"Israel" Israel by leffe3

Israel Travel Guide: 8,514 reviews and 24,147 photos

Israel is a country of contrasts: landscapes, people, religions, politics, cities. It genuinely is the place where East meets West.

Jerusalem is a must. The old city with its four quarters (Christian, Armenian, Jewish, Arab) the centre of the three main monotheistic religions. Outside the old city, the bustle of Arabic East Jerusalem complements the more 'westernised' West. Many think of only seeing the old city, but there is enough to keep you occupied for several days in the 'modern' city.

The north (Galillee and Golan) is characterised by mountains and rocky hills, with the Golan surprisingly verdant for a country which is assumed to be a desert. Waterfalls, dry river beds, spectacular gorges and mountian landscapes are the norm for the north, intespersed with Arab villages and newer Jewish towns, villages and kibbutzim. Nazareth is in the Western Galillee as is Sfat, the ancient 'capital' of the Kabbala. To the east is Tiberias and the Kinneret (Sea of Galillee).

Negev Desert

To the south is the Negev Desert and desolate but beautiful landscapes (it is not a Sahara, sand-dune style desert, but rocky gorges, dry riverbeds etc..).

Central plain is the agricultural centre of Israel and the most populated, with the Tel Aviv-Jaffa metropolis on the coast and Jerusalem 60 kms to the east. In this short distance the land rises from sea level to 1200 metres.

Everywhere you go, Christian biblical references abound: from Jerusalem to Nazareth, Sea of Galillee to Acre (now Akko). There are also historic sites
of the ancient Jews, Romans and more. Massada, Memshit, Sodom (on the Dead Sea), Avdat all in the south and the Negev are worth seeing. Ceaseria, Ben Shemesh, Ramla in the centre: Sfat, Tiberias, Nazareth, Beit Shean, Akko and Katzrin to the north.

Old City Walls of Jerusalem

Then there's the natural wonders: the Dead Sea (400 metres below sea level), Ein Avdat, Mitzpe Ramon crater, Miktash Ha'Gadol (the big crater) of the south; the Jerusalem hills and Nitzanim beaches south of Ashdod in the centre: Golan Heights - Gamla, Kinneret, endless hiking possibilities in the Meron and Golan Heights, even skiing on Mount Hermon, Rosh Ha'Nikra - the list is endless.

And I haven't even mentioned the city of Tel Aviv and the '24 hour city' label it has earned for itself.

Pros and Cons

In a nutshell:Could be a paradise - if only....

Last visit to Israel: Jul 2012
Intro Updated Jul 7, 2012
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Reviews (51)

Trains Transportation (3)

Although a limited number of lines, trains in Israel are fast, efficient, fairly comfortable and one of the best ways to... more travel advice

Akko (North) Things to Do (38)

Delightful small, essentially Arab, town on the north Mediterranean coast. The Old City is a wealth of alleys,... more travel advice

Nazareth Things to Do (38)

Capital of the northern Israeli Arab population and a modern, bustling city, Nazareth is not quite what tourists and... more travel advice

Haifa Things to Do (38)

Israel's third city, the largest port and a reputation of something of a dull city. It's a little unfair, but compared... more travel advice

Off The Beaten Path (2)
See All Herb Farm Restaurant, Mount...
Hotels (1)
Zimmerim
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Comments (25)

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Vulindlela Apr 1, 2007 at 6:08 PM

Wonderful Israel page! I love your photos.
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MalenaN Oct 24, 2004 at 1:47 AM

Great photos and tips about Israel! I hope to visit next year and have just started to make plans.
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Gili_S Oct 17, 2004 at 12:27 PM

It seems I never visited your Israel pages. As usual, you are very informative, interesting and original.
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jadedmuse Jun 20, 2004 at 7:58 PM

We're heading back to Israel this coming Oct. Sha urged me to give your pages a REAL look this time around, and I'm doing just that - paying better attention of course! Again, simply an incredible job. I'll surely refer to ur pgs many x before we depart.
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seattlesmiley Apr 20, 2004 at 8:59 PM

GREAT PHOTOS!! :) susan
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raviv_ta Feb 27, 2004 at 1:48 AM

It is a well writen guide for eny self respecting traveler. you should apply for a job at the "lonely planet ".
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JanaBanana Feb 26, 2004 at 8:19 AM

I LOVE your page!!!! The descriptions and photos are amazing!!!!
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Iced_Tea Feb 11, 2004 at 5:59 PM

The best VT site I've seen on Israel!!
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Sharrie Feb 8, 2004 at 9:25 PM

As stunning as Masada & the Dead Sea! A page to be revisited over & over or to be saved for future trips. U offered a new perspective to this country & for that I thank thee!
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gandara Jan 21, 2004 at 4:30 PM

what a "magnifique" photo!!!!!!!!!