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Israel: The Holy Land Travel Guide

Travel to Israel

Although a small country, Israel has a very rich history and culture and is considered by many as one of the most fascinating countries in the world.

For Christians to visit Israel is the ultimate experience! But this country fascinates tourists from all over the world, no matter whom they believe in.

Let’s discover together the beauty of this place!

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1. Where is Israel located?

Israel stands at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa.

Geographically, it belongs to the Asian continent and also becomes part of the Middle East area. In the west, Israel is bound by the Mediterranean Sea.

Lebanon and Syria border it to the north, Jordan to the east, Egypt to the southwest and also the Red Sea to the south.

National politics aside, this nation has so much to offer in terms of history going back as old as the globe itself.

Together with Jordan, Egypt and the Palestinian Territories, Israel becomes part of the Holy Land and hence has some fantastic sites available for tourists seeking to explore more of the Middle East.

Read more: Israel is on what continent

2. Which is the national currency of Israel?

The State of Israel’s money is the New Israel Shekel (NIS) or shekel as it is known for everybody (pluralized as shekalim in Hebrew or shekels in English).

There are 100 agorot (agora in the single) in each shekel. Banknotes are in denomination of NIS 20, 50, 100 and 200. There are also coins in the value of NIS10, NIS5, NIS2 NIS1 and 50 as well as 10 agorot.

2.1 Changing money

Unlimited amounts of local and also foreign money might be brought in the country when visit Israel as cash, visitors’ checks, bank cards or State of Israel bonds.

Foreign money of all kinds may be traded at the airport terminal, banks, post offices, many resorts or licensed exchange agencies in big cities.

An ID card, usually a passport is required when travel to Israel and trading tourists’ checks.

The exchange rate varies from location to location, and financial institutions charge a commission for changing money.

It is recommended, though not necessary, to bring a small amount of USD, considering that certain visitor websites, particularly in the Old City of Jerusalem, take payments in dollars.

2.2 Money Withdrawal

Holders of an international credit card can take out local or international currency at banks which accept their bank card.

There are Automated Teller Machines outside the majority of financial institutions.

3. Passport and visa

All visitors interested in visiting Israel must obtain a visa from one of the Israeli diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries.

To enter the country the passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of departure from Israel.

All the citizens of the European Union, US citizens, Canadian as well as other 96 nationalities do not need a visa from an Israeli diplomatic mission if they intend to stay in Israel for a maximum period of 3 months.

You’ll get your visa on arrival.

There is a short dialogue with the Israel authorities and a small piece of paper is given to you.

Be careful not to lose that piece of paper when travel to Israel as you need it when you want to exit the country.

When you plan to leave Israel, there is a short dialogue with the authorities and you will receive another piece of paper which you have to show to your carrier at the embarking procedures.

4. Is it safe to visit Israel?

Despite what you see in the news, Israel is, in fact, a really safe country to travel to. It’s easy to associate all of Israel with Gaza and the West Bank, as this is what’s mainly revealed on the news.

Yet, you need to bear in mind that these aren’t areas where most people live and also they absolutely aren’t the locations that tourists browse through.

The major vacationer locations- Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, the Negev, Dead Sea, as well as Galilee, stay as safe as always.

In addition to that, personal safety and security in Israel are constantly unbelievably high and crime really low, particularly when compared to most Western nations and cities.

Western Wall Jerusalem travel to Israel
Western Wall Jerusalem Israel

In an ironic way, coming as well as taking a trip in Israel is more secure than staying at home in the UK, U.S.A., or most various other Western Countries.

That being said, it is not risk-free to travel to Israel, but to certain parts and also tourists are advised against travelling there.

The location of the country around Gaza is not touristy and there is no factor for travellers to go there.

Visitors should likewise be extremely watchful when taking a trip to the West Bank or eastern Jerusalem.

5. Is it expensive to visit Israel?

In general, Israel is a remarkably pricey nation, particularly when you compare it to its nearby neighbours.
Food is quite costly so cooking whenever possible is your finest alternative.

Hotels are additionally really pricey. It’s actually difficult to locate budget accommodation however there are hostels throughout the country. They are surprisingly costly for what they offer.

While meal prices in Israel can vary, the average cost of food in Israel is NIS 99 daily.

When dining out a typical dish in Israel ought to cost around NIS 40 per person.

Morning meal costs are normally a little less expensive than lunch or dinner. The cost of food in sit-down restaurants in Israel is frequently higher than convenience food costs or street food prices.

The price of a taxi flight in Israel is substantially more than mass transit. On average you’ll pay NIS 24 for a ride.

In restaurants, bars and for tour guides, tip around 10-15% if you travel to Israel. Outside of the food and tourism industry, tipping is not expected nor common.

Generally, the resort price in Israel for a pair is NIS 394 ($ 117). So, a journey to Israel for two people for one-week prices on average NIS 4,862 ($ 1,446).

6. Getting around

Israel is a very developed country, so getting around is pretty easy.

Depending on your destinations, you most probably can travel by bus, train, plane, car, taxi or shared taxis.

Let me tell you a few words about each of them.

6.1 Bus

Israel has among the world’s best and also most affordable bus systems, with virtually every city, community, village and settlement connected to the system.

That is why moving by bus is pretty convenient for everybody when visit Israel.

6.2 TRAIN

High-speed trains link Ben Gurion Airport with Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa. They are quick, efficient and cost-effective train service throughout much of the nation. Rail travel is economical and really easy to navigate.

6.3 FLIGHTS

Tel Aviv, as well as Eilat, are linked by multiple flights day-to-day aboard Arkia, El Al as well as Israir. There are also trips to Haifa and the Galilee.

6.4 TAXIS

There are taxis available in the cities, and also cabby is very happy to take you in between cities.

6.5 SHARED CABS

Shared taxis or “Sherut” are incredibly popular if you travel to Israel. There are “Sherut” terminals throughout the cities. Ask at your hotel for the local Sherut stand.

6.6 CAR RENTAL

Many worldwide car rental offices have workplaces in Israel– and there are excellent Israeli automobile rental firms as well.

Car rental Israel Jerusalem
Car rental Israel Jerusalem

The cost of renting a car starts from 40 USD per day, depending on what car you want to hire, what type of insurance you need and how many drivers you want.

Get the best price for your car rental today

7. How is the weather in Israel?

Israel lies, between 29 ° -33 ° north of the equator, which is identified as a subtropical area, between the temperate zone and also the tropical area.

Beat this in mind when you pack your clothes and visit Israel.

The northern and also seaside regions of Israel reveal the Mediterranean environment defined by warm and completely dry summers and awesome stormy winters.

Whereas the southerly and eastern areas of Israel are characterized by a dry environment.

The wet period lasts from October to very early May, as well as rains coming to a head in December via February.

Rainfall differs considerably by areas from the North to the South.

Weather in Israel
Weather in Israel

The highest rainfall is observed in the North and centre parts of the areas as well as lowers in the southern part of Israel, from the Negev Desert to Eilat where rains are negligible.

There are also some snowfalls just in the northernmost part of Golan Heights where the Mount Hermon top (2,224 m above water level) stays usually snow-covered from December to March.

In various other parts of the country, snow is hardly ever observed.

The city of Eilat, located at the southernmost point of Israel as well as at the north pointer of Red Sea, has an excellent environment for coastline holidays all year round. A good thing to know when travel to Israel, right!?

8. What is the best month to go to Israel?

The periods of springtime (April and May), as well as autumn (September and October), are the very best time to visit Israel when temperature levels are happily light throughout the country.

Throughout these spring and also fall months put clothes that you can wear in layers, so that whether sunny skies or cool climate you will always be prepared.

Jerusalem and other highland locations are superb in the summer season (June – August) when temperature levels are high with balmy nights, and almost no rain.

Dead Sea Israel
Dead Sea Israel

Tel Aviv and also the far south of the nation are usually several levels warmer, making it the best place to take in the sun’s beachside.

If you intend on seeing the Dead Sea or Negev Desert make sure to put a hat to shield you from the sun.

9. How many days do I need in Israel?

Commonly the length of a trip to Israel is dictated by job getaways or school breaks, meaning there is just a restricted time window.

It is secure to say, nevertheless, that whether you have one week or one month, you won’t come anywhere near to seeing everything this nation has to reveal.

10 days to 2 weeks are probably the most effective length of time to obtain a good feel for Israel, permitting you to visit about and spend a few days in the significant vacationer locations of Jerusalem, the Galilee, the Dead Sea, as well as Tel Aviv.

Understanding exactly how you will certainly get around if you travel to Israel will certainly currently enable you to prepare how you want to break up your trip to Israel.

Dome of the Rock Jerusalem Israel
Dome of the Rock Jerusalem Israel

It really does rely on how much time you have, as to the length of time to spend somewhere.

In 2 weeks, we would recommend that you spend 5 nights in Jerusalem, 2 at the Dead Sea, 3 in Tel Aviv, as well as 4 in the Galilee region.

Eilat takes the very best part of a day to travel to from most of the country, and as a result in 2 weeks, there isn’t really time to get right here, unless you truly wish to!

10. Which are the best places to see when Your visit Israel?

With its attractive beaches, interesting history and also spectacular all-natural landscapes, Israel offers its site visitors a wonderful selection of experiences.

Below’s our overview to 5 must-see locations to see in Israel that will certainly give a peek into the nation’s elegance.

10.1 Jerusalem

Jerusalem is taken into consideration among the globe’s holiest cities, as it is house to vital spiritual websites for three major religious beliefs: Islam, Christianity and Judaism.

Travel to Israel and going to Jerusalem is like travelling back in time.

At the facility you’ll discover the Old City surrounded by a grand wall.

Jerusalem Wall Gate Israel
Jerusalem Wall Gate Israel

Below, visitors can discover a great deal regarding Jerusalem’s religious history by checking out areas such as the Al Aqsa Mosque, the Church of Holy Sepulcher, and also the Western Wall surface.

The Old City of Jerusalem is separated into 4 quarters: the Muslim Quarter, the Armenian Quarter, the Christian quarter and also the Jewish quarter.

When checking out Jerusalem, site visitors should make a trip to one of the museums outside the Old City, such as Yad Vashem, a Holocaust remembrance facility.

10.2 Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv combines unwinding coastlines, a vibrant nightlife, authentic markets, cooking thrills as well as far more. Definitely, it is a must-see city when visit Israel.

The varied culture is really broad-minded, so everybody will have the ability to find their home in Tel Aviv.

Tel Aviv Israel
Tel Aviv Israel

As Israel’s facility of entertainment, Tel Aviv likewise offers a full schedule of events throughout the year.

These consist of the Gay Pride Parade, Purim Street Party as well as Tel Aviv Fashion Week.

10.3 Haifa

Haifa has a range of various communities and also a mix of societies, making it an extremely vibrant place to site visitors.

Haifa Israel Bahai Gardens
Haifa Israel Bahai Gardens

Vacationers can admire the beautiful port and also the vibrant beach, excellent for surfers. And also, they can admire the gorgeous nature Haifa has to offer with its special Bahai Garden.

10.4 Dead Sea

If you travel to Israel you have to visit the Dead Sea!

The lowest factor on earth, at greater than 430 meters (1,412 feet) below the sea level, the Dead Sea is not only enjoyable to drift in, it is also healthy, historic and surrounded by breathtaking appeal.

This endorheic lake is among the saltiest bodies of water on Earth, providing it with the ideal buoyancy for drifting.

Ein Bokek Dead Sea Beach Israel
Ein Bokek Dead Sea Beach Israel

Plus you can cover your body in the healthy and balanced Dead Sea mud to find pure, inner relaxation.

Once in the Dead Sea location, there are two other websites that need to not be missed: Masada, with its historical relevance as well as impressive views, and also Ein Gedi, a water sanctuary in the desert.

10.5 Eilat

After travelling across Israel, absorbing history, nature and also society, Eilat is the ideal destination in which to relax.

Furnished with a great selection of stunning hotels and hotels, this paradise at the really southern of Israel uses many different activities.

Visitors can take diving lessons along the reef and also delight in the spectacular under-water globe of the Red Sea.

Eilat Israel
Eilat Israel

Other activities consist of swimming with dolphins, tasting great food, or having a calmer day at the pool or the coastline.

During the summer season, temperatures can get to highs of over 40 degrees Celsius (104 levels Fahrenheit), and also typical lows of 19 levels Celsius (66.2 levels Fahrenheit) throughout the wintertime.

11. Where to sleep when visit Israel

Undoubtedly where you can stay depends mainly on your budget plan. Travel to Israel is not very cheap but worth every penny!

Hotels in Israel vary from hostels as well as campgrounds, right up to high-end boutique hotels and also transformed estates.

Hotels in Jerusalem vary from a lot of resorts prepared to tourists varying from some prominent, historic buildings, to some cheaper, more generic choices.

Lots of Tel Aviv hotels have, over the last few years, come to be store hotels, whilst there are additionally some wonderful beachfront homes and hostels.

Dead Sea hotels are controlled by spa-style resort hotels, in addition to some wonderful high-quality hostels.

Galilee hotels vary from large resort hotels to the very popular small bed as well as morning meals called Zimmers which can be extremely luxurious, charming and also relaxing!

Here are our proposals for your stay in each of these locations:

11.1 Jerusalem

Orient Jerusalem By Isrotel Exclusive Collection is a luxurious hotel located 2 kilometres away from the Holy Sepulchre.

The hotel is located in the German colony, close to the First Station, a historic train station turned into an entertainment hub.

The architecture of the hotel is charming and unique! Guests can enjoy some quality time at the rooftop pool and bar with amazing views of the Old City.

Relaxing indoor pool, a Turkish bath, a sauna and a great spa are waiting for you after a long and tiring day of exploring the city!

11.2 Tel Aviv

Prima Tel Aviv Hotel is a wonderful 4 stars hotel located close to the city centre with a nice dining area overlooking the sea and is our top choice when travel to Israel.

Dizengoff Street, which is the main shopping street from Tel Aviv is just 5 minutes away from the hotel, with the Marina is 10 minutes walk.

In the room rate, it includes breakfast and also complimentary snacks and wine during the afternoon.

11.3 Haifa

Leonardo Plaza Haifa is our choice for this amazing city when visit Israel.

It is located very close to the beach and offers free parking, an indoor pool and a very tasty restaurant.

I must say that the pool is very interesting. Although it is an indoor pool, during the summer season the roof opens so you can enjoy the summer breeze.

Each Saturdays a guided tour of the city of Haifa is organised while the German Colony can be visited on Friday.

11.4 Dead Sea

Isrotel Dead Sea Hotel is a great 5 stars hotel located right near the Dead Sea and all the rooms are spacious and well maintained, with a nice balcony overlooking the sea.

The hotel offers an outdoor pool, a sauna, a sun terrace and a steam bath. More than that, you have your private beach where you can lay down and relax.

11.5 Eilat

Astral Palma Hotel Eilat is a luxury 5 stars hotel located 500 metres away from the beach in the town of Eilat.

The hotel is located right near a mall, has a private dock and a huge terrace.

There are two pools inside the resort, one for adults and one for children. The hosts are really friendly and nice, while the food is tasty and fresh.

Are you ready to travel to Israel? Keep in mind that Israelis are really hospitable people and they will do everything they can to help you and please you!

I wish you a pleasant holiday and don’t forget to share with us your adventure!

Logistical tips and tricks for your trip

Book your accommodation

We always use Booking.com as they have the best price-quality ratio and they offer a wide range of hotels, guesthouses, apartments, and villas to choose from.

You will find here all types of accommodations, from the cheapest ones to the most luxurious.

Don't forget travel insurance

We never leave home without HeyMondo Insurance or Safety Wings Insurance as they offer the best services and a good value for money, plus COVID coverage.

When we go for longer trips around the world we get Globelink Insurance as it offers a good cover for an affordable price.

Travel insurance will always protect you against unexpected events and cost like illness, COVID, injury, theft, or travel cancellation.

We never go on any trip without travel insurance and there were many cases when we had to use it.

Renting a car
We like to explore a country on our own and a car gives us the mobility and freedom to do that.

We always rent our car from Discovercars as they have free cancellation 48 hours prior to starting date and a wide range of car rental companies and options to choose from all over the world.

Tours and attractions
When we are looking for some adventure or we simply want to break up the monotony and discover new places, we always use GetYourGuide.

We love it because we always find the most amazing experiences, with free cancellation and a large variety of activities and tours to choose from.

Airplane tickets and holiday packages
Expedia is our ally when searching for the best price for airplane tickets as it works as an aggregator for a huge number of airlines and we always find the best price for our flights.

Travel tip: use Expedia when you are searching for holiday packages as they have many last-minute offers and great discounts for hotels, flights, and even the whole holiday packages.