One of the top reasons to take a vacation in Israel has to be its fabulous beaches - whether you’re in the north, south or centre, there’s always a spot where you can don a bathing suit or bikini and spend a day sunning yourself or splashing around in the Mediterranean, the Red Sea, the Dead Sea, or the Sea of Galilee.Caesarea Aqueduct Beach.Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinIsrael’s beaches are glorious - with their white sand and clear water, they’re the ideal place to kick back for some relaxation or bring the kids for a fun day (or longer!) out. And many of them are close to other attractions too - snorkeling and dive spots, national parks, and even archaeological sites - which means you can mix up a day’s activities if you’re so inclined. Let’s take a look at some of the top beaches in various parts of the country - we’re confident there are going to be a few you’ll long to visit...Top Tel Aviv BeachesWhatever you’re looking for in a beach in Tel Aviv, we’re pretty sure this city can offer it. With beautiful white sand and clear blue water, whether you’re keen on calm or looking for a sporty adrenaline rush, want live music, or a deserted stretch of coast, you’ll find a Tel Aviv beach you will fall in love with. Here are some of our favorites:Tel Baruch Beach, Tel AvivWide and clean, this beach has some great cafes and restaurants and a wide, sandy area to sunbathe. You can hold barbecues on the lawn nearby and there’s also plenty of parking!Hilton Beach, Tel AvivOne of Tel Aviv’s most popular beaches, this is a great place to kayak, surf, or paddleboard. Traditionally, it has been a popular spot for gay travelers, but it’s also beloved because its waters are calm and clear. The Hilton beach also contains a section where dogs can run freely.Banana Beach, Tel Aviv. Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinMetzizim Beach, Tel AvivThis is the most northern beach in the city and close to Tel Aviv Port (Namal) full of eateries and boutique stores. It has a playground, a cafe, showers and, with its shallow waters, is ideal for families. This is a good place to visit at night if you want privacy since it is situated off the main promenade area.Gordon Beach / Frishman Beach, Tel AvivOpposite the Sheraton hotel, this beach is a great choice for those who love volleyball, ‘matkot’ (an Israeli tradition), and a wonderful outdoor (saltwater) pool. If you go on Saturday mornings, you’ll also see locals folk dancing on the promenade! Chairs, loungers, and parasols for rent (as with every Tel Aviv beach).Banana Beach, Tel AvivThis beach is great for flying kites, surfing, body-surfing, and looking for seashells. The southernmost of all these beaches, you can easily walk to Jaffa from here.To see the complete list of Tel Aviv beaches feel free to check out this article.Metzitzim Beach, Tel Aviv. Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinRecommended Mediterranean Beaches1. Ashkelon BeachesWith its long beachfront, you’re free to choose from a number of beaches here - Bar Kochba, Delilah, the Rock, and Surfer’s beach amongst them. It’s also great for kids - not just the boardwalk but also a lovely children’s playground and a skating area. Well maintained, with clean sand and pristine restrooms. Beach Chairs and umbrellas can be rented all the way along and there are shallow waters, for the most part. Ashkelon Archeological Park is minutes away.2. Palmachim Beach near Rishon LeZionWhat this beach lacks in facilities, it makes up for in sheer beauty. With amazing cliff views to the south and Tel Aviv views to the north, this secluded sandy area views of cliffs to the south, this white sand, crystal clear water beach is perfect for a day out. The nearby national park is great for exploring sand dunes, unusual flora and fauna, and limestone ridges.3. Ajami Beach in JaffaJust south of Old Jaffa lies the Ajami beach, which is popular with locals - a mixture of Jews and Arabs. The water is clear and if you get bored of sunning yourself, head off and explore the Jaffa port, Jaffa flea market,and Artists' Quarter. Not far away is the famous seafood restaurant ‘the Old Man and the Sea’ - they don’t take reservations but it’s worth waiting in line!Ashkelon Archaeological Park.Photo credit: © Dmitry Mishin4. Apollonia Beach near HerzliyaLocated under a cliff, overlooking the sea, this pretty beach, with green-colored water, can only be accessed by walking across rocks, and so it’s ideal for those who want some ‘alone’ time. Nearby is the national park Tel Arsuf (Apollonia National Park), dating back to Crusader times.5.Beit Yanai Beach, near NetanyaThis perfect sandy beach is not far from the moshav Beit Yanai named after the Hasmonean king Alexander Jannaeus (known in Hebrew as Alexander Yanai). There is an old dock and decent facilities: bathrooms, showers and a fish restaurant. Keep in mind that sometimes waves can be particularly high, as the beach is not protected from the open sea.6. Mikhmoret Beach, near NetanyaThis quiet stretch of beach, close to Netanya, has natural rocky barriers which block large waves (making it safe for kids) and there are acres of sand dunes to explore. It’s great for kite flyers but can be a little rocky (so bring flip flops). Mikhmoret has a Sea Turtle Rescue program and if you’re lucky you might spot one.7. The Aqueduct Beach, CaesareaIt doesn’t have many facilities but it does have a long row of beautifully preserved stone arches that served as an aqueduct and date back to Roman times. Undeveloped and pretty, you can swim here but there’s no lifeguard.Apollonia Beach. Photo credit: © Dmitry Mishin8. HaBonim Beach near Zichron YaakovWith more bays and inlets than any other in Israel, the coastal strip of Dor HaBonim, not far away from Zichron Yaakov, is picturesque and magical, with a nice campground that makes it perfect for overnight stays. There’s also a walking trail on the kirkar (calcareous sandstone) path and Tel Dor - an ancient city and harbor - close by.9. Dado Beach, HaifaWith a long promenade, full of restaurants, clear water, and helpful lifeguards, this clean and spacious beach in Haifa is not usually too crowded. Great for relaxing and walking on the boardwalk.10. Akhziv beach near Nahariya Arguably one of Israel’s finest beaches, Akhziv beach with the Akhziv National Park, is about 15 km north of Acre and near to Rosh Hanikra. It has cliffs, lagoons, and coves, all full of marine life - the kids will love the rock pigeons and swifts and in the summer, you might even spy a sea turtle on their way to lay their eggs. Akhziv has a campground, showers, lifeguards, and a cafe.Akhziv National Park. Photo credit: © Yaniv Cohen. Published with permission of the Israel Nature and Parks AuthorityTop Dead Sea BeachesDead Sea beaches are quite unique since they’re filled with water that is 9.6 times saltier than the ocean, meaning you can’t swim in them but you most definitely can float! Whilst you will need some decent beach shoes (because there are rocks around), you can also take advantage of the black mud on the shores - it’s perfect for slathering yourselves in if you want a free body treatment! Another wonderful activity tourists can enjoy is exploring the amazing salt deposits all along the sea’s edge - they form all kinds of strange shapes - white ‘icebergs’, strange sculptures, and flat platforms. There’s no doubt about it, with its extraordinary natural features and situated at the lowest point on earth, a trip to a Dead Sea beach is something you can’t miss out on, whilst on vacation in Israel.1. Ein Gedi Spa BeachThis very popular spa resort is a great place to enjoy the Dead Seanear Ein Gedi Nature Reserve. Ein Gedi Spa offers many treatments and activities including thermo-mineral sulfur pools, as well as dramatic east-facing views over the waters, towards Jordan. In our opinion, one of the best beaches of the Dead Sea.2. Ein Bokek BeachFree of charge, this beach has plenty of shade and is well-equipped. The whole Ein Bokek area is very clean and if you bring your own padlock, you can use one of the free lockers. The water here is somewhat saltier than at the northern end of the Dead sea but it's also crystal clear. Whilst you won’t find too much black mud here, you can always buy it elsewhere and smear it on yourself for an authentic experience! Ein Bokek Beach. Photo by Tristan MIMET on Unsplash3. Biankini BeachThis private beach is part of an upscale resort with luxury suites, terraces, and gardens with panoramic views and a good place to consider if you want to stay overnight. The entire atmosphere is Moroccan - the decor, the food, and the music and there are plenty of family-friendly activities, including a swimming pool and a kid’s club.4. Neve Midbar BeachThis beach has showers, bathrooms, a boutique, and a beach bar that serves drinks and snacks. It also has plenty of natural black mud on its shores. Be aware that there are a few slippery steps to clamber down, and wear sturdy shoes because there are rocks all around.5. Kalia BeachWith a good selection of places to eat and quite a few shops, Kalia beach is less crowded than the other Dead Sea stretches and even the opportunity to go camel riding nearby! It is easily accessible with a Masada and Dead Sea Day Tour.Kaila Beach, the Dead Sea.Photo credit: © ShutterstockTop Eilat BeachesEilat is a great getaway spot and its beaches offer restaurants on the sand, water sports, and excellent diving in the Red Sea:1. Migdalore Beach, EilatAway from the tourists, therefore a little less crowded, this is a lovely beach for relaxing and also snorkeling. You can rent chairs and loungers and food is served at reasonable prices. Fun fact: ‘migdalore’ in Hebrew means ‘lighthouse’. Look up the hill and you’ll see it...2. Dolphin Reef Beach, EilatThis beautiful area is worth the cost of the admission, because you get to see dolphins up close and personal, even being able to pet them. There’s plenty of shade and a bar that serves food and drink. If you want, you can pay to take a 20-minute snorkel or dive with these beautiful and friendly creatures. The perfect place to visit in Eilat - whether as a family, a couple, a group of friends, or a solo traveler.The Lighthouse in Eilat.Photo by Shalev Cohen on Unsplash3.Coral Beach, EilatIf you like the idea of snorkeling amongst coral reefs, you found the right spot. Eilat Coral Beachis a private beach that has warm water showers, clean bathrooms, a snack bar, and plastic chairs (included in the price). There are lots of covered seating and family areas roped off. Access the water via a long jetty over the reef and enjoy the endless colorful fish.4. Princess Beach, Eilat Possibly the best free beach to snorkel in Eilat, there isn’t much shade but there’s plenty of coral and fish in the water. The fact that it is the last beach in Eilat before the border with Egypt means it’s less crowded than other places, and a little more ‘wild.’ Not too many facilities but a great place to visit.5. Mosh Beach, EilatThis pretty pebbled private beach offers visitors good food and music, as well as a relaxing atmosphere. If you like coconut cocktails and a chilled-out atmosphere, this is where you should come.Paddleboarding in Eilat.Photo by Josh Appel on UnsplashTop Sea of Galilee (Kinneret) Beaches1. Gofra Beach, KinneretWith calm and scenic views over the lake, this rocky beach on the east of Galilee is full of eucalyptus trees, making it popular with campers (who always like their shade!) Just be aware that Gofra Beach is not a recognized beach and therefore does not provide lifeguard services.2. Ein Gev Beach, KinneretThis private beach is on the eastern shore of the lake and is next to a kibbutz with a fine fish restaurant, surrounded by lush green lawns and a short drive from a number of Galilee Christian sites. Enjoy the mini harbor and lovely boardwalk.3. Bora Bora Beach, KinneretThis beautiful private beach lies on the northern shores of the Sea of Galilee and is surrounded by natural spring waters. Facilities include lounge chairs, hammocks, sofas, a Polynesian-style bar (serving all manner of drinks), a cigar bar, and a restaurant. There are water sports available (including kayaking, boat sailing skiing, banana skiing, tubing, water skiing, jet skiing, and windsurfing) and even a dance bar.Sea of Galilee.Photo credit: © Shutterstock4. Tsemach Beach, KinneretOn the south of the Kinneret, this family-friendly beach is perfect if you’re looking for activities to keep everyone occupied, particularly on hot spring and summer days. There’s a water park with slides and an indoor swimming pool, sun umbrellas, lockers rooms, and a range of water sports too - tubing, kayaking, and floating on mattresses. There’s plenty of parking and places to stay overnight, whether you’re a camper or looking for lodging. 5. Rotem-Shizaf Beach, KinneretSituated on the eastern shore, between Kibbutzes Haon and Ein Gev, its white sands, picnic tables, and parasols make it the ideal spot for a quiet day. There are toilets, a grocery store, and a kiosk too but no lifeguard!This list of beaches in Israel is incomplete - there are 137 beaches in Israel in total and most of them are famous for clear blue water and great beach facilities.To visit Kinneret beaches book a Private Sea of Galilee TourView on the Sea of Galilee at sunset.Photo by Dave Herring onUnsplash

Nablus (‘Shekhem’ in Hebrew) is a city in the West Bank. The city, and the surrounding area, has an overwhelmingly Arab population. Nablus was occupied by Israel after the Six-Day War in 1967 but, since 1995, as a result of the Oslo Accords, it has been controlled by the Palestinian Authority. With a population of 135,000, it is one of the largest urban areas in the West Bank. It is a major commercial centre, well-known for its production of wood, pottery, soap and olive oil, famed for its delicious ‘knafeh’ dessert and home to a respected university, Al Najah.Nablus street, West Bank.Photo by nour tayeh on UnsplashThe Geography and History of NablusGeographically, it is around 60 km (45 miles) north of Jerusalem, between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim. It sits in the middle of a fertile valley and is at the centre of a natural oasis, which is fed by a number of springs. Historically, the city of Nablus occupied a strategic position since it lay at a junction between two ancient commercial roads, the first linking the Sharon coastal plain to the Jordan Valley and the second linking it to Judea in the south and the Galilee in the north. It was founded by the Roman Emperor Vespasian in 72 CE and named ‘Flavia Neapolis’. Today, it is a bustling commercial centre with plenty to offer the visitor. Yes, it is in the West Bank, which means visitors should exercise a certain degree of vigilance. However, it is definitely safe to visit, although we would recommend travelling there with a private tour, since being accompanied by someone who speaks Arabic and knows the area is invaluable.Since it is only about an hour’s drive from Jerusalem, it makes for an ideal day trip so let’s take a closer look at this ancient city’s attractions and what you should do there, to get the most out of your time.Nablus Governorate. Photo by nour tayeh on Unsplash1. The Old CityThe Old City lies in the heart of Nablus and is densely populated, with many prominent local families living there. It is made up of six quarters: Habala, Qaysariyya, Aqaba, Yasmina, Gharb and Qaryun. There is plenty for the visitor to see including:Mosques - there are many mosques in the Old City, including the Great Mosque, the Al-Khadra, the Al-Abnia and Ajaj. The Great Mosque is the oldest and largest of these buildings and was originally built as a Byzantine church by the Crusaders. After the conquest of Saladin, it was converted into a mosque in the Islamic period. It has a long, rectangular floor and a silver dome.The Abd al-Haid Palace - built in the 19th century as a residence for the Abd al-Haid family, this white limestone building has many hidden treasures including winding staircases, unobtrusive courtyards, balconies and gardens.Al Nimr Palace - this huge 17th-century palace is situated in the Habala neighbourhood and was built by Abdullah Pasha, a leader of the Ottomans. Tuqan Palace - considered to be one of the most important historical buildings in the city, this palace has more than 100 rooms and was built by Pasha Tuqan in the 18th century.Hammams - these Turkish baths were built between the 16th and 19th centuries. One that is still used today is Al-Shifa - estimated to have been built around 400 years ago, look out for the engraved plaque above the door. Manara Clock Tower - built in 1906 on the orders of Sultan Abdul Hamid, to celebrate his 30-year reign, its style is similar to those found today in Tripoli and Jaffa. Visitors with a keen eye will notice the Arabic calligraphy, praising the Sultan. One of the palaces in Nablus. Photo by nour tayeh on Unsplash2. Mount GerizimOne of two mountains ringing Nablus, Mount Gerizim sits on the southern side of the city’s valley. The Samaritan population (the majority of whom live nearby) regard it as the oldest, highest and most central mountain in the world. For them, it is the centre of their civilization. They consider it to be more sacred than the Temple Mount - for them, God intended it to be a holy temple.In the Bible, it is said that when the Israelites entered the Promised Land, Moses instructed them to celebrate by making blessings on Mount Gerizim. Specifically, In the book of Joshua, it is also said that an altar of stones was built there. Today, it is still possible to see ruins at the top of Gerizim, including the remains of a fortified church and an old Samaritan temple. A large stone structure, named ‘Structure B’ is thought by archaeologists to have once been an altar built by the Samaritans in the 5th or 6th century.3. Beit FalasteenInfluenced by the great Italian Renaissance artist Andrea Palladio's "La Rotonda", Beit Falasteen is an extraordinary replica of a 16th-century Villa, transplanted to a Nablus hilltop built by the Palestinian millionaire and philanthropist Munib Al-Masri. You could be forgiven for thinking you were in Italy when you see the stone steps, porticos, grand salons, huge library and even a greenhouse! This classical villa is full of priceless objects, including statues, rare manuscripts, tapestries and even a gold-plated throne. Sitting on Mount Gerizim, in south Nablus, the house is steeped in biblical history. Mount Gerizim is the place where, supposedly, Adam and Eve met, Noah built his boat to avoid the Flood and Abraham almost sacrificed his son, Isaac, on the orders of God.Look out for the mosaic floor (unearthed during excavations, when the foundations were being built) and the educational displays - rooms put aside for geology, archaeology and the history of the Palestinians, with interesting information about Masri’s life and how he came to build the villa.Villa Rotunda in Vicenza, Italy built by Andrea Palladio.Photo by Gunnar Ridderström on Unsplash4. Nablus Market -Olive Oil and KnafehThis traditional bustling market (or ‘shuk’ in Arabic) is a great place to wander, with its narrow alleyways and exotic smells and sights. Called the ‘Khan al Tujjar’ (‘the Sultan’s Market') it’s said to have been constructed in 1569. With its narrow street (no more than three metres wide at any point), the walls are designed in traditional Islamic style - with high arches - and if you look carefully you’ll see Ottoman inscriptions on them.Here you’ll find endless stores selling everything from clothes and shoes to houseware and hardware. Fishmongers, restaurants and trinket stores line the streets and it’s also a wonderful place to pick up sweet treats (including baklava) and spices. Look out for the traditional olive oil soap that’s sold everywhere - it’s wonderful for the complexion. Moreover, prices are competitive and it’s quite acceptable to haggle!Furthermore, Nablus is a green and lush part of the West Bank, which means that there’s a varied choice of fruits and vegetables and many good places to eat. One thing that must be tried is the local olives (either as a snack or buying locally-produced olive oil). There’s also sheep’s cheese, preserved in brine, that tastes a little like halloumi and goes well with bread and other ‘mezze.’ And then, as we mentioned before, there’s knafeh, probably the most well-known food item in Nablus. Basically, this is the aforementioned cheese, stuck between layers of crispy pastry, and then cooked in butter, before the final ingredient - sugar syrup - is poured over it. Neither your dentist nor your waist will thank you for indulging but it’s quite delicious and very ‘more-ish!’ The best place to sample it, we think, is the Al-Aqsa bakery - an institution renowned across the West Bank - where it’s made in huge trays in their open-air factory. Yum!Knafeh dessert.Photo by Mehrshad Rajabi on Unsplash5. Jacob's Well, BalataSituated in the complex of a church, within the grounds of an old Eastern Orthodox monastery, this is a deep well, constructed out of rock, which has been associated with Jacob, in the Bible, for around two thousand years. It is possible to access the well by entering the church and going down the stairs into a crypt. With a narrow opening and made partly of limestone, this is where it can be found, along with a bucket, a tiny winch and some icons and candles. Manuscripts written by Pilgrims show that Jacob’s Well has been within the site of different churches on the same site, at different times. It is alleged to be the place where baptisms took place and also where Jesus had a conversation with a Samaritan woman.6. Tel BalataThe site of Tel Balata is where you will find the remains of an ancient Israelite/Canaanite city. About 2.5 km from the centre of Nablus, it was an important cultural and historical centre in ancient times. The location has many water sources in addition to fertile land and lots of rainfall in the winter.There are several ruins that can still be seen, including the ‘fortress’ (once a temple) on the hill, two large gates, huge city walls and a governor’s palace (which boasted guardrooms, living quarters, a kitchen and even a small private shrine). Olives. Photo by John Cameron on Unsplash7. Joseph's Tomb, BalataJoseph's Tomb is located close to Tel Balata and just north of Jacob's Well, this is believed by some to be the burial place of Joseph, although there is no concrete archaeological evidence to substantiate this. Thousands of years ago it may have been a Samaritan site but after Israel captured the West Bank in 1967, Jews began praying there again. It is housed within an Ottoman-era building marked by a white dome.8. Remains of Sebastiya (Ancient Samaria)Located about 12 kilometres northwest of Nablus, this Palestinian village is home to around 4,500 inhabitants. According to the Hebrew Bible, it was once home to a number of Israelite tribes and today boasts some archaeological sites. Visitors will see a sarcophagus next to the road and there is also a large cemetery of rock-cut tombs in the north of the area. The neighbourhood has small springs and a tiny ruined mill. Most of the villagers are Muslims, with a minority being Greek Christians.A courtyard in Nablus.Photo by nour tayeh on Unsplash9. Mount SartabaThis ancient hilltop fortress was built by the Hasmoneans and from its top, there are stunning views of the Jordan Valley. It is not the easiest site to reach since there is no paved road so it is recommended only for the more experienced hiker. Alternatively, it can be accessed with a four-wheel-drive jeep.10. ShilohAccording to the Hebrew Bible, it was to Shiloh that worshippers flocked before the First Temple was constructed. However, it has a history that predates that - long before the Israelites arrived, dating back to the Middle or Late Bronze Age, it was a walled city complete with a religious shrine. Excavations from the 1920s onwards have unearthed impressive remains, showing that there were inhabitants in Shiloh until at least the 8th century. In the 21st century, the remains of Byzantine churches with lovely mosaic floors were unearthed. The designs are geometric, as well as portraying flora, a cross and three inscriptions.To see the list of Dos and Don’ts when making a visit to the West Bank feel free to read this article.Mount Sabih, Nablus Governorate.Photo by nour tayeh on Unsplash

If you are visiting Israel as a Christian pilgrim, it is no doubt going to be one of the great experiences of your life. Literally, you will be walking in the footsteps of Jesus, treading on the same ground he did, two thousand years ago. This is the part of the globe where he was born and raised, where he recruited his disciples and preached the word of God, where he performed miracles, gained thousands of followers, was arrested and crucified, then rose from the dead and ascended to heaven. Mount of Olives with the Church of all Nations, Jerusalem.Photo credit: © ShutterstockIn this respect, Israel is truly a Holy Land - for it is the land he lived in quite ‘normally’ (for the most part, anyway), amongst the Jews of the day, for his entire life. No wonder, then, it can feel quite surreal, making a trip (as a pilgrim) to this part of the world. This article is here to help you plan your trip to Israel and to answer some of the many questions you might have. These include “What was Israel like in Jesus’ days?” and “Where was Jesus crucified and buried?” It will also give you an idea of the ‘Holy Land map’ of that time, look at Jesus’s life in Galilee and delve into his final journey to Jerusalem.Plan a Trip to Israel in Jesus’ FootstepsThe Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John give us a fair idea of where Jesus spent his days and this has also been confirmed by the excavation of archaeological sites mentioned in the Bible. To help you plan your next trip to Israel, here we want to focus on two specific geographical regions where Jesus lived and preached - the Galilee and the Jerusalem area. Of course, these are just two of the many regions Jesus spent time in Israel but...Of course, there are more than 10 places where Jesus walked in Israel, but we wanted to highlight these two because - in theological terms - they really clarify the message he was preaching at that time. Let’s try and do this by providing you with a chronological timeline of Jesus’ life (including his early and formative years, before he became famous for his teachings).The ancient tombs in the Kidron Valley.Photo credit: © ShutterstockTimeline of Jesus' life.Birth in BethlehemIt is estimated that Jesus Christ was born between 4-6 BC in Bethlehem, which is located just six miles from Jerusalem. The Gospels refer to his birth as occurring at the time of King Herod and this is substantiated by non-Christian accounts by Tacitus and Josephus. Today, Bethlehem is a major pilgrimage center, where it is possible to visit a number of sites connected with this monumental event. The most important of these is the Church of the Nativity, the oldest church in daily use, and an incredibly sacred site for Christians. A visit to the Milk Grotto and Shepherds' Field is also recommended, either independently or as part of a visit with a tour of Bethlehem.Early Years in NazarethJesus spent the first months/years of his life, after his parents Joseph and Mary, fled with him to Egypt, to spare him from certain death warned off by an Angel that appeared to Joseph in a dream - King Herod’s decree had been to slay all baby boys born under the age of 2 in Bethlehem. Historians and theologians are unclear as to how long the family spent in exile; it could have been somewhere between a few months and several years. The family returned home to Nazareth (in northern Israel) after Herod’s death. We do not know too much about Jesus’ childhood and early adolescence there although, since his father was a carpenter, it is possible that he was involved in construction projects (he learned skill and hard work from his father). It is believed he lived there until he was around 30 years old, when he then began traveling around the wider area, including the Galilee, preaching the word of God to locals and urging them to change their ways. Today, Nazareth is a popular place for Christian pilgrims, the most popular site of which is the Basilica of the Annunciation (believed to be the home of Mary and where the Angel Gabriel appeared to her, announcing that she would give birth to the Messiah). On the grounds of the Basilica is the Church of St. Joseph, marking the site thought to be Jesus’ childhood home. Walking the streets of this ancient city and exploring Nazareth churches and other sites, as part of a tour of Nazareth, is a wonderful way to get a sense of all this.Interior of the Church of the Annunciation, Nazareth.Photo credit: © ShutterstockJesus’s Ministry in Galilee and the Miracles he Performed ThereThe years Jesus spent around the shores of the Sea of Galilee (today around 30 minutes drive today from Nazareth) are well known for many reasons. It was here that Jesus preached about God’s love and the Kingdom of Heaven. It was also where he recruited his twelve disciples - fishermen - urging them to put down their nets and follow him. And it was here that he performed a series of miracles which remain famous to this day - walking on water, raising a man from the dead, and multiplying two fishes and five loaves of bread into food sufficient for a crowd of five thousand.Galilee is home to a number of beautiful churches of Jesus' Ministry which no pilgrim should miss seeing. These include the Church of the Multiplication in Tabgha, the Church of the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor, and the Church of Beatitudes - where Jesus gave his famous Sermon on the Mount. It is also home to Yardenit - the famous Baptismal site where it is believed Jesus was baptized by John - and Cana, the village where Jesus notoriously performed the miracle of turning water into wine at the wedding of a poor couple. Taking a Christian Galilee touris an ideal way to see the Christian sites in Galilee, and to get a real feel for the places he preached.Sea of Galilee.Photo credit: © ShutterstockJesus in Jerusalem - From Arrival and Arrest to Crucifixion and ResurrectionJerusalem, arguably, is the most sacred of all cities in Israel for Christians for this is where Jesus was not just killed but buried and then resurrected. Here we look at Jesus’s road to Jerusalem, and the events that took place there, on the Mount of Olives, before his arrest and death, and his walk to Calvary, the point at which he was nailed to a cross and died, several hours later. Palm Sunday - it was on this day that Jesus triumphantly entered the city of Jerusalem, riding on a donkey, as his supporters cheered him, waving palm branches and shouting ‘Hosanna’ to their King. There is a Palm Sunday Procession Tour which one can join each year.Holy Thursday - this day commemorates the Last Supper when Jesus broke bread with his disciples and washed their feet, as a gesture of humility. This is also the occasion on which Jesus was betrayed by his disciple Judas, in the Garden of Gethsemane.Good Friday - this is by far and away the most solemn day of the year for Christians since this is when Jesus took his final walk, along the Via Dolorosa (‘the Way of Sorrows’) before arriving at the site where he would suffer an agonizing death at the hands of the Romans. Church of Multiplication, Tabgha, Israel.Photo credit: © ShutterstockEach Easter in Jerusalem, thousands of pilgrims recreate this solemn procession, following in the footsteps of Jesus, stopping along the way at the various Stations of the Cross (where Jesus paused, to rest briefly). The procession culminates at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, inside which are further stations of the cross. Masses are held at churches across Jerusalem.Easter Sunday - this joyous occasion celebrates the resurrection of Christ and all across Jerusalem, and the Holy Land, sunrise services are held (often after all night Vigils). According to the Gospels, Mary Magdalene, along with some of Jesus' disciples, discovered that the tomb in which his body had been placed was now empty.For Christians, this death followed by resurrection is indicative of new birth and salvation. The Paschal greeting is recited by Priests and Ministers - ‘Christ is Risen” - to which the congregation responds “He is risen indeed, hallelujah.” Visiting Israel during Easteris an unforgettable memory in the life of every Christian.Yardenit baptismal site.Photo credit: © ShutterstockPlaces of Historical and Religious Interest in JerusalemCan you visit the place where Jesus was buried? Unequivocally, the answer is yes. There is more than one site associated with his burial - the first, of course, is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, located in the Christian Quarter of the Old City This has been a major pilgrimage site since the 4th century, and inside its enormous, grandiose interior are several chapels, the Anointing Stone and Calvary, the very spot where Jesus is believed to have been crucified. The church has withstood Byzantines, Crusaders, and Ottomans, and the enormous wooden arched doors are opened each day by a key made of iron, by a family that Saladin entrusted with it after he reclaimed this church from the Crusaders.The second is the Garden Tomb, just outside the City Walls of Jerusalem. It is a rock-cut tomb that was discovered in 1867 and is considered, by some Protestants, to be the spot at which Jesus was buried. The entrance is free but reservations should be made in advance.Many Christians, when visiting Jerusalem, also spend time at the Mount of Olives. Home to several churches, including Pater Noster,Dominus Flevit, the Church of All Nations (Basilica of the Agony), and the Chapel of Ascension - the spot where Jesus ascended into heaven.Pater Noster Church, Jerusalem. Photo credit: © ShutterstockThe Message of JesusFor sure, Jesus’ teachings were extraordinary - by any standards, but particularly by the times of the day - what he preached was radical and counter-cultural. Thousands of people flocked to Galilee and Jerusalem to hear him preach. There, he inspired them and challenged them to shake off old habits and start living different kinds of lives.Unfortunately, Jesus’ message was sufficiently radical to infuriate and antagonize many of the religious leaders of the day. They conspired with some of Jesus’s closest followers (including his disciple Judas) to have him arrested for blasphemy, knowing all too well that the price he would pay would be death. Ultimately, this was the case - Jesus was put on trial, condemned by Pontius Pilate, and executed by crucifixion in around 30 AD. However, his resurrection proved to his supporters that Jesus and his message could not be silenced. According to the Gospels, he rose from the dead and appeared to more than 500 people in the weeks following his resurrection. As is written in the Gospel of St. Luke, he was then carried up into heaven, hidden from view by a cloud. His disciples understood then that he was to be exalted and sit at the right hand of God. Today, the resurrection is a cornerstone of Christian teaching.Garden of the Church Of The Beatitudes, near Sea of Galilee, Israel. Photo credit: © Shutterstock

Hebron is a city in the south of the West Bank, 30 kilometres from Jerusalem. Located in the Judean Hills, it lies 930 metres above sea level. Hebron, in Hebrew, means ‘friend’ or colleague’ (although the original sense of it may have alluded to an alliance) and in Arabic it is called ‘Khalil al-Rahman’ (the name for Abraham, in the Quran, meaning ‘‘beloved of the Merciful’ or ‘Friend of God’. Hebron has enormous significance in the Hebrew Bible, since it was near this city that God entered into a covenantal relationship with Abraham telling him that he would be the ancestor of a multitude of nations.Cave of the Patriarchs, Hebron.Photo by Dan Rosenstein on UnsplashThe History of HebronArchaeologists are of the opinion that Hebron existed as long ago as the Bronze Age and was flourishing in 8 BCE. Excavations at Lachish (the second most important city in Judean times, after Jerusalem) show that Hebron was an important economic center. Under the British Mandate, most of the land around Hebron was owned by waqfs (Islamic charitable trusts) but by the 1920s, around 265 Jews had moved there. In 1929, tensions boiled over and the Jewish quarter was destroyed, and 67 people were murdered. This set the scene for many more years of conflict which, unfortunately, continue until today. In 1994, a Jewish settled by the name of Baruch Goldstein entered one of the city’s most holy sites - the Cave of the Patriarchs / Ibrahim Mosque - during Muslim dawn prayers and shot and killed 29 worshippers. As a result, Jews and Muslims are now restricted to certain areas for prayer, save for 10 days a year in which adherents can enter all parts of this building.Hebron Today - Sites of InterestHebron is timeless and as the holiest ancient city in the West Bank has numerous holy sites which are rich in Jewish heritage and history but also important to Muslims. Today, Hebron is a UNESCO World Heritage, meaning it is an area guaranteed special protection by international convention.Public transport in the area is available but quite limited and due to the ever-changing political situation, the best way to visit this area is definitely with theprivate tours of the West Bank. Let’s look at some of the sites in this area that you might consider visiting, on a trip to this unusual city:British loyalty meeting in Hebron, 3 July 1940. Photo credit:J Matson, Matson Photo ServiceTomb of the Patriarchs (Ma’arat Machpelah) / Ibrahimi MosqueThis is probably the most famous site in Hebron since it is not just sacred both for Jews and Muslims but, in the last century, has been a flashpoint for political controversy and violence. Historically, it was first a church, in Byzantine times, but then turned into a mosque by the conquering Arabs. After the Crusaders arrived, it was turned back into a church and then once the Mamelukes appeared on the scene, it was once more turned back into a mosque.Sacred to Two Peoples -Layout and Design of the Cave / MosqueFor Jews, after Temple Mount in Jerusalem, this is their second most sacred site. It is where the first commercial transaction in the Bible was recorded - that is when Abraham purchased a plot of land, around 3700 years ago, to bury his wife, Sarah. Genesis actually records the price paid to Ephron the Hittite - 400 shekels of silver (which, incidentally, was the full market price). Jews believe that Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Rebecca, and Leah all have their final resting place here, which is why they refer to it as the Cave of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs.For Muslims, it is the Ibrahimi Mosque. Muslims, just like Jews, revere Abraham and his descendants and regard it of great importance to their faith. Muslims also believe that Abraham, along with his son Ishmael, built the Kaaba in Mecca. It goes without saying then that, after the Temple Mount, the Machpelah Cave / Ibrahimi Mosque is the most contentious‎religious site in the Middle East, with both faiths laying claim to it. The building itself is quite magnificent. Around the Herodian structure are huge stone walls and its corners point to the four points of the compass. Inside the Cave of the Patriarchs, Hebron. Photo by Dan Rosenstein on Unsplash Inside, the design is extraordinarily eclectic (probably because the building changed hands so often!) A visitor will see domes, minarets, columns, arches, and corridors from all different periods. The Cave/Mosque contains several cenotaphs (burial tombs and those of Abraham and Sarah are covered with beautiful embroidered green cloth. Nearby is the Shrine of Abraham, where it is said that Abraham left a footprint when he went out of the Garden of Eden.Through a wide door, you enter into the mosque - the stained glass windows, pillars, and vaulted ceiling indicate this was once a Crusader church. The mosaic and marble mihrab (a niche in the wall of the prayer room marking the direction facing Mecca), and the pulpit are carved out of wood walnut wood, brought to Hebron by Saladin.Next to the pulpit is a flight of stone stairs, leading down to the actual Cave of Machpelah. The caves are not normally accessible (due to political tensions and also out of respect for the dead). The other entrance to the actual cave, however, is sealed by a large stone and covered by a prayer mat. This is close to the ‘Seventh Step’ on the outside of the enclosure and is famous for being the spot from beyond which the Mamluks forbade the Jews to venture.The building’s ceiling is decorated with murals dating back to Ottoman, Mamluk, and Crusader times. Today, the Cave/Mosque is strictly divided into Jewish and Muslim areas. Muslims enter close to the northwestern wall and Jews enter via the southwestern wall.Quran, the holy book for Muslims.Photo by Syed Aoun Abbas on UnsplashThe Cave of Othniel Ben KnazOthniel was an ancient Jewish leader and the first Judge of Israel. The cave lies around 200 meters to the west of Beit Hadassah, at the top of a rocky area. The Mishnah (the earliest authoritative body of oral Jewish law) describes the traditional burial practices of the Jews at that time. The cave is today under the control of the Palestinian Authority, but despite this religious Jews come occasionally to worship here. Popular times to make a pilgrimage to this cave include the holidays of Tisha B’av and Lag B’Omer.The Tomb of Abner Ben NerAbner Ben-Ner was the greatest fighter in King Saul’s army and, according to Jewish tradition from the Middle Ages, was buried close to the Cave of Machpelah, which corresponds to the current location of the site. In Samuel II, in the Bible, it says: “And they buried Abner in Hebron and the king raised his voice and wept on Abner’s grave, and all the people wept”. The tomb itself is a stone structure with several rooms all arranged around a courtyard. The gate is designed in Mamluk style.The Tombs of Ruth and JesseRuth and Jesse were the great-grandmother and great-grandfather of King David. This tomb is situated within the ruins of Deir Al Arab’een in the Tel Rumeida section of Hebron. Early references to it come from a student of the Rambam in the 12th century, who records a visit there. In the 1970s the site was excavated by Profession Ben Tzvi Tavger and subsequently re-opened to the public. Next door to the tomb is a small synagogue where visitors come throughout the year. A particularly important festival for them is the festival of Shavuot (in the spring), when it is traditional to read from the Book of Ruth.Ruth 2:1-20 NIV.Photo by Brett Jordan on UnsplashBeit HaShisha and ‘The Six’In May 1980, outside the historic Beit Hadassah building in the Old City of Hebron, six young men were ambushed and killed. Beit Hadassah was founded in 1893, as a result of the work of Rabbi Franco. It was the country’s first Hadassah hospital (the same is now situated in Jerusalem and is world-famous). Twenty years after the murders, a new building was erected in memory of the six men killed and named ‘Beit HaShisha’ which, in Hebrew, means ‘House of the Six.’Tel Hebron and the Admot Ishai-Tel Rumeida NeighborhoodTel Hebron is an ancient archaeological park in Hebron, within a residential neighborhood called Admot Ishai. Archaeologists believe that the Patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and the Matriarchs Sarah, Rebecca, and Leah (all who are buried in the nearby Machpelah Cave) lived here around 4,000 years ago.Between two ancient walls, visitors can see stone stairs dating back thousands of years. Excavations have led archaeologists to speculate that ancient Hebron’s original gate might even be underneath them. This gate is actually mentioned in the Bible’s book of Genesis, when Abraham purchased the area as a burial place for his wife, Sarah. Avraham Avinu SynagogueBuilt in 150 by Hakham Ashkenazi, this structure became the hub of the Jewish community at that time, as well as a center for the learning of Kabbalah (a mystical and esoteric Jewish school of thought). This domed synagogue fell into disuse after the 1929 Hebron Massacre and was destroyed after 1948. After Israel conquered the area in the Six-Day War in 1967, permission was granted for it to be rebuilt, the architect of the project being Rabbi Ben Zion Tavger, and today prayer services are held there every Friday night.Torah Scroll.Photo by Taylor Wilcox on UnsplashBeit HadassahBeit Hadassah was erected in 1893 as a clinic and charitable institute. Thanks to the contributions of North African, Indian, and Iraqui Jews, it flourished and by 1911 it was offering free medical care to local Jews and Arabs alike. In 1929, as a result of the riots in the city, the building was destroyed.The building remained vacant until Passover 1979 when a group of Jews occupied the building and refused to leave until they were granted permission by the State of Israel to make it their permanent home. A year later, after an ambush that left six young men dead, the old Beit Hadassah building was repaired and extended and today it is home to some Jewish families.Beit RomanoBeit Romano was constructed in 1879 by Chaim Romano, a prosperous Turk. It was a symbol of centers outside the ‘ghetto’ of Hebron and served as a guest house. The ‘Istanbul Synagogue’ was subsequently established here. Under the British Mandate, the building was turned into a police station and used to shelter the injured during the Hebron Riots of 1929. Under Jordanian control from 1948-1967, it was used as a school and only in 1980 reclaimed by the Jews. Between 1996-2000, renovations were carried out and another floor was discovered underneath the building. Today it is home to a yeshiva (Jewish study area) and an Israeli Army military camp.The Oak of Sibta (Oak of Abraham,The Oak of Mamre)This ancient tree, according to non-Jewish tradition, is supposed to mark the place where, as recorded in the book of Genesis, Abraham pitched his tent. The Oak of Mamre can be found in the Russian Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity, which owns the land. The oak fell down in 2019 but plans to preserve its trunk and endeavor to encourage a new shoot to grow are underway.Mamluk ArchitectureAll around Hebron are buildings that were constructed during the Mamluk period, between 1250 and 1517 CE. Some of these include the Fountain of Qayt Bay, the Gold Market, and the Bab Al-Asbat Minaret. Mosques of this period include Al-Jawali, Mahkamah, Katib Al-Wilaya, Ibn Marwan, Aybaki and Al-Shamah.The Oak of Mamre in 2008, before collapsing in 2019. Photo credit:Copper Kettle - originally posted to Flickr

Whether you’re a practicing Christian, an amateur historian, a theology student or simply a curious tourist, we think it’s fair to say that there’s nowhere like Israel to spend Christmas. Actually, the fact is that Israel is probably the ultimate place to spend this time of the year, with cultural and religious events held throughout the country, both in the larger centres and smaller towns.Christmas tree in Bethlehem. Photo credit: © ShutterstockNow if you’re coming from North America, or Western Europe, the chances are that you’ll associate Christmas with the date 25th December, the date that many believe commemorates the birth of Jesus. However, in Israel, Christmas is actually celebrated on three different dates - December 25th, January 7th, and January 19th. This, of course, is because different denominations follow different calendars - the Roman Catholic church follows the Gregorian calendar whilst the Armenian Church (in Jerusalem) and the Greek Orthodox Church follow what is known as the Julian calendar. Which Calendar?What does that mean in practice? Well, essentially that Roman Catholics (as well as Anglicans, Episcopalians, and Lutherans, celebrate on December 25th, and actually the Greek Orthodox Church celebrates on this day too. However, according to the Julian calendar, which is about 13 days out of sync with the Gregorian calendar. December 25th actually falls on January 7th!To make things even more complicated, the Armenian Church in Jerusalem celebrates Christmas on January 6th (according to the Julian calendar) which - in real terms - ends up being January 19th according to Gregorian calculations.Surprised Santa. Photo by krakenimages on UnsplashA Unique Experience in a Holy LandOver the years, in practice, Christmas celebrations in Israel have slowly become more aligned with Western celebrations - including the putting up of Christmas trees. Decorations of light and even Christmas markets. However, let us not forget that this is the Holy Land, and prayers, worship, celebrations, and the reciting of beautiful liturgies always take center stage, both in Bethlehem (famous for being the birthplace of Jesus) and many a communal feast!Ultimately, spending Christmas in the Holy Land has to be on many a bucket list and few come away from this kind of experience disappointed. So for those of you lucky to be arriving in a few months (and, sorry, as you know there are no guarantees, thanks to COVID-19), we thought we’d fill you in. It’s been a mad 18 months and having something to look forward to always helps so here’s our complete guide to the hows, wheres, and whys of Christmas events and services all over Israel. Happy Holidays everyone! Christmas in JerusalemThere’s no more atmospheric place to be than Jerusalem at Christmas time. The festival is really quite visible in the streets - with decorations and lights on many corners - more than anywhere else in Israel - which means you can really soak up the atmosphere. Whether you want to wander from church to church in the Old Cityor enjoy something a bit more modern around the Mamilla Mall or the YMCA, you won’t be short of activities to enjoy in a city that combines old with new.There are quite a few Christmas markets, the most popular of which seem to be the one at the New Gate that runs from Saturday to Tuesday in the week before Christmas Day (free entrance). For something more young and fun, head to the Abraham Hostel for their annual party, or walk over to the YMCA which holds a lovely evening each year, complete with carols, musical performances, and sometimes even dancing. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem. Photo credit: © ShutterstockThe Church of the Holy SepulchreWithin the walls of the Old City, the most popular church to visit at this time of year is usually the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Believed to be the site where Jesus was crucified, buried, and resurrected, each year it holds a solemn Midnight Mass and the atmosphere inside the church - lit with hundreds of candles - is nothing short of spectacular.There are also many other places to enjoy liturgy - both in the Christian and Armenian quarters and also at the Church of All Nations and also Dominus Flevit) with its famous and evocative glass window) on the nearby Mount of Olives. For a more detailed look at what to do in this extraordinary city, over December, take a look at our Christmas in Jerusalem article.Christmas in BethlehemAt this time of year, this small town just a few kilometers from Jerusalem comes to life, with Christians, Jews, and Muslims all celebrating together at the city’s central area, aptly named Manger Square. There’s a huge tree lit up for Christmas in Bethlehem, and you’ll no doubt hear carols being sung and have a chance to enjoy performances. Midnight Mass is held at the Church of the Nativity but, because of its popularity, entrance is by ticket only. But fear not - the mass is live screened around the world and you can watch it happening inside the church from a huge screen installed outside, in Manger Square. This really is an astonishing experience, and many visitors enjoy a Christmas Eve in Bethlehem Tour, which includes a festive meal in the area.Church of Shepherd's Field, Bethlehem.Photo credit: © ShutterstockChristmas in Nazareth - Market Stalls and Firework DisplaysNazareth might be a small city in comparison to Jerusalem, but it’s definitely worth a visit at this time of the year. Home to Israel’s largest Christian population, historically it was the place Mary was visited by the Angel Gabriel (announcing to her that she would bear a child) as well as being the place where Jesus spent his childhood. Nazareth is also within a short driving distance of the Sea of Galilee (if you’re in the mood for an outing and want to enjoy pastoral views, the famous baptismal site of Yardenit,and beautiful churches, including those where Jesus performed miracles and gave his famous Sermon on the Mount).Within Nazareth itself, there are beautiful churches to visit, including the Church of the Annunciation and the Church of St. Joseph. The city begins celebrating Christmas in the early part of December, with the lighting of a large Christmas tree in the city center. Trees are put up in many streets and there are also outdoor markets with stalls, where you can enjoy both Christmas and Hanukkah celebrations (Hanukkah is the Jewish festival of lights). On Christmas Eve, which is December 24th, why not join the afternoon parade which proceeds through streets towards the Church of the Annunciation, where you can afterwards enjoy a lovely firework display? Christmas mass is then held inside, at the Basilica, at 7 pm.Inside the Church of Annunciation, Nazareth.Photo credit: © ShutterstockChristmas in Jaffa -Music, Lights, Artwork and MassJaffa, which sits just south of Tel Aviv is another beautiful place where Jews, Christians, and Muslims have lived peacefully side by side for years now. In December, the vibrant Jaffa Flea Market (which is always good if you’re looking for vintage finds, cheap clothes, or just some ‘treasure’) is adorned with Christmas lights. After you’ve wandered the area, you can enjoy a light bite, some traditional hummus, or a local mint tea in one of the many cafes there, before taking a walk down to the historic Jaffa Port.On the way, stop on Yefet Street and admire the huge Christmas tree that stands by the Clock Tower. There are often Hanukkah celebrations at the same time (last year, there were illuminated dreidels - the toys that children spin on this fun Jewish festival). There’s lots of artwork to see and several musical performances, as well as lots of cultural and communal activities. You can attend Midnight Mass and other Christmas services at one of the Catholic and Protestant churches around the city:St. Peter's Church - this Franciscan church in the historical part of Jaffa is where St. Peter performed numerous miracles and, perched at the top of a hill, has been a Christian center for thousands of years.Immanuel Church - built in 1904, to accommodate the area’s German Evangelical community, this Lutheran church is always happy to greet new faces and stands on the foundation of Judaism and the Jewish People.St. Nicholas’s Monastery at the Jaffa Port - built in 1 CE, and today hosting an Armenian church, this is one of the oldest structures in Jaffa and Napoleon even visited his soldiers here in 1799!St. Anthony's Church - opened in 1932 and named after the monk Franciscan Mafdobe, a Franciscan patron, this church is very popular with Catholics. It offers beautiful interiors and a serene atmosphere. At its front, there is a unique clock.And just to make it clear, the doors of all of these churches are open for everyone - so whether you’re a local or tourist, a Christian, Muslim, or Jew you’re are welcome to pop in and experience some traditional Jaffa hospitality!Old City of Jaffa, Israel.Photo credit: © ShutterstockChristmas in Haifa - The ‘Holiday of Holidays’Haifa is one of the few cities in Israel where Arabs and Jews actually live side by side, in relative harmony (and we say ‘Hallelujah’ to that!) A real Mediterranean city, situated on a hill and offering picturesque views of the surrounding Mount Carmel, it’s a wonderful place to walk around, with lovely architecture, small stores, and the famous Bahai Gardens.If you’re here in December, start with a walk around the traditional Wadi Nisnas neighborhood (a traditional and somewhat mixed area of Arabs and Jews). ‘Nisnas’ in Arabic means ‘mongoose’ and is a maze of old streets and alleyways, filled with small stores, bakeries, and artisan workshops.From there, you can head off into the German Colony, an area that has been beautifully restored in the last two decades. Look out for the famous Templar houses, built in the 1860’s - they have distinctive roofs - and stop for a coffee in one of the many bars and restaurants that line the main street.In the weeks before Christmas, Haifa loves to enjoy the 'Holiday of Holidays' with a series of events that mix up Christmas, Hanukkah, and Eid-al Adha! These include arts and crafts for kids, an antique fair, food prepared by the locals in Wadi Nisnas, music by local artists, and even a circus. And, naturally, there’s also a beautifully lit tree.Christmas tree.Photo by Kieran White on UnsplashTogether, this ‘Holiday of Holidays’ represents a marvelous idea - that of coexistence. It’s all about a group of residents that live together harmoniously, each showing respect for the other’s religious and cultural values, and understanding that their lives and destinies are truly interwoven. It represents all that is good in Haifa.You may also want to visit the Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery in Haifa and participate in carol singing and Midnight Mass or Christmas morning mass. It is a beautiful and historic church, dating back to Crusader times and actually associated with the prophet Elijah.So wherever you end up traveling in Israel over this special time of year, drink in the atmosphere, enjoy the lights, music, and festivities, and happy holidays to you!

After the holiday of Easter in Israel, which for Christians is the most important festival in their calendar, Christmas is an incredibly popular time to visit Jerusalem. With dozens of churches in the Old City, near to the Old City and in the neighbourhood of Ein Kerem, there’s no shortage of places to spend this special time of year. And let’s not forget that - located just six kilometres from this holy city - is Bethlehem. Without a doubt, it’s an unforgettable place to celebrate the Christmas holidays.Nativity scene. Photo by Ben White on UnsplashFor sure, Christmas in Jerusalem is a truly unique time of year. Whilst it can be chilly (don’t forget to bring some warm clothes, since it is high in the hills) it’s Old City's Christian and Armenian quarters are filled with beautiful decorations and have a truly festive atmosphere. Other landmarks in the newer part of the city, such as the YMCA, are also fine places to visit since they hold carol concerts and services.And for a little luxury, you can always pop across the way to the elegant King David hotel for a drink at their elegant bar, or a meal in their famed fine-dining restaurant. Nevertheless, most pilgrims tend to congregate inside the walls of the Old City, so let’s take a look at what goes on there.Old City CelebrationsOn Christmas Eve, many Christian pilgrims follow in the footsteps of Jesus, from the spot at which he was tried to the site of his crucifixion and burial (Calvary), located at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. If you are within the walls, you will see them walking the Via Dolorosa in the Old City of Jerusalem and whilst this is something often associated with Easter in Jerusalem (and Good Friday services), it is still very moving procession to watch.Midnight Mass is always held at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the most sacred site for millions of Christians around the world. Dedicated in 336 CE, its lavish interior and extraordinary ambience make it a unique place to attend services. Whether of an Orthodox denomination - Greek, Coptic, Armenian & Syriac - or Roman Catholic - there will be chapels open for prayer and you will be astonished at a large number of candles lit there, only adding to the atmosphere.Christmas tree. Photo by Joanna Kosinska on UnsplashMidnight Mass and the Annual Procession to BethlehemAfter Midnight Mass at the Holy Sepulchre, many pilgrims decide to participate in the Procession led by the Latin Patriarch, which winds its way through Jerusalem’s Old City. Latin Patriarchs are the Catholic episcopal see of Jerusalem and stretch back to the time of Arnulf of Chocques in 1099. After a period of time where they sat in Rome, Pius IX reinstated a Resident Patriarch in Jerusalem in 1847.The procession passes by the Mar Elias Monastery, located in the south of Jerusalem and overlooking Herodion and Bethlehem. Maintained today by the Greek Orthodox church, it is decorated with Byzantine-style paintings depicting biblical scenes and worth a visit in its own right. The procession finally arrives in Bethlehem at around 1 am, passing by Palestinian scouts marching bands parading through Manger Square, bagpipe players, choirs that are carol-singing and an enormous Christmas tree. Pilgrims finally arrive at the Church of Nativity, the spot where Jesus was born in a stable.A fine way to mark this special holiday could also be with a ‘Christmas Eve in Jerusalem and Bethlehem’ tour that culminates with a festive dinner and midnight mass outside the Church of Nativity. Not only will you be able to see landmarks in the city, but you will also eat with your group, close to Manger Square, before partaking in the Midnight Mass.Christmas tree in Bethlehem. Photo credit: © ShutterstockAlternative Services in JerusalemFor those who are less inclined to travel on foot to Bethlehem, there are a number of services at other churches in the city. At midnight, you could attend the Benedectine Dormition Abbey on Mount Zion and sing Christmas carols. Located at the highest point in Jerusalem, it commemorates the spot where Mary died (‘fell asleep’ as the name suggests). Look out for the dome above the statue of Mary - it shows pictures of six women from the Old Testament - Eve, Miriam, Yael, Judith, Ruth and Esther.For protestants, the Christ Church offers fantastic hospitality, beginning around 7 pm with coffee, biscuits and carol singing. After prayer and discussion, there is a Christmas service that begins at around 10.30 pm and lasts until after midnight. The Episcopal St. Anne’s Church, just 200 metres from the Jaffa Gate, also offers services and a popular concert, which tourists love. The Armenian Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Spasm (also known as the Church of Sorrows of Mary) also welcomes visitors.Dormition Abbey, Mount Zion, Jerusalem. Photo credit: © Sofia EmeliyanovaNotre Dame Centre and the YMCAAnother highly recommended spot to celebrate Christmas in Jerusalem is the Notre Dame Centre. This beautiful French cathedral is located opposite the Lions' Gate and was built in the 1880s, to accommodate pilgrims wanting to travel from France to the Holy Land. Constructed on land purchased by the Count of Piellat, its architecture is a fusion of classical and modern - and after decades of construction, a beautiful nave was put in place. (Our tip: arrive early and visit their lovely rooftop restaurant, to enjoy a glass of wine and a cheese plate whilst watching the sunset over the Old City walls).The annual Christmas Eve concert and singalong at Jerusalem’s famous YMCA is always a lovely (and multicultural!) affair, including classical music as well as Christmas carols. Built in 1933 by the American architect Arthur Harmon (who actually designed the Empire State Building) it runs educational and cultural programmes throughout the year and its Youth Choir and tree-lighting ceremony are always a lovely thing to see. (Indeed, even at the height of the COVID pandemic, virtual services took place with a rendition of Ava Maria by the famed Israeli singer Achinoam Nini, as well as songs from the Nutcracker Ballet (accompanied by the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra).Christmas-inspired concerts can also be heard at the Lutheran Church of Augusta Victoria. Located in the east of the city, on the northern side of the Mount of Olives, it was built at the turn of the century for the city’s German Protestant community who lived, at that time, in Ottoman Palestine.Church of the Holy Sepulchre.Photo credit: © ShutterstockThe Garden Tomb and Ein KeremThe Garden Tomb (always particularly popular with Protestants) is not the first place you might think of visiting in Jerusalem, at this time of the year, but it’s not just a spot of worship for Easter. Located close to the Damascus Gate and believed by some to be the site where Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected, every year they hold an evening of Christmas carols that are sung in English, Hebrew and Arabic! Finally, for those who care to venture out to Ein Kerem (which means ’Spring of the Vineyard’ in Hebrew) is a charming, lush hillside village, located in the southwest area of the city and famous for its ancient holy sites. These include the Church of the Visitation and the Church of John the Baptist.Christ Church Courtyard in the Old City of Jerusalem.Photo credit: © Dmitry Mishin

Easter is, by far and away, the most important festival in the Christian calendar, celebrating the events surrounding the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Being able to spend Easter in Israel is an incredible experience for any visitor, let alone a pilgrim. For Christians, a trip to the Holy Land has no equal, and being able to make a pilgrimage here, particularly at the time of Easter, where Christ’s last days on earth took place, is always very moving and emotional.Easter eggs. Photo by Michal Balog on UnsplashThe actual dates of Easter are not ‘fixed’ (as is the case with Christmas) and the week itself, beginning with Palm Sunday and ending exactly a week later on Easter Sunday, are based on the lunisolar calendar (which is the solar year plus the Moon phase - actually similar to the Hebrew calendar).Whilst the ‘central events’ of the week take place in Jerusalem, both on the Mount of Olives and the Old City, there are many ceremonies that take place across the country, in Haifa, Nazareth, and Jaffa, which are very interesting to watch, as well as participate in. Let's take a closer look at some of the events taking place in these cities to commemorate the last days of Jesus’s life, followed by the jubilant celebrations marking his resurrection. Easter in JerusalemEaster in the Holy Land is a time like no other, and no more so than in Jerusalem, the capital of the Holy Land. In the days preceding Palm Sunday, Jerusalem begins filling up with tourists arriving with Christian tours of Israel, many of whom will not just be witnessing the events but taking part in them personally (having obtained tickets for the Palm Sunday Procession Tour). Easter Sunday in 2022 falls on 17th April, but special services will commence and continue the entire week, commencing on Palm Sunday, on 10th April culminating on Easter Monday on 18th April. If you do decide to attend these celebrations, be prepared for large crowds and a fair bit of pushing and shoving in the Old City, as spectators jostle for the best places to see the view of the processions. Of course, it’s worth it - it’s a moving and often overwhelming experience to be in the city - and walking the Via Dolorosa (the ‘Way of Sorrows’) - where Jesus took his final steps.From Palm Sunday (commemorating the moment Jesus rode into Jerusalem, riding on a donkey), Maundy Thursday (where you can see Priests and Ministers washing the feet of their parishioners, emulating Jesus washing the feet of his disciples) to Good Friday (a solemn experience, to say the least), Holy Saturday (with the extraordinary spectacle of the ceremony of the Holy Fire in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre) and the jubilation that accompanies Easter Sunday (with pilgrims crying out ‘Christ is Risen), this will be a week you will never forget. For more of an in-depth look at what happens in Jerusalem at this time, take a look at our article ‘Easter in Jerusalem.’Via Dolorosa, Jerusalem.Photo credit: © ShutterstockEaster in Tel Aviv-JaffaThere are several churches - both Protestant and Catholic - in Jaffa, (which sits next to Tel Aviv) and events celebrating Easter week are held throughout the week at Tel Aviv’s largest Catholic and Protestant Churches, based in Jaffa in the South of the city.St. Peter’s Church - there are services held in English, Polish, Spanish, and Hebrew on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil, and Easter Sunday. This is a Franciscan church that sits at the top of the Jaffa hill (which has served as a strategic point for thousands of years). The church is large and beautiful, built at the beginning of the 20th century in baroque style. According to historians, Napoleon stayed here during his 1799 campaign. The church faces towards the Mediterranean Sea and on the walls are paintings depicting the fourteen Stations of the Cross that Jesus trod, en route to Calvary on the day of his crucifixion. St Anthony’s Church - this Franciscan Catholic church, located on Yefet Street, is built in a Gothic revival style and is noticeable because of its bell tower. Built in 1932, it is Jaffa's largest church and has an active community. Easter Services are held in English, Arabic, and Philippine throughout the week. St. Anthony's overlooks the harbor and many of its nuns, in the past, worked in the nearby French hospital. Today, the church is popular with migrant workers, especially those from Asia, and the priest is said to be very welcoming.The Immanuel Church in Jaffa is of the Protestant denomination. It was built in 1904 to serve the local German Evangelical community but after 1940 it remained empty, until 1955 when the building was transferred to the control of the Norweigan Church Ministry. Today, it is popular with different Protestant groups but also used by Messianic Jews. Over Easter, services and concerts are held continuously - for more specific information, check their Facebook page.St. Peter’s Church, Jaffa. Photo by Jeremy Zero on UnsplashEaster in NazarethNazareth holds a special place in the hearts of Christians since it was the city where Jesus spent much of his childhood. There is a number ofNazareth churches, all of which celebrate Easter in their own style.The Basilica of the Annunciation - According to Catholic tradition, this was the spot at which the Angel Gabriel appeared before Mary and announced that she would bear a child (i.e. Jesus). Built in 1958, over the remains of what were once Byzantine and Crusader houses of worship, today, it is the largest Catholic church in the Middle East. Inside, there are beautiful mosaics of Jesus and Mary, located in the portico, as well as a spiral staircase at the top of which is a beautiful Dome.Over Holy Week, a number of services are held including mass, reconciliation, and solemn prayer, as well as an Easter Vigil and sunrise service. When the church is at capacity, it is even possible to follow on live stream!Interior of the Church of the Annunciation, Nazareth.Photo credit: © ShutterstockSt. Gabriel’s Church - Also known as the Greek Orthodox Church of Annunciation, it is of Eastern Orthodox origin and is located in downtown Nazareth and is the largest Christian church in the East. Built in a modern style, Inside it boasts beautiful stained glass murals and lovely murals. Its old stone steps lead down to a beautiful spring. Holy Week is celebrated at St. Gabriel’s with prayers, homilies, services, and a Vigil.In Nazareth, visitors can walk through the city’s alleyways on Palm Sunday, accompanying the local residents and many other devout Christians in a procession. What is very nice is the special musical compositions that are played at this time. Easter week in this northern Israel city is a good example of how Easter is celebrated as a colorful grassroots religious festival.Easter in HaifaHaifa is actually home to a number of Christian communities and any visitor spending time there over Easter will be able to enjoy the traditional procession there, where locals and pilgrims walk through the streets, waving palm leaves and passing by the city’s churches. The annual procession begins at the St. Elias Greek Orthodox Church. This Melkite Cathedral was designed by architect Sammihom Atallah and built between 1938 and 1939. It then continues onto St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, administered by the Carmelites, and members of this congregation join the procession at this point. It then passes by the Latin Church (looked after by three Carmelite friars), moves onto the St. Luke Maronite Church, and concludes at the New Orthodox Church.Haifa aerial view.Photo by Shai Pal on UnsplashEaster in BethlehemBethlehem is a special place for Christians, being the birthplace of Jesus. Holy Week there, as everywhere else, begins on Palm Sunday and ends on Easter Sunday, during which quite a number of church services and religious processions are held. The three most special days before Easter Sunday are Maundy Thursday (when Jesus practiced humility by washing the feet of his disciples). Good Friday (the date Jesus walked to his death, through the Old City, to Calvary (Golgotha) where he was crucified, and also Holy Saturday (known locally as Sabt El Nour). Then, religious communities are given candles lit by a ‘Holy Light’ which has traveled all the way from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.During the Roman Catholic Holy Saturday, crowds gather in Bethlehem at the entrance to Star Street to welcome the large procession, which moves down to the Catholic Church of the Annunciation (also known as Al Bishara). Moreover, at the time of the Greek Orthodox Easter (which can be up to a week or so later), you will always see crowds standing at the city square in Beit Sahour and at Al Sahel Street in Beit Jala, ready to welcome the procession arriving from Jerusalem. As day turns to night, an Easter Vigil will begin and will continue for many hours. The following day, of course, is Easter Sunday and is marked at every Church in Bethlehem, including the Nativity Church and the Church of St. Catherine with sunrise services and enormous celebrations. To explore Bethlehem it is recommended to join one of numerous Bethlehem tours.Church of Saint Catherine, Bethlehem.Photo credit: © Shutterstock

For Christians, there is no doubt that Easter is the most spiritual holiday in their religious calendar - yes, it even trumps Christmas in the sacred stakes! Why? Because this is the time of the year that the crucifixion, burial and resurrection of Jesus, the son of God, is commemorated and celebrated. They last for a period of time known as ‘Holy Week’ commemorating the events before and after the crucifixion.Easter celebration.Photo by freestocks on UnsplashIn late March or early April each year (depending on the calendar), thousands of pilgrims from all denominations descend upon Jerusalem for a period like no other. Taking place within the walls of the Old City, and at the Garden Tomb (which is open for visits throughout Holy Week (8:30 am to 12 noon and 2 pm to 5:30 pm) they recreate scenes from the last week of Jesus’s life, culminating in a solemn procession on Good Friday and a great celebration on Easter Sunday. Let’s take a look at how the week unfolds and some of the rituals the make Easter in Jerusalem so special and moving for Christians…Palm SundayPalm Sunday always falls one week before Easter. It is the first day of’ ‘Holy Week’ and is a festival that commemorates Jesus’ triumphant entrance into Jerusalem. According to all of the Gospels, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey and was greeted by his followers who all waved palm branches to celebrate. Historically, the palm branch may have been a symbol of victory and triumph and the donkey seen as an animal of peace (not war, as would have been a horse).Today, in the Old City, pilgrims recreate this scene as part of the Jerusalem Palm Sunday Procession Tour Beginning at the Mount of Olives, descending into the Kidron Valley and Gethsemane Garden, pilgrims walk solemnly through the Lions' gate and into the Old City. They proceed along the Via Dolorosa where Jesus walked his last steps before arriving at the cross. All along you hear cries of ‘Hosanna’ from the crowds. The procession is led by leaders of the Catholic Patriarchate (in brown robes), the Latin Patriarch (in purple robes) and the Greek Archbishop (in black robes). All along the way, the route is lined with Christian pilgrims (both local and those who have travelled from across the world) reciting blessings and singing songs. It is a very colourful and interesting ceremony, which culminates at St. Anne’s Church.Palm Sunday Procession. Photo by Brady Leavell on UnsplashMaundy ThursdayMaundy Thursday is also known as Holy Thursday and its name derives from the Latin ‘mandatum’ which means ‘command’. This ties up with Jesus’ commandment to his disciples “Love one another, as I have loved you.” This day, in essence, commemorates three major events:1. It is the day Jesus and his disciples sat down to eat the Last Supper. During this meal, Jesus took bread and wine and shared them with everyone at the table. Today, Christians around the world of all denominations continue to use bread and wine in their services of worship (such as the Eucharist and Mass). 2. Furthermore, on Holy Thursday, according to the Gospel of John, Jesus washed the feet of his apostles. This act has different meanings - to show that as an important person, Jesus practised humility and love to others. Some Christians also regard it as a way of seeking reconciliation with someone before taking communion. Today, there is a traditional Washing of the Feet ceremony carried out in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.3. Finally, this is the day in which Jesus was betrayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, after being betrayed by Judas. This was, for sure, a pivotal moment in Christianity.Today. In Jerusalem, pilgrims celebrate Maundy Thursday at the Room of the Last Supper (the Upper Room), located on Mount Zion. Some even hold an all-night vigil there, remembering Jesus’ hours in Gethsemane. In terms of the churches themselves, a Pontifical Mass (Supper of the Lord and Mass of the Chrism) is held at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre early in the morning. In the afternoon, in and around the Old City, there are pilgrimages from one church to another followed by services of the Washing of the Feet. Typically, the route of procession passes by the Church of All Nations, through the Lions' Gate, into the Old City and along the Via Dolorosa. All along the way, pilgrims sing songs in a number of languages and pray. Room of the Last Supper. Photo credit: © ShutterstockGood FridayGood Friday (also known as Holy Friday and Great Friday) is a very solemn - and incredibly important - day in the Christian calendar, marking the death of Jesus by crucifixion at Calvary (Golgotha). Many members of the various Christian denominations attend church services, abstain from eating meat and even fast. In the Roman Catholic, Lutheran and Anglican tradition, there is a service held between 12 and 3 pm, called ‘The Three Hour’s Agony’ (alluding to the hours Jesus was on the cross).In Jerusalem, each year, thousands of pilgrims descend on the Old City early in the morning, either to be part of the procession itself (tickets are numbered, limited and much sought after) or to pack the streets for a view. The procession itself is a recreation of the route Christ took, retracing his final steps on his way to the cross.The procession begins at the Mount of Olives, entering through the city walls and tracing its way along what is known as the Via Dolorosa (in Latin, ‘The Path of Sorrows’). Known as ‘the Way of the Cross’ it begins at 11.30 am at Station.1. The Stations of the Cross (14 in all, 8 en route and 6 in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre) refer to various images relating to Christ’s journey and his suffering as he walked this path.Mount of Olives. Photo credit: © ShutterstockIn the Old City, many pilgrims carry wooden crosses, sing hymns as they walk and often stop to recite prayers at each station. This is to symbolically offer ‘reparations’ for the insults and suffering that Jesus had to endure on his last journey which is estimated to have lasted 1.5 km (from Gethsemane to Calvary). The atmosphere is solemn and charged - many Christians, afterwards, describe it as one of the most moving moments of their lives. At the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the service is broken down into several parts: the Liturgy of the Word (carried out in silence). The Great Intercessions, the Adoration of the Cross, Communion (or Mass). Within this time, the liturgy will also include readings of the Gospel Passion narrative. After the ‘Three Hour’s Agony’ service - between 12 midday and 3 pm - vespers are read, to commemorate the time Christ’s body was taken down from the cross.Traditionally, on Good Friday, many Christians in Jerusalem will not eat meat or even fast entirely (to show their sorrow), will not perform any work, including washing clothes, breaking ground or playing with children. Since сhurches of the Old City of Jerusalem are open for the entire day, some pilgrims will spend much of the evening or night in contemplative prayer.A pilgrim in Via Dolorosa. Photo credit: © ShutterstockHoly SaturdayFor Orthodox communities, this day is known as Holy Saturday (‘Saturday of Light’) and each year in Jerusalem, it is commemorated with a ceremony named the Holy Fire Ceremony. This is held in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre - it is a popular ritual that is well attended by Christians from across the denominations.According to Orthodox tradition, at this time a blue light emanates from the tomb of Jesus and rises up from the marble slab (upon which his body was placed for burial). It is believed that the light forms a column of fire and, as a result, candles can be lit from it, both for the clergy and pilgrims in attendance. It is also thought that this ‘Holy Fire’ will not burn them and can be used to spontaneously light other candles and lamps in the church.In the darkness, the Patriarch kneels in front of the stone, and the crowd waits anxiously. When he emerges, with two candles lit, his audience breaks into applause and cheers with joy. The dome of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.Photo credit: © ShutterstockEaster SundayThe final day of the Holy Week culminates in enormous celebrations - commemorating the day that Christ rose from the dead. In Jerusalem, celebrations begin early - at 7 am - with the entry of the Latin Patriarch into the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. An hour later, the Mass of Resurrection is held and this includes a procession around the Rotunda. The service begins in darkness and one by one candles are lit. The Priest will state ‘ Christ is risen’ and the congregation will respond "He is risen indeed". All heads of the various Churches in Jerusalem will wear their brightest robes, in celebration, and bells will peal out. People pray individually and collectively. Protestants celebrate with an Easter sunrise service at the Garden Tomb.The week following Holy Week the Orthodox Christians (including Armenian, Coptic, Ethiopian, Syrian and Russian Orthodox) celebrate Easter with similar ceremonies and services. Without a doubt, if you are thinking of making a trip to Israel, a visit at this time of the year is highly encouraged. Springtime is beautiful in the Mediterranean and, combined with the rituals enacted in this special week, you will have the opportunity to witness something quite unique in Jerusalem - something that is sure to stay with you for the rest of your life.The best wat to visitholy Christian sites in Jerusalemis to join one ofChristian Day Tours.Inside the Church of Holy Sepulchre.Photo credit: © Shutterstock

For lovers of Jewish history, religion and culture, you could spend a lifetime exploring the endless sights that Israel offers - all over the country are dotted fascinating spots at which Jewish pilgrims come to worship. Whether tombs, synagogues or villages, they can really evoke the spirit of centuries ago, long before anyone even dreamed there might one day be a State of Israel. Below, we look at a some of the main Jewish holy sites in Israel:City of David Excavations, Jerusalem. Photo credit: © ShutterstockHoly Jewish Sites in JerusalemKing David’s Tomb -Considered to be one of the holiest sites in Israel, this tomb is located opposite the Old City’s Zion Gate and is considered to be the burial place of King David. Above it is the Room of the Last Supper, (sacred to Christians) and a roof complex with a minaret and observation point over Jerusalem.Temple Mount - For Jews, this incredibly holy site is the place at which Abraham is supposed to have been ready to sacrifice his son, Isaac, at God’s request. It is also the place where both ancient temples (built by Solomon and Herod) once stood.Mount of Olives Jewish Cemetery- Over 500 years old, this is the oldest and most important cemetery in Jerusalem. It contains anywhere between 70,000 and 140,000 tombs and many notable rabbis are buried there. The tombs of the Prophets Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi are also on the Mount of Olivesand have been venerated by Jews since medieval times.Mount of Olives Jewish Cemetery, Jerusalem.Photo credit: © Dan PorgesWestern Wall -Probably the most sacred site for Jews, the Western Wall (aka the Kotel) is the last remaining structure from King Herod’s Second Temple. Jews come from around the world here to pray and place notes between the cracks in the wall. Even for those with no religious faith, it is a moving and emotional experience to stand at this spot.Foundation Stone - This rock, at the center of theDome of the Rock, where Mount Moriah (the highest point in early Jerusalem’s proximity to the City of David) once stood, is considered to be the place that the world began. Jews all around the globe pray in its direction.Cave of the Ramban - Nestled in the Upper Kidron Valley, this is believed to be the tomb of the notable scholar from medieval times, Nachmanides (aka The Ramban).Tomb of Simeon the Just - A Jewish High Priest at the time of the Second Temple, this is considered to be his grave and today the tomb is a pilgrimage site for Jewish worshippers, particularly those who bring their 3-year old sons here to give them their first haircut (a ritual known as ‘upsherin’).King David’s Tomb, Jerusalem.Photo credit: © ShutterstockHoly Jewish Sites in Central IsraelTomb of Rabban Gamaliel of Yavne - Rabbi Gamaliel was the first person to lead the Sanhedrin (an assembly of Rabbis, formed after the destruction of the Second Temple). According to Jewish tradition, his greatest achievement was putting an end to the disputes between the philosophical schools of Hillel and Shamai. (Even so, according to tradition, a voice from heaven was heard in, stating that although both views had merit, Hillel’s carried more authority).Tomb of Benjamin, Kfar Saba -Benjamin was the youngest (and much loved) son of the biblical patriarch Jacob and his wife Rachel. His tomb, located in Kfar Saba, called Kever Binyamin in Hebrew, is covered by a small building with a domed roof. Over the tomb entrance is an image of a goblet, harking back to the biblical story of how his brother Joseph placed a goblet in Benjamin’s luggage, in order to bring charges of spying against him.Western Wall, Jerusalem. Photo credit: © ShutterstockHoly Jewish Sites in Northern IsraelHatzor HaGlilit -Close to Safed, this village is home to the tomb of Honi the Circle-Maker, and next to it are the two graves of his grandsons. According to tradition, Honi had the power, through prayer, to make rainfall, and today many Hassidic pilgrims worship here.Mount Meron - Located in the Upper Galilee, Mount Meron (and the village of the same name) is where the burial tomb of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai can be found. Each year, on the Jewish holiday of Lag B’Omer, tens of thousands of ultra-orthodox Jews visit the mount as part of a pilgrimage. Kfar Hananya - This village is named after one by the same name mentioned in the Mishnah (a Jewish holy book) and supposedly home to the burial site of Rabbi Hananya ben Akshaya, who lived hundreds of years ago. Mount Betarim - According to Jewish tradition, this is one of the peaks of Mount Dov and the site at which Abraham entered into a covenantal relationship with God.Mount Meron, Upper Galilee, Israel. Photo credit: © ShutterstockPeki'in - In this village, legend has it that two stones in its synagogue were taken from the walls of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. Pilgrims also believe that the synagogue was built on the site where Rabbi Joshua ben Hananya taught before the Bar Kokhba War.Safed -A historic center for Kabbalah (an esoteric Jewish train of philosophy) Safed became a holy city after the expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492 who flocked here. Moreover, according to Jewish philosophy, the town was founded by one of Noah’s sons, after the biblical flood. Many Jewish leaders are buried in its cemetery.Tomb of Nachman Chatufa at Kfar Baram - Nachman Chatufa was the son of Rabbi Pinchas and, according to legend, began speaking as a newborn about the Torah. At the age of 12, the boy began revealing prophecies of the future that were once recorded in the book Nevuat Ha Yeled, in Aramaic (the vernacular at that time). He died shortly afterward and was buried in Baram, a village now close to the border with Lebanon.Tomb of Prophet Ovadiah -Baram is also home to the grave of the prophet Ovadya (Obadiah). In the Bible, it is said that he hid 100 prophets in caves, from the wicked King of the day. Obadiah is also famous for acting as the intermediary in an important meeting between King Ahab and Eliyahu.The city of Safed. View from above.Photo credit: © ShutterstockTiberias - Tiberias has great significance in Judaism, being one of the four holy cities (along with Jerusalem, Safed, and Hebron). Located on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, it is known as the place where the Jerusalem Talmud was composed. It was founded around 20 CE by the son of Herod the Great and according to Jewish tradition was built on the site of the ancient Israelite village named Rakat. Tiberias was also home to Masoretes (Jewish scribes, who lived in the area between 5th and 10th CE). Today, Tiberias retains its status as a holy city not just because of the above but also because of the large number of rabbis who established the city as a center for Jewish learning in the 18th and 19th centuries.Tomb of Maimonides- This is the burial spot of the renowned scholar and philosopher Rabbi Moses Maimonides, known by the acronym Rambam. He lived in Spain and Egypt and died 800 years ago, at which time his body was brought to Tiberias. He was a world-famous sage and scholar who organized, codified, and analyzed many ancient Jewish religious and ritual laws. Today, it is a place where thousands come to pray and show respect to a man who is considered to be the greatest rabbi, philosopher, and doctor of his time.Tomb of the Matriarchs -The Tomb of the Matriarchs in Tiberias is also a place where many come to pray, particularly religious women who visit in order to receive blessings for their fertility and to ask for safety for their husband if he is away. The matriarchs are considered to be Yocheved (Moses’s mother), Zipporah (Mose’s wife), Elisheva (Nachson’s wife), Bilhah (Rachel’s maid), and Avigal (the wife of David).At the Ancient Synagogues in the Old City of Safed, Israel. Photo credit: © ShutterstockSynagogues in IsraelBeit Alpha Synagogue - Located in the Gilboa region, this 6th-century settlement (of which the Beth Alpha synagogue was a part) survived into Islamic times. Today it is part of a national park. Discovered in 1928, by kibbutz members, excavations show that it once stood on two floors, containing a courtyard, vestibule, and prayer hall. The Torah Ark (from which Jews prayed) was facing southwest, towards Jerusalem. The floor mosaics are intricate and beautiful, depicting the Binding of Isaac (from Genesis) a Zodiac Wheel, and a synagogue scene. Above the synagogue door are inscriptions both in Aramaic and Greek. Flanking the inscriptions are a lion and a buffalo, representing the synagogue’s ‘guardians. Korazim Synagogue- Korazim was a town in Galilee that continued to prosper after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE. It is home to a particularly beautiful synagogue, constructed of black basalt and intricately carved columns. The synagogue also boasts a number of Jewish symbols, inscriptions both in Hebrew and Aramaic, and some beautiful carvings. An interesting find made there was a stone seat, inscribed in Aramaic, and today referred to as the ‘Chair of Moses.’ The building itself is believed to have been built between the late 3rd and early 4th century, but then destroyed and rebuilt in the 5th century.Kfar Baram Synagogue - Meaning ‘Son of the People’ in Hebrew and dating back to the 3rd century, this is one of Israel’s oldest synagogues. Located in the north of the country, close to the Lebanon border, it was built out of basalt stone. One unusual inside feature is a portico containing six columns and inside is a sculpture depicting two stone lions (similar to the lions at Chorazin). The front entrance has three doorways, facing Jerusalem. The Ashkenazi HaAri Synagogue, in the Jewish quarter, in Safed (Tzfat), Israel.Photo credit: © ShutterstockAnim Synagogue - Half an hour’s drive from Arad in the Negev desert, this ancient Jewish village once housed a synagogue. Anim was used as a house of prayer between the 4th and 7th centuries. It was discovered during an excavation in 1987 - remains include a prayer hall (facing Jerusalem) a portico and a courtyard. Underneath the stone flooring, evidence of a mosaic was found (it is possible to see small parts of an inscription that remain).Arbel Synagogue- Located on Mount Arbel, near the Sea of Galilee, this synagogue stands in the middle of the remains of an ancient village. Archaeologists agree that it was built in the 4th century and used for several hundred years afterward. Its door, which still stands, is carved out of limestone. There are carvings of medallions and decorative floral motifs and inside sat carved benches and Corinthian columns. It is possible that the synagogue was destroyed in the catastrophic earthquake of 749 CE in Galilee.Hammat Tiberias Synagogue-The extraordinary stone floor of this 4th century Galilee building includes geometric patterns, lions, classic Jewish symbols (including a Menorah lamp, Shofar, and a wonderful Zodiac motif, in the middle of which is Helios, the Sun God).Hurvat Amudim Synagogue -One of the largest synagogues in Galilee, this house was built at the beginning of the 4th century and contains two rows of columns and an inscription in Aramaic.Katzrin Synagogue, Northern Israel.Photo credit: © ShutterstockKafr 'InanSynagogue -East of Acre, in Israel’s north, this Byzantine-period synagogue was partially carved out of the rock, probably during the 5th century CE.KatzrinSynagogue -This ancient synagogue (and the village) are now an open-air museum. The building was constructed in the 6th century but probably destroyed in the terrible earthquake of 748 CE. Inside were stone benches and walls painted with red geometric patterns.MaonSynagogue -Found in the Negev desert, this 6th-century structure is known for its astonishing mosaic floor. Peacocks, lions, and palm trees sit close to traditional Jewish symbols and an inscription in Aramaic. Maoz HaimSynagogue -Situated close to Beit Shean this basilica building dates back to the Byzantine era and contains columns, an apse, and a mosaic floor, mainly made out of geometric patterns. MigdalSynagogue -Located on the shores of the Galilee, Migdal was in active use at the time of the Second Temple, Excavations found a stone on which was carved a Menorah (candelabra) and is estimated to be one of the oldest synagogues in Israel. It was discovered accidentally during a dig in 2009.To visit the highlights of Jewish Israel book a Jewish tour package or a private tour.Remains of a synagogue in the Talmudic village of Katzrin, Israel. Photo credit: © Shutterstock

If you’re looking for a place to bring the kids on vacation, you can’t choose better than Israel. It’s a Mediterranean country, so there’s a culture of children being welcome almost everywhere and it’s also a Jewish country, where family life and children are at the heart of society. Combine that with the fantastic climate, the varied landscapes and the endless attractions that this country offers families, and you’re looking at a vacation you and the kids will never forget.Young tourists at Nimrod Fortress, Israel.Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinChill Out or Culture Vulture? Heritage or Hiking?So how do you go about organizing this kind of trip? Well, in our opinion, a good way to begin is to decide on what you want the focus of your trip to be. Are you hoping for pure relaxation - beaches, water parks, ‘fun in the sun?’ Do you want something more educational, based around historical and religious sites? Are you looking to improve the kids’ interest in their heritage, and hoping to make this an ‘Introduction to Jewish Culture?” vacation, especially if you visit over a religious holiday? Or are you a family that loves being outdoors, and ready for an adventure trekking in the Negev, kayaking on the Jordan River, or hiking in the Galilee?The good news is that Israel won’t disappoint in any of these respects - all you need to do is decide how long you’re coming for and what kind of things you want to do. In the meantime, here’s a bit of background on the ‘must do-must see’ list, whatever kind of family holiday you’re planning.Children walking by the sea in Acre, Israel. Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinThe ‘Kick Back and Relax’ VacationThere’s nothing better than doing nothing for a while and Israel’s beaches are phenomenal - crystal clear water, white sand, and warm weather for many months of the year. Whichever coastal resort you choose, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation. In Eilat, why not try the all-inclusive Isrotel Lagoona or the Leonardo Club Hotel, both of which have great daytime kids activities. If you want to splash the cash in Tel Aviv, then go for the classy Dan Panorama or the luxurious Hilton hotel. Just up the coast in Herzliya, there’s the Okeanos - these self-catering suites are ideal for those looking for a bit of flexibility, and they’re spacious and clean. And in Netanya, you can’t go wrong at the David Tower Hotel or the West Lagoon Resort, both boasting plenty of amenities and very child-friendly.Of course, even sunbathing can get boring after a while, so if you’re looking for activities to get you off your sun lounger, and your children are aged five or over, then why not consider an organized day trip? Let someone else take care of the practicalities while you enjoy yourself. Every kid would love the Masada and the Dead Sea day tour.Caesarea, Acre, and Rosh Hanikra day tour is a great way to give the kids a lesson on Roman and Crusader history. Just make sure you take plenty of water, sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, and comfortable footwear and you’ll be set.Child on a Tel Aviv beach.Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinSplish Splash - A Day at a Water ParkFor other kinds of day excursions, you could also take a family trip to a water park. Israel has quite a few of them and they’re the ideal way for your kids to let off steam and keep cool (especially if you; ’re visiting in the summer). Try Aqua Kef (‘Water Fun’ in Hebrew) - it has four separate areas - kids, family, Olympic, and extreme! Set on the Sea of Galilee, their brightly colored floats and water slides make for a great day out. Just 25 minutes drive from Tel Aviv, there’s also Yamit in Holon. With 20 different slides, including ‘Freefall’, ‘Black Hole’ and ‘’Banana Jump’ there’s both a younger kids section and an ‘Extreme Park’ for teenagers.Finally, if you feel like combining the beach with a little city life, why not spend some time in Haifa? This beautiful Mediterranean city has all kinds of kid-friendly attractions, and its views of the sea never disappoint. Best Time To Go? Between May and October, when the weather is at its warmest.Kids enjoying the sea, Tel Aviv.Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinThe ‘Culture Vultures’ TripIsrael is packed with cultural sites that will thrill the whole family. Whether it’s archaeological, historical or religious places you want, the choice is staggeringly wide and you can be sure that your kids will finish their vacation a whole lot more knowledgeable, whilst having had plenty of fun at the same time! Israel is home to all kinds of astonishing archaeological sites. In Jerusalem, there’s both the City of David (thousand of years old, and lying beneath the modern-day city) and Hezekiah’s Tunnel - at 530m long, they were an innovative way to transport water. You can combine the two with an organized Jerusalem Underground Tour, as well. Or head off to the Masada Fortress (with its astonishing views) or Caesarea, with its beautiful Herodian remains (including a fantastic amphitheatre).Caesarea National Park. Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinClimb a Castle or Take Out a BoatFor history lovers, the whole family will love Nimrod’s Fortress up in the Golan Heights. Atop a mountain, this is the oldest Crusader-style castle in the country and the views are breathtaking! You can then travel onto Acre, a charming city Acre, with an intriguing past and Templar’s Tunnel. In Jaffa, you can walk for hours, stumbling upon tiny churches and watching fishermen sitting patiently, waiting for a catch. And just outside of the White City, there’s Ramle and the Pool of Arches - take the kids on a short’ cruise’ where they can see a real-life underground reservoir.To get the kids interested in different religious faiths, you can head to the Sea of Galilee, and take a boat out on the water, just as Jesus did with his disciples. Let them see pilgrims being baptized in the Jordan River, at Yardenit, then drive onto Nazareth, to see the Church of the Annunciation and its unusual mosaics. Israel’s also jam-packed with museums - the Children’s Museum in Holon and Madatech (Israel’s National Museum of Science) are always good choices. For youngsters interested in art or design, try the Museum of Modern Art or the Design Museum in Holon. And if you’re in Jerusalem, the whole family should consider walking the Ramparts and seeing this ancient city the way warriors once did.Best Time To Go? You can see all of these sites year-round, though it will be more chilly in the winter and much hotter in the summer!The Pool of Arches, Ramle. Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinThe ‘Jewish Tradition’ holidayWant to give your kids a better idea of their Jewish roots? Well, book your Israel holiday now. Whilst giving your child a bar or bat mitzvah at Jerusalem’s Western Wall is an increasingly popular trend, you can also just travel around, soaking up history. There are so many sites your children will love - the Tower of David, the Time Elevator, the Western Wall Tunnels will all thrill the kids. Up in the north, don’t miss Safed with its tiny synagogues, as well as Tiberias, the capital of Galilee, which has a long and historic past. There are also all kinds of activities in Israel that will connect the kids to their Jewish roots. What about having the whole family make challah, in anticipation of Friday night Shabbat dinner? Or paint a hamsa (a traditional ‘hand sign’ that wards off the evil eye) at a Jerusalem Ceramics Center. If the kids are really into adventure, they can also learn how to forge aMaccabee's sword at the Iskander Studio.The Western Wall.Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinA Taste of Joy and Freedom - Chanukah Lights and Purim CarnivalsAnd if you bring your kids to Israel over one of the Jewish holidays, they can celebrate it with the locals. Over Chanukah, there are all kinds of celebrations for this festival of lights and many municipalities also offer free activities for youngsters. Your kids will love the sufganiyot too (the Hebrew word for doughnuts, which are traditionally eaten at this time of the year) which range from the traditional (jam in the middle) to the sublime (chocolate frosting and creme patisserie).Or arrive around Purim and the whole family can experience an Adloyada - with parades, dancing, and general merrymaking. Two of the best (in our opinion) are held each year in Holon and the Midreshet Ben Gurion, in the Negev desert. Take a look at a video here, to see just how fun it really is. Best Time To Go? Early Spring (February/March) for Purim or December for Chanukah.Children with Purim makeup.Photo credit: © Shutterstock‘On Your Marks, Get Set, Go!’ - the Outdoorsy tripIf you’re the kind of family that loves outdoorsy holidays, with plenty of opportunities for walking, hiking, climbing, and camping, then you’re in the right country. For young kids, Jerusalem’s Biblical Zoo is Israel’s biggest tourist attraction - and not just for the free-roaming animals and petting zoo, but also the train that runs through it. In Tel Aviv, why not let the kids have an African safari experience, where you drive through the park, gazing at animals from the Savannah?Israel’s nature reserves are also incredibly beautiful. Ein Gedi is a veritable oasis in the desert, which can be explored in the course of the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve Private Tour. Older kids who love the dark will get a real thrill out of exploring the Mei Kedem caves (don’t forget to bring footwear suitable for walking in water, as well as a torch). Further north is the Avshalom Cave near Beit Shemesh - with its beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, the kids will be in awe of the “Elephant Ears’ and ‘Macaroni Fields!’Stalactite Cave, Israel.Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinUnder the Stars and Under the Sea - Mitzpe’s Crater and Eilat’s Coral ReefDown south, there are few children that won’t enjoy camping out and gazing at stars in Mitzpe Ramon.The crater is a wonderful place to hike (though go early in the morning, before it gets hot) and see ibex roaming freely on the cliffs. Teenagers can even abseil down the crater side (under the watchful eyes of experienced guides) whilst younger kids will enjoy Mitzpe’s Alpaca Farm no end. Then head south and take a hike through Timna National Park, and gaze at ‘the Mushroom’ before spending some time at the Eilat Coral Beach Nature Reserve - where you can see a coral reef without even getting wet, learn about snap a selfie with a stingrayand engage in some family-friendly snorkeling! Eilat is also home to the popular Dolphin Reef, where you can pet these gorgeous creatures and see them swimming around freely.Up north again, there are few kids that won’t enjoy kayaking down the Jordan River, whilst nature-loving families should head to the Hula Lake, where annual migrations are a stunning sight. You can make your base on the Sea of Galilee, where you can set up camp and fall asleep under the stars. Eilat. Photo credit:© ShutterstockNearby, there’s the Eshkol forest where you can have a family picnic, or what about taking a boat out on the lake itself? Oh, and don’t forget the wonderful hot springs at Hamat Gader - these thermal baths were built by the Romans over 2,000 years ago and are great fun for kids and adults alike. Of course, if your kids are wearing you out with all their energy, you can always consider taking an organized day trip. Of course, private tours are a great way to plan an itinerary that suits your family personally but our range of day tours is also great if your children have sufficient stamina to walk around for a few hours. Best Time To Go? When it’s dry but not too hot i.e. April-May and September-October (perhaps avoiding the High Holidays, which is high season, meaning some attractions may be closed).Children in Old Jaffa, Israel.Photo credit: © Dmitry Mishin

For many Christians, a trip to Israel is the visit of a lifetime - an opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, exploring his birthplace, early and formative years, and retrace his last walk to Calvary in Jerusalem. Without a doubt, this is a very emotional and rewarding experience. Israel is home to countless churches, some ‘must-see’ sites and others less well-known. Dotted all across the country, they contain mosaics and artifacts often dating back thousands of years, which makes them fascinating not just from a religious but also a historical viewpoint. Let’s take a look at some of the many wonderful churches you’re likely to come across on various Christian day tours in IsraelChurch of All Nations, Mount of Olives, Jerusalem. Photo credit: © ShutterstockJERUSALEM CHURCHES1. Jerusalem Old City and Mount ZionChurch of the Holy Sepulchre - Built on the spot where Christ was crucified, buried, and resurrected, this extraordinary and enormous church is filled with shrines, works of art, and small altars and chapels. Consecrated in 335 CE, it is the most visited and famous church in Jerusalem, if not Israel and its enormous interior can hold up to eight thousand people.Church of St. Anne - Close to the Lion’s Gate, this church was built during Crusaders' times and sits on the ruins of a Byzantine church. The basilica has three aisles and boasts cross-vaulted ceilings and pillars and a simple interior.Cathedral of Saint James - This ornately designed building in the Armenian Quarter is one of the few Crusader-era churches to remain intact.Dormition Abbey - easily recognizable, due to its round (not rectangular) shape, this monastic church was built by German Emperor Wilhelm II and has a beautiful mosaic floor.Church of Saint Alexander Nevsky - this Russian Orthodox Church is built over the remains of what historians believe was the ‘Judgment Gate’ where Jesus passed on his way to Golgotha.For a complete list of Jerusalem’s Old City churches, take a look atthis article. You can also join one of multiple Jerusalem tours to explore the Jerusalem central churches. Dormition Abbey.Photo credit: © Dmitry Mishin2. Jerusalem - Mount of OlivesChurch of All Nations - this impressive church’s facade features Corinthian columns under a mosaic portraying Jesus and is thought to be the place he prayed before his arrest by the Romans.Pater Noster - the highlight of this Carmelite Monastery is the decorated ceramic tiles, spelling out the Lord’s Prayer in a wide variety of scripts and languages.Dominus Flevit - the Italian architect Barluzzi designed this beautiful church in the shape of a teardrop, and its famous window frames a view of the Old City behind it. Church of Mary Magdalene - this distinctive Russian Orthodox Church was constructed in 1886 and, in traditional style, has seven gilded onion domes. It has a visually stunning interior with many icons and the gardens are beautifully kept.Russian Orthodox Convent and Church of the Ascension - this is supposedly the site where Jesus ascended to heaven, 40 days after his resurrection, and boasts an impressive bell tower.To see the full list of churches on the Mount of Olives, click here. Try this 2-day Christian Jerusalem tour to see most of the above-mentioned churches as well as the Garden of Gethsemane andThe Pools of Bethesda.Pater Noster Church, Jerusalem. Photo credit: © Shutterstock3. Jerusalem’s Ein Kerem ChurchesChurch of the Visitation - this Franciscan church is named after Mary’s visit to the summer house of the parents of John the Baptist and the blue mosaic on the exterior illustrates this.Convent of the Sisters of Zion - this beautiful Catholic nunnery was founded by converted JewMarie-Alphonse Ratisbonne and houses a guesthouse and library. Underneath is a large water pool that dates back to Second Temple times, as well as a number of Roman flagstones.Gorny or "Moscobia" Convent - this Russian monastery consists of several small churches and was founded as an attempt to ‘mark territory’. Today it is inhabited by 48 nuns.Church of Nativity of John the Baptist - designed by Italian architect Barluzzi, this Catholic church dates back to Crusader times and is easily identifiable because of its tall tower and round spire. It also boasts a grotto which is supposed to have been the birthplace of John.St John In The Wilderness - this Franciscan monastery was built on Byzantine ruins and sits next to a spring in a wooded area. It commemorates the early years of John the Baptist. To see Ein Kerem churches join one of Jerusalem Private tours.Convent of the Sisters of Zion, Ein Kerem.Photo credit: © ShutterstockCHURCHES IN NORTHERN ISRAEL1. Nazareth ChurchesThe Church of the Annunciation - built on the spot where the Virgin Mary was visited by the Angel Gabriel, this church’s breathtaking basilica is 50 meters high and its colorful mosaics depict the Holy Family.Church of Saint Joseph - according to legend, this church was built over the carpentry workshop of Jesus’ father, Joseph. Christ Church, Nazareth - built in 1871 and shaped like a cross, this Anglican church was the second of its kind in the Holy Land.Coptic Church of the Annunciation - this Greek Orthodox church was built in 1750 and stands over the ruins of a 12th century Crusader church, destroyed by the Mamluks.Greek Catholic Church of Nazareth - this Byzantine Catholic church was built in the early 20th century by Archbishop Hakim Maksymosa.Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation - also known as the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Gabriel, this medieval church’s underground chapel contains a spring.Synagogue Church - tradition has it that this small church is the same building that used to be the village synagogue in the time of Jesus. Above the doorway is a sign stating ‘the synagogue.”For more about churches in Nazareth, click here. To visit the main Nazareth churches join a day Nazareth Tour.Church of Saint Joseph, Nazareth. Photo credit: © Shutterstock2. The Galilee ChurchesMultiplication Church, Tabgha - this Roman Catholic church is overseen by the Benedictine Order and is the spot at which Jesus performed his miracle with loaves and fishes.Church of the Primacy of Saint Peter, Tabgha - this Franciscan church is the spot at which Jesus appeared to his disciples after his resurrection and commissioned Peter as leader of his church.Wedding Church, Cana - this Franciscan church is the place at which Jesus performed his miracle of turning water into wine, at a poor couple’s wedding.Church of the Transfiguration - located at Mount Tabor and built by Franciscans in 1924, this large church is the spot at which Jesus was transfigured in the presence of Peter, John, and James.Mount Beatitudes Church - situated on Mount Eremos, this Roman Catholic Franciscan chapel has a marble veneer and gold mosaic in its dome. Church of St. Andrew, Old City of Acre - this Crusader-era church contains a gothic marble portal, brought to Acre as a war trophy. Built in 1765, it is ornately decorated and houses many icons.Naim Church - this Franciscan church is located near Mount Taborin a Galilee village where Jesus is thought to have brought back to life a widow’s son. The Pilgrimage Church of St. Peter - this modern catholic church is located in Capernaum, where both Jesus and his first disciple, Peter, lived. For more information about churches in Galilee, click here. Churches of Acre built by Crusaders are described in this article. If you are interested in visiting some of the churches join a Christian Galilee tour.Multiplication Church, Tabgha. Photo credit: © Shutterstock3. Haifa ChurchesSt. Elijah Cathedral - serving the Greek Catholics of Haifa, this cathedral was designed by architect Sammihorn Atallah. Its front is covered with a cross and a few meters away is a small bell tower.St. Louis the King Cathedral - founded in 1889, this church serves as the headquarters of the Maronite Catholics in Israel and was dedicated to King Louis IX.Muhraka Monastery - this Monastery sits on Mount Carmel, which is said to have been the traditional home of Elijah the Prophet. It boasts incredible views of the surrounding area.Sacred Heart Chapel, Haifa - this Catholic church is located on Mount Carmel and is known for its unique design (it was once a windmill) with spectacular views over the Mediterranean.St. Joseph's Church, Haifa - Designed by Italian architect Antonio Barluzzi, this Carmelite church was inaugurated in 1961 and is the last building Barluzzi designed in the Holy Land.Stella Maris Monastery - Latin for ‘Star of the Sea’ this Carmelite church dates back to 1631 and its nearby monastery once served as a hospital for the soldiers of Napoleon.To tour Haifa churches don't hesitate to join Haifa and the Carmel Private Tour.Seaview, Haifa.Photo credit: © ShutterstockCHURCHES IN CENTRAL ISRAEL1. Churches in Tel AvivSt. Anthony's Church- completed in 1932, this Catholic church is built in Gothic Revival style and was named in honor of St. Anthony of Padua, a priest of the Franciscan Order.Immanuel Church - this Lutheran church was established in 1904 for the German Evangelicals of the area and sits in the German-American colony area of Tel Aviv. Today Protestants and a community of Messianic Jews worship here.Saint Nicholas Monastery - this Armenian monastery sits in the Old City of Jaffa, close to the harbor, and was founded before 1000 CE in the name of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors.St. Peter's Church - built in 1654 and dedicated to Saint Peter, over a medieval citadel, the building was twice destroyed and rebuilt. It has a tall, brick façade and towering bell tower and is a distinctive building in Jaffa.If you would like to visit Tel Aviv churches, join aTel Aviv and Old Jaffa Private Tour.St. Peter's Church, Jaffa.Photo credit: © Dmitry Mishin2. Churches Outside JerusalemThe Latrun Trappist Monastery - established in 1890, by Trappist monks, many of whom believe that language is sacred and have therefore taken vows of silence, this monastery also boasts a vineyard. Today it produces a number of excellent wines and liquors that are sold in the Abbey shop. Beit Jamal Monastery - Meaning ‘ the House of the Camel’ is a Catholic monastery run by Salesian priests. Close by is a small church built in 1930 on the ruins of a 5th-century Byzantine church discovered on the site.Benedictine monastery in Abu Ghosh - Run by the Olivetan Benedictine Order, this church is built on the foundations of a Crusader Church of the Resurrection, established in the 12th century on top of Roman ruins. There is a fountain that flows out from a crypt below and twice a year the church - along with the nearby Notre-Dame de l’Arche church - hosts a prominent classical and choral music festival.The Latrun Trappist Monastery. Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinCHURCHES IN THE WEST BANKChurch of the Nativity, Bethlehem - originally commissioned by Emperor Constantine the Great, this basilica contains a grotto which is of great significance to Christians since they believe it to be the birthplace of Jesus. It is the oldest continuously-used grotto used for worship in Christianity. The basilica itself is the oldest of its kind in the Holy Land.Church of St. Catherine, Bethlehem - affiliated with the Catholic Church and Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, it also functions as a Franciscan monastery. There is a complex of caves under the building and it is part of UNESCO’s World Heritage List, under the title of “Birthplace of Jesus, Church of the Nativity''.Chapel of Shepherd's Field, Bethlehem - this Roman Catholic church marks the place where, according to tradition, angels first announced the birth of Christ. Built by the Franciscans in 1953, it was designed by architect Antonio Barluzzi and has five apses, which symbolize the outline of a nomadic tent.Chapel of the Milk Grotto, Bethlehem - carved out of soft white rock, this is a sacred site both for Christian and Muslim pilgrims and is popular with new mothers and women who are trying to become pregnant. According to tradition, Mary and Joseph stopped here and as Mary nursed baby Jesus, a drop of her milk fell upon the stone and it turned white. Mar Saba Monastery - this Greek Orthodox monastery was founded in 483 by Sabbas the Sanctified and is considered to be one of the world’s oldest inhabited monasteries (today it houses around 20 monks). One of its famous ancient traditions is its refusal to allow entrance to women.Monastery of Saints John and George of Choziba - located in Wadi Qelt, this extraordinary monastery literally hangs off a cliff. It dates back to around 500 CE and can only be reached by a pedestrian bridge. Traditionally, the area is associated with the Prophet Elijah and holds the relics of three Eastern Orthodox saints, which means it is very popular with pilgrims.Monastery of the Temptation, Jericho - located on a cliff, this is the place where Jesus spent 40 days and nights successfully resisting the temptations that Satan placed before him. To visit churches in the West Bank join one of the West Bank tours.Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem.Photo credit: © Shutterstock

It’s indisputable - for a tiny country, Israel invariably punches above its weight as a holiday destination. Whether it’s religious and historical landmarks, glorious Tel Aviv beaches, astounding nature, skiing in the north and diving in the south, exploring boutique vineyards and Crusader castles or simply wandering the local streets, there’s enough in this country to keep you busy for several holidays. But what if you’re a first-time visitor, with a fixed amount of time to spend in this incredible country? What are the ‘must-see’ places in Israel for a newcomer? Well, there are many but some, of course, are stand-out destinations. And the good news is that Israel is pretty compact - you could drive the length of the country, from the Golan Heights, down to Eilat on the Red Sea, in about 8 hours. From east to west, it sometimes even takes less than an hour.The Church of the Beatitudes.Photo credit: © ShutterstockOne Holiday - Endless AttractionsThis means that whether you’re renting a car, travelling as part of a tour package or moving around independently, you’re going to be able to cover a fair bit of ground in one to two weeks. So with nothing more than a little planning, the fact is that you’re going to be able to combine all kinds of top-rated attractions in 7-14 days.Below is our list - we’re biased of course, but we’re certain you won’t come away disappointed after a trip to any of these incredible places. And whether you see them all or end up missing out on one or two, don’t worry - because you can see them again on your next trip - as well as few ones we haven’t mentioned! Let’s take a look:1. Jerusalem’s Old CityJerusalem is one of the most extraordinary cities in the world and the primary reason many tourists come to Israel. Home to three major world faiths and spectacularly beautiful, you could spend an entire vacation in Jerusalem, with much of it just within the Old City. Inside its walls (erected by Ottoman Emperor Suleiman, hundreds of years ago), the area is divided into four quarters - Christian, Muslim, Jewish and Armenian - which you can spend hours wandering through (and getting lost in!)Within the Old City are treasures such as the Western Wall (sacred to Jews, as the last remaining vestige of the Second Temple), the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (a beloved Christian pilgrim site, being where Christ was both crucified and resurrected), the Via Dolorosa, alongwhich Christ walked, stopping at different ‘Stations of the Cross’ and the Temple Mount (Islam’s third most holy site, and known as the spot at which Mohammed flew over on his way to Mecca). There are also underground Western Wall tunnels, water cisterns, Ramparts, the Tower of David, the Byzantine Cardo, tiny churches and the Jerusalem shuk(bazaar) atmosphere itself which visitors often find overwhelming (in a positive sense!) because of its smells, sights and sounds. To get the most out of your time, we’d recommend taking at least one of variousJerusalem toursbecause the city guides have a wealth of knowledge and expertise at their fingertips and can really make Jerusalem come alive for you.One of the Stations of the Cross, Via Dolorosa, Jerusalem. Photo credit: © Shutterstock2. Bahai Gardens in HaifaThe Baha’i Gardens, at the heart of the beautiful Mediterranean city of Haifa, are a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site and the highlight of any visit. Sloping down Mount Carmel, all the way to the foot of the sea, these impeccably manicured 19 terraces have, at their centre, a small white shrine, on top of which is the gold-coloured dome. This is the final resting place - and shrine - of the founder, ‘the Bab.’ Today, there are estimated to be around 7 million of his followers across the world.hebronThe terraced gardens are filled with exotic flowers, fountains and small sculptures and contain nine concentric circles. They are surrounded on either side by woodlands, to ensure the area remains peaceful and calm - a true spiritual site for followers of the Baha'i faith but loved by tourists and locals alike. (Fun fact: number 9 is sacred in this faith and this is reflected in the garden’s design - there are 9, 19, 99 of each element of the garden, as well as 999 steps along the path!). Either take the daily tour at midday (in English) or splash out on a private tour of Haifa and the Carmel - which also includes a visit to a Druze village of Daliat-el-Carmel. Haifa truly is the jewel in Israel’s north.Bahai Gardens, Haifa. Photo credit: © Dmitry Mishin3. The Dead SeaThe lowest point on earth and a body of water in which very little can survive, coming to float in the Dead Sea salty waters is an immeasurably fun activity for every new visitor. Surrounded by stunning Negev desert scenery, snapping a shot of yourself unable to put your legs down or slathering yourself in mud, is a guaranteed way to gain your friend’s envy on return home after your first time in Israel.Taking a Dead Sea tour will also give you a chance to see other attractions in the vicinity, including Masada, Ein Gedi and the Judean desert. Of course, if you’re looking for pure relaxation, you can always just settle in at one of the top Dead Sea hotels at Ein Bokek. The pampering spa treatments offered there will leave you rejuvenated and reinvigorated, trust us.The Dead Sea mud. Photo credit: © Shutterstock4. The Judaean DesertLess than an hour’s drive from Jerusalem lies the ancient fortress of Masada, affording some of the most spectacular views imaginable of the surrounding Judean desert, Masada is of great historical significance to Jews, as it is where they made a last ‘heroic stand’ against a Roman invasion. Whether you ascend via the winding snake path or travel up by cable car, it’s hard not to be taken aback by the sheer beauty of this mountaintop fortress and, once at the top, the archaeological artefacts are a real must-see. Tour Masada with its once-grand Herodian palace, view the bathhouse and mosaics and let yourself be carried away by history. To fit as much in as possible, we recommend taking our Masada Sunrise, Ein Gedi and the Dead Sea Tour and for those who like an adrenaline rush, signing up for the Judean Desert Jeep Tour.Judean Desert, Israel.Photo credit: © Shutterstock5. The Crusader city of AcreWith its endlessly intriguing backstreets, narrow alleyways, fortifications and fascinating history, the Crusader city of Acre is another destination we couldn’t pass over. Home to ancient city walls, the gothic vaulted Knights Halls, the Ahmed Al-Jazzar Mosque, St. John’s Church, the Templars' tunnel, an old Turkish hammam (bathhouse) and a lively ‘shuk’ (Acre Old City Market), visitors are blown away by the history they encounter at every turn.Walk through the main market area, breathe in the exotic smells, and end up at the port area, which has beautiful views and excellent fish restaurants. As one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, and with beautiful vistas across the harbour, you may never want to leave. To see more of the north of Israel, we’d also recommend joining theCaesarea, Acre and Rosh Hanikra Tour.Ghattas Turkish bath, Acre, Israel. Photo credit: © Dmitry Mishin6. Sea of Galilee with its Christian sitesThe Sea of Galilee is a major attraction in Israel, both for Christian pilgrims and secular tourists. A beautiful place in its own right, this is where Jesus spent many of his adult years preaching to his disciples and ministering to the local population. Today, the area remains home to a whole host of sites, both of religious and historical significance.A visit to the ‘Kinneret’ (the biblical name for the Sea of Galilee) should always include stops at the Mount of Beatitudes (where Jesus is thought to have given his Sermon on the Mount), St. Peter’s Church in Capernaum, and Kibbutz Ginosar, where you can see the ‘Jesus boat’. Why not take our Sea of Galilee Christian Tour which even includes a stop at Cana of the Galilee, where Jesus turned water into wine.The Sea of Galilee, Israel. Photo credit: © Shutterstock 7. SafedNestled in the lush Upper Galilee, and surrounded by pine forests, the ancient and mystical city of Safed is one of Israel’s four ‘holy’ cities (the others being Jerusalem, Hebron and Tiberias, all centres of Jewish life after the Ottoman conquest of Palestine). Safed was said to have been founded by one of Noah’s sons after the biblical Flood and today it remains not just a pretty and mystical place but also a site for those interested in ‘kabbalah’ (an esoteric Jewish philosophy).Wandering the backstreets of this tiny city, you’ll see bright blue doors and window frames, especially in the Artist’s Colony. In the cemetery, you’ll find the graves of many Jewish leaders, as well as pilgrims on their own spiritual voyages. And after you’ve finished exploring the many beautiful ancient synagogues, don’t forget to take a look at the old British Mandate buildings too. The entire area is incredibly beautiful, and a Galilee and Golan two-day touris an ideal way to pass some time.Synagogue in Safed.Photo credit: © Shutterstock8. Tel Aviv PromenadeYou can’t come to Israel and not spend at least a day in Tel Aviv, the beating heart of the country, packed with cafes, boutique stores, museums, galleries, as well as long stretches of wonderful beaches. But if you’re not the kind of person that wants to shop or bake in the sun all day, then why not try a Tel Aviv bike tour?Exploring theWhite Cityas its known (because of its abundance of Bauhaus buildings), you’ll familiarise yourself with the fashionable Rothschild Boulevard, Yitzchak Rabin Square (where Israel’s Prime Minister was tragically assassinated), the Hall of Independence (where Ben Gurion announced the creation of the State), the banks of the Yarkon River at Yarkon Park and the bustling Tel Aviv Port (Namal).There’s nothing like seeing a city at ‘street level’ and Tel Aviv has dedicated bike lanes, lined with trees affording you shade, which makes cycling from north to south a positive joy. And when you’re finished, you can treat yourself to an iced coffee, a fresh juice or a local beer, and sit by the Mediterranean, in anticipation of a glorious sunset. What’s not to like, we ask?Bauhaus buildings in the White City of Tel Aviv.Photo credit: © Shutterstock9. JaffaJaffa is truly one of Israel’s most beloved tourist spots, not just because of its history (this is where Jonah fled God and ended up in a whale’s belly!) but because of its charm. Save for the cobbled streets, artist’s quarter and Jaffa port, there’s also the fabulous Jaffa Flea Market (shuk), a treasure trove of bric-a-brac, antiques, vintage clothes, designer furniture and even just plain, old-fashioned ‘junk.’The shuk is open six days a week, although Friday is by far and away the liveliest time to visit. On our Jaffa Flea Market Tour "From Shuk to Chic," you will have a chance not just to search for some treasure of your own but learn about the history of this flea market and how the area became the ‘hot spot’ that it is today.From ramshackled and out of favour to gentrified and bustling, you’ll see street art, wander in boutique stores and even get a chance to sample some of the incredible food on sale (our tip: if you’ve had enough hummus, try the spinach dumplings and jugs of lemonade at Puaa cafe, and finish with some sweet treats from Abulafia!)Jaffa flea market.Photo credit: © Dmitry Mishin10. GalileeThe Galilee isn’t just beautiful, but it’s also historic and well worth exploring, particularly on a Nazareth and Sea of Galilee Tour. This trip around the area will take you to Nazareth, the city where Jesus grew up, giving you the opportunity to see the beautiful Church of the Annunciation, before journeying on to the Multiplication Church in Tabgha, where Jesus turned two loaves of fishes and five loaves of bread into a feast for the five thousand.There’s also time spent at Yardenit, where thousands of pilgrims, dressed in white, wait each day to be baptised in the Jordan River, the very same place that John baptised Jesus. With its beautiful landscapes, lush greenery and charming villages, this is somewhere we’re sure you’re going to want to return, probably on aguided Galilee tour.The Wedding Church in Cana. Photo credit: © Shutterstock

Israel’s Jezreel Valley (also known as the Megiddo Valley) is located in the upper part of the country, bordered on its north by the Lower Galilee, to the south by Mount Gilboa, to the west by the Mount Carmel Range, and to the east by the Jordan Valley.It is a large, fertile plane, dotted with natural springs, and affords the visitor all kinds of wonderful views. As the agricultural heartland of the country, it is famous for its astonishing flatness, as well as its beauty. Although there are many valleys in Israel, it is particularly well-known and loved and usually referred to by Israelis simply as ‘ha Emek’ which, in Hebrew, means ‘ the Valley.’Jezreel Valley from the top of Mount Tabor.Photo credit: © Jenny EhrlichWith its fertile soil and endless farms, it is a beautiful spot for hiking, picnics, and general enthusiasts of the outdoors. Often overlooked by tourists on a tour to Israel, it is not just a wonderful place for nature lovers but also boasts sites of great religious and historical significance. Jezreel, in Hebrew, means ‘ God sows’, and because of its strategic location (as a stopover for armies en route to Egypt, Turkey, or the Arabian Peninsula) the valley is not just rich in soil but also in archaeological artifacts. History of the ValleyThe history of the Jezreel Valley dates back thousands of years (circa 7000 BCE) and is mentioned in the Hebrew Bible as the home of Gideon (a military leader of the Israelites as well as a prophet and Judge). The valley is also home to one of the area’s most famous battles - the Battle of Megiddo. This is mentioned in the Book of Revelations as the place at which the last battle before the Apocalypse will be fought, between the forces of good and evil. (Fun fact: the ancient fortress city of Megiddo has seen more battles than any other spot on the earth. Join the Megiddo and the Jezreel Valley Private Tour to check that).Megiddo National Park.Photo credit: © ShutterstockGeography of the AreaThe Jezreel Valley, as mentioned before, is extremely fertile and by far and away the agricultural heartland of the north of Israel. It is the veritable ‘ breadbasket’ of the country, with its wheat crops. Driving through the area, you are also bound to see cotton fields, fish ponds, grazing cattle, sunflowers, and age-old silver-green olive trees on terraced hillsides. Farmers here (often working in collectives) grow white beans, chickpeas, cheeses, watermelons, lemons, limes, and cherries. Today, most of the population can be found in Afula or large villages, and small-scale family orchards are mainly a thing of the past although some families hold true to their heritage and continue to market crops that their forefathers did. Whether exploring the Jezreel Valley independently or by taking a private tour, traveling the area will give you the opportunity to visit not just historical and religious sites but also local kibbutzim (on our private tours, we can arrange such visits with ease).Let’s now take a look at some of the most important sites in the region, which include mountains, national parks, and even a Crusader castle. All are based in this beautiful, and often under-explored part of the country. Intrigued? Read on ...Megiddo National Park.Photo credit: © Jenny Ehrlich1. MegiddoMegiddo refers to a "tel" or hill, and ancient Megiddo overlooked the Via Maris trade route where caravans traveled (the Bible refers to it as ‘the way of the sea’). Today it is home to a well-known archaeological park where visitors can see the remains of several gates that date back to King Solomon’s reign. On the west side of the mound is a water supply and storage system dating back to the 10th century BC, with almost 200 stairs that connect to a long tunnel and underground spring. This system could not be seen by invaders and it was, therefore, a safe space for residents to hide, and survive, when under siege. Also on display is the remains of a Canaanite Palace with 2 meter thick walls and an open courtyard.2. Mount TaborFound east of the Jezreel Valley, in the Lower Galilee, Mount Tabor stands at 570 meters and is easily recognized, due to its unique shape (half hump-backed, half breast-shaped). Mount Tabor is a very important Christian site within Galilee, as it is believed to be the spot at which the transfiguration (the becoming radiant with glory) of Jesus and where he spoke to Moses and Elijah the Prophet. Mount Tabor is a perfect hiking spot since it is green annually, and also offers fantastic panoramic views of the area. Visitors should not miss a visit to the Church of the Transfiguration (built upon the ruins of an ancient Byzantine church), designed by the Italian architect Antonio Barluzzi.Transfiguration Church, Mount Tabor. Photo credit:© Natalia Brizeli3. Mount GilboaSituated in the Lower (south) Galilee, Mount Gilboa is an ever-popular spot both for locals and tourists, particularly in the spring when masses of flowers resemble a carpet beneath the visitor’s feet. It sits 650 meters above sea level, with some rather steep ledges, but still a fine spot for hiking, picnics, and a paradise for those who love flora - in particular the lily, iris, crocus, narcissus, and anemone. A settlement in Roman times (archaeologists later found burial caves found in nearby villages) the area was historically home to vineyards but after the Arab conquest in 636 CE, Gilboa was abandoned until about 250 years ago.Sights in the area include Tel Jezreel, the Hidden Valley (an excellent hiking path for experienced walkers), and the Maale Gilboa observation point, affording spectacular views to the south.4. Gan HaShlosha National ParkGan HaShlosha National Park is arguably in one of the most lovely spots in Israel and boasts far more than just a park, Located at the bottom of Mount Gilboa in the Beit Shean Valley, everywhere you look is water, splashing over into a number of waterfalls and natural pools where you can swim.The pools are also surrounded by tall trees, providing wonderful shade on hot summer days. Moreover, Gan HaShlosha boasts an archaeological museum, divided into two parts – firstly, the Museum of Regional and Mediterranean Archaeology and secondly a rebuilt Tower & Stockade pioneer settlement. This tower was one of the first ‘yishuvs’ (pre-state settlements) and dates back to 1936. 5. Beit Shean National ParkOne of Israel’s oldest cities, Beit Shean (which in Hebrew means ‘the House of Tranquility) can be found 27 km south of the Sea of Galilee. Sandwiched between the Jezreel and Jordan Valleys, it is an extremely fertile area. It is also very hot, with temperatures reaching 50 degrees in the summer. Beit Shean houses the ruins of an ancient Roman city, destroyed in the 8th century by a huge earthquake that struck the area. In 748 CE. Excavated by archaeologists and painstakingly restored, it gives you an excellent sense of how Romans and Byzantine citizens once lived.Not only does it boast an amphitheater, roads and impressive stone columns, mosaics, and a bathhouse, but it is also a national park. Visitors, after exploring the ruins, can walk in green spaces and quickly find themselves next to springs and valley trails. At present, these are the largest excavations within Israel and visitors can easily spend several hours here. Look out for the model at the entrance, giving you an excellent overview, and consider attending a Sound and Light performance, after night falls. Truly a trip back in time.Beit Shean National Park. Photo credit: © Jenny Ehrlich6. Belvoir Castle (Kokhav HaYarden)Located 20 km south of the Sea of Galilee, this fantastic Crusader-era castle (with a history stretching back to the 12th century) is easily one of the area’s hidden gems. Designed to deter Muslim invaders, it sits high above the Jordan Valley, affording spectacular views of the surrounding area.Belvoir (or ‘Kokhav ha Yarden’ which means ‘Star of the Jordan’ in Hebrew) was originally owned by a French nobleman named Velos. After he sold the land to Crusaders, they built the fortress and several battles took place there before it fell to Saladin in 1189. Until the 1960s, it sat in ruins but extensive renovations mean it is now open to the public.Architecturally, the castle is concentric (a popular design originating in Europe at that time), meaning that it was built with two defensive walls, one inside the other. Made of materials such as black basalt and limestone, the main route into the fortress was from an outer age at the foot of a south-eastern tower, ascending a ramp and then doubling back and up again to reach the inner gate in the same corner tower. 7. Beit Alpha SynagogueThe Beit Alpha Synagogue is located in the Beit Shean Valley and dates back to the 6th century. It was discovered accidentally in 1928 by members of a local kibbutz, who were digging in the area as part of an irrigation project. Excavations showed that the building that once stood there was of two floors and constrained not just a courtyard, vestibule, and prayer hall but the bimah (raised platform in which the Torah scroll was kept) faced in the direction of Jerusalem.In the entryway are inscriptions both in Greek and Aramaic and three extraordinary floor mosaics, The first depicts the famous ‘Akedah’ (‘Binding”) scene from the Bible, between Abraham, commanded by God to sacrifice his son Isaac; the second is a Zodiac wheel (depicting 12 different animal signs); the third depicts a synagogue scene, complete with a hanging lamp and a Torah shrine flanked by two lions, with Jewish ritual objects surrounding the animals. Beit Alpha is managed by the Israel Parks and Natura Authority.8. Ma'ayan Harod National ParkMa’ayan (meaning ‘Herod’s Spring’ in Hebrew) is a beautiful national park located at the foot of Mount Gilboa. It offers panoramic views of the Jezreel Valley, a large swimming pool (which is fed by water from the nearby spring), and a great deal of greenery, making it an ideal attraction for both older and younger visitors.The area dates back to the 12th century, where it is thought to have been the place that Sultan Saladin pitched his tent, en route to Jerusalem. In the 1920s the area was purchased from Palestinians by a Zionist Jew named Yehoshua Hankin, and settled by Jewish pioneers who eventually established two kibbutzes.Visitors can also explore the house and tomb of Hankin - the entrance to the tomb of Hankin (and his wife Olga) was designed by David Palombo, the architect who designed the gates of the Israeli Knesset (Parliament). Inside the house are historical artifacts relating to the Hankin era and next door is a war memorial honoring residents of the Jezreel Valley who died in many of Israel’s battles since 1948.Tsipori National Park.Photo credit: © ShutterstockDirectionsThe Jezreel Valley is not easily accessible by public transport, but the biggest city in the region is Afula, which can be reached by bus no. 825 from Tel Aviv (approx. 1 hour 30 minutes) or by train from Haifa (approx. 32 minutes). To see as much of the area as possible, in a short period of time, it is advisable to hire a car. Alternatively, if you are not keen on driving, and would appreciate the knowledge and insight a guide can give you then why not take a Galilee tour? We would recommend the Mount Tabor, Tsipori, Beit Shearim private tour, in which you can visit the famous Church of the Transfiguration, enjoy Tsipori’s ancient Roman amphitheater and also make a visit the burial caves of Rabbi Yehuda HaNassi. Since all of these private tours can be customized, it is entirely up to you to decide what to visit and how long to spend there.

After a surreal year, with all of us dealing with the effects of a global pandemic, our urge to travel has never been stronger for many. Summer is here and looking for a place to travel that’s beautiful, safe, family-friendly and offers cultural and historical landmarks too is top of everyone’s list. Israel, a very popular tourist destination for quite a few years now, fits all the above criteria so why do some people still feel a certain reluctance in visiting this country?Acre beachfront.Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinSome of it, of course, comes from fear of the political situation in the region and, for sure, one can’t deny that Israel is located in the Middle East. However, Israel is also a highly developed country, with outstanding infrastructure, healthcare, and tourist facilities, and nearly everyone here speaks good (if not fluent) English. Not to mention the thousands of citizens who also manage well in Russian, French, and Spanish. Throw in the wonderful Mediterranean sea, fantastic Israeli beaches, fabulous food, and friendly locals, and what’s not to like?Personal Safety vs. Fear of ConflictThe fact is that, for tourists, Israel is an incredibly safe country to visit. You can easily walk the streets of Tel Aviv or Jerusalem at 2 am with complete confidence (in Tel Aviv, there’ll be a fair few cafes still open) and incidents of petty theft and harm to the person are rare. So where does the fear of visiting Israel come from? To an extent, the international media, which from time to time creates an image of the country that is quite incongruous with the situation on the ground. There’s also groups such as BDS (‘Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions’) and other organizations that seek to portray Israel as an apartheid state, with oppression and violence at every turn.The reality, however, is quite different, as many tourists see within days, if not hours, of flying in. As we have said before, Israel is extremely modern, not just by Middle East standards, but by world standards. It uses cutting-edge technology in everyday life, has English and French signs in every major tourist hotspot, and its locals, as a rule, are extremely friendly and hospitable (Israelis love to find out what people think of their country). It’s not uncommon for taxi drivers and barmen to ask if you have someone to eat Friday night dinner, or try and introduce your daughter to their eligible son! Welcome to the Levant…!Nevertheless, putting aside all the above, let’s look at the two major reasons behind the fears some people have when considering traveling to Israel for the first time. Rather than downplaying them, let’s explore the facts on the ground and see if the perception matches reality. If you haven’t guessed, the two major fears people currently have concern COVID-19 and the political situation with the Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza.Old Jaffa seafront, Israel.Photo credit: © Dmitry Mishin1. COVID-19It is completely understandable to be fearful of Covid-19; after all, this is a virus that has brought the world to its knees and many countries are still suffering terribly. However, Israel is not one of them. On the contrary - Israel is the world leader when it comes to vaccinations - as early as January 2021, it had opened inoculation centers all over the country and was vaccinating thousands of people a day. Now, with summer here, Israel is the envy of the world - it is the first country to have achieved herd immunity, masks are no longer mandatory, either in public or private, cafes, restaurants, and museums are once busier and Tel Aviv's beaches are full. Israel is most definitely a ‘green’ country and can’t wait to welcome you. Even better, because of its low infection rates, you will not generally be subject to quarantine in your home country, when you return from your holiday. Obviously, this is a fluid situation but, as of late June, the timeline for Israel’s reopening to tourists looks like this: at the current moment (i.e. mid-June) most hotels in Israel have reopened and a small number of tourists (who have first-degree relatives in the country) are permitted to enter. From July 1st, 2021, individual tourists will be able to enter Israel, subject to certain provisions. This includes visitors who are fully vaccinated - you will need to show a negative PCR test, a vaccination certificate, and undertake a PCR test on arrival at Ben Gurion airport.Israel will open initially to tourists from countries where governments have signed reciprocal agreements. The list is constantly being updated but is expected to include the USA, UK, and all EU countries. Other states will soon be applying for reciprocity. At the same time, day trips across the country will resume. If for any reason, a member of the group needs medical attention, the hospitals in Israel are some of the best in the world, so you need not fear. To check the latest COVID-19 restrictions in Israel read this article.Caesarea Aqueduct Beach.Photo credit: © Dmitry Mishin2. The Arab-Israeli ConflictNo one would deny that the political situation in this region is rather complicated and, unfortunately, will probably not be solved any time soon. However, as with many ‘troubled’ regions of the world, that does not mean that it is unsafe to visit as a tourist - rather it means simply using your common sense and exercising a little more caution than you normally would.At this point, most foreign embassies advise that their citizens do not travel to the West Bank. However, as tensions flare up and then abate, the situation can change and in more ‘peaceful’ moments tour companies like ours do offer guided trips to the West Bank to some interesting and important sites there (Bethlehem and Jericho tours). Once in Israel, check with your guide who can give you the lie of the land and advise you as to your safety. The political situation is explained in greater detail in this link. Why It’s Secure to Travel in IsraelNow for the good news - it is safe to travel in Israel. The upshot of having to spend over seventy years dealing with terror means that there is a lot of security in public places. Let’s start with Ben Gurion Airport - it’s easily the most well-guarded airport in the world, with (strict protocols in place that most tourists don’t even notice) to ensure your safety.The same goes for bus and train stations, shopping malls, museums, and top tourist sites in Israel such as the Old City of Jerusalem - you may sometimes be asked to open your bag - so a guard can inspect its contents - before going inside, but this is the extent of the inconvenience you will suffer. In daily life, you’ll be surprised at just how ‘normal’ things are - Israelis love their free time and enjoy nothing more than a swim at the beach or a cup of coffee with friends in their local cafe.Sunset in Tel Aviv, Old Port area.Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinSomething else you will notice is young soldiers - of both sexes! That’s because Israel has compulsory national service which begins at the age of 18. Men have to serve three years and women two and their jobs are varied - from combat units and cyber security to clerks in offices, platoon cooks, and paramedics.On Sunday mornings, the buses can be really full - that’s because soldiers who’ve had weekend leave will be returning to their bases. Most of them speak excellent English and if you do end up sitting next to one in a cafe or on public transport, don’t be surprised if you end up chatting to them.Take Responsibility for Your Own SafetyFor the most part, as we’ve said, Israel is extremely safe but we can’t emphasize enough that you should take responsibility for your own safety - by using basic common sense and occasionally exercising a little causation in what you think could end up becoming a tense situation. As with anywhere in the world, you travel, there’s no guarantee that nothing bad will ever happen but there are always steps you can take to minimize danger and unnecessary risks.Here are a few dos and don'ts we recommend following in Israel, to make things as easy as possible for you:Montefiore Windmill in Mishkenot Sha’ananim neighborhood, Jerusalem. Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinList of Dos:1. Listen to your tour guide - they’re knowledgeable and experienced and, as locals, will have their finger on the pulse at all times. It’s also their job to keep you informed, so don’t feel embarrassed to ask as many questions as you want!2. Stay up to date with the news - situations unfold rapidly in this part of the world and if you’re ‘in the know’ that can be very helpful. There are also Israeli radio and TV stations that broadcast in English (i24 and YNet), as well as favorites like CNN and the BBC.3. Distance yourself from provocative or violent demonstrations, should you run into them. Don’t stop for a photo-op to show to friends back home - you might find yourself in the thick of a crowd you then can’t extricate yourself from.List of Don’ts:1. Never try to cross a border where it is not allowed. There will usually be signs to warn you and guards in the area but, if in doubt, err on the side of caution. Whilst it might seem fun to break the rules for a Facebook or Instagram post, you could really end up in a lot of trouble with the Jordanian or Palestinian authorities. Remember you are a guest in another country and aim to be responsible for your own safety.2. Don’t travel to the West Bank alone. If things are quiet, you can take a day tour to Bethlehem and Jericho with a tour company that has years of experience and local connections, which always helps. There are day tours and excursions operating both to Bethlehem and Jericho and they ensure you’ll have a seamless transition from Israel to the area controlled by the Palestinian Authority.Bethlehem rooftop view.Photo credit: © ShutterstockIf you travel alone, not only will you have to deal with checkpoints (where, as an individual, you may have to queue for a long time) but, if worse comes to worst, and trouble breaks out, you may find yourself unable to return to Israel, especially if it's over a religious holiday (when the border between Israel and the West Bank sometimes shut for security reasons). 3. Choose a trusty Israeli tour operator.This is imperative. Do plenty of research, find out how long they’ve been in business, and read their reviews. Check their credentials and reviews on TripAdvisor and don’t be afraid to call them and ask questions before you book - a good tour operator won’t have anything to hide.Beaches, Mountains, Deserts and History - Israel Has It AllTo sum up, then, we can say in no uncertain terms that first-time visitors who join tours in Israel might have a few nerves beforehand but in no time (and we’re talking hours, not days) come to realize that Israel isn’t just a safe destination but an amazing one too. With beaches, mountains, deserts, religious sites, places of archaeological and historical significance, and endless family-friendly attractions, there’s not much to complain about. Add to that the growing ‘food’ culture, the easy beat of Tel Aviv, the gravitas of holy Jerusalem, diving in Eilat, skiing in the Golan Heights, kayaking down the Jordan River, or drinking wine in some very fine Galilee vineyards, trust us when we tell you you’re going to have a holiday you’ll never forget. So now you know, what are you waiting for? Get planning your vacation in Israel and packing because it is open for business - and ready to greet you with open arms.Camel riding at the sign indicating sea level near the Dead Sea, Israel.Photo credit: © Shutterstock

Shlomo Ibn Gabirol Street or Ibn Gvirol (pronounced Even Gvirol) is one of Tel Aviv’s main thruways, running for 4km, from Shai Agnon Street in the north to Carlebach Street in the south. This long commercial and residential street virtually crosses all of Tel Aviv and its character changes as it progresses through the different neighborhoods. Several of Tel Aviv’s most famous streets cross Ibn Gvirol including Dizengoff, Frishman, and Arlozorov. A row of palm trees lines the center of Ibn Gvirol and the sidewalks are generously wide. Every few meters there is a sidewalk café, street food outlet, bar, or restaurant. And by the way, in case you’re wondering, Solomon ben Yehuda Ibn Gabirol was an 11th-century Jewish philosopher and poet from Andalusia. One of the best ways to explore Ibn Gvirol Street is on a Tel Aviv bike tour. Points of Interest on Ibn Gvirol StreetAt the northern end of the street, Ibn Gvirol passes over Yarkon Park. This is Tel Aviv’s “green lung” and a beautiful oasis in the busy city. Yarkon Park offers several attractions including a botanical garden, a climbing wall, and rowboat rental on the Yarkon River that flows through the park. Ibn Gvirol’s best-known landmark is Rabin Square which stands in front of the Tel Aviv municipal building. In 1995, Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated here, and the square renamed in his honor. Rabin Square is a popular venue for protests, festivals, and annual events. The space has a memorial wall for Rabin, some unique public artwork, and a pleasant fountain. Ibn Gvirol is home to several cultural venues like the Enav Cultural Center and Tzavta Theater where you can see live performances and art exhibitions. There are several art galleries along this famous street including Yair Art Gallery.Where to Eat and Drink on Ibn Gvirol Street, Tel AvivYou’ll be spoiled for the choice of eateries along the length of this famous Tel Aviv street. Top eateries include Vitrina at #36 famed for gourmet hamburgers; at #70 Brasserie serves excellent seafood; get Olivery’s great Italian food at #137, and at #30, River has excellent Asian food. One of Tel Aviv’s most famous chef restaurants, Miznon, is at #23. The restaurant takes Middle Eastern street food to a new level. PokeShop, at #62 serves kosher poke bowls. At #49 Giraffe is one of Israel’s finest pan-Asian restaurants. Chocolate-lovers should check out the street’s specialty chocolate stores. For a taste of Tel Aviv coffee culture head for The Streets (#114 Ibn Gvirol) which is open 24/7. And visit the much-loved Mae Café at #98. Otto (#76) is the place for celebs to see and be seen, and the Greek-themed HaMezeg at #151 Ibn Gvirol is another great choice.

The Montefiore Windmill is a well-known and much-loved landmark, situated just outside the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem. Built in 1857, it sits opposite the City walls in a neighbourhood that was established in 1860, named Mishkenot Shaananim (which means ‘Peaceful Dwelling’ in Hebrew). It was established by Moses Montefiore, a notable British philanthropist.Montefiore himself was born in Tuscany but emigrated with his family to London as a child. In order to help his parents, he left school prematurely and began working in finance. Over the years, he became extremely successful and in 1827 he made a visit to the Holy Land. This trip changed his life and from then on until his death, he became involved in charitable endeavours, particularly when it came to Jews abroad who were in crisis.The history of Mishkenot ShaananimMishkenot Sha'ananim was the first neighbourhood to be built outside of the Old City of Jerusalem, being directly across from Mount Zion and above the Sultan’s Pool. The area consisted of two buildings - one designed as a community centre (with a hospital, to treat the poor after a cholera epidemic), as well as a synagogue, bakery and commercial workshops. The second building (below) boasted 28 small apartments (each of one and a half rooms).Initially, the neighbourhood wasn’t particularly popular, because it had a reputation for lawlessness, with bandits operating in the streets at night. Montefiore, therefore, offered financial incentives for poor families to move there and his generosity was so well-known that many of his recipients referred to him as a “prince’. To be fair, Mishkenot Shaananim did not become incredibly popular overnight. However, the fact that it set the tone for the building of other neighbourhoods and this, in turn, led to Jerusalem being established as Israel’s capital is, in great part, a result of the building of Mishkenot Shaananim. The adjoining neighbourhood, Yemin Moshe (named after its benefactor) followed and by 1920, over 900 people were living here. Self-Sufficiency for the CommunityThe windmill that was erected was named after its benefactor, Montefiore, who was intent on helping the local population of the Yishuv (the Jewish community who lived in Ottoman-controlled Palestine before the 20th century), not just in Jerusalem but also in Jaffa and other parts of the country. Montefiore’s idea was that designing the windmill as a flour mill would allow the population a measure of self-sufficiency. (As well as this flour mill, Montefiore promoted other businesses that he felt would build up industry in the Holy Land, including a textile factory and a printing press).Design of the Original BuildingThe mill was designed by the Holman Brothers, from Kent in southern England. The stone used to construct it came from a local quarry and the tower walls were almost a metre thick at the base and 15 metres high. The parts needed to construct it were shipped from England to the port of Jaffa and then transported by camel to Jerusalem. Because it was designed by the English, the mill had a Kent-style cap and four patent sails, driving two pairs of millstones, flour dressers and other machinery. Unfortunately, the windmill never really functioned well, because it was located relatively low on the landscape. The wind in the area simply wasn’t strong enough to power the mill which, actually, had not been designed to deal with the hardest aspects of this crop. (The mill was designed to produce soft European wheat, which actually required less wind power than the wheat of the Levant). As a result, its use as a flour mill was phased out by 1891, when the local community began using steam-powered machines to grind their wheat. Nevertheless, it became a well-known and popular landmark in the neighbourhood and it did inspire people to move to the neighbourhood - which was one of Montefiore’s great hopes.From the British Mandate to the State of IsraelUntil the 1930s, the building stood abandoned but under the British Mandate (along with the Pro-Jerusalem Society) it underwent some cosmetic restorations (with non-functional sails erected at its top). In the War of Independence, in 1948, Jewish fighters used the now obsolete building as a watch postin their struggle against the British. The British responded by bombing the windmill in ‘Operation Quixote’ and blowing the top off the disused tower. After Israel recaptured Jerusalem in the Six-Day War in June 1967, much of the neighbourhood was restored - artists and individuals committed to preserving the neighbourhood’s quaint character bought properties. Today it is an exclusive and expensive neighbourhood, with great demand for the charming homes that exist there.Renovation of the WindmillIn 1968, the city municipality first offered funds to repair the windmill, as well as supporting different educational activities in the neighbourhood in the later years. However, the building still sat neglected. With a great deal of support from a Dutch organisation named ‘Christians for Israel’ funds were raised for the renovation of the windmill. A model of another Kent-designed windmill, named Stelling Mininis, built by Holman Brothers, was taken to the Netherlands, to raise awareness.The project also received the backing of the Jerusalem Foundation and Tourist Board) and, after a couple of years, work began. In 2012, with great fanfare, this very first Jerusalem landmark was reopened in a dedication ceremony where local politicians recalled playing in this area as children, never dreaming that one day that this historic building would function once more.The Windmill TodayToday, the Montefiore Windmill is a popular attraction in the city and fits in well with the charming and beautiful surroundings of the neighbourhood. It looks just like it did 150 years ago, with rotating blades and as of 2013, flour has been ground there once more! With its beautiful stone exterior, it stands at 14 metres high, and for anyone curious about the history of the city, and the way Jerusalem grew between the 19th and 21st centuries, it is a must-visit site. Inside is a permanent exhibit devoted to the life and work of Montefiore, and history buffs should look out for the replica of the glass carriage in which he travelled. (Fun fact: the original carriage arrived in Palestine, courtesy of Boris Schatz, who founded the Bezalel Academy of Art).Wineries Centre and Stunning ViewsInside the windmill is the Jerusalem Vineyard Wineries Centre, where visitors can learn about wine, enjoy tastings and purchase fine bottles. The centre is an excellent place to have a drink (there are also soft drinks and coffee available) and enjoy a stroll along the terrace, from which there are stunning views of the walls of the Old City and this lovely neighbourhood. Views of the city are also excellent from ‘Guy’s Hope Observation Point’ which is next door. All in all, the Montefiore Windmill is an attraction that should be high on your list, when on a Jerusalem tour. To get toMontefiore Windmill you can also join Jerusalem New City Jewish Private Tour.Directions and Practical InformationHours: Sunday to Thursday 09:00-16:00, Friday - 9:00-13:00. Tel: 02 566-1441Bus: from Jerusalem’s Central Bus Station, on Jaffa Street, take buses 18, 32, 74, 75 or 78 and ask to be let off at the Keren HaYesod/Shalom Aleichem stop. From there it is a 6-minute walk to the Windmill.Light rail: Alight at the Jaffa Gate stop then walk via Omar Ben el-Hatab St and Heinrich Heine St, for approx 1 km (about 13 minutes walk).Car: Drive via Ussishkin St for approx, 4.2 km (18 minutes without traffic).

The Museum for Islamic Art in Jerusalem is located in the Katamon neighborhood of the city and is committed to the collection, preservation and exhibition of art and archaeological fragments/historical objects that pertain to Islamic art through the ages, dating from conquests and governments spanning the 7th to the 19th century.Opened in 1974, in its 47 years the museum has gained a worldwide reputation for its extraordinary collection of Islamic art - pieces that are both unique in Israel and prized by collectors across the globe. The museum boasts both a permanent collection and temporary exhibits, and aims to give the visitor an insight in to the extraodainry treasures of Muslim society, which at one point extended from Spain, all through Eygpt, Syria, Turkey, Afhanistan, Iraq, Iran and up to India.Some of the exquisite pieces on display include metalwork, pottery, glass, pages of ancient Qur’an manuscripts, not to mention a range of luxury items: rugs, ornaments and jewelry. The marvellous collection is spread over six galleries on two floors. The art is not considered a national treasure, as most of its objects housed there come from across the globe i.e. were not found in Israel or Palestine. Nevertheless, it is considered to be one of the best collections of its kind in the world today.History of the MuseumThe Museum for Islamic Art in Jerusalem was founded in the 1960s by Vera Bryce Salomons, who was born into an aristocratic British-Jewish family. Her great-uncle, Sir David Salomons was a great supporter of equal rights for minorities, including the Jews. He had the honour of becoming the first Jewish Lord Mayor of London as well as a Member of Parliament. Vera Salomons herself was a woman ahead of her time, with great vision and a passion for art and culture. She also believed deeply in religious tolerance and was a strong advocate of tolerance and coexistence between Jews and Palestinians in Jerusalem. Not surprisingly, not only did she wish to build a museum that showcased the beauty of Islamic art, but also as a means to educate the wider public on the rich history of Islam and wider Arab culture.In order to make her dream a reality, Vera turned to her teacher and friend, Professor Leo Arie Mayer, who was a well-known academic, teaching at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, specializing in the fields of archaeology and art of the Middle East. He believed in her vision and together they began planning the establishment of the institution. It also helped that Professor Mayer had a significant personal collection of Islamic archaeology and art and this became the nucleus around which the museum’s permanent collection came to be designed.Vera remained a passionate art-lover for her entire life, publishing three books on 18th-century French illustrations. She spent the last years of her life in Switzerland and died in 1969, aged 81.Permanent CollectionThe museum was opened in 1974 and documents the rise and fall of Muslim rule in much of the Levant (spreading west to Spain and east to India). This rule began in the 7th century and lasted for 1,200 years, until the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. The conquerors did not celebrate victory by destroying their enemies and, with them, their homes and possessions. Instead, they drew on existing techniques and local traditions and let them become their muse. This is well reflected in the museum’s Permanent Collection.In total, the museum has six galleries that cover centuries of art, beginning with the Umayyad period, through the regimes of the Abbasids, the Samanids, the Fatimids, the Seljuqs, the Mamluks, the Mongols, the Timurids, the Safavids, the Moghuls, and the Ottomans. Each era has its individual material culture, but there is a common narrative linking them all.Local techniques and a unique styleToday, only a small percentage of the thousands of objects the museum owns are actually on display in the permanent collection, including prayer shawls, metal and glass objects, jewelry and pottery. One can see ancient pages of Quran books, with astonishing calligraphy as well as Mogul Art from India, including a wooden palace window, hailing from Gujarat.The permanent collection also houses instruments(including an oud which dates back to 1738. The oud is a short-neck, pear-shaped stringed instrument with 11 or 13 strings. It is Arab music’s most important instrument and the forefather of the modern guitar. Also look out for a wooden painted compass, which points in the direction of Mecca.Local traditions were never ignored, but a new Muslim art developed, and with it a unique style. This is reflected in chess pieces, dominos, playing cards, carpets, helmets and even daggers on exhibit. Early Islamic art is also well showcased - beautiful ceramic pieces in dazzling blues and greens. The potters of their time, who lived in a region named Kasahm, developed a special technique which accounts for the colours - before they fired and glazed the vessels, they covered them in a mix of clay, earth and pigments. Look out for some of the pottery that is decorated with calligraphy (usually with the name of Allah or a Muslim blessing).The David Salomons Clock CollectionArguably the jewel in the crown of the Islamic Museum of Art is the rare clock and watch collection that once belonged to David Salomons. The 200 clocks on display, many owned by princes and dukes, centuries ago, are quite extraordinary and sophisticated. Some are mechanical - simple, chiming clocks, and others have automatic winding mechanisms (which back then were considered quite ‘futuristic’). You can see grandfather clocks, pendulum clocks, measuring instruments and music boxes there. Additionally, on display are compasses, barometers and other scientific instruments, as well as sundials and telescopes from the 17th-19th centuries. Salomons’ favourite designer was the famed Parisian watchmaker Abraham-Louis Breguet and in the collection are 55 of his pieces. His claim to fame was the development of the self-winding watch, giving new meaning to the concept “exactly on time.” His watches and clocks were a design of beautiful design, extreme practicality and immense reliability, which gave him a reputation as Europe’s leading clockmaker in Europe. One of his customers was Marie Antoinette, and in the collection is a clock bearing her name. (Our tip: look out for the toy music boxes, made of gold and diamonds, operated by a small mechanism that automatically opens doors - in one, a songbird actually pops up and begins singing!)The Great Clock RobberyIn 1983, 106 rare clocks, worth tens of millions of dollars, including the Marie Antoinette clock, were stolen in a daring robbery. The police had no leads and in the 20 years that followed, the trail went cold. Only in the summer of 2006 was the mystery uncovered - a skilled burglar by the name of Naaman Diller carried out the heist. Before he died, he confessed his crime to his wife and bequeathed them to her. When she tried to sell one, secretly, the appraiser spotted its value and quickly called the police. Eventually, 39 of them were returned to the museum!Past ExhibitsOver the years, the museum has hosted a number of popular exhibits, including ‘Contemporary Arabesque’ (examining how local Palestinian and Israeli artists adopt various motifs associated with the Muslim decorative element known as arabesque). ‘Modern Times’ (charting pieces constructed by the artist Itay Noy as a reflection of the classical watches collection), ‘The Landscapes of Israel’ (showcasing colorful paintings and depictions of landscapes of the Land of Israel (Palestine), painted by David Roberts in the 19th century) and ‘Hamsa’ (exhibiting 555 different examples of this traditional Muslim/Jewish which is now an iconic symbol).A Vision of Cultural CollaborationBesides the extraordinary treasures housed there, the Museum for Islamic Art aspires to become a dynamic cultural center for a variety of communities, and a landmark in the local cultural arena. In collaboration with partners in Israel and abroad, the museum hosts innovative educational initiatives, develops cultural programs, and produces popular cultural events. Tens of thousands of visitors pass through its doors every year, Arabs and Jews, students, schoolchildren, and families enjoying a wealth of cultural and educational activities.The Museum for Islamic Art strives to realize the dream of Vera Salomons and honor her family legacy by being a bridge between Arab and Jewish cultures. It sees cultivation of cultural dialogue as its primary goal and this is reflected in many of the past exhibits (where all sections of the population of the land - Israelis, Palestinians, Druze, Bedouin) collaborate in artistic endeavours.Design and IndependenceVera Bryce Salomons never wavered in her decision that the museum should keep its financial independence and not be a beneficiary of public funding. She personally endowed the building fund and took a personal role in the day-to-day decision making, including discussions as to acquisitions and expenses. The building was designed by the prominent architect, Dr. Alexander Friedman, and construction of what would eventually be a modernist stone structure began in the late 1960’s.Educational Activities for ChildrenThe museum is happy to be able to offer early childhood education for children, from preschool and first grade right up until high school. These include experiential sessions of activities, drama, active tours and/or theatrical tours of Islamic culture and art. Children can also attend creative art workshops inspired by the theme of the guided tour and the activities.Family Friendly ActivitiesThe Islamic Museum of Art prides itself on being a family-friendly institution and offers a wide range of activities both for adults and children, either in groups or private tours. Children can dabble in art workshops, try their hand at calligraphy, tile painting, paper folding and pottery painting. There’s even an activity that involves decorating musical instruments such as drums, tambourines and bamboo flutes. These activities are not just fun and creative but extremely educational and an excellent way for children to learn more about history, culture and design.Additionally, the museum offers children the opportunity to have their birthday party at the space. For those aged 5-8, two themes are on offer: ‘Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves’ and ‘Sinbad the Sailor’. For those aged 8 to 14, the museum offers an ‘Escape Room’ based around a true-life mystery - the Great Clock Heist. As recounted above, in the 1980s, a robber broke into the museum and stole some priceless clocks and watches. It’s up to the children to find out how it happened and to catch the culprit!Lectures and MusicalsThe museum regularly hosts lectures and musical events, including ‘Armenian Ceramic’, ‘Collective Trauma and Personal Memory’, the very popular “Songs of Ofra Haza’ (a much-loved Israeli singer) and evenings of Sufi-inspired dancing.Moreover, in 2017, the museum held its first ‘Open House’ where visitors could go behind the scenes and explore the collection storage area, as well as attend the ‘In the Footsteps of Time’ tour, going inside the enormous safe in which the prized clock collection is stored. The event was such a great success that additional ‘Open Houses’ are envisaged.Practical InformationTel: 02-566-1291. Opening Hours: Tuesday to Thursday:10 am to 3 pm. Friday and Saturday: 10 am to 2 pm. Sunday and Monday: Closed. Directions and Parking: Bus: Lines 13 and 15 from the Central Bus Station. Alight at the intersection of Hazaz Boulevard/Herzog and walk for approximately 11 minutes. By car: street parking where the curb is either gray (free) or painted blue and white (paid), on Hapalmach St., Hagedud Ha’ivri St. and Chopin St. On Shabbat (Saturday), the museum’s parking lot is open to visitors free of charge, on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Beit Jamal Catholic Monastery is located south of Bet Shemesh on a hill down a beautiful country road surrounded by greenery. The complex holds two monasteries, one for nuns and one for monks plus two churches, the Sisters of Bethlehem Church and the Saint Stephen’s Church. Within the monastery complex is St. Stephen’s Church, named after a Christian martyr stoned to death in Jerusalem in 35AD. The monastery has a crenulated square tower which can be seen above the treetops as you make your way up the hill to the monastery complex. Although the monks belong to the Salesian Society founded by St. John Bosco the nuns are from the Sisters of Bethlehem and have taken a vow of silence. This unique and picturesque site welcomes visitors to explore the historic church, buy local products, learn about monastery life and just enjoy the countryside.History of Beit JamalDuring the Roman era, the site of Beit Jamal was a village called Kefar Gamala, named after Rabbi Gamaliel who was a resident of the village. The Rabbi was very wise, well respected, and favored by early Christians. In Acts of Apostles, we read of how Rabbi Gamaliel taught Paul the Apostle. In the Byzantine era, in 415AD a Greek priest called Lucian had a dream directing him to the site in Kefar Gamala where the tombs of St. Stephen and Rabbi Gamaliel were uncovered. Soon after a church was built on the site where the tombs were discovered and the church was named St. Stephens. The Byzantine church was destroyed in 614AD during the Arab invasion.In 1881 a new monastery was built in the village near the remains of the destroyed Byzantine church and the monastery ran an orphanage and agricultural school. In 1892 the Salesian Society bought the property and began running the monastery as one of its many branches established worldwide to help underprivileged children. The Salesian Society also runs a similar establishment in Nazareth at the Young Jesus Church of Nazareth. In 1916 the mosaic floor and tombs of the Byzantine church were uncovered and preserved. The complex no longer functions as an orphanage or agricultural school but continues to function as a monastery as well as a meteorological station run by the monks. It was the first meteorological station established in Israel and the monks continue to monitor measure and record all ups and downs of the temperature, precipitation, and wind. In 1930 under the British Mandate, a church was built over the ruins of the Byzantine church.The Monastery TodayThe monastery welcomes pilgrims seeking solitude and spiritual reflection; they have several guest rooms for pilgrims. The monastery also welcomes day visitors to come and see the beautiful churches, surrounding gardens and to enjoy bi-weekly Saturday concerts. The monastery holds a picturesque location perfect for a casual day out in the country and a family picnic. This quiet corner of the country has recently become a magnet for tourists and locals who flock here to enjoy the peaceful surroundings, olive groves, wildflowers, and green fields. Within the walled gardens of the monastery, visitors can explore the gardens, courtyard, and churches as well as several antiquities. On the ground, you can see ancient olive presses used at this site more than 100 years ago. Some of the olive trees here are thought to be 2000 years old. St. Stephen’s is one of the highlights of a visit to the complex. Sections of the surviving Byzantine mosaic floor have been preserved and attached to the exterior wall of the church. Inside the church is painted with bright colors on every surface including the high ceiling and most of the murals are designed to look like mosaics. The stunning paintings depict stories from St. Stephen’s life and martyrdom. The Church of the Sisters of Bethlehem was built by the nuns themselves.Other attractions drawing tourists to Beit Jamel include the locally made wine, honey, and olive oil sold in the monastery store by the Salesian monks. Visitors can see a short film about monastery life. The nuns produce beautiful hand-painted pottery which is sold in the monastery store. The nuns on duty in the store rotate every four years and are given permission to break their vow of silence when working in the store. How to get thereYou can find Beit Jamal off route #38 about 3km south of Bet Shemesh. For more information about concerts contact the “Pearl Music” at 02 535 6954. The monastery welcomes visitors Monday-Saturday 8:30 am-1:30 am and 3:30 pm-4:30 pm. It is closed to the public on Sundays.

The Bloomfield Stadium is located in the southern part of Tel Aviv-Jaffa and is regarded by many as a ‘temple’ of Israeli football. Home to three clubs - Maccabi Tel Aviv, Hapoel Tel Aviv and Bnei-Yehuda Tel Aviv), Bloomfield has a long history when it comes to football and is much loved by the Israeli public. Owned by the Tel Aviv-Jaffa Municipality and operated by the Sports Palace Group, it has a grass surface and a capacity of 29,400 spectators.History of the StadiumThe construction of the Bloomfield Stadium was the result of a project supported and financed by a Canadian charity - the Canadian Association of Labour Israel - and named after the brothers Louis and Bernard Bloomfield, who were dedicated to the ideals of sport. The charity was aligned with the Histadrut Labour Movement in Israel.The ground was first broken on 4th September 1960, in East Jaffa, on the land where Basa Stadium, home to the football team Hapoel Tel Aviv originally played their matches. Bloomfield opened in late 1962 and the first official match played was a friendly match between Hapoel and the Dutch Club Sportclub Enschede. The following year, Maccabi Tel Aviv moved into the Bloomfield Stadium (leaving behind their previous home, the Maccabiah Stadium) and in 2004 were joined by Bnei Yehuda, Tel Aviv, giving Bloomfield the honour of being the only stadium in the top divisions to be home to three different teams. By September 2010, Bloomfield Stadium was awarded a Category 4 Status by UEFA, allowing it to host Champions League Group Stage matches. Between 2016-2019, the stadium was closed for extensive renovations, in order to enlarge, improve and upgrade the existing facilities. Now finished, it has the capacity and facilities that let it comply with international standards and therefore host teams from across the globe in leading competitions.Musical and Cultural EventsAs well as acting as a football arena, the stadium is one of Israel’s most top-rated venues for performance artists. Artists not just from Israel but across the globe have performed there, including Art Garfunkel, Phil Collins, Barbra Streisand, the Scorpions and the Black Eyed Peas. Celine Dion’s sellout concert, which had to be cancelled due to Covid-19 lockdown, is set for June 2021. It will be her first-ever performance in Israel.Bloomfield Stadium was the venue for the first concerts held in Tel Aviv after Israel emerged from the 2020 pandemic, with ‘intimate’ gatherings of 500 people for four concerts, featuring Israeli singers such as Ivry Lider, Shalom Hanoch, Yardena Arazi and Dikla.Practical InformationAddress:Bloomfield Stadium is located on She’erit Yisra’el St, in the south part of central Tel Aviv, not far from the old port of Jaffa. Tel: 03 637-6000Directions:On foot: It’s a short (5 minute) walk to Jaffaand a 10-minute walk to Neve Tzedek. If you’re coming from the ‘proper’ city centre i.e. around the Dizengoff Centre, it will take about 45 minutes.By bus: You can take bus number 25 from Rabin Square or King George Street - alight at Shlabim/Kibbutz Galuyot Road and walk for 4 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the number 172 (which begins near the Namal (Tel Aviv Port) and travels down Dizengoff Street, past the shopping centre). Alight at Florentin/HaAliya and walk for 12 minutes.By taxi: A taxi from the Dizengoff Centre will take approx.15-20 minutes (via the Herbert Samuel Promenade, giving you beautiful views of the Mediterranean sea and promenade) and will cost around 40-50 NIS.

The Abuhav Synagogue is located in Safed, a sacred Jewish city situated in the hills of Galilee. The synagogue was built in the 15th century by Kabbalist Rabbi Yitzhak Abuhav. There were two well-known rabbis with this name. One Yitzhak Abuhav is attributed with writing the Meorat Hama’or, an important book of ethics. However, it is more likely that the synagogue was named after Rabbi Yitzhak Abuhav a 15th-century great sage of Castile and member of the Toledo rabbinate. This rabbi ran a yeshiva for the study of Kabbalah and Jewish philosophy. One of his students was Rabbi Ya’acov Beirav who went on to become one of the great sages of Safed.The Synagogue Torah ScrollsIt was Rabbi Ya’acov Beirav who is thought to have brought the synagogue’s famous scroll to Safed. The Abuhav Synagogue scroll is the oldest in Safed and is associate with many legends and traditions. This precious scroll is kept locked in the synagogue Torah Ark and is only used three times a year at Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, and Shavuot. The synagogue has a second precious Torah scroll brought to the synagogue by 16th century Moroccan Kabbalist Rabbi Solomon Ohana.Design of the Abuhav SynagogueThe synagogue is thought to have been designed by Abuhav while still in Spain before traveling to Safed. The design was created according to Kabbalah principles. Kabbalah is an esoteric school of Judaism that includes the study of numerology where there is a mystical relationship between numbers, our lives, and events. For this reason, each element of the synagogue design has numerical significance – there is 1 bima, 2 steps, and 3 Torah Arks. Using Kabbalah symbolism the bima has six steps representing the 6 days of creation before reaching the top level symbolizing the Shabbat, Torah, and spiritual enlightenment. As you approach the synagogue there is an outer entrance, then a courtyard, and then an inner entrance. The prolonged entrance and courtyard are designed to give the visitor time to compose himself and prepare to enter the place of worship. The synagogue has three Arks (special cupboards that hold the Torah scrolls) against the southern wall which is the only part of the original building still standing. Other parts of the synagogue were destroyed over the years by earthquakes and wars and subsequently rebuilt. Facing the southern wall and the arks is Elijah’s Chair, an elaborately decorated chair used during the circumcision ceremony. An adult sits in the chair and the baby is placed in a small chair attached to the larger Chair of Elijah.A raised platform or bima where the leader of the congregation stands to read from the Torah is positioned in the center of the synagogue. The benches for worshipers are arranged around the edges of the room rather than being lined up as in a modern synagogue or church. The inner surface of the synagogue’s domed ceiling is adorned with images of musical instruments that would have been played by the Levite choir in the ancient Temple; symbols of the 12 tribes of Israel and four crowns – the Torah Crown, Crown of Kingship, Priestly Crown and Crown of Impending Redemption.To see the Abuhav Synagogue join Golan Heights and Safed Tour, 2 Days

Hamat Gader (Hebrew for “hot springs of Gadara”) is a hot spring site on the Golan Heights about 10km from the tripoint of the Israeli, Syrian and Jordanian borders. Archaeological evidence shows that the hot mineral springs of Hamat Gader were known to man at least 1800 years ago. Today, just like the ancient Romans, people come to Hamat Gader to enjoy the therapeutic waters of the hot mineral springs and other attractions of the area.History of Hamat GaderReferences to Hamat Gader were found in the writings of Strabo, a Greek geographer, historian, and philosopher (c.64BC-c.24AD); Greek writer Origen (c.184AD-c.253AD) and in 1st century Rabbinical texts. The remains of an ancient Roman bath complex were uncovered at Hamat Gader dating back to the 2nd century. The baths would have served Roman soldiers from the nearby army garrison at Gadara. Later during the Muslim period changes were made to the baths and the original Roman structures were extended.Archaeological excavations have uncovered a Roman theatre from the 3rd century and a 5th-century synagogue. An earthquake destroyed the baths in the 7th century and they were rebuilt by Umayyad Caliph of Damascus only to be damaged again by an earthquake in 749. By the 9th century, the Roman baths of Hamat Gader were abandoned and the ruins eventually became covered in a layer of silt that rose up from the springs. More recently Hamat Gader was the location of a Palestinian village called Al-Hamma. In 1923 borders were created between French Mandate Syria; British Mandate Palestine and Lebanon placing Al-Hamma within Palestine. Following the 1948 Israeli War of Independence, a demilitarized zone was demarcated along the Golan Heights between Syria and Israel. From 1949 to 1967 Hamat Gader stood abandoned within the demilitarized zone between Israel and Syria. During the 1967 Six-Day War Syria attacked Israel at the Golan Heights but instead of gaining land they were pushed back beyond the demilitarized zone and Israel captured the Golan Heights including Hamat Gader. Since 1967 the Golan Heights, including Hamat Gader, has been in Israeli territory.Hamat Gader TodayToday the Golan Heights and Hamat Gader are safe, prosperous areas with thriving farms, tourist attractions, cities, and villages. Hamat Gader is a major tourist attraction offering fun and recreation as well as a chance to see the ruins of the original Roman baths. Just as the Romans enjoyed the hot springs of Hamat Gader today tourists can indulge in the mineral pools of the Hamat Gader Spa Complex. The spa’s natural thermal pools contain a concentration of 4.7% sulfur and a constant temperature of 42°C. The thermo-mineral waters are known for their therapeutic qualities especially for skin conditions and respiratory ailments. At the Hamat Gader Hot Springs, there are several spring water pools of various sizes and temperatures; Jacuzzis and spa treatments are available. The site also has a boutique hotel where you can stay while receiving spa treatments. Hamat Gader is home to organic fishing ponds where you can go fishing and to excellent restaurants. Hamat Gader Splash Site is a mini-water park where there is a 10m high splash water slide; a large pool; water cannons and a waterfall. Animal World is a natural reserve for 200 crocodiles and a mini-safari where you can see kangaroos, deer, iguanas, raccoons, antelope, and other creatures. Animal World has a petting zoo where you can get up close to domestic and farm animals. During peak seasons there are also parrot shows.

The Second Temple was a sacred Jewish place of worship on Temple Mount in Jerusalem from 520 BC to 70 AD. Temple Mount was the site of the First Temple until 586 BC; the Second Temple and today is the site of the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque. The Temple represented a divine presence on Earth and the place where heaven and Earth meet. Only in the Holy Temple could sacrificial worship be performed in accordance with the codes of the Torah. Construction of the Second Temple is referred to in the Book of Ezekiel; Ezra 1:1-4 and Chronicles 36:22-23.History of the Second TempleFifty years after Babylonians destroyed the First Temple in c.587 BC they were vanquished by Persians. King Cyrus II of Persia gave permission for the Temple to be rebuilt. Under Governor Sheshbazzar attempts were made to start the project. Only in 522 BC when Zerubbabel became governor was work on the Temple continued by exiled Jews returning to the Levant from Babylon. Construction of the Temple continued in 521 BC under Persian King Darius I.Two Jews from Judea, Ezra and Nehemiah were a major force in the reconstruction. This early modest version of the Second Temple was completed in 516 BC. In the following years, the Jews and Palestine were ruled by the Persians, Greeks, and Romans yet they continued to keep their faith and worship at the Temple. In 163 BC the Greek ruler Antiochus erected a statue of Jupiter on the altar of the Temple. For three years the Temple was profaned in this way until the Jews revolted. It was at the end of the Maccabean Revolt (167-160 BC) that the story of Hanukah unfolded. Storming and retaking the Temple the Maccabees found only a small jug of blessed oil to lite the Menorah. A miracle occurred and the oil lasted seven days until new oil could be obtained to light the Temple’s Menorah. During a brief period of Jewish rule by the Hasmonean Kingdom (140 BC-116 BC) the Temple was refurbished. Starting in 20 BC Herod took it upon himself to extend and refurbish the Temple complex although maintaining the character of Zerubbabel’s Temple.He undertook several mammoth building projects in Palestine wanting to cement his place in history. The Second Temple was his masterpiece. This final version of the Temple is the one we remember today as a grand, elaborate complex. The biblical story of Jesus clearing the Temple of money changers took place at the Second Temple on Temple Mount. Destruction of the Second TempleThe Temple stood for 420 years from 349 BC to 70 AD. Jews across Palestine began to revolt against the Roman authorities in 66 AD. Jews were drawn together to fight their common enemy. The Romans led by Titus decided to aim at the heart of the Jews – the Temple. The Jews were outnumbered and defeated. Later the Romans built a pagan temple on the site of the former Second Temple.Features of the Second TempleAt its height, the Temple covered 450 acres and was 100 cubits (about 45 meters) tall. The Roman historian Josephus described the Second Temple as have in 10 entrances; several courtyards; ritual baths; a place for sacrificial animals and the Holy of Holies. Among the features of the Temple there was the golden Menorah; a golden altar for incense; and the heart of the Temple – the Holy of Holies (Kodesh HaKodashim) or the Inner Sanctum.The Second Temple TodayToday Temple Mount is no longer the site of a Jewish temple. Those who want to learn more about the Second Temple can visit the Davidson Archaeological Park where remains of the destroyed Temple have been excavated alongside the retaining wall of Temple Mount. If you visit the Israel Museum you can see a scale model of the Second Temple and Second Temple Era Jerusalem. Since the destruction of the Second Temple on Tisha b’Av according to the Jewish calendar Jews have mourned the loss of their Temple which is mentioned in several prayers and numerous biblical references. Tisha b’Av is a day of fast and Jews pray for the reconstruction of the Third Temple on Temple Mount.

The Bloomfield Science Museum is situated opposite the Givat Ram Campus of the Hebrew University, and the Knesset (Israel’s Parliament) in central Jerusalem. It is and was the first interactive science museum of its kind built in the country. Envisaged originally as a center, over time - and with the input of leading scientists - it evolved into what today is a prized museum facility.As well as a wide number of ongoing exhibits, the museum boasts a Science Garden, Activity Rooms, Workshops, a Discovery Centre, a Professional resources center, and Research Labs. The museum receives around 200,000 visitors per year and supports a number of educational projects. Considered to be a place for ‘learning with a twist’ it encourages both children and adults to touch, activate, get involved, and - most importantly - have fun whilst learning.History of the MuseumThe museum was first opened to the public in its present location in 1992. Its creation is the result of its founding director, Professor Peter Hillman. Born in South Africa, after studying nuclear physics at Harvard, in 1960 he moved to Israel and joined the prestigious Weizmann Institute. By 1967, he had begun working in a second field, neurology and brain studies, subsequently becoming a Professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. As early as 1980, Professor Hillman dreamed of building a science museum and the initial idea he put into practice was “The Seeing Eye – Science Workshop '' which ran for close to ten years at the Hebrew University. Thanks to his dedication and insight, it was a great success, and, along with support from fellow academics and the Jerusalem Foundation (as well as a generous donation from the Bloomfield family in Canada) the Bloomfield Science Museum in Jerusalem was inaugurated in 1992.Design of the MuseumThe museum is set out across several wings, and also contains a Science Garden and a spacious IMAX theatre. Its first two wings were built by the Jerusalem Foundation and today are used, in the main, as display halls for exhibits. A part of the first wing is reserved for preschool visitors.Two floors of the museum’s second wing opened to the public in 2001 and this has made possible the addition of exhibit workshop areas, an auditorium (used to display films and hold demonstrations and conferences), and a fully-equipped resource center. Popular ExhibitionsDiscovering Levers - exhibiting handles kids can rotate, balls to move, and demonstrating how you can move things (including humans!) with a pulley lift - using ropes or cords. Electricity Exhibits - using rotatable mirrors, children can reflect light to solar panels and begin moving objects. Illusions - using unusual exhibits and famous optical illusions, this kind of exhibit plays with kids’ minds, especially the ‘overlapping objects’ and ‘expanding universe.’Why Don’t Buildings Fall? - Visitors here are given challenges and are invited to build models and work out the strength of different materials. In this way, they can understand more about basic scientific principles and how they are applied to real life.Bicycles - which ran from 2017 to 2018, marked 200 years since the invention of the bicycle and showcased some very old models, dating back to the 1850s. Also, an entire corner was devoted to the concept of ‘folding bikes’ which is clearly a trend on the up and up. Another highlighted the bamboo bicycles of Ghana, Africa. Here, bamboo - which is light but sturdy - is used as a frame material. This kind of project is ideal for teaching children, not just about environmental sustainability but the way innovation can develop a local economy. Here’s a short video to give you more of an idea of what goes on inside the building. Footprints of Light - focusing on new technology – light writing – using colored beams of light, visitors could cover a wall with graffiti, launch a pendulum, pedal bicycles through the streets using a light brush, and leave fish-shaped footprints that gradually fade away, ready for the next participant!Innovations - cherry tomatoes, the Disk on Key, and the electric car were 3 of Israel’s most important inventions and this exhibition looked at the country’s technological innovation. It featured a solar power station, drip irrigation techniques, and even a robot used in surgery!Waterworks - set in shallow pools, this exhibit traced Israel's water sources and looked at how water was treated all the way until it came out of faucets in private homes.Da Vinci - to commemorate the 500 year anniversary of his death, in 2019 the museum held an exhibition highlighting the drawings and designs of Leonardo da Vinci, who was not just a talented painter but also an exceptional mathematician, engineer, and inventor. Going Green - here, children had the chance to attend ecological workshops, grow a sapling using basic principles of physics, taste and smell herbs, and build a ‘flower model’ from which they can work out how water travels from its roots to its leaves. They also watched a 3D film about sea turtles, learning how these amazing creatures (over 100 million years old) migrate back to the beaches they were born in after decades, to lay eggs to preserve the next generation.Outreach and CoexistenceThe Bloomfield Science Museum believes deeply in the philosophy that every child should be exposed to science and therefore encourages visits from children from underprivileged families, as well as those with special needs. The museum is also used as a place to promote coexistence projects and supports Jewish-Arab summer camps, a science enrichment program for pre-school children from east Jerusalem, and other tolerance-building activities that are offered to around 20,000 children annually. The Peace Labyrinth Project, in particular, has used photographic images, mirrors, games, and sounds to raise questions about childrens’ observation, communication, and decision-making. Children wind their way through a labyrinth, making observations, perceiving situations, and reaching conclusions. As they travel through, they understand that every situation in which they find themselves has multiple ‘solutions’ and the way they choose to react has consequences later down the line. Encouraging Women in ScienceBloomfield is committed to reaching out to young girls, in order to encourage them to learn more about science, with a view to choosing careers in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields. To this end, they support the Hypatia Project (Hypatia being a philosopher, astronomer, and mathematician, who lived in Alexandria, Egypt, and overcame great prejudice against her sex to contribute tremendously to her fields). The Hypatia project encourages girls, both through formal and informal education, to attend science centers and promotes gender-inclusive STEM education and communication. Family-Friendly ActivitiesThe Bloomfield Science Museum prides itself in being a family-friendly venue and adults and their children can sign up for guided tours on a daily basis, as well as take part in arts and crafts workshops (with a gift for everyone who participates), attend screenings of nature films in 3D and participate in interactive science demonstrations. Children can even build small structures that give them an appreciation of scientific concepts. For toddlers, there is also a sand play area available. Practical Information:Tel: 02-6544888. Entrance fee:50 NIS (children under the age of 5 enter for free). Opening hours: Sunday:Closed. Monday: 9 am to 2 pm. Tuesday:9 am to 6 pm. Wednesday: 9 am to 2 pm. Thursday:9 am to 2 pm. Friday:10 am to 2 pm. Saturday:10 am to 4 pm. Directions:On foot: From the Jerusalem Central Bus Station it is a 2 km (approx 22 minutes) walk via Weizmann Boulevard. From the Damascus Gate, in the Old City, it is a 3.6 km walk (approx 49 minutes) through the Rehavia neighborhood, via Keren ha Kayemet St and Ruppin Street. Bus: Take line 68 from the Jerusalem Central Bus Station and alight at HaJoint/Balfour Street. From there, it is a 4-minute walk. Car: Depending on traffic, it should take between 10 to 20 minutes to drive to the museum from the Jerusalem Central Bus Station, via Sderot HaNassi Hashishi. Free parking is available from Thursdays at 3 pm until Saturdays at 7 pm, otherwise, a fee is payable.

You can’t find a museum in Israel more diverse than the Eretz Israel Museum (Israel Land Museum). The overall theme is anything to do with the land and people of Israel, past and present, and this covers a lot of ground from indigenous plants and the postal system to archaeological finds and artwork.Eretz Israel Museum (MUZA) has a permanent collection categorized under ethnography, folklore, local history, photography, and contemporary Israeli art.The museum’s location, close to the Yarkon River, Tel AvivUniversity, and Ramat Aviv (a northern suburb of Tel Aviv) has allowed MUZA to spread over expansive grounds without the encroachment of city buildings.Plan Your VisitOpen Times - Sunday closed. Monday, Wednesday 10:00-16:00; Tuesday, Thursday 10:00-20:00; Friday 10:00-14:00, and Saturday 10:00-18:00. Pro Tip: The closest railway station is Tel Aviv University Station.Prices - Regular price: 52 ILS. Adult Tel Aviv residents 42 ILS. Students 35 ILS. Soldiers, police, and senior citizens 26 ILS. Entrance is free for visitors under 18 years old, people with disabilities, and escorts of people with disabilities. You need to show your relevant valid certificate or ID for the discount or free entry. Pro Tip: The planetarium is not included in the entrance fee and requires an additional 15 ILS.Average Visit Duration - 3 hours Pro Tip: There is paid parking near the museum at 25 ILS, and parking is free for people with disabilities.Popular Times - Mid-day.Special Events - The museum hosts regular temporary exhibitions, lectures, festivals, and special events. In particular, there are special family-friendly festivals during the Jewish holidays. See the museum website for a calendar of upcoming events.Tours - Take a private tour of Tel Aviv’s cultural highlights including a visit to the Eretz Israel Museum.MUZA Museum LayoutSome museums like this one require some careful navigation to find your way around all of the exhibitions. The museum consists of pavilions set in gardens where there are a number of other points of interest. Each of the pavilions has a unique layout and structure which is intended to reflect the theme of the collection it holds. For example, there is the Glass Pavilion, the Ceramics Pavilion, and the Man and His Work Center. The pavilions house the permanent exhibitions, as well as “white cube” spaces where temporary exhibits are on display.The most impressive thing about MUZA is the grounds. Visitors can walk among gardens, rockeries, and archaeological excavations including the remains of an ancient settlement dating back 3,000 years. See ancient mosaic floors brought here from around the country and set among the gardens. There is also a display of olive presses, wine presses, and a reconstructed flour mill.Pro Tip: Combine your visit to MUZA with a visit to the nearby ANU Museum for a glimpse into the Jewish communities around the world past and present.Permanent Exhibitions at the Eretz Israel MuseumThe Ceramics Pavilion - See ceramics from several periods in Israel’s ancient history, the products, tools, and materials. Learn about the discovery of clay, pottery methods, decoration methods, plus art and ritual in ceramics.The Glass Pavilion - See Dr. Walter Moses’ original glass collection that takes you on a journey through thousands of years in the region. See glassware from as early as the 15th-1st centuries BC and learn about glass blowing through the ages.The Kadman Numismatic Pavilion - See coins from every era in the region’s history. The coins tell the story of monetary exchange through the ages, until the present day.The Nehushtan Pavilion - Thousands of years ago copper was discovered in Israel, and this pavilion focuses on the ancient smelting furnaces and copper history in Southern Israel, specifically Timna. There are displays of tools, discoveries of copper, and information about the daily life of copper workers in the area.The Man and His Work Center - Learn about local materials and how they were used for arts and crafts in the region. See tools, weaving, installations, and video presentations.The Ethnography and Folklore Pavilion - A collection of Judaica, contemporary art, and socially significant items.The Alexander Pavilion of Postal History and Philately - A fun exhibit for children with a mail truck from 1949, a collection of telephones, mailboxes, and printing presses.Israel Photography House - Historic photos giving a glimpse into everyday life and culture in Israel over the years.Eretz Israel Museum GroundsCrafts ArcadeAlongside the Man and His Work Pavilion is a recreated ancient artisans’ market. There are eleven stone domes covering recreated traditional workshops together with artisan tools and materials. Included are a blacksmith, carpenter, cobbler, potter, weaver, baker, and several other traditional craft workshops.The Bread CourtAlongside the Crafts Arcade is a recreated ancient threshing floor where grain would be separated from the husk. The tools involved in this particular historic agricultural process are on display.Reconstructed Copper MineAt the entrance to the Nehushtan Pavilion is a reconstructed ancient copper mine from the 5th-2nd millennium BC.PlanetariumAfter a stroll through the museum grounds, you’ll reach the planetarium. Visitors aged 5 and above can enjoy a half-hour show. The shows occur during Israeli school holidays and on Saturdays throughout the day at regular intervals. Entrance to the planetarium requires a museum entrance ticket, plus an additional 15 ILS. Pro Tip: The shows are visually entertaining but they are in Hebrew.Pro Tip: The MUZA Park is the latest addition to the museum. The park (which will eventually be about 9,000 sq. meters) is open to the public free of charge. The first phase of the park was opened in September 2023, and it will gradually expand to include a larger area. Visitors can enjoy a pond, reconstructed Olive Press, Flour Mill, the Planetarium, Sundial Square, and archaeological remains. Some of the park’s attractions require an admission fee. MUZA Park is open from 08:00-18:00.What Facilities Are There at the Museum?Food and drinks: Café Arts is located at the entrance to the museum and offers a sophisticated menu of light meals and snacks.Left Luggage: There are lockers at the entrance to the museum that are free of charge.Pro Tip: Download the MUZA app (or scan the code) and listen to an audio guide as you walk through the museum.Performance and lecture spaces, as well as educational programs.Scooters and wheelchairs are available for visitors with mobility issues. There are several elevators both indoors and outdoors as well as tactile warning surfaces, handrails, and orientation stations with enlarged maps of the museum. Most of the museum is wheelchair-accessible and ushers are on hand to help where needed. The Bettear app makes the museum content accessible to the hard of hearing and there are audio devices at the entrance to the museum.

Florentin is a neighbourhood located in the south of Tel Aviv, close to both the Central Bus Station and the Jaffa borders. Regarded by many locals as the ‘Soho’ of the city, historically it was a very poor, working-class area. Slowly, however, it is gentrifying and whilst still quite mixed in terms of its population make-up, it is particularly popular with students and 20-30 somethings. Whilst it still looks a little shabby and run-down, there’s no doubt that the atmosphere in this neighbourhood is very special.Florentin stands in sharp contrast to much of the city’s business and financial centre but without a doubt, is one of the areas in Tel Aviv undergoing the most rapid of changes and it seems this trend is set to continue as the neighbourhood's population grows and more and more new builds and high-rises spring up. This, in turn, has led to an economic upturn, more cafes, stores and bars and, of course, an increase in the number of tourists who visit the area each year.History of FlorentinThe neighbourhood is named after a Greek immigrant by the name of David Florentin, both a Jew and fervent Zionist. He came to the area in the 1920s and soon developed a reputation as a community leader. Slowly, he began purchasing land there in the 1920s, confident both that he would be able to welcome an influx of immigrants there and his investment would pay off since its streets were close to the Jerusalem-Jaffa railway line.However, for whatever reason, the area did not ‘boom’ in the way Dizengoff Street did in thenorth of the city and Rothschild Boulevard did in the centre. The neighbourhood did begin housing immigrants but poorer people, primarily Sephardic Jews (i.e. Jews who were not from middle Europe). Many of them had been born in Turkey, Greece, Bukhara and North Africa and were disadvantaged, socio-economically.From then, until the creation of the state in 1948 and following on, the area remained poor and by the 1960s it was on a downward spiral, turning from a working-class area into a slum. Many who were able to leave and the area only began ‘reinventing’ itself in the last few years (e.g. from 2010 onwards). Whilst the area is still poor compared to many others in Tel Aviv, it is fair to say that it is a lot more vibrant and youthful, with an increasing number of cafes, bars, restaurants, boutique stores, tattoo parlours and nightclubs.The Development of Florentin - A Symbol of South Tel Aviv TodayWithout a doubt, life in Florentin is incredibly different to many of Tel Aviv’s other neighbourhoods. It is still far less gentrified than adjacent areas in Neve Tzedek and Noga, and many of its streets are still quite industrial (peppered with garages and wholesale garment stores on Salome Street, where people come from all over Israel to buy stock). However, as well as the increasing number of cafes, eateries and exotic watering holes (both by day and night) that have appeared in the last few years, another giveaway sign that the area is on the up and up is the increasing number of independent furniture stores on Herzl Street. Many of these offer great bargains for anyone looking to fill an empty apartment, and for those who want to splash the cash, there are also bespoke stores such as Gottlieb, Hadar and Beytill Concept. Florentin is also home to many vintage stores and is a popular location for ‘pop-up’ clothing events, where locals and tourists can grab a bargain on Fridays (the beginning of the Israeli weekend). Look out for the store ‘Buy Kilo; on Herzl too - based on the trend which hails from Europe, you can buy clothes by weight, with prices ranging from 100-400 NIS per kilo, depending on the item).Levinsky MarketFrom the 1930s onwards, as immigrants settled, many spice stalls and small food stores began opening up, each with their own influences and flavours. Greek, Persian, Bukharan and Turkish vendors sold their wares and today the trend continues, in the form of the very popular Levinsky Market.Visitors can pick up everything imaginable, ranging from nuts and dried fruits to delicious baked goods, household wares and fabrics. Running from the corner of HaAliya Street along to HaMashbir, it is a wonderful place to stroll, sit and drink coffee or stop off for a cheap lunch (where holes in the wall serve humble plates of food for terrific prices). Look out for:Baklava Mahrum - originally from Nazareth and founded in 1890, try the almond cake, pistachio baklava and knafeh (just don’t tell your dentist!). Also, look out for their speciality coffee - Naklah - which is made in Shfaram, an Arab village, and is a beautiful red colour. Shuk California - all kinds of dried fruits and some of the freshest nuts await you at this wonderful store. They also sell local herbs and amazing homemade fruit sodas, made from carbonated water and their own fruit syrups. Not to be missed.Chaim Raphael - pick up some cured meats, plump olives or a couple of gourmet cheeses here - the store has been run by the same family for generations and doesn’t disappoint.Cafe Atlas - one of the most well-known cafes in the area, it was founded by a group of immigrants in 1923, who had arrived from Saloniki, Greece. Not only is it a great place to grab a coffee, but they sell all kinds of spices and plants. Fun fact: they even offer the exact coffee that the late Prime Minister Golda Meir used to buy there, back in the 1960s. Yom Tov Deli - if you’re in the mood for smoked salmon, homemade dried pasta and excellent sandwiches, this is the place for you - it’s run by brothers Eitan and Yomi that took the place over from their grandfather, who opened the deli back in 2000.Bohemian and HipsterIn general, it is fair to say that whilst Florentin is in no uncertain terms bourgeois, it certainly has a Bohemian vibe to it. Some might argue with that and say it’s more ‘hipster’ since it’s definitely outside the cultural mainstream. For sure, the kind of people you’ll meet there are particularly interested in and fascinated by new and unconventional trends and this can be seen in the cafes, cocktail bars and tattoo bars throughout the area. Not to be missed are:Mezcal - authentic enchiladas, yummy tacos and frozen margaritas from a machine churning the liquid in front of you, this is the place to come when you’re craving a slice of Mexico.Casbah - it might look ramshackle, but inside this restaurant is actually quite stylish and will serve you both great rice dishes and excellent vegan burgers. A firm breakfast/brunch favourite amongst the locals.Choco Lulu - this place serves a lunch and dinner menu (including the popular pasta bowls) but really it's their sinful and extravagant dessert menu that should pull you in - including homemade ice cream, waffles and their fantastic sundaes (which few can finish alone).Hoodna - it’s not just a bar, it’s a state of mind, so they say. This alternative, underground joint offers free live music by Israeli performers and a laid-back atmosphere with comfy sofas to chill out on.Satchmo - one of the longest-running bars in Florentin, this place has an extensive menu of fine whiskies, which is reason enough to pay it a visit. They also have a nice backyard, which is great to sit out in on long, warm, summer evenings. Ink Donkey Tattoos - this place has friendly and knowledgeable staff and they also take on youngsters looking to learn their trade, so if you’re in the market for something colourful, bold or even just small and sexy, then head off to Frankel Street. Kiosko - just up the street from Ink Donkey is Kiosko, which serves stunning coffee, excellent sandwiches, delicious cakes and healthy juices. It has a spacious inside, which makes it great for meeting friends, but they’ll like you just as much if you bring a book and curl up!Street Art in FlorentinStreet art is incredibly popular in Tel Aviv and nowhere more so than in Florentin, where arguably it all began. There’s more street art here than any other area of the city and much of it is edgy and distinctly political. According to those in the know, street art here can take on all different styles, including freehand, stencilling and even knitted pieces. Much of the art is high up on the buildings - not that artists use scaffolding to get up there, rather they gain access to the roof then climb down and begin painting.Many people take graffiti and street art tours in Tel Aviv but it's also very easy just to wander the area alone and see what you stumble upon. Look out for some amazing murals on Abarbanel, Hanagarim and HaMasor Streets. And don’t miss the 27 Club Graffiti - on the corner of Florentin and Ben Atar you’ll see depictions of a few great rock legends including Jimi Hendrix, Amy Winehouse and Kurt Cobain. RIP, you guys.Nightlife in FlorentinThe White City (as Tel Aviv is known) is a non-stop metropolis with 24/7 action, and that goes for the south of the city especially. As night falls on here, the place livens up and so does the club scene, which often doesn’t get going until 1 am (!) and often runs until the wee small hours. Indeed, one of the latest trends in Tel Aviv is to go to a morning rave, with non-alcoholic beverages served, before going off to work! But if you’re looking for a tasty tipple of the old-fashioned kind and music to dance to until your feet ache and the sun rises, don’t worry, there’s plenty on offer:Alphabet - just north of Florentin, on Ahad Ha'am Street, this is a magnificent place for late-night partying. The dark dance club floor hosts many local DJs and throws the occasional laser show and there’s also a cosy lounge that serves well-mixed cocktails. Their ‘no phones on the dance floor’ is a popular policy too.The Block - one of the city’s most serious nightclubs and with a custom-made sound system, this club on Shalma Street has three different areas, each with its own vibe and distinct music. From the main dance hall to the smaller one, and the cosy lounge, if techno is your thing you are in the right place. Just don’t choke on the plumes of smoke rising up - everyone’s lighting up here!Breakfast - a stone's throw from Florentin, on Rothschild Boulevard, Breakfast is one of Tel Aviv’s most well-known and well-liked nightclubs. Famous for its electronic music scene, it has fabulous decor and even though the drinks are pricey, the atmosphere is buzzing. Start your evening at Milk Bar, next door, before walking through the passage to the Breakfast Club. And don’t dare leave before the sun comes up either.Kuli Alma - we'd be remiss if we left this one off the list. This buzzy nightspot has live entertainment, plenty of food (even for vegetarians) and art exhibitions. Located on Mikve Yisrael Street, it’s full of hipsters drinking cocktails and is a true must-visit spot on the nightclub scene. There’s more than one dance floor too, and several rooms all playing different kinds of music, which means there’s something for everyone. Super funky hangout and ideal for anyone with ‘alternative’ leanings.Directions: By bus: From the Levinsky Bus Station, take lines 54 or 83 and alight at Florentin Street. From the Dizengoff Centre, take lines 25 or 172 and alight at HaAliya/Florentin.On foot: From Dizengoff Centre, it’s a 30-minute walk via Melchet and Nahalat Binyamin Streets. From Rothschild Boulevard, walk along Allenby Street (crossing Jaffa Street) turning into HaAliya, then turn right into Florentin.

The Cathedral of St. James in Jerusalem’s Old City is one of the hidden gems of the Armenian Quarter. The 12th-century cathedral compound stands near the Zion Gate and is the seat of the Armenian Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Two of the cathedral’s chapels date back to 420 AD but most of the structure is from the 12th-century. The ornate cathedral is unique in being one of the few intact Crusader churches in the Holy Land. The church is dedicated to two Chrisitan martyrs. Saint James, one of the Twelve Apostles, whose head is believed to be buried in the church, and James the Just, (James the Less) the brother of Jesus and perhaps the first Bishop of Jerusalem.Who Are the Armenians of Jerusalem?The land-locked nation of Armenia lies between Turkey and Azerbaijan in Asia. The country adopted Christianity as its official state religion in 301 AD and Armenian Christians began making pilgrimages to the Holy Land. Jerusalem’s Armenian Quarter grew in the 11th-century to accommodate and provide for the pilgrims, many of whom eventually settled in Jerusalem where the Armenian Quarter stands today. Survivors of the 1915 Armenian genocide by Ottoman Turkish took refuge in Jerusalem and remained. Jerusalem is home to a small but active community of Armenian Christians. The Armenian Patriarch shares jurisdiction over the Nativity Church in Bethlehem, and the Chapel of St. Helena in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.About the Cathedral of Saint JamesThe site’s unassuming entrance is through an arched doorway and leads into the walled compound that contains the cathedral, accommodation for nuns and priests, a hospice, school, printing press, and social clubs. The doorway leads into a courtyard and the cathedral entrance which is adorned with elegant metalwork archways, and frescoes. The church’s magnificent interior features a high vaulted dome ceiling. Hanging from the ceiling are massive candle chandeliers, brass prayer lamps, and ceramic eggs made in Kutahya. The Kutahya tiles also cover the Chapel of Etchmiadzin and blue, green, and white tiles line the bottom section of the cathedral walls. The only sources of light in the cathedral come from the windows, candles, and oil lamps. The cathedral has typical Eastern Orthodox decor with detailed gold decorations around the shrines, gilded altars, intricate metalwork, wood carvings with mother-of-pearl inlaid, bronze engravings, and paintings of religious icons in thick gold frames. Armenians are known for their brilliant stonework which can be seen in the cathedral complex. Look out for numerous examples of stone-carved khachkar or the Armenian cross-stone. The marble floor is covered with richly colored carpets.Visiting the Armenian Cathedral in Jerusalem’s Old CityThe Armenian cathedral compound holds many fascinating features like the two ornate thrones dedicated to St. James the Less and the Armenian Patriarch. The Cathedral of Saint James is an active place of worship. Together with many parts of the Armenian Quarter, the cathedral is not usually open to the public except for religious services. A wood and brass symandron (sounding board) hanging in the church courtyard, is beaten to call worshipers to prayer. The symandron has been used here since the 14th-century when Muslim rulers forbade the use of church bells. The complex can be visited on request, or with an organized tour, and includes entrance to the Mardigian Museum exhibiting Armenian art, and the Gulbenkian Library, which holds written works including Armenian newspapers, and periodicals.If you would like to visit Cathedral of Saint James, consider booking one of the Jerusalem Private Tours.

Although the many ancient sites, Greek and Roman sites and medieval sites of Israel are quiet well known there are also approximately 30 pre-historic sites in Israel. The Yarmukian culture was perhaps the earliest prehistoric culture in the Southern Levant to use pottery; they existed in the 6th millennium BC (5600-500BC). They used pottery as household containers, tools, everyday items and produced them in a variety of shapes and sizes. The pottery was decorated making them distinct from other cultural units. The Yarmukians also used limestone flint to make their household items and in addition excavation uncovered a rich collection of art objects.The known sites of the Yarmukian culture in Israel include Wadi Muraba’at in the Judean Desert; in the region of Tel-Aviv’s Habashan Street where three layers of archaeological evidence was uncovered; Nahal Qanah Cave; Tel Farah North; at the base of Megiddo; Hazorea in the Jezreel Valley; Tel Qishon in the Lower Galilee; Hamadiya and Munhata in the Jordan Valley and the most significant discovery of the Yarmukian civilization was made in Shaar HaGolan in the Jordan Valley.Shaar HaGolanShaar HaGolan is the Yarmukian culture’s “type site”, the site considered the model for this particular archaeological culture. Although Yarmukian findings had previously been made at Megiddo, it was not until 1949 when Prof. Stekelis classified Yarmukian culture as a Pottery Neolithic Culture following his excavation at Shaar HaGolan. His excavations continued from 1948 to 1952. The site is located in the Central Jordan Valley not far from Shaar HaGolan Kibbutz at the foot of the Golan Heights, and close to the Yarmouk River which gave its name to the culture. Most of the Yarmukian remains lay 1-1.5 meters below the remains of a later Middle Bronze I village. Stekelis found the remains of two round huts, a grave, flint tools, art objects and pottery. The findings spread over several 100,000m² this revealed that the original settlement was extensive.Today visitors can see the findings from the Shaar HaGolan excavations in the Museum of Yarmukian Culture on Kibbutz Shaar HaGolan. Among the objects on display is part of a collection of 130 anthropomorphic figurines made of clay, these stand out as an impressive demonstration of Yarmukian artistic achievement. Other exhibits are of ritual objects, basalt stone tools, flint tools, pottery and an informative film presentation of the archeological findings and the history of the Yarmukian culture.

Just 5 minutes from the congested downtown area of Tel Aviv is a restored historic train station that has been turned into a trendy entertainment and retail hot spot. HaTachana (The Station) was the terminal for the Jaffa-Jerusalem railway but over the course of five years, it has been transformed. The old railway station and adjacent factory building were restored and converted into stores and restaurants while the surrounding area and “platforms” became an open plaza. To remind visitors of the station’s past there is an old railway carriage standing at the entrance to the complex. The ultra-modern complex has a bohemian feel and is very chic and upmarket.The railway station operated from 1892 to 1948 and was the brainchild of Moshe Montefiore. The railway line was the first means of transportation to replace the camel in moving heavy loads across long distances in the Holy Land. In 1900 Hugo Wieland, a German Templar settled near the station and built a tile and brick factory. The railway station was essential to his business as the tiles and bricks could be loaded directly onto trains and taken to Jaffa Port to be exported.Visiting HaTachanaToday the complex includes the former factory, the Wieland family home, the railway station building, the Red House (1902), the factory store, and the goods terminal. All of these structures are now restored and have become highlights of the complex. Cafes with outdoor seating as well as restaurants and boutiques occupy the historic buildings.The Railway Carriage Experience is the latest attraction at HaTachana, a multimedia experience taking you through the history of the station all created within a railway carriage. The attraction uses special effects, holograms, and 3D videos to bring history to life.Wooden pathways have been created between the former railway lines which can still be seen. Street performers are a permanent feature of HaTachana and it is a venue for many events throughout the year including concerts, live performances, exhibitions, pop-up markets, and festivals. Friday is particularly buzzing at HaTachana as there is an organic market and activities for families and kids.Among the special stores which have set up shop at HaTachana there is AHAVA which sells Dead Sea products; SOHO, a 100% design shop; Made in Israel, a store selling Israeli pottery and Gaya which sells games and puzzles. The list of boutiques and fashion stores includes designer stores like Ronen Chen as well as more familiar brand names like SKETCH. Take a look at the unique jewelry of Michal Negrin. Other stores include Podium, Nudie Jeans, Dorit Sade, ALF-ALEF, and American Vintage.Practical Information:When: HaTachana stores stay open 10 am to 10 pm Sunday to Thursday and Saturdays. On Fridays, they open from 10 am to 5 pm but restaurants and cafes stay open until midnight.Where: 1 Koifmann Street, Tel Aviv at the southern end of Neve Tzedek.Admission: Entrance to HaTachana is free. Railway Carriage Experience 14 ILS for children under 14 years old and 20 ILS for adults over 14 years old.