7 reasons you need to put Israel on your travel bucket list

Abundant natural beauty, Mediterranean coastline and abundant cultural wealth, Israel offers an exciting bucket list to explore in a country that lives and breathes history. Israel is a country of great stature, from meaningful holy sites and the almost-urban Tel Aviv to deep-rooted archeological sites and skyscrapers in the desert. It is tradition and the past; It’s in the future.

I had the opportunity to visit Israel as a guest of the Israeli Ministry of Tourism, but all opinions are my own.

1. Explore the ‘City of Gold’ Jerusalem

The holy city of Jerusalem, with its Western Wall, beautiful churches and historic mosques, bears witness to the significance of three world religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. This 3,000-year-old city blends the ancient with the modern to create an amazing travel experience.

The centerpiece of Jerusalem is the Western Wall, the last remnant of the Second Temple, which was destroyed in 70 AD and attracts worshipers from around the world. They come to meditate in this sacred place and leave notes with their deep prayers in the cracks between the stones. When the notes fill the wall, they are collected and buried according to Jewish law.

The tunnels under the western wall continue to be dug, peeling back layers and layers of history. If you’ve visited the caves before, go again because there’s always something new to discover. Visit and hear from an archaeologist about Jerusalem’s rich history. Then go underground and marvel at the caves, large rock formations and artifacts that tell the story of ancient times.

Beyond Imagination A new synagogue at the foot of the Temple Mount, in the Western Wall Caves complex, took 12 years and $50 million to build. Complete with a magnificent metal ark containing Torah books, the synagogue is a sight to behold. The recently re-opened synagogue is available at 6am for sunrise and other services.

Another fascinating area is the new Virtual Reality Tour of the Second Temple at the Western Wall Plaza. I put on special glasses and suddenly I was transported back 2,000 years, to a 360-degree view of the temple standing full of worshipers. “Wow” is correct.

Near the Old City stands the Tower of David, also known as the Tower of Jerusalem. This ancient fort is a museum and is currently being renovated with new ramps and elevators for greater accessibility. They are also adding new exhibits that showcase the city’s multifaceted history. We took the Ramparts Walk around the walls and were rewarded with amazing views of the old city. Interesting to me were the narrow openings that allowed arrows to be shot.

At night, the Tower of David puts on a spectacular sound and light show against the backdrop of the ancient structure. Powerful images, original music and video take viewers on a fascinating journey through Jewish history.

Eat in Andalusia

Kikar Hamusika (Music Square) is a lively place to see and be seen. At Andalucia, we had a wonderful meal at a kosher tapas restaurant. The menu combines traditional Spanish cuisine with modern Israeli flavors. I ate potato fries, artichoke salad, and vegetarian paella.

Tip: Due to the religious sites you will visit in Israel, dress modestly by covering your shoulders.

2. Visit Tel Aviv, which has bright beaches

Tel Aviv is new compared to Jerusalem. In the year Founded in 1909, it is known as the “White City” for its beautiful Bauhaus/world-class buildings. Built in the 1930s by a group of German architects fleeing persecution, these buildings remain popular hotels and apartments. Admire them as you stroll along the tree-lined Rothschild Boulevard, lined with coffee kiosks and chess tables. With 8 miles of beautiful beaches along the Mediterranean Sea, look for new luxury hotels like the David Kempinski and Mandarin Oriental.

Make plans to visit the newly renovated Museum of the Jewish People and ANU, now the largest Jewish museum in the world. Discover Jewish identity and pop culture exhibits and learn about Jewish communities throughout history. My favorite exhibits were the collection of 21 synagogue models that highlight Jewish life; And Heroes – followers of the Jewish people. Stand in awe of the destroyed Great Synagogue in Warsaw, where a non-Jew returned to Israel after the Holocaust for safety.

The nearby Old Port of Jaffa boasts a long history dating back to ancient times. Today, you will see small fishing boats going out to sea and reeling in fresh fish for local restaurants. Walk around the harbor to get a real sense of history. Visit the lively flea market area for unique arts and crafts. I brought home fifty shaped soaps with a really cool citrus scent.

The joke in Israel is the national bird, as many new constructions are underway Crane. The truth is, Tel Aviv and the northern areas are a birdwatching paradise with many tours to watch the migration in the spring and fall.

Eat at PUAA in Jaffa

This wonderful restaurant in the Flea Market offers a unique array of Mediterranean cuisine in a retro atmosphere. We dined out, starting with the roasted cabbage, which was wonderful, followed by the pumpkin pie, which was rich and delicious.

3. Shop the unique open-air fruit and craft markets

Israel is known for its colorful open-air markets, especially the Carmel Market in Tel Aviv and Machane Yehuda in Jerusalem. Here, you can shop for Israeli foods, candies, spices, art, jewelry and more. The Carmel Market opened in 1920 and is one of the most famous places in Tel Aviv. Makneh Yehuda is considered the heart of Jerusalem for its authentic flavors and aromas. Sample a variety of fresh fruits and candies. Warning: One taste will leave you wanting more. Watch out for the halva. Made from sesame seeds and mixed with sugar or honey, it creates a delightful treat. Layers of halva are piled high and topped with pistachios, cranberries, poppy seeds and other nuts. There is nothing as it seems. Other sweet foods include olives, dried fruits.

4. He floated in the Dead Sea

Located in the Judean Desert in southern Israel, the Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth and the saltiest body of water in the world. You can’t really swim in it. But just lie back, relax, and voila, you’re floating! For others, part of the fun is packing the mineral-rich mud from the Dead Sea all over their bodies. Don’t worry, there’s a shower on the beach to wash it all off. Your skin will be soft and smooth when the material is cleansed. You’ll also find many luxury hotels and spas at the Dead Sea where you can make relaxation and rejuvenation a priority.

5. Take a jeep tour of Mitzpe Ramon

Mitzpe Ramon is located in the heart of the Negev and offers unique desert experiences. Stargazing, sleeping in a Bedouin camp, and visiting the graves of Israeli Prime Minister David Ben Gurion and his wife Paula are just a few. Considered to be the world’s largest erosion rock, Mitzpe Ramon is not just one crater, but hundreds of moon-shaped craters dotting the dry, desert landscape. I had the opportunity to tour Mitpe Ramon by jeep, seeing the rare wildlife, beautiful rock formations and colorful landscape. As we climbed up and down the ridge, we saw ibex – majestic, goat-like animals – running through the hole. At night we watched the stars rise over the desert, known as the first international dark sky park in the Middle East. We sat quietly around the fire as Alan, our guide, pointed out the constellations and signs of the zodiac. The highlight was looking through the high-powered telescope and seeing Saturn, rings and all. In the stillness of the night, I felt a sense of peace and tranquility with the desert.

Consider spending a few days at a Bedouin camp at a desert resort near Masada, such as Kfar Hanokdim. Here, you can enjoy a taste of Bedouin life while sleeping in real tents or “sukkas” and hearing stories about their eternal lifestyle. Sit around a roaring fire, ride camels, eat Middle Eastern delicacies and taste Turkish coffee. When you disconnect from modern life, you get a chance to recharge with the power of truth.

Note: In the year

6. Taste the grapes at boutique wineries

Israel has been making wine since biblical times. You can taste the grapes at more than 300 small boutique wineries as well as large, commercial ones. I stopped by Jerusalem Vintage Winery, the only winery in Jerusalem. Grown in three different regions of Israel, the winery is known for producing award-winning rosé, Windmill Project Petit Verdot and Chardonnay. You can’t miss the iconic Montefiore Windmill where the tasting room is located. Enjoy several wine tasting packages with optional wines, cheeses and crackers. I spent a pleasant afternoon drinking wine and eating cheese; All have spectacular views of the city.

7. Exit Masada

This ancient fortress in the Judean desert served as a refuge for the Jewish people after the destruction of the Temple. Holding off the Romans for about 3 years, the remaining Zealots chose to kill each other rather than submit to capture and enslavement. Before or after, stop at the Masada Museum where you can watch a video and get a better understanding of its history. Climbing Masada, one of Israel’s top attractions, is best done at sunrise before it gets too hot. The most popular snake trail is 1.2 miles long, but there is an easier route via cable car. Once at the top, you can explore the remains of the northern palace built by King Herod and the largest building on Masada, as well as ritual baths, an ancient synagogue and a well. Take the cable car down and enjoy breathtaking views of the Dead Sea and the mountains of Moab.

Tip: Be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat. The area is completely open and there are no shaded areas.

Put Israel on your bucket list this year and come away with the experience of a lifetime.

Related Reading: