Israel

Israel is a Middle Eastern country situated on the Mediterranean Sea. It borders Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Egypt and Jordan and is the only Jewish state in the world. It is most famous for its importance to three of the world’s major religions, with Christians, Muslims and Jews all regarding it as ‘the Holy Land’. Its capital, Jerusalem, holds places of religious significance, including the place where Christ was martyred, the place where Muhammed was borne to heaven, and the most holy sight in Judaism. Its financial centre, Tel Aviv, is a bustling, modern city packed with exciting nightlife, while it also plays host to Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea, renowned for the healing properties of its water. The country has a medium-sized population of around 9 million people, and the official language is Hebrew.

The fantastic country of Israel is blessed with a warm Mediterranean climate, giving it hot summers and mild winters. The majority of tourist destinations, like Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, average around 25 degrees in August and never drop below 14 degrees in January. This is different in desert areas, such as the Dead Sea, where temperatures average above 20 degrees year-round and August can reach a baking 39 degrees. Visitors should also be aware that the higher regions can have a varying climate, but in general, it is as hot as in Italy in summer.

The history of Israel is long and complicated, with Jews tracing their roots there back to ancient times and the figure of Abraham, who established the first covenant with God and whose sons supposedly founded the first Israeli nation. The earliest evidence of actual Jewish occupation of Israel followed the Jewish exodus from Egypt, when a figure known as Moses supposedly led his people out of slavery and back to the promised land. Israel was then ruled by a succession of Jewish kings, with the most notable being King David and King Solomon, who ruled the country in the 10th and 11th centuries BC. They are credited with founding the capital, Jerusalem, and with building several important shrines that still stand to this day. The kingdom fell in 587 BC, when the Babylonian Nebuchadnezzar captured the country and exiled the Jews to Babylon. A succession of mighty empires, including the Persians, the Ptolemies, the Romans, the Byzantines, the Crusaders, the Ottomans and the British Empire, then ruled the land. The area is famously the birthplace of Jesus, who Christians consider to be the son of God, who the Romans crucified in the capital Jerusalem around 33 AD. It is also sacred in Islamic tradition, as it is believed that Muhammad was taken to heaven from the famous Temple on the Mount. This importance across three religious traditions made it a hotly contested target, and it was subjected to a series of Christian crusades in the Middle Ages, when pious knights sought to win back the ‘Holy Land’. The most famous of these battles was the third, where the English King Richard the Lionheart failed to defeat the Muslim Saladin. The persecution of the Jewish people in the 20th century caused the Zionist movement to be formed, which believed that Jews would only ever be safe in their own nation, eventually leading to the formation of Israel in 1948. This remains a contested issue to this day, with tensions between the state of Israel and Palestine commonly at the forefront of world politics.

Israeli cuisine is among the most varied and delicious in the world, thanks to the incredible range of culinary traditions it encompasses. It is greatly influenced by the many empires that held hegemony over the area, including Mediterranean and Arab influences. This, coupled with the large number of people from the Jewish diaspora who moved back to Israel once the state was formed, means it also encompasses Russian, Central European, North American, and many, many more. Many of the most popular foods are well known around the world, with things like Falafel (fried chickpeas), Hummus (blended chickpea paste), shakshouka (fried eggs in tomato sauce), couscous (a flavoured type of rice) and moussaka (aubergine lasagne) all extremely popular. However, perhaps the best thing about Israel is the sheer range of street food and authentic restaurant food that you will find there, and we thoroughly recommend sampling as many different cuisines as you can during your visit.

Israel has only been making a name for itself in the wine world in the last 20 years, despite the region having made wine since biblical times. Quality wines are produced in the Golan Heights region, as well as in Galilee and the Judean Hills. There are now over 300 wineries in Israel producing both Kosher and non-Kosher wine varieties. Israel is also renowned for its premium citrus, so freshly squeezed orange juice is a must-have.

As a destination, Israel has something for everyone, ensuring that younger family members will enjoy themselves during their family holiday. It is blessed with several incredible expanses of water, including the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, the historic Sea of Galilee and the healing waters of the Dead Sea, ensuring aquatic fun for everyone. King’s City is a biblically themed entertainment venue with a host of fun rides based on biblical events. At the same time, active families are sure to enjoy Israel’s many National Parks, such as Masada National Park near Eilat, which offers stunning views and geological wonders.

Considered one of the most historically significant places in the world, there are many pivotal sites to visit, such as the ancient city of Jerusalem, a holy site for three of the world’s major religions. It contains the Temple Mount, the most sacred site in Judaism and the place where Muhammad supposedly ascended to heaven, as well as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where Jesus was crucified, among many other incredible locations. It is also home to the Sea of Galilee, where many of Jesus’ miracles are said to have occurred, and the healing waters of the Dead Sea, where no life can exist due to its high salt levels. Other places of note include the vibrant town of Tel Aviv, which plays host to the ancient city of Jaffa and Masada National Park, which overlooks the Sea of Galilee and contains a fort built by Herod.

The most popular destination is Tel-Aviv, which more than earns its nickname ‘The City that Never Sleeps’. There you will find a host of clubs and pubs, ensuring plenty of places to dine or have a pleasant evening out. Jerusalem used to be considered quiet, due to its religious importance, and that is certainly true of the Old City; however, as soon as you move into the more modern parts of town, you will find an incredible range of excellent evening options. Finally, the harbour town of Eilat is an excellent place for a seaside party, and it becomes especially busy during the summer months, as the young and old descend on it for fun in the sun.

There is quite possibly too much to do in Israel. This is why we would recommend that anyone travelling to Israel visit more than one place. Israel’s rich diversity makes this destination ideal for a tailor-made, multi-centre holiday. Here at Cyplon Holidays, our expertise and knowledge can help you get the most out of your time in Israel. Starting with the historical and religious sites, most of which are concentrated in and around Jerusalem, there are the Western Wall, the Dome of the Rock, the Al Aqsa Mosque, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Mount Zion, and the Mount of Olives. It is highly recommended that a stay in Jerusalem is accompanied by guided tours and excursions so that the importance of the places you visit is fully appreciated. Day excursions and tours can be arranged through Cyplon Holidays in advance; however, those looking for a fully immersive and educational experience are recommended to book one of Cyplon Holidays’ set guided tours.

The best shopping is found in the cities of Jerusalem and Tel-Aviv, where visitors can purchase unique handmade products from around the world. Traditional Jewish jewellery is currently all the rage with the best place to purchase authentic things being Jerusalem. You can also purchase iconic and beautiful Armenian pottery, with the best place to do so in the Armenian quarter of Jerusalem. Israel is also a multicultural melting pot, meaning that there is plenty of excellent embroidery on sale, which can be found in the Muslim Quarter of Jerusalem or from markets in places like Tel-Aviv. This along with a plethora of other great products traditionally made in countries that are part of the Jewish diaspora like Russia mean that you can find pretty much anything you want in Israel.

Diving in Eilat, Israel’s southernmost city, offers an unforgettable experience in the warm waters of the Red Sea. Known for its exceptional visibility, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life, Eilat is considered one of the best diving destinations in the region.

From the famous Coral Beach Nature Reserve to the stunning Satil Wreck, divers can explore colourful coral gardens filled with fish, octopuses, and sea turtles, all just a few meters from the shore. Whether you’re a beginner taking your first dive or an experienced diver seeking deep reefs and night dives, Eilat’s calm waters, year-round sunshine, and excellent dive centres make it a true underwater paradise.