Israel Holidays

Israel is a strong contender for the title of hottest travel destination in the world right now. That might sound a touch hyperbolic, but when one is talking about a country that divides opinion so dramatically, it feels entirely apt. As a company that is entirely apolitical and passionate about fascinating destinations, and the incredible people who inhabit them, we would urge you to consider Israel holidays and - crucially - to look to include the Palestinian West Bank as well, and to reserve judgement until you have been. In Jerusalem you will witness Jews pressing prayers into the Wailing Wall, Muslims answering the call to prayer at the al-Aqsa Mosque, and Christians tiptoeing into the Holy Sepulchre to kneel at the tomb of Jesus - this place isn't called The Holy Land for nothing - but beyond the places of prayer and ancient stories, in Tel Aviv you can party all night long or you can drift away dreamily as you float upon the Dead Sea.

What can you find in Israel that you won’t find elsewhere?

Israel bridges western and eastern cultures - few countries boast such a rich history, weaving together the stories of Assyrians, Persians, Romans, Byzantines and Sassanids. Each of these cultures have left their own mark upon the land. It’s impossible to talk of Israel without mentioning religion, since the Old City of Jerusalem is still so sacred for the three monotheistic religions. Beyond the borders of religion and the epic tales of Middle Eastern history, Israel enjoys a thriving modern beach scene, especially in Tel Aviv with its seaside promenades and hip little restaurants that echo the laid-back vibes of California cool.

Who are Israel holidays best for?

Israel boasts a multi-faceted experience for travellers whether you are seeking seaside charm, a slice of history, or geopolitical discovery. For the history buffs, the sites of Herod’s port in Caesarea, Acre, Beit She’an or Capernaum are all worth visiting. Those who are interested in learning more about the politics of Israel should be sure to make the journey to Golan Heights, Neve Shalom and Jerusalem. To delve deeper into the religious narratives, then head to Haifa, or the largest Kabbalah centre in Safed. Families will also find their fill of fun in Israel, especially as family is so celebrated here and the weather knocks the British weather into a cocked hat, all just five hours away with daily direct flights. Leaf through the Museum of Comics in Tel Aviv and head to the vast and wild Biblical Zoo in Jerusalem. For chic city lovers, Tel Aviv will not disappoint – it's young, bright, lively and brimming with art galleries, beautiful beaches and chic cafes.

What are the best ways to discover Israel?

Small but packed to the brim, you can unravel plenty with just four days in Tel Aviv, barely a one camel town a century ago but which has now swallowed up the ancient and still charming port of Jaffa. Discover the beautiful Bauhaus buildings, head out to the more traditional corners of Jaffa, splurge on designer goods at the city’s chic shopping centres, sip wine at a local exposition opening, and then laugh and linger over a delicious dinner, at one of the many glorious buzzing restaurants.

Jerusalem can also be explored in four days, giving you a chance to get right into the nooks and crannies of the old town, along with strolling through the new. When the sun sinks, the evenings here take on a festive approach and the market is a must see.

Heighten your understanding of the culture and country by travelling north, as the country offers easy proximity from one place to another, it shouldn’t be difficult to enjoy a rich and full experience of what Israel has to offer. Away from the cities, and despite a sizeable population in a relatively small area, Israel has many areas of staggering beauty and remoteness such as the Negev Desert, which remains home to Bedouin settlements, and the freakish phenomenon of the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth.

Special things to do in Israel

- Israel is a country that engenders a strange sense of reassurance, even in first time visitors. After all, anyone raised in a Christian country will have a certain innate familiarity with place names such as Nazareth, or Bethlehem and Jericho in the Palestinian West Bank. On the subject, no visit to the Holy Land is complete without a visit to the West Bank, even if just for a day trip to Bethlehem, where we would always recommend seeing more than just the Church of the Nativity with your Palestinian guide.

- Feast on fresh falafel in the back streets of Jerusalem, or for a more authentic experience, share a shabbat meal with a local family. Don’t leave Israel without waking up early one morning and heading to the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem for impeccable views of the sun rising over the jangled rooftops of the old town.

- Jerusalem is part Israel, part Palestinian West Bank, all enigma. No city comes close to matching Jerusalem for heritage, mystique and convoluted history, and we only work with the most accomplished guides who can bring this highly complex and highly rewarding place vividly to life. Put simply, this small sliver of Eastern Mediterranean Holy Land packs more of a historical punch than any place on the planet.