Helicopter tours in Israel

Amazing landscapes of the north of Israel by Neta Bartal, on Flickr

Israel is such a small country that if you take a helicopter tour, you can literally cover the whole country in just a few hours. A helicopter tour of Israel allows you to get right up close to some of the great wonders of history that line the Israeli landscape – the desert fortress and Masada, the amazing sea walls of Akko, and the breathtaking amphitheater and aqueduct at Caesarea. A helicopter tour also gives you an overview of the land that you wouldn’t appreciate from the ground – the political, the natural, and the beautiful!

Segway tours in Israel

Segways are popular ways to explore the cities of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. These fascinating, unique modes of transport are not only fun to drive but also a practical way to explore, being significantly faster than walking. Take a segway tour of Jerusalem and explore the Haas Promenade with its magical views across this golden city, providing a great overview of its history and development, or explore some of the quaint neighborhoods outside the Old City Walls. Or, take a Tel Aviv segway tour and explore the beachfront, old port of Jaffa, or the Yarkon Park.

Motorhomes in Israel

Motorhomes in Israel allow you to stop almost anywhere

The symbol of the great American roadtrip is also a way to explore Israel. As well as typical self-drive motorhomes in Israel, there are some totally unique options, such as the BlueBus motorhome, a romantic way to travel around, spending an evening, a day, or a week, relaxing, exploring, and creating long-lasting memories. From a motorhome, you get a perspective of the land that you would otherwise not, meeting and interacting with locals and the nature of Israel.

Paragliding

If a helicopter tour of Israel is not extreme enough for you, forget the comfort of the seat and go paragliding in Israel. The country’s mild climate and beautiful landscapes provide an awesome range of launch points and tour experiences. Only in Israel can you soar high above the sites of Biblical battles, and jump off the same cliffs that are talked of in the Bible. Paragliding is amazing for anyone with extreme sports in their blood.

Jeep tours

A jeep tour of Israel is a sensational experience. Whether you tour the rocky Negev Desert in the south of the country, near to the Dead Sea, or near the fascinating Ramon Crater, or, if you tour the Galilee by jeep, passing green hills and beautiful vineyards, going offroad takes you that little bit deeper into the fabric of the country, beyond where the average tourist goes, and forming beautiful images that will likely remain with you forever.

Other ways to see Israel

There are literally hundreds of ways you can see the country when you travel to Israel. We have loads more ideas within our Israel tours pages, and across the whole site…. If there is something you want to do, whether you see it on the site or have an idea but cant find more information about it anywhere, just send us a message and we’ll give you all the information we can, even referring you to the place to do it.

Ramat Gan Safari Park

The Ramat Gan Safari Park is located just outside the official borders of the city of Tel Aviv, in the neighboring city of Ramat Gan. Its 250 acres of parkland are right in the center of one of the most densely populated areas of the world, making the phenomenal entrance and transition from modern city to African safari park even more stark and impressive. Together, the African Safari Park and zoo house over 1,600 species of animals including 68 species of mammals, 130 species of fowl and 25 species of reptiles. The zoo contains animals from Africa and beyond, notably home to breeding herds of African and Asian elephants, the gorilla, chimpanzee, and orangutan families, the hippo herd, and the pride of lions. The Park takes place in a large number of international projects cooperating with other zoos across the Middle East and beyond.

Visiting the Ramat Gan Safari Park

Ramat Gan Safari Park - African Park

Visiting the Ramat Gan Safari Park, you can explore in your own car, by joining a tour, or even by segway tour.

Safari Tours run frequently – more information can be found here.

Segway Tours run daily and cost 250NIS per person including entry and segway hire. For more information either click here or fill out this form.

Tickets cost NIS57 per person, or NIS50 for students, soldiers, Tel Aviv/Ramat Gan residents, handicapped, seniors, or people visiting in a group of 20 or more in one vehicle. (As of Feb 2012). More information can be found on the Ramat Gan Safari Park website.

Directions to the Ramat Gan Safari Park

The Ramat Gan Safari Park is located less than five miles from downtown Tel Aviv.

If driving from Tel Aviv, head south out of the city on Road 20 (Ayalon Freeway) continuing onto Road 1 (toward Jerusalem and Ben Gurion Airport). Pass Kibbutz Galuyot Interchange continuing for 2/3 miles before reaching the Ganot Interchange, where you should head north on Road 4. Continue north for a short while, passing straight over the first interchange, and the entrance will be on your left.

If driving from Jerusalem, head towards Tel Aviv on Road 1, leaving at the Ganot Interchange, where you should head north on Road 4. Continue north for a short while, passing straight over the first interchange, and the entrance will be on your left.

Haifa Educational Zoo

A member of EAZA and WAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria and World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, respectively) the Haifa Educational Zoo is located at the Carmel Center within walking distance of several hotels in Haifa including the Dan Panorama, the Dan Carmel and the Nof Hotel. Just outside the zoo is Gan Ha’Em (Park of the Mother) celebrating mothers the world over with sculptures, cafés and play area for kids and mothers of all ages. The zoo is accessible to the disabled having a path that has no steps, suitable for motorized and manual wheelchairs.

Haifa Educational Zoo

Some of the zoo’s mammal features include; Lemurs, brown capuchin monkeys, meerkats, Bengal tigers, leopards, alpaca, honey badgers, lions, Syrian brown bears, baboons, and caracals. The zoo also has a special climate-controlled reptile house containing pythons, vipers, cobras, anacondas, racers, boas and various lizards. Birdlife in the zoo ranges from the nocturnal owls to the free- roaming peacocks which swarm the entrance to the path. Many of the zoo’s animals are natives of Israel including the Israeli wolf (also known as the Arabian wolf), ibex, porcupine (an orphan found in the area), camels, wild boars, jackals, foxes, black cobra, Palestinian viper, Griffon vultures and the rare Persian fallow deer who lives almost exclusively in the Upper Galilee on the small nature preserve of Nachal Kziv. Visitors can view the animals in their specially designed habitats and the lemur enclosure is opened for several hours in the day for one-on-one contact with human visitors – a “must have” for many kids. Also, a botanical garden and Prehistory Museum in on-site.

Haifa Educational Zoo Opening Hours, Prices and Contact:

Winter
Sun – Thurs: 9am-6pm
Sat and Holidays: 9am-6pm
Fri and Holiday eve: 9am-3pm

Summer
Sun – Thurs: 9am-4pm
Sat and Holidays: 9am-4pm
Fri and Holiday eve: 9am-1:30pm

Ticket Prices:

Adult and Child: NIS 35
Seniors and Disabled: NIS 25
Group of 15 or more: NIS 25 per person

Contact Details:

Address: 124 HaTishbi Street, Haifa
Phone: 04-837-2886

Email: haifazoo@ethos.co.il
Website (Hebrew only): http://www.mkm-haifa.co.il/schools/zoo/

Buses:

21,22,23,28,37 – Carmelit/Gan Ha’Em bus stop

By: Shem Tov Sasson. A  staff writer for Tourist Israel, Shem Tov lives in the small Israeli city of Ma’alot. His personal blog about his experiences and adventures in the Holy Land can be found here.

Fuerza Bruta in Tel Aviv, Israel

FuerzaBruta is really something different, a spectacle and something that combines some of the best talents from around the world in acrobatics, aerobics, dance and special effects. Their visit is going to be one of the most unique events in Tel Aviv this year and one of the highlights of the events in Israel in February. To get an idea of what they do, check out the trailer below. Tickets are from NIS249.

For EPOS festival has become one of the top film events in Tel Aviv of the year. Because of the diversity of the program, check out the full event listings on the festival website.

The Tel Aviv Art Weekend begins on Wednesday, March 21 when Pecha Kucha will take place. In this, a selection of artists and performers will each give a 6 minute, 40 second presentation of their work.

On Thursday, March 22 the Tel Aviv Museum of Art Marathon will see the museum open to the public for a 24-hour event including talks, classes, and tours.

Friday, March 23 will see the GaGa at the Museum event: a large-scale dance event in conjunction with Ohad Naharin of the Bat Sheva Dance Company.

On Saturday, March 24, an open-air show, with Tel Aviv’s best visual arts, dance, music and film, as well as special performers from abroad spreading throughout the city’s streets and public spaces.

In addition, throughout the Tel Aviv Art Weekend, the city will be filled with exhibition openings, art tours and public displays.

1. The Dead Sea: THE lowest place on Earth

Unique things to do in Israel by bachmont, on Flickr

The Dead Sea is the lowest place on Earth at 423 meters (1,388 ft) below sea level. It is a natural health resort and has attracted tourists for thousands of years who came to experience its beauty, amazing saline waters in which you can float naturally, and health-related properties. Today, the Dead Sea continues to attract visitors from around the world who either come for Dead Sea tours for the day from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, or stay at one of the many spa hotels at the Dead Sea.

2. Jerusalem. THE holiest place on earth.

The Old City of Jerusalem has got to be the holiest place on earth. It contains important religious sites for Jews, Christians, and Muslims, all within touching distance of each other. Once tourists enter the walled city via one of its gates, they notice a change in the atmosphere. The Old City is a uniquely intense place where local residents, religious Jews, Christian priests, and Arab traders, as well as thousands of tourists from around the world brush shoulders as they go about their business.

3. Tel Aviv. THE Mediterranean ‘Capital of Cool’

Beach Volleyball in Tel Aviv by Flavio@Flickr, on Flickr

There aren’t many, if any, cities in the world as vibrant, diverse, and exciting as Tel Aviv. Although not a huge city by global standards, Tel Aviv is, on the one hand a beach resort with sandy beaches stretching along its western perimeter, and on the other hand, a commercial center with skyscrapers stretching along its eastern perimeter. In between is some of the most incredible architecture, culture, shows, nightlife, and atmosphere you will find anywhere in the world.

4. Walk where the Biblical Stories Took Place

For the first time visitor to Israel, it isn’t until they are on the open road and see a road sign to Nazareth, or Capernaum, or Masada, that they realize that they really are in the land of the Bible. Towns and villages that Jews and Christians from around the world have heard about for their whole lives as the setting of important stories, really exist, and are normal places where you can visit and the, forever after, picture when you hear the stories.

5. Amazing Hospitality

Israel has some of the best hospitality in the world – a fusion of the warmth of Middle Eastern hospitality and the sophistication of European and US hospitality which has been fused in a unique way. As a result Israel has some amazing restaurants, both in the main cities and tucked away in rural backwaters, and there are some world leading hotels in Israel which each have their unique stories. There are also an incredible array of Israel tours which stretch across every possible interest to provide an amazing experience for everyone who visits Israel.

Folk Music Festivals in Israel

Jacob's Ladder Music Festival in Israel

Jacob’s Ladder Music Festival is held twice (spring and fall) a year at Kibbutz Nof Ginosar on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Devoted to folk music, the festival has been running for over thirty years, and attracts a large crowd of Israelis and anglos who have together given this festival its reputation for safety and community. Lasting a total of three days, and containing folk and a little blues from around fifty performers, its a diverse and relaxing music festival for all those folk-lovers.

The Guitar Festival in the Desert celebrates the guitar in the peace and tranquillity of the Negev Desert between the city of Beer Sheva and the Mitzpe Ramon crater. Attracting a family-friendly crowd (kids under five are free and under 12 pay half price), this once a year festival (held in fall) includes a mix of new and old with some big Israeli names included in the line-up.

Classical Music in Israel

Abu Gosh Music Festival is a twice annual music festival in Israel (at sukkot in fall and shavuot in spring) held in the Israeli-Arab town of Abu Gosh near Jerusalem. A town famed for its hummus shifts focus for the concert series centred in a historic church, but including vocal performances wherever you turn your head.

The Safed Klezmer Festival is dedicated to, you guessed it klezmer or instrumental music originating from Eastern Europe. Held every August, this also takes over the whole of the Galilee city of Safed famed for being the center of Jewish mysticism, or Kabbalah. And it makes sense too, with over 100 performers and up to 15,000 fans coming to enjoy.

Ein Gev Festival is almost seventy years old and is focused on Hebrew Music – singing in groups and choirs. On the banks of the Sea of Galilee at Ein Gev during Passover in the Spring, over 70 performers this is a nostalgic event where not only can you hear but you can also participate with classes teaching and enabling participation.

The Piano Festival, Tel Aviv, takes place every November and includes exclusive performances by some of the largest names in Israeli music.

Every September, the Jerusalem International Chamber Music Festival brings world class talent to the city over the two week program.

Opera in Israel

Every summer, the Israel Opera Festival features opera at Masada, a series of magnificent operatic performances set beautifully in the Negev desert in this beautiful location. The festival has in the past attracted some of the most famous performers in opera and in 2012, will feature Carmen at Masada.

Jazz in Israel

It would be impossible to ignore the Red Sea Jazz Festival which takes place every August for four-days. Nine jazz concerts each night, six master-classes, and nightly jam sessions contain jazz from around the world at the tranquil Red Sea Resort of Eilat. Over its thirty year history, the festival has attracted the likes of Chick Corea, the Mingus Big Band, Tower of Power, The Manhattan Transfer, Ricki Lee Jones and Spyro Gyra to its stages. In recent years, a winter Red Sea Jazz Festival has also begun running.

The Red Sea Jazz Festival

Rock in Israel

In-D-Negev is, you guessed, it set in the breathtaking Negev Desert and held each fall. Focusing on Israeli Indie Music, this three day extravaganza attracts almost 5,000 to pitch up their tents in the desert near the Kibbutz of Gvulot, far away from the usual stages of these performers in the basement clubs of Tel Aviv.

Tamar Festival adds to the competition of location of these festivals. Just when you thought it couldn’t get more impressive, you realise that sunrise at Masada, is perhaps up there! Held each fall during the festival of Succot, and with stages situated all around the amazing Dead Sea region, even if the music doesn’t entertain, the surroundings are sure to. Running for five days, the festival attracts some big Israeli names including Asaf Avidan and Idan Raichel as well as international stars such as Matisyahu.

The Jerusalem Woodstock Revival doesn’t as you might expect attract just the older generation! Israeli bands perform some of the biggest songs of the sixties every August in the cool calm of the Jerusalem nighttime.

Alternative Music Festivals in Israel

The Jerusalem International Oud Festival would definitely be the one festival you’d go to if you just wanted to go to the quirky one. Dedicated to the Turkish instrument, the oud, which is played throughout the Middle East this festival is held annually in November in Jerusalem and Nazareth. Israel 21C call this “an acquired taste” and it sure is but its also an “only-in-Israel” experience.

Image credit: TouristIsrael.com

Every Monday in February, the Sound of Winter festival will be taking place across Jerusalem. A total of over 80 free concerts, exhibitions, classes and more, the Sound of Winter includes some of Israel’s biggest singers and is running for the first time in 2012.

Every Thursday in February, Tel Aviv University will continue to host its amazing range of free lectures, concerts, film screenings, exhibitions, and live performances in the Thurdsays on Campus series.

February 1-4, 2012 will see EPOS, The International Art Film Festival, dedicated to encounters between the arts and cinema, take place in Tel Aviv.

On February 2, 2012, international dj sensation, will be the concert of AVICII in Tel Aviv. He will be performing as part of XL Nightlife Festival at the Bitan 1 club.

The amazingly unique dance show sensation FuerzaBruta will be in Tel Aviv, for a month of shows between February 2-22, 2012 and will be performing at the Tel Aviv Exhibition Grounds.

Every Saturday in February, the Florentin Circus, one of Israel’s top circus’s will be performing at their base in Tel Aviv. Tickets are only from 50NIS and it is great fun for the whole family.

The Tel Aviv Accessible Art Fair takes place between February 12-16, 2012. Taking over a beautiful building in Jaffa, the exhibition features up and coming contemporary artists from Israel and beyond.

Willy Russell’s musical Blood Brothers is in Tel Aviv for one night only on February 12, 2012. Showing at the Beit Lessin Theater, this musical has been showing in the major theater capitals of the world, London and New York for twenty years.

On February 15, one of the greatest shows of Israel’s diverse cultural scene, the Belly Ensemble at the Arab-Hebrew Theater in Jaffa, will return.