An Unforgettable Sojourn in the Biblical Country of Israel

Israel is considered a country worthy travelling to. Travelers always describe their experiences in the "Land of Milk and Honey" a worthy once-in-a-lifetime goal achieved. This is no wonder when this nation has both embraced the preservation of its culture and traditions, as well as modernization and changes brought on by time. 

A country in the Middle East, Israel has always been one of the sought after destinations of the region.Tours to Israel have been consistently high, catering to around 16 million visitors annually. Visitors arrive for various reasons and intentions - whether for business, pleasure or on religious pilgrimages and the country has always been considered an exhausting yet exhilarating getaway paradise. While some tourists prefer their Israel private tours to be religious and pilgrimage based, others find the country a haven of eco-tourism, culture and modernization with a cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Israel Attractions and Holistic History

Gone are the days where most people were nomads, traveling from one place to another for subsistence, like Joseph and his family, and the country manifested its existence through the life of its people. Even though a millennium has passed agriculture is still the backbone of life, yet despite this perfectly-preserved tradition and way of life, it has never resisted embracing change through science, modernization and adopting cultures brought by its immigrants. 

Recounting the country's past, Israel has been home to numerous prophets referenced in the Holy Bible. Fortresses and aqueducts, ruined cities and temples, synagogues and crumbled rock buildings adorn the dusty lands of the country juxtaposed in its fine, warm beaches, most of which have been mentioned in the same holy text. The diverse and rich culture of the country is apparent through its architecture and arts. While Judaism and Islam are both practiced by Israelis, many practices have become interwoven and blended with traditions adopted by people today. 

Israel attractions appeal to many visitors. They include fascinating sights and scenery, balmy beaches, sandy terrains, arid deserts and sand dunes, rugged mountains and the famous Dead Sea. Israel is rich in ancient and modern architecture, synagogues, temples, antiquities and museums. Other fascinating sites in Israel are its markets, called souks. The spice trade has been strong since biblical times, alongside its agricultural produce, textiles and clothing, beautiful jewelry, livestock and dairy products. Enjoy fine dining and excellent cuisine with authentic traditional dishes that will delight every palate. 

Touring Israel is never complete without visiting its world heritage sites, identified with commendations by UNESCO. Visit the magnificent city of Jerusalem for a religious pilgrimage to the Garden of Gethsemane, the Mount of Olives and the Via Dolorosa, as well the Wailing Wall, the Dome of the Rock and its many and various museums. Marvel at the city of Tel Aviv, with its vibrant cosmopolitan atmosphere and exciting night life. Visit Israel, and experience a place where past and present mingle in eternity. 

Tel Aviv SightSeeing- where to go in TA?

Maybe you have been considering taking a trip to Israel and you are just not sure where to go exactly. Well, one of the best cities to visit is Tel Aviv. This city is the second largest in Israel and it is known as a cultural and cosmopolitan city. Because of its lively nightlife scene, it is also known as the city that never sleeps. As this is quite a big city, with so many places to see and things to do, it would be wise to seek the services of Tel Aviv tour guides instead of trying to figure out what to do on your own. With a tour guide, you will have a more pleasurable experience. There are so many places to visit in this city. Below are just some of the places which make the Tel Aviv tourism industry one of the most successful tourism industries in the world.

The Bauhaus Centre

One of the places you would want to visit as a tourist is the Bauhaus Centre. There you will find interesting souvenirs and artwork. There is no one who likes the idea of going on a vacation or trip only to come back empty handed. You would want something that will always remind you that you visited a particular country or place and at this centre you will have a lot of souvenirs and art pieces to choose from.

The Nahum Goldman Museum

Although this Museum of the Jewish Diaspora does not have historical artifacts, it has a collection of replicas, films and dioramas showing the life and culture of Jews in exile. In the museum you will find special attractions such as the Feher Jewish Music Centre, the Visual Documentation Centre and the Douglas E Goldman Jewish Genealogy Centre.

Tel Aviv Museum of Art

This museum houses magnificent impressionist as well as post-impressionist collected works. You will find works by some very popular artists such as Picasso, Pollock and Matisse. The most precious item in the museum is Van Gogh’s “The Shepherdess”. The museum also shows screen films and often holds exhibitions as well.

Eretz Israel Museum

Basically, the Museum has a total of 11 small museums linked together. These museums were built on an archeological site known as Tel Qasile. At the museum you will find a folklore pavilion, glass museum, a planetarium as well as a number of halls which have temporary exhibitions.

Fire and water Fountain

This fountain is located in the middle of Kikar Dizengoff. It is called the fire and water fountain because it spurts water and launches flames into the air as well. The fountain was designed by the famous artist; Ya’acov Agam.

HaYarkon Park

This park is located near a river and is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the lush greenery and the river, away for the traffic and the noise. The locals often hire a row boat or enjoy a number of sporting activities on weekends such as football, basketball and wall climbing.

The Jabotinsky Institute

This is basically a historical research organization. On the first floor there is a museum containing presentations of the history of what is called the national resistance movement. This movement was led a man known as Ze’ev Jabotinsky.

The Ben-Gurion Museum

Located on the famous Ben-Gurion Avenue, this museum used to be the home of Israel’s Prime Minister. He was known as David Ben-Gurion. Up until now, this museum looks relatively the same way it was when the Prime Minister lived there.

Religious Beach

This is a beautiful beach and you can enjoy beautiful sceneries. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays only females are allowed to occupy the beach and even non-Jews are allowed to occupy the beach. As a woman, you can swim or bask in the sun without having to worry about the unwanted attention from men.

It is clear from the above mentioned places that Tel Aviv is a city with a lot of cultural and historical significance; that explains the many museums you will find in the city. So if you are someone who enjoys learning about different cultures, this would be the perfect tourist destination for you.

Reasons for Selecting Private Tours of Israel

It is not difficult to move around on your own in Israel as it adopts western cultures and has become modern in its outlook today. The signs are written in English as well as Hebrew for everyone to understand, and many of the Israelis can speak a spattering of English and be understood. If you are planning to visit this holy land, there are many reasons for selecting private tours over individual or group tours and some of them are listed below:

Israel private tours offer you flexibility by offering itineraries that you can use to your convenience so that you can rest when you wish and alter plans whenever you wish. The driver of your transport is also the guide who is well versed with the roads, shortcuts and areas to park the vehicle. You could end up with conflicts with rough Israeli drivers if you try to rent a car and drive it on your own. Some military areas are out of bounds for security reasons and your driver will ensure that you stay off these roads. It is always advisable to be safe than sorry.

Ask as many questions as you can and you will get the right answers as the guide gives you his undivided attention on the private tour. There is no danger of missing out on important information as you are the only person on the private tour.  There is no danger of getting lost as the case may be when you are in a group tour. You can ask the guide to take you to see the battlefield where David fought Goliath. This may not be on the regular track. You have the option of taking a hike in the desert valley or exploring a stalactite cave. These options are only available to you when you take private tours of Israel.

If you wish to see Jerusalem after dark, the guide will take you on a private tour up the winding path to view the sunrise at Massada.  Though these types of private tours are not exactly cheap as compared to group tours, you can pool in with your friends or other members of the family and find that it is worth the expense. You do not have to wait for all the members in the group tour to gather as you can use the car and depart any time in the morning or pick them up when they have completed their shopping expedition for the day. You will not be stressed out and you will enjoy the experience of private tours of Israel at your own pace.

Enjoy the camaraderie of the tour guide who becomes a friendly addition to the group. He will speak to you relating interesting and humorous anecdotes which will be enlightening and fun. If you are wondering about the restaurants or areas to shop, your guide will help you find the right spots where you can look forward to interesting bargains. Look for an authentic restaurant to get the true feel of the place when you take private tours of Israel (http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g293984-d2371813-Reviews-Israel_Private_Tours-Tel_Aviv_Tel_Aviv_District.html). Your tour guide will arrange for you to meet Israelis and learn more about them as a race. Enjoy listening to them and learning more about their culture and way of life.

Israel, a Land Rich in Culture

There are many reasons to travel to Israel. For some it feels like a journey home, for others it is an exploration in a religious background they may not understand. Whatever your reason for seeking a visitation to the Holy Land, it is important that you find things that truly make your experience unforgettable. For most people this means looking into the deep religious history of the area.

You might not know it, but there is the Israel Museum. This is a great place to start to see the history of the area and how it truly came to be. The museum covers the whole history of the region including the many religious transitions the area has gone through. By visiting the museum you may find there are even more sites you want to see than ever before. If you start here, you might have a deeper understanding of the places you go on your other Israel daily tours.

Many people have heard of the Wailing Wall, but might not understand the importance of the location. It is believed to be all that remains of a once great Jewish temple. Extending a mere 62 feet above the ground it is considered to be a sacred site, one that represents much of what the Jewish people have lost over the years, including their history. But it also stands for the resillence of the people. Despite the temple being gone, the people survive, in fact thrive. It stands as a true symbol of strength. This wall is a part of many of the Israel daily tours.

The Temple Mount in Jerusalem is a marriage between the Christian history and the Jewish history. It is a place where those who believe in God’s son, Jesus can walk where he walked. For those of the Jewish faith, it is believed to be the site of the first and second Jewish temples in the region. There are many theories surrounding all of these ideas, but when you are there you have the opportunity to feel the importance of the history and love surrounding you.

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Travelling to Israel and Touring Jerusalem, the Old City

Tours to Israel, particularly in Jerusalem have been of diverse intentions from flocking tourists and adventure-seeking lovers from all over the corners of the globe. Some preferred to see the city that have been the bosom of Christianity; some, for pilgrimage and recollecting the biblical times through visits to the distinguished places like the Gethsemane gardens, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Dome of the Rock and the Via Dolorosa, when Jesus passed his way leading to Golgotha or the Calvary. Still other fascinating facts about Israel are its wonderful geographical and topographical locations and wonders that allure not just tourists, but also scientists and researchers in every field. These things, among others, may be one of yours.

The 3,000-year old city boasts of its wonderful and effulgent, strategic location. For centuries, the old city has become the melting pot of diverse cultures and catered those who cross the lands. Jerusalem is indeed a city where major crossroads converge. Guides in Israel, in the form of local maps, tourism offices, and even the welcoming people are always accommodating and ready to give anyone a complete, worthwhile visit.

To make your visit more worthy of the experience, it is better to plan your trip in advance so as not to miss the beautiful sites Jerusalem has to offer. Jerusalem tour guides are always available to make the travel and site-hopping more of an experience, adding your appreciation to the Jewish culture as they unfold you the stories of the city. Being infused with Arab and Christian cultures, the city is open for smorgasbord of traders, travellers and even tourists whom you can exchange with pleasantries or conversations. Souks, or markets, boast off various products like spices, cedar, souvenirs and delectable gastronomic dishes. Its squares and temples are also teeming with people who come for pilgrimage or for educational purposes.

A great glimpse on the Old City will surely bring each traveller a worthy experience. A journey to Jerusalem even in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is a sure fulfilment of dreams for Christians and non-Christians alike. What else can you wish for – make the glimpse on the magazine and computer be a real-life experience!

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