Issue No. 12 - Holiday in Focus - The Holy Land - Road Trip Israel

The Dome of the Rock

As this is the last issue of my blog before Christmas I thought it might be rather seasonal to visit the Holy Land, which is of course now known as Israel.  I remember my visit to this fascinating country around 25 years ago, when I was back packing round the world.  I actually flew there from Athens after my trip to Australia and Singapore so I definitely went there via the scenic route!

The Western Wall

Over the centuries, tourists of all faiths have visited Israel, Jews head for the Western Wall, Christians to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and Muslims to the Dome of the Rock, so there is definitely something for everyone in this diverse country.

As Israel has experienced it’s fair share of troubles over the years, it is worth while checking out the  current Foreign Office advice on travel before planning your trip, but the current advice is to avoid Gaza and the area close to the Lebanese border, which is pretty much what you might expect.   However, despite being in an active state of war with her Arab neighbours (apart from Egypt) since 1979, she still boasts a free press and an active democracy.

Tel Aviv

As you might expect, Israel has got a rich past and that means that there are lots of interesting and exciting things to do in this fascinating country.  As most visitors are likely to be flying into Israel (going by boat is not advised) the logical place to start is the capital Tel Aviv. This modern capital is rich in café culture and modern shopping malls, and it’s ancient neighbour Jaffa has plenty of antiquities to keep you busy.  Try out Jaffa’s Museum of Antiquities to get you started on your cultural odyssey.  Back in Tel Aviv the large hotels on the beach will house you comfortably while you top up your tan on the beach.  

Caesarea Amphitheatre

Once you’re getting fidgety and want to explore further afield, head a little north to Caesarea to check out the Roman Amphitheatre which is well worth a visit.  Heading further north still will bring you to the historic port of Haifa and heading inland from Haifa brings you to the Sea of Galilee.  I once camped overnight on the water’s edge and was rewarded with a mystical mist rising off the lake in the morning.  Some things just stay with you forever.  I also recall driving through bombed out villages in the neighbouring Golan Heights,

The Golan Heights

which was the result of regular bombing by the Syrians.  Hopefully this area has now fully recovered from it’s injuries and has been resettled.  The area around Galilee is also where you will find Nazareth, reputedly the home town of Jesus, so no doubt you will also want to make a visit to this historical town too.

 

Head back down south from Galillee and you will

Sea of Galilee

arrive at Jerusalem, possibly the jewel in Israel’s crown.  It’s all here in this impressive walled city which dates back to 3000 BC. Don’t miss the famous Western Wall, The Mount of Olives, The Road to Calvary, The Via Delarosa, The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Mary’s Tomb and the Dome of the Rock to name but a few.  I strongly suggest two or three days in this amazing and special city.  I recall staying in a youth hostel within Jerusalem’s walls on Shabbat (the Jewish day of rest) and hearing the wonderful voices of a Jewish boy’s choir echoing through the walls, it was quite stirring to say the least.

The Dead Sea

From Jerusalem I would suggest you head for the Dead Sea to swim in it’s amazingly buoyant waters (or at least float in its waters).  Just a short distance from the Dead Sea is the fort of Masada, one of the most spectacular archaeological sites in Israel.  This is the site of the epic siege between the Jewish and the Romans. In 66 AD some Jewish rebels seized the fort from the Romans, this then became the last Jewish stronghold against the Romans and it wasn’t until 73 AD that the Romans returned to regain their stronghold.  When the Romans finally breached the walls of the fort to retake it, they found that just short of 1000 Jewish men, women and children had killed themselves rather than give themselves up to the Romans.

Masada

I have barely touched upon the riches that Israel has to offer, but I certainly think that this may whet your appetite.  If you have been and done all the other Mediterranean countries, then Israel may well be worth putting on your list of places to go in 2014.

If you have been to Israel or are planning a visit, perhaps you would like to share your itinerary with the readers of this blog via the comments section at the end of this blog.

As I mentioned earlier, I am taking a short break between now and the New Year to enjoy the Christmas festivities, but I will be back in the New Year with more travel ideas to whet your appetite  In the meantime, www.lotustravelessentials.co.uk will be open for everything you need to take on your trip.  Have a great Christmas and I’ll see you again in the New Year.  Happy and safe travels.