Be An Archaeologist for the Day – Emek Zurim NP

Be An Archaeologist for the Day – Emek Zurim NP

One of the more unusual and rewarding things that you can do in Jerusalem is to be an archaeologist for (part of) the day in Emek Zurim (which means “valley of flints” in Hebrew) near Mount Scopus. It is a really unusual activity that connects you with the real history of Jerusalem. … Read more

A Tourist’s Guide to the Minor Jewish Festivals

A Tourist’s Guide to the Minor Jewish Festivals

Minor Jewish Festivals in Israel In addition to the Major Festivals in the Hebrew calendar there are a few other minor festivals of which the tourist should be aware of. In the article about the major festivals,  there is an overview of the Hebrew calendar; in short, however, the Gregorian and Hebrew … Read more

Introduction to Bird Watching in Israel

migratory birds in israel

The unique geographical layout of Israel as a terrestrial bridge between Europe and Africa makes Israel a prime location for bird watchers. Along with the Gibraltar peninsula in Southern Spain, Israel is one of the two main routes for birds migrating from Europe towards Africa on the autumn and on their way … Read more

Hanging Out in Emek Refaim

Hanging Out in Emek Refaim

Emek Refaim (literally means “Valley of Ghosts” or “Valley of Giants”) is the German Colony, a neighborhood in Jerusalem. It is a well known street fairly close to the city center and easily accessible by public transport and a pleasant walk from the city center hotels.   Many of the buildings on … Read more

Madrasse

Madrasse

The Madrasse (or Majrasa or Majrase) is on the north eastern tip of the Kinneret and is the estuary of one of the streams (Daliyot) running from the Golan. It is also a nature reserve. You can’t get any more water hike than you do in Majrasa. The water is the hiking trail! … Read more

Desert Cycle Ride at the lowest point on Earth

Desert Cycle Ride at the lowest point on Earth

Cyclists often seek the highest roads they can find, but what does it feel like when cycling the lowest roads — in this case, the lowest point on earth? Ein Bokek (the main Dead Sea hotel resort area) is an excellent starting point for a bike ride in the Sedom Mountain (also known … Read more

Tel Aviv as an International Travel Destination

Tel Aviv as an International Travel Destination

Tel Aviv has been named by Lonely Planet as its number 3 city for 2011. Lonely Planet noted the international cosmopolitan nature of Tel Aviv, its diversity and cultural scene. The full announcement can be found at Tel Aviv Lonely Planet Award The following is the complete Lonely Planet’s “Top 10 Cities … Read more

Bar Kochba Cave Gallery

Bar Kochba Cave Gallery

These caves are attributed to the Bar Kochba rebellion. It helps to have some history crash course to know the significance of these caves to modern-day Israelis, especially the Jewish people. Several various underground tactical caves dug and carved in the Shefelah region were made as the Jews’ hideouts in the preparation … Read more

Jerusalem Hills Views

Jerusalem Hills Views

A collection of some of the views in the Jerusalem Hills. “Jerusalem Hills” is a term for the northern part of the much broader Judean Mountains, which extends into the West Bank area. Sometimes, “Jerusalem Hills,” “Judean Hills,” and “Judean Mountains” are used interchangeably. The Judean Mountains is a mountain range where … Read more

The Carmel Area

The Carmel Area

Mt. Carmel is Haifa’s huge green lung.  Today most of Haifa’s neighborhoods occupy the mountain’s northwestern slopes, but the majority of the Carmel range is park land. Mt. Carmel National Park is recognized as a UNESCO biosphere.  The Bible mentions its dense Mediterranean woodland several times, most notably in Joshua regarding the … Read more