Israel might not be the first destination you think of when planning your ultimate honeymoon, but a trip to this tiny country off the Mediterranean coast is the perfect way to celebrate tying the knot and forming a unity with your partner. Although small, this country offers travelers a host of different activities and experiences to make your honeymoon in Israel unforgettable and unique. With some of the best seafood and fresh vegetables in the world, luxury hotels, a rich culture, and nature that will have your jaw dropping to the floor, Israel succeeds in packing it all into its bite-sized state. Whether you have a week or a month to explore all that the country has to offer, you will make some unforgettable memories when you honeymoon in Israel. Plus, Israel is a perfect destination year-round so you don’t have to worry much about the weather getting in the way of your perfect trip. Even in the winter months when rain is more common, the sun always seems to make its way out. Here are the top ways to have the ultimate honeymoon in Israel!
Forget the Stress
First and foremost, leave the stress and worry at home! It’s your honeymoon. It’s you and your partner’s time to celebrate. This isn’t always easy, as anxiety and worry often accompany traveling, especially when you’re in a foreign country where you don’t speak the language. The research, the planning, the figuring out how, what, when, and where- it’s enough to make you regret your honeymoon altogether.
Nothing gets your trip off to a bad start like a negative experience in the airport, that’s why we’re going to give you our best pro-tip to avoiding the stress that accompanies airport travel. This is especially the case in Israel which is notorious for its very tight security. We recommend saving yourself the hassle by booking the Fast-Track Departure and Arrival Assistance Service at Ben Gurion Airport. By booking the VIP service, you get to skip the long lines at security and passport control and take the fast-track.
Another way to prevent the stress of planning a honeymoon all on your own is to join a tour. There are half-day, full-day, multi-day, and custom private tours to all of Israel’s most romantic spots. All what you need to do is come with your passport and luggage, and the rest will be taken care of for you.
Take a Leap
You’ve taken a big leap into your marriage, so why not continue to take more leaps on your honeymoon in Israel? Israel is a great destination for adventure lovers. Go canyoning in the Black Canyon in the Golan Heights or rappelling into a Stalactite Cave or down a natural salt mountain overlooking the Dead Sea. Beat your fear of heights and para-glide above the Mediterranean Coast for sweeping views of the entire sea and coast. Try your hand at kite surfing or SUP – the choices for the adventure of a lifetime are truly endless in Israel.
Eat Good Food
What’s a honeymoon without good food? Answer: not a good honeymoon! Simply put, the food in Israel is delicious. It is a mixture of the old and the new. While Middle Eastern foods still hold a prominent place on the dinner table, so too do international foods from around the world. One thing that’s true of all food in Israel is that it’s very fresh. Feast on sizzling falafel balls in warm pita, hummus so creamy that you won’t ever look at it the same way again, a variety of salads that are a vegan’s heaven, freshly caught seafood, and warm tomato shakshuka. Wander in the markets in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem while indulging in freshly squeezed orange juice or sweet malabi. And of course, dine in one of the best restaurants in Israel. It is your honeymoon, after all!
Cross the Border
Cross the border into Jordan and ride through the orange-red Wadi Rum desert. Take honeymoon photos in front of the setting sun and spend the night in a Bedouin tent or a Martian Dome under the twinkling star-dotted sky. Explore the lost city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Cross the border into Egypt and come face-to-face with the Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the seven wonders of the world.
Take a Step Back in Time
Israel is filled with history. Important to Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, a trip to Israel is a rich historical experience. There’s something awe-inspiring about visiting these ancient sites, and seeing them with your new spouse makes these once in a lifetime experiences all the more memorable.
Wander the cobblestone streets of the Old City of Jerusalem and visit important sights like the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Via Dolorosa.
Visit Bethlehem, the biblical birthplace of Jesus, and see the Church of Nativity, where Jesus is believed to have been born. Or, spend a day in Caesarea getting lost in the Caesarea National Park and take in King Herod’s impressive archaeology.
Kick your Feet Up
With all the adventures that you’ll be having, you’re going to need a serious break, and in Israel, that ultimate R&R is never far away. Kick your feet up at one of the best beaches along the Mediterranean or Red Sea. Travel to the Dead Sea and spend time floating in the salt water, healing yourself in the natural muds, and getting pampered in the spa. Visit a vineyard and toast to your new life together with some Israeli wine. No matter where you go in the country, there’s a way to relax and celebrate.
Stay in a luxurious hotel
Does a private pool and terrace in the middle of the desert appeal to you? How about a cabin with an indoor hot tub set among the green lush in the north of Israel? Or maybe a luxury hotel on the beach or glamping in a transparent martian bubble tent in the middle of the Wadi Rum desert in Jordan. Yep, you read that right. Whether you are looking to stay in the center of the city or have a remote private experience with your partner, Israel can offer you whatever you’re looking for. One thing is for certain – you definitely deserve to spoil yourself some nights. From gorgeous and personable boutique hotels to the most luxurious resorts, Israel has accommodation that is fit for royalty.
Party in Tel Aviv
You may be married now, but that definitely doesn’t mean that you need to put away your party hat, especially during your honeymoon. Tel Aviv is renowned for its nightlife, and it’s impossible to avoid the urge to let loose when you visit.
Whether you want to sip on a cocktail at a trendy rooftop bar or party to house music till the sun comes up, you will be able to find that experience. Not into partying? Perch yourself on one of the benches on Rothschild Boulevard and watch the night owls come to life.
Looking for a more tame nightlife experience? The Old Jaffa Night Tour is the perfect blend of Tel Aviv culture and romance. This tour will take you to a night in Jaffa wandering throughout the cobbled streets of the old city.
Visit Eilat
A visit to Eilat is a must while on your honeymoon. Eilat is Israel’s premier southern resort destination. With tons of hotels and resorts on the beach, the days will fly right before your eyes. The views are stunning, the weather is always warm, and there are tons of things to do. Dive with dolphins, dine at good restaurants, and hike in the Eilat mountains.
Get Moving
Israel has so many opportunities to get moving and exploring. If you’re a walker, you will love this country. Get lost in the street art in Tel Aviv or hike up the snake path to catch the sunrise as Masada. Wander in the Old City of Akko or the Bahai Gardens in Haifa. Put your fitness to the test and go hiking on one of many paths around Israel.