December 3rd 2019
Just south of Jerusalem, in the rolling Judean Hills, are a group of settlements collectively known as Gush Etzion. This beautiful agricultural region is filled with ancient historical sites and stories stretching back to Biblical times. It was in these very hills where the Patriarchs walked and where pilgrims travelled to the Holy City. Today, […]
November 19th 2019
Some of Israel’s most fascinating and ancient archaeological sites can be found in what today is called the Golan Heights. Far back in Biblical history, the region was referred to as “Bashan” and during the First Temple era was ruled in part by the Jewish kingdom of Israel. The modern term “Golan” is derived from […]
November 11th 2019
The north of Israel has seen its fair share of conflict and war. From the long-forgotten battles between ancient empires (such as at Tel Megiddo) to the military confrontations still within living memory (including the Six-Day War), the northern hills have seen it all. And it’s in this region where numerous war memorials can be […]
November 5th 2019
The north of Israel is hill country. From Mount Carmel on the coast to the mountains of the Golan in the east, there are resplendent elevated landscapes that have played an important part in the human history of this area. And it’s from some of these high positions, in the form of lookouts, where you […]
October 28th 2019
Mountains, snow, and skiing – three words usually associated with countries other than Israel. Yet the Holy Land is blessed with a diverse landscape and in the far north of the country, visitors can climb mountain peaks, go skiing, and see snow nearly every day of the year. The mountain peaks, collectively known as Mount […]
October 22nd 2019
Picture Jerusalem and you’re likely to visualize the beautiful cityscape of the Holy City, including the Western Wall and Temple Mount. You might also think of the Mount of Olives, the bustling Shuk, or the ancient winding streets inside the Jewish Quarter. Yet just beneath the surface are a number of fascinating below-ground attractions, which […]
October 14th 2019
Jerusalem in the rain is a beautiful sight, and for Jerusalemites, a most welcome one. It doesn’t rain a lot in Israel, compared to elsewhere in the world but when it does, it can really pour. These winter “rains of blessing” are vital for Israel’s overall water supply, so few locals complain. However, for tourists, […]
October 2nd 2019
Summers in Israel can be very hot, and for many people, the heat and near-constant sunshine can be a little too much. This is especially the case for the elderly, infirm, and the very young. That’s why many visitors choose to arrive in the cooler months of the winter season. If you’re planning to tour […]
September 24th 2019
Ancient aqueducts are ubiquitous throughout the Holy Land yet if you don’t know where to look, they are easy to miss. These man-made water supply channels were developed throughout different eras in Israel’s history, from the Iron age through to the Hellenistic period and most notably, the period of Roman rule, when the systems were […]
September 14th 2019
After spending some time in modern Tel Aviv it can be easy to forget just how significant the nearby ancient coastline really is. Israel’s central plain has been inhabited for more than five and a half thousand years, through many different eras and civilizations. And you can gain a sense of this history when traveling […]
September 8th 2019
Israel’s ancient history stretches back millennia. Nearly every footstep you take when you visit the Holy Land is a step that has been walked by famous names from throughout the ages. Whether you are visiting the capital Jerusalem or touring sites in the Galilee, Golan, or Negev, the rich historical narratives of the ancient peoples […]
August 30th 2019
The ancient city of Haifa, situated on the slopes of Mount Carmel in northern Israel, affords visitors an array of great photo opportunities. Perched on a mountainside overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, Israel’s third city contains both resplendent photogenic backdrops and a fascinating cultural mix of peoples and sights. Haifa is home to both Jews […]
August 28th 2019
In the rolling hills of the Upper Galilee lies the beautiful ancient city of Safed – known locally as Tzfat. It’s the highest city in all of Israel and is considered one of the nation’s four holiest cities to Jews. Safed is distinctive, not only for its elevation but also for its mystical importance and […]
August 14th 2019
My wife and I just returned from the 15 Day Jewish Heritage Tour with Shalom Israel Tours. We have traveled fairly extensively over the years but this trip will rate as one of the best we have ever been on. We researched various companies before booking with Shalom because their itinerary was very extensive. From […]
August 14th 2019
Before the era of flight, the sea was the primary route for visitors to reach the Holy Land. Israel’s ancient port cities were bustling entry and exit points for many different peoples throughout the ages. From soldiers, scholars, and traders to pilgrims, clergy, and returning exiles, the port cities of Jaffa, Caesarea, and Akko were […]
August 1st 2019
Israel is blessed with a diverse landscape. From the plains and deserts in the south to the rolling green hills and snowy peaks in the north, for such a small country it has nearly everything. When it comes to taking great photos, there are so many wonderful backdrops. Israel’s desert regions are particularly beautiful. They […]
July 24th 2019
One of the most photographed cities in the world is Jerusalem. And for good reason. It’s a city of beauty in every way, from the majestic architecture nestled in the rolling Judean Hills to the ancient history that can be felt in every footstep. It’s no wonder Jerusalem is the perfect Instagram backdrop for millions […]
July 15th 2019
Noam.armonn [CC BY-SA 3.0] It’s difficult not to feel the momentous history in the air when visiting Jaffa Port. Considered to be one of the oldest ports in the world, dating back 7000 years, it’s also mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, most notably in the Book of Jonah. It’s long and varied history as a […]
July 9th 2019
Ron Henzel [CC BY-SA 3.0] On November 4, 1995, in the Kings of Israel Square in Tel Aviv, a horrific event took place. Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated at the end of a peace rally, shocking the nation and the world. Shortly after the tragedy, the square in which the rally took place […]
July 1st 2019
The Neve Tsedek Neighborhood of Tel Aviv The Neve Tzedek neighborhood of Tel Aviv is the oldest in the entire city. The first settlements were built by Mizrahi Jews who sought to escape the overcrowding in nearby Jaffa, and the district predates the formal creation of Tel Aviv in 1909. Today Neve Tzedek is one […]
