MORE TO KNOW

The cold months are from November to March, and the warm months are from June to September. Spring occurs during the months of April to May when temperatures become milder, and autumn is from September to October.

High altitude places tend to be colder and windier, so it’s good to bring an extra layer of clothes when visiting cities like Jerusalem and Haifa.

Sunglasses and sunscreen are always useful, never mind when you come.

The best places to visit in Israel are those who combine ancient history together with culture and beautiful scenery.

Acre and Haifa- the old city of Acre is famous for its ancient crusaders fortress and city walls but it also offers a lively market, avant-garde street art, and delicious sea food. All these in the background of the blue Mediterranean Sea. The city of Haifa is Israel’s symbol of coexistence. There visitors can witness Bahai faith ideology and spectacular views from the Bahai gardens, experience holy silence at the Stella Maris monastery and discuss religion at the mosque of the pacifist Ahmadians.

The Sea of Galilee, the Gilboa mount, Nazareth- the Sea of Galilee tells the beginning chapters of Christian and Jewish thought. Whether you fancy landmarks from the life of Jesus or tales of Jewish sages, it’s all twined between the city of Tiberias and the green hills of the Sea of Galilee. Venturing to the Gilboa Mountains and the city of Nazareth unfolds even more scenic nature, biblical stories, and holy sites.

Jerusalem, the Dead Sea, Masada- The holy city of Jerusalem gives tourists the opportunity to travel back in time and touch history. With so much to see, feel, touch and learn, Jerusalem is a must in every trip to Israel. Next to the mountains of Jerusalem lies the lowest place on earth, the Dead Sea. This world phenomenon invites visitors to float on its water and cover themselves in its famous natural skincare mud. A trip to the Dead Sea if often combines with a visit to Masada, a 2000 year old mountain top fort that its story of Jewish heroism shapes the Israeli mindset until today.  

Tel Aviv and Jaffa- Tel Aviv is the cultural center of Israel and a UNESCO world heritage site due to its Bauhaus architecture. Walking through its famous boulevard, visitors can see where modern Israel started and what it became to be. A short leap from Tel Aviv is the old city of Jaffa, one of the most ancient port cities in the world.  Its narrow allies and vibrant port are the setting for the famous stories of Jonah and the whale, St. Peter’s dream, and Andromeda.

Although Israel is located in the Middle East, it has a price range similar to that of a West European country. Eating in Israel, you should expect to pay from 15 to 60 shekel for street food and from 70 to 150 shekel in a mid-range restaurant. Note that in restaurants it’s expected to give a tip of 12-15%.

A night at a hotel will cost you from 150 shekel in a dorm room to 500 shekel for a double room in a budget hotel; Midrange hotels will cost 1000 shekel for a double room; and high-end hotels will cost 2000 shekel for a double room.

Public transportation is not expensive and will cost you 5.5 Shekel for an in-city bus ride and about 30 Shekel for city to city train ride. A taxi ride inside the city can cost between 20 to 80 shekel.

A visit to Israel will not be complete without trying these dishes:
Bourekas- a salty baked pastry snack made from thin layers of dough with different fillings. the shape of the bourekas will indicate its filling. a triangle shape will have cheese inside, a rectangle shape will have mashed potato, and a round shape bourekas will have pizza flavored filling.
Falafel- fried chickpea balls served in a pita bread together with different sauces and salads.
Shawarma- thin sliced meat of either lamb, turkey, chicken or beef, wrapped in a flatbread together with different sauces and salads.
Jachnun- a baked puff pastry roll made originally by Yemenite Jews. It is served with smashed tomatoes, spicy sauce and a boiled egg.
Knafeh- a traditional Middle Eastern cake made from cheese and topped with thin layers of dough, pistachios, and sugar syrup.