Lately, I have been coming across a lot of people visiting or planning a visit to Israel. Israel has been high on my bucket list of places to visit but now it has risen by several notches – thanks to this particular video by Israel tourism.
After seeing this video, I renewed my research on Israel and found myself thoroughly overwhelmed with the choices of destinations. From heritage to adventure to some amazing cultural experiences, Israel seems to have it all. Since I know that I cannot manage it all in one single go, here are my list of 10 things that I want to see in Israel in the first trip.
Contents
1) UNESCO sites of Jerusalem
Heritage and Jerusalem are inseparable and a visit to the Jerusalem Old City an absolute must for a heritage buff like me. The entire city is filled with interesting sights, each with history that dates back to several centuries. Among the many sites that I would love to visit, these three UNESCO sites in the land of three religions.
Dome of the Rock
An Islamic shrine that was erected by the Umayyad caliph Abd al-Malik in the 680s AD, this place is a landmark of Jerusalem. With its Golden colored dome shining over the city, there is no avoiding this place. What intrigues me is the historic rock that it shelters – one that is rumored to be the rock where Abraham was to sacrifice his son Issac. It is also, the place that seems to mark the Holy of Holies of two historic sites – Solomon’s Temple and Herod’s Temple. And to add a further intrigue, I believe it is also, a place that commemorates the ascent of Prophet Muhammed to heaven! Of course, there is more – but that I hope to find out when I visit it.
Church of Holy Sepulchre
A landmark of a lot of historic moments – my visit to Israel would be incomplete without a journey here. From the site of Jesus’ crucification to the Stone of Unction, where Jesus’ body was prepared for burial and the Tomb of Christ – there is just so much to see and absorb here. I think, I would need one full day just for this site.
The Western Wailing Wall
Dating back to 20 BC, this ancient wall has been a witness to many different events in the city. Even today, there is so much faith amid people that the Judaists are seen to still insert their prayers in between the bricks of the wall. A backdrop for a lot of weddings and important festivals, this wall is a commonly recognized site of Jerusalem. The one thing that I would want to do when here is to walk through the Western Wall Tunnel – a labyrinth of sorts with its hidden vaults and chambers.
2) Yad Vashem in Jerusalem
The one thing that struck me in the video above was the fact that you can feel in Israel. To me, a visit to Yad Vashem seems to be one place that allows you to feel. A humbling experience I am told, this is a memorial to the horrific holocaust of the Jews. A bit disturbing but I know that a visit here is merited to understand and pay respect to millions of those innocent souls – including children. The resource center has several stories written by these people and preserved for us to understand. A bit of an Anne Frank experience.
3) The Israel Museum in Jerusalem
The current abode of the mysterious 2000 year old Dead Sea Scrolls, the Israel Museum is definitely one of the many museums that I am keen to visit in Jerusalem. Besides this, it is also, said to have exhibits from the Ottoman kingdom as well as the works from the famed Renoir, Degas and Monet. What is more is that you get to see 4 complete synagogues – one of which is from Cochin, India.
4) Tel Hazor National Park
A hidden city with excavations that seem to prove that the mythical biblical world existed. Tel Hazor is said to be an important city back in the times of Joshua and King Solomon. What fascinates me are the excavations that give some evidence of this being a thriving city in an ancient trade route. A restored palace, some walls from the times of King Solomon and an Israelite water system – my key draws!
5) Carmel Market in Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv is a definite stop for me – given its cultural vibrancy. A perfect place to get the best of food, nightlife and more. If that being the objective, what best place than a market to experience it all. A walk through Carmel Market seems to be just what I need – some retail therapy with street shopping, some food experience and a perfect excuse to meet the locals. Besides the inherent charm of the city, it is a great place to establish a base owing to the numerous day trips you can do from Tel Aviv.
6) Beaches of Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv has some really gorgeous beaches to boast of. One complete day of just beach hopping is what I envisage. I know that every evening of mine would end with some gorgeous sunsets on these beaches. I am also, told that you can witness some really fun stuff as you walk along this 14 km coastline – from hair braiders to clowns to jugglers. A complete entertainment waiting for you. And as I understand, your day does not end here. It gets even more exciting with the nightlife in Tel Aviv.
7) Dead Sea in Israel
Swimming in the Dead Sea has been really high on my list. And the best part is that this one destination – Israel offers me the opportunity to do so. Here I am – all ready to be smeared with that Dead Sea mask and my favorite book in hand, ready to let all go and just drift into a sea of calm. Don’t be surprised if I come back with perfectly polished and glowing skin.
8) Masada Fortress near Dead Sea
Masada – also known as the Tragic Fortress, is yet another UNESCO site that I would love to visit. The old fortress was erected by Herod the Great and is said to be a site where thousands of Jews committed a mass suicide to escape the Roman torture. A hanging palace, remains of the Roman styled architecture, the remains of the Jewish possessions are just some examples of the history that is left behind here. Definitely appeals to me.
9) Red Sea at Eilat
Eilat, the port city of Israel, seems to be the perfect place to enjoy the Red sea. It does not matter if you are a diver or not, Eilat has some treats in store for you. Book yourself for a meal at the underwater restaurant at Eilat or just take a plunge like me at the Coral Reserves to see the colorful underwater world of Red Sea. Considered to be one of the best dive sites in the world. there is no way I am missing this one.
10) Beit Guvrin National Park
Ancient cities with caves and ancient structures make such a fascinating experience. Beit Guvrin is just that – with its subterranean living quarters, burial sites and a Roman amphitheater. Add to that, the little cisterns and quarries that were found under the dwellings – one of them with many pigeon holes and one with an ancient Olive Press. I wonder what else I can find there.
Trust me when I say that these are just 10 things in Israel that I think I can manage in a single trip. To discover the rest of Israel, I know I will have to make many more trips. What do you think? Do you fancy adding this to the list of your must-visit destinations? Or have you already been there? Comment in and let me know.
Popularly referred to as a Restless Ball of Energy. My Mom refuses to entertain my complaints about my equally restless daughter & assures my husband that I was born with a travel bug.
I am a Post-Graduate in Marketing by qualification and a travel blogger by passion. Besides travel, I enjoy photography and if you don’t find me at my desk, I would be out playing badminton or swimming or just running. I believe in planning for every long weekend through the year. And when I cannot travel physically, I travel virtually through this travel blog. My travel stories have also, got published on various websites and magazines including BBC Travel, Lonely Planet India and Jetwings. I have recently published my first book – When Places Come Alive – a collection of stories that are based on legends, landscapes, art and culture of a place which is available in both ebook and paperback format.
Loved your article about Israel! As it is on my bucket list too. I am wondering how is the sea in Tel Aviv, I see beach is nice, but if you can tell me more about it. And when best to visit it? Is it ok to use public transportation around the city…?
Thanks in advance.
Thanks – To answer your questions, I will have to head there asap :-). This post is just about expressing my wish to get there and why I have this urge . I know that the right season is now but for the other questions….hang in there till I manage a trip and get back 🙂
Such a wonderful wishlist!
Thanks Mridula.
Great post! I’d love to see all of these things as well. Israel has been on my list for quite some time now. Hopefully I can make it happen soon!
Fingers crossed for you and me…Hopefully soon!
Israel always evokes a sense of intrigue in me. The history of the nation and its people is so rich and fascinating, I would love to visit this country which now is a place where history and technology merge seamlessly.
Indeed …hoping to be able to visit it soon.
Israel and history and synonymous with each other. It is was a revelation seeing the inclusions in this post, because I had no idea they have preserved so much, so well!
Indeed…it was quite interesting to read all about it. Waiting and hoping to get there soon to see it.
Like anywhere I’ve not been, for that reason alone I too would like to visit.
That said, the ramifications of an Israeli stamp in ones passport when it comes to visiting neighbouring Middle Eastern countries, sees it ever pushed further down my ‘to visit’ list…
🙁 Well, but I still wanna go here 🙂
I’ve always wanted to visit the Dead Sea! You’re making me want to just pack my bag and go now (currently stuck in a snowstorm!!). It is definitely bucketlist worthy!
Brr…Dead Sea does sound good given where you are. Hoping to make it to Israel myself.
I am heading to Israel in 2 months and I want to visit all of these places. Thanks for this post- reading it makes me excited even more for my upcoming trip!!
Awesome…envying you right now. I hope I get there soon too!
If Israel hadn’t already been on my bucket list, this video and your list definitely would have put it there 😉 Israel has everything you need for an unforgetable holiday: incredible history, beautiful nature, famous nightlife… Can’t wait to see everything on your list for myself 🙂
Me too…Thanks Chantal for stopping by.
On the top of my list would be floating in the Dead sea, have always wanted to do that and sit on the beautiful beaches! I think the diving in Red Sea would be fantastic and have heard how incredible it is. Hope to go some day.
Fingers crossed. Let’s hope to manage a visit soon. Israel does sound incredible.
Israel is a place I would love to explore and you have shown me so many reasons why. Apart from the historic sites, Yad Vashem looks like an incredibly moving place to visit. So important to remember and respect the past
Indeed. When I read about it, it completely gripped me. I hope to see it in person. Thank you Katy for dropping by
Amazing post Ami, Great Content and Images too.. Avik @bongyatra.com
Thank you Avik
I just heard from a friend that, if I get a stamp from entering Israel, then I wouldn’t be able to get a stamp if I will be visiting Dubai. Is it true?? Seems unfair, especially if someone is a good and responsible traveler.
I am not sure Blair. I hope not though. I would not want to close any doors 🙂
Wow, very enticing video. Makes me want to visit. Seems like there is so much to do in that country, you wouldn’t be bored for a second.
Yes, the video just fuels your wanderlust for Israel. And research seems to say that what you are feeling is true 🙂
The 10 locations all look fascinating or perfect places to relax! Thank you for this post which also became my guide across Israel! 🙂
He he. Glad to be of help.
I don’t know much about Israel, just a few facts about Tel Aviv. I would like to visit and enjoy a nice relaxing holiday at the shore of the dead sea. I would love to float freely, it is said that this can cures all back pains. 🙂
Ah! I just want to float and get some glowing skin 😉
Great article and really hitting home for me. My mother is Jewish and would love me to visit Israel (as she says, to see where I’m ‘really from’). If anyone is interested and is Jewish or has a Jewish parent, they may be accepted onto Birthright, a free 10 day trip to Israel for foreigners to discover their history. I’m hopefully going next summer!
Awesome…am envious. Fingers crossed for me to get there.
So much of history there! The fortress ruins amaze me and to think mass suicides took place there makes me so sad. The dead sea of course is my most fav. Hope I get to float there some day.
Indeed…Dead sea and so much heritage and Scuba! Hoping to get there soon!
Have always wanted to visit Tel Aviv and chill at the beaches! Yad Vashem is such a beautiful concept, would be so humbling to visit!
Indeed. Humbling is just the right word. Hoping to experience that.
I want to visit Israel just only to float on the Dead Sea! It has been on my bucket list since so many years and hope to visit there soon!
Sigh! Mine too.
What a lovely wishlist. Israel is known for all the wrong reasons around I guess. and the whole thing about other middle eastern countries not giving visa due to Israeli visa have made it difficult for people to see this historic place.
Yes indeed. I hope that it is not true of the Visas.
Yes, the new TV commercial on Israel looks inviting. Thanks for adding a list beyond Dead Sea. I am liking your travel stories.Going through them page by page :-). Do check out my humble effort theunconventionalgirl.com
Thank you Rekha. Will definitely browse through your blog.
Thanks Ami
Very much like you I have been seeing Israel all over my Social Media and defo want to visit. Thank you for making my life easier and doing all this fab research for me 🙂
I would defo visit all the places you suggested in this post. Sharing on Twitter.
Thanks Verushka. Israel does seem exciting 🙂
Great post! I’ve never visited Israel and found this post very helpful. I look forward to visiting Israel and visiting some of the locations.
Thanks Tasheena. Fingers crossed that we manage to visit it
I would love to see these places too. Everything looks really lovely. I hope I can make it there someday!
I hope so too…and soon!
Wow! I’ve always wanted to float in the Dead Sea. But now Tel Hazor and Yad Vashem sound like great places to visit too. I hope that when you go, you schedule enough time for yourself to see everything on your list.
Amen to that. I hope that I get enough time to discover these all.
I’ve been seeing a lot of Israel vacations too lately. Apparently that’s a location that needs to be added to my bucket list.
And naturally, given the wealth of sites here .
OMG SAME!! AHH it looks so GORGEOUS!! There’s just so much history and beauty there, really hope I can visit someday!
Me too mee too…Fingers crossed.
Yes to your entire list. I would love to visit Israel one day.
Me too 🙂
You are right, Israel has been on my bucket list for a long time too. Its a wonderful wishlist. Hope you as well as I get to visit soon. Tel Aviv is what is most inviting to me haha.
xx, Kusum
Thanks Kusum. I hope to get there soon.
Looks like a beautiful place to visit. I have had a few friends who went to visit Israel through birthright and they come back sharing wonderful stories about the place.
Sigh! I have a few who also came back with lovely memories. I hope I can get there soon.
thanks for this, not I have added this spot to my list
Thank you.
I would add Israel in my bucket list as well after watching this beautiful video. The UNESCO sites are amazing, I am in love with that Dead Sea and the beaches of Tel Aviv is just stunning too!
Fingers crossed that we manage to go here. Israel definitely beckons.
We would love to visit Israel someday! Your wish list looks a lot like ours. 🙂 Tel Aviv sounds and the Dead Sea sound really cool.
Let’s hope 2017 is the year for this trip 🙂
I have added Israel on my traveling list of coming year and would love to see all these places. Thanks for such great post!
Thanks ….I think it is a lovely country which is quite unexplored.
Israel has never been on my travel bucketlust until recently, I am looking forward to visiting Tel aviv in 2017. It is such an incredible place to visit.
Hope you make it soon. Am keeping my fingers crossed for me too.
It would be incredible to see these site. What a dream.
Yes and I hope it comes true 🙂
great post
Thanks
I have read a lot about the exotic non vegetarian food, particularly chicken in Tel Aviv, want to try it someday. Yad Vashem definitely looks like a place which can fill our heart with a haunting sadness. I love visiting UNESCO Heritage sites so I think I need to make this trip to Israel soon.
Me too Tania. Hopeful to do it soon