On the Road to Eilat

On the Road to Eilat

Eilat, located at the very southern tip of Israel, can be reached by air and also by road through the Negev desert. The straight drive will take around 4-5 hours from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv. The distance is not huge (300-350 Km), but, the main roads are not great and there is … Read more

Megiddo – A City at the Crossroads

Megiddo – A City at the Crossroads

The tell (or archaeological mound) of the ancient city of Megiddo hold in its slopes at least 25 layers of human civilization and its origins date back to the Neolithic period.  Situated on a hilltop, above an abundant spring, adjacent the fertile plains of the Jezreel Valley and at the crossroads of … Read more

Emek HaMatzleva

Emek HaMatzleva

Emek HaMatzleva or “Valley of the Cross” is a valley located on the west of Jerusalem. is where the wood was (according to tradition) chopped to form the cross. Presumably in Roman times, this was in the “wilds” outside town. A Greek Orthodox monastery marks the spot. Today, however, it is a … Read more

Unwinding in Jerusalem

Unwinding in Jerusalem

Like many other big cities in the world, being in Jerusalem can be quite stressful. Fortunately, you can find many ways and places to relax, unwind, and put all your cares away for the moment. Here are some ideas for things to help you Relax in Jerusalem (in no particular order) Have … Read more

A Tourist’s Guide to the Major Jewish Festivals in Israel

Major Jewish Festivals in Israel

Major Jewish Festivals in Israel Just like in many other countries, Israel has many different holidays scattered throughout the year. In Israel, these holidays (or Jewish Festivals or Chagim) are based on the Hebrew calendar. For many visitors, the holidays come as a surprise (as they are often not coordinated with holidays … Read more

Trains

Trains

Rail transport in Israel has been modernized and extensively developed over a decade or so. That means the Israel Railway System, the country’s main railway company, offers a great option for commuters for getting around. The Israel Railway System is still evolving. Government has put a lot of effort in improving the … Read more

Christian Quarter Album

Christian Quarter Album

The Christian Quarter of Jerusalem’s Old City is home to some of the holiest sites in Christendom – including the Via Dolorosa and Church of the Holy Sepulchre. There are also many other churches and a part of the main Old City souk (market) giving an amazing atmosphere. The Church of the … Read more

Jerusalem Open Spaces

Jerusalem Open Spaces

If you are looking for large spaces to run around and let off steam in Jerusalem then there are some good options available. Jerusalem, beside being one of the holiest city in the world, is also a family-friendly city. It is home to numerous parks created specifically for children of all ages … Read more

The Cardo – The Ancient Heart of Jerusalem

The Cardo - The Ancient Heart of Jerusalem

The History of the Cardo The Cardo (or Cardo Maximus or “HaCardo” in Hebrew) was Jerusalem‘s main street 1500 years ago.  The Cardo was originally paved in the 2nd century when Hadrian rebuilt Jerusalem as a Roman polis called Aelia Capitolina. The Cardo was extended south to the area of today’s Jewish … Read more

Makhtesh Ramon – Primeval Landscape and Geological Wonderland

Makhtesh Ramon – Primeval Landscape and Geological Wonderland

Makhtesh Ramon (often known erroneously as the Ramon Crater) is a geological wonderland, representing a window into the earth’s surface, which beckons us to explore a world of magma, fossils, dikes, sills and colorful sandstone. The Makhtesh Ramon is often erroneously referred to as the “Ramon Crater” –  which would imply that … Read more