Aspects of Israel
Archeology
Ecotourism and the active traveler
Family travel
Riding
Spas
Sports
Gourmet Israeli Dining
Archeology is among Israel's best-loved national pastimes. Israel's passion for uncovering and preserving its heritage is reflected in dozens of ongoing excavations and discoveries.
Hundreds of rich and varied sites, from all periods of recorded history, dot the Israeli landscape. Among the most important are Caesarea, Ashkelon and Masada. They are registered as national parks and are open to the public. For a complete outline of the system, contact: The National Parks Authority in Tel Aviv.
Active excavations are taking place at nearly two dozen archaeological sites each year, many of which accept volunteers during the summer months.
Archaeological Seminars Ltd. (located in
Jerusalem) offers a morning "Dig for a Day," in which
visitors are given an opportunity to excavate at a dig site on a
limited scale.
ECOTOURISM AND THE ACTIVE TRAVELER
Israel has become a part of the
world’s most popular ECOTOURISM destinations. Visitors can
choose from among these "natural" activities.
Experience nature: Israel is an
environmentally conscious destination where the development of
nature reserves is of paramount importance and is handled through
the Nature Reserves Authority. The total area of recognized
reserves is more than 741,000 acres. Most reserves have hiking
paths where visitors are requested to adhere to the marked trails
and not litter, uproot plants or disturb the wildlife. Entrance
fees are required at most of the reserves.
For more information order the Nature Reserves Authority’s
brochure through our toll-free number.
The Society for the Protection of Nature
in Israel (SPNI) is a volunteer organization that teaches
respect, understanding and love of the natural and historical
heritage of Israel, and protects the country's natural features.
It also organizes hundreds of activities, including walking
tours, family tours, roving camps and difficult-terrain hikes.
Contact: American SPNI, phone: 800-323-0035 or Phone: 773-777-4900 Fax: 773-777-4921
Jeep tours: Explore the deserts
and nature preserves of Israel via jeep. Contact: Metzoke Dragot
International Center for Desert Tourism in Kibbutz Mitzpe Shalem
or our InfoCenter.
Rafting/kayaking: Adventure on
waters of the Upper Galilee and kayak rides down the Jordan River
are among the highlights.
Bird-watching: Three miles north
of Eilat is the International Bird-watching Center. The
bird-watching and banding station in the fields of Kibbutz Eilat
are situated at the point past which an estimated four million
migrating birds fly every year. The center organizes
bird-watching hikes from February through May. Agriculture: The months from
November through April are a period of intensive agricultural
activity. This is also the time when professionals visit to
investigate the country's innovations in fruit and vegetable
harvesting, flower growing, irrigation techniques, cattle
breeding and many other agricultural activities.
Israel is especially suited for families with young children. Museums frequently have displays and activities geared for kids. The Israel Museum in Jerusalem, for example, has a Children's Wing, and a roster of summer and holiday programs featuring magicians, puppets, music and other entertainment.
Child-friendly side trips can be taken within Jerusalem's environs. One is to the Biblical Zoo, where more than 100 animals and birds—as well as many of the plants—mentioned in the Bible are on exhibit.
For many Jewish families, a trip to Israel is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate a child's
Bar/ Bat Mitzvah.
Riding schools and stables can be found as
far south as Eilat and as far north as Galilee. Desert adventures
can also be enjoyed on camelback, starting at the Shacharut
Desert in the heart of the southern Negev Desert, about an hour's
drive from Eilat.
Camel rides: Camelback riders frequently
combine riding with trekking and hiking. Professional guides
accompany riders. A few desert-adventure-tour companies conduct
caravans from Beersheba in the south.
Israel's health resorts range from the
high, dry climate of the Galilee to the low, mineral-rich Dead
Sea. The three main centers are concentrated in Tiberias, the
Dead Sea Shore and Arad.
Tiberias: The ruins of
Hammath can be seen near the Tiberias Hot Springs, where remnants
of the Romans' waterworks are visible. Considering that the city
was built near the hot springs of Hammath in the year 18, this
may be one of the oldest resorts on the planet. Dead Sea: At 1,296 feet below
sea level, this is the lowest point of land on earth. The Jordan
River flows into the sea, which is fed by numerous mineral
springs in and near its waters. No water flows out of the Dead
Sea, but it does disappear through evaporation. The region is hot
and dry, with air temperatures reaching 86°F from September
through April and 90-100°F the rest of the year. The recent opening
of several new Dead Sea resorts & spas has added an American-style of spa vacation to
a region, long known for its healing powers for psoriasis,
digestive and urinary tract ailments, metabolic disorders and
allergies.
Arad: Located in the Negev
Desert about 3,300 feet above the Dead Sea and just 15 miles west
of it, the cool dry and pollen-free air here is ideal for those
suffering from asthma, allergies and other respiratory problems.
Golf: Caesarea boasts Israel's
only golf course next to the Dan Caesarea Golf Hotel. The full-size,
18-hole, par-72 course measures more than 20,000 feet and is
dotted with ancient Roman antiquities.
Scuba-diving and snorkeling:
Israel is a diver's paradise. Its mild climate assures year-round
diving opportunities, and the crystal-clear waters of the
Mediterranean and Red seas await dive enthusiasts with miles of
accessible coral reefs and fabulous seascapes. Scuba-diving
centers and clubs can be found in Caesarea, Eilat, Nahariya, Tel
Aviv and Western Galilee.
Skiing: The snow season on Mount
Hermon begins in December or January and lasts until mid-April.
Dining in Israel has it all: Elegant
four-star restaurants can be found alongside small cafes and
pizza or falafel stands. Today's Israeli food is a mix of tastes and ingredients— herbs, oils and
spices—indigenous to the region. The new Israeli chefs, who
have trained locally and internationally, have brought in the
cooking influences of France, Italy and California to create the
new "Med-Rim Cuisine."
Please note that while kosher food is
predominant in Israel's hotels, many restaurants are not kosher.
For excellent wine to occompany fine
dining, there are more than 21 wineries in Israel, particularly
in the Carmel, Golan and Galilee regions. Many are open
to the public, including the Rishon-le-Zion, Katzrin (Gamla) and
Zichron Yaacov wineries.
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SPAS
Hammat gader: 972-6-665-9999
Tiberias Hot Springs: 972-6-672-8500
FAX: 972-6-672-1288
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