Israel travel guide

Find out what to see and do when travelling or backpacking around Israel.

Israel highlights

	Destination	Make a reservation
	Jerusalem Jerusalem is Israel's capital city and is probably best known for its religious significance and associated sights such as the Western Wall, Temple Mount and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. It is also a city to just wander around and visit the many varied districts with their alleys and bazaars or see the Israel and Holocaust museums.	Flights Hotels Hostels Tours
	The Dead Sea The Dead Sea is the lowest point in the world at nearly 400m below sea level. Take a float in the famous highly salinated waters and use the mineral-rich mud to cover your body for an impromptu mud bath. The Ein Gedi Nature Reserve is nearby where you can walk amongst the many springs and waterfalls in this lush oasis.	Flights Hotels Hostels Tours
	Masada This mountaintop fortress is near to the Dead Sea and is known for being King Herod's base and the site of a famous Roman siege. It is worth arriving before dawn to ensure you see the amazing sunrise from the top. You can either climb the steep path or take the cable-car that runs regularly. There are also laser light shows held in the evening.	Flights Hotels Hostels Tours
	Tel Aviv Situated on Israel's Mediterranean coast, Tel Aviv is an exciting modern city with plenty to do and see. Visit the golden beach during the day and experience the many clubs and bars at night.	Flights Hotels Hostels Tours
	Galilee Famed for its significance to Christians, the Sea of Galilee is found in Israel's green and lush northern lands. There are numerous trails around the lake where you can experience the wooded highlands and various castles and ruins including Belvoir Castle and Hazor.	Flights Hotels Hostels Tours
	Mitzpe Ramon and the Negev Desert Best known for the enormous Ramon Crater, this area is also one of the best bases to experience the Negev Desert from. Explore the many hiking trails or take a jeep or a camel tour and stay overnight in the Bedouin tents.	Flights Hotels Hostels Tours

Main travellers routes

• The main point of entry for most travellers is through the Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv. You can fly here directly from many European and American airports.
• Israel has an extensive and modern bus service and due to the small size of the country, this tends to be most travellers' preferred method of travel.
• Hitch-hiking has always been popular in Israel and can be a good way to get around. You will often share with soldiers returning home on leave.
• Although Israel shares land borders with Syria and Lebanon it is not possible to enter the country this way due to the continued hostilities. There are routes into Israel from Egypt and Jordan. You can use the Taba - Eilat crossing from Egypt whilst there are three routes from Jordan to Israel.
• Israel has land borders with Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.

Capital and main cities

• Jerusalem is the capital
• Major cities are Tel Aviv, Haifa, Eilat.

Languages

• Hebrew & Arabic
• English is spoken widely.
• ue to the large immigrant population Russian, French, German and Yiddish can all be commonly heard.

Currency

• Ne Israeli Shekel
• Currency converter

Foreign Office Advice

• Israel foreign office advice

Flights and accommodation

• Flight prices to Israel
• Hotel and hostel prices

Tours and day trips in Israel

• Responsible Travel in Israel - Trips and accommodation from the main tourist routes to off-the-beaten track places.

Next: Planning a trip to Israel

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