Israel Holidays

Holidays to Israel and Palestine

Israel is a striking mix of the ancient and the modern and a shared reference point for three great religions. Archaeological evidence points to Jerusalem where Solomon built his temple, Christ was crucified, and the Prophet Muhammad visited on his night journey. Although tied to ancient history, the region in which it lies is barely more than half a century old and during our Israel holidays you’ll witness first-hand this captivating contrast of the ancient and modern world.

On the streets of Jerusalem, you’ll see Orthodox Jews wearing clothes that were fashionable 300 years ago while other nearby pilgrims are taking selfies on smartphones. Fringing the Mediterranean, Israel is a Middle Eastern land of diversity with a mix of people enjoying an Israel holiday from virtually every continent of the world.

Our group walking holidays take you among the old streets of both Jerusalem and Bethlehem to discover a history that stretches back more than 3,000 years. There is so much to explore along each cobbled lane and around every corner. The modern face of this land is the coastal resort of Tel Aviv. It’s a vibrant city with colourful markets, fascinating Bauhaus buildings, a long sandy beach and palm-filled avenues. After being immersed in ancient history on your trip to Israel, this is a great place to relax and soak up the sun and entertainment.

Throughout our Israel tours, you’re always welcomed by the locals. And whether it’s the Judean Mountains of Jericho or the paving stones of Bethlehem, you’ll feel a strong sense of history as you explore the various sites. In both Jerusalem and Bethlehem there are not only religious sites to explore but also vibrant streets and bazaars.

Top 5 Places to Visit in Israel

1). Explore Jerusalem’s Old City: Jerusalem is a richly diverse city that seamlessly fuses the old with the new. But if you want to take a look into its fascinating past on your visit, then you should head to the old city. Throughout the winding streets you’ll find ancient religious sites that tell tales of Christianity and Judaism. Travel along the Via Dolorosa, the path that was said to be where Jesus walked to his crucifixion, and step inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, believed to be built on the site of his crucifixion and burial site. If you’re looking for some respite from the hustle and bustle of the city’s markets, head up to the Mount of Olives, which is associated with Jesus and the Garden of Gethsemane. From the vantage point, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city below.

2). Visit the Birthplace of Jesus: While enjoying your holiday to Israel, travel back in time on a tour of Bethlehem, which is steeped in Biblical history. Known as the birthplace of Jesus, this spiritual city nuzzles into the hillside on the brink of the desert. Since the 4^th century AD when the Church of the Nativity was built, it’s been an important pilgrimage site. Other notable sites you can explore in Bethlehem include St Catherine’s Church, the Milk Grotto and Manger Square, a contemporary plaza that’s buzzing with restaurants, bars and gift shops.

3). Stroll Around the Port at Old Jaffa: The city of Old Jaffa stands in a beautiful location on the edge of the Mediterranean and is known for its stunning views. According to Christian scriptures, this is where Noah’s son discovered a settlement following the great flood. The port at Old Jaffa dates back to 2000 BC, making it one of the oldest ports in the world. Serving the local fishermen and their centuries-old traditions, the port is now a cultural hotspot on any tour to Israel, and you can wander around its market sampling local delicacies such as fried calamari, hummus and oysters.

4). See the Bauhaus Buildings at Tel Aviv: Tel Aviv is a vibrant city that stands on Israel’s Mediterranean Coast and is home to a sprawling, palm-fringed beach lined with Bauhaus-style buildings. Dating back to the early 1900s, Bauhaus was a period of elegance, and the distinctive architecture has given Tel Aviv its affectionate title of the White City, making it a popular global destination. There are over 4,000 Bauhaus-style buildings here and it has been granted UNESCO World Heritage status.

5). Discover the City of Haifa: Sloping down to the Mediterranean Sea from Mount Carmel, Haifa is Israel’s third-largest city and boasts a curious history as well as a fusion of Arabic and Jewish culture. The Bahai Garden, also known as the Hanging Gardens of Haifa, are up there on the top places to visit during your trip to Israel. The garden features a series of terraces surrounding the striking Shrine of the Bab, where the tomb of Siyyad Ali Muhammed can be found. Other must-see highlights of Haifa include the Stella Maris Monastery and church, the sacred cave of Elijah, and the historic German Colony, which runs along the coastline from the foot of Mount Carmel.

Highlights of our Israel and Palestine Trip

Jericho: Claimed to be the world’s oldest city and set in the stunning landscape of the Judean mountains in Palestine it is mentioned in the Bible that Jesus made several visits here. In addition to exploring the main sites we take a cable car ride up to the Monastery of the Temptation a holy retreat with spectacular views to the Judaean desert below.

Jerusalem: This is one of the most famous and fascinating cities in the world with a history spanning over 3,000 years. Its sites will inspire and are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.

Bethlehem: The birthplace of Christ is a city in Palestine steeped in Biblical tradition. Its central area around Manger Square includes the Church of the Nativity and the Milk Grotto where is it said the Holy Family took refuge before their flight to Egypt.

Tel Aviv: This vibrant city is one that never stops and has been hailed by the New York Times as ‘the Mediterranean capital of cool’. A visit to Tel Aviv can be anything you want – relax on it’s golden sands, take in colourful markets, or indulge your artistic and culinary passions.