While Israel is steeped in religious sites, there is so much history, culture, architecture, and nature to see on a tour that doesn’t have a strong religious focus. These are experiences you can have nowhere else in the world. Travelling through the deserts and plains, natural parks and coastal areas, you are bound to fall in love with the country. Plus, you are always escorted by a professional and highly knowledgeable guide who will tell you the story of a place and its inhabitants, and answer any question you might have.
Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv is a place of laughter, joy, concerts, fascinating street art, book fairs, restaurants, bars, and beaches. There’s just so much to see here! Some of the many landmarks include Rabin Square, the site of assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, the City Hall, and the wonderful Habima Theater. The Independence Hall is a must-see, as well as the iconic Dizengoff Street. How does one of the world’s most diverse tank museums sound? Or a national park filled with archeological wonders? Visit the Museum of History of Tel Aviv-Jaffa and the Diaspora Museum, and then go for a swim at the popular Bograshov Beach.
Jerusalem
There is nothing that can be compared to the uniqueness and the importance of Jerusalem. We’re not talking about its religious relevance only, but the great historical and cultural place it occupies. Everybody should see the humbling Old City and the Western Wall at least once in their lives. Walk on the ancient Roman road the Cardo, enjoy the bustling Ben Yehuda Street (aka Midrachov) in the heart of Jerusalem’s downtown, and go to the Jerusalem Botanical Gardens, the Rockefeller Museum, and the Italian Jewish Museum. Finally, visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum and the grave of Oskar Schindler.
Caesarea and Megiddo to Haifa
The fascinating Caesarea was the capital of Judea in the Roman periods, which means that there are great many archeological wonders to see, such as the ancient Roman capital and port, the theatre, and the archaeological ruins. Continue the archeological tour to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Megiddo – an ancient city with an immense historical, geographical, and strategic relevance. See a Solomonic city gate, the Great Temple, the water system, the stables, and many excavated treasures.
On your way to Haifa, stop at a popular Druze village, Daliat El Carmel, for a lovely lunch, some gorgeous sights, and unique Druze culture. While there, why not stop in Zichron Ya’akov too? You are bound to love this charming town full of art galleries, cafés, and remarkable views. Finally, you’ll reach the stunning, multicultural city of Haifa, brimming with spots for you to explore. These include the German colony, the Bahá’í World Centre, the Shrine of the Báb, the Haifa Art Museum, the Madatech Science and Technology Museum, and much more!
Galilee and Golan
If you’re looking for the most brilliant of sights and natural beauty, these are the regions for you. You’ll find the beautiful Galilee in the north of Israel. You’ll see its lovely landforms and scenery, the villages and historical sites, including the wonderful Akko, Hula Valley, Hazor, and the Sea of Galilee. Equally impressive, the Golan Heights are an outstanding plateau in the north of Israel. You’ll find peace, calm, and a lot of fun here. See the amazing animals, go to places like Gamla, Odem, Mount Bental, or have fun skiing, hiking, biking, rafting, and more.
Qumran, Dead Sea, and Masada
Another brilliant tour! Take a ride through the Judean desert to the lowest point on earth, but before reaching the Dead Sea, make a stop at Qumran and the Caves where the Dead Sea scrolls were found. Follow that up with a trip to the World Heritage Site, Masada, a fortress with various other structures, mostly built by King Herod around 30 BCE. Descend by cable car to the Dead Sea for some breath-taking views and then cover yourself with the mineral-rich mud and float in the famous sea.
Eilat and Timna
You’re in for a treat. Not only do you get to enjoy Eilat’s beaches and see the marvelous Coral Beach Nature Reserve, but you can also go on a hike in the Eilat Mountains or explore the Arava. You absolutely must visit Timna Valley, just 30 minutes from Eilat, famous for its captivating sandstone columns called Solomon’s Pillars, which were shaped by erosion from wind and water into various interesting forms, such as ‘The Mushroom’. Also, explore the 6,000-year-old copper mines beneath the surface.
Mitzpe Ramon and Sde Boker
If you are interested in geological phenomena, the Ramon Crater is the place for you. Visit the Mitzpe Ramon Visitor Centre for interactive exhibits about this enormous crater, known as maktesh, and about the area’s plants and animals. Head to the lookout for some phenomenal views. While in the Negev, visit the lovely kibbutz, Sde Boker, known for its Bedouin tents and as the retirement home of Israel’s first Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion. Three kilometers away, you will find the burial site of Ben Gurion and his wife Paula in Ben Gurion’s Tomb National Park.
