IsraelTravelBlog.com

Information, insights, advice, reviews, and recommendations about travel to and around Israel

Cities and Regions

Everything You Want to See in Bethlehem

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When most people think about the places they want to go in Israel, Bethlehem tops the list. It’s the place where Jesus was born, but that is only scratching the surface of this small town’s importance and appeal. There are some very underrated gems in Bethlehem, including these.

Church of the Nativity and Church of St. Catherine’s

This church was built over the place where it is believed Jesus was born. Its affiliation is shared with Roman Catholic, Armenian Apostolic, Greek Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox, Ethiopian Tewahedo Orthodox, and Syriac Orthodox churches.

The Grotto below the church is the main attraction here. You’ll see the 14-pointed star that marks the birthplace, as well as the traditional site of the manger where Jesus was laid after he was born. This church was designated a as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012 and is a must-see for Christian visitors.

The Shepherds’ Fields

The Shepherd’s Fields are the same fields where angels appeared to shepherds to tell of Jesus’ birth. You’ll see the Church of the Shepherds’ Field while you’re here, and there is a cave here that you can go inside to see what a “stable” was like in biblical times. Interestingly, these are the same fields where David was a shepherd as a boy, before he defeated Goliath and became King David.

Rachel’s Tomb (Kever Rachel)

Near the North Checkpoint (aka Rachel’s Tomb Checkpoint) into Bethlehem, you’ll find Rachel’s Tomb. Like Jerusalem, it’s a site that’s important to three major religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Rachel was Jacob’s wife and mother of Joseph (the one with the coat of many colors). Genesis 35 says that she died in childbirth on the road to Bethlehem (called Ephrath at the time). There is now a domed tomb at the site, which people of all three faiths visit.

Milk Grotto

This is a unique site that’s not mentioned in the Bible, but it is frequently visited by both Christians and Muslims. Tradition says that a drop of Mary’s milk fell on the ground of this small, hollowed-out grotto, and that turned the inside of the grotto white. Women hoping to conceive or to have more milk production for their babies will sometimes take some of the chalk from the cave and mix it with their food, then pray to Mary. There is a small chapel here, and the site was recognized by Pope Gregory XI in 1375.

Banksy Street Art

Banksy, the famed British graffiti artist, has a special affinity for Palestine and its people. He started creating art in the West Bank and Gaza Strip in 2005, and there are several to be found in Bethlehem. In fact, you can take an entire tour of just Banksy’s street art on a trip here.

The Best Day Trips from Tel Aviv

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Tel Aviv is a logical place to base yourself in Israel, at least for a long weekend or a few days. Tel Aviv offers endless restaurant options, beaches, and nightlife here unlike anywhere else in the country. It’s not ideal for every place you want to see in Israel, but it’s a great place to base yourself for these incredible day trips!

The Best Day Trips from Tel Aviv

Old City Jaffa

Okay this one’s easy. It’s literally adjacent to downtown Tel Aviv. You can spend as little or as much time here as you want, depending on your timeframe in Israel. Tel Aviv is very modern and sleek, but Jaffa is the original. It was the main port city in Biblical times, and the place where Jonah fled out to sea while avoiding God’s plan to send him to Nineveh in the Book of Jonah. There may be a whale fountain here to commemorate the event.

But there’s far more here these days than just the old port. Any walking tour will take you past Roman, Ottoman, and Palestinian history. Not into a guided tour? Let yourself get lost (but not too lost—it’s small) in the alleyways of the Old City. The charming shops and restaurants welcome visitors with open arms, and the Ilana Goor Art Museum will appeal to art lovers from around the world. 

Caesarea

About 45 minutes north of Tel Aviv is Caesarea, a Roman port city dating to around 30 B.C. The main draw here is Caesarea National Park. The harbor built by King Herod and the historic amphitheater have been restored, and the most adventurous travelers can even dive in to literally swim through the ruins of the old port city in the Caesarea Underwater Archaeological Museum!

For those who prefer adventures on land, head to the picturesque Aqueduct Beach. It’s one of the best beaches in Israel due to its aqueduct ruins and more local vibe. You can see sections of the aqueduct along its ancient route, but one of the best-preserved stretches is on this beach. 

Caesarea and Haifa can easily be combined into one day trip.

Haifa

Haifa is Israel’s third largest city, after Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. It’s also the world headquarters for the Baha’i faith. The iconic, 19-level Baha’i Gardens are recognizable, along with the golden dome, and you can take a guided tour to learn more about the site and the Baha’i faith. Just across Haifa Bay is a historic city called Acre (or Akko) and it a worthwhile stop if you’re already in Haifa. 

Haifa itself is over 3,000 years old. It was built on the side of Mount Carmel, which is an important site in several Bible passages. One of the most notable mentions is in 1 Kings 18, when Elijah confronted and defeated the 850 prophets of Baal and Asherah. You can take a cable car up the mountain to visit the Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery, and from there, take a trail to the Cave of Elijah, where he once lived.

Haifa and Caesarea can easily be combined into one day trip.

Valley of Elah

This could easily be a half-day trip, or can be combined with a day trip to Jerusalem if you like. The Valley of Elah is the site where the epic (and short) battle between David and Goliath took place in 1 Samuel 17. Stop at Tel Azeka to take in the view of the battlefield below. If you’re feeling active and have the time, take the trail down into the Valley for a closer look. Take the 1.4-mile Tel Azeka Loop Trail.

The Valley of Elah can easily be combined with a day trip to Jerusalem.

Jerusalem

Jerusalem truly deserves more than just a day, but if one day is all you have, you can really cover some ground! Join a walking tour to cover the most ground as efficiently as possible, and also so that you’ll know what you’re looking at and how it all fits together. Be sure to go up to the Mount of Olives (by cab if you need to save time) and take in the view of Jerusalem while you’re there.

When making your Jerusalem plans, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. Remember that almost everything closes for Shabbat from Friday afternoon through Saturday, and non-Muslims are not allowed to visit the Temple Mount on Fridays. It’s best to plan your visit from Sunday-Thursday if possible.

A day trip to Jerusalem can easily be combined with a stop at the Valley of Elah.

Sites Not Recommended as Day Trips from Tel Aviv

Basing yourself in Tel Aviv is the perfect way to take advantage of all this modern city has to offer, as well as all the day trips listed above. I do not, however, recommend planning to only stay in Tel Aviv if you want to see the rest of Israel. 

You’ll be spending a disproportionate amount of time in the car or a bus if you do try to see everything while staying solely in Tel Aviv. If you want to visit the Dead Sea, any place in the Negev Desert, or any sites in the Galilee region, it’s best to plan on staying in Jerusalem, or Jerusalem and Galilee, to make the most of your time without feeling rushed. 

Everything You Need to Know about Visiting the Dead Sea

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Israel is one of those places that everyone has on their bucket list. It’s unique for so many reasons, including the fact that it’s home to another bucket list item: A trip to the Dead Sea. If this is also on your list of places to go in your lifetime, keep reading. Here are the essentials that you need to know before your visit to the Dead Sea.

It’s One of the Lowest Places on Earth

You will definitely notice your descent on your drive to the Dead Sea. When you reach it, you’ll be a full 427 meters (1,400 feet) below sea level. And if you could go to the bottom of the Dead Sea (which you can’t do because you’ll just float), you would be an additional 306 meters (1,003 feet) down.

It’s One of the Saltiest Places on Earth

How salty is salty? The Dead Sea has 34% salinity, or saltiness. Compare that to the typical ocean at just 3.5%, and you start to realize just how salty that is. The water is so salty and mineral-rich because of the rocks around it (bring water shoes). As the rocks erode into the water over time, the saltiness and minerals are dissolved into the Dead Sea.

Yes, You Really will Float

The massive salinity of the water creates much more buoyancy than non-salty water. So, instead of sinking, or even swimming, you’ll float in the Dead Sea. Also, when you get out, you’ll feel kind of slippery due to the salt content and other minerals in the water.

Yes, You Can Wear Your Bathing Suit

Israel is in the Middle East, so you have to stay covered from head to toe, 24/7, right? Well, no. It’s definitely good to lean on the conservative side when choosing what to wear in most of Israel, but even Middle Eastern countries cut visitors some slack when there’s a beach situation involved. You don’t need to go out and buy a burkini. Maybe leave the string bikini at home, but yes, you can wear your regular bathing suit at the Dead Sea, and anywhere else there is a beach in Israel.

You Can Visit from Israel, the West Bank, or Jordan

The Dead Sea is big. It stretches over 37 miles in length, with Jordan on the east side, and Israel and the West Bank on the west side. The Jordanian side has the nicest resorts and beach areas for longer stays, but the beaches on the west side are great for a float and for the Dead Sea experience. The main beaches all have bathrooms, showers, shops, and restaurants, so you’ll have everything you need for your visit right there.

You Can Visit Other Nearby Sites on the Way

You can make the Dead Sea your entire goal for the day if you want. However, if you’re interested in seeing more along the way, think about putting Qumran, Masada, Ein Gedi, Jesus’ Baptismal Site, or Jericho on your itinerary. These are all easily reached by car, and you can spend as little or as much time as you want at any place.

Pro tip: Save your float in the Dead Sea for the end of your day trip. That way, you can just relax and enjoy the float, plus you won’t be wet during your visit to the other sites on your list.

Is the Dead Sea on your “must go” list for Israel?

What is Masada, and Why Do I Need to Visit?

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While it didn’t necessarily play a role in the life of Jesus or the Jewish history he learned growing up, the mountain-top fortress that is Masada is an important place in Jewish history. It may not be on the top of your list of places to go in Israel (yet), but perhaps it should be. Here is what you need to know about Masada and why you’ll want to see it for yourself.

What is Masada?

Masada is a massive stone fortress on top of a Mesa, overlooking the Dead Sea. It was built by Herod the Great in the first century B.C. During the Great Jewish Revolt (also called the First Jewish-Roman War) in the early 70s A.D., a group of nearly 1,000 Jews took refuge here during the Siege of Masada. When they realized their capture was imminent, the men of the group made the choice to commit a mass murder-suicide, instead of allow themselves to be captured, imprisoned, tortured, and murdered by the Romans.

Only seven people survived (two women and five children) by hiding in a cistern. Josephus Flavius, the first century writer, recorded their story, which is how we know what happened there. It has also been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001.

In a way, we keep Masada for the same reasons we keep Concentration Camps, as a reminder of tragedies in an effort not to repeat them, and to honor those who died. It’s a sad part of history, but it’s also significant in Jewish history because this was one of the last hold-outs while Jews were fleeing Judea (modern-day Israel) and settling in other places all over the world.

How can I get there?

The best way to get to Masada is with a driver and guide. Once there, you can choose to hike the Snake Trail or take the cable car up to the top. Many Jewish families hike the Snake Trail together at sunrise to celebrate coming-of-age birthdays.

Do I have to hike up?

No, you do not have to hike! The Snake Trail is about 1.25 miles (2 kilometers), but is very steep and takes about 45 minutes one-way to hike up. It’s a popular activity for some to hike up in time to see the sunrise. The cable car is certainly faster and easier for a casual visit.

What else is there?

Masada is an easy day trip on its own from Jerusalem. While you’re there, you can also take a float in the Dead Sea, stop at Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, and visit Qumran (the Dead Sea Scroll Caves). You’ll be passing by both Jericho and Qasr El-Yahud (Jesus’ Baptismal Site) on the way as well, so you can include those as well if you like.

Is Masada on your list of places to visit in Israel?

The Best Day Trips from Jerusalem

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If you’re visiting Israel, odds are good that you’ll be based in Jerusalem, even if only for a few days. It’s the epicenter of holy sites for the world’s three main religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. But it’s also a great place to base yourself for several day trips (or half-day trips, as time allows). Here are the top destinations to consider when planning your trip, several of which can be combined into one day to truly maximize your time!

Best Day Trips from Jerusalem

The Valley of Elah

Lots of tour groups and individuals skip the Valley of Elah, but once they find out what it is, they’re disappointed that they missed it. No, there are no historic churches, mosques, or synagogues here to mark the spot. No, it’s not at the top of any “must do in Israel” list (except this one). So why bother?

Well, this is where David fought Goliath! Just under an hour from Jerusalem, this is a great half-day excursion any time of year. Start at Tel Azeka, where you can get a full view of the valley and the positioning of the Philistine and Hebrew troops as described in the Bible.

If you want to make this a more active excursion, plan to hike down into the valley and take in the view from below. Take the Tel Azeka Loop (1.4 miles total), and bring your Bible to read 1 Samuel 17 while you’re at it for reference.

A trip to the Valley of Elah can easily be combined with a trip to Tel Aviv-Jaffa.

Tel Aviv-Jaffa

While Tel Aviv is a destination in itself, you can definitely hit the highlights in a day if you’re pressed for time, especially if you’re planning to base yourself in Jerusalem for your trip. 

Start in Jaffa, and take a walking tour if you can. This was Israel’s main port city in ancient times, so it’s worth a look if you’re here for the history. Take a walking tour to see where Jonah set out to sea while avoiding God’s plan for Nineveh (Book of Jonah), see where Tabitha was raised from the dead (Acts 9:36-43), and stand in the place where Peter had a vision that meant Christianity was for all, not just the Jews (Acts 10:9-16).

Tel Aviv, on the other hand, is much more modern and progressive. As much as Jerusalem is conservative and pious, Tel Aviv is liberal and vibrant. Come for the beaches and boardwalks, check out the water sports, explore the museums, and indulge in diverse the international food scene. Plan to stay for the night? This is also the headquarters of Israel’s nightlife scene.

A trip to Tel-Aviv-Jaffa can easily be combined with a stop at the Valley of Elah.

Bethlehem

You already have this one on your “must go” list, right? It’s Jesus’ birthplace (Luke 2), so if you’re a Christian traveling to Israel, it’s basically the whole reason you’re coming! But even if you’re not religious, this is still such a famous and momentous place that you’ll still want to include it on your itinerary. You can see everything you want to see here in half a day, but if you have a full day to spend, you won’t get bored. 

Just be aware that Bethlehem is in the West Bank, which is a Palestinian Territory. That means you’ll need to bring your passport and arrange for a Palestinian guide and driver for the day. Also plan to either leave your rental car in the parking lot outside the checkpoint, plan to take the bus, or arrange for a driver to get you there and pick you up after. 

Tons of people do this, so don’t be intimidated by the logistics. This is one place in Israel, however, where it pays to go with a reputable company that can configure the logistics for you. 

A trip to Bethlehem can be combined with Jericho and/or Qasr El-yahud.

Jericho

It’s kind of ironic that you can take a day trip to the oldest city in the world, isn’t it? Dating back to around 9,000 B.C., it’s also the longest continuously-occupied city in the world. It’s also in the West Bank, like Bethlehem, so you will want to arrange for a Palestinian or Arab guide and driver for the day.

Jericho is famous for Jews and Christians as the city whose walls were miraculously crumbled in Joshua chapter 6. But Jesus was also familiar with the city thousands of years later. He met Zacchaeus, the short and hated tax collector, here in a Sycamore tree (Luke 19:1-10). Your guide may even be able to point out what is believed to be this same tree when you come.

A trip to Jericho can be combined with excursions to Bethlehem and/or Qasr El-yahud.

Qasr El-Yahud (Jesus’ Baptismal Site)

Another West Bank site (though easier for Israeli guides to bring you to) is the place on the Jordan River where Jesus was baptized (Matthew 3:13-17). It’s not far from Jericho, so it’s an easy site to add on to a day trip there as well. Just pay attention to its closing time in the afternoon.

The site is called Qasr El-yahud, which means “Tower” or “Castle of the Jews.” John the Baptist and Jesus’ disciples baptized many people here, making it an important place for Christians to visit. However, it’s also believed to be the site where the Israelites crossed into the Promised Land after the Exodus from Egypt and 40 years of wandering in the desert. That makes it an important place in Jewish history as well. 

A trip to Qasr El-yahud can be combined with Qumran, Jericho and/or Bethlehem.

Qumran (Dead Sea Scroll Caves)

You can actually see some of the Dead Sea Scrolls in the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, which you should definitely do. But if you want to see the caves where they were found, you’ll need to plan a day trip to Qumran, about 45 minutes southeast of Jerusalem.

Here, you’ll learn about when and how the scrolls were discovered, then head outside to see some of the caves themselves. Make sure you can do this one early in the day in the summer months. The desert location far below sea level grows far too hot by afternoon.

A trip to Qumran can easily be combined with trips to Jericho, Qasr El-yahud, Ein Gedi, Masada, and/or the Dead Sea.

Ein Gedi

This site is notable for being the largest oasis in Israel, complete with palm groves and even an epic waterfall. The freshwater source here means it’s been inhabited for millennia, almost continuously. Presently, the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve is one of the most popular sites in Israel, so it very well may already be on your list of places to go on your trip. 

Aside from the draw of natural beauty, Ein Gedi also has Biblical history attached. Joshua 15 mentions Ein Gedi as one of the wilderness cities that belonged to the Tribe of Judah. King David hid at Ein Gedi in 1 Samuel 23:29. And King Solomon wrote about vineyards of Ein Gedi in Song of Solomon 1:14. 

A trip to Ein Gedi can easily be combined with trips to Jericho, Qasr El-yahud, Qumran, Masada, and/or the Dead Sea.

Masada

Speaking of hot places, this one is popular at sunrise for a reason! Situated on a plateau overlooking the desert on three sides and the Dead Sea on the fourth, Masada has a long, difficult, important history for the Jewish people. 

Masada was originally built as a fortress by King Herod the Great around 37 B.C. In 73 A.D., a group of nearly 1,000 Jewish men, women, and children lived here while under siege by the Roman army. When defeat was imminent, a group of Jewish men killed everyone there, including each other, with the last man standing committing suicide. Only two women and five children survived to tell the historian and writer, Josephus, what happened, which is how we know about it today.

It’s an active archaeological site now, complete with fortress ruins and a state-of-the-art steam room once used by King Herod. Many Jewish families have a tradition of doing the hike up to Masada at sunrise for a child’s 12th birthday, but you’ll also find tourists doing this sunrise hike as well. You can hike (about 45-60 minutes each way) or take the cable car to the top and back down, or a combination of the two. Either way, don’t forget to take in the views along the way.

A trip to Masada can easily be combined with trips to Jericho, Qasr El-yahud, Qumran, Ein Gedi, and/or the Dead Sea.

The Dead Sea

This is a bucket list item for many, and it’s an easy day trip to pair with several others on this list (Qasr El-Yahud, Qumran, Masada, Ein Gedi). It’s one of the lowest and saltiest places in the world, coming in at over 1,300 feet below sea level and over 34% salinity. What else makes it unique? The salinity allows visitors not to swim, but to float!

The Dead Sea is mentioned by a few different names in the Bible (the “Salt Sea,” “Sea of Arabah,” and the “Eastern Sea,” to name a few), but most importantly it’s referred to as the eastern border of Israel (Numbers 34:12). Also interestingly, biblical Sodom and Gomorrah, along with the supposed remains of Lot’s wife (Genesis 19), are located on the southeastern side of the Dead Sea, in Jordan. 

While you’re here, be sure to take a float and try the healing, exfoliating, skin-softening mud, too. Not into a mud bath? You can purchase products made from the minerals (and mud) of the Dead Sea to take home with you instead.

A trip to the Dead Sea can easily be combined with trips to Jericho, Qasr El-yahud, Qumran, Ein Gedi, and/or Masada.

Day Trips Not Recommended from Jerusalem

Jerusalem is a great place to base yourself for several day trips (or half-day trips), but it’s not perfect for exploring all of Israel. If you plan to visit Haifa, Caesarea, or Akko (aka Acre), Tel Aviv is a better base for that. If you’re interested in visiting Nazareth, Galilee, Capernaum, Migdal, or the Golan Heights, Tiberias in the Galilee region is a better place to stay for a night or two to see all of those places at a more leisurely pace.

All the Reasons You Want to Visit the Mount of Olives in Israel

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You’ve heard about it in countless sermons and sung many hymns in reference to it, so of course you want to visit the Mount of Olives for yourself. The same goes for the Garden of Gethsemane. But… Why? What really happened here, and why are these places still significant to us now? Here are all the good reasons to visit The Mount of Olives and the Garden of Gethsemane!

It has one of the best views of Jerusalem.

This seems like a superficial reason to visit at first. It really is a great place for photos of the Jerusalem cityscape, but it’s always been a great place for a view, even in Jesus’ time. He went to the Mount of Olives many times in his life, including in Luke 19:41-44 on his way to Jerusalem when he wept for the city: 

As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”

It’s part of a yet-unfulfilled Jewish prophecy. 

The Mount of Olives is home to a massive Jewish cemetery. Why? Because they believe this is where the Messiah will come. When that happens, the Mount of Olives will split in two, and the dead will rise from there first. So, if you’re Jewish and you’re buried on the Mount of Olives, you’ll ascend into Heaven first.

They believe this because in Tanakh (the Christians call this the Old Testament), Zechariah 14:3-4 says, “Then the Lord will go out and fight against all those nations, as he fights in the day of battle. On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half the mountain moving south.”

Fun fact: The Mount of Olives Cemetery is the oldest cemetery in the world, and it’s active still today!

It’s part of a fulfilled prophesy for Christians. 

For Christians, the prophesy that the Messiah will come happened when Jesus came. Psalm 118:26 reads, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” And in Luke 19:37-38, Jesus fulfills this verse. Luke writes, “When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord.” 

Zechariah 9:9 reads, “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout Daughter of Jerusalem! See your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, on a foal of a donkey.” And in Luke 19:28-44, we read that Jesus did, in fact, ride from the Mount of Olives into Jerusalem, which we often call the “Triumphal Entry,” on a donkey. 

Jesus was also sitting on the Mount of Olives in Mark 13, within sight of Jerusalem and the Temple there, when his disciples Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him to tell them when the end of days would come. Read Mark 13:1-37 for his complete response, but essentially, this is the passage where Jesus says that there would be wars, nation against nation, earthquakes, famines, and that the disciples should be on their guard because no one knows the date or time of Jesus’ second coming. 

Jesus prayed for God’s will to be done in the Garden of Gethsemane, on the Mount of Olives.

Luke 22:39 says that after the Last Supper, “Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him.” He asked God to take the cup from him, meaning he was asking for his blood not to be shed in the way he knew was coming, but in the same breath he expressed his desire for God’s ultimate will to be done. 

In verses 43 and 44, Luke writes that “An angel from Heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.”

This is where Judas betrayed Jesus.

It was on the Mount of Olives, in Mark 14:42-50 that Judas kissed Jesus to let the guards know whom to arrest. After praying for God to take the cup from him, Jesus was talking to his disciples and said to them in verse 42, “Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer.” He saw Judas coming. Judas gave the signal, a kiss, and Jesus was arrested and taken for his trial in Jerusalem. 

This is the place where Jesus ascended into Heaven after the resurrection.

For Christians, this is certainly the most important reason to want to visit the Mount of Olives. We can read about that in Luke 24:50-53. The town of Bethany is on the east side of the Mount of Olives, which is where Jesus led the disciples to bless them after the resurrection, before his ascension into Heaven. Afterward, “Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.”

Is the Mount of Olives on your “must-go” list while in Israel? Take your Bible with you, and read the passages above while you’re there, and see if it changes your understanding of what happened here, and how it affects your faith.