Area

Geography

Israel – is a country in Western Asia located on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. It borders Lebanon in the north, Syria in the northeast, Jordan in the east, and Egypt on the southwest, and contains geographically diverse features within its relatively small area. Also adjacent are the West Bank to the east and Gaza Strip to the southwest.

Climate

Israel has both a Mediterranean and desert climate, with a pleasant spring and autumn. Winters in the north can be cool with widespread rainfall, particularly in Jerusalem. Snow is rare, although the slopes of Mount Hermon in the north have year-round patches of snow. Summers can be very hot, especially in the south.

Visa

For our citizens visa is required!

Custom

The following goods may be imported into Israel without incurring customs duty (alcohol and tobacco can only be imported by persons aged 17 years and over): 250 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco products; 1 litre of spirits and 2 litres of wine; 250ml of eau de cologne or perfume; gifts up to the value of US$150.

The following items may be imported and re-exported for personal use: one video camera, one photographic camera, one movie camera, one tape recorder and up to a value of US$250 in film and video cassettes. These items are subject to high deposits paid in either cash or Visa credit card only. For flowers, plants and seeds, a health certificate is required.

Prohibited items are fresh meat, bananas and pineapples; fruit and vegetables from the African continent; and dogs and cats aged less than three months.

Import and export of currency is unlimited.

Sightseeing

Jerusalem

Jerusalem is a fascinating city whether you are shopping, dining, marvelling at historical sites or making a religious pilgrimage. For many faiths, it is one of the most revered cities on Earth. Well known attractions include the Wailing Wall, the Dome of the Rock and the Israel Museum which houses the Dead Sea Scrolls. Visitors can tour Mount Zion and the Tomb of David, follow the Way of the Cross and enter the Church of the Holy Scripture. Excursions to three important sites are to the Abu Ghush, En Karem and the Hill of Rachel.

The Christian Quarter inside Jerusalem's walled Old City holds the most important Christian church, the Holy Sepulchre, and a number of monasteries, archaeological sites, and shrines along the Via Dolorosa. It is also an exotic shopping area with hundreds of stores along narrow, enclosed pathways. Prepare to bargain, don't rush, and do accept a cup of tea or coffee offered by some shop owners.

The newly restored Jewish Quarter includes a residential area, ancient and modern synagogues, archaeological sites, and shops selling books, certified antiquities, art, and Judaica. The Quarter's most famous landmark is the destroyed Hurva Synagogue, surmounted by a wide arch. The square provides a small playground, and leading off it is the Cardo, the Wohl Archaeological Museum, and Burnt House. From here you can also get to the medieval remains of Saint Mary of the Germans, and the broad stairway that leads to the Western Wall. Many cafes and Falafel stands will help sustain you as you explore this vibrant community.

Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv is an exciting city bustling with commerce, culture, nightlife and sandy beaches. The Museum of the Diaspora is internationally famous, presenting fascinating insights into Jewish history and culture. The colourful Carmel Market is a popular place to visit. Classical music fans will delight in the regular performances of the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra, drawing audiences from all over the world. The Jaffa Port, situated a mile from the city, is one of the oldest ports in the world with archaeological finds dating back to the third century BC. Jaffa also has a nice beach, the fabulous Old Jaffa flea market and vibrant nightlife.

Resorts

Dead Sea (Ein Bokek)

Ein Bobek is the biggest and most developed therapeutic complex along the entire Dead Sea coast. With luxury hotels, numerous clinics and spas, hot springs, shopping malls, restaurants and bars, it exists purely for the relaxation and enjoyment. The Dead Sea is renowned for its rejuvenating and therapeutic benefits, having more minerals and salt than any other body of water in the world. There are many other activities on offer such as jeep tours, camel rides, mountain biking, rappelling, hiking, desert barbecues and Bedouin feasts.

Perched on a cliff on the left bank of the Dead Sea, stands the ancient palace ruins of King Herod, Masada Palace. It can be reached by cable car or a meandering footpath, granting a stunning view of the Dead Sea and pink mountains of Moab.

Another interesting sight around the Dead Sea is Mount Sodom, a 13km mountain range comprised of pure salt which has many caves with extraordinary hanging salt formations. Also in the area is Qumran, the place where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered by a shepherd in 1947. Excavations at the site found more than 900 pieces of scrolls in more than 30 caves. These relics can be seen at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem.

Float in the Dead Sea. World famous for its therapeutic benefits, the Dead Sea has more minerals and salt than any other body of water in the world. People come from all over the globe to soak and effortlessly float in its soothing water. Many health spas are in the area offering a range of treatments utilizing Dead Sea salt, mud and minerals. Truly a treat!

Eilat (Red Sea)

Israel's southernmost city Eilat, sits on the tip of the Red Sea. A popular year-round resort area, many tourists flock to Eilat to enjoy world-class diving, sunbathing and the exotic beauty of the landscape. The most pleasant time of year to visit is in the winter when temperatures average 22°C. Summertime can often exceed 40°C. However, the relatively cool and clean waters of the Red Sea make it a favourite tourist attraction.

Go Diving in the Red Sea. The town of Eilat sits on the Red Sea, renowned for its clear water and vibrant marine life. Enjoy a dive, snorkel, swim or simply relax on the beach at this popular resort area.

Netanya

Netanya's long seashore of sandy beaches has made the town a very popular tourist resort. In March 2006, American property tycoon, Donald Trump, announced plans for a new hotel in Netanya. In addition, Netanya is home to the Poleg Nature Reserve and the beautiful Irises Dora Rainpool nature parks. The Irises Park contains the world's largest population of a species of iris flowers (iris atropurpurea).