Israel
Israel a world-class destination with outstanding archaeological, religious and cultural attractions. Those with a taste for adventure can explore the country’s spectacular scenery, scuba dive in the Gulf of Eilat with its magnificent coral reefs, or go horseback riding along the trails in the forest of the Galilee.
Israel’s three main cities are Jerusalem, its capital, Tel Aviv, an international metropolis, and Haifa, a major port and industrial center. Rural tourism in kibbutzim and other community villages, offers guests vacations far from the cities in a rustic atmosphere, close to nature.
Ample public and private transportation makes getting around Israel easy. Buses travel to the most remote locations and the railway services span from north to south. While public transportation shuts down from Friday sundown to Saturday sundown, private minivans are often in operation. Car rental is another excellent option, and taxi services run 24/7 every day of the week.
Food in Israel is diverse, offering a delicious array for everyone from steak lovers to vegans. From native cuisine such as falafel, and hummus, to international favorites like sushi and pad Thai, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Fresh fruit shake stands and homemade ice cream parlors are in abundance – and the Israeli Breakfast is a must, with a variety of salads, cheeses, eggs and bread.
There are nearly 300 wineries in Israel, from small boutique operations to giant producers, offering world-class vintages of red, white and sparkling wines. With hundreds of boutique wineries, one can travel the country, meeting the wine makers themselves and hearing the fascinating stories of how they fulfilled their dreams.
Shopping in Israel is a delight with large indoor and outdoor shopping malls in nearly every city, as well as colorful markets and old-world bazaars offering locally made and imported items. Most stores are open from Sunday to Thursday between morning until night as well as Friday until early afternoon, and selected shopping locations are also open on Saturday.
Israel has long, rain-free summers from April to October, and mild winters, November to March. The official language of Israel is Hebrew, and most traffic signs are also written in English and Arabic. Russian is also a common language heard throughout the country.
Whether you are interested in exploring ancient history, or relaxing on one of Israel’s many exquisite beaches, make Israel your next travel destination.
