Israel Holidays

Top 5 Places to Visit in Israel

1). Explore Jerusalem’s Old City: Jerusalem is a richly diverse city that seamlessly fuses the old with the new. But if you want to take a look into its fascinating past on your visit, then you should head to the old city. Throughout the winding streets you’ll find ancient religious sites that tell tales of Christianity and Judaism. Travel along the Via Dolorosa, the path that was said to be where Jesus walked to his crucifixion, and step inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, believed to be built on the site of his crucifixion and burial site. If you’re looking for some respite from the hustle and bustle of the city’s markets, head up to the Mount of Olives, which is associated with Jesus and the Garden of Gethsemane. From the vantage point, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city below.

2). Visit the Birthplace of Jesus: While enjoying your holiday to Israel, travel back in time on a tour of Bethlehem, which is steeped in Biblical history. Known as the birthplace of Jesus, this spiritual city nuzzles into the hillside on the brink of the desert. Since the 4^th century AD when the Church of the Nativity was built, it’s been an important pilgrimage site. Other notable sites you can explore in Bethlehem include St Catherine’s Church, the Milk Grotto and Manger Square, a contemporary plaza that’s buzzing with restaurants, bars and gift shops.

3). Stroll Around the Port at Old Jaffa: The city of Old Jaffa stands in a beautiful location on the edge of the Mediterranean and is known for its stunning views. According to Christian scriptures, this is where Noah’s son discovered a settlement following the great flood. The port at Old Jaffa dates back to 2000 BC, making it one of the oldest ports in the world. Serving the local fishermen and their centuries-old traditions, the port is now a cultural hotspot on any tour to Israel, and you can wander around its market sampling local delicacies such as fried calamari, hummus and oysters.

4). See the Bauhaus Buildings at Tel Aviv: Tel Aviv is a vibrant city that stands on Israel’s Mediterranean Coast and is home to a sprawling, palm-fringed beach lined with Bauhaus-style buildings. Dating back to the early 1900s, Bauhaus was a period of elegance, and the distinctive architecture has given Tel Aviv its affectionate title of the White City, making it a popular global destination. There are over 4,000 Bauhaus-style buildings here and it has been granted UNESCO World Heritage status.

5). Discover the City of Haifa: Sloping down to the Mediterranean Sea from Mount Carmel, Haifa is Israel’s third-largest city and boasts a curious history as well as a fusion of Arabic and Jewish culture. The Bahai Garden, also known as the Hanging Gardens of Haifa, are up there on the top places to visit during your trip to Israel. The garden features a series of terraces surrounding the striking Shrine of the Bab, where the tomb of Siyyad Ali Muhammed can be found. Other must-see highlights of Haifa include the Stella Maris Monastery and church, the sacred cave of Elijah, and the historic German Colony, which runs along the coastline from the foot of Mount Carmel.

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