For independent travelers
This page is for independent travelers, who prefer to visit the Holy Land on their own. You will find some information about places to see in the major cities of Israel. You can book hotels in Israel on this page as well.
Top 10 things to do in Jerusalem
1. Western (Wailing) Wall
The Western ("Wailing") Wall is one of Israel's biggest tourist attractions. At all hours of the day or night, visitors stream to the Wall to pray, to take photographs, to participate in a demonstration or an army swearing-in ceremony, to attend a Bar Mitzva or just to absorb some of the historic and spiritual atmosphere that permeates the ancient site.
The Kotel (Western or Wailing wall) - This is all that remains of the old temple Herod built (It is actually the second temple in Jerusalem). The temple took 48 years to build and was destroyed 6 years later. The first was built by King Solomon, then rebuilt by Micah and Nahum, and the second was built by Herod the Great. The Jews pray at the Western wall because it is the closest to where the Holy of Holies is believed to have been in the temple. The Kotel is the holiest place in Judaism. It is the custom to write prayers on small pieces of paper and stick them into the cracks in the wall.
The best time to go is Friday at dusk when there is a special Shabbot celebration or Holy Days (pictures are not allowed either times)
Visitors to the Kotel should take care to wear proper covering including head covering for men. Also visitors should remember that this is a holy religious site and act appropriately.
The best access to the Kotel is through Zion Gate. Expect to go through security and have your bags checked.
2. Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial
The world's leading national Holocaust memorial and museum is a 45-acre campus comprising indoor museums, outdoor monuments, memorials, gardens, sculptures and world-class research and educational centres.
3. Old City of Jerusalem
The old city is great fun for the whole family. You can spend more than a day and not get through the attractions. There are the wall tours, which cost a bit. You can take a walk to the walls of the old city (great view), starting from David's Tower (which is a museum). Then there is the Western Wall wich speaks for itself, underground tunnel tours, outside archaeological gardens and Davids Tower. Going back up you can go throught the Arab Shuk or through the Jewish Quarter. In the Jewish Quarter there are at least 3 nice museums to keep you busy and more archaeological stuff, a little shopping, people watching, and a few good places to eat. There are both fast food like Shewarma Felafel and pizza, and there are also two nice sit-down restaurants called Menorah. They are near the Golden Menorah (a really tall real gold menorah made exactly to the standards of the Bible) in the Cardo (a high quality shopping street). Also real close to the old city is Mount Zion where King David is buried, and the first holocaust museum, Shindler's grave and Mount of Olives.
4. Israel Museum
Comprising nearly 50,000 square meters and a six-acre sculpture garden, this complex features an impressive variety of collections from prehistoric archaeology to contemporary art.
5. Hezekiah's Tunnels
This is a great way to spend a couple hours-especially with kids. But don't let the prospect of a dark, claustrophobic hike through a century's old tunnel deter even the less adventurous in your party. There are two tunnels! Ask your guide to show you the alternate route if your less than pleased by the prospect of a dark trek through a tight, wet tunnel. This route is well lit, level and not very long and still gives you the thrill of Hezekiah's tunnels without all the hassle. A great alternative for those who want to go along, but aren't quite up to it. After you exit, continue out and down the street to your right to the other tunnel exit near the bottom of the hill. Ask for help it you can't find it-it's a not all that obvious. But remember-this is East Jerusalem, so keep your eyes open. The locals are generally friendly but can be opportunistic at times. Enjoy.
6. Tower of David Museum (The Citadel)
Located in the restored ancient Citadel, this museum traces the long and turbulent history of Jerusalem using audiovisual presentations, models, maps, holograms and videos.
7. Notre Dame de Sion Ecce Homo Convent
Ecce Homo is the first station of the cross on Via Dolorosa. It is managed by a sister's convent from Europe . It is where Pilate presented Jesus to the mob and said "Behold the man". This is the place where the Romans tortured Jesus and made sport of Him. If you go straight down a couple of floors into the deep regions of history, you can see the actual games the Romans played with their prisoners, permanent evidence of barbarity and cruelty by a culture long gone. One game was called "the king". In this game they would make the prisoner up to be a king and bow before him mockingly (all the while torturing him). Occasionally they would make a mock crown for the prisoner as they made sport of him. Ecce Homo has all kinds of underground tunnels, passageways and caves to be explored, each rich in history and archeology.
The staff are great there and one feels like they are staying in a peice of history. Although it is a hostel, it has the feeling of a decent hotel. One can get a wonderful view of the old city from the roof where there is a large terrace. Breakfast buffet is provided.
8. Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Built in the fourth century over the site of a Roman Pagan temple, this is considered one of the world's holiest shrines to Christians, preserving the most important moments of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
9. Tisch Family Zoological Gardens (Biblical Zoo)
This 62-acre zoo contains more than 140 species of animals with two major themes: animals mentioned in the Bible and endangered species from around the world.
10. The City Of David Visitors Center
The City of David is located outside the walls of the old city near the Dung Gate . It is where King David made his capital and built his palace. His son, Solomon, built the first Temple at the top of the hill.
At the site, you can explore on your own or join one of the guided tours (highly recommended for only 60 Nis). There is a short 3D movie (15 minutes for 10 NIS) that introduces the history of the site. On top of the movie theatre, there is a look out which gives views over the excavation site, the neighbourhoods of Abu Tor, Silwan and in the distance, East Talpiot. Following the trail down, you will pass 'area G' which has the 'stepped structure', and Aheil's house, a typical house of the first Temple Period which was destroyed in 586BCE. From there you enter the Warren's Shaft system and walk through flowing water in the amazing Hezekiah tunnel . If you don't want to walk though the water tunnel, a dry Canaanite tunnel runs beside it. The dry tunnel has electric lighting, takes about 20 minues and is very narrow. Hezekiah's Tunnel, has no lighting and is uneven in places. You must be wearing shoes that can get wet, and have flashlights. It takes about 40 minutes to walk through, less time if the water is low. You exit at Siloam's pool. Be advised that there are a lot of steps going downfrom the top to the bottom of this site but from the bottom you can take a mini-bus back up to where you started from for 5NIS. At the entrance to the tunnel you can also buy a small flash light for the watter tunnels for 4NIS
In the Visitors Center you can find a small Kiosk, gift shop and toilets. The entrance to the Warren shaft and the water tunnel costs 27NIS
Click here to book your hotel in Jerusalem now!
Top 10 things to do in Tel Aviv
1. Old Jaffa
Old Jaffa is the historical heart of Tel Aviv. So much life and history meet there. Start at the clock tower at the foot of the hill and walk your way up to the top of the hill, where there is a museum showing the ancient relics found in Old Jaffa. It has an open air section, which is lovely, including the small monument where you have magnificent views of Tel Aviv and its beaches. See the old Turkish bank building and mosques; and have pita bread from the main baker just up the road from the clock tower. The best!
At the top of the hill is a large square and church, where the friendly cats will gladly pose for you and enjoy being petted, too. There is a small restaurant behind the fountain which gives you the best views of Andromeda's Rock and the harbour area. Walk through the small streets and visit the artisan shops there, where in one you can see a room that was recently discovered that had artifacts that were over 1000 years old. Really fascinating.
When returning to the clock tower, take the road that leads down from the church passing the sea mosque and enjoy the views of the sea and Tel Aviv. Lots of benches so you can rest and plenty of restaurants here, too, where you can dine al fresco. Going down this road there is also an information board which shows the 4000 years of history of Jaffa, which is impressive.
2. Palmach Museum
The Palmach is a museum dedicated to the the men and women who eventually became the Israeli Defense Forces. These were the emigrees who were trained by the British to help fight the Nazis if they had made it to the middle east. It's a fascinating story and the museum features good interactive exhibits
3. Independence Hall Museum
The former home of Meir Dizengoff, Tel Aviv's first mayor, is also where Israel's independence was proclaimed.
4. Old Tel Aviv Port Area
The port of Tel Aviv is becoming an area for culture, entertainment and leisure-time activities. An updated list of businesses and activities can be found in the official site.
5. Neve Tzedek
Neve Tzedek and Neve Shalom were the first two Jewish neighborhoods outside the city of Jaffa, even preceding the establishment of Tel Aviv. The two neighborhoods consist of narrow, winding streets, and are located not far from the sea, between the Carmel market and Jaffa.
They were run-down for many years, but have been somewhat renovated and became "in". In Neve Tzedek you can find the Susan Dalal Dance Center, a venue that houses performing arts, plays and other performances. The area has many restaurants, coffee houses and interesting shops. Also 2 boutique hotesls. It is a place to relax from the busy city, while being able to breath the refershing sea air.
6. Yitzhak Rabin Center
Reminiscent of the circular Guggenheim Museum in New York, the downward spiral of this museum presents the story of the history of Israel as told through the life of Yitzhak Rabin, one of it's modern day founding fathers. The museum exhibits the country's early struggles to survive from it's founding to today. All of this revolves around the heroic life of Yitzhak Rabin.
In this beautiful museum, set in a beautiful landscape in Northern Tel Aviv, one gains a full understanding of Israel's constant fight for survival. This is a not to be missed museum experience.
7. Nachlat Binyamin Pedestrian Mall
Located near the Carmel Market ("shuk ha'acarmel"). The Nachlat Binyamin Pedestrian Mall has many cafes and restaurants. Every Tuesday and Friday it hosts a unique arts and crafts market, with dozens of local artists selling their original hand-made goods. You will find typical Israeli artifacts, great souvenirs and gifts to take back home. Lots of kitsch too, but that is part of the charm. Bargaining is often welcome, but less here than in, say, the Carmel Market or the the Bezalel Market across the way, where you can find amazing deals in clothes and whatever.
This area is also known as the Gay area of Tel Aviv, with couple of gay bars and clubs around, including the pink house and the biggest gay sauna in the city, Paradise, which is next by in Allenby street.
The staff are great there and one feels like they are staying in a peice of history. Although it is a hostel, it has the feeling of a decent hotel. One can get a wonderful view of the old city from the roof where there is a large terrace. Breakfast buffet is provided.
8. Tel Aviv Museum of Art
This museum features a rich collection of art including European works from the 16th to 19th centuries, Impressionism, Post-Impressionism and 20th-century modernism.
9. Museum of the Jewish Diaspora (Bet Hatefutsoth)
Located on the campus of Tel Aviv University, this museum chronicles the story of the Jewish people of Israel over the last 2,500 years.
10. Dizengoff Street
Great street for people watching, enjoying a good meal or drinks on one the many al fresco cafes and restaurants along this street. Shopping is nice, but you come for the social aspect of it. Go to Landwer coffee and enjoy a good meal and fantastic drinks as you soak in the sun and watch the people and traffic go by. Shopping at Dizengoff Centre is also ok; but the best is to go on a Friday when vendors set up their food stalls inside to sell food and meals in preparation for Shabbat when many are not allowed to cook and such. The frenziness and energy is impressive.
Click here to book your hotel in Tel Aviv now!
Top 10 things to do in Haifa
1. Haifa Port
The Port of Haifa is the largest of Israel's three major international seaports, which include the Port of Ashdod, and the Port of Eilat. It has a natural deep water harbor which operates all year long, and serves both passenger and cargo ships. It is one of the largest ports in the eastern Mediterranean in terms of freight volume and handles over 22 million tons of goods each year. The port employs over 1,000 people, with the number rising to 5,000 when cruise ships dock in Haifa. The Port of Haifa lies to the north of Haifa's Downtown quarter at the mediterranean, and streches to some 3 kilometers along the city's central shore with activities ranging from military, industrial and commercial next to a nowadays-small passenger cruising facility.
2. Haifa University
This university that began operation in 1963 boasts many fine galleries and museums including Oscar Ghez Gallery, University Art Gallery and the Reuben and Edith Hecht Museum.
3. Baha'i Gardens and Golden Dome
When you look at the gardens, remember they were built through voluntary contributions from members of the faith; giving whatever they could for the glory of God. Most people working there are volunteers, demonstrating their love for the prophet of this age, Baha'u'allah, and his teachings of unity, equality of man and woman, respect for the environment and so much more. Pilgrimage there is a sacred duty, performed at least once in a Baha'is life wherever possible. Being there is a delight, though pray for good weather as now if the rains fall heavily visitor safety means the gardens will be shut. Go too to Acre (or Acca) nearby and see the ancient walled city that was a prison in the time of the Ottoman Empire and where the Bahai leader, family and followers were held for many years yet rose above the squalor that their oppressors thought would wipe out their faith. This is a very Arabic area, with mosques and bazaars. Not a good place to be after sunset but good to walk the main streets and by the harbour, enter the tunnels built by crusaders and the citadel where the Baha'is were first imprisoned and in the 20th century where Israeli freedom fighters were kept during the British mandate. This is a fascinating, deeply historical area of Israel.
4. Louis Promenade
This promenade is beautiful during the day and night.
Located above the Bahhay Gardens it provides a unique and gourges point of view of the gardens, Haifa and the entire northern region of Israel.
On a good day it's possible to see all the way to Lebanon - amazing!
5. National Maritime Museum
This museum traces the history of seafaring and the development of shipbuilding in the Middle East featuring exhibits and a rich collection of maritime mythology, Greco-Roman coins, stamps, modern seafaring, naval battles and special emphasis on Jewish seafaring.
6. Hanging Bridge at Nesher Park
A perfect city getaway in the carmel mountain. Lovely panoramic view, ideal for every age not only for fit walkers.
7. Haifa Educational Zoo
The Haifa Zoo, founded in 1949, is an educational center coomprised of a zoo, botanical garden and a natural history museun. Built on the north slope of Wadi Lotem, mount Carmel sets the backdrop for our zoo, providing a breathtaking view to the mediterranean and an urban nature reserve.
8. Stella Maris Lighthouse and Carmelite Monastery
Serving as a pilgrimage centre, this impressive church of the Carmelite Order houses a collection of antiques and its nearby monastery once served as a hospital for Napoleon's soldiers.
9. National Museum of Science, Technology and Space
This museum, through interactive exhibits and its Education Center, teaches a range of science concepts including mechanics, electricity, magnetism, optics, acoustics, robotics, aeronautics and communication.
10. Tishbi Estate Winery
The Tishbi familys romance with grapes and wine began in 1882 when the present generations great-grandparents were commissioned by Baron Edmond de Rothschild to plant the first modern wine grape vineyards in Israel. After more than a Century of grape growing tradition, Jonathan Tishbi founded the Tishbi Estate in1984, which produces four series of wines, each offering consistent quality and flavor ,as well as value and style within its class.
Set near Zichron Yaacov, at the foot of the Carmel mountain ridge near the coast, the Tishbi Estate is surrounded by its home vineyards which enjoy the cooling breezes of the Mediterranean Sea. The Tishbi family also plants, grows and harvests premium grapes at higher elevations to the North, to take full advantage of the cool mountain night air and the long sunny Mediterranean growing season ,and in the Negev Desert to the South, where hot arid days and cool windy nights combine with sandy soils to yield superior grapes.
To this day, proprietor Jonathan Tishbi, together with his family, personally supervises the growing, harvesting and bottling processes, tasting and evaluating each vineyard lot separately before creating final blends and award winning wines, sparkling wines and brandy.
Click here to book your hotel in Haifa now!
Things to do in or near Tiberias
1. The City of Tiberias
Beautiful area. Nice place to walk around. A number of holy people buried there. Water is wonderful, serene, blue. Boating, swimming. Good springboard to go to numerous attractions up North and West. We stayed two nights and traveled during the day north and west. Lots to see. Keep in mind expensive for hotels, boating, restaurants, etc.
2. Hamat Gader Park
The hot water of the baths at Hamat Gader is a unique experience. The different pools set in this beautiful part of Israel is something very special. Close by are excavations which are interesting together with the crocodile farm which is a must for children.
It is possible to have all sorts of treatments at Hamat Gader and their Thai style restaurant serves very nice meals. The accommodation is amazing albeit expensive, the grounds and surroundings are very special and worth a stay for a special occasion.
3. Arbel Cliffs
If you are visiting Israel do not miss the opportunity to go to the top of Arbel. From here you can view the Sea of Galilee and the many towns and places associated with the Ministry of The Lord Jesus Christ.
4. Sea of Galilee
Sea of Galilee, actually a lake, is famous because this is where Jesus walked on the water and called Peter out of the boat. On current maps it is referred to as Lake Kinneret. The sea is beautiful for anyone and especially moving for Christians. For more information about the Sea of Galilee, please click here.
5. Kursi National Park
Kursi, on the east shore of the Kineret, is believed to be the site of the miracle of swines. Excavations revealed there the remnants of the largest Byzantine-period monastery in Israel , with some beautiful mosaics.
6. Magdala
The New Testament makes one disputable mention of a place called Magdala. Matthew 15:39 of the King James' Version (KJV) reads, "And he [Jesus] sent away the multitude, and took ship, and came into the coasts of Magdala". However, the most reliable Greek manuscripts give the name of the place as "Magadan", and more modern scholarly translations (such as the Revised Version) follow this. Although some commentators state confidently that the two refer to the same place, others dismiss the substitution of Magdala for Magadan as simply "to substitute a known for an unknown place". The parallel passage in Mark's gospel[8:10] gives (in the majority of manuscripts) a quite different place name, Dalmanutha, although a handful of manuscripts give either Magdala or Magadan presumably by assimilation to the Matthean text - believed in ancient times to be older than that of Mark, though this opinion has now been reversed.
All four gospels refer to a follower of Jesus called Mary Magdalene, and it has usually been assumed that this means "Mary from Magdala". There is no biblical information to indicate whether this was her home or her birthplace. Most Christian scholars assume that she was from the place the Talmud calls Magdala Nunayya, and that this is also where Jesus landed on the occasion recorded by Matthew.
7. Galilee Experience
The Galilee Experience was founded in 1990 by Eric and Terri Morey. The facility includes the 200-seat theater, a book and souvenir store, an art gallery and a coffee shop with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Sea of Galilee. Galilee Experience has developed into one of the largest tourist centers in Israel and one of the largest Jewish roots product distributors to the Christian communities around the world.
Click here to book your hotel in Tiberias now!
Top 10 things to do in and around Eilat
1. Underwater Observatory Marine Park
This marine park features a variety of exhibits including the Aquarium Museum, Shark Tank, Turtle and Stingray Pool, Underwater Observatories, Reef Tanks and the Oceanarium
2. Timna National Park
Surrounded by yellow sandstone mountains on three sides, this scenic valley features ancient copper mines, the red volcanic Mt. Timna at its center and "The Mushroom," a sandstone rock shaped by wind and water resembling a giant mushroom.
3. Botanical Garden Of Eilat
This garden blossoms and develops rapidly, in harmony with the local conditions and the ecological make-up of the Arava. This garden was built originally of ancient stone terraces, and there are sign-posted paths, a reconstructed stream, lakes, waterfalls, stone and wood buildings and more. Three viewpoints look out over the Red Sea and the Edom mountains, and over the varied plants, baobab trees, fruit trees, and herbs to amaze the visitor. And for the children there is a real treat: steps to climb, narrow pathways to negotiate amongst a rich array of wilderness flowers and to the sound of the waterfall. Sounds like the garden of Eden? Well, it is!
4. Dolphin Reef
The Dolphin Reef at Eilat is an unmissable day out this side of the Negev desert. At the door, remember if you are a student or senior to provide proof of age to obtain your discount.
Once inside, even if you don't participate in an actual diving experience with the dolphins there is a beautiful beach to relax on, and a few other shaded areas to get away from the intensive sun. You can swim in the water to the edge of the reef, put your head below the water and you hear the dolphins squeaking! Watch out for the diver sessions below you!
The dolphins are fed 6 times a day. Although they can't go into the open sea, because they were attacked and harrassed by people, they aren't expected to do tricks or perform for visitors. They jump and play together, "talk" to the staff there and swim with Joker the dog, who shows up every day to swim and sunbathe.
There is a safe beach with an enclosed swimming area separate from the dolphins, which is great for kids. No official lifeguard, but there's usually a member of staff on duty on the beach.
There are beautiful indoor relaxation pools (at extra cost) which also give you access to the VIP lounge and bar, which is open until 1am most days.
This is a beautiful day out for dolphin lovers and a great relaxing day for everyone. Also, do not be deterred by bad weather. In the bad weather, the dolphins swim together to protect each other and you will never seen so many dolphins or such an amazing sight.
Try an iced coffee served to you on the beach! The pita and houmous are great too.
5. Coral Beach Nature Reserve
With more than 100 types of stony coral and 650 species of fish, this coral reef is an excellent spot for underwater enthusiasts.
6. Hai Bar National Biblical Wildlife Reserve
This nature reserve protects the wild animals mentioned in the Bible and other endangered desert species.
7. Red Canyon
Rather than driving to Eilat on highway 90 consider a detour, right onto highway 13 and then a left onto 40 which follows the Israel Trail. After 38 km you'll come to Shizaphon Junction where you'll find an organic, vegetarian restaurant run by the folks of Kibbutz Naot Smadar, a lovely place to take a break. If you're not interested in a meal you can also buy products from the kibbutz to take with, artisan goat cheeses, homemade bread, jams, fruit leather, dates and wine - some great snacks for your hike or afterwards..
Continue on highway 12 south for about 50 km until you see the cutoff for the Red Canyon - Wadi Shani on your left. Follow the dirt road to the parking area.
Wear good walking shoes and a hat, bring along water, you're in the desert. From the end of the parking area you follow the green trail markers along a dry river bed. It gets interesting when you descend into the narrow canyon, no more than 3 meters in width with a height of up to 30 meters, created over years by water erosion of the sandstone. The parks authority have put rungs into the rock to help you get down. The kids won't have any problem, it's usually the parents who have trouble.
The dominant color of the rock is red with shades of pink and purple. It reminded me of a smaller version of the canyon at Petra. Don't forget your camera, there are some great photos.
To return you climb up out of the canyon where the streambed widens and take the path along the cliff side with a great view of the canyon below. There are rungs to hold onto, here the adults can worry about the height and proximity to the edge of the cliff.
8. Aqua Beach
Actually called "Aqua-Sport" Beach, this place is a haven for locals and scuba divers. They have their own dive center and also an on-beach bar and a bedouin-style cafe/tent that serves lovely arabic coffee and laffa (like a large fluffy pita that comes with leben to dip). It is small and quite rocky (most Eilat beaches are somewhat rocky) but off the beaten track and a very pleasant place to relax with mostly locals and few tourists aside from the avid divers who come here from all over the world. You can take a sample scuba dive (no training required), but there is fantastic snorkeling as well (for free, just bring your mask!). You can even just sit on the rocks at the waterside with a beer and watch the tropical fish swimming just off shore.
9. Camel Ranch Eilat
The Camel Ranch was founded in Nachal Shlomo, in the city of Eilat in 1987 in the amazing desert landscape - just a short 10 minutes ride from Eilat. The Camel Ranch offers a wide range of activities for all the family and entrance to the Ranch is free. The Ranch has tours for all the family with a range of circuits suitable both for groups and organizations. In recent years the Camel Ranch has developed into the perfect place for unique desert experiences, including: Group activities, company and individual department bonding, fun days, Bedouin type hospitality, pre-wedding and wedding parties, and much more. Activities at the Ranch are conducted in a professional manner honed by years of experience with special emphasis on the smallest detail. The Camel Ranch has hosted thousands of events for families and groups during the past 20 years.
10. Eilat Marina
A lot of things happen here, especially at night. The place is fully alive even past midnight and thatz prob the best time to go there. take a walk across the path along the beach and do not miss the delicious hot pizza prepared fresh at one of the shops. in the daytime gives you a full mesmerizing view of the red sea.
Click here to book your hotel in Eilat now!
Places to see in the Holy Land
or click "Contact us" for more contact details