Israel

Land of the Four Seas

Guide to Israel

Basic Information

If you've ever dreamed of exploring a nation steeped in millennia of history, look no further than Israel. From its distinctive culture and ancient city architecture to its temples and delectable national cuisine, there's no shortage of reasons to embark on a journey to this legendary land. And when you factor in the inviting waters of the Red and Mediterranean seas and the therapeutic, salt-infused waters of the Dead Sea, a visit to Israel transforms into a truly enchanting experience.

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Capital

Jerusalem

Language

Hebrew, Arabic

Currency

New shekel

Time zone

GMT+3

Population

8 592 000

Territory

20,770 km²

Dishes worth trying:

Hummus — an appetizer popular in Israel made from mashed mutton peas with garlic and lemon juice.

Falafel — pea bean balls.

Baba Ganush — is prepared with the addition of Tahini sesame paste, garlic or onion, herbs and spices.

Shakshuka — juicy scrambled eggs fried in tomato sauce with a variety of ingredients.

Harira — a classic spicy soup made with lamb or chicken, chickpeas, lentils and rice.

Getting lost in the intertwining streets of the Old City in Jerusalem.
Meet the sunrise in the mountains half an hour's walk from Eilat.
Buy souvenirs at the flea market in Jaffa.
See the gold of Jerusalem's domes in the setting sun.
Buy silver jewelry from jewelers in Safed.
To visit the Garden of Gethsemane in Jerusalem.
Leave a message at the Wailing Wall.

Tips

Bathing on the beaches of Israel is allowed where there are lifeguards. An equipped beach in this case serves as a kind of guarantee that it is safe to swim in this place.

Tipping in local restaurants is 10-15% of the bill, provided it is not knowingly included.

Be careful when taking pictures. Due to tense Arab-Israeli relations, any atypical tourist behavior can cause tension.

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Sights

Listing the main attractions of Israel is no simple feat. With its rich history spanning thousands of years, the country boasts numerous remarkable places, architectural marvels, and works of art. Jerusalem alone is a veritable treasure trove of sights, and that's just scratching the surface of what this nation has to offer.

Wailing Wall

The Wailing Wall in Jerusalem holds a central place in Judaism and stands as one of Israel's most renowned religious landmarks, open to all. Tradition dictates that letters to God are placed within the Wall's crevices. Visitors follow the custom of approaching it from front to back, with separate prayer areas for women and men. This historic site is also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem

This temple is situated in the heart of the Christian Quarter and encompasses not only the site of Christ's crucifixion but also the tomb, which holds significance in biblical legend as the place where Christ was entombed and resurrected. The tomb serves as the central altar of the temple and is a sacred pilgrimage destination for Christians. Additionally, the Temple is where the observance of the descent of the Holy Fire takes place during Easter.

Rockefeller Archaeological Museum in Jerusalem

Formerly known as the Palestinian Archaeological Museum, this institution holds an extensive array of artifacts unearthed during excavations at the Palestinian Mandar in the 1920s and 1930s. It was designed by the archaeologist James Henry Breasted and funded by the renowned philanthropist Rockefeller. Visitors can explore its exhibits for free.

Tours to Israel

A trip to Israel can evoke various associations for different people. The Dead Sea is often a focus, known for its therapeutic sanatorium tours. Beach enthusiasts appreciate Israel's Mediterranean coast and the Gulf of Aqaba, where luxurious hotels, diverse nightlife, and global cuisine await.

Historical excursions are a significant draw, as Israel's attractions span thousands of years, with some predating our era. No trip is complete without exploring at least one local antiquity.

Pilgrimage tours are also a distinctive aspect, with various religious shrines found throughout the country, attracting believers from diverse backgrounds.

The cost of a trip can vary significantly. For instance, a week in Eilat by the Gulf of Aqaba can be as low as $730, while Haifa along the Mediterranean costs just $340 for the same duration. Exploring Jerusalem for eight days typically costs around $430, and a trip to Tel Aviv for a week is around $530.

While some inexpensive options offer short stays, where relaxation and exploration may be limited, hot deals from tour operators can provide budget-friendly options. Subscribing to the tripmydream newsletter keeps you updated on such opportunities in your inbox.

Where to go to Israel?

Israel boasts a plethora of attractions, from the renowned Wailing Wall to its stunning temples. Additionally, you'll find extensive recovery programs by the Dead Sea, exquisite seaside resorts along the Red Sea and Mediterranean, and even ski slopes on Mount Hermon. Despite its small size, Israel offers an abundance of must-see destinations. Planning your trip with tripmydream can assist you in deciding where to explore in Israel and conveniently book airline tickets online.

When to go to Israel

Indeed, Israel experiences extreme temperatures during the summer, making tourist activities challenging. Winter can be warm but rainy, potentially affecting vacation plans. The optimal time to visit is generally from late February to May and throughout the fall months. This allows you to enjoy the pleasant Israeli off-season. When considering your travel dates, tripmydream can be a valuable resource in helping you decide when to plan your trip to Israel.

Israel in spring

Israel is very beautiful in spring, with almost everything that can bloom bloom bloom. However, only March can be called a truly spring month in our understanding, while April already enjoys summer temperatures.

Israel in summer

The summer in Israel is suffocatingly hot, with temperatures crossing the +40°C barrier. Even the sea at this time is not refreshing, neither the Red Sea nor the Mediterranean. And there is no excursion programs to speak of at all.

Israel in the fall

Fall is the second high season in Israel. September is still very hot here, but in October comes the velvet season. And in November it is quite possible to swim comfortably, and it is a good time for excursions in general.

Israel in winter

In winter in Israel the air temperature does not fall below +10°C, and on the Red Sea coast it is warm in summer and it is quite possible to swim. In winter, frequent rains can spoil your vacation.