A lot of people are curious about the landlocked state of Israel. It’s a place that is often in the news but only sometimes in a good way. Important religious and political issues come up when discussing this country, so it may seem like it’s best to stay away from it when traveling. However, there is more to Israel than politics.
This guide will show you how to plan your trip so that you can enjoy all the fun things there are to do while you’re visiting Israel and avoid any conflict areas simultaneously.
Experience the Holy City
The Holy City of Jerusalem is a must-see for anyone visiting Israel. It is one of the oldest continuous settlements in the world and has been home to Jews, Christians, and Muslims since biblical times.
There is a lot to see in the Holy City, such as the Western Wall, which is considered Judaism’s holiest site, the Dome of the Rock, a famous Muslim shrine, and St. Stephen’s Gate, where Jesus was brought before Pontius Pilate during his crucifixion trial in Roman times.
Visit the Western Wall
There are many things to do when vacationing in Israel, but the Western Wall is one of the most important sites for Jews. The holy site is a remnant of the ancient temple, where it’s believed that God instructed Moses to part the Red Sea and lead his people out of Egypt.
After World War II, when Jews were allowed to leave Europe for Israel again, many immigrated there and built new lives. Today, visiting this sacred site can be an empowering experience, even if you aren’t Jewish.
The Western Wall is open 24 hours a day, and visitors are welcome to pray or meditate anytime during their visit. There are also plenty of shops nearby selling traditional kippot as well as other souvenirs like candlesticks from all over Israel. These make great gifts for friends back home too.
Explore the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque
The Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque are one of the most famous landmarks in Israel. The mosque is situated on Temple Mount in Jerusalem, which is considered a sacred site for Muslims. It’s one of the oldest and most important mosques in the world, with rich history and religious significance to both Jews and Muslims alike.
The Dome of the Rock was built between AD 685 and 691 by the caliph ‘Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan on top of an earlier temple that Romans had destroyed during their invasion from 63 BC to 135 AD.
The current building features beautiful mosaics inside its dome that depict angels carrying scrolls with messages from God written on them. There are also numerous passages from Quran inscribed on its walls, like “There is no god but Allah alone.” It’s certainly worth seeing when you visit Israel.
See the Stations of the Cross
The Stations of the Cross are an integral part of the Catholic faith, and they can be found in churches and cathedrals worldwide. The stations are 14 images depicting Jesus’ last hours before his crucifixion. They are used to help Christians remember Jesus’ sacrifice for their sins.
The stations are often made up of sculptures or paintings that depict certain moments from Jesus’ life leading up to his crucifixion on Good Friday. Each station has a title that describes what’s happening in the image, and these titles help you understand each scene better as you walk through them together as a group or alone with your thoughts.
Explore Tel Aviv’s Nightlife
Tel Aviv is a vibrant, fun city with great nightlife. The beach is an excellent place to spend the evening, as you can enjoy a drink while watching the sunset over the Mediterranean Sea. Tel Aviv has many restaurants, bars, and clubs that are perfect for spending time on vacation.
Many events are happening in Tel Aviv throughout the year. You will be fine finding something to do if you visit during this time of year, whether it be visiting museums or festivals on the beach.
Visit Masada and the Dead Sea
Masada is an ancient fortification in the Southern District of Israel, built by Herod the Great on top of a natural mountain. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, considered one of the most important archaeological sites in all of Israel. As you may have guessed from its name, Masada was used as a refuge for Jewish rebels during their civil war against Rome in 73-74 CE.
Climb Mount Bental in Northern Israel
Mount Bental is a beautiful mountain in the Galilee region of northern Israel. The peak offers stunning views and hiking trails, especially for rock climbers. It’s also a popular destination for hikers and tourists looking to learn about its ancient ruins, which date back thousands of years.
First, if you’re considering climbing Mount Bental, make sure to bring your passport with you as it’s located on the border between Israel and Lebanon. Once you arrive at your starting point, ensure that someone gives each group member a map, so they know exactly where they’re going next. This way, there will be clarity later when everyone gets lost together.
Conclusion
If you plan a trip to Israel, we hope this article has given you some ideas. We know how hard it can be to plan for a vacation, and it can sometimes be confusing about what to do or where to go. With our list of recommendations, we’ve tried our best to give you some options so that you have all bases covered when deciding on what activities will make up your itinerary.
