Israel Tourism

Israel is a West Asian country which has historical and religious significance for Christians, Jews and Muslims. The country is bordered by several Middle Eastern countries such as Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Gaza Strip and Egypt. Israel tourism largely depends on devoted pilgrims who come to the holy city of Jerusalem to see the various historical and biblical sites in its Old City.

Here, the Temple Mount complex is a favoured destination for Israel tours, where people can see the Dome of the Rock Shrine, the Al Aqsa mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Nevertheless, there is more to Israel tourism, thanks to its many beaches, and numerous archaeological sites and people turn up here in droves to see what the country has to offer.

Geography of Israel

Despite being a small country, Israel displays a lot of diversity in its geography. From a desert in the South to a fertile valley inland to mountain ranges in the north along with a coastal plane, Israel seems to have it all. One of the key draws in Israel tourism is the Dead Sea which is said to be the lowest point on land on earth.

Climate of Israel 

Just like its geography, Israel’s climate also differs. However, coastal areas such as Tel Aviv have a Mediterranean climate whereas other areas have a semi-arid climate. Israel also has desert climate in its Negev and Arava areas. The mountain regions can be cold and windy.

Culture of Israel

Israel’s ethnic diversity affects its culture significantly. While Jewish traditions take precedence here, there are also significant Arab influences. When it comes to culture, the literature written in Hebrew is important while music and dance seem to be borrowed from across the world. The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra has been performing for more than seventy years now and continues to perform more than 200 concerts a year. An important aspect of Israel tours would be the museums, especially the Israel Museum in Jerusalem which has the famed Dead Sea Scrolls.

Israel Tours 

It is impossible to talk of Israel tourism without mentioning the Biblical sites here that draw millions of tourists every year. The capital of the country – Jerusalem is a touchy subject for Christians, Jews and Muslims. Nevertheless, they all converge here to worship at various places which are significant to their faith. In the Old City, people head towards the Temple Mount where the Dome of the Rock and Al Aqsa Mosque are present. Both these are very important for Muslims while the Western Wall is a 2000-year-old stone wall where Jews come to pray although people of all faiths are welcome. Meanwhile, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is believed to have been built over Calvary where Jesus was nailed to the cross. With so much rich religious history brimming underneath, Jerusalem is a popular tourist destination for obvious reasons.

Another popular place for Israel tours is Tel Aviv. This cosmopolitan city with its fresh vibe and lively nightlife will surprise you and help you unwind, with a glass of something cool at its golden beaches. There is also the Tel Aviv Museum of Art which is a wonderful place to check out if you are a pursuer of arts. Hard to miss is the White City with a significant number of buildings constructed in the Bauhaus style.

Haifa is yet another jewel in the crown of Israel. The lush green of its famed Baha’i Garden, a beautiful terraced garden with stunning symmetry, set against the backdrop of the impossibly blue Haifa Bay is a huge draw here.

With so many Biblical references to the city of Nazareth, it does turn up as a surprise when you see it eventually and it isn’t what you would expect. Known as the largest Arab city in Israel, it has transformed into a metropolis now. While the Old City continues to retain its old-world charm with its alleys and its mansions, there are places that you should surely visit – Basilica of the Annunciation, Basilica of Jesus the Adolescent, the White Mosque and the Nazareth Village.

With so many other things to see here, don’t miss out on the Dead Sea, which is actually a large saltwater lake. It is said to be the lowest point on earth and has extremely salty water. These waters and its mineral rich mud have numerous health benefits and people come here often for various treatments or to just luxuriate in the spas.

Language Spoken

Arabic

Currency used:

Israeli new shekel

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Israel Tourism

Here are some travel tips, do's and don'ts to keep in mind during your Israel trip.

Cultural differences need to be kept in mind while visiting Israel or you will not have the best of holidays. Here are some do’s and don’ts you need to remember when visiting the country.

Do’s

  • Do remember to dress appropriately. Most places in Israel are conservative and require you to cover your head and shoulders and this applies for both men and women.
  • Do leave a tip for waiters for their service as this is expected and not leaving a tip might be considered rude.
  • Do remember that most restaurants will serve kosher food which means that meat and dairy cannot be eaten together.

Don’ts

  • Don’t talk politics as it makes for an uncomfortable conversation subject.
  • Don’t hitchhike as this is not considered a common practice and is frowned upon.
  • Don’t continue with your activities when you hear the Memorial Day siren. It is considered disrespectful.

The SOTC website has some excellent offers and deals on Israel tour packages, which you should check out before booking your holiday to Israel.