Created as a state for the Jewish people after the Second World War, Israel is a fascinating confluence of immigrants, nationalities, cultures and religions – and where influences collide.
View all trips in IsraelDespite its tiny size, Israel’s topography is hugely varied, with forests and valleys in the north giving way to the Negev Desert in the south. From hiking in the hills, horse riding, surfing and snorkeling to floating in the Dead Sea, it’s a destination for those who love the outdoors.
At the center of the world on old maps, Jerusalem is a holy city to the three great monotheistic faiths, where Christians, Jews and Muslims pray at their sacred sites within a short walk of each other. Whatever your beliefs, it would be hard not to be moved by the spirituality that permeates this fascinating and beautiful city, full of bustling bazaars, labyrinthine alleys and stunning ancient architecture.
We’ll take you to the Mount of Olives, an important pilgrimage site which offers breathtaking views of the Old City. And King David’s tomb on Mount Zion, the room where the Last Supper was eaten. You’ll of course also visit all three holy sites: the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the Western Wall and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. In the New City you’ll see the Dead Sea Scrolls in the Israel Museum, the Holocaust memorial, Yad Vashem, the Knesset, Israel's Parliament, and more.
The Dead Sea is ten times as salty as the ocean, was the world’s first health resort, and has attracted visitors for thousands of years. The water and mud have been medically proven to help put skin diseases and joint problems into remission. We’ll take you to the caves near Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found, and there might be time for a dip – or rather float – in the Dead Sea itself.
Trendy, liberal and glamorous, Tel Aviv is bursting with energy 24 hours a day. But there are also plenty of cultural attractions such as Old Jaffa, the ancient port where Jonah began his journey and with a nearby flea market. Plus the Zodiac alleys, which are full of art galleries. Colourful Yarkon Park is home to a five acre tropical garden, and at the Wishing Bridge, legend has it that if you touch your Zodiac sign and face the sea, your wish will come true.
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This Country Explorer trip visits Holy Jerusalem and the Wailing Wall, the Dead Sea, Nazareth and Tel Aviv.
