When people speak of Israel, they do so in breathless tones. It’s hard not to gush over the energy of Tel Aviv, the ancient walls of Nazareth and Jerusalem or the golden glow of the deserts and the beaches. Israel is solemn and exciting, splendid and rugged at the same time. It’s a destination for spiritual pilgrimages, a paradise for foodies and a playground for adventurers.
The Highlights
Caesarea National Park
Also known as Caesarea Maritima, this beautiful national park is home to the ancient ruins of Caesarea, set on the coast of Mediterranean sea. The historic harbour city served as the headquarters for Pontius Pilate and became the centre of Christianity when Jerusalem burned to the ground. Highlights to tick off the list are a Roman aqueduct, an amphitheatre, a hippodrome, and exquisite columns.
Sea of Galilee
While better known as the setting for many sermons and miracles including supposedly walking on water, the Sea of Galilee is today a venue for many sun-kissed adventures. Whether you prefer to quietly potter along on a cruise or if you favour the more active endeavours like windsurfing, there’s plenty of options on hand. Though we’d probably skip attempting to walk on water yourself.
Tel Aviv
Tricked out Tel Aviv is one city you mustn’t miss when visiting Israel. A global city, it serves as a base for many of Israel’s ambitious tech start-ups and best minds and is home to some elevating experiences. Tour its urban attractions and historic sights, eat your weight in amazing food, and party the night away.
Fortress of Masada
From one of the lowest points to a lofty perch – while in the Dead Sea area, take a scenic ride on a cable car to the top of a rock plateau where Herod the Great built palaces that come with awe-inspiring views. Today, only their ruins are left, but the panoramas at this UNESCO World Heritage Site are just as picture-perfect. The Fortress of Masada is certainly world pulling over for.
Nazareth
Adopt a go-slow lifestyle, if only for a bit. Take in its many colours and myriad of textures. Old Nazareth is home to beautiful places of worship, charming courtyards, excavated ruins, and even an ancient bathhouse. Stay for a couple of days or so, and sleep in an old Arab house. Blaze your own trails, and sample the local dishes at some of the restaurants you’ll stumble into.
Beit She’an
Stray off the beaten path and stop at Beit She’an, 27 kilometres south of the Sea of Galilee. It’s one of Israel’s oldest cities and one of its largest archaeological sites where traces of many different civilisations were found, from the Chalcolithic era to the Ottomans. Come for the ruins and stay for the sound and light show, which showcase how it might have looked during the Roman occupancy.
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The Location
Israel is a country in the Middle East on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. It borders Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, the Palestinian territories and Egypt. From New York, it’s about 10h 30m non-stop. From London, it’s approximately 5h.
Capital City
Jerusalem is situated between the Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea, and Israel’s largest city. It’s known for being one of the oldest and most spiritually significant cities in the world.
Main Airport
Tel Aviv’s Ben-Gurion Airport is Israel’s main hub for domestic and international travellers. It is located about 19 kilometres southeast of the city of Tel Aviv. CODE: TLV; CLOSEST CITY: TEL AVIV.
Language Spoken
The official language of Israel is Hebrew and Arab, though Hebrew is the most spoken. English is spoken as a second language by most..
Currency
Israel uses the New Shekel. The currency code is ILS. ATMs are readily available and credit cards are widely used. Note that chip-and-pin cards may only be accepted by Bank Leumi ATMs.
Visas
For Australian, Canadian, UK and US citizens, no prior visa is required however you in some cases you will need to pay an exit tax of US$30. Instead of a passport stamp, you will receive an entry card that must be presented during your stay and when you leave the country.
Electricity
The electric current in Israel is 230V/50Hz using type H and type C plugs. Type H sockets are unique to Israel but can accept type C plugs. The standard voltage in the US is 110V/60hz, so you will need a surge adapter and converter.
Vaccinations
Hepatitis A and B are advised. If you plan to travel to the West Bank and Gaza, you may also need Typhoid. If you plan to travel extensively in the outdoors and remote areas or interact with animals, Rabies is advised.
Emergency Calls
The phone numbers to call in case of emergency are 100 for the police, 101 for an ambulance and 102 for fire & rescue.
When to Visit
Peak Season
JUNE TO AUGUST
Summer (June through August) is when most of Israel is at its busiest when both foreign and domestic travellers are going on holidays. During this time, the weather is warm, there’s little chance of rain, and big festivals abound including the Israel Festival and the Jerusalem Beer Festival. Unfortunately, it’s also when the prices are at their highest. Same is true for all the major Jewish holidays like Rosh Hashanah and Passover, as well as the American holidays. For more affordable rates and less foot traffic, September and October are ideal when children are back in school but the weather is still pleasant.
Low Season
NOVEMBER TO MARCH
November to March, Israel’s winter months, are its coldest and wettest. Not very many holidaymakers visit during this time – with the exception of Thanksgiving week, mid to late-December and early January. If you don’t mind the rain and the cold weather, it’s a money-saving trip. Or better yet, push your trip to April or May, essentially Israel’s spring months. These are less rainy, just a little warmer and boast beautiful spring blooms, making them a good time to visit for cheaper. For extra perks, the Doof, Menashe Forest, and Zobra The Buddha Festivals also take place in the spring.
