Israel is an incredible place to visit. While it is small in size, it is rich in history,
religious landmarks, nature, culture, and fun activities.
Israel is in a unique geographical location where three continents meet. This
affects the topography and the climate. In the north you can experience typical
mountain weather and landscapes; in the south there is a desert environment;
and the Jordan Valley has some tropical influences. Most of the country,
however, has a comfortable Mediterranean climate.
Due to the intersection of three different continents, there is a tremendous
diversity in Israel of flora and fauna typical to Europe, Asia and Africa. This
unique corridor is one of the only places in the world where one can see plants
and animals that have immigrated from so many far-away places, all in one
locality. Sitting on a major bird migration path makes Israel a paradise for bird
watchers.
Israel is on a historical land crossing traveled by many cultures and peoples from
the pre-historic era and until today. The remnants of these societies left rich
evidence of their cultural and spiritual existence scattered across the land of
Israel.
In Israel there are holy places of the three major monotheistic religions –
Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, and also holy places of newer religions such
as the Bahai, Druze, and Ahmadiyya. You can follow the stories of the Bible and
the New Testament, and experience the land of the holy prophets, the saints, and
the ancient empires.
In Israel there are many World Heritage Sites and other “must-see” sites,
including:
- The Biblical Tels – Megiddo, Hazor, and Beer Sheva
- Jesus’ life and travels in the Galilee and Jerusalem
- Walking in the footsteps of Jesus – the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and the Via
Dolorosa - Old Jerusalem – the Western Wall, the Temple Mount
- New Jerusalem neighborhoods – their histories and stories
- Tel Aviv – the White City. Old Jaffa
- The Bahai Gardens in Haifa and Acre
- Herod’s Legacy – Caesarea, Herodian, Masada, and Jerusalem
- The magnificent sites of the Roman Empire
- The Crusader Fortresses
- Beit Guvrin National Park and the Maresha Caves
- The Nabataean cities and Incense Route
- Special natural sites such as the Dead Sea – the lowest place in the world; and
Mitzpe Ramon – the land of craters
- Additionally, Israel is a popular vacation and recreation spot with sandy
beaches, delicious food, and an amazing coral reef.
