Apr 19 2011
Why You Should Consider Visiting Israel
Israel is a county that may not immediately come to mind as a tourist destination but it is really worth a visit.
Israel’s attractions are varied, ranging from the vast sands of the Judean Desert to the saltiest sea on the planet – the Dead Sea. Travel to ancient biblical places, covered markets and high-rise metropolises. Israel has much to offer you.
Some of the best things to see and do there are:
Swim in the dead sea – an intensely salty, mineral-rich body of water, lying at the lowest point on the globe. It is impossible to sink. Don’t be surprised to see individuals reading their papers whilst lying in the sea! The mineral deposits from the dead sea are reputed to have health giving properties. Even if you don’t think that it’s still enjoyable to cover yourself in it…
Jerusalem’s Mea She’arim region is home to the country’s largest community of strictly observant Orthodox Jews where you will find the East European dress and traditions alive.
Visit some markets. Enjoy Tel Aviv’s interesting Shuk HaCarmel, or Carmel Market, which boasts wonderful selections of spices, flowers, fresh foods and trinkets. In Jerusalem, haggle for everything from real gold jewellery to souvenirs.
See the desert and stay with a nomadic tribe under canvas – an amazing night!
Jump in the world class waters of Eilat – full of coral and perfect underwater exploring. If diving isn’t for you, you can opt for snorkelling or even a sub tour. Eilat’s amazing Marine Observatory gives you the chance to observe the stunning wildlife without even getting your toes wet!
Dome of the Rock. The stunning dome stands high on Temple Mount and has religious significance for both Jews and Muslims.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, is traditionally believed to be the site where Christ died. It is the heart of the Christian Quarter and is comprised of a complex of luxuriant shrines.
Yad Vashem is a moving memorial to the 6 million Jews murdered during the Holocaust.
Masada is the ruins of the Palace of King Herod built on the ridge of Masada. It was the site of a fierce battle where Jews made their last stand fighting the Romans.
The well known stones of the Western Wall in Jerusalem are worn smooth by many years of touching. Prayers are written on paper and pressed between the stones.
The Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem’s Old City is the path Christ is reputed to have walked from judgment to crucifixion.
Stay on a Kibbutz. They are found across Israel and are based upon individuals working and living together.
Israel offers over 50 national parks and nature reserves – all of which are definitely worth an outing.
In the largest city, Tel Aviv you can indulge your urban tastes. It offers museums and galleries, opera, theatre, dance and top quality restaurants with fine foods from around the globe.
Beaches are in abundance. You can sail, swim, sunbathe or waterski, sometimes in locations only minutes from the city centre.
The Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered by a Bedouin shepherd boy in ancient pottery jars in the forties. They are hailed as the greatest manuscript discovery of modern times. They consists of about 900 documents and include texts from the Hebrew Bible.
Israel is a country that is certainly worth a visit!
If you can’t visit Israel this year, why not try a staycation. Check out some Cornwall cottages and Dorset cottages and try a holiday in the south of England.
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