Israel

Name: Best of Israel
Brand: Trafalgar
Price: 2471.0 GBP
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.6 (214 reviews)

Destination guide

As the world leader in travel experiences since 1947, we connect you to the real Israel in a way like no other. A country known for its diversity of faith and ancestry, the intrigue of Israel tours will take you on a journey of remarkable depths. Stroll through its cities and simultaneously hear the Islamic call to prayer whilst witnessing a picture of revered rabbis being sold in a shop. We will take you to hallowed sites where major events have impacted the religions that dominate the world, etching out the history of humankind. Despite being in the cradle of civilisation, you’ll experience moments of pure awe beyond the ancient and sacred. Soak up the cosmopolitan Tel Aviv, admire contemporary art and slip into a vibrant mood of eat, drink and be merry. With Trafalgar, you will be exposed to Israel’s multiple layers of diversity that move beyond systems of belief. Not least of all in the addictive cuisine - teeming with an intensity of scent and spice - and incredible landscapes surrounding the Dead Sea. Travel with us and unlock the infinite possibilities thanks to our exclusive Trafalgar Highlights.

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Israel at a glance

Set in the cradle of civilisation, Israel is filled with hallowed sites, ancient relics, and a diversity of faith and ancestry. From the floating Dead Sea, to the cosmopolitan scene in Tel Aviv, your expert Trafalgar Travel Director will take you on a journey of remarkable depths.

Currency

Israeli shekel

Capital City

Jerusalem

Winter avg temp

7°C

Language

Hebrew, Arabic

Summer avg

22°C

Good morning

בוקר טוב (boker tov)

Time Zone

GMT+3

Good evening

ערב טוב (erev tov)

"Created as a state for the Jewish people after the Second World War, Israel is a fascinating confluence of nationalities, cultures and religions"

Peter, Travel Director

Explore the sacred city of Jerusalem

Delight in the culinary, artistic and religious cultures that blend together in the Old City, before tasting modern influences in the New City. You will find a wealth of inspiration here in the divided lands of Jerusalem, one of the oldest cities in the world.
Relax at the Dead Sea

Take a surreal float in the naturally buoyant waters of the Dead Sea, landlocked between Jordan and Israel. With some of the greatest depths and salt levels of any lake in the world, allow time to absorb the magnificence of the experience and the dense minerals, long praised for their healing powers.
Soak up the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Tel Aviv

Explore the metropolis of Tel Aviv and its 1930’s Bauhaus buildings, which reflect the warmth of the city’s sultry temperatures. Watch the sun fade at one of many beach bars and taste delicious vegetarian cuisine on a rooftop with views of the pristine Mediterranean coastline. The party capital of the Middle East has a special buzz.
Walk through the bustling Israeli market stalls

Be awakened by the vibrant colours and aromas found in the labyrinth of market stalls in Israel. Walk between spices, nuts, fresh fruit, and delicacies from all over the Middle East, picking up handmade treasures crafted by local artisans to take home and treasure forever.
See the Dome of the Rock on Temple Mount

The iconic Islamic shrine, the Dome of the Rock, is an important site of pilgrimage for any visitor on an Israel vacation. Stand in awe of one of the oldest examples of Islamic architecture, complete with a majestic gold-plated dome and Byzantine tiles.

Our top 5 things to do in Israel

Lush valleys and saline lakes meet ancient spiritual sites and boutique bars. The spectacular setting of Israel holds no shortage of soul-stirring moments. Here are just a few of the things you'll do in Israel with Trafalgar.

Jerusalem
Israel Museum

With treasures dating from pre-history to the present day, the Israel Museum dives deep with collections ranging from fine art to biblical archaeology. Witness the revered knowledge of the Dead Sea Scrolls, bask in an oriental art garden and admire works by names like Pablo Picasso and Henry Moore.
Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv Museum of Art

The brutalist box structure of the Tel Aviv Museum of Art is a masterpiece in itself. Inside, marvel at a prominent Israeli art collection and works spanning from the 16th century to the contemporary across various mediums. Don’t miss the Department of Photography or Old Masters collection.
Jerusalem
Bible Lands Museum

An archaeological museum chronicling the culture of those mentioned in the bible, this private collection aims to use artefacts as evidence of biblical events. Spark your intrigue over Egyptian sarcophagi, Neolithic fertility figures and an array of antiquarian art.

Best museums in Israel

Israel’s antiquity is any archaeologist’s dream, and its museums pay tribute to this fact, bearing treasures of its people from well into the B.C.E. Visit Israel with Trafalgar, and you will journey into the country’s indigenous art and contemporary sensibility via these museums.

Falafel

To visit Israel without indulging in lightly fried chickpea balls would be the ultimate sin. The falafel has travelled far from its native shores, but nothing can compare to eating it here in its homeland, well seasoned and stuffed into a pita with pickled vegetables, tahini and hummus.
Israeli Salad

An accompaniment to most meals enjoyed in this part of the world, an Israeli salad is usually made up of diced cucumber, tomatoes and onion, drizzled with fresh lemon, olive oil and sumac or tahini depending on the time of day. It’s so delicious, you will eat it as a meal of its own.
Börek

First brought to Israel by the Sephardic Jews who cooked these delights in their native countries, Börek pastries are filled with salty cheese, mashed potato, mushroom, olives and more, typically finished with a sprinkling of sesame seeds. Test the temperature before you bite in, they are often served piping hot.

Best food in Israel

A tantalising blend of Middle Eastern flavours, you’ll enjoy every second of your Israel trip with Trafalgar. We’ll show you how to eat your way around this eclectic culinary scene, savouring each destination along the way.

What to pack for Israel

A light scarf or shawl

If you plan to visit a synagogue, church or mosque, it’s a good idea to pack a light scarf or shawl to wrap around your head and shoulders out of respect. Clothing for men and women at these sacred sites should be of the modest variety – longish, preferably over your knees and elbows.

Sandals

For those with tender feet, sandals may be a necessity for navigating the pebbles around the Dead Sea. Otherwise, go barefoot and enjoy the natural pressure-point massage they will give you before you float.

Considerate clothing

T-shirts with political statements or bold humour are better left at home on most trips, but particularly to the spiritual lands of Israel. Avoid feeling out of place by wearing simple, humble clothing at all times.

A market bag

Whether a humble backpack, a woven basket or your favourite shop’s tote, an easy to carry market bag is always an ethical and pragmatic way to haul around your market finds. In Israel, we guarantee there will be many.

A reusable water bottle

For those travelling in the dryer months, a water bottle is a necessity, as you will traverse much of the Holy Land by foot under the dense sun. Even though tap water is generally considered safe to drink, a bottle with built in filtration will help avoid illness.

Other things to know before you go

Depending on your nationality, you'll need a valid passport and may also need visas to enter. Please check this well in advance of your trip departure date here. Some countries also require passports to have 3-6 months left on them before the given expiry date, so be sure to double check this before booking your travels.

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