West Bank (West Bank) and Gaza
The city of Jericho with its more than 10,000-year history is equally interesting for historians and visitors. The city is 260 m above sea level, 36 km east of Jerusalem and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. City towers and walls predate the Egyptian pyramids by more than 4000 years. Animals and plants were domesticated in Jericho a thousand years earlier than in Mesopotamia and Egypt. Hebron is located in the mountainous area south of Jerusalem at an altitude of 1000 m. Characteristic of this city are the narrow and winding streets, the stone houses with flat roofs and the old bazaars. Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, is 750 m above sea level. i.e. M., 10 km south of Jerusalem, on an old caravan route. The Church of the Nativity of Jesus Christ is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as is the pilgrimage route in Bethlehem. Nablus is an agricultural, industrial and commercial center in the northern West Bank. Rammallah is popular because of its pleasantly cool climate and is characterized by its international flair. Samaria and Gaza lie on the Mediterranean coast, 32 km north of the Egyptian border. Because of its geographic location, this area has always been an ancient trading center for citrus fruits and other commodities.
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Jerusalem
The capital Jerusalem is divided into two districts, the new city and the so-called Old City, which is thousands of years old. The Old City is divided into four quarters, Jewish, Arabic, Christian and Armenian. All four parts have their own points of interest and stand out from each other in all aspects. The Jewish Quarter has been restored and is clinically clean. The Arabic part is more confusing, busier and louder. Among the most famous attractions are the Western Wall, the Via Dolorosa, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, numerous chapels, synagogues, mosques and archaeological sites as well the partially covered bazaar, which sells everything from souvenirs to clothing, food and household items. You can also climb Mount Zion or take a tour of the walls of the Old City. To the west of the city is Yad Vaschem, a memorial to the 6 million Jews who died in the Third Reich Holocaust. South of the city, just a short bus ride away, is Bethlehem (see West Bank ). Other excursions to En Karem and Abu Ghaush are also offered.
Haifa, Galilee and Carmel Mountains
Haifa is Israel’s largest port city with an ancient fortress, modern shopping centers and industrial areas – an interesting and lively city and an ideal base for visiting the surrounding area.
Along the Mediterranean coast to the south there are several places of interest such as the Sharon Valley with its magnificent orange groves, historic Caesarea and En Hod, the artists’ colony.
Galilee: In the north of the country lies the Sea of Galilee (Kinneret) with the healing springs near Tiberias, as well as Nazareth, the Bet She’Arim catacombs and Meggido. Spa towns that have existed since Roman times are still popular. Many interesting finds from this region are exhibited in the Museum of Archeology of the Mediterranean.
Mount Carmel, which stretches 23 km along the Mediterranean coast, is a national park. The sites of human evolution within the Carmel Mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Negev
This desert region, which occupies much of southern Israel, is now largely irrigated and used for agriculture. There are the most beautiful sunsets here. The history of the city of Be’Er Sheva (Beersheba), home of Abraham, dates back to around 4000 BC. back. To the east lies the fascinating Dead Sea in a dry, hot desert landscape. At 400 m above sea level, it is the lowest point on earth. Visitors can rarely resist the temptation to feel the amazing buoyancy in the warm, milky waters hailed for their healing properties. No fish and no plant can survive in this body of water – the water is seven times saltier than sea water. The Dead Sea spa facilities specialize in psoriasis, neurodermatitis and allergies. En Gedi: This oasis near the Dead Sea is teeming with waterfalls and wildlife species. Eilat is located on the Red Sea in the south of the Negev. There are numerous hotels and water sports facilities here. The greatest attractions are the year-round pleasant temperatures and the Red Sea – just a few meters from the beach, in knee-deep water, you will find coral reefs and an amazing variety of exotic fish and other sea creatures. 30 km north of Eilat is Timna National Park.
Tel Aviv and Yafo
Tel Aviv (Internet: www.white-city.co.il ) is a very young city (almost 100 years old) and reflects southern European architecture. In 2003 the city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The age of the city is made clear by the adjoining Jaffa, which is one of the oldest cities in the country at almost 3000 years . The port was once one of the first most famous ports in the world. Jaffa sits on a hill and offers stunning views of Tel Aviv’s beaches. Tel Aviv is home to the Israel Philharmonic, a university and numerous museums. In the parks are summer Folk music concerts are held to sing and dance along, and fans of classical music and jazz will also get their money’s worth. Many bars and beach cafés stay open until the early hours, after which the first breakfast cafés invite you to a milkshake.
