Israel - $section - Countries Guide

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Cities & Regions: Jerusalem | Tel Aviv | Galilee

Israel is a land saturated with the importance of its position as the cradle of Judaism, Christianity and Islam alike. This complexity flows into the diversity of the natural landscape that varies from the salty serenity of the Dead Sea to the verdant national parks and the parched desert plateaus.

Most visits to the Holy Land are ushered in with a trip to the capital city of Jerusalem. The vibrant streets bustle with the activity of modern city dwellers and busy markets spill out onto ancient cobbled streets against a skyline of sacred sites. The modern commercial centre of Tel Aviv is dedicated to the more hedonistic pursuits of life that come in the form of sun drenched beaches, good restaurants, designer clothing stores and sophisticated night clubs. Sunbathing and scuba diving is the allure of the Red Sea port of Elat while relaxation and spa resorts are a specialty of the Dead Sea experience. The Galilee area, north of Jerusalem, is the destination of pilgrims and nature lovers alike. Its concentration of holy sites provides a fascinating visit, particularly around the azure stretches of the Sea of Galilee. The cosmopolitan reaches of the Jewish-Arab city of Haifa provide a glorious base from which to explore the Galilee area as well as the magnificent sea grottoes of Rosh Hanikra.

Travel to Israel is currently risky because of the political situation. Those planning a trip should consult up to date official travel safety warnings.