"Paul's Journey through Israel" Israel by Paul2001

Israel Travel Guide: 10,082 reviews and 22,936 photos

I do not feel exactly comfortable in recommending Israel as a travel destination with regards to the present political situation that is going on there right now. Some people might be frightened off by the violence in general. Personally I am not aware of any tourist being killed or injured in the past three years in the present violence. Others might be put off by the more moral issues involving the two combatants. Then again visiting Israel now might allow you to be able to gain some firsthand knowledge of the situation and even give you an opportunity to see history in the making.
These issues aside I found Israel to be a marvel. Possibly my visit was the most fascinating two weeks that I have ever spent traveling. I have yet to visit a country that is more thought provoking as it is blessed with great museums and countless important historical and cultural sites. Furthermore Israel can be approached as a fun in the sun destination wth great beaches along the it's Mediterranean and Red Sea coasts. Hence there is no shortage of things to see and do here. However as I said before the present political situation means visiting Israel requires considerable thought. If you do choose to go you will be certain to find the journey to be very rewarding.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Magnificent historical and cultural sites.
Cons:Obviously the present violence is one. I found Israel to be surprisingly expensive as compared to other Mediterranean countries.
In a nutshell:Visiting Israel is an Education in Itself

Last visit to Israel: Nov 1996
Intro Updated May 25, 2004
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Reviews (40)

The Dome on the Rock and the Wailing Wall - Israel

The Dome of the Rock Things to Do (16)

The Dome of the Rock is probably one of the most enduring images one has of Jerusalem. No matter the quality of any... more travel advice

The Rockefeller Archaeological Museum - Israel

Rockefeller Archaeological Museum in... Things to Do (16)

Jerusalem's Rockefeller Archaeological Museum is one of the leading such museums in Israel. The museum was initially... more travel advice

The front entrance to the hostel - Israel

A Superbly located hostel-guest house in... Hotels (4)

The Jerusalem Hostel and Guest House is an old historic establishment that was known as the Golden Jerusalem Hotel... more travel advice

The Amphitheater In Caesarea Off The Beaten Path (12)

The amphitheater in Caesarea comes a disappointment if you have already see the superbly restored Roman theater nearby.... more travel advice

Transportation (2)
See All Tel-Aviv to Haifa by Train
Favorites (4)
See All The Sea of Galilee

Travelogues (1)

Written Feb 7, 2003

8 photos

The Souqs and Streets of the Old City of Jerusalem

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Comments (23)

nicolaitan Jun 9, 2006 at 4:45 PM Report Abuse

We visited some years earlier, also at a time when "you can't go - it's not safe. Crazy". There is never a safe time. Glad we went. Fell into your page and will be going thru it. Our daughter was bas mitzvah at Masada. Thanks for sharing this page. >~!
FruitLover Dec 3, 2005 at 1:12 PM Report Abuse

Halleluya, Paul ! interesting, accurate, well-written. Caesarea is a great monument, but I think [and UNESCO too] the most important archeological sight in Israel is Masada.
freya_heaven Jun 18, 2005 at 6:31 PM Report Abuse

Fantastic reading Paul, I really wish I had visited Caesarea, have no idea why I didnt. Excellent page & photos (~_~)
Nemorino May 27, 2005 at 1:25 PM Report Abuse

An excellent page, very informative and well-written. I like your archeology emphasis. I have never been to Israel myself, but one of my sons once worked in Herzlia for a year.
dejavu2gb Mar 31, 2005 at 4:32 AM Report Abuse

Great page on Israel, very useful information with lots of good pics! Pity about the situation there at the moment, as it looks a nice place to visit.
antistar Jan 19, 2005 at 10:37 AM Report Abuse

Nice overview of a country I really want to see.
gilabrand Nov 22, 2004 at 12:37 AM Report Abuse

Your pages are intelligently written and full of accurate information. Kol Hakavod (Hats off!).
blint Nov 10, 2004 at 1:20 AM Report Abuse

I have always wanted to go to Isreal. Though because of all the 'troubles' I doubt I'll ever get to go. Meanwhile it is being distroyed by the Isralis and the Palastinians
MalenaN Oct 22, 2004 at 8:42 AM Report Abuse

Excellent tips Paul! Sounds like an interesting destination and I hope I will go there next year!
jadedmuse Sep 18, 2004 at 2:25 PM Report Abuse

Paul, I'm looking forward to seeing your pages! We're going to Israel in 2 weeks (I'm so excited - my 3rd visit there - plse stop by my Israel/West Bank pages too)...nice intro - tks for the Diaspora Museum tip in T.A., will check it out this time around.