Israel offers a rare mix of good food, great people and an endlessly diverse list of sites. So no matter if its culture, faith or curiosity that brought you here, here are the attractions you just must see once you’ve arrived.
* Acre’s Old CityA rarely visited site in Israel, this amazing old city offers the best of the old and new world: great restaurants perched on its seaside cliffs and even a world-class hotel alongside all the fun of a classic Arabic market.
* MasadaThis mountaintop fortress in the Israeli desert was once the last holdout for the members of the Jewish revolt against the Roman empire. Their fate was a bitter one – after a lengthy siege they decided to take their own lives rather than surrender – but visiting the site is anything but bitter. Wake up extra early and hike or just take the tram and enjoy this amazing historical site.
* Jerusalem’s Old City
One square kilometer of winding streets and alleys and home to the holy sites of the three main monotheistic faiths, Jerusalem’s Old City is the place where history has happened and is the only place priests and monks commonly have fist fights. It also has amazing food and countless secrets for those willing to brave its maze of shaded streets.
* Western Wall, JerusalemThe exterior wall of the long-destroyed Jewish Temple, the Western Wall (or Wailing Wall) is one of Judaism’s most holy sites, so holy that ultra-Orthodox Jews won’t even step beyond the wall to where the temple actually sat for fear of desecrating the land. Its open plaza accommodates both women and men for prayer, and regardless of faith, follow the local custom and put a note in the wall.
* The Church of the Holy Sepulchre and Via DolorosaFollow in the steps of Jesus by walking the Via Dolorosa, or head to his final resting place in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The tomb itself has recently been renovated and is a popular site for pilgrims and tourists alike.