Israel - Country Profile
Israel, for many is the Holy Land - a truly amazing, fascinating and controversial country. Its history can be traced back to 2000 BC, although the first written evidence dates back to around 1300 BC, when there was a exodus of Jews from Egypt. Israel - a country rich variety of monuments of civilizations, the cradle of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The unique history of this region combined with a variety of natural terrain, ranging from the salty Dead Sea to calm the flowering of national parks and the parched desert.
Jerusalem - without a doubt, the jewel of the country. In the city a lot of hidden worlds: casual and located outside of the time, Jewish and Arab, religious and secular. Walled Old City with its maze was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Perfectly preserved city with more than 4000 years of history has the great shrines of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, among them - the Temple Mount with the Dome of the Rock and Al Aqsa Mosque, the Western Wall and Temple of the Holy Sepulchre. New attractions in the city include a prominent Israel Museum with the Dead Sea Scrolls and other exciting exhibits, and Yad Vashem - the memorial and museum of Holocaust Remembrance. It is not necessary to invest time on a detailed introduction to this extraordinary eternal city.
Tel Aviv: many feel that Jerusalem and Tel Aviv are located in different countries, so their environment is different from each other. Bright and vibrant Tel Aviv is famous for its great restaurants, excellent beaches (where at least once a week, offers free dance the samba), and museums, among which are the Museum of the Diaspora, a complex of Eretz Yisrael and the Museum of Art. For those who had planned a long trip to Israel, Tel Aviv can serve as an excellent starting point, especially in the period from April to October: for a day or two relaxing at the beach can be fully acclimated after changing time zones.
Haifa - the third largest city in the country has the appearance and character, different from the previous two capitals. This is a business and industrial city, but its location is so picturesque that certainly deserves attention. Staying in Haifa are opportunities to study the north-western part of the country.
West Coast: the area characterized by the classic biblical landscapes, they were significantly less change than those that are at the core of Israel. The main cities of the West Coast a lively, but thanks to the ancient quarters and ancient architecture entailing have a special atmosphere. Bethlehem, the famous biblical city, located 8 km from Jerusalem. Further south is Hebron, a historically important place for both Jews and Muslims. Nablus - the main Palestinian city in the northern region, surrounded by expressive mountainous terrain. Unfortunately, since the second intifada, travel to the West Coast either limited or prohibited for security reasons.
Negev: South of Israel on 60% consists of desert or semidesert and includes nature reserves, perfectly suitable for hiking and ecotourism. This region is the least visited by travelers, but, nevertheless, is one of the most mysterious and spiritual areas of the country. Eilat, at the southern Negev is a world apart - mirage rising from the sands of high-rise hotels and trendy restaurants occupy a few kilometers of coastline along the Red Sea. Coral reefs of Eilat are popular among fans of diving and snorkeling. Sinai coast, further south, offers a more picturesque peyzhazhi both on land and under water. Hotels are cheaper than in Eilat.
Galileo: the northern area of historical Israel is a pleasant rural landscape. Wooded mountains and olive groves are dotted with Arab towns, kibbutzim and the ruins of ancient settlements, synagogues and churches. At the heart of the Galilee Sea of Galilee is located - lyrically beautiful freshwater lake, which is the main reservoir of the country. Galileo - the perfect destination for hiking, but it is also suitable for a free leisurely journey by car.
Dead Sea: this is a famous spot you can visit both in one-day trip from Jerusalem, and for a longer time, as a stop before heading to the Negev desert. Almost impregnable fortress of King Herod (Macsada) - the most impressive ancient sites of the country, it stands on a plateau above the Dead Sea. Another important form - a perfect oasis of Ein Gedi. Southern shore of the Dead Sea is strewn with the world-famous spas and hotels.
Mediterranean coast ideal for a relaxing beach holiday. Ashkelon, on the south coast, is characterized by its hotels, fine weather and rough waters, this city is gaining momentum as a tourist destination. Netanya, located in the middle of the region - a popular place for English-and French-speaking travelers. There are many hotels and rented apartments on any level of income. Caesarea, a ruined Roman city of the Crusades - one of the most impressive archaeological sites of the coast. Further north is Old City of Acre, featuring exotic bazaars, cafes, and minarets.
