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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The annual Jerusalem Marathon is one of the Israel top events. The upcoming Jerusalem Marathon will be held on 9 March 2018. This is one of the most beautiful urban running courses in the country as it passes by many iconic and historic landmarks.The unique course is set against a backdrop of thousand-year-old structures and offers both urban landscapes and forest-covered hilltop views. The spring weather in Jerusalem in March is perfect for running. Runners come from across the world to participate. Up until 2011 Jerusalem had only held half-marathons but today the full marathon course meets international standards of excellence and attracts approximately 30,000 runners from over 50 countries around the world. Past Jerusalem Marathon winners have come from Ethiopia and Kenya.Jerusalem Marathon Courses 2018Participants in the Jerusalem Marathon 2018 will get a tour of the city. The route takes runners through the oldest parts of the city, along urban routes, through parks and past lush forests. The marathon course starts at the Israeli parliament building, the Knesset. The course takes participants through Mount Scopus where they can see the Hebrew University and Haas Promenade. Runners will get to see the Old City as the route enters the Jaffa Gate and continues through the Armenian Quarter then out of Zion Gate. The route takes runners past the majestic David’s Tower. The marathon course takes runners to the Jerusalem Forest and on to the finish line in Sacher Park. The route is particularly challenging due to Jerusalem’s hilly terrain.Jerusalem Marathon Courses 2018In addition to the full marathon of 42.2 km there will be a half marathon (21.1 km); a 5K competitive race; 5K community race; 800-meter community race; 10K race and a family race of 1,7km. All of the courses set off from near the Knesset and Israel Museum on the corner of Derech Ruppin and Eliezer Kaplan Street except for the family race which takes place in Sacher Park, near the finish line.Jerusalem Marathon CoursesIn addition to the full marathon of 42.2 km therewill be a half marathon (21.1 km); a 5K competitive race; 5K community race; 800-meter community race; 10K race and a family race of 1,7 km. All of the courses set off from near the Knesset and Israel Museum on the corner of Derech Ruppin and Eliezer Kaplan Street except for the family race which takes place in Sacher Park, near the finish line.Special Jerusalem Marathon 2018 EventsIn addition to the race itself, the event will be celebrated with special happenings for the whole community. There will be a Sport & Health Expo held on 6th-8th March open for free to participants and their families. On offer will be commercial stalls selling sport-related items as well as entertainment and food. In addition, there will be training sessions, lectures, sports demonstrations, and competitions. The runners’ kits will be distributed at the expo. Participants will be invited to a traditional pasta dinner the night before the race.On the day of the marathon, there will be a festive atmosphere along the course. Spectators will be able to take part in events and activities as well as enjoy musical performances on stages set up along the route of the marathon. At the finish line in Sacher Park, there will be a sports fair and festival with activities including exercise classes, drum circles, Zumba, and kickboxing classes. Visitors and participants can also enjoy entertainment and food stalls in the park. There is a traditional pre-marathon run in the Botanical Gardens as well as night runs during marathon week.

The Eilat Desert Marathon 2017 starts in the desert and ends on the shore of the Red Sea in Israel’s resort city Eilat. This run takes you through stunning scenery unlike any other course. The breathtaking landscape along the route offers desert, sea and mountains. The race is a full body and soul experience. The Eilat Desert Marathon is run in November, the beginning of Israel’s winter season. Weather is pleasant and you won’t feel the sweltering heat of the desert. The Eilat Desert Marathon 2017 will be held over the course of three days 16-18 November. The 17th November will be the main running day. Together with the races themselves there will be other activities.The full marathon route is for experienced runners only and is classified as “extremely” difficult. However runners of all levels of fitness from professional athletes to children can take part as there are several routes. The routes of the Eilat Desert Marathon start on the Herods Hotel promenade in Eilat. The route of the full marathon takes you up Roded Creek, through the Tuchin Valley and into the Shchoret Mountains. This is where runners can experience the most beautiful views across the surrounding desert. The race ends back at the Herods promenade.Lineup of Events for the 2017 Eilat Desert MarathonThe marathon opens with a ceremony and distribution of kits to participants on the 16th November. There will also be a fascinating Paleo Market, activities for kids and the family run. In the evening of the first day there will be cocktails in the lobby of Club Hotel Eilat; a short briefing for participants; pasta dinner and entertainment. Early the next morning the full marathon; half marathon; 10 KM and 5 KM will set off one after the other. For those not running there will be more market stalls, kid’s entertainment and family activities.At sundown the awards will be presented and you can join in desert yoga as the sun goes down. Later that evening there will be musical entertainment a movie screening and a crazy desert party.On the final day of the Eilat Desert Marathon, Saturday November 18th, visitors and participants can take part in a myriad of activities and enjoy the stunning attractions of Eilat. You can go diving at the reef, do some tax-free shopping, join organized activities and tours.Routes of the Eilat Desert Marathon 2017There is a 300 m family fun run on the first day of the marathon. The second day of this three day event is the main running day. The 42.2 KM marathon is the first race of the day starting at 6am. Soon after the 21.1 KM half-marathon; 10 KM and 5 KM runs set off. The 42.2 KM is the longest of the Eilat Desert Marathon races. It is intended for experienced runners. Professional runners should note that the course is not measurable to AIMS standards.Whether you are coming to cheer on the runners, participate in a race or just have fun this is one of the top events in Eilat’s calendar and not to be missed.Register here!

New Years is not officially celebrated in Israel, and the 1st January is not a public holiday; however there are many private businesses and places of entertainment which make the most of an opportunity to party! National and religious holidays in Israel are celebrated according to the Jewish calendar, which means Jewish New Year is celebrated in September/October. Luckily this year (2013/2014) December 31st 2013 falls on a Tuesday and not on a Friday night (when many businesses don’t open) so there will be no restriction on bars, restaurants and clubs staying open. Take into account that the clubs open late in Tel-Aviv and stay open until the early hours of the morning. In Israel you will hear the Gregorian calendar New Year referred to as “Sylvester” as it is celebrated as Saint Sylvester’s Day in many countries.Celebrating New Years Eve 2018 in Tel-AvivSome of the most popular areas in Tel-Aviv for nightlife are Allenby Street area, Florentin neighborhood, Jaffa, the Tel-Aviv beachfront and the Tel-Aviv port. For chic bars and restaurants try the area around Rothschild Blvd., Dizengoff and Neve Tsedek.You’ll find all the Tel-Aviv bars and restaurants offering special New Years Eve parties or menus. HaMaoz is a popular place to celebrate in a chic and intimate environment. Enjoy the views from the Brown Hotel Rooftop Bar at Kalisher 35. The Hoodna Bar at 13 Abarbanel in the trendy Florentin neighborhood is one of the hot spots this year. The Block will be celebrating with stand-up performances and a number of performers like Shalom Hinuch, Bend al Kunk, Oded Kfri and Forrobodo. At the Shablul Jazz Club there will be a Sylvester Blues Party with the Mark Rashkow Band. At the Ozen Bar concert and screening club, there is going to be a 90s retro party with DJ Hajjaj, the party starts at 22:00 and entrance is 35NIS. For something unusual and a chance to meet Israelis you can enjoy a meal at an Israeli’s home on New Years Eve (350NIS). This is organized through the website “EatWith.”For the gay community there are plenty of parties including at a drag show at Evita for over 19s (Yavne 31); a New Years Eve party at the Apolo Club (Allenby 46) and a party at Wink (Ben Yehuda 77).

October is drawing to a close but the month still holds a number of interesting and surprising events for visitors to Israel!Choral Fantasy , JerusalemListen to some great choral music by local singing groups from Tel-Aviv, Jerusalem and Kfar Saba as well as some international groups who are arriving in Israel especially for this event. The groups will perform in a variety of styles and will be accompanied by the Jerusalem Baroque Orchestra. The YMCA auditorium has excellent acoustics and offers beautiful surroundings; there will also be outdoor performance.Between Heaven and Earth, JerusalemThis is a dance and movement festival featuring the talents of three top choreographers (among others) who will be exploring the struggle between body and soul.Tom Jones in Israel, Tel-AvivSir Tom Jones is known for his long and successful career with hits like Delilah, Sex Bomb and It’s Not Unusual, as well as being a judge on the UK The Voice. He will be performing one show only in Israel.Rihanna in Israel, Tel-AvivThis will not be Rihanna’s first trip to the Holy Land and she is known for always putting on a good show with lots of pizzazz. She is a 6 time Grammy winner with hits like Diamonds, My Umbrella and On Fire.Pearls of Music , Latrun MonasteryThis is an opportunity to hear beautiful classic music played by the Jerusalem Festival orchestra in the picturesque buildings of the Latrun Monastery. The pieces being played will be classics from a number of genres including baroque (Vivaldi, Handel, Bach), jazz, South American music and hits from Broadway musicals.Ah, Jerusalem!Tower of DavidA new musical (in English) geared towards tourists with songs, dance and comedy. The story line is based on Jerusalem, history, the present tourist experience in Jerusalem and the colorful characters of the city.Jerusalem Knights, JerusalemThe streets of the Old City come alive with knights, dragons, fire eaters, fortune tellers and Medieval music tropes. This is a free event.

The Jerusalem OPEN RESTAURANT Festival 2017 is an urban culinary festival held from 14th to 18th November 2017. The festival takes place at venues across Jerusalem and includes many different activities and events. Foodies will love this unique festival which has also been held in Tel Aviv and Amsterdam. The festival events are multidisciplinary and showcase Jerusalem’s cultural institutions, restaurants, culinary personalities and cuisine. Festival events will include food tours, talks, activities for kids, tastings, a competition for the best promising chef and social events. The highlight of the OpenRestaurant Festival is the opportunity to go “behind the scenes” in top Jerusalem restaurants, meet the chefs and see what happens in the kitchens.About the Jerusalem Open Restaurant FestivalThose attending festival events will have an opportunity to meet leading chefs; get to know Jerusalem’s Machane Yehuda Market; sample the city’s best food and even create their own culinary delicacies. The events will be held at a number of venues. Many of the events will take place in Jerusalem’s Machane Yehuda Market others are held in top restaurants. Leading Israeli chefs will conduct the workshops and tastings and food vendors, line-cooks and restaurateurs will also be involved. Most of the events at the festival are kosher but there are those that are non-kosher. Some of the events and workshops are free and others require a small fee. Most of the festival events are conducted in Hebrew but there are special packages for tourists which include food tours, workshops and Food Talks.Highlights of This Jerusalem Food FestivalAmong the special events there is an empanadas workshop at Argento Empanadas; A Tribute to the Kitchen of Rama at Rama’s Kitchen; an Evening of Pickling at Hamifaal; Jerusalem inside a Pita Bread at the Dwini Pita Bar and from Asia with Love at Station 9. All of these are top Jerusalem restaurants and the events are run by leading personalities in the Israeli culinary world. The public are invited to enjoy a tasting menu at Machneyuda, one of the country’s top restaurants. Machneyuda also invites the public to enjoy A Jungle of Desserts. At the restaurant Yudale Chef Asaf Seri will take visitors on a behind the scenes tour and show them his favorite market stalls. Take a hands-on baking workshop with confectioner David Laor to learn to make brioche; at The Eucalyptus learn to make easy kubbah and at the restaurant ANNA learn to make handmade pasta.Family and Children’s ActivitiesThere are some events specifically designed for families and kids.The family events will be held at the Bloomfield Science Museum and the First Station Park. In addition kids can join hands-on workshops at Roladin bakery; attend a sushi workshop at Sushi Rehavia and join the Machane Yehuda Market tours. These activities are suitable for children between 6yrs and 18 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult.How to ParticipateYou can buy tickets for the festival online at the Open-Restaurants website. If you want to attend an event that is already fully booked your name will be put on a waiting list. If a place becomes available you will be contacted. All orders must be made and paid for online in advance. Prices range from 30 ILS to 300 ILS and last an hour to three hours long. Among the free events there are Food Talks; the Culinary Innovation Summit and the Food and Hospitality Hackathon. At the Hackathon leaders in the food tech industry will host workshops and try to devise how we can improve our current culinary norms. Although these events are free you still need to book your place online. Apart from the events geared towards children all other events are for participants over 18 years old. Most of the events at the festival are kosher but there are those that are non-kosher. Some of the events and workshops are free and others require a small fee. Most of the festival events are conducted in Hebrew but there are special packages for tourists which include food tours, workshops and Food Talks.

Archeological finds on the Golan Heights, which date as far back as the Chalcolithic Age, include Gamla, the Jewish city destroyed by the Romans during the Jewish Revolt between 67 and 70 CE, and Katzrin, the restored city of the Mishnah and Talmud period. Adjoining the historic Katzrin is the modern Katzrin, a city of over 30,000, well-known for the winery producing the prize-winning Gamla, Yarden, and Golan wines.The Golan Heights.Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinThere are two National Parks in the north each with hiking trails. Banias (Caesarea Philippi) is particularly interesting to Christian pilgrims while the excavations at Dan have uncovered the Canaanite and Israelite cities.Majdal Shams, Ein Kenya, Masada, and Bukata are the four Druze villages that came under Israeli control after the Six-Day War in 1967 and were formally annexed by a law passed in the Knesset in 1981. The law was condemned internationally and determined null and void by United Nations Security Council Resolution 497. Most of the Druze on the Golan Heights chose not to become Israeli citizens and maintain close relations with their brethren in Syria. Some of the apples from their numerous orchards are exported to Syria.In 1964 the Syrians began extensive work to prevent the water of the Snir, Hermon (Banias), and Dan rivers from reaching the Jordan River and ultimately the Kinneret.This was contra to international agreements concerning the use of water and threatened Israel’s water source which was at that time dependent on pumping water from the Kinneret.In retaliation for the Israeli attempt to thwart the Syrian efforts, Syria used the entire western ridge which overlooks Israel to fire on Israeli towns and villages in eastern Galilee and on the shores of the Kinneret. Children on the kibbutzim in range of the Syrian shelling lived in underground bomb shelters, coming out to play only close to the shelters.When the Six-Day War began in June 1967 Syria, as the ally of Egypt in the United Arab Republic, increased its bombardment of the Israeli towns and villages from the heights. Due to the strategic and topographic advantage of the Syrian positions and the ineffectiveness of the Israeli bombings Israel was reluctant to undertake a frontal attack on the Syrian bunkers. Some of these can still be seen at the Gadot Memorial Banias Nature Reserve.Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinThe Six-Day WarIt was only on the fifth day of the war that Israeli began her infantry advance, directly up the slopes under Syrian emplacements. Within sixty hours the entire plateau, the Golan Heights came under Israeli control. Hoping for a peace treaty with Syria, Israel made no move to annex the Golan Heights. In October 1973, in a surprise attack, the Syrians attempted to retake the Golan Heights and advance into Israel. When the cease-fire agreement between Israel and Syria was signed in May 1974 the Golan Heights were firmly back under Israeli control. Feeling no threat from Israel during both wars, the Druze population of the four villages remained and prospered.Israeli settlement on the Golan Heights began only after the Yom Kippur War when Syria rejected all proposals for direct negotiations with Israel. The town of Katzrin serves as the commercial and administrative center for the kibbutzim and moshavim on the heights.As mentioned above, it was only in 1981, after repeated refusals by Syria to enter into negotiations with Israel, that the Golan Heights, from which Israel had been attacked in 1948, 1964-67, and 1973, were legally annexed.Valley of Tears, Golan Heights.Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinWhere is the Golan HeightsThe Golan Heights stretch one hundred kilometers from the Hermon Mountain in the north to the Yarmuk River, which is the border between Israel and Jordan, in the South. The western ridge looks down on the northern part of the Jordan River and the Sea of Galilee, hence the ‘heights’.Although there are a number of mountains and extinct volcanoes on the eastern side it was the ceasefire agreements between Israel and Syria that defined the eastern border. Damascus, the capital of Syria is about fifty kilometers to the east; Kuneitra is immediate across the demilitarized zone. Most of the area is mainly a basaltic plateau. At its widest point, passing through Katzrin, the heights are twenty-four kilometers wide.WeatherThe weather in the summer months is peasant during the day and cool in the evening. Holiday-makers can enjoy a variety of activities including cherry-picking, hikes in the many streams, and waterfalls bird watching on the cliffs of the Gamla Nature Reserve.In the winter months, there can be snow on the northern part of the heights, especially on Mount Hermon where there are facilities for skiing. To cater to the many visitors, accommodation is available in hotels, guesthouses, and at private homes offering small but luxurious bed and breakfast suites.Snow in Hermon, Golan Heights.Photo credit: © Dmitry Mishin