From the holiness of the Western Wall to the miraculous Dead Sea to the majestic landscape of the Golan, Israel has a diverse topography as well as cultural history and is layered with the influence of many eras.
A Guide to Jewish Sites in Israel
For over 3,000 years, Israel has been closely associated with Jewish life and history. From the miracles witnessed in the Holy Temple of Jerusalem to the mystical revelations in Safed, Israel is a place for the soul as well as for the senses. Israel offers a variety of vistas, climates and activities with its mountains and beaches, deserts and forests. A good tour of Israel incorporates these varied elements and locations. The following is a sample tour that includes excursions to the major areas of historical and cultural interest. Obviously, the longer you want to take for the trip the better, but this trip can be completed in 7-10 days.
Diaspora Museum
After you arrive in Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv and relax, you will want to go the Diaspora Museum which depicts thousands of years of Jewish life around the globe, from the shtetls in Eastern Europe to the communities in Medieval Spain, these exhibits recreate worlds of the ancient and not so distant past. Included among the permanent exhibits are original copies of Psalms in Ladino, a hypothetical Jewish family tree spanning generations and continents and priceless artifacts from everyday life. Also included are exhibits on the Holocaust.
Cesarea
Next on the agenda is an excursion to the Roman city of Caesarea, built by Herod. This city contains many archeological treasures including original pillars, an aqueduct and an imposing Roman theatre, one of the largest in the world, which is the location for many summertime concerts. Take a walk over the drawbridge into Crusader City, built by the Crusaders in the 13th century. Not everything in Casearea is ancient; the Ralli Museum of Modern Art houses 20th century art, including a sculpture by Salvadore Dali
Haifa
Take a trip to Haifa, Israel’s third largest city and northern capital. The majestic white cliffs of Carmel Mountain tower over the Mediterranean Sea. On the East side is Mt. Hermon. Take time to enjoy the many theatres, museums, restaurants and beaches. There are many breathtaking nature walks in the surrounding forests, or take a stroll in the Botanical Gardens.