOnce you reach the Acre port you can take a boat excursion out to sea or a pleasant ride in a horse-drawn carriage. The port area is lined with restaurants and cafes. The port was first mentioned in 527-525BC when the port was a base for a massive fleet. During the Muslim Period under Sultan Muawiya, the sea walls were fortified and a large shipyard was built here. Soon the Egyptians took the port and undertook further renovations. In the Crusader period, the port was an essential link to the west. Next, the Ottomans took the city and the port fell into disrepair and was used mainly by fishing boats until being rejuvenated under Daher el-Omar. The port was destroyed when shelled by the British and Austrians in 1840. The Acre Port has long been an entry point for pilgrims arriving in the Holy Land. From the Crusader Period onwards Acre became a major port and this continued into the early 20th century.Templars Tunnel and the Tunnel ExperienceThe Templars were a military-monastic Christian order originally based in Jerusalem on Temple Mount (hence the name). When Salah al-Din conquered Jerusalem in 1187 they relocated to Acre. They built a fortress on the edge of the sea protected by two towers. Today the remains of the Templar fortress are beneath the water at the southern end of the Old City. A 350-meter long tunnel runs from the port where the fortress would have stood inland beneath the Khan a-Shune and almost reaching the Khan al-Umdan ("Caravanserai of the Pillars"). Part of the tunnel is hewn from natural rock and other parts are covered with a semi-barreled dome. Visitors can enjoy animated screenings throughout the tunnel. The screenings reveal interesting stories about life during the Crusader Period.The Templars' Tunnel, Acre. Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinAl-Jazzar MosqueThis is the largest mosque in Israel outside of Jerusalem. It was constructed during the Turkish Period and inaugurated c.1781 in the early period of Al-Jazzar’s rule of Acre. The architecture incorporates Byzantine and Persian styles. It has a beautiful green dome and minaret. The mosque was called the white mosque because of the dome that was once white but now painted green. The Al-Jazzar mosque holds Sha’r an-Nabi a lock of hair from the beard of the Prophet Muhammad. Before entering the mosque you will see a small circular “kiosk” topped by a green dome constructed for dispensing cool drinks to the worshipers. Next to the mosque are the family tombs of El-Jazzar and his successor Suleiman Pasha. If you are interested in visiting other mosques in Acre there is El-Raml Mosque, El-Mualek Mosque, El-Majadalah Mosque, El-Bahar Mosque and El-Zeituna.Tomb of Cafarelli, AcreIn 1969 the tomb of Caffarelli was discovered in what is today the Yad Natan Agricultural College. Caffarelli was a colorful character and an engineer in Napoleon’s army. He lost his left leg in a battle in Europe but continued to serve the French army. The popular general was nicknamed “wooden leg” and “dad on crutches” by his soldiers.Caffarelli was one of the engineers tasked with designing Napoleon’s attack on Acre. He was wounded by a Turkish sniper shot and had to have his arm amputated up to the elbow. Unfortunately, the wound turned gangrene and he died two weeks later. Napoleon visited Cafarelli on his deathbed. The French Embassy in Israel holds an annual memorial ceremony by the tomb.Acre Seafront. Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinAcre ChurchesThere are several charming churches in Acre. San Andreas Church is an early 18th century Greek Orthodox Christian church. The Crusader Period church was built when the community settled in the southwestern part of the city. Next to the San Andreas Church is the Maronite Church. The Maronites are said to have descended from the Armenians and they were banished from Acre at one point only to return under the rule of Fakhr al-DinII. He allowed the Maronites to renovate their church in 1666. Next to their church is the Notre Dame de Nazareth Monastery. Terra Sancta Church is a Franciscan church. It is believed that the founder of the Franciscan order, Francis of Assisi visited Acre in 1219. Records from 1673 show thatFakhr al-Din II allowed the Franciscans to settle in Acre and build their church and monastery. The church has a distinct red steeple. St. John’s Church is adjacent to the lighthouse and is used by the Franciscans. It is thought to have been constructed in the 18th century and today is Acre’s only functioning Latin-Catholic church. The Greek Orthodox church of St. George is thought to have been the first Christian place of worship in Acre. It was established during the Ottoman Period. The church has a richly decorated traditionally Eastern Orthodox interior.View of Acre from the ramparts. Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinOr Torah Synagogue (Tunisian Synagogue/Jariva)This Tunisian synagogue was constructed in 1955 and inspired by the El-Ghriba Synagogue in Djerba. The building's interior has rich mosaics and 140 stained glass windows. The mosaics depict scenes from the Bible, Palestinian flora and fauna, the Israeli Army, and more. It is a one-of-a-kind structure because of the interior decoration and has four floors and 7 Torah arks.Khan al-Umdan (el-Omdan or Pillars Inn and Clock Tower)This is the country’s best-preserved khan (the Persian name for caravanserais or inn where travelers could rest on the various ancient trade routes). The khan was built under el-Jezzar’s rule in 1784 and was one of four such khan’s in Acre. The khan has multiple columns which earned it the name Caravanserai of Pillars or Inn of Columns. The granite columns were brought to Acre from Caesarea and Atlit. Later this was where Bah’aullah of the Baha’i faith would receive guests. A clock tower was added in 1906 in honor of Ottoman Sultan Abd al-Hamid’s silver jubilee. The Jaffa Clock tower was built for the same purpose. The khan is open 24/7 to visitors and is a major performance venue during festivals.Wooden masks on the wall in Acre Old City.Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinShrine of Baha’u’llah and Bahai GardensMost visitors to Israel know about the Baha'i Gardens in Haifa but in Acre, you can see where the Baha’i prophet Baha’u’llah lived for 12 years and was buried. The major sites here are the Manor and the Shrine of the Prophet. The shrine is the holiest site in the Baha’i faith and when believers pray they face this site. Baha’u’llah was born in 1817 in Iran and despite his superior position in the Sheikh’s court he chose to devote himself to the poor. The mansion covers 740m²; the ground floor was built in 1821 and the upper floor was added by a prosperous merchant in 1870. The merchant fled from Acre during a plague in 1879 and the property was acquired by Baha’u’llah. Similar to the Haifa gardens the Acre Baha’i gardens are exceptional.Treasure in the WallsThis Ethnographic Museum displays artifacts in the northeastern walls of the Old City of Acre. The walls were originally constructed during the Ottoman Era under el-Jazzar following the failed siege by Napoleon in 1779. The Commander’s Tower now holds an exhibition of life in Galilee during the 19th-20th century. The artifacts on display include furniture, locks, clocks, and household items. One wing of the tower has been turned into a recreation of historic artisan workshops and market stalls including a blacksmith, hat maker, pharmacy, and carpentry.Visit Acre with a group day tour or book an individual excursion in Acre with a private guide.Cannons in Old Acre walls.Photo credit: © Dmitry Mishin

The Israeli weather is so good that you can virtually visit a water park in Israel at any time of year – well almost! There are parks throughout the country from the north to the south; here is a list of some of the best!Shefayim ParkMay-October, 09:00-17:00/18:00, Kibbutz Shefayim, 106ILS for all visitors over 2 years, check your credit card company and the Shefayim website for discountsMarketed as one of the best water park in the country, the site covers 24 acres and includes water activities and pools, a motor park complex and a paintball complex. On site are restaurants and booths selling a number of water-related products. The park offers a photo service where candid shots are taken of visitors splashing in the water and then sold at a kiosk at the exit. Shefayim has a large wave pool, open and enclosed water slides, inner tube rides, a regular swimming pool and a large kid’s pool with mini-water slides.MeymadionGanei Yehoshua Park Tel-Aviv (opposite the Luna Park), 31st May – 27th September,09:00-16:30/17:00 closing times vary, 109ILS or 93ILS when entering after 13:00, all visitors over 2 years old require a ticketThis large water park covers more than 25 acres and includes perhaps the widest variety of water activities in the country. There are pools in all shapes and sizes and for all age groups. There is a meteor slide, slalom slides, inner tube slides, a wave pool, toddler’s pool area and a lazy river. In addition there are a number of dry activities like basketball courts and beach volleyball courts. There are restaurants and a small store. There is a games arcade with about 30 video games for those who are tired of the water.Gai Beach Water ParkGai beach Water ParkGai Hotel Tiberias, Sea of Galilee, Open from Mid-March (Passover) – end of October, 09:30-17:00, free for Gai Hotel guests and visitors under 3 years old, 70ILSThis water park is part of the Gai Hotel on the shore of the Sea of Galilee but non-hotel guests can also visit the park. Visitors to the water park also get use of a private sandy beach on the Sea of Galilee. In the park there are 7 water slides, a unique wave pool, loop-the-loop slides, 70° slide, kid’s slides, playgrounds and expansive lawns.

The latest addition to the list of UNESCO sites in Israel are the caves on Mount Carmel which were honored in 2012 for their outstanding universal value as significant sites of human evolution. The caves show the longest sequences of human inhabitation in the region – up to half a million years of human evolution. Dating back to the Middle and Lower Paleolithic Ages, 500,000 BP ago, the sites were occupied by the Mousterian culture (250,000-45,000BP) and the Natufian culture (15,000-11,500BP).Mount Carmel, Carmel grand mall.The sites are unique in demonstrating the existence of both the Neanderthals and the Early Anatomically Modern Humans within the same Paleolithic framework. This makes the sites invaluable in research into human evolution. The caves have universal value as a central site of Natufian culture and shed light on the transition from nomadic Paleolithic life to hunter-gatherer settlements of the Neolithic life.Archaeological findings show the various adaptations made in the move towards agricultural life and animal husbandry. The Nahal Me’arot/Wadi al-Mughara cluster of caves is located on the western slopes of the Mount Carmel range along the south side of the Nahal Me’arot/Wadi el-Mughara valley. They include the caves of Tabun (Oven Cave), Jamal, el-Wadi (Stream Cave), and Skhul. The site covers 54 hectares and the archaeological findings represent cultural deposits of human life covering a duration of about 500,000 years. There is evidence of Natufian burials as well as stone structures and terraced agricultural areas. Excavations uncovered artifacts, skeletal material, and fossils.Luckily the caves and their surroundings have preserved their integrity, they are intact and have not been damaged (except for graffiti in the Skhul Cave and trees grown around a water pumping station) or removed. Pollen traces and sea sand found in the caves indicate a warm climate in the region at one time and another layer of clay and silt indicates the colder climate during a period of glaciers. In the Tabun Cave, the remains of a female Neanderthal were found dating back to c. 120,000 years ago. Findings of a variety of types of flint, hand-axes, and arrowheads indicate the hunting and farming methods and the way these methods changed over time. Excavation of the sites began more than 90 years ago; findings have confirmed the site’s authenticity and yielded insight into the early human culture, biology, and lifestyle. Further archaeological investigation continues and more remarkable discoveries are predicted.

Israelis love water sports and having fun in the water. Luckily Israel has sunny weather most of the year so the water sport season is longer than in most countries. Almost all year round you can find places to water ski in Israel. Here are the top water ski hot sports in Israel.skiing in the seaWater Skiing in the See of GallileMost of the beaches around the Sea of Galilee offer water sports including water skiing. Water Skiing on the Sea of Galilee is possible from Dugal Beach (972 4 673 2226), the beach at kibbutz Ein Gev and Tsemach Beach among others. At Amnon Beach B-Oz Extreme offers water ski and wake board lessons for those 5 years and up. Golan Beach on the eastern shore is also a popular family beach where there are water sports available and a beach bar and restaurant. This is only a small sample of the beaches along the Sea of Galilee where you can water ski.Tel AvivMenachem Begin Park (Drom Park or South Park) at 27 Biranit Street, is the site of a cable water ski drive within an artificial lake covering 50 acres. Skiing and wake-boarding is available daily except in winter. Even those with no experience can take ski lessons here although it is more popular with experienced skiers. An hour’s ski time costs about 90ILS. B-Oz Extreme Lifestyle offers ski, wakeboard and other water sport lessons in Eilat, on the Sea of Galilee and here in Tel-Aviv. In Begin Park there is a ski camp for 7 to 17 year olds in the summer, private and group ski lessons. Park Drom is the site of annual ski tournaments and a hang-out for professional skiers. There is a kiosk for food and shaded areas to sit around the lake. The park in general is a great place to visit.EilatEilat is Israel’s ultimate water sport destination. There are several beaches along the coast of Eilat on the Red Sea where you can water ski and also participate in other water sports. Among the most popular is Kisuski on the Northern Beach next to the Eilat Mall. Hashmal Beach is a quiet beach where a company is based which offers a range of water experiences including paragliding, kayaking and skiing. No need to book, just arrive and they will organize your skiing experience. They also offer catamaran rental and windsurfing lessons. Check out the Water Ski Center (972 8 637 1602) and the Eilat Sport Company (972 8 634 1144).

Acre (also spelt Ako, Acco, Akka or Akko) is a city on Israel’s northern Mediterranean coast just north of Haifa. Visitors to Acre come to see the Old City, one of the oldest cities in the world with a rich history and structures from a number of historic periods. The Old City sits on a peninsula on the edge of Acre’s natural harbor, once an important commercial port and gateway to the Levant. The Old City is completely surrounded by the ancient city walls with just two entrance points for traffic. The city’s narrow lanes are mostly left to pedestrians and visitors can safely explore the alleyways discovering history at every turn. Acre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Acre waterfront.Photo credit: © ShutterstockThe Old City consists of several layers built one on top of the other over the course of hundreds of years. Acre was frequently conquered and each empire left behind impressive structures that allow us to trace Acre’s history. Today the Old City is a lively bustling hub for residents and tourists and is home to people of several faiths. Akko is mentioned in the Bible in Judges 1:31 and again when describing the territory of the Tribe of Asher. In the New Testament, the Book of Luke tells of Paul of Tarsus stopping in Ptolemais (the name of Acre at the time) in 59AD.A Brief History of AcreAkko is first mentioned in the 15th century BC as one of the cities conquered by Tutankhamun, King of Egypt. During the Old Testament period Acre was within the territory of the Israelites Tribe of Asher. In 333BC Alexander the Great occupied the city and in 261BC the Egyptians changed the city name to Ptolomeus after the Egyptian ruler Ptolemy. During the Hasmonean Period (140BC-116BC) Acre was a Jewish settlement. Under the Romans Acre was an important port city and during the Byzantine era Acre became a Christian city with its own Bishop. It was considered sacred because Saint Paul had visited the city.In 640AD Acre was conquered by the Muslims and in 1104 the Crusaders took the city. The Crusader Knights Hospitallers’ mission was to protect pilgrims and care for the sick and poor. For a brief period, Salah a-Din captured the city from 1187 until 1191 then Richard the Lionheart recaptured Acre. Bahai Gardens, Acre.Photo by Shalev Cohen on UnsplashIn 1347 the Knights Templars (a military branch of the church) join the Hospitallers in Acre and built their own fortress with a tunnel to the port to use in the event that an escape was necessary. When the Egyptian Muslims (Mamluks) conquered the city in 1291 all Christians fled. The extensive Crusader city was destroyed leaving only remains beneath newly built Mamluk structures. The city fell into disrepair and became an insignificant village.The Ottomans arrived in 1750 in the form of Daher el-Omar. The new ruler had the fortified city walls built and renovated the Acre port. In 1775AD El-Omar was overthrown by El-Jazar who went on to become one of the most powerful and ruthless rulers Acre has known. El-Jazar had many renovations and new structures built. In 1799 Napoleon reached Acre but failed to breach the fortified city walls.El-Jazzar died in 1804 and was followed by successive Muslim rulers. In 1831 the Egyptian General Ibrahim Pasha conquered and destroyed the city. The British took the Holy Land from the Turks in 1918 and the Acre fort was converted into a British prison. In 1947 Jewish underground resistance forces broke into the jail and released Jewish prisoners. In 1948 with the establishment of the State of Israel Acre became part of the Jewish State.Acre Old City Market.Photo credit: © ShutterstockHighlights of the Old City of AcreAcre Old City Market - As you enter the Old City of Acre you will be immediately met with a busy market street lined with vendors selling everything from fresh fish and meat to toys and electronic gadgets. In the market stop to sample freshly squeezed juice or try one of the local eateries that offer Arabic delicacies and fish dishes.The Underground Crusader City of Acre- The city we see above ground today is mostly from 1750 built by Ottoman Turks. With the Crusader city beneath the surface, it remained untouched until being excavated and restored in the 1990s. The Crusader City beneath Akko is one of the most important attractions in the city although unseen from ground level. Visitors can tour the hidden Crusader City and discover the large halls, the Templars' Tunnel, and chambers.Turkish Bathhouse, Acre- also known as Pasha’s Hammam, this public hot bath and sauna complex has been restored and enhanced by metal figures of men enjoying the different sections of the baths.Acre port.Photo credit: © ShutterstockUnderground Prisoners Museum - Acre has several outstanding museums including the Underground Prisoners Museum. The Citadel of Acre was originally built during the Ottoman era over the remains of a Crusader fortress. The Ottoman citadel was used as administrative offices and later a prison, army barracks, and arsenal. Under British rule, the Citadel was converted into a prison. Several members of the Jewish resistance were held here under the Turkish and British in the years before the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 as well as many hundreds of other prisoners. Among the well-known Jewish heroes who spent time in the British prison, there were Zeev Jabotinsky and Moshe Dayan. Today the former prison is a museum focused on the story of the Acre prison and the Jewish resistance fighters.Acre Old City MosquesThe beautiful Al-Jazzar Mosque (the White Mosque) stands at the entrance to the Old City. The 18th-century mosque is the largest mosque in Israel outside of Jerusalem and has many outstanding architectural features. Beneath the mosque are vast water cisterns. Other Acre mosques include the el-Bahar Mosque, built in the 16th century; the el-Majadalah Mosque built in 1809; the el-Mualek Mosque constructed in 1748; the el-Ramal Mosque, the first Muslim place of worship built in Acre and el-Zeituna Mosque.The Templars' Tunnel.Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinAcre Old City SynagoguesThe Or Torah Synagogue (Jariva Synagogue) is unique in having mosaics covering almost every surface inside and out. Today the four floors of the synagogue are used to display mosaics from Kibbutz Eilon, seven Torah Arks, and an extensive collection of natural stones from across the Holy Land. The synagogue mosaics and stained glass windows illustrate the history of the Jewish people.The Ramchal Synagogue and the Achav Synagogue were the two places of Jewish worship in Acre from the 16th-18th century. In 1758 Dahar el-Omar had the el-Mualek Mosque built on top of the Ramchal Synagogue. The Jews were given a small property alongside the former synagogue as compensation.Other Acre Landmarks and AttractionsThe Old City is home to four churches and two monasteries. St. John Church was built over the 12th century Crusader Church of St. Andrew. Visitors can follow the City Walls around the city, along the water’s edge past the marina and to the lighthouse. Acre is sacred to the Baha’i faith and is the site of magnificent Baha’i gardens. The gardens surround the shrine of Baha’ullah, the founder of the Baha’i religion who lived and died in Acre in the 1800s.There are many other wonderful sites to discover and things to do in Acre. One of the latest additions to the attractions of Acre is a ferry ride along the coast from Akko to Haifa.To visit Acre join a group coastal excursion or a privatetour of Acre.Acre City Walls.Photo credit: © Dmitry Mishin

Caesarea is an affluent modern city along the northern Mediterranean coast of Israel between Tel Aviv and Haifa. It is also the site of extensive archaeological remains. Along the seafront are the remains of the Roman port city of Caesarea Maritima and subsequent Byzantine, Muslim and Crusader structures.A Brief History of CaesareaWith so many great civilizations leaving their mark on Israel it is sometimes difficult to keep track of the chronology of historical events. Archaeological findings in Israel often reveal multiple layers remaining from different historical periods. When you visit Caesarea the expanse of the excavations can be overwhelming so here is a brief overview of Caesarea’s history and the evidence we can see on a visit to the Caesarea Archeological Park.4th Century BC - Phoenician Port.The site was first settled in the 4th century BC as a Phoenician port city called Strato’s Tower.1st Century BC - Hasmonean Kingdom. In 90 BC King Alexander Yannai captured the city for the Hasmonean Kingdom. After being under Cleopatra for a short time and an autonomous city under Pompey, Caesarea was given to Augustus Caesar.63 BC – 640 AD Roman and Byzantine Empire. The ancient Roman history of this site is recorded by Roman historian Josephus Flavius. Rome-appointed King of Judea, Herod the Great, instigated major construction and development in the city. Most of what you can see today on a visit to Caesarea’s archaeological park came from this period. In 25-13 BC Herod commissioned the construction of a large port. The port city of Caesarea Maritima became the administrative center of the Judaea Province. Herod had a double harbor constructed, Sebastos. The breakwaters can still be seen in aerial shots 5 meters below sea level, it was the largest port on the eastern Mediterranean coast.Caesarea Port, Israel.Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinIn 6 AD the city became the seat of the Roman Procurators of Judea. The Herodian aqueduct can still be seen today, it carried fresh water from a spring 9km to the north. Expert engineering insured that the construction and use of natural gravity kept the water flowing. Some sections of the aqueduct were supported on a row of raised stone arches which can still be seen along the coast.66 AD-70 AD - the Great Revolt occurred, when the uprising was crushed the Romans continued ruling Palestine. In 325 AD the Roman Empire was Christianized under Emperor Constantine. Caesarea was also home to Jews under Roman rule and the remains of a 5th-century synagogue were found near the harbor. During the Byzantine period, a church was built on the remains of the Roman temple.640 AD – 1101 AD - Muslim Rule.In 640AD the city fell to the Muslims and Caesarea was left neglected.1101 AD – 1265 AD Crusaders.1101 AD when the Crusaders, led by Baldwin I captured the city the city’s walls were fortified and a fortress constructed. For a year (1251-52) Louis IX spent time in the city helping (with his bare hands) to reconstruct the city walls and moat.1265 AD - Mamluks. Fearing the return of the Crusaders the Mamluks practiced a “scorched earth” strategy burning and destroying the coastal cities and ports. In 1265 the Mamluks Sultan Baybars captured and destroyed the city leaving it in disrepair for 619 years until in 1884 it was once again re-inhabited. 1884 to present and the State of Israel -This time by a group of refugee Muslims from Bosnia, who formed a small fishing village here. In 1948 the city was once again abandoned. After the establishment of the new State of Israel in 1949, the surrounding areas were gradually settled, and eventually, excavation of Caesarea was begun.In 1884 a small group of immigrants from Bosnia settled in Caesarea and established a fishing village and in 1940 the Jewish Kibbutz Sdot Yam was founded alongside the village. In 1952 the present Jewish community established the town we know today as the city of Caesarea. The city is known for the world-class golf course; the Roman theater which hosts top performers, the annual Caesarea Jazz Festival, a beautiful beach, and the Caesarea National Park that protects the archaeological sites.Columns in Caesarea.Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinCaesarea National ParkA walk through the archeological park will take you into the remains of Roman baths; a temple facing the harbor, warehouses, and public buildings. In the southern part of the city, Herod’s luxurious palace was constructed on a 110 X 60-meter plot. The Roman theater is now a functioning performance venue. Here a plaque was found with an inscription referring to Emperor Tiberius and Pontius Pilate, Governor of Judea. This was the first recorded mention of Pilate’s name dated within Jesus's lifetime.Roman Theatre - This classic Roman theater is perfectly preserved. It has the typical semi-circular shape with seating on staggered stone steps facing the stage and the sea beyond. In Roman times the theatre would have been important in entertaining the many foreigners and sailors who came into port. The theatre was originally built under Emperor Vespasian and later expanded by King Herod.Herod’s Reef Palace - Several pillars remain from the inner courtyard of King Herod’s Reef Palace. The opulent palace would have had two stories and was partly built on the marine reef jutting out onto the sea. Today parts of the palace can still be seen and parts are submerged beneath the sea. Experts differ in opinion as to whether this was Herod’s palace or a later construction. We can also see the remains of a swimming pool alongside a floor mosaic and ritual bath.Hippodrome - Among the archaeological remains there is a large hippodrome with reconstructed frescoes. Here the Romans would hold horse and chariot races. Another surviving piece of the ancient structure is the public toilets – a row of stone seats with holes in them. The grand hippodrome could hold 20,000 spectators and horse and chariot races were held here every 5 years under Roman rule. Roman theatre in Caesarea.Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinThroughout the park, there are large Roman columns, capitals, sculptures, gravestones, and carved architectural features attesting to the importance and opulence of this former Roman city. Also at the site, we can see where the bathhouse, temples, storerooms, and homes once stood. Structures remaining from the Byzantine era include a villa with floor mosaics and the ruins of a Byzantine church. Remains dating back to the Crusader era include the reconstructed Crusader Gate; a large moat that encircled the Crusader fortress, a high defensive wall, and arched entranceways.Caesarea PortUp until the construction of Herod’s port at Caesarea, only natural bays were used to land on the Mediterranean shore of the Holy Land. Herod’s port was the first quay-based port along this stretch of coast. It was one of the largest and most sophisticated ports at the time. The port consisted of submerged quays on wooden rafts; a lighthouse and a breakwater stone wall.Vessels came and went from Caesarea port to cities across the Mediterranean. The port provided services necessary to the visiting vessels including ship repair and supplies. All this did not come without a price and the ships were taxed by the Romans making the city even richer.Herod created the port as a stop on the trade route bringing precious goods to Rome. The port took about 12 years to construct (22-10BC) and was the largest and most modern artificial harbor in the Roman Empire. Maritima soon became the economic, commercial, and political center of the country. Herod’s harbor offered an enclosed area of 20 hectares where boats could anchor.This area comprised three basins. The inner basin was dug inland and today the basin is silted up and mostly covered with grass. The only reminder of where the inner basin was is a circular tower which was probably from the earlier Hellenistic fortifications. The intermediate basin was built on top of the kurkar ridge, it was a natural bay and Herod’s engineers added piers that provided more docking area.To build the open sea basin materials were imported and two large breakwaters were constructed. This was innovative at the time and the breakwaters were the first of their kind. One breakwater formed a large arc about 500 meters long and 60cm wide at its base. At regular intervals, a quay on the inner rim offered space for docking ships. There was probably a promenade and warehouses along the length of this sea wall. Aerial view of Caesarea. Photo credit: © ShutterstockThe largest tower, Drusion, stood where the Citadel stands today and may have been used as a lighthouse. A straight, shorter breakwater formed the enclosing northern side of the harbor. Between the two breakwaters, there was an opening for ships to enter and twin towers marked the entrance on either side. A platform would have once connected the two towers and been designed to carry sculptures.So what caused the demise of this modern wonder of the 1st century? The downfall of Herod’s port was a lack of engineering know-how. Over the course of several years, the quays collapsed and by the Byzantine era, the port no longer functioned. Soon after its completion, the harbor foundations began to sink. It is thought that a geological fault line may have had something to do with it, or an earthquake, tsunami, the weight of the structures, or the instability of the sandy seabed. Many ships were wrecked due to the sunken breakwaters and several sunken anchors are testament to the development of anchors over the years. The sunken harbor provides a phenomenal diving area where four tracks have been created marking a route connecting 28 points of interest beneath the water.The earliest was the Hellenistic town of Straton’s Tower followed by King Herod’s Sebastos port built for the city of Maritima and then the Roman, Byzantine, early Arab, and Crusader harbors. Arial views of Caesarea clearly show the remains of man-made harbors beneath the translucent water. In discovering the sunken harbor the main sources of information were the writings of the Jewish historian Flavius Josephus and the Roman architect Vitruvius. Caesarea Aqueduct.Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinMulti-Media Experiences at CaesareaIn addition to the archaeological site itself, there are three multi-media displays to help visitors understand the history of Caesarea.The Caesarea Experience is a cinematic display taking you back in time through the history of Caesarea for a look at different periods and the cultures of those times.Caesarea Stars brings to life prominent figures from Caesarea’s history so that visitors can “meet” them and hear their stories. This attraction includes a 3D view of Caesarea showing the physical changes it has undergone over the centuries.Time Tower is a computerized animated presentation in the Crusader Tower. Scenes from Caesarea’s history are shown with a focus on how the Roman port city was constructed.Visiting CaesareaToday the port area is a lively entertainment area where the ancient structures are home to galleries, cafes, stores, and restaurants. Many activities take place in Caesarea. During Passover the hippodrome hosts “Horses in the Hippodrome” where horses and their riders perform in Roman costume. The Festival of Ancient Times is held during the Sukkot holiday (usually in September). This is a theatrical festival with shows that present stories of ancient times. Visitors can take tours of the National Park and in the summer there are even candlelight tours at night. The Roman theater hosts the biggest Israeli and international stars. Divers visiting Caesarea are treated to an underwater archaeological park. They can dive among the remains of Herod’s port in an “Underwater Museum. Since 1976 sea excavations have been ongoing to uncover the ancient harbors of successive eras. Visitors enjoying the beach at Caesarea will be just meters from the ancient Roman aqueduct that runs the length of the beach. Join Caesarea day tour to explore this fantastic site!Modern sculpture in Caesarea.Photo credit: © Dmitry Mishin

Safed (Tsfat) is a city in the Galilee built on hilltops surrounded by idyllic countryside. Safed’s high elevation gives the city warm, pleasant summers and cold winters often with snow. Safed is one of Israel’s four sacred Jewish cities.History of SafedSafed is identified with the 1st-century fortified town of Sepph and is mentioned in the Talmud as one of the elevated towns where fires were lit to indicate the new moon during the period of the Second Temple. Under the Crusaders in the 12th century, Safed was the fortified city of Saphet and the Mamluks turned Safed into an administrative center for the region. The Ottomans made Safed their capital of the Galilee and since the 16th century, Safed has been associated with Kabbalah Jewish mysticism.Safed and JudaismSafed street.Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinIn the 16th century, Rabbi Isaac Luria (1531-1573) headed the Kabbalah movement in Safed and the city has remained a center of Jewish mysticism and study. The primary Kabbalistic text, the Zohar states that the Jewish messiah will reveal himself in Galilee and probably Safed. Points of Interest in SafedSafed’s Old City consists of meandering stone-paved narrow lanes flanked with stone houses. The Old City is divided into a Jewish Quarter and the Artists’ Quarter. The steep hillside means that stairways are necessary in some places to connect street levels. Window boxes bloom and vines adorn many of the buildings. The ruins of the former Crusader and later Mamluk fortress stand on the edge of the Old City. Safed’s Artists’ Quarter is home to artists who work and sell their creations along the lanes of the Old City. Their work is unique, often inspired by the Kabbalah. Many artists are attracted to Safed by its extraordinary beauty, the tranquil countryside, and the spirituality of Safed.In the Jewish Quarter, you can visit a number of historic synagogues (there are 32 synagogues in this neighborhood) including the two synagogues named after Rabbi Isaac Luria (known as Ari after his initials in Hebrew). Other noteworthy synagogues include the Abuhav Synagogue and Yosif Karo Synagogue named after the author of the book Shulchan Aruch.Abuhav Synagogue, Safed. Photo credit: © Shutterstock

The following list includes the best hotels in Jerusalem; as can be expected most of the hotels are 5 star luxury establishments, boutique hotels and historic hotels but there are a couple of less prestigious hotels which offer a unique setting, personal service, great location and an excellent reputation.The American Colony 5*This hotel’s history dates back to the late 19th century when devout Christian Americans Horatio and Anna Spafford moved to Jerusalem to find peace following the tragic death of their four daughters. They, together with fellow Americans opened their hearts and their doors to locals of all creeds and cultures and became known simply as “the Americans.” The couple were joined by fellow Christians from America and Sweden and they purchased the former home of a Turkish Pasha; the palace was to become the American Colony Hotel. When Western travelers arrived in Jerusalem at the turn of the century they would stay with the Americans. The hotel gained a reputation as a neutral oasis in the often turbulent Middle East. It is a place where Jews, Arabs, Swedes, and Americans could come together in peace. Famous past guests include Leon Uris, Bob Dylan, Lawrence of Arabia, Richard Gere, Winston Churchill, Tony Blair, and John le Carre. The hotel continues to be run by descendants of the original owners although it is managed by Gauer Hotels of Switzerland.The American Colony Hotel is in East Jerusalem close to the Damascus Gate of the Old City. Within the hotel complex, there are 86 rooms in three historic buildings surrounded by lush gardens and beautiful courtyards. The hotel facilities include a swimming pool lined with Italian glass tiles; a fitness room overlooking the pool; a sauna; business center; spa and a selection of stores selling exotic goods, antiques, oriental rugs, and religious items plus all the added extras you would expect from a luxury hotel. Guests have the choice of several hotel eateries including outdoor dining and an intimate bar.Mamilla Hotel 5*Mamilla’s location is about as good as it gets just a few steps from the Old City and overlooking the luxury shopping avenue of the same name. Mamilla was a neighborhood just outside the city walls, the armistice line between Israel and Jordan ran through the neighborhood and it suffered from shelling. Following Israeli independence, the government approved a plan for urban renewal and the area was restored and rebuilt. This included the construction of the open-air pedestrian Mamilla Mall and the Mamilla Hotel. It is a relatively new hotel and offers superior, sophisticated and exclusive hospitality. The hotel’s contemporary design was created by Piero Lissoni. The hotel has an indoor pool and guests have free access to the David Citadel Hotel outdoor pool just across the street. Other facilities include the hotel gym, Akasha Wellbeing Center, spa, health bar and several eateries including the rooftop restaurant with brilliant views across the Old City. Guests have access to the hotel lounge and to the business center. Famed for their personal touch, each guest is assigned a personal host. The 194 hotel rooms include studios and suites.The King David Hotel 5*Perhaps the city’s most famous hotel, King David has played a role in Israel’s history. Construction was financed by Ezra Mosseri (Egyptian Jew and director of the National Bank of Egypt) together with other wealthy Cairo Jews. The hotel opened in 1931 and from the start was the go-to hotel for royalty and celebrities. Over the years the hotel became home to three heads of state fleeing their countries (King Alfonso XIII of Spain in 1931; King George II of Greece in 1942 and Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia in 1936). The southern wing was used as the British administrative and military headquarters during the British Mandate. The hotel was designed by Emile Vogt in the European style. The structure has Eastern elements like domes, arches, and various local stones. G.G. Hufschmid created the décor in the public areas using Middle Eastern cultures as his inspiration. The hotel has been the venue for state occasions, official banquets, and meetings between world leaders and famous personalities including Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, Obama, Winston Churchill, Thatcher, Blair, Elizabeth Taylor, and Richard Gere.Today King David is owned by Dan Hotels. The hotel has a unique pink sandstone exterior, exotic and romantic public spaces, and King David is located within walking distance of the Old City. The hotel has extensive lawns, gardens, and a pool. There are tennis courts, kids' and adult’s pools, a children’s playground, a business center, a fitness center, and a spa.The hotel has an elegant fine dining restaurant, a garden restaurant, Oriental Bar, and a poolside snack bar. The six-storey hotel has 233 rooms and suites, many overlooking the Old City and with a balcony. The hotel offers several rooms for families.The David Citadel Hotel 5*This hotel’s motto is “uncompromised luxury and elegance.” The hotel is located in Western Jerusalem facing the citadel of David and the Old City and is a relatively new and contemporary addition to Jerusalem’s luxury hotels. The design is a horseshoe shape reminiscent of a European opera house with the rooms facing the “stage” in this case the Old City. There are terraces leading to a glass-domed lobby, dining area, pool, and terraced hanging gardens. Thanks to the hotel structure “descending” towards the Old City each suite has a terrace with brilliant views. They offer amenities that include a spa, health club, executive floors, executive lounge, business center, shopping arcade, sauna, and medical center on the premises. There is a large outdoor pool that is heated in winter and a toddlers’ pool. The hotel features five eating options including the fine dining restaurant, Aqua Le Divellec, a terrace eatery covered by a glass ceiling, sushi bar, and poolside grill. In each of the oversized 384 rooms and suites, you’ll find balconies facing the Old City, cotton bed linen and oversized towels. The hotel has also thought about family guests and there is a new 100m² children’s play center.Inbal Jerusalem Hotel 5*This is one of the most luxurious hotels in the city, it is located overlooking the Jerusalem Liberty Bell Park and the Old City in the Talbiya neighborhood. Inbal was originally known as the Laromme and it was designed by Ya’acov Rechter. The hotel has a sophisticated and elegant design with 283 rooms and prides itself on a friendly, personal, and family ethos. The hotel has accommodated Bill Clinton, Mikhail Gorbachev, Henry Kissinger, Al Gore, and other famed personalities. The décor and furnishing is elegant and modern. The amenities include free WiFi, a newly renovated health spa, fitness center, heated pool, executive lounge, business center, restaurants, spa, and saunas. There are conference facilities, a shopping arcade, mobile phone rental, and a full-service beauty salon. There is fresh fruit and a tea and coffee set in every room.The hotel provides activities and amenities for families with kids specifically during the Israeli school holidays. There are children’s and teen game rooms open throughout the year and staff entertains young ones with workshops, arts, and crafts. There is a kid’s menu in the restaurant, foods for kids with allergies, and a toddler’s pool. The hotel has connecting rooms and family units.Waldorf Astoria Hotel Jerusalem 5*The exterior of this magnificent hotel, just minutes from the Old City is what remains of the 1930s historic Palace Hotel. But behind the historic façade lies a contemporary and ultra-luxury hotel that opened its doors in 2014. The hotel boasts the largest reception hall in Jerusalem. The luxury can be felt from the moment you enter, the lobby drips with chandeliers and the walls are laden with quality artwork. Hanging above the staircase is an art installation featuring 48 glass doves. The design concept has put aside modesty and minimalism and instead spoils guests with opulent surroundings. The overall design theme is the elegance of the late 1920s. There are 226 rooms and suites in a triangular-shaped building on the corner where King David Street meets Agron Street with the four-storey historic wing on one side and the newer nine-storey wing on the other.Visitors checking in to the hotel are given a tablet that they can use throughout their stay to check emails, control room functionality, and call room service. The hotel is still being developed with new facilities being added all the time including the lap pool and spa which should be ready in 2016. Between them is an elegant inner courtyard covered by a glass ceiling. The hotel facilities include pools, two restaurants, a bar, WiFi, and a business center. The rooms are large with the smallest room measuring 40m². There is luxury linen, a Serta mattress, custom furnishing and crystal chandeliers in the rooms as well as heated Italian marble bathroom floors, a sit-down shower stall and bath plus a private wet bar and espresso machine. Some of the rooms have balconies but this hotel is known more for its luxurious décor than the views. Families are taken care of with under 18s staying free in their parent’s room and a children’s menu in the restaurant.Alegra Hotel 4*m the 1930s which has been given a modern rooftop sundeck and observation point. The views from this elevated location are breathtaking, overlooking the forested village of Ein Kerem. The hotel is perfectly located close to the Old City. The hotel has 13 rooms and suites each named after a pair of famous lovers. In the rooms, you will find beds made with Egyptian cotton sheets, espresso machines, champagne, WiFi, and a sound system. The public areas include a courtyard, garden, splash pools, waterfalls, fish ponds. This ultra-luxurious boutique hotel fuses old and new seamlessly. Each room has a living, working and resting area, and some of the rooms have large terraces. The largest suites are 39m² and feature the original interiors of the historic home. Hotel amenities include a spa, sauna, meeting facilities, bicycle rental, docking stations in the rooms, complimentary mini-bar, and much more. There is a resident chef, Amir Na’or, who can take you on a gourmet tour of Jerusalem at request. Bread is baked freshly in the morning and breakfast is made-to-order.Arthur Hotel 4*This is an unexpected addition to the best hotel list; it opened in 2013 in the heart of downtown Jerusalem on the Ben Yehudah pedestrian promenade. Unlike other top hotels which tend to overlook the Old City and rates are significantly lower than other luxury hotels. The hotel is consistently voted one of the best in the city specifically for romantic getaways and families. Their motto is “ old world charm and contemporary hospitality.” The hotel has recreated the ethos of the British Mandate era; the décor includes period photos, Turkish carpets, antique furniture (some commissioned and some picked up in local markets), Armenian ceramics, and leather chairs. Despite the theme the building itself is new and has only 54 rooms; the structure has no room for facilities like a pool or gym but they make up for it in personal service, quality linen, and towels plus design and style. Attention has been paid to every detail. The size of the building also means that there are no bathtubs, only showers. There is WiFi, a games room, and a free bicycle rental service. For food, guests will find a sumptuous breakfast and a complimentary late afternoon snack (including wine) but no dinner service.Eyal Hotel 3*This hotel is located 100 meters from Zion Square in central Jerusalem but still within walking distance from the Old City. The Eyal prides itself on personal service, comfortable, clean, and sleek surroundings. The 68 room hotel has recently been renovated with the addition of modern amenities, finishing touches to the design, and advanced technology where applicable. The hotel has sublevel guest parking (essential in central Jerusalem), an events hall, solarium, eco-wall dripping with lush plants, and views of the city. The hotel strives to be eco-friendly and recycles the heat generated by the various systems in the hotel. Other eco measures include the use of air-sourced heat pump technology, thermal heating, double pained glass windows, and furniture made from natural and recycled materials. The hotel chef prepares breakfast and dinner which is served in the hotel’s newly renovated dining hall. There is a large deck on the sixth floor. The majority of the rooms have a balcony, all rooms have USB outlets, tea and coffee set, Aminach mattresses, free WiFi, and a modern bathroom. There are suites with a Jacuzzi and family rooms with separate living areas.This may not be the fanciest hotel on this list but if you are on a budget then you couldn’t get much better. Eyal Hotel has consistently received good reviews online and was awarded a certificate of excellence in 2015 on Trip Advisor.Gloria Hotel 2*If your dream is to sleep within the Old City walls then the Gloria Hotel can oblige. It is the only tourist-class hotel within the Old City walls, located in the Christian Quarter inside the Jaffa Gate in the heart of historic Jerusalem. The hotel building has undergone renovations and refurbishing but began welcoming guests in the 1950s. The hotel combines modern amenities (air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, elevators, WiFi, etc) with the historic surroundings. The family-run hotel offers impeccable service and attention to detail. The hotel walls in the public areas are exposed Jerusalem stone, some of the areas are under vaulted ceilings. The rooms have a simple but modern feel and all 104 rooms enjoy the quiet atmosphere of the Latin Patriarchate Street where traffic is limited. Many of the rooms have views across the rooftops of the Old City. The hotel serves a set menu of buffet meals for dinner, a sumptuous breakfast and there is an intimate bar.

One of the fun things my family does during August in Israel is to go out into the nearby farmlands, in the middle of the night, and watch the Perseid meteor shower. To get the best possible view of any meteor shower you need to be away from city lights, preferably in an elevated place, in a dark area and of course be in the right place at the right time.Where to See Meteor Showers in IsraelSo if you’re looking for a place away from the city lights to spot meteors in Israel then there are a few well known and popular places where groups gather each year to watch the spectacle. In 2012 about 9,000 Israelis gathered at Mitzpe Ramon in the Negev to watch the Perseid meteor shower.The 914.4m high location makes it even easier to spot the meteors which fall at a rate of one a minute. Club Ramon, in Mitzpe Ramon offers a 3 day program which includes accommodation, entertainment, walking tours and guided sky gazing to see the meteors. The city of Mitzpe Ramon even dims the lights at night to make it possible for the many visitors to get a better look at the meteor shower. If you’d rather have a company handle the logistics of getting to a good viewing spot then there are several options. Astronomy Israel offers Naked Eye and Telescopic Tours of the Night Sky from Mitzpe Ramon. The nearby Arava Desert is another great place to see meteor showers in Israel, mainly because of the intense darkness. In Eilat astronomer Eitan Schwartz takes groups 10km out of the city to a place near Be’er Ora where they can see the shower and even camp under the stars. The Golan Heights and Galilee are also elevated points where the showers can be seen well.The Most Stunning Meteor Showers in Israel From mid-January to mid-April there is no significant show of meteors but after that there are several showers worth seeing. The Lyrids Meteor Shower is in late April (April 16th-25th in 2014) and can reach 100 meteors an hour but averages about 10 – 20 an hour. The Aquarids Shower occurs in early May in Israel (April 19th to May 28th in 2014 with peak on May 5th) this shower can have up to 30 meteors an hour at its peak.Perseid Meteor Shower, this is perhaps the most visible meteor shower in Israel and up to 60 meteors can be seen an hour. The shower runs from July 17th to August 24th with the peak in 2013 on the night of August 11th. 2013 is set to be one of the best years to see the Perseids in Israel as the moon will set not long after midnight leaving a dark sky. The best time to see them is between 11:30pm and 4:30am.Delta Aquarids shower, late July to early August (July 12th to August 23 in 2013 with peak on July 27th) can best be seen after midnight. There can be up to 20 meteors an hour.The Orionids meteor shower in October peaks on October 21st and 22nd and can give a bright show.Draconids meteor shower in 2013 is set to be one of the most spectacular showings ever with up to 750 meteors an hour! The shower runs from October 6th to 10th and peaks on the 8th and 9th.Taurids peaks on November 4th and 5th and is a minor meteor shower and the Leonids gives an average showing peaking on November 16th and 17th but in 2013 will be hard to see because of the light from the full moon.Quadrantids, late December early January (January 1st-5th in 2014), there is usually not a strong showing of this shower in Israel but the shower can reach up to 40 meteors an hour. Look in the direction of the Bootes Constellation.

The Mountain to Valley Relay Race 2018 is one of the top Israel events to be held on 26-27 April 2018. This will be the 10th annual Mountain to Valley (M2V) race. M2V is a 215 km group relay race which takes place over the course of about 20 hours. Although the race offers a competitive and non-competitive category there are no monitory prizes. Instead participants take part for the social interaction, personal challenge and to enjoy the stunning scenery of this unique race.Mountain to Valley Relay Race RoutThe race starts in Tel-Hai. The route takes you through the Hula Valley, past the Sea of Galilee, the Beit Netofa Valley and the Menashe Mountains.The finish line is in the Yizrael Valley near Timrat. The route is divided into 24 segments each measuring 5-12 km.Teams of 4, 6 or 8 runners take turns running the segments in a rotation order.Due to the nature of the run which takes place over the course of about 20 hours runners can sleep in a car or hotel when it is not their turn to run. The race takes place during day and night hours and so some runner will be running in the dark. This is a truly unique race experience. Runners should have flashlights and luminous vests to help them on their way through the dark. Runners can be accompanied by an assistant runner. Most of the race is run along trails and off-road. Along the route roads are not closed to traffic and so runners need to be very careful. It also means that the runners can be accompanied by a vehicle. The vehicle is used for carrying food, water, assistance and as a place to rest.Mountain to Valley Relay Race 2018 Routes and CategoriesThe race has competitive and non-competitive categories. Running teams are classified according to the number of runners (8/6/4); whether the runners are all women, all men or mixed and whether the team is competitive or non-competitive. Competitive runners must run on a rotation basis with each runner resting while all the other runners have a turn to run. With non-competitive teams it doesn’t matter the order of the runners or number of legs each team member runs.Teams can register for the race online. Teams can determine their own starting time from Tel-Hai and the line-up of starting times will be staggered. The first team will head out on 26 April at 6 a.m. and the last team will set off at 2 p.m. There will be a closing ceremony on 27 April at 10 a.m.

Seeing Israel with a group tour is an excellent option for travelers who want to see as much as possible. With Israel day tours you don’t have to worry about logistics, transportation or reading up about the places you visit. The tour company takes care of the details for you! All you have to do is sit back and enjoy the trip. Whether you take a group tour in Israel or not depends on how long your trip is, your preferred style of travel and the places you want to see.Masada and the Dead Sea tour. Photo creditֶ: Dmitry MishinWhat are Group Tours?A group tour is organized by a tour company; tourists from around the world book the tour and are told the time and place to meet for the tour. On the tour day, tourists meet at centrally located pick-up points in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Herzliya, or Netanya and are picked up by the tour company bus. The tour buses are air-conditioned, modern, and comfortable. Throughout the tour, the group is accompanied by a tour guide. The size of the group can vary but is usually between 16 and 30 people. The tour guide gives you a bit of background information about the places you are going to see and chats with the group on route to the attractions scheduled for that day. At each attraction, the guide shares his knowledge about the things you see. On most tours, you will also get some free time and a break for lunch in a local eatery. At the end of the tour, the tour bus returns you to the pick-up point.Jerusalem Old and New Tour. Photo credit: Dmitry MishinWhat are the Differences Between a Group Day Tour and a Group Package Tour?A group day tour in Israel (as described above) lasts for one day. You join other travelers for the day and together with a tour guide, bus, and bus driver get to visit specific attractions. Group day tours are great for travelers who want a bit of both – guided tours in the Holy Land and days when they can discover Israel independently. Israel group tours include transportation, guide service, pick-up, and drop-off at a central location. Group day tours are perfect for those destinations that are hard to reach by yourself or when you will benefit from the knowledge and guidance of a professional.Agroup package tour in Israel is like a series of day tours strung together. The major difference is that the price of a package tour includes accommodation. Some package tours include some meals, activities (like jeep safari in the Judean Desert), and airport pick-up or drop-off. Group package tours are perfect for those who don’t want to worry about any of the details of their trip from beginning to end. Group package tours in Israel are a good option for groups of travelers visiting Israel together – church groups, bar mitzvah groups, etc. If you are traveling alone you can join other travelers on a group package tour. There are also shorter package tours which last 2-6 days and can be part of a longer vacation.Jerusalem Old City Tour. Photo credit: Dmitry MishinWhat are the Advantages of a Group Tour?On an Israel group tour, you don’t need to worry about logistics. No need to tackle bus timetables or car rental contracts; no need to stand in line to pay entrance fees or to negotiate with taxi drivers. You won’t have to navigate the roads or Israeli drivers! On a group tour in Israel, you won’t have to choose what the top attractions are, as the tour company has done that for you. The tour will take you to the highlights of each destination so you won’t waste your time getting lost or seeing less interesting sites. The tour transportation is air-conditioned and comfortable and your tour bus driver will take care of parking.Often we look at landmarks and don’t really understand their significance. However, on a group tour, your guide will give you the background and history of each place. On group tours, you are traveling with other tourists from around the world for the day and can often make new friends. Group tours can get you to places that may be difficult to reach independently. For example, you may be nervous about crossing into Palestine to visit Bethlehem by yourself but with a group tour, you will feel more secure. Group tours are time efficient, getting you to multiple attractions in one day thanks to good planning by professionals who know the country.Nazareth and Sea of Galilee tour. Photo credit: Dmitry MishinWhat Can You See on Israel Group Tours?Israel group tours cover the whole country from north to south. There aretours to Masada and theDead Sea tours; trips to Bethlehem and Jericho; tours toJerusalem, visits to Caesarea, Acre, and Rosh HaNikra; as well as to the Galilee and Golan Heights. In addition, there are many smaller locations you get to see along the way that you would probably miss if traveling alone. You can even take a one-day group tour from central Israel to Petra in Jordan. Some of the group tours are geared towards specific interest groups. For example, there are Christian group tours and Jewish Heritage group tours in Israel. Longer group package tours combine several day tours so that you see all of these amazing destinations including Jordan.Golan Heights and Safed Tour. Photo credit: Dmitry Mishin