The beautiful sites of Jerusalem. Credit: TouristIsrael.com

Almost every visitor to Israel visits Jerusalem, the Dead Sea, Masada, and Tel Aviv. Jerusalem is probably the world’s capital of religion, its Old City contains important holy sites for Jews, Muslims and Christians, and its narrow alleyways are steeped in history. The Old City of Jerusalem is a fascinating place to explore, and somewhere you could spend anywhere from one day to one week. Outside the Old City, Modern Jerusalem also has a range of places you should be sure to include in your visit to Israel. The Machane Yehuda Market, for instance, the main marketplace in Jerusalem is a bustling Middle Eastern Shuk, and the German Colony and its main street, Emek Refaim, is lined with great restaurants and cafes, in converted German Templar Buildings. There are also many top museums in Jerusalem, the two most noteworthy of which are Yad Vashem, Israel’s national Holocaust Memorial, somewhere which should be included on any trip to Israel, and the Israel Museum, one of Israel’s premier museums which has an amazing selection of archaeological and historic artifacts.

The Dead Sea is the lowest place on earth and somewhere that everyone should visit in Israel, whilst Masada, the ancient fortress which sits aside it, is traditionally climbed via the snake path. Tel Aviv is Israel’s cultural and commercial capital, a city of immense activity, nightlife, leisure, and fun. Explore Tel Aviv by walking at day, and partying at night. In the north of Israel, the Galileeis full of historic Biblical sites, as well as beautiful almost Tuscan landscapes. It is a land of sheer beauty.

The Dead Sea by Brian Negin, on Flickr

As well as the great range of places to visit in Israel, there are also amazing things to do, almost anything conceivable, hiking, extreme sports, adventures, you name it, you can do it in Israel.

Special Israel tours are run for independent travelers although the incredible array of tours that are available for everyone will appeal to many backpackers in Israel as well. These include tours to Masada and the Dead Sea, tours of Jerusalem, and tours to the Galilee and Coastal Plain. For more information, see the whole range of tours for independent travelers in Israel.

Finding hostels in Israel is also not a difficult task with the Israeli hostel industry one of the world-leaders. See our article about the best hostels in Israel, for some of the best picks. These are located across the country, and between them, you could pretty well stay for your whole backpacking trip to Israel. Alternatively, see all the hostels in Israel in our hotel section.

So, explore this site, ask any questions, decide what to do in Israel, where you are going to stay, and what Israel tours you will take, and you will, before long, have an amazing itinerary, and an amazing trip ahead.

1. Caesarea National Park

Ancient Caesarea by Adam Reeder, on Flickr

Caesarea National Park, located on Israel’s Mediterranean Coast, is an ancient port city created by King Herod the Great. Extensively excavated, the port has been largely reconstructed, as have many of the buildings which house exhibitions, amazing audio-visual displays, and cafes, restaurants, and galleries. The ancient amphitheater at Caesarea hosts numerous concerts every year in its amazing location alongside the Mediterranean, and there are regular events at the port throughout the year. Read more about Caesarea National Park.

2. Ein Gedi National Park

Ein Gedi is an oasis, located just west of the Dead Sea, and north of Masada, in the Judean, Negev Desert. The nature reserve sits adjacent to the Ein Gedi National Park and features an oasis, spring, and amazing walks through greenery amid the desert. Amazing plants and animals inhabit the area, and The National Park itself features several archaeological ruins, including a Temple and 2,000 year old village.

3. Masada National Park

Beautiful Masada by Avinoam Michaeli, on Flickr

One of the most iconic places to visit in Israel is Masada a symbol of the State and Jewish history. Excavated since the establishment of Israel, Masada occupies a magnificent strategic location in the Negev Desert, with amazing views across the Dead Sea and beyond into Jordan. The climb to the peak is somewhat of an institution and a symbol of strength in itself, although today a cable car can help visitors with this. Nighttime light shows take place regularly, as do a series of concerts and operas during the year.

4. Mount Carmel National Park

Mount Carmel is a mountain range stretching about 25 miles just inland from Israel’s Mediterranean Coast. From the wine growing towns such as Binyamina and Zichron Yaakov in the south, it extends northwards through pretty villages and artists colonies such as Ein Hod, to its northern slopes and the city of Haifa. The Mount Carmel National Park comprises 84,000 dunams (21,000 acres), of lush green slopes, one third of which are nature reserves. Beautiful trails, picnic spots, and scenic roads have been created through the hills, and Mount Carmel and the small towns within it are worth a visit.

5. Gan HaShlosha National Park

Gan HaShlosha by Jelle Drok, on Flickr

Gan HaShlosha is a National Park located close to the Sea of Galilee in the north of Israel. It has naturally warm springs where visitors are able to swim all year round, and has, with its majestic palm trees and bright blue waters, been named as one of the 20 most beautiful parks in the world by TIME Magazine. The park also has a restored water mill and other buildings dating back to the British Mandate Period.

And we could’t miss out… Beit Shean National Park

One of the largest archaeological sites in the world, Beit Shean has for thousands of years been an important place due to its location where the Jezreel Valley meets the Jordan River Valley. If you are interested in archaeology this is somewhere not to miss with hours of excavations to occupy you spanning millenia. The site has sound and light shows and an amphitheater which is used for concerts.

So that’s it… our top six national parks in Israel. Did we miss something you think should be included? Why not comment below, and if you convince us we might just add it on…

GoEco was founded in 2005 with the aim of promoting meaningful travel in Israel through volunteering and cultural exchange as people are beginning to look above and beyond the conventional route of simply paying expensive airfare and over-priced hotel accommodations for their time off from work or school. Since then, GoEco has carefully built dozens of unique volunteer programs with Israel’s leading social and environmental organizations and has hosted over 700 international volunteers. We work with Arab, Jewish and minority communities in Israel and place a strong emphasis on furthering coexistence and local peace initiatives.

Currently, GoEco offers an excellent variety of programs all around Israel:

• Ecotourism internships at environmentally friendly hostels
• Nature conservation from desert wildlife to rich coral reefs
• Summer camps promoting peace and coexistence amongst different cultures
• Eco-building and sustainable living with experts in the field
• Environmental study programs on a Kibbutz
• Family volunteering and tailor made group programs

Many travelers are finding more and more exciting reason to volunteer in Israel.  Packed within the small country of just over 22,000 sq km, located in the heart of the Middle East, people will find just about every climate and every type of activity to fulfill their vacation desires.

From the rolling grassy hills of the Golan Heights, peppered with hot and cold springs, lakes, wildlife, and clearly marked nature routes, to the 45° C dry heat of the southern desert and home of the lowest place on earth – the Dead Sea, one thing is for certain: GoEco has something for everyone in Israel.

Kayaking down the River Jordan via sachlav_texas on Flickr

1. Rafting down the River Jordan. The Biblical river is not just used for water and baptisms. Israeli’s have put it to another, fun and exciting use, with a number of rafting centers having been set up, renting out inflatable rafts and kayaks.

Paragliding through Israel's valleys by Flickr user piedrastudio

2. Paragliding in Israel. Imagine soaring high above archaeological ruins like a bird. From the heights of the Golan to the flat and magical Coastal Plain, this offers a unique perspective, and a unique way to see the land.3. Spend a night living like a Bedouin, experiencing Bedouin Hospitality. The nomadic desert people still live in Israel, notably in the Negev Desert. Many have opened up villages aimed at tourists who can experience their unique culture, and sleep under the stars in tents, traditionally-Bedouin-style.

Vineyards in the Golan Heights by Flickr user Eagle XDV

4. Take a wine tour. Whilst Israel has been a wine-making region for thousands of years, and is now once again a world leader. Wineries are dotted across the country and tours allow you to explore this amazing industry and taste some great wines.

5. The rugged and extreme Negev Desert is home to many extreme sports including canyoning, the sport in which you climb down a cliff face (fastened of course). You get great views, and an amazing rush of adrenaline.

by Zel Lederman, Israel Travel Company

The Israel Travel Company is pleased to offer a bike ride adventure through the Galilee. This tour outline can be the basis for a customized itinerary for your particular travel experience in Israel. With bike guide and full logistic support.

Day 1: Acre (Akko) to the Monfort. Approx 40 Km.

Begin your first day in the crusader port city of Acre. This old city has been selected as one of 830 world heritage sites; seven of which are in Israel. One could spend half a day to two days in the city, depending on how much you wish to see.

From Acre, head north through the side road along the coastline, heading north to the beach town of Nahariya. Continue north on the beach until you reach the Ruins of Achziv. The port here was built by the crusaders as a half way point between Acre and Beirut, and was an active port until 1948.

After a visit to Eli Avivi’s museum and a quick dip in the Mediterranean, take your bike and continue to Kibbutz Gesher Ha’ Ziv. Pass through the Kibbutz, and follow the service road leading to Nativ Ha’Shyara. From there, head north on road #70 to the Manot junction.

At the junction itself you will find a sugar refinery from crusader times, presumed to be one of the earliest, if not the first in the world. Follow the road uphill to Manot, and the dirt track to Hila. North of the road you will see the Monfort, where you will begin the following day. Overnight in the Hila-Ma’alot area.

Day 2: Monfort to Safet (Tzefad). Approx 40 Km.

Start your day at Monfort overlooking the Kziv Valley. This fort was built by the crusaders to protect the road to the coast down in the valley. Take the dirt road leading to Ma’alot and continue on road #89 heading east. On your way you will pass the ruins in Brazit and at Horfiesh and you can take a detour to Nebi Sabalan, a sacred tomb to the Druze faith.

Stay on road #89 to Gish, home of Joahanan, a leader of the rebellion against the Romans, where you can visit a synagogue from that period. Pass the tomb of the Talmudic rabbi, Shimon Bar Yohai, and climb up to Safed. This city dates back to the Bronze Age; the fort on the top of the hill was built in the crusader period. Safed has been considered holy to the Jewish people and the city has been built and rebuilt over the course of the last 1500 years. Some say it is a form of a living archeological site. Relax your muscles and walk through the allies of this mystical city. Overnight in Safed.

Day 3: Safet to Tel Hai. Approx 50 Km.

Take road #886 north out of Safed following the scenic road to Yesha Junction, and the Koah Fort. This location was first built by the crusaders as a stronghold over the road to Lebanon. It has been a fort ever since, most recently by the British and the state of Israel.

Continue north on road #886, along the border with Lebanon, which will slowly take you down towards Margaliot. At Margaliot, stop at the ruins of Hunin and follow road #9977 towards Tel Hai. This fort, built by pioneers of the second Aliya, entered history as a place of combat between Jewish and Arab forces in the time of French and British mandate. Pay a visit to the Shomer Home, commemorating the first Jewish settlers here in the turn of the last century. End the day in one of the many kibbutz hotels or zimmers in the area.

Day 4: Tel Hai to the Kal’at Nimrod. Approx 30 Km.

Follow road #99 east toward the Jordan River. On your way, you will pass Tel Dan, the ruins of the city of the tribe of Dan, built before the city of David in Jerusalem. Cross the streams leading to the Jordan River and begin to climb towards the foothills of Mount Hermon until you reach the Banias. These springs are home to the temple of the Pan from the Byzantine era. From there, begin climbing road #989 toward Kal’at Nimrod (Nimrod Fortress), one of the largest crusader fortresses still standing. After walking the walls and courtyards of the ancient fort, finish your day with a long deserved downhill ride, taking you back to the Banias. Overnight in the Banias Area.

Day 5: Along the River Jordan to the Sea of Galilee. Approx 50 Km.

Follow the TAP road (“Oil Road”) south, and turn south on road #959 to Kibbutz Gonen. From there, follow road #918 crossing the Hula Valley, until you reach historical Mishmar HaYarden.

Take the dirt road along the river (Jordan) which will lead you to the Atert Fort, which guards the entrance to Jordan. Continue south on the same road along the river until you reach road #8277 taking you to the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Turn west and visit the Churches in Capernaum, marking the town that stood here in the times of Jesus and the Romans.

Continue south along the western shore of the Sea of Galilee to the Roman city of Tiberias. Finish the day touring the old city built on the lake shore. Walk the walls or relax at baths built by the Romans fed by a nearby hot spring. Overnight in Tiberias.

Day 6: Tiberias to Belvoir (Kokhav Hayarden). Approx 40 Km.

Ride south on the lakeshore road towards Dgania. Pass Yardenit baptism site, marking the place of baptizing of Jesus. Along the river in this area, you will find many unexcavated villages from the Ottoman and pre-Israel times.

Turn into Dgania, and take the back roads through Dgania to Beit Zera and Afikim. Cross the main road and take the road along the Jordan south. Stop at Naharaim, this first electrical plant in Israel, and continue south. Once reaching the main road again (#90), take it south until you reach road #717 which will take you uphill to Belvoir. Here, where the tribe of Issachar used to live, later became a stronghold of the crusader armies in the Galilee, overlooking the ancient route along the Jordan.

From this site, continue west on #717 and spend the night in Moledet, Ramat Tsvi or Ein Harod.

Day 7: To Beit She’an. Approx 35 Km.

For the last day of the tour, head on road #71 to Beit She’an. You will pass Ein Harod, marking the story of King David’s first recruit. Turn south on road #669 towards Beit Alfa, and visit the ancient synagogue near the Kibbutz.

Continue towards the Sahne Park, where natural springs fill pools built in Byzantine times. A short ride will lead you to Beit She’an. After reaching the town, follow the signs to the old city. We recommend spending the rest of the day at the site which was a city built by Joshua, but has also been a city of every empire that controlled the road along the Jordan. Artifacts of Hellenistic, Roman, Mamluk, Crusader, Egyptian and Ottoman origin can all be found here.

The Israel Travel Company creates personal, customized travel in Israel with an orientation that blends history, culture, people, off the beaten track travel adventure, a unique mix of education and fun to create what we hope will be a memorable and different kind of travel experience.

www.israeltravelcompany.com/www.israeltravelcompanytours.com
zel@israeltravelcompany.com
Office  +972-2-5630611

Jordan River Rafting by sachlav_texas, on Flickr

Kayaking or Rafting on the River Jordan might not quite match with the initial image people have of a Biblical stories, but once you’ve seen the Jordan from a kayak on a hot summers day, you’ll have a totally different take on the matter! And its not an activity reserved for those into extreme sports. The kayaks on the Jordan come aren’t really conventional kayaks but more like large inflatable rafts for two to five people.

The kayak centers are all based in the Upper Galilee – north of the Sea of Galilee, where the Jordan is a wider river than it is to the south. The two main kayak centers are at Kibbutz Kfar Blum and Kibbutz HaGoshrim:

A member of Kibbutz Kfar Blum thought up the idea of kayaking on the river in 1986. The original operator, the kibbutz’s route runs along the Hatzbani River, into the Jordan River. The standard route takes about an hour and fifteen minutes, although many extend this by stopping on the lush grassed banks for a break. Yoy can go on an inflatable raft boat for up to six people or a kayak for up to two people. The minimum age is five and it costs approx. 70 shekels per person.

Also at Kfar Blum is a longer route which includes both fast and calm river areas with small water falls and takes about two and a half hours. The age limit varies depending on weather conditions and costs approx. 110 shekels a person.

At Kfar HaGoshrim, the kayaking route includes a kayak slipway. The kibbutz has a family route for families with children who are five years old and over – four miles in length – taking about an hour. There is also have a challenge route that takes up to two hours.

At the bottom of the course, both centers have an area to relax – with a cafe, and at Kfar Blum, a water slide. There are also buses running back up to the start point, and your car!

The Caesarea Aquaduct, one of the many sites in Israel the app can guide you to... Flickr user Novecentino

Called iSrael and available free from iTunes, the Israel Ministry of Tourism’s latest innovation in aiding tourists in Israel is a Virtual Tour Guide for the iPod and iPhone.

The app provides travellers to Israel with detailed information on sites, tours, accommodation and events. The aim is to constantly update the information source, and provide up-to-date information about travel to Israel, provide maps and directions to national parks, museums, archaeological ruins, and other things to do in Israel. Furthermore, the app will provide images and history relevant to the site in question, and allow tourists in Israel to build a customised tour.

This all sounds great in theory, but the big question is…

Does it Work?

The Forward newspaper asked the same question and put it to the test on a recent visit to Israel. They determined that it is “well worth downloading” but does have some “missed opportunities and room for improvement by developers.” Whatever the verdict, however, we are sure that this is a positive development for Israeli tourism. For a more comprehensive review of the app, you can read the full Forward article here.

Get the Israel Travel App

The app is available in either English or Hebrew and can be downloaded from  iTunes by searching for “Israel tourism.” Alternatively you can follow this link: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/israel-tourism/id393773314?mt=8