The zoo or to give it its official name Jerusalem Biblical Zoo is indisputably one of Jerusalem’s gems; perhaps not least because of its strict anti-mangal (anti-barbecue) and anti-bike policy (picnics welcome). Entry fees are currently 55 NIS per person (42 NIS for individuals in groups — check out the details of … Read more
The Israel National Trail is the main attraction for Hiking in Israel. The Israel National Trail crosses the State of Israel from North to South and stretching around 950 kilometers. It was inaugurated in 1955. It has been listed by the National Geographic as one of the 20 “most epic trails” and … Read more
Hamat Gader Hamat Gader (or literally The Hot Springs on the Fence or in its Arabic name “El Hama”) is a hot springs and resort location established in the Roman age, making it the oldest spa complex in Israel. It is tucked away under the Sea of Galilee and located in the … Read more
Emek Bet Shean (or Emek Beit Shean) has a few special spots that are well worth visiting, since they are so close together. Emek Bet Shean can be incredibly hot during the summer. So keep your shade on and drink plenty of fluids while you’re enjoying the day. Two of these sites … Read more
One of the relaxing things to do near Jerusalem is to take the train. There are plans (and even some actual work) to build a high speed link with Tel Aviv; but the saga is never ending. Meanwhile, the line is an old Ottoman line and is fairly slow, but winds through … Read more
Dead Sea Scrolls now available online Even if you aren’t able to fly to Israel for the moment because of the ongoing pandemic (or any other reasons), you can explore the country’s historical treasures from the comfort of your own home. Through a partnership from Google, the Israel Museum launched its project … Read more
An alternative to Sachne – Gan HeShelosha (if you are looking for a refreshing dip) is Nahal HaKibbutzim about five or ten minutes drive away. It is a water hike located on Beit Shean valley in Emek HaMaayanot. It’s one of the best-known water hikes in the country, although the place actually has … Read more
A question that tourists frequently ask is “do I need a hire car to see Israel?” The answer depends to a large extent on where you are going and what you plan to see. The Israeli bus system is a pretty reasonable mass transit system running frequently and being clean, safe and … Read more
Safed is an ancient city in the Northern District of Israel. It is also called “Tsfat,” “Tzfas,” “Safad,” “Zfat” or “Zefat”. Sefad’s “Old City” is split into two sections: the Old Jewish Quarter and the Artist Quarter (or Artist’s Colony). The Zefat Artists’ Colony is located just south of the Old Jewish … Read more
Beit Shean is one of the oldest cities in Israel. Over 20 layers of human civilization are tucked away inside its large ancient tell or mound. Spread out to the south below Tel Beit Shean are the extensive ruins of a magnificent Roman city. Beit Shean had all the necessary ingredients for … Read more