A Middle East nation lying on the shores of the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, Israel has innumerable experiences to offer its visitors. The country has got some serious destinations to explore. It has beautiful beaches that revitalise you with its serene aura. It boasts of great ancient sites wherein you step back in the past and watch Israel evolving over years. Israel is also a prominent religious place for it houses the pilgrimage sites of three religions (Christianity, Judaism and Islam). The country also has several places of natural importance. That's why Israel is visited by tourists of all kinds and all age groups. Visit Israel and sign up for big surprises with Israel tourism.
Though Israel isn't a highly advanced state, the telecom infrastructure in the country is witnessing rapid growth. Hence, one doesn't find much difficulty with internet connectivity and phone services while in the major cities and towns of Israel. Moreover, all the major hotels and resorts in the country provide free Wi-Fi services. You can use these services to remain connected to the online world.
Buy a local prepaid SIM card at the airport or telecommunication shops in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem as it would help you remain connected to the outside world while on the go.
The most popular mobile network operators here are : Pelephone | Cellcom | Partner | Hot Mobile
The history of humans in Israel is quite old. As per the archaeological evidence found in different parts of the country, it is stated that the early humans dwelled in the region more than 1 million years ago. The presence of palaeolithic sites across different places in Israel proves that. However, the development in the country dates back to the early Medieval Era when the regions in Israel started witnessing a rise in the development of infrastructure, economy, politics and trade.
During the classical period, numerous dynasties ruled the region including Hasmonean Dynasty and Herodian dynasty. This was also the time when Jewish-Roman wars occurred and shaped the face of Israel during the middle ages. Later on, Christianity spread across different parts of Israel. But with the conquest of Arabs in the early medieval period, places like Jerusalem started adopting Islam. In the subsequent years, Islam rose to prominence and became a significant religion in the country.
Later on, Zionism happened and Jews across Israel and the community became an important part of the country. Several conflicts regarding borders and boundaries happened over some time until World War II. After that, the State of Israel was formed and controversial Palestine became another sovereign state taking the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
Today, Israel is developing swiftly and has become an important centre of trade and politics in the Middle East. On account of its historical and natural beauties, it is also on the radar of international tourists.
Israel has diverse geographical features and that makes it a beautiful country to explore. The country has desert-like conditions as well as snow-capped mountains and peaks. On one hand, you have got beautiful stretches of dust and greenery and on the other hand, you have got a great combination of peaks and mountains.
The country is surrounded by Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Jordan, Palestine and the Mediterranean Sea. A small part of Israel also sits on the shores of the Red Sea. The country is spread over an area of about 22,145 sq km, out of which about 97.88% covers the land region and the remaining 2.12% makes the water area.
The lowest point and the highest point in Israel are the Dead Sea and Mount Meron respectively. The country also has several lakes and rivers which make for great sources of water. The most prominent of them include the River Jordan, Sea of Galilee. Due to its limited location on the sea, it also has a coastline that stretches for more than 270 km.
As per records, it can be said that Israeli art has been evolving since time immemorial. From pottery
to embroidery, every art form that has been nurturing in the state for centuries has progressed a
lot. Today, several other new forms of art have captured the attention of Israelis. Due to the
effect of globalization, things have changed. Global art has become a major thing here. To encourage
local artists, the state hosts many art festivals and exhibitions where people from around the state
get the opportunity of displaying their talents.
Like art, the music of Israel has also
witnessed a lot of changes. Though traditional Israeli music has derived its values from Arabic
music, it has its charm and popularity. Along with folk beats and classical music, rock, hip-hop,
jazz and other genres of music have also established a place in the society of Israel. Many music
festivals are organised every year in Israel.
Israeli cuisine has been influenced by kitchen practices from many neighbouring countries including
Palestine, Jordan and others from the Middle East. As the state has been under the rule of many
foreign invaders, its cookery techniques are a mix of numerous traditions. Authentic Palestine food
is all about the use of rice, bread and meat.
However, Israel has learned to savour global
cuisine over some time. Here, you would find people enjoying Italian delicacies as well as Indian
dishes. People also take pleasure in savouring Chinese flavours. The Israelis also revel in drinks.
Coffee, beer and several locally-produced alcoholic beverages are loved across the state.
Falafel, Tahini, Knafeh, Halva, Sabich, Malabi and Shawarma
Must-Try DrinksArak, Sachlav, Tubi 60, Limonana and Arabic Coffee
HospitalityIsrael is a land of great culture and moral values and that's one of the reasons tourists encounter a sweet and generous crowd while exploring around. The people here are helpful and quite welcoming. Though the majority of the population in the state follows Judaism, you would come across broad-minded folks. They would treat you like their guests and would help you whenever and wherever necessary
Due to the presence of the Mediterranean Sea, the coastal region of Israel experiences a different climate in comparison to its inland areas. However, the elevated regions or the highlands of the country experience almost comfortable weather throughout the year.
The region near the coast experiences a hot semi-arid climate and because of which it gets moderate winters and dry hot summers. The region close to Jordan gets a Mediterranean kind of climate.
The summer season in Israel starts in April and goes till the end of September, while the winter season starts in December and end in February.
February to April and September to November
The best time to visit Israel is from February until the mid of April and from the mid of September
to the end of November. This is the time when the climate is characterised by a comfortable
environment with tolerable climatic conditions. These are the months when one can roam around
without experiencing any weather problem. The temperature is neither too hot to stand nor too cold
to bear.
Without Jerusalem, the trip to Israel can never be complete for it is the most noted and frequented place in the country. A pilgrimage site for three religions (Christianity, Islam and Judaism), Jerusalem is a significant tourist place in the world. Due to its historical and architectural prominence, it is also a favourite spot for explorers. The three holiest religious sites here include the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Temple Mount and the Western Wall. All of them are frequented by millions of tourists from around the world every year.
Best time to visit: 07:00 am to 09:00 pm
Tour Price : No entrance fee
Established in the year 1965, Israel Museum is the ultimate place to learn about the history and art of the country in a nutshell. It houses an impressive collection that reflects the cultural and historical importance of Israel and also about Jews and their evolution over the year. Jewish and Hebrew manuscripts, wooden burial coffin, inscriptions, artworks, artefacts dating to the time of Jesus and a lot more adorn the museum. Take a tour of this marvellous place and feel fantastic exploring around.
Best time to visit: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm
04:00 pm to 09:00 pm on Tuesdays
(Closed on Fridays, Sundays and Mondays)
Tour Price : $16.50 for adults
$12 for students
Overlooking the Dead Sea and located in the Judaean Desert, Masada National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can relive the bygone years of the country. Those ruined walls of the fortifications speak of ancient Israeli tales. The area is filled with several age-old sites and hence, it has been a priority in the country for history lovers and culture explorers. Visit it and explore its ruined church complexes and other places.
Best time to visit: 06:00 am to 05:00 pm
Tour Price : $10 for adults
$6 for youth and students
Tel Aviv is one of the major urban agglomerations in Israel and is home to several tourists attractions. The city has ancient beauties as well as modern marvels to look forward to. Great nightlife, wonderful shopping centres, beautiful museums and serene beaches â Tel Aviv has everything to make your Israel tour a lifetime memory. The major places to visit here include Tel Aviv Museum of Art, Jaffa Fort, Tel Aviv Beach, flea markets, Yarkon River and more.
Tour Price : $25 - $50 per day including food, travel and accommodation
Golan HeightsSpread over an area of about 1800 sq km, Golan Heights is an amazing expanse filled with lush green beauties, hills and more. That's why the place is quite popular amongst nature lovers and photographers. Take a walk in the lush greenery or simply walk up the hills and enjoy great sweeping views. Golan Heights makes for a great outing as the place is full of natural surprises. Visit it and take a breath of fresh air.
Best time to visit: Early Morning and evening
Tour Price : No entrance fee
Also called Lake Tiberias, the Sea of Galilee is a freshwater lake that boasts serene surroundings and peaceful settlements on its banks. Take a day trip to this wonderful beauty of Israel and have a great time enjoying its composed environment. Capture beautiful photos of the lake or have some picnicking time with your family by the bank. It is one of the best tourist attractions in Israel for families as well as couples.
Best time to visit: Anytime
Tour Price : No entrance fee
Other Popular Places to Visit in Israel
One of the most awaited and significant festivals in Israel, the Israel Festival is a celebration of art, music, dance and other forms of art. This is the day when the international audience come together to observe the importance of different artforms and partake in various events. The festival lasts for a few days wherein theatre shows, music concerts, art exhibitions, dance performances and a lot more take place.
Location : Jerusalem
Date: June/July
Yom Kippur is the most significant festival amongst Jews and as the majority of the population in Israel makes up the Jews community, the festival is one of the most significant ones in the country. On this day, religious prayers are done. People from the Jew community visit synagogues and admit their sins. People also indulge in fasting and abstain from physical pleasures.
Location : Across Israel
Date: September
Celebrated in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan is one of the most important cultural and religious festivals in Israel. This is the time when Muslims across the state indulge in prayers and fasting that lasts from sunrise to sunset. Iftar parties are a significant part of Ramadan celebrations. As the festive period is considered holy, people abstain from doing bad deeds. They stay away from hurting others and pray for each other's happiness and prosperity.
Location : Across Israel
Date: April/May
While Islam is the major religion in the state, Christianity takes second place. After all, Jerusalem is considered one of the holiest sites on the planet amongst Christians. Hence, Christmas is observed every year with full vigour. People clean their houses, decorate them and light up their neighbourhood. Christmas Bazaar, where thousands of people shop their interests every day, is the major part of the celebration.
Location : Across Israel
Date: December
To enter the boundaries of Israel and savour its magnificent attractions and ancient beauties, you need to have a valid tourist visa unless you come from a visa-exempt country. As per the visa policy of Israel, certain countries are eligible to visit Israel without any valid visa. Visitors of all these visa-exempt countries can stay within the country for a maximum of 3 months for tourism. The list includes:
European Union Countries, Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Central African Republic, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Eswatini, Fiji, Georgia, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, Jamaica, Japan, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Macao, Malawi, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Nauru, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, South Korea, Suriname, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Vanuatu and Vatican City.
Below given is the list of all those countries that need to take a confirmation before applying for a tourist visa:Afghanistan, Bahrain, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Mauritania, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia and Yemen
To get an Israel visa or an entry permit, you must have:
**Tourists having a regular passport of all the other countries would need to apply for a regular tourist visa to enter Israel.
You can also use taxis/cabs to commute within or between the cities of Israel. There are several online as well as offline taxi services operating in places like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem and other major urban centres. However, it is advisable to take offline taxis for commutation as they are available at almost every tourist destination across the major cities and towns of the country. Moreover, it is the most convenient means of transport in Israel.
Ride a busBuses are the major source of transportation in Israel. As it is quite a cheap and comfortable means, it is preferred by locals as well as tourists. All the major cities and towns are well connected through bus services. You can take AC as well as Non-AC buses to commute between two places in Israel. In cities, one can use local bus services to travel from one place to other. In Haifa, the bus rapid transit system called Metronit is used regularly.
SubwayLight rail or subway can be used for commutation while in Jerusalem. It is a 13-km long rail system serving the city of Jerusalem. However, as of now, there is only one line (Red Line) that is being used by travellers. Tel Aviv light rail system is under construction and is projected to start by the year 2023.
Israel has quite an amazing network of roads and hence, it is easy to reach Israel via road route.
Several direct buses are running from Amman and Cairo to Tel Aviv and also from the Palestinian
cities of Ramallah.
Buses available are equipped with all the basic modern facilities which
would make your journey smooth and comfortable. If you are looking forward to more comfort, then you
can drive on your own. You can also hire a taxi to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
Israel is served by three international airports, namely Ben Gurion Airport that serves the cities of
Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, Haifa Airport that serves the city of Haifa and the Ramon Airport serving
the city of Eilat. As these airports are well connected to other countries in the Middle East and
across the world, it is quite easy to reach Israel via air route.
Direct flights are running
from Dubai, Europe and several major countries in Asia. Once you have reached the airport, you can
either hire a direct cab or take a bus to reach the desired destination in the country.
The water routes to Israel aren't very popular amongst tourists as they take a lot of time and are expensive too. However, if you desire to visit the country via the water route, then you can take a cruise from Limassol to Haifa.
Via Rail RouteThere are not many rail options for tourists to go with and hence, it is not a preferred way for travellers visiting Israel.
A beautiful sovereign state away from the eyes of common travellers, Palestine is known for being an area of conflict. Regardless, it is a beautiful tourist destination and a site of religious significance for the followers of Christianity, Islam and Judaism. The Church of Nativity, one of the oldest on the planet, keeps a hold on every kind of tourist for the place is of great historical, cultural and architectural prominence. Visit Palestine and encounter hidden stars. Take a walk by the shores or go deep into street markets and food streets to explore the raw culture of the Middle East.
JordanWith the ancient city of Petra, Jordan is one of the most historic places to visit near Israel. Take a weekend getaway and explore the charming beauties of Jordan. Relax in the Dead Sea or explore the desert wilderness of Wadi Rum Protected Area. Stay at a luxury resort by the Red Sea and enjoy world-class services or simply explore the small villages and towns of the country. Other significant places here include Mount Nebo, Amman Citadel, Ajloun Castle and more.
CairoIf you have enough time in your hand, then an excursion from Israel to Cairo is a must. Lying in an age-old basket, Cairo lets you experience the ancient world in the best way possible. With sky-touching pyramids and legendary other monuments, the city helps you trace Egyptian history and culture easily. Visit the pyramids, temples, centuries-old markets, museums, desert, churches and a lot more.
CALLING CODE : +972
Ambulance : 101
Fire : 102
Police : 100
Israeli new Shekel is the currency of Israel and has been in use since its introduction in the year 1986. It replaced the old shekel on account of the latter's hyperinflation. In the past, the country used several other currencies as legal tenders. Israeli Pound remained the currency of the country between 1952 and 1980 and the Shekel between 1980 and 1985. Today, Israeli new Shekel is used across the country for the exchange of goods and services. It is also used in the Palestinian authority
Symbol: âª
Code: ILS
1 Israeli new Shekel: 100 Agoras
Israel Currency to AED:
1 Israeli new Shekel ILS= 1.12 United Arab Emirates Dirham (As of April 2021)
Israeli new Shekel notes can be found in the denomination of 20, 50, 100, 200
Israeli new Shekel coins can be found in the denomination of 10 agorot, half shekel, 1, 2, 5 and 10 shekels
**ROE is subject to change based on currency fluctuations.â
Why book your travel with us?