Israel
Israel is a spiritual haven for many people and home to the three great religions, which all trace their roots to this small, special land.
For Jews it is The Promised Land, given to Abraham by God. Many centuries of military, economic and spiritual struggle and triumph forged a people with a cultural identity inextricably bound to the land. Through millennia of exile most Jews came to look on Israel as a home they would know only in their hearts. However, with the rebirth of Israel as a nation in 1948 a culture and motherland were reunited. The result is a modern country infused with a compelling ancient heritage.
Israel is sacred to Christians as the birthplace of Jesus Christ and His ministry. Jesus was born in Bethlehem; taught throughout Nazareth and the Galilee. He was crucified, buried and resurrected in Jerusalem. It was in the Land of Israel that the seeds of one of the most widespread and enduring religions in history were sown. As the site from which Mohammed ascended to Heaven, Jerusalem is considered to be the third holiest city for Muslims.
ISRAEL - Incredible concentrations of spiritual and historical attractions spread throughout a dramatic and beautiful landscape. Although small in size, Israel encompasses the varied topographical features of an entire continent, ranging from forested highlands and fertile green valleys to mountainous deserts. From the coastal plain to the semitropical Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, one would have to travel endless hours in most parts of the world to encounter the remarkable contrasts that exist in Israel.
Within a day’s excursion from the major cities the tourist can travel to the lush green valleys of the Galilee as well as the desolate, golden Judean and Negev deserts; enjoy winter skiing on the snow-capped slopes of Mount Hermon and laze on the sun washed coral beaches of Eilat; “float” in the Dead Sea and bathe in the blue Mediterranean waters; shop in fashionable shopping malls and bargain in buzzing oriental bazaars; explore sites frequented by biblical and historical legends and traverse locations where today’s headline news is made; stroll through the 3000 year old alleys of Jerusalem’s Old City and jog along the colorful beachfront promenade of modern Tel Aviv.
In Israel tourists will find a kaleidoscopic combination of past, present and future. The vast array of historical and archaeological attractions is exciting, varying from ancient temples, mosques and churches, to remnants from Greek, Roman, Crusader and other periods. Israel is also a dynamic center of diverse cultural activities, providing a rich and charming assortment of communities of different ethnic appeal.
Israel’s incredible wealth of attractions is supported by an extensive modern tourist infrastructure with up to date facilities and conveniences, ensuring not only an exhilarating and enlightening trip but a safe and comfortable one as well.
ISRAEL – offers an abundance of travel options in one small country the size of New Jersey and our expertise lies in making the most of your time and delivering the very best of this remarkable country.
Israel may often be in the news, yet the wide-ranging attractions of Tel Aviv for travelers are often overlooked. Teresa Levonian Cole picks five reasons to visit.
Read the full article here:
https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/article/travel-guide-5-reasons-to-visit-tel-aviv-israel
Extensions from Israel
Jordan
Highlights
Petra
Petra, the magnificent, impressive Red Rose City and site of the ancient UNESCO World Heritage-listed complex that's carved into solid rock. Explore and marvel at the incredible craftsmanship required to carve such a monumental city into the face of a mountain, over 2,000 years ago.
Wadi Rum
Valley of the Moon - with towering sandstone cliffs and a sandy landscape that rolls on for as far as the eye can see – this is a place where you will truly feel the expanse of the desert as you explore by 4 X 4 vehicles.
Madaba
Madaba, dubbed “the city of mosaics'', Madaba offers many sites to explore. Among them the chief attraction – in the contemporary Greek Orthodox church of St. George – is a wonderfully vivid, 6th century Byzantine mosaic map showing Jerusalem and other holy sites.
Mount Nebo
Mount Nebo the mountain from which Moses was allowed to see the Holy Land but not allowed to enter it.
Jerash
Jerash is an almost entire Roman city – hugely impressive in terms of its scale & archaeological remnants, merely an hour away from Amman and well worth the visit.
Amman
The capital city of Jordan is a wonderful mix of old and new. We highly recommend a visit to the Citadel, the Archaeological Museum, the Roman Theatre, the Folklore Museum and the Jordan Museum. You can also take a guided walk down town through the bazaars and the Gold market, stopping along the way to sample the delicious Middle Eastern street food. As Jordan’s capital city, Amman offers a wide range of hotel options including excellent luxury five star hotels
Egypt
Highlights
Cairo
Less than an hour to or from Tel Aviv, Cairo is a frenziedly bustling Arab city, and home to some of the world’s greatest antiquities. The world-famous Museum of Egyptian Antiquities is home to the world’s largest collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts. Explore the bustling labyrinth of Cairo’s medieval quarter, punctuated with Coptic churches, tiled gates and centuries-old bazaars bursting with treasures.
Pyramids
Of the seven wonders of the ancient world, only one remains today: The Great Pyramid of Giza. The highlight of any trip to Egypt! You will also see the Sphinx– half king, half lion and colossal in size.
Cruise down the Nile
Travel down the Nile in style aboard a luxury cruise - a relaxing way to access important sites and many treasures. Your cruise would typically stop at Luxor, Karnak and the Valley of the Kings. The cruise itself is an experience as you serenely float down the world’s longest river and witness the landscape change from urban to desert to tropical. There are a number of different river boats to choose from and we look forward to helping you choose the very best option for your journey.
Abu Simbel
Abu Simbel is amongst Egypt’s very greatest treasures, and arguably one of the most jaw-dropping ancient sites to visit anywhere in the world. In our opinion, it is absolutely worth the early start and long day journey from Aswan. Walking through desert sands, as the sun rises, you round a bend, and the site of four twenty-one-meter-high statues of Ramses II hits you hard. It is quite literally breathe-taking. Ramses II built the site to demonstrate Egyptian prowess to the Nubians, and more than three thousand years later these stones continue to exude power. The tale of how the entire Abu Simbel site was transported from its original location to make way for Lake Nasser is also extraordinary.
