Live Your Best Lives
Israel: The State of Israel (Hebrew: מְדִינַת יִשְׂרָאֵל; Arabic: دولة إِسْرَائِيل) is a country located in the Levant region of Western Asia, southeast of the Mediterranean Sea. It borders Lebanon to the north, Syria and Jordan to the east, and Egypt to the southwest. Its unique location at the junction of Asia, Europe, and Africa has shaped its unique culture and history. Traveling in such a region is full of surprises and delights, sparked by the collision of these diverse "clashes."
It is also the only country in the world with Jews as the main ethnic group: here is the holy city in the hearts of believers. In the history of more than 3,000 years, it has been invaded dozens of times and rebuilt 18 times, standing firm like a phoenix rising from the ashes; here is the land connecting three continents, dynasties have changed, and civilizations have blended; here is the most tenacious nation, who were exiled and massacred, but still believed that they could return to the promised land, rebuild their homes, and become the world's leading agricultural and technological power; for travelers, it is the homework you must do before approaching, it is the land where you must use all your senses to maximize the journey, and it is a precious memory for you for a long time to come, because you have witnessed the sacred, mysterious and magical carrier, Israel.
Israel has a Mediterranean climate characterized by long, hot summers with little rain, and relatively short, cool, rainy winters.
In Israel, people are not allowed to work from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset, no businesses are allowed on the streets, and trains do not operate.
Western Wall (Wailing Wall)
The magnificent Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall, is the remaining outer wall of the Jewish Temple on the Temple Mount.
Jews from around the world wept or whispered prayers before the Western Wall, expressing the pain of exile and mourning the loss of the ancient temple. Visitors came from all corners of the world and from all backgrounds, but those who believed wrote their wishes and prayers on small notes and placed them in the cracks of the Western Wall. According to Jewish tradition, wishes made at the Western Wall reach heaven.
Old Jaffa
The Old Jaffa's more famous attractions include Gan HaPasga Gardens, restaurants, art galleries, a Jewish bookshop, souvenir shops, a seaside promenade, the old city walls, a visitor center set in an old courtyard, and, of course, the fishing port.
The Old Town boasts several important Christian monuments: the 17th-century Church of St. Peter, the House of Simon the Tanner, and the Tomb of Tabitah, which is said to have been brought back to life by Peter through her various acts of righteousness. Don't miss Jaffa's Oslo-era clock tower, the flea market, and the Aiami neighborhood.
Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Every nail, candle, and stone in the church is documented and divided among the different denominations, with some even being shared. The courtyard seen from the main entrance belongs to the Greek Orthodox Church, while the staircase leading to the courtyard belongs to the Armenian Church. The two factions have been arguing over whether the last step of the staircase is an extension of the courtyard or a staircase, a dispute that culminated in the murder of two priests in 1920.
The dispute over the ownership of the various parts of the church has intensified and has shown no sign of ending. As a result of the long-term struggle between the various factions, the key to the door of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is in the hands of the Arab nobles, who are responsible for opening the door every morning.
Recommended play time: 4-5 days
Israel is historically significant as the birthplace of Judaism and Christianity and holds key Islamic sites. It has been a cultural, religious, and geopolitical center for thousands of years, featuring ancient cities, religious landmarks, and archaeological sites.
Israel is located on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea, bordering Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Egypt. International visitors arrive via Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv. Within cities, transportation includes buses, taxis, shared sherut vans, trams in Jerusalem, and walking for historical areas.
For Masada, Dead Sea resorts, and popular museum tours, booking 1–2 weeks in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons and Jewish holidays. General city sites often do not require advance booking.
10–14 days are recommended to cover Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Dead Sea, Galilee, Negev Desert, and major cultural and religious sites.
Yes, guided tours are widely available in English, Hebrew, and Arabic. Some museums and religious sites offer audio guides in multiple languages including French, Spanish, German, and Italian.
Day 1–3: Jerusalem and surrounding religious sites; Day 4: Bethlehem and Dead Sea; Day 5: Masada and Ein Gedi; Day 6–7: Tel Aviv and Jaffa; Day 8–10: Galilee and Nazareth; Day 11–12: Negev Desert and Ramon Crater; optional days: wine tours or additional beach days.
Yes, night tours are available in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Masada, and at certain museums. Light shows in Jerusalem’s Old City, Dead Sea sunset tours, and guided night hikes in the Negev Desert are also offered.
Peak tourist periods are Jewish holidays, Easter, and summer months. Least crowded times are late spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October).
Major sites and museums provide restrooms, cafes, water fountains, souvenir shops, and rest areas. Beach resorts and national parks have additional amenities like rental equipment and guided services.
Many museums, religious sites, and city attractions are wheelchair accessible. Some hiking trails, Masada climb, and desert tours may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted. Cash (Israeli Shekel) may be needed for small markets, street vendors, or remote areas.
Yes, vegetarian and vegan options are widely available, as well as halal restaurants in cities with significant Muslim populations.
