Israel Travel
Despite Israel’s complex foreign relations, the nation remains an intriguing and well-trodden tourist destination. Travel to Israel can take on whichever personality you wish, whether you plan to visit religious sites in Jerusalem or sip wine in Golan. This guide helps you plan a trip to Israel, introduces the country’s varied cities and attractions, presents transportation and accommodation options, and connects you with travelers who’ve been there before.
For many Jews, Christians and Muslims, Israel is a Holy Land and visiting it is a powerful component of their religious and cultural tradition. For others, Israel is a land of great historical and natural wonders. In this section, you’ll find educational information and tourist sites detailing both the secular and religious experiences Israel offers.
- As you explore the following Web sites and learn about the many tourism opportunities in Israel, you might want to locate the spots you’re reading about, and gauge their relationship to one another. This New York Times map of Israel can help.
- The entire country of Israel is roughly the size of the state of New Jersey. That means that not only is it packed with vastly different landscapes and cities, it’s also easy to get around in. So planning a multi-destination trip is something you should consider.
For an overview of Israel travel …
Israel Wonders
, the Israel Ministry of Tourism site, lets you explore Israel virtually, plan itineraries, check out both Jewish and Christian themes, and see what events are coming up. You’ll also find information about accommodations and tours.
Frommer’s
provides information on hotels, restaurants and attractions in Israel’s wine country. Also get a list of special events happening in Israel or check out the message board.
For unique attractions …
The Dead Sea
is not only a popular source of skin care products, it’s a natural wonder and worthwhile destination, where floating in the salt-infused brine and covering yourself in mud are choice activities. The official site can help you plan an excursion, find a travel agent, and explore the possibilities of Dead Sea travel.
Gems in Israel
highlights some less conventional travel and tourism spots across the country. This page is a collection of articles about Israel’s wine industry, and the wineries in Golan.
For parks and outdoor activities …
Galilee Development Authority
has tourism information about visiting the region of Galilee. Galilee is a wonderland for those who love the outdoors; activities include white water rafting in the Jordan River, mountain biking on nearby trails, parasailing in the Mediterranean, and rock climbing in the mountains.
For religious tourism sites …
Trekker
, an Israeli tourism site, has information about the Mount of Olives, located outside of Jerusalem. The site is holy to Jews, Christians and Muslims. Read about the history of the Mount and what’s there now.
BiblePlaces.com
features Mt. Zion, the southwestern hill of Jerusalem and a holy spot for Jews, Christians and Muslims. This is a Christian Web site, so it only explains Mt. Zion’s relevance to Christianity. Mt. Zion is also important to Jews and Muslims, as it’s the burial place of King David.
The Western Wall Heritage Foundation
has information about the Kotel, or Western Wall, probably the holiest site for Jews in Israel. Learn about the Wall, see the WebCam, take a virtual tour, or research how to plan a Bar Mitzvah at the Wall.
Inisrael.com
has 3-D panoramic virtual tours of various sites around the city, including Mary Magdalene Church, Damascus Gate and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Scroll around with your mouse to feel like you’re there, and actually turning.
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