What comes to mind when you think of Israel?

Admittedly, before I visited, all I thought of was holy sites and desert. And while Israel is definitely abundant in these things, its diversity really surprised me. Hugged by the Mediterranean on its western side, the New-Jersey-sized country (!) is equally as green as it is desert.

An Ancient City

This shouldn’t surprise you, but Israel is old. Really old. You will walk on 2,000-year-old stones(with footprints still in them!), stand in churches that are nearly as old,  and visit ruins from the reign of King Herod with unbelievable views of the the surrounding deserts. This is part of what makes visiting such an intense, surreal, and special experience. Religious or not, you will feel something from the Old City of Jerusalem. While I can’t exactly pinpoint why (I’ve been thinking about it for months now), you will leave Jerusalem feeling different from when you arrived. Maybe it’s thousands of years of conflict, a pronounced military presence, lots of tourists, or the smell of bread that follows you everywhere. For those not used to it, the prominent military presence takes some time to adjust to. The city snaps you out of whatever daydream you may have formerly been living in, and makes you feel so fully present and aware of everything around you. Beyond its religious and historic elements, new Jerusalem is full of markets, shops, and restaurants. There is even great nightlife if you know where to look for it.

The Desert of Israel

Covering half of Israel’s land mass, the Negev Desert is a must-visit. With a different energy – and vastly different landscape – than the cities offer, it’s hard to believe that the Mediterranean is only a short car ride away. A highlight in the desert area is Masada – the ruins of King Herod’s fortress atop a mountain. The ascent by cable car is nothing short of dramatic, and definitely not for the faint of heart, but you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Dead Sea and Jordan. The pictures just don’t do it justice. Many of the ruins are surprisingly intact given the fact that they’re, you know, 2,000 years old, and they show the advanced architectural design and craftsmanship of the time. There are still even unexcavated areas of the ruins!

No trip to Israel’s desert is complete without a float in the Dead Sea. As the lowest point of exposed land on earth, you can’t miss it while traveling through the region. You may not have thought covering yourself in mud and floating in a salt solution would make you feel brand new, but it will leave your skin feeling the softest it has ever felt. Even dermatologists suggest you float in the Dead Sea for all different types of skin ailments. With hotels and resorts nearby, being in the middle of the desert doesn’t mean you will be left stranded. Luxury and the Dead Sea seem to be synonymous, considering that the area is basically a giant natural spa.

Merging Old and New in Tel Aviv

While there are holy sites everywhere, Tel Aviv is the epicenter of Israel’s lively culture. This major coastal city is home to landscapes almost as beautiful as the people. Seriously. The amount of beautiful humans in Tel Aviv is insane.  The beachside promenade is lined with green grass with locals sitting, drinking, and playing music, as well as chic restaurants and bars. This city is just the definition of laid-back and cool.

This easygoing way of life extends to old Jaffa, where you can easily get lost in alleyways and stumble upon hidden artists’ studios. Jaffa is one of the oldest cities in Israel, and was settled almost 7,500 years ago!  This ancient port is home to some of the most interesting sights in the area, not least of which are the views of the cascading Mediterranean sea you’ll get from the park in Jaffa. Having such a storied past, you’ll find no shortage of fascinating places, like a hostel where Napolean Bonaparte stayed, or a former soap factory which was converted to an animal sanctuary for a colony of bats.

If you’re in Jaffa, you absolutely cannot miss the Wishing Bridge. This pedestrian bridge overlooking the Mediterranean Sea is decorated by the 12 signs of the Zodiac, forged in bronze along the length of the structure. The local legend is that if you make a wish while placing your hand on the plaque on which your sign is emblazoned and gaze out at the sea that your wish will come true. Personally, I wished I would return to Israel at some point in the future. Once you get there, you may wish for the same.

What part of Israel do you want to see most? Let us get you there with our immersive Israel itinerary!