Israel: country overview

With no-frills flights from the UK, fascinating history and majestic religious ruins – this dazzling destination has it all and more. Jeannine Williamson takes you on a tour

This month marks Israel’s 60th anniversary of independence, with celebrations planned in Jewish communities across the world.

Located at the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea, bordered by Syria, Jordan, Egypt and Lebanon, the conflict on the Palestinian-controlled Gaza Strip dominates media coverage – but that is just a tiny part of the country.

Israel welcomed nearly 2.3 million visitors in 2007, a 24% increase in the total market, with UK visitors rising by 7%.

Thomsonfly launched the first no-frills flights last winter and BMI followed suit in March, while Page and Moy’s first eight-day tour of the Holy Land for winter 2008 sold out by spring.

And with the Israel government tourist office planning a UK-wide advertising campaign, visitor numbers to the destination look set to increase further.

Tel Aviv

What to see? A vibrant 24-hour city, with a fantastic nightlife. Buzzing Sheinkin Street has wall-to-wall cafes and funky boutiques. Quieter Neve Tzedek, Tel Aviv’s first Jewish quarter, is a trendy district.

At the end of the 10-mile golden beach is the ancient Arab port of Jaffa, a charming labyrinth of winding streets and artists’ galleries.

Dead Sea

What to see? A highlight of any trip is the salty Dead Sea, the lowest geographic point on Earth at 416 metres below sea level. Who can resist floating on the water reading a newspaper or smothering themselves in gloopy mud?

Must-see sights include Qumran, where the ancient Dead Sea scrolls were found, and Masada, the impressive ruins of King Herod’s mountaintop fortress.

>>Search all Dead Sea articles on Travel Weekly

Jerusalem

What to see? With more than 3,000 years of history, Israel’s capital, largest city and spiritual centre to Judaism, Christianity and Islam is an amazing destination.

The first stop should be the Mount of Olives for a panoramic view before exploration of the maze of streets that make up the three distinctive religious quarters – all leading to the Western or Wailing Wall, Jerusalem’s holiest site.

>>Search all Jerusalem articles in Travel Weekly

Galilee

What to see? With stunning sunsets over the Sea of Galilee, this beautiful area with its strong biblical links is one of the country’s most popular destinations.

Nazareth, said to be the childhood home of Jesus, and Israel’s largest Arab city, is bustling. Israel is the world’s oldest wine-growing region and Galilee is famous for its vineyards.

>>Search all Galilee articles in Travel Weekly

Eilat

What to see? The cosmopolitan Red Sea resort, between Egypt and Jordan and cut off from the rest of Israel by the Negev desert, is a total contrast to the country’s historic and spiritual sites.

With a warm climate year-round, the holiday playground boasts luxury hotels and spas, with excursions for those who want to head to the desert and surrounding hills.

>>Search all Eilat articles in Travel Weekly

>> Search all Israel articles in Travel Weekly