Best places to visit in Israel

Israel is a land of extremes: a world of contrasts! It's a densely packed country that stirs the emotions. A region that gave birth to civilizations during ancient times, the home of Judaism, Islam and the Christian Holy Lands, a trip to Israel is a chance to visit legendary sites, whose names are so familiar.

Jerusalem - the famous 'thrice holy city'- the Mount of Olives, the Holy Sepulchre, the Wailing Wall, Lake Tiberias, Nazareth, Bethlehem, Jericho, Masada , the Dead Sea, Jordan... The list is endless! These places live on and have maintained their spiritual integrity. In these sacred lands, home to three of the most important faiths, you can visit the tombs of Christ and David, the Cave of the Nativity, as well as the Dome of the Rock, where Muhammad ascended into heaven during his Night Journey...

Paradoxically Israel is also a modern state, a relatively new country that is still developing. Tel Aviv , the 'city that never sleeps', is as liberal as Jerusalem is religious. A decadent hub of contemporary art and design, life here is good. Its buzz and endless beaches make it a perfect Mediterranean destination. To the north, between Netanya and Haifa , you'll find stretches of stunning beach that line the coast - a surfer and beach-lover's paradise...

But perhaps the most fascinating aspect of this Jewish state, is the variety of sites, landscapes and communities that share such a small territory. Strictly Orthodox neighbourhoods such as Mea Shearim in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv's trendy bars, the historic and bohemian Old Jaffa, as well as the ancient Arab cities of Nazareth or Acre : the diversity is mind-boggling. As for the scenery...from the arid lands of the Dead Sea and the Judean Desert to the rolling hills of Galilee via the lush, tropical coast of Eilat , you'll rapidly move from one landscape to another!