israel travel blog 2022

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Israel Itinerary: Your 7 Day Travel Guide

By Helene Sula

Israel is an incredibly diverse landscape of Biblical sites, deserts, mountains, and lush greenery. With so much beauty, history, and culture, it can be hard to know where to start. If you're planning a trip to Israel, this guide will help you plan your perfect itinerary!

This travel guide to Israel is for a 7-day itinerary, but I've got options for both shorter and longer trips.

Though it's a small country, about the size of New Jersey, Israel has had a huge impact on the world. Because it's a place brimming with technology and innovation in Tel Aviv and the Biblical sites in Jerusalem, it's on many people's bucket lists. I discovered there's much more to Israel than just these two amazing cities.

Israel is one of the most important religious places for three different religions: Jews, Christians, and Muslims, which means many religious and non-religious people find this area fascinating. Tracing the history back through landmarks of some of the most significant events, traveling here brings the history books to life.

Here's your perfect Israel Itinerary

Day 1: tel aviv & jaffa, day 2: mediterranean coast: caesara national park, tulip winery, akko, tiberias, day 3: tiberias, sea of galilee, magdala, mount of beatitudes, capernaum, tabgha, golan heights, day 4: jesus baptism site at the jordan river, the dead sea, qumran, day 5: jerusalem, day 6: jerusalem, day 7: tel aviv, extra time, how long to stay in israel, is israel safe, what to pack for israel, when to go to israel, things to know before you go to israel.

Israel Overview

Day 1: Tel Aviv and Jaffa

Day 6: Jerusalem and Tel Aviv

Start your trip in Tel Aviv. This city is known as the “Silicon Wadi” because of its booming high-tech industry. It's a young and vibrant city with a lot to offer including great nightlife, beaches, and restaurants. While there, be sure to check out some of the famous tourist sites like the Old Jaffa Port, the Carmel Market, and Bauhaus architecture.

Jaffa is one of the oldest cities in the world at over 4,000 years old! It's a city with a lot of character, so just walking around is a great way to explore. Traverse the narrow, winding streets and browse the art galleries, cafes, and shops.

If you like graffiti and murals, check out the unique Florentin neighborhood. This is where you'll find some of the best street art in Tel Aviv. Next, you'll find the Bauhaus construction along Rothschild Boulevard in the “White City.” Lovely homes with clean lines are constructed in rows. This is the largest single urban ensemble of Modern architecture in the world and the first modern city in Israel.

Drive North along the coast to visit some of the Roman ruins at Caesara National Park . This is a beautiful spot for hiking, picnicking, and swimming. The park is located on the Mediterranean coast and has stunning views.

This is where you'll find the ruins of the port city that King Herod built. Right on the water you'll find mosaic floors and even an amphitheater that's still in use today.

Afterwards, head to the Tulip Winery for a tour and tasting. Not only is the wine delicious and unique, there's a purpose behind it. The winery works with a community of special needs individuals to help produce the wine. The distinctive wine is absolutely the best I had on the trip. I was so impressed with their mission in helping the community.

Next, stop is Akko . This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a lot of history. Akko is an old city with a Crusader past. It's now a peaceful place with a beautiful harbor.

The old city of Akko is surrounded by fortifications and is a great place to explore. Head down into the walls' tunnels to discover the Ethnographic Museum and tour of the Hospitallers Order's Fortress from the Crusader period. Discover the amazing ruins of a long-forgotten order, as well as restored and spectacularly reconstructed areas, courtyards, and streets that have been lost for centuries but are now being revitalized to tell their story.

Akko also has colorful markets, museums, beaches, a fishermen’s port, marina, and plenty of seafood restaurants making it a great place to explore.

End your day in Tiberius , located on the Sea of Galilee. This is a great spot to relax and enjoy the views.

A great place to eat in Tiberius is Deck's Restaurant for lots of tasty meat and seafood options.

From Tiberius we drove over to Magdala . This is where Mary Magdalene is from. Here, there's a brand new hotel for the many people who make the pilgrimage here.

Located near the shores of the Sea of Galilee, Magdala was fishing village which had a synagogue. Uncovered in 2009, archaeologists discovered the presence of a Jewish community in Magdala by discovering the First Century Synagogue. This synagogue is one of seven in the world and the best preserved today.

Most notably, archeologists found the Magdala Stone, a discovery they have quoted to be, “one of the most significant finds in the past 50 years.” Here, Jesus taught, healed and preached.

Next we headed to Mount of Beatitudes , the place where Jesus is said to have given the Sermon on the Mount.

This is a beautiful and peaceful spot overlooking the Sea of Galilee. Whether or not if you're religious, this is a spiritual place to reflect.

Tabgha is another tourist stop on the Sea of Galilee. Here is where you'll find the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes . The mosaics here are beautiful and this is the spot where Jesus multiplied the fish and bread to feed the multitude of people.

Make sure to stop at the museum to see the Ancient Galilee Boat , also known at the Jesus Boat from the 1st century AD! Discovered in 1986 on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee the boat was carbon dated to near the time when Jesus was living and working as a fisherman on the sea.

Next, we drove to Capernaum , which is considered by many as Jesus’ home base during his Galilean ministry since it’s mentioned so often in the New Testament.

This fishing village was where Jesus was staying, preaching, and performing miracles. The remains that were found are extensive. There are huge temple ruins as well as outlines of homes. Here is where Jesus collected disciples, as Jesus was said to be a fisher of men. All the disciples were fisherman except Matthew, who was a tax collector and Judas who wasn't from Capernaum.

This is where you'll find the remains of a synagogue and Peter's house.

We rounded out our day in the Golan Heights , where we shockingly saw snow on the hillsides!

Golan Heights is a shockingly beautiful place with epic viewpoints and gorgeous landscapes. 

Next we went to a truly moving spot, Eli Cohen Bunker. Today, you can see the former Syrian bunkers that remain on the Golan Heights from 1967 (as well as the tanks from 1973).

Eli Cohen played a major role in spying for Israel in 1961–65 in Syria, where he developed close relationships with the Syrian political and military hierarchy. (There's a great Netflix series called “The Spy” that I highly recommend!).

This is an incredibly moving experience to see and learn about what happened here as well as the story of Eli Cohen.

Cap your day off with some delicious hot chocolate at De Karina .

It's a bit of a dispute as to where Jesus was baptized, we went to the Baptism site in Jordan as well as Israel. But no matter where you are, it's a moving experience to go to the Jordan River and dip your hand in the water where he was baptized.

A beautiful place to visit in addition to the Baptismal site is Yardenit Baptismal site is a beautiful place where many Christians come to get baptized.

Next, we headed to a Kibbutz, which are communal settlements in Israel here traditionally all wealth is held in common and profits are reinvested in the settlement. Ein Geddi Hotel and Kibbutz has a beautiful botanical garden, spa, and a place for retreats.

The next stop is the famous Dead Sea ! The water is incredibly salty and you can't help but float. In fact, it's important that you don't get the water in your mouth!

There's also black mud that is said to have healing properties. So make sure to cover yourself in it! You can find this mud at most of the spas near the Dead Sea. We headed to Kalia Beach where you can float like a cork and experience the true feeling of weightlessness.

Because the water is so salty, you'll float easily! You can watch me float here !

Wadi Felt Viewpoint is said to be the setting for Psalm 23:4 “the Valley of the Shadow of Death.” This is a beautiful spot to see the Wadi Qelt gorge. 

Lastly, we went to Qumran , the place where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered!

The Dead Sea Scrolls are a collection of 972 ancient manuscripts that were found in the Qumran Caves in 1947. They are the oldest known copies of the Hebrew Bible and date back to 400 BCE. The scrolls were written by the Essenes, a Jewish religious sect who lived in Qumran from the 2nd century BCE to the 1st century CE.

You can see some of the scrolls on display at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, but it's really cool to see where they were found!

We ended our day in Jerusalem so we could get up early the next day and explore.

Make sure you leave time for Jerusalem because there's an immense amount to see. I'd recommend at least 2 days here to get a grasp of everything you need to see and do.

First stop is the Hill of Golgatha . You'll get an incredible view of the Old City of Jerusalem from here. It's also known as the place of the Skull because it is said that this is where Jesus was crucified.

The Mount of Olives is crowded with churches and home to the world's oldest continuously used cemetery, which makes it a must-see for religious tourists to Jerusalem. Even the nonreligious may enjoy the breathtaking city views from the peak.

This is where Jesus ascended to heaven after his crucifixion and subsequent resurrection.

The Church of the Ascension , perched on top of the mount, was built in 1910 and offers spectacular views of Jerusalem.

The Church of the Pater Noster , built near to the site where Jesus instructed and gathered his disciples.

Then there is the Church of Dominus Flevit is which is supposedly built over the site where Jesus wept for Jerusalem. Built in 1955 in the ancient Byzantine style by Christian’s, its called the weeping church or the church of the tear, because there are 4 corners that have places for offerings which look like urns or tears.

Church of Mary Magdalene is a Orthodox Christian church located on the slope of the Mount of Olives, directly across the Kidron Valley from the Temple Mount. The church was built in 1888 by Tsar Alexander III and his brothers to honor their mother, Empress Maria Alexandrovna of Russia who was killed by Rasputin.

The Gardens of Gethsemane is a beautiful garden among a grove of olive trees thought to be the place where Jesus suffered agony in the garden and was arrested before his crucifixion.

For the Greek Orthodox, the Virgin Mary's tomb is located in the Church of All Nations . The interior of the church is amazing with hanging lanterns all around. 

Church of the Holy Sepulchre is perhaps the most important spot for Christians as this is where Jesus died on the cross and was buried and resurrected. Make sure you leave at least 30 minutes to an hour to explore here as you can walk inside Jesus' tomb and see the slab where he was laid after his crucifixion.

The next stop is the Wailing Wall , or the Western Wall, which is the holiest site in Judaism. It is a remnant of the Second Temple and is a place where Jews come to pray.

There are separate sides for men and women. You'll see people praying and placing notes in the cracks of the wall. I recommend writing a note and placing it in the wall yourself. It's truly a moving experience.

Then we went to the Western Wall Museum . I highly recommend this. In fact, this is one of my favorite things I did on the trip. This underground tour helps give you a much better overview of the history of the wall, the people that come to pray, and why this place is so important.

What we see of the Western Wall is such a tiny amount, going to this museum helps us understand the impact on so many today.

Make sire you head to the  Jerusalem Archaeological Park , at the south end of the Western Wall Plaza, where archaeologists have found incredible remnants of old Jerusalem.

We walked up Via Dolorosa Street , the same pathway Jesus walked to be crucified. This is where you can see the fourteen stations of the cross marked. On the way, you'll also see the Chapel of Flagellation , Station 2, where Jesus is believe to have been flogged.

Lastly, stop in the Room of the Last Supper , also called the Cenacle. This is located on an upper floor of King David's Tomb, this is considered to be one of the holiest sites in Jerusalem.

We spent the early part of the day taking the Rampart Walk . To reach it walk through Jaffa Gate, one of the main Gates to the Old City of Jerusalem. The Rampart Walk is a path that goes along the top of the Old City walls and offers incredible views.

Make sure you stop at one of the several lookout points to get a view of the entire city. You can also see the Mount of Olives and the Dome on the Rock from here.

We then went up to Dome on the Rock . There is a roof on the entrance and you'll go through security in order to reach the Dome. You cannot go inside unless you're Muslim, but it's a beautiful and ornate place to view from the outside.

According to Jews, Christians, and Muslims, this is the spot where Abraham (father of all three monotheistic faiths) offered his son as a sacrifice to God, where Solomon constructed the First Temple for the Ark of the Covenant, and where Prophet Muhammad is said to have ascended to heaven during his early years of preaching Islam.

It is a holy site for people of faith, and it's been the scene of many a religious quarrel over who rightfully owns this area.

Jerusalem's most famous monument, the Dome of the Rock, is encircled by a vast plaza that extends south from the Old City. The sacred stone under the golden dome where Jews and Muslims believe Abraham offered his son to God and where Muslims believe the Prophet Muhammad began his journey to heaven.

The Al-Aqsa Mosque , on the southern slope of the mount, is one of the world's oldest mosques.

Jerusalem is broken up into different quarters: Christian, Muslim, Jewish, and Armenian. Despite being tightly packed, they each are distinct from one another. Make sure to leave time to visit each.

The Armenian Patriarchate Road is the main thoroughfare of the Old City's tiny Armenian Quarter. The St. James Cathedral and St. Mark's Chapel can be found within the winding pathways of this district, which receive significantly less traffic than other sites in the city.

Cap the day off by heading to the Israel Museum . This houses incredible collections including the Dead Sea Scrolls. I also recommend Yad Vashem museum, which is a memorial complex to Holocaust victims. A moving and important museum that share stories, memories, and the resilience of the Jews during the Holocaust.

Jerusalem is vast and there's so much to see and do in this one city. I spent two days but could have easily stayed more. We headed back to Tel Aviv that night and spent the night here.

On our last day we explored more of Tel Aviv! Since Jerusalem is stepped in religious history, this was the best way to end the trip. We explored Carmel Market , one of the oldest and most popular markets, or Shuk Hacarmel, in Tel Aviv.

You'll find spices, nuts, dried fruit, olives, cheese, fish, meat, and much more. It's a great place to do some souvenir shopping for foodie friends back home.

Make sure you get some pomegranate juice, halva, and, you really can't leae without trying “malawach.” The lively and delicious malawach stand is a place I recommend you go back to again and again! This is a Yemenite dish served on a spongy bread called lachuch with tahini, tomato, egg, meat and spices.

Also, make sure to try the cauliflower! It's delicious!

Check out the Tel Aviv Museum of Art . the leader for Israel's contemporary art scene with works from Picasso, Van Gogh, Degas, Monet and more!

Stroll Rothschild Boulveard to see some of Tel Aviv's finest Bauhaus architecture. Make sure to pop in to different cafes, restaurants, boutiques, and even hidden bars!

Leave some extra time to take in the beach at sunset or relax at one of the beach bars. Its the best way to unwind!

Head to Masada ! This is an ancient fortress located on a plateau in the Judean Desert. It was the last stronghold of the Jews during the Great Revolt against the Romans.

The Jews of Masada committed mass suicide rather than surrender and suffer humiliation by Emperor Vespasian's troops, taking their families with them.

The best way to see Masada is to take the cable car up and then hike down. There are also ranger-led tours available.

Or, stay longer in Jerusalem . Outside the Old City's Damascus Gate is East Jerusalem, which has a largely Arab population. The cave system known as Solomon's Quarries runs under the city beneath the gardens at the base of the wall. According to ancient mythology, this was where Jerusalem's stone for its First Temple was quarried.

I also recommend spending some extra time in Tel Aviv as there are tons of things to see and do here.

I would recommend staying in Israel for at least a week. This will give you enough time to see all of the main sights and do some exploring. If you have more time, you can explore more of Tel Aviv or places like Masada.

For the most part: yes. However, there are things to note about safety while traveling like many other places. Israel, now and in the past has dealt with terror attacks and that's important to recognize. So yes, you need to be aware of your surroundings. As a woman I felt very safe walking around Israel.

Israel is considered a safe country to travel to. However, as with any destination, it is important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings. Petty crime such as pick-pocketing and theft does occur, so be sure to keep your belongings close and secure.

When traveling to Israel, it is important to be respectful of religious customs and sites. Remember that this is a holy land for many different religions and be considerate of others.

Many wonder what you need to wear in Israel. Israel does not have the same customs as nearby Middle Eastern countries, you don't need to worry about covering up. The only time you do is if visiting Temple Mount in Jerusalem – you'll need to wear pants or a skirt and to cover your shoulders.

It can get cool at night and very hot in the summer.

I recommend the Fall or Spring time to visit to avoid the heat. It's also a good idea to note when religious holidays take place like Passover and Ramadan. Things can be closed or crowded.

English is widely spoken, while Hebrew and Arabic are the official languages in Israel. Most people speak English but it's nice to know a few Hebrew words like “shalom” for hello, and “toda” for thank you.

Many places take credit cards, but in the markets cash is preferred. The “Shekel” is the currency but many places actually take American dollars.

Israel is unlike any place I've ever visited. With modern restaurants and nightlife along with history steeped in religion and traditions that make you feel like you've stepped back in time.

The history here is some of the most significant and important in the world. Jerusalem is the holiest place on earth with the Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre where Jesus died on the cross and Temple Mount. But there's many more places with important history like the Sea of Galilee, Qumran National Park, and Caesarea. If biblical sites are important to you Israel really can't be beat.

Bottom line: if you're interested in history, religious significant sites, natural beauty and culture I think you should visit Israel. In general, I believe in visiting most places in order to gain an understanding and to learn. Destinations which are often in the news are worth visiting so you can form your own opinions.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Helene Sula

I believe that one trip can change your life. It did for me. I'm a self proclaimed home body that quit her job, moved abroad, and more often than not, lives out of a carry-on bag. If I'm not traveling, I'm most likely re-reading Harry Potter or watching "Midnight in Paris" while snuggling my dogs. I'm a digital marketing expert who turned my love of travel into a full-time career. And I help others do it too.

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Israel Travel Blog

Israel is a vibrant country located in the Middle East. It has something for everyone – backpackers, couples, solo travelers, luxury travelers, etc.

Israel offers several experiences – from city life to beach vibes, from jeep trip to soaking in the Dead sea, from rich history to amazing outdoor activities, from Christian sites to delicious food tours – you should find something that suits your needs and interests.

If you’re planning your first trip to Israel, this guide should answer any questions you may have. We’ll talk about travel facts, the best time to visit Israel, the best destinations, travel costs, travel essentials and how to prepare for your trip.

Best Time to Visit Israel

Israel is a relatively small country and depending on when you travel there, you may be facing different types of seasons. We decided to split this section into two sections to help you understand the seasons:

Top Destinations in Israel

Jerusalem (Palestine)

Makhtesh Ramon

Israel Travel Tips & Costs

In this section, you’ll find general information on costs and how to prepare for your trip. Finally, you will find a table that will provide an overview of cost and options depending on your travel budget.

Accommodation

In Israel, you’ll find several options when it comes to accommodation. Although, you should know that Israel is not the cheapest country to travel to. You can find dorms starting at $15 per night.

When it comes to food, you can find different types of restaurants and markets. The average price of a meal is around ILS 40. Obviously, you may find elegant restaurants around the country when you can pay more if you wish to. The cheapest options are usually in small local restaurants and in the markets.

Some activities such as street art spotting or beach bumming are free. Although, if you’re planning on visiting Christian landmarks, learning to cook traditional dishes, renting a car and exploring or attending a guided sunrise hike, you will have to pay for it. You can browse activities in Israel here to have an idea of the costs.

Transportation

In general, it’s pretty easy to get around Israel by public transportation or by car. Some day trips are organized from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, so for those who do not wish to rent a car , this could be a great option too.

Safety in Israel

Overall, traveling around Israel is pretty safe. Of course, you should always lock your valuables especially if you’re staying in a hostel .

I visited Israel three times – every time I felt super safe and had no issues. I did get lots of questions at the airport (mostly when leaving the country) – and had a few issues since I lived in Muslim countries before. 

However, there are some areas where tourists are advised not to travel. The political situation remains to be sensitive and it’s good to be aware that political riots can happen.

What to Pack for Israel

Universal adapter

Quick-dry towel

Waterproof bag

Visa in Israel

Depending on your nationality, you may or may not get a free entry for 30 days. You can verify your visa requirements here . 

Preparing Your Trip to Israel

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Israel eSIM Plans

It’s hard to find a good data plan when you’re traveling. You have to research the best deals, go to a store, and hope they have a prepaid SIM card for travelers and tourists.

And if they don’t? You could be without service for the rest of your trip. Not only is that frustrating, but it can also be time-consuming.

eSIMs are the solution to your travel woes. With an eSIM plan, you can stay connected no matter where you go. Plus, there are no contracts or cancellation fees, so you can change your plan whenever you want.

If you’re looking for an eSIM plan while in Israel, then be sure to check out the providers below. They all offer great plans that will keep you connected while you’re there.

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IsraelTravelBlog.com

Information, insights, advice, reviews, and recommendations about travel to and around Israel

ISRAEL TRAVEL BLOG

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The Perfect 10-Day Israel Itinerary You Were Looking for (2022)

If you have ever wondered how best to plan your 10-day trip to Israel , you have come to the right place! In this article, I will highlight the best itinerary for you, so you can make the most of your stay and have a unique experience.

Israel is an exciting, vibrant, and spiritual country to visit. It may be a small country however it is filled with BIG surprises! Touring Israel is easy and safe to do. We are a welcoming and friendly nation (if I may say so myself).  We love to help & engage with tourists and show them the different things Israel has to offer.

But first things first: 

Things you need to know when visiting Israel

Arriving in Israel: Be prepared for strict security at the airport, please, do not take it personally! 

Note: Passports are no longer stamped upon arrival, keep your entry slip safely with your passport. When you leave Israel, you will be asked to show it.

Hebrew and Arabic are the official languages in Israel but don’t worry English is spoken throughout the country.

Soldiers are a part of daily life here: Israelis grow up with having army presence around them. You will see soldiers throughout your stay, don’t be scared.

The Sabbath is a holy day for the Jewish people. It starts at sundown on Friday and lasts until the first three stars appear on Saturday evening. Most places and services will shut down for the duration around 14:00 on Fridays. Think about public transport, street shops, museums and other activities, kosher restaurants, and government offices. Planning is key!

Note: Jewish holidays are considered as holy as Shabbat is, so the same rules apply.

Best time to visit Israel

Springtime is the best time to visit: From late March to June, the temperature is warm and comfortable to be outdoors.

The fall months from mid-September to November are pleasant to visit especially if you are not a fan of hot temperatures.

Israel has extremely hot summers so from mid-June to mid-September the heat is on!

Getting around Israel

Public transport : Trains and buses in Israel are reliable. You will need a Rav-Kav card beforehand; this electronic card can be loaded using cash or credit card.

Rent a car : Israel is a small country and easy to navigate. Driving from the North down to Eilat the most southern tip will take you nine hours on average.

• TIP: You can hire your car at the airport, however, when starting your visit in Tel Aviv I would recommend hiring your car when you are heading out of the city.
• IMPORTANT: Check applying regulations before driving to the Palestinian territories, the West Bank, or Gaza. 

In the bigger cities, you can use service shuttles ~ moniyot sherut in Hebrew: These are minibusses that stop at the regular bus stops to pick up commuters, this is the cheapest way available.

Taxis: Always arrange the price before getting into your taxi.

UBER is also a possibility.

What should you keep in mind when packing for your Israel trip?

Israel has micro-climates featuring regional differences. You have hot temperatures and humid summers on the coast; a dry climate with cooler temps during the evenings in Jerusalem/mountain regions, extremely hot and dry summers up North where it can snow during winter, and year-round semi-desert conditions in the Negev down south through to Eilat.

Please wear appropriate clothes when visiting holy sites.

Safety & practical tips: Israel 10 day itinerary

• As anywhere else, avoiding hitchhiking can be a good idea. It can backfire.
• The cheapest way to have the internet is by purchasing an Israeli SIM card for your phone. You will need it for internet navigation, online ticket purchases, paying for parking, and safety reasons.
• Parking : You will also need your phone (with internet) to be able to pay for parking unless you use parking garages. The colors painted on the curb will indicate to you if you can park and whether you need to pay. Blue-white means paid parking. Red/white/yellow means parking is prohibited. Gray means it is free to park.
• This is a question I get often; do you tip in Israel? Yes, we tip between 12-15% in restaurants and bars. Other services such as tour guides, gas stations offering full service or hotel house cleaning will be up to you.
• Use sunscreen!
• Have a water bottle with you when you are on the go: Heat strokes are a real thing here so make sure you drink plenty of water! Having your personal bottle is not only comfortable it is also cheaper and more sustainable. Let us help rid the world of plastic where we can.
• Have an adaptor with you for your electrical devices.
• I would advise you to carry some local currency with you for when you are visiting markets and food stands for example. Credit cards of all major companies can be used everywhere.
• Start your days early! Israel is a mindblowing country and you will want to make the most out of your time there.

Your 10-Day Israel Itinerary

The suggested number of days for each location is as follows: 

• Three days in Tel Aviv 
• One day in Jerusalem
• Two days in the North: Caesarea, Haifa, Akko, Rosh Hanikra, and the Kinneret.
• Four days in the South: Dead Sea, Masada, Mizpe Ramon, and Eilat.

Please note that this itinerary was created with Tel Aviv being the central location. On the other hand, hiring a car is the best way to achieve this recommended itinerary.

Your trip starts with the crown jewels, Tel Aviv & Jerusalem! Ben Gurion airport is a short 20-minute drive from the city of Tel Aviv making it the logical place to start.

Days 1-3: Spend your first three days exploring Tel Aviv          

Where to stay in tel aviv.

Brown hotels: I love boutique hotels and this high-end hotel chain ticks all the right boxes: From location to service to facilities. 

Tel Aviv is a wonderful introduction to Israel. This beautifully vibrant and exciting city is unlike any other city you will visit here. Located along the coastline of the Mediterranean Sea, it offers spectacular views, golden beaches, bustling energy, interesting & diverse historical sites, architecture, it is also home to one of the world’s most famous Pride parades and a culinary mecca.

Best city tips for Tel Aviv

Spend a day on the beach: The beachfront stretches all the way to Jaffa. Work on your tan, have a swim, try a water sport, and have lunch or dinner right there on the beach watching a glorious sunset. My favorite beach restaurant is Calypso . My favorite beach club to hang out at is the trendy Beach Club TLV where you have watersports to enjoy complete with lessons for beginners, a beach boutique, and a delicious menu.

Stay and wander! Stroll through Neve Zedek, take a street art tour in Florentine, walkthrough Naclat Binyamin, have coffee on the Rothschild Boulevard, and take a walking tour to discover Bauhaus-style buildings in Tel Aviv.

There are three markets to visit here that hold such charm and character:

• The Carmel Market.
• The Levinsky Market for authentic Israeli dishes.
• The Flea Market (Pishpeshim in Hebrew) in Jaffa, perfect for a fun treasure hunt and beautiful food pitstop.

Visit a museum: Tel Aviv has a wide variety of museums depending on your preferences. 

I love the smaller less famous ones as I find their stories fascinating and at times more revealing. For example, the Bialik Museum , Palmach Museum , and the Independence Hall where Ben Gurion announced the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. 

Tel Aviv dinner tips

Alena . This beautiful restaurant is in the Norman Hotel and features a menu highlighting European classics with Mediterranean cuisine. Fantastic is fantastic  all around! This restaurant is inspired by ‘Alice in Wonderland.’ The decor is stunning! It is a place to forget where you are for a while and get sucked into the fairytale that surrounds you. Magazino . An Italian restaurant serving contemporary Italian cuisine with surprises on the changing wall menu.

Keep reading: 23 Best Things to do in Tel Aviv

Day 4: Spend a day in Jerusalem

Jerusalem is the capital of Israel located about an hour from Tel Aviv. It is a unique place, and you will notice it immediately upon arrival. Jerusalem is a spectacular city so enriching and spiritual. There is so much to see and do here but if you only have one day these are the places you cannot miss.

Best city tips for Jerusalem

Visit the Old City: Start at the Jewish Quarter, the Western Wall, and then take a walk along the city’s walls. Take a walk through the souk in the Muslim Quater on your way out of the old city.

These are the two most important museums for first-time visitors to Jerusalem, if you have time choose one:

Yad Vashem : This is Israel’s official tribute to the Holocaust. 

The Israel Museum : This museum is one of the best in the world. It is most famous for the Dead Sea Scrolls on display is the Shrine of the Book.

Wander in Mahane Yehuda Market , where you will find colorful stands, street art, and little restaurants offering different authentic Israeli-Jerusalem cuisine.

Stroll through Nachalat Shiva and Nachlaot neighborhoods.

Have a meal on the rooftop of the Mamila Hotel before heading back to Tel Aviv. The views are amazing! 

Find out more essential travel tips and information you should know before visiting Israel .

Days 4-5: Going up North

Head out from Tel Aviv, your first stop is in Caesarea which is about 40 minutes drive.

This is one of the best historical and archeological sites in Israel and a testament to Roman times. 

Continue to Haifa, famous for the Bahai Gold shrine & Gardens , a short 30 minutes drive where you can spend a couple of hours exploring.

Take the cable car up to the mountain to enjoy bay views while walking along the Louis Promenade. Drive to your last stop of the day, the city of Akko about 45 minutes away, where you can spend the night. 

Where to stay in the north of Israel

The luxurious Efendi Hotel : Stylish with panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. It is in the historic center of Akko. 

In Akko you will be able to observe a city where Jews and Arabs live together, it makes for a special atmosphere. Akko is an ancient port city on the Mediterranean Sea.

Stroll through the old town surrounded by well-preserved old walls. Have dinner in the port famous for serving delicious fresh fish and Mediterranean cuisine. From the harbor, you can take boats out to enjoy panoramic views of Akko from the water.

In the morning drive up to Rosh Hanikra National Park . This park is about 40 minutes away located at the most north-western corner of Israel on the border with Lebanon (a country you should definitely put on your dream road trips list as well – check this 1 week in Lebanon itinerary ). Here you will find dramatic cliffs and marine caves.

Driving back to Tel Aviv, take the scenic route back to Tel Aviv via the Sea of Galilee ~ The Kinneret in Hebrew. This is a freshwater lake and the lowest one in the world. A unique sight indeed.

Days 6-10: Exploring the beautiful South

Note: You can fly internationally from Eilat. You don’t have to make the four-hour drive back to Tel Aviv. International flights leave from the new Ramon airport.

Drive from Tel Aviv down to the Dead Sea taking the Mount Sodom route, it will take you about an hour and 40 minutes.

The Dead Sea is the lowest place on earth not to mention a unique natural phenomenon and one of the Israel highlights you cannot miss . Now it is time for you to float on your back while reading a magazine (it is such a fun thing to do) and admire the incredible views that surround you from all angles. 

There are hotel spas you can book a special treatment in however you can have fun enjoying Mother Nature’s spa ; use the salt for a scrub and a peel then cover yourself with black mud. You will normally find buckets with ready-to-use mud by the lifeguard towers. Give it a good 20 minutes before washing it off. Trust me you have never felt more rejuvenated!

On the beach, you have all the facilities you will need to shower, change, and have a bite to eat before continuing.

From here go up to Masada , one of Israel’s most iconic landmarks located about 30 minutes away. Masada is an ancient fortress on top of a mountain in the Judean Desert, commemorating the tragic event of mass suicide that took place here during Roman rule. You can hike up or take the cable car.

If you have enough time, you can also check the nearby oasis of Ein Gedi .

Drive to Mitzpe Ramon where you can spend the night.

Note: This drive is around two hours so you might decide to skip Masada although you’d be missing out as it is one of the most stunning spots in Israel.

Where to stay in the South of Israel

The Beresheet Hotel: Your own private breathtaking oasis offering scenic desert views to die for.

Start your morning at the visitor’s center strategically located above the spectacular Ramon Crater . You will have marvelous panoramic views from the balconies of the crater, rock formations, and open desert landscape . You can enjoy outdoor activities here such as jeep tours and abseiling down the cliffs.

I have saved the best for last:

Spend the last three days in Eilat .

This desert drive will take you around two and half hours. Eilat is a small piece of a tropical paradise on the shores of the Red Sea surrounded by the stunning Edom mountains. You will have full views of Aqaba located across Jordan, and you are about a 15 drive from the Israel-Egypt border.

If you have time, stop at the Timna National Park on your way down; the park has ancient copper mines and Egyptian temple ruins.

Eilat is gorgeous! It is all about relaxation, fun, great food, and buzzing nightlife.

Where to stay in Eilat

This is my favorite hotel in Eilat ~ The Royal Beach Hotel by Isrotel Exclusive Collection- Beautifully stylish located on the promenade.

Best city tips for Eilat

Beach comes first! My favorite is Mosh beach. A beach great for snorkeling with all the facilities necessary, food, music, and views of Jordan straight ahead.

Take a sunset cruise.

Swim with the dolphins in the Dolphin Reef .

Go snorkeling or on a diving safari: Eilat attracts divers from around the world as a diving Mecca! There is a variety of diving schools depending on your certification. Snorkeling is a great option too if you are not a diver. You will be able to enjoy a diverse, colorful, and plentiful underwater world.

Enjoy watersports : Kitesurfing, windsurfing, jet skis, parasailing, and banana rides are great fun.

Eilat restaurants & bar tips

Les Sardins: A fish restaurant located in the marina, a true culinary experience at affordable prices. Everything is made from fresh ingredients daily.

Moses is for the hamburger lovers!

Mika: Sushi on the beach, enjoying the Red Sea breeze and relaxing views.

Have drinks and dance in the Three Monkeys bar . Live music, signature drinks, finger food, and cool vibes. It is located on the gorgeous promenade under the Royal Beach Hotel.

And now all that’s left to say is have an amazing trip!

The author of this 10 day Israel itinerary, Diti Asiag, is an Israeli travel and lifestyle blogger living in Amsterdam.

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How to Visit to Israel Like a Pro: 20 Essential Travel Tips

Last Modified: April 8, 2024 //  by  Anda //   32 Comments

Israel is a very controversial country, guaranteed to raise tensions and emotions, regardless of your political views or religious convictions. War and political turmoil have been the norm here for thousands of years, so traveling to Israel can be a little intimidating. But if you know what to expect, you’ll have a great experience when visiting Israel. In this post I will give you some travel tips that will help you better understand Israel and make the most of your visit here.

Table of Contents

1. Getting acquainted with Israel’s history really helps

2. food is really good, 3. everything in israel is expensive, 4. prices are negotiable, 5. renting a car vs. using public transportation, 6. tipping is not mandatory, but is expected, 7. english is spoken almost everywhere, 8. israel is really small, 9. everything closes down on shabbath, 10. religious holidays are very strictly observed, 11. jerusalem is dead on weekends, 12. there is an obvious military presence, 13. getting in and out of israel is a lengthy process, 14. what’s the best time to travel to israel, 15. what to pack for israel, 16. is it safe to travel to israel, 17. what plugs to pack for israel, 18. is wifi widely available in israel.

• 19. Are drones allowed in Israel?

20. What time zone is Israel on?

Essential travel tips for israel.

If this is your first time in Israel you probably have many questions on your mind. So did I when I started planning our trip. And although I tried to inform myself the best that I could, there were still a few things that caught me by surprise when I arrived. Therefore I decided to put together a list of tips and useful information for traveling to Israel.

Planning to visit Jordan while you are in Israel? Read these useful travel tips for traveling to Jordan .

This guide will cover some of the most common questions asked before traveling to Israel. Like what to expect, when is the best time to go, or what costs are involved. So here is what every visitor should know before going to Israel.

One of the biggest travel mistakes people make when visiting other countries is not getting themselves acquainted with the local history. Of all the travel tips that I’m about to give you, this is perhaps the most important one: learn a little about Israel’s history!

The archeological sights in Israel are not particularly impressive, unless of course you know what you are looking at. Unlike the pyramids of Egypt that will impress regardless of how much you know about them, in Israel you’ll encounter places infused with religious and historical meaning that will make no sense to you unless you know their history.

Israel’s history goes back to ancient times and much of what we know about it comes from the Hebrew Bible. According to it, Israel’s origin starts with Abraham, who is considered the father of both Judaism (through his son Isaac) and Islam (through his son, Ishmael).

Although the Land of Israel was occupied by many nations over the centuries, the Jewish people have always been a physical, cultural, and religious presence here.

Food in Israel is extremely diverse and generally very good. A well known favorite is falafel – small fried balls of mashed chickpeas, usually served with pita bread and humus.

There are many other Middle Eastern and Arabic dishes whose names I can’t even pronounce, but they are good. Kosher refers to the food that complies with the standards of the Jewish law (for instance, pork and shellfish are not kosher).

Do try all the food in Israel! The worse that can happen is that you won’t like it. For those less adventurous, there is also regular Western style food available. Alcohol is available at many hotels and restaurants, but is rather expensive.

Street food is safe to eat in Israel, but I would stat away from fresh fruit and produce that I didn’t wash and prepare myself. Exercise caution even with cooked food. If it doesn’t look or smell right, don’t assume that’s how it’s supposed to be. Just don’t eat it.

Israel is an expensive country to visit. Almost everything here costs a lot: hotels, food, entrance fees, clothes, electronics, etc. Basically you pay more for the same commodity than you would pay in other parts of the world. Besides that, they have a huge sale tax of 17% that is applied to most goods and services. A trip to Israel will cost you a lot, so be prepared for that.

One thing I noticed is that speaking English will make prices go a little higher that they actually are.

You can exchange money almost everywhere in Israel. The exchange rate for the US Dollar is currently around 3.5 – 3.7 Israeli Shekel, but of course this will vary according to the time of your travel.

Bartering I one of the most important tips for people who travel to Israel. Learning to bargain will save you not only money, but also a lot of frustration. Exactly like in Istanbul , where you don’t walk into the Grand Bazaar and pay the first price you are asked to pay, in Israel almost everything is negotiable.

Israeli people expect to get a discount on all major purchases, so the listed price is calculated accordingly. Except for cars, almost everything else is open to negotiation. That’s counterintuitive if you are coming from the USA, where you can only negotiate the car or the real estate prices.

If you are not an expert driver with nerves of steel, don’t drive in Israel. Although roads are in good condition, getting in and out of any city is a nightmare! Leave alone driving in places like Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, or Haifa! Road signs are bad and traffic if always heavy.

Using planning public transportation on the other hand works really well. Bus schedules are set up very conveniently and the train system is simple and easy to use. It’s hard to get lost.

You’ll most like have to use Taxis in some situations, so be prepared to negotiate the price before you hop on the cab.

Hitchhiking is definitely not recommended in Israel, especially in the current political situation.

Tipping in Israel is discretionary but expected, similar to most of the Western world. Unlike in the USA, where you are expected to tip between 15% – 20%, in Israel the tip is between 10 -15%. The minimum is at least 10%, the average is 12% and maximum is 15% (for exceptional service).

Waiters and bartenders get a relatively low salary, so the majority of their earnings coming from tips. Tips are usually left in cash not on card, so it is useful to carry some small change with you.

Tipping the taxi drivers, hotel personnel and other people in the travel industry is not usually expected. However, they will not mind a tip if you decide to be generous.

Unlike in Morocco , where English is rarely spoken, in Israel is widely spoken. The country’s official language is Hebrew, but you’ll also hear Arabic, English, Russian and some other languages.

Although English doesn’t have an official status, most Israelis can speak it fairly well as it’s a required second language in schools. As such, you’ll be able to communicate in English almost anywhere you go. However, learning a few Hebrew words will put you ahead of the game in Israel.

• Shalom  – is used as a salutation, but it actually means peace
• Bevakasha  – please
• Slicha  – sorry/excuse me
• Boker Tov – good morning
• Erev Tov – good evening
• Mazel Tove – congratulations/good luck
• Toda/Toda Raba  – thank you/thank you very much
• Lehitra’ot – good bye/see you later

It’s surprising to discover how small Israel really is. The total area of the State of Israel is 22,145 square kilometers (8,630 square miles), just slightly bigger than the state of New Jersey. Getting from one end of the country to the other doesn’t take long, which means it’s very easy to take day trips. You can use either Jerusalem or Tel Aviv as a base for exploring the important sights in Israel.

If you are not completely ignorant about the Jewish religion, you’ve probably heard about Shabbath before. Sabbath (or Shabbath ) is Judaism’s most distinctive practice – a 25-hour celebration that starts at sundown on Friday and ends after sundown on Saturday.

In Israel Shabbat is more than just a day off from labor. It’s a unique and special time of physical respite meant to be spent with family and loved ones or for worship, if you are a religious person.

Wherever you go when you travel in Israel, make sure you get there before 4 o’clock on Friday. On Shabbat all public services are closed (except for emergency ones). There are no train and no busses working.

Traveling in Israel during any of the Jewish holidays can be a very frustrating experience for a tourist. Especially for those of us living in America, who became so accustomed to 24 hour open stores!

In Israel religious holidays are very strictly observed. Most places close down, including restaurants, cafés and public transportation. On Yom Kippur (the Hebrew Day of Atonement) everything closes down. Even Ben Gurion International Airport! No one drives on that day, and the roads are completely empty. So be prepared to do nothing on this day if you are in Israel.

If you are not religious and you are a tourist for which every single day counts, don’t stay (or travel to) Jerusalem on weekends. From Friday night to Saturday night everything closes down in Jerusalem, so there is not much you can do here.

Instead, plan to go to a more secular place like Tel Aviv or to Haifa, where everything stays open on weekends.

You are going to be seeing a lot of armed soldiers while visiting Israel, so don’t be alarmed. The presence of barbed wire and armed soldiers is nothing new in this country that has been in political turmoil for so long.

Despite the many frictions in the region, Israel is a pretty safe country to visit and the weapons you see are there for defensive purposes.

Not all the soldiers you’ll come across are on active duty however. Some are young people doing their military service. Army service is mandatory in Israel. Both girls and boys are drafted at 18 and serve a minimum of two years.

Border control is way lengthier and more thorough in Israel than in any other countries we visited so far. You’ll need to get an Israeli passport stamp , so the best advice I can give you is to arm yourself with patience when traveling to Israel.

When entering Israel you have to answer a series of routine questions (why are you there, how long will you stay, etc. etc. If you don’t look suspicious the process will be very smooth. But if you have passport stamps from certain Muslim countries (such as Iran, Lebanon, or Pakistan), you’ll have to go through a special interrogation process that will take quite a while.

Israel no longer stamps your passport on arrival, which is good news if you plan to visit other countries in the Middle East for which an Israeli visa may be a problem. Instead, you’ll get your visa on a piece of paper which you need to keep this safe, as you’ll need it for your departure.

You may expect an even lengthier process as you are leaving Israel, so plan to be at the airport at least 3 hours before departure. At the Security Check they will ask you to open your bag of electronics and they will check each and every one of them.

Practical Travel Tips for Israel

Deciding when to go to Israel depends in large part to what you are interested in doing while you are there. While there is no wright or wrong time to go, there are however a couple of things that you need to consider when planning your trip: climate and Jewish holidays .

There are basically two seasons in Israel: summer (April to late October) and winter (November to March). Summers are hot and humid in Israel, bur rain free. Winter starts when it gets from cool to cold and it begins raining). Generally it doesn’t snow in Israel, except for the mountain areas in the Golan Heights.

Another important tip to consider when you travel to Israel are the Jewish holidays. In Israel there are two calendars: the Gregorian calendar and the Jewish calendar, but most religious holidays are based on the Jewish calendar.

Even though it’s interesting to be in Israel during some of these holidays, you’ll have to remember everything closes down during that time: public transportation, banks, stores, etc. Also, hotel prices will be much higher.

When traveling to Israel it’s important to be conscious of what you wear. While places like Tel Aviv, Jaffa, or Haifa are more open-minded and fashion-forward, in cities like Jerusalem modest clothing is recommended. Don’t bring tank tops, shorts or anything above the knees.

With very few exceptions, just about everything you would pack for Europe you can pack for Israel as well. As a general rule however, think convenience before fashion. Here are a few tips on what to pack when you travel to Israel:

• A scarf and a long-sleeve top, if you are a woman and plan on visiting the religious sites. Some sites may provide a cover up, but it’s better to have your own.
• Light-weight clothing is the best for summer months. We traveled here in mid October and the temperatures were above 30ºC and very humid.
• A light jacket and some sweaters for colder months.
• Comfortable shoes are a must in Israel, especially in Jerusalem.
• Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen lotion. You won’t be able to get by without them in this torrid sun.
• Wet wipes, small roll of toilet paper, hand sanitizer. Carry some in your pockets at all times. Many times the public toilets will not have toilet paper or soap.
• A small umbrella. Rain may come totally unexpected in Israel, but it usually stops just as sudden as it started.

Israel is overall a pretty safe country. However, considering its fast changing security situation, it’s important to exercise a some caution when traveling to certain areas, like East Jerusalem, or the West Bank cities of Bethlehem, Jericho and Ramallah.

If you want to visit the West Bank, I would advice hiring a cab from the Muslim quarter in Jerusalem, or booking an organized tour. Many cab drivers in the Muslim Quarter of Jerusalem will offer to take you to the West Bank, but I’m not sure how safe that is. If you are not in an organized group, you may have issues at the border.

One thing to be mindful in Israel is that authorities are always on high alert. So don’t leave your purse, camera, or anything else unattended. People will assume it’s a bomb and the bomb squad will come and search your purse and interrogate you.

The standard voltage in Israel is 220 volts and 50 Hz. The primary socket is type H (plugs with three pins in a triangular shape), so you’ll need a Power Adaptor Type H . In many hotels you will probably also find the C type sockets (two pins, like in Europe).

If you are coming from the U.S. you’ll need both a plug adaptor AND a voltage converter. Coming from Europe or other countries that have 220-230 voltage systems, you’ll only need a plug converter . Most modern devices such as mobile phones and laptops have a built-in converter, but it’s safer if you bring a voltage converter as well.

WiFi is widely available throughout Israel and is usually offered free of charge in most hotels, restaurants, cafes and bars. Some small hotels may charge for Internet though.

19. Are drones allowed in Israel ?

Technically, yes. However, there are very many restrictions and you’ll need a permit for using it. Also, like everywhere else in the world, you won’t be able to use your drone in places that are of interest.

If you want to bring your drone to Israel, my advice is to register with the Aero Club of Israel and get a permit. They will provide you with a map of the places where you can fly, and also give you with up to date information about their rules and regulations.

Israel is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Meantime (GMT). Daylight Saving time starts on the Friday before the 02 April. The move back to standard time can take place in late September/early October according to the Jewish calendar (between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.)

NOTE : As of June 30, 2023, NO Covid-19 test or proof of vaccination is required for tourists entering Israel.

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Anda is an award winning travel writer, avid globetrotter and passionate photographer. She is the voice behind "Travel Notes & Beyond," a collection of stories and travel impressions from her wanderings around the world. When she is not busy writing, traveling, or editing photographs, you can find her hiking in the foothills behind her house together with her husband and their dog.

Reader Interactions

Sreenandhana

April 2, 2024 at 2:00 am

This is the page that impressed me the most that I have visited, the beautiful description and the page is made in a way that is useful to benefit others without being stingy.

April 2, 2024 at 1:59 am

Time spent on this page is never wasted. Very nice presentation, very nice pictures. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us.

Santhosh Raghavan

November 2, 2023 at 7:54 am

Dear friend Superb guide you covered almost everything a traveler should look into. I’ve been thinking lately that I would love to visit I am glad to read your blog about your travel experience very interesting thanks. Your personal experiences and vivid descriptions truly bring the city to life, making me feel like I’m right there with you on this incredible journey. Your blog is a wonderful source of inspiration for fellow adventurers looking to explore the magic of. Keep sharing your stories and insights – they’re a delight to read!

November 4, 2023 at 2:15 pm

Thank you for your kind words.

July 16, 2023 at 7:39 pm

You should really educate yourself. Lebanon is NOT a Muslim country per se. There are probably more Muslims in Israel! Further, there are 18 officially recognized religions in Lebanon, Judaism being one of them. Please alter your article to reflect correct information. kind regards Joe.

July 17, 2023 at 8:48 am

What else would you call a country where the great majority of the population is Muslim, Joe? According to the U.S. Department of State, 67.6 percent of Lebanon’s population is Muslim (31.9 percent Sunni, 31 percent Shia, and small percentages of Alawites and Ismailis). Also, Lebanon estimates that only 32.4 percent of the country’s population is Christian. It seems to me that I’m not the one who needs to be educated here, lol!

Michael Guide

April 12, 2023 at 4:49 am

I appreciate you providing this important travel advice for going to Israel. Israel is a contentious nation that has the potential to cause unrest and arouses strong feelings, but I concur that knowing its background is essential to getting the most out of your trip there. Israel is a nation with a long political history and a rich cultural and religious heritage.

I like how you stressed the significance of researching Israel’s history before traveling there. It’s an excellent approach to understanding the significance of the numerous historical and religious places you’ll see while traveling. Keep in mind that Israel is a nation that is ever-evolving and that its history is still being written.

Anyone organizing a first-time trip to Israel will find your guide to be a valuable resource. I appreciate that you addressed often-asked issues like what to anticipate when to go, and the associated expenditures. Before travelling, it’s always beneficial to have a thorough understanding of these concepts.

Overall, I believe that your guide is an excellent place for anyone thinking about visiting Israel to start. It offers useful information that will enable tourists to more fully comprehend and value the rich history and culture of the nation. I appreciate you sharing these helpful travel suggestions!

April 12, 2023 at 9:44 am

Thank you for your thorough review of my article, Michael. I hope to revisit Israel sometime next fall.

April 11, 2023 at 3:17 am

Superb, very useful information. Keep sharing

March 24, 2023 at 10:19 am

Beautiful write and I am fascinated by your blog as much as anyone else. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences and ideas here with others. I want to come here again. Thanks kindly visit my Kerala tourism blog, please

July 24, 2022 at 12:30 pm

Ana Hernandez Well , it’s a petty you didn’t enjoy of such an exiting country. Israel semmed to me the extraordinary convergence between history and modernity. Vibrant. and modern Tel Aviv vs traditional fascinating Jerusalem, beautifull beaches beside amazing desserts. Good bargains in “zoco” vs most famous fashion brands and jewelry. Tasty. and delicious food from almost alll around the world. I’m really sorry you didn´t get all that . Hope next time you will be able to discover the real country.

July 24, 2022 at 2:57 pm

I have to confess that your comment left me wondering whether you read one post but commented on another. I can’t figure out what part of this guide made you think that I didn’t enjoy visiting Israel. I absolutely loved this country and tried to give some tips to those who didn’t see it yet. You seem quite confused about what you read.

Patrick Morgan

February 17, 2022 at 8:02 am

Do you have an Amazon link to the power adaptor and voltage regulator?

February 17, 2022 at 11:21 am

I sure do, Patrick. Here it is: Power Adaptor Type H .

Pranita Purohit

September 16, 2020 at 10:05 am

Like me, there are many who want to travel to Israel, but fear due to the political conditions and tussle with the neighboring states. However, after reading your post, the notion that all have about this country will be put to rest forever. You have presented a useful guide in the form of this post. Thank you very much.

September 16, 2020 at 11:33 am

I’m glad to hear that. Hopefully you’ll be able to visit Israel sometimes soon.

August 24, 2020 at 11:40 pm

This is the right guide for those who want to visit Israel. You certainly put a new spin on a subject that has been written about for decades. Great stuff, just excellent!

August 25, 2020 at 2:45 pm

Thanks, Melanie.

July 29, 2020 at 8:06 am

Thank you so much for your the tips.! We are going at the end of the summer, found a good flight deal! I know it will be hot, but I am from the Caribbean so that’s not a problem! can not wait to visit beautiful Israel and experience the culture. Your insights are super helpful to thank you! Have a question! What about at the airport at entering the country is no issue with the drone that I have to register? Do u know anything about it? Thanks

July 29, 2020 at 8:50 am

Hi John, The end of the summer will be hot indeed, but you’ll have a blast in Israel anyway. In regards to the drone, you won’t be able to use it much. My husband is a drone enthusiast too and did a lot of research for that before we traveled to the Middle East. He even registered with aeroclub.org.il, but still didn’t help much. Like everywhere else in the world, the places where it would be interesting to use it, you can’t. He used it secretly a couple of times (once in Acra and once in Tel Aviv) while I was keeping watch, but it’s stressful to use it like this. At any rate, my advice would be to check their website and register anyway. They will provide you with a map of the places where you can use it.

November 6, 2019 at 10:50 am

This is a comprehensive post , I wished I had before visiting Jerusalem. I found the prices to be really expensive , much to my surprise. I was also nervous when seeing so many armed guards around. It is still worth a visit and I would recommend anyone going to read this post!

November 5, 2019 at 8:46 am

Totally agree with you that these are really good to know. My parents are planning to go to Israel and I just shared this post with them.

Thank you for the heads up regarding the prices. I will ask them to adjust their budget accordingly. 🙂

Vanessa Ball

November 5, 2019 at 5:15 am

I’d love to visit Israel and had no idea that it was this small or that things were expensive to buy. The food looks super tasty, I love Arabic dishes. It’s handy to know about the religious holidays and weekends when planning your trip too. This is a really useful article to read before going to Israel.

November 5, 2019 at 3:28 am

I traveled to Israel when I was 15 years old as part of a school trip. We spent 2 months in the country and experienced many facets of it. Many people asked me if I felt safe and I personally never felt safer. Like you mentioned the entire population goes to the army they are all trained and the military is always around. This provided me with a sense of security. Love the tips to learn about history so you understand what you are looking at. And to use public transport – it is very organized and easy to use. The food as you mentioned is great although pricy and I personally loved everything I ate. Wonderful post. Israel is a beautiful country and despite the turbulent history and current political climate it is a great place to visit.

Anda Galffy

November 5, 2019 at 8:24 am

It must have been a great experience for you as a teenager to see how other people live. Thanks for your comment.

Blair villanueva

November 4, 2019 at 9:17 pm

I truly enjoyed readinv your Israel travel guide. As a Philippine passport holder, we got privilege for free travel visa access. It would be great to visit Israel for faith tourism.

E. J Requina

November 4, 2019 at 7:37 pm

Well you pretty much covered everything about Israel. Israel is part of my top places to visit and getting a deep dive of the country helps a lot. Its a bummer when you mentioned that the place is dead on weekends but hey im pretty sure there a lot of things to do the rest of the week.

Linda (LD Holland)

November 3, 2019 at 3:47 pm

We visited Israel for a few days with a cruise ship. So we were probably prepared for some things. But not others. I was certainly surprised to find that it was the religious centre for so many different religions. It was a bit disconcerting to find so many marketing messages on religious souvenirs. We ate in markets when we were out during the day. Even if I am a very bad haggler. We found armed guards in Israel, Jordon and Egypt. So I guess we sort of got used to them. This was a very helpful post. We would like to return on our own to Israel. So I will keep this post for reference.

November 4, 2019 at 12:54 pm

Thank you, Linda.

Laura Axtman

November 3, 2019 at 3:19 pm

What an amazing adventure. I hope to one day be able to travel to Isreal. Your description of the city helped me to understand the current climate and how to navigate the area with the history of war as a consistent reminder. Your photos are great and made me want to visit the region even more.

November 3, 2019 at 1:00 pm

I loved reading all your tips for traveling to Israel. It is at the very top of my bucket list right now, and I’ve heard such wonderful things about traveling there recently. As a Christian, there is so much Religious history that I want to experience. I appreciate the tips you’ve included on tipping, transportation, and electric plugs. Those are things I always research in detail before leaving on a trip!

November 4, 2019 at 12:55 pm

Hope you’ll manage to visit Israel someday, Leah.

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Israel Has Reopened to Foreign Travelers—Here Are the Best New Things to Do When You Get There

By Devorah Lev-Tov

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Like many other countries, Israel closed its borders in March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. While it was initially touted as having one of the best pandemic responses—and was one of the first countries to roll out vaccines—it also had many false starts and severe outbreaks over the last two years. International tourism was suspended, and for a time, even Israelis were restricted from traveling to most other countries. While the country first tried to reopen to tourists in summer 2021, and then again in November and December, Delta and Omicron had other plans. Finally, on January 9, 2022, we saw Israel reopen to vaccinated tourists only, and then on March 1 swing its borders open to all travelers of all ages, regardless of vaccine status.

To enter, travelers must present two negative PCR tests: one taken prior to departure and the second one after landing in Israel (there is an efficient testing center at Ben Gurion Airport). All those entering will be required to quarantine in their hotel or other accommodation until they receive a negative result from the second test, or for 24 hours, whichever comes first.

With the country’s reopening comes several new or reinstated flight routes. Beginning May 6, 2022, American Airlines will launch Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport nonstop to Ben Gurion Airport, and a direct Miami flight was added to their roster last June. This month El Al is reinstating its nonstop Boston route, which was canceled in March 2020.

Despite the struggles brought by COVID-19, life in Israel has kept going—with new hotels, restaurants, bars, and cultural experiences debuting over the last few years—even though they’ve only been able to cater to locals until now. Here are all the new things travelers can expect to discover in Israel, organized by region.

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

HIBA is one of many new restaurants to have recently opened in Tel Aviv.

HIBA's hamantash almond-praline baharat petit-four, an Ashkenazi Jewish triangular filled-pocket pastry

Israel’s most vibrant city hasn’t slowed down. Last summer, famed hotel The Jaffa reopened after a year-long closure; Soho House Tel Aviv and Debrah Brown , the latest hotel from the popular local boutique brand Brown Hotels, both debuted. Debrah Brown’s restaurant Dvora by star chef Eyal Shani also opened earlier this year. But the city’s biggest hotel news occurs on March 28, when The David Kempinski Tel Aviv  opens along the iconic Mediterranean Sea promenade. It brings a whole new level of luxury, complete with a full-service spa, rooftop pool, and five dining venues, including a Cohiba-branded cigar bar and Israel’s first House of Macallan whisky bar.

Like any culinary-focused big city, Tel Aviv saw myriad restaurant and bar openings over the last two years. Some of the most exciting include HIBA , from chef Yossi Shitrit of hotspots Onza and Mashya; Tirza wine bar by chef Raz Rahav of the acclaimed OCD restaurant; Capella , a chic and cheeky cocktail bar on the 14th floor of Hagag building where no cell phones are allowed; French bakery Alexander opened by 2017 Israel Baking Champion Alex Berman; and Darya , serving Silk Road cuisine from the chef of the popular Animar, inside the Hilton Tel Aviv . The other big food-related opening was the launch of the culinary institute  Asif , led by Naama Shefi, who also runs the Jewish Food Society in New York City: Its mission is to celebrate Israeli cuisine and explore its roots, influences, and future via a library filled with research and cookbooks that includes a gallery of rotating exhibits, a rooftop farm growing native plants and herbs, an experimental test kitchen, a vegetarian cafe, and a market selling Israeli-made products.  

Gordon Gallery in Jerusalem

Israel’s second largest city often gets less attention—and therefore fewer new and shiny things—than flashier Tel Aviv. Still, the ancient city has welcomed several new restaurants that include the latest from Popina chef Orel Kimchi, called Ruhan , and the street-food inspired Mitzle , by MasterChef Israel contestant Ari Levy. Just outside the city in the rolling Judean Hills, recently opened Ulu Winery and restaurant is well worth a visit for wine and nature lovers looking for a city break.

Art connoisseurs will enjoy the city’s debut of Gordon Gallery , a branch of the famous Tel Aviv gallery. Additionally, there have been improvements to accessibility in the Old City, which is notoriously difficult to navigate thanks to twisty, narrow alleys, cobblestone streets, and hundreds of steep stone steps. Years in the making, nearly four miles of streets have had hand railings and ramps installed.

Poolside loungers at Six Senses Shaharut

A sun-drenched patio at Six Senses Shaharut

The Negev Desert and Dead Sea Region

The biggest news for Israel’s southern desert region is undoubtedly the opening of the highly anticipated (and much delayed) Six Senses Shaharut , which opened last August. The luxury wellness retreat has 60 suites with desert-inspired design, an Ayurvedic spa, multiple restaurants, an infinity pool overlooking the Edom Mountains and a stunning indoor pool, and a camel stable flanked by a fragrant herb garden.

A few minutes north of the hotel on Kibbutz Ketura, the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies ’ Dr. Elaine Solowey plans to open a shelter garden later this year that will showcase biblical plants, incense trees, endangered desert plants, a migrating bird habitat, and medicinal herbs important to the local Bedouin community.

If you’re looking for a Dead Sea getaway, the Herbert Samuel Hod Dead Sea opened in February with 205 rooms and a massive spa complex with 16 treatment rooms, wet and dry saunas, a hammam, an indoor Dead Sea water pool, an indoor sulfur pool, a hot tub, and an outdoor pool with a poolside bar and restaurant.

Alex Erdekian

CNT Editors

Jesse Ashlock

Charlie Hobbs

Archaeology buffs should head to Tel Ashkelon , which contains the site where the largest Roman era basilica in the Middle East was recently uncovered and is currently being restored. At the end of April, the public will be able to observe the basilica’s restoration work from a nearby theater, which is also being restored.

Lotte at the Galei Kinneret Hotel in Tiberias

The Galilee and the North

This often-sleepy part of the country has seen a lot of development over the last two years. In hotel news, the Saar Zafrir-designed Galei Kinneret has opened in Tiberias, complete with a private beach on the Sea of Galilee, a luxurious spa, outdoor yoga deck, and glass-bottomed swimming pool that lets swimmers peak at uncovered antiquities below. Lotte , its restaurant, is helmed by Michelin-starred chef Assaf Granit (of Machneyuda in Jerusalem and Sabour and Balagan in Paris).

For a chic hideaway off the beaten tourist trail, head to the adults-only  Pereh Hotel . The independent boutique hotel sits 13 miles north of the Sea of Galilee and has 27 suites in four historic buildings from 1919, plus a restaurant, wine cellar, spa, pool, and gardens.

Food-wise, near Nazareth is Temerlin, a new steak restaurant helmed by the chef from Tel Aviv’s popular M25 steakhouse, with a deli and butcher shop run by a local family who has raised cattle since 1924. In Haifa, new upscale French-Lebanese restaurant Najma uses local Galilee ingredients.

There’s a lot that archaeology and history lovers will find exciting in this region, too. Firstly, in the ancient city of Migdal , a synagogue thought to be 2,000 years old and from the Second Temple Period, was recently uncovered in the ongoing Migdal Excavations. The Israel Nature and Heritage Foundation of America (INHFA) is also working on restoring several significant archaeological parks in the region: Beit She’an , known as Scythopolis during the Roman Empire, has the largest Roman theater in Israel, and INHFA is currently repairing its infrastructure so that it can host live performances; while the full project is due to completed in 2023, the first stage of the restoration will open to the public in April. In Tiberias, INHFA has restored an ancient synagogue within Hamat Tiberias National Park that was built between 286 and 337 CE. The highlight is its three-paneled mosaic floor (the oldest in the country), which depicts the sun god Helios driving his chariot across the sky.

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Best Ways to Visit Israel in 2022

Volunteer or Tour? How to Travel to Israel in 2022

So you want to come to Israel, but you’re not sure what kind of trip is right for you? Maybe it’s your first time, and everyone says that you should come on a 10 day tour. Maybe you’ve been on a tour before, and you’re ready for something different. 

Either way, you want to experience Israel differently. You don’t just want to run where Jesus walked, and go home with a t-shirt that says, “My sister/brother went to Israel and all I got was this lousy t-shirt.” You want to go deeper. Meet the locals. Visit off-the-beaten track places. Experience your Bible come to life. After all, this is the Holy Land, and the birthplace of your faith!

Most tours to Israel don’t provide an experience that takes you past the big cities or tourist sites. Don’t get me wrong. Tours can be amazing, and a great way to visit Israel, especially if it’s your first time. If you don’t consider yourself a tourist however, you might want to look deeper. 

How about a volunteer opportunity? This could be a great option, but it also comes with some questions. What kind of volunteer opportunities are there in Israel? How do I know if I’m choosing the right one? 

In this article, we’ll break down some of the best ways to sign up for a volunteer program in Israel, as well as how you can get involved with our work.

DISCLAIMER: we’re definitely biased towards the volunteer programs that we offer.  

Why Volunteering is One of the Best Ways to Visit Israel in 2022

If you’ve ever volunteered for a charitable cause, you know the secret. There is great fulfillment and joy to be found while serving our fellow man. Oftentimes, we receive far more than what we could ever give. Jesus said that He came to serve and not to be served. As believers, we should strive to emulate our Messiah’s mission. 

There are many great causes that you can volunteer with in Israel. You can sign up to care for  Holocaust survivors ,  help out in a soup kitchen ,  volunteer with the IDF , or even pick up garbage from Israel’s busy city streets! All of these are incredible causes, and I would recommend any one of them as a great volunteer opportunity. 

There are volunteer programs however, that provide something that none of the above experiences do. HaYovel has been bringing volunteers to serve small Jewish farmers in Israel’s biblical heartland (AKA – West Bank) for the past eighteen years. Not only does this give you a unique opportunity to get your hands dirty in Israel’s prophetic soil, but it also provides an experience like none other – meeting the local Israeli people and experiencing Israel’s biblical heartland. 

Don’t Miss Israel’s Biblical Heartland When You Visit Israel

Most of the world has heard about the “West Bank” or the “Occupied Territories.” Mainstream media has been obsessed with demonizing the Jewish people who choose to live and settle in Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria since the 1970s. The Israel-haters have run a very successful propaganda campaign and would love for you to believe things like: 

• Jews who live in the West Bank have horns on their heads. 
• Jewish settlements are an obstacle to peace in the middle east. 
• The IDF routinely oppresses Palestinians who live in the West Bank. 
• Israel illegally occupies Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria. 
• Settlements are illegal under international law. 

None of these bullet points are true, but we don’t have the time nor space to go into that in this article. If you’re interested in some hard-core proof that soundly debunks these myths, visit   TheIsraelGuys.com . 

The actual reality is that Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria make up a region of what the world likes to call the West Bank. Samaria is north of Jerusalem, and Judea is south of Jerusalem. Technically, East Jerusalem (including the Old City), is included in the “West Bank” because Jordan occupied it during their nineteen year illegal occupation from 1948-1967.

The real name for this region is the “biblical heartland.” That is because more than 80% of our Bible was either written, or occurred in these areas. It’s also Israel’s central mountain region, and home to some of the country’s most incredible agriculture and beautiful towns. Vineyards and olive orchards dot the mountainous landscape. Wineries, some of which have won awards in competitions that included the best of old world wine regions, are sprinkled throughout Judea and Samaria. Archaeology is here, the oldest of which is more than 4,000 years old, dating back to Abraham. 

The reality is that the real heartland of Israel is a vastly different place than what the media would have you believe. Instead of being a war-torn wild West Bank where crazy settlers live and Israel’s military oppresses the Palestinians, it is actually a hidden jewel in Israel’s landscape. And it is a place that you should most certainly visit or come to volunteer. 

The volunteer programs that we host in Israel’s heartland are based around helping small, Jewish farmers. 

Visit Israel and Make a Difference Through Farm Volunteer Programs

Our volunteer programs mostly serve small, Jewish farmers in Judea and Samaria, Israel’s heartland. We help vineyard owners prune, plant, and harvest their grapes. We also plant trees in partnership with farmers and Jewish communities to help restore Israel’s barren and rocky landscape. Over the years, we’ve planted nearly 40,000 trees and vines in Israel’s biblical heartland. 

Everyone who has come and put their fingers in Israel’s prophetic soil has experienced a life-changing phenomenon. Those who have harvested grapes, pruned branches from vines, or placed a new sapling in Israel’s rocky soil have come away with an unforgettable story. Instead of only coming to Israel to observe what God is doing here, they have become a partner in God’s beautiful story of redemption. Instead of just seeing it with their eyes, they have gotten involved. I’ve heard it likened to giving up your seat in the audience to take your place on the main stage. 

It may seem simple. Come to Israel and  participate in a volunteer program  where you harvest grapes, plant trees, or prune vineyards. 

The reality of what is taking place, however, is deeper and more significant than any of us could ever imagine. Hundreds of prophecies that were written thousands of years ago in the Bible are now coming to pass right before our very eyes. And do you know what many of those prophecies speak about? They speak about agriculture, the mountains of Israel (Judea and Samaria), and the nations coming to participate. 

That means that the prophets of old literally predicted that people just like you would come and stand with the Jewish people in the biblical heartland. They also predicted that Israel’s mountains would one day burst back to life after a period of desolation. 

Ready for a Life-Changing Trip to Israel?

Tours are great. Personal trips to Israel can be great. We believe the secret ingredients for a truly life-changing experience when traveling to Israel, however, are these:

• Serve the land and people through a volunteer program.
• Make sure to include Israel’s biblical heartland (where more than 80% of our Bible was written or took place).
• Be a part of biblical prophecy coming to life in Israel today. 

If this sounds like something you’d like to be a part of, check out the programs that we offer at  ServeIsrael.com/Volunteer . You can come for 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 6 weeks or even longer! Our volunteer programs are for everyone: men, women, young and old. Families are especially welcome! Since 2004, we’ve hosted more than 3,000 Christian volunteers from more than 30 countries to serve more than 50 small farmers all throughout Judea and Samaria. Most of them have gone home to report life-changing experiences. You don’t have to take our word for it though. Make sure to read and watch their real stories on our website. 

You too can go past the typical tour bus experience, get off the beaten track, and watch your faith come alive as you join a volunteer program in Israel’s biblical heartland. 

Visit  ServeIsrael.com/Volunteer  to learn more today. 

Luke Hilton

Originally from Virginia Beach, VA, Luke discovered his passion for Israel at age of 16. Since then, he's shared the story of Israel's restoration across the globe through speaking tours, films, and articles, inspiring Christian Zionists to stand in support of Israel.

Luke is based out of Israel, serves as Director of Marketing for HaYovel and is an author and show host for The Israel Guys.

Wat zou ik eventueel nog kunnen betekenen voor het land Israël 🇮🇱 ik ben een gepensioneerde vrachtwagen chauffeur van 72 jaar oud

You can make a great difference for Israel by coming on a volunteer trip and showing your support in a tangible way. We regularly have volunteers join us who are in their 70s. Don’t let your age hold you back from coming to Israel and making an impact for God’s Kingdom! Although we are working outdoors in the sunshine for several hours at a time, the work is not very strenuous and everyone can work at their own pace, taking breaks when needed.

We do encourage those who are coming to prepare themselves physically by spending time outside, taking walks, and getting some exercise in the weeks leading up to their Israel trip. If you have certain medical conditions, we may ask you to send us a letter from your doctor giving you permission to travel internationally.

If you’re interested, you can watch this encouraging video from Sharril Sherwood, one of our elder volunteers who came to Israel with us when she was 77: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_8Lujog_18

I’m an elderly- traveling to Israel for two weeks – reach Tel Aviv on 18 August returning to Singapore on 31/8/22

I’m interested in this volunteer program What do you recommend me in this area Thanks for sharing Anna

Hi Anna, That’s wonderful that you’re coming to Israel this summer! Our next volunteer program starts on September 6, so it doesn’t look like it lines up with your current travel dates. You can find details and apply for any of our future volunteer programs at https://serveisrael.com/calendar

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12 Best Israel Travel Blogs for Your Trip | Masa Israel

Our Picks of the Best Israel Travel Blogs

Ready for your Israel trip? Are you sure? To help you make the best of your time in the holy land, we’ve compiled a list of Israel travel blogs that offer everything you need to know (and definitely can’t miss) while you’re there. Yalla, let’s break it down by the main necessities: main attractions, art, food, drink, and of course, a miscellaneous section in case the first four don’t do it for you.

Attractions

1. Let’s start at the beginning: Tourist Israel has compiled a bucket list of the best things to do in Israel. They open their post with the best places to “get vitamin ‘sea’” and then move on to historical sights, nature and wildlife, and museums.

2. Thinking out of the box? Read Atlas Obscura’s list of “Unusual Attractions in Israel”, which leads readers to a 2,000 year old wine press, the “Jewish Sistine Chapel”, and Harry Potter’s grave . Yes, you read that correctly. Atlas Obscura is definitely one of the more unusual Israel travel blogs.

3. Want to experience Israel through the eyes of an artist? Oh So Artsy is a travel blog that opens up the world’s most exciting art scenes through local guides. And guess what? Haifa, Jerusalem, and Tel Aviv all made the list.

4. Israel21c is an Israel travel blog that offers everything from what to do in Israel to tech, health, and environmental updates – but here we’ll focus specifically on the article they wrote about the top 10 things for art lovers to do in Israel . This list has a lot more than just museums on it.

One thing you can’t miss out on while you’re in Israel: the food.

5. Let’s start with Tel Aviv. Telaveat offers exactly what it sounds like: where to eat in Tel Aviv. With drop-down lists allowing you to choose what type of food you want to eat, where you want to eat it, and what occasion you’re celebrating (does casual Tuesday count?), Telaveat is our top Israel travel blog for food.

6. Moving on – are you visiting Jerusalem? Fine Dining Lovers compiled a list of all their favorite restaurants in the area including street food, bakeries, and gourmet dinners.

7. If you’re looking for a more general landscape of Mediterranean food in Israel, check out Time Out’s Food-lover’s Guide to Middle Eastern Cuisine , where they list out “the best falafel, sabich, shawarma, kebab, jachnun, shakshuka, and of course, hummus in all of the Holy Land”.

8. Tel Aviv seems to be coming up a lot in this particular travel blog, but we won’t apologize when it comes to bars. Tel Aviv is known for its nightlife, and Culture Trip highlights the best bars around. Keep digging and you’ll find several other articles like where to find the most creative cocktail bars and the coolest dive bars .

9. We spoke too soon. Travel Triangle published an article not long ago that tells you exactly where you can “drink & dance your night away” – and locations include Eilat, Mitzpe Ramon, and Jerusalem.

A little bit of everything

10. TelAvivian has every kind of recommendation about Tel Aviv you could hope to find when researching these types of Israel travel blogs. Careful not to get lost in their massive list.

11. Fodors lists out what you should do, eat, and know, as well as where you should stay, in both Tel Aviv and Jerusalem . They also have a forum where you can peruse people’s frequently asked questions and even post your own.

12. And finally, the holy grail of Israel travel blogs: Secret Tel Aviv . If you’ll be visiting Tel Aviv at any point during your trip (and we really hope you are) you should know that Secret Tel Aviv offers travelers everything they need from restaurants to shops to events happening around the city every day.

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Jerusalem travel blog — the fullest jerusalem travel guide for first-timers.

You don’t have to be a religious pilgrim to visit Jerusalem! The mysterious yet charming city is firmly established as a contemporary space while retaining its ancient and spiritual character. Jerusalem not only attracts believers, but its overall magnetism forms part of the attraction for any tourist, where you will soon find that a single visit is not guaranteed enough time to fully understand its history, beauty and mystery. So, is Jerusalem worth visiting, how to visit Jerusalem, what to do in Jerusalem and how to plan a perfect budget trip to Jerusalem for the first-time? Let’s check out our Jerusalem travel blog (Jerusalem blog) with the fullest Jerusalem travel guide (Jerusalem guide, Jerusalem tourist guide) from how to get there, best time to come, where to stay, best places to visit, what to eat and top things to do in Jerusalem to find out the answer!

• Tel Aviv travel blog — The fullest Tel Aviv travel guide for first-timers

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Jerusalem is a city I must visit once in my life. I’ve been so convinced for a long time, probably since I heard this place name on the news when I was a kid. Indeed the names such as Jerusalem, the Middle East, the State of Israel or Palestine has never evoked danger to me. Until, I had been read Phuong Mai’s book “Islamic Way” (a story of Middle East, Islam and Islamism), I started began to fall in love with this land full of honey, ancient and full of mysteries. In January 2020, just before the Covid-19 pandemic broke out like a storm, I was able to go to Israel to attend an international fair with the tourist company I am working for. Awesome, from then, my dream has come true. I know when I really like something, I’ll do it until the end. Here is a very detailed guide to Jerusalem for those who want to go on their own.

Jerusalem travel blog: Overview of Jerusalem

Jerusalem is a city in the Middle East, located on a plateau in the Jewish Mountains between the Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea. It is one of the oldest cities in the world and is considered extremely sacred to the three main Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam

There are some places you visit in the world that you know right away will never compare to any other place you have been to in the past or will visit in the future. Jerusalem is definitely one of them. It is a holy city that has gone through turbulent times and is contested by three monotheistic religions – Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

Today, the city is divided into four quarters: the Jewish Quarter, the Christian Quarter, the Muslim Quarter and the Armenian Quarter. Although ostensibly peace and prosperity in present-day, the reality beneath the layers of history reveals not only the struggle of the past, but also the present, for the ancient city once considered a the center of this world.

The layers of history are not only figurative but actually very literal, as this city has been destroyed and rebuilt more than a dozen times throughout its history. Each time the city is rebuilt, it rises higher above another layer of rubble, creating a very unique look at history through the ages. Are you planning a trip to visit Jerusalem for the first time? Check out this Jerusalem travel guide for things to do in Jerusalem, for any culture buff.

Where is Jerusalem?

Jerusalem has a complex geographical and administrative position. This city is located in the northwestern plateau of the Arabian peninsula, more specifically on the border between Israel and the West Bank of the Jordan River – the land is under administrated by Palestine. In the most obvious terms, Jerusalem is currently the contested city of two state institutions, Israel and Palestine. However, in theory this is so, but in reality the state of Israel almost completely governs Jerusalem.

Why should you travel to Jerusalem?

Jerusalem is the Holy Land, the birthplace of the three largest monotheistic religions in the world: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. So Jerusalem is home to many of the most important churches, monasteries, temples and religious monuments in history. If you love history and politics you must visit this city. Jerusalem also has been the center of political instability and religious strife for the past 2,000 years. But like the eye of a storm, this place is strangely peaceful and solemn. If you want to experience a new sense of travel, Jerusalem is unique enough than any city you have ever passed.

Located at the crossroads between Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, Jerusalem is a crossroads of many cultures, both interacting and opposing. Just coming to Jerusalem you have the opportunity to see the architecture, enjoy the cuisine, experience the cultures of many world civilizations. With a history of 5,000 years and many myths and sacraments taking place here, today Jerusalem is still the most mysterious land in the history of the world. If you have religious beliefs then come here.

Is Jerusalem safe?

This ancient city has been at the heart of military and political unrest in the Middle East for nearly a century. A lot of my friends were surprised when I traveled to Jerusalem. Almost everyone thinks there is still conflict between Israel and Palestine in this Holy Land. In fact, that was 70 years ago, and now Jerusalem is a land with the most strict security control in the world. All visitors to Jerusalem must pass through a multi-layered security check: From the bus station to the sightseeing sites. Not to mention the police with uniform and non-uniform were densely arranged in the city. People come here for pilgrimage, so any act of causing chaos is disrespectful. Moreover, after nearly a century, the Middle East Peace Process is warming up significantly under the Trump presidency. In short, Jerusalem is a safer city than usual.

Don’t be surprised when you see armed members of the Israel Defense Forces in the city of Jerusalem and beyond. The majority of these young people are serving the Nation and as intimidating as it may seem at first glance, you’ll soon find it’s a normal part of everyday life here.

Is Jerusalem the capital of Israel or Palestine?

Many people think that Tel Aviv is the capital and largest city of Israel, but it is not. Jerusalem is the capital by the law and also the most populous and richest city in Israel. Palestine also declares Jerusalem as its capital, but the state of Palestine has not been recognized by the United Nations. Today tourists only access the western part of Jerusalem, while the eastern part is now Palestinian territory and is quite complicated.

Jerusalem travel blog: When to visit?

With the Mediterranean climate, the weather here is often long summers and cold, short winters. The coldest time in Israel is in January, the temperature ranges from 5 to 12 degrees Celsius, the hottest is in August with the average temperature arounds between 18 and 38 degrees Celsius. Between November and March is the time when long and frequent rains and storms occur, and from June to September, it is dry and without rain, so it is very inconvenient for traveling to Israel. Therefore, from the end of November to early March next year and the end of March to the end of July is the “best time to travel to Israel” because the weather is cool at this time, not too hot nor too cold, very suitable. for sightseeing.

Many people think that the Middle East must be as hot as a fire oven because of the desert climate, right? However, Jerusalem is located on a mountain 754m above sea level, so the climate here is quite cool. In January, when I came, it was cold at 7 degrees Celsius.

Jerusalem travel guide: How to get to Jerusalem?

To get to Israel you definitely have to fly to Ben Gurion airport. Jerusalem cannot be reached by land from neighboring countries because all almost Arab countries block theirs borders and flights to Israel.

From Ben Gurion airport you take a taxi straight to Jerusalem. If you come to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv, it can take 2 hours by train and 1 hour by bus. During my trip, I choose a coach because it saves time and I don’t get car sick. You can go to Arlozorov station to take bus 408 or take bus 405 at the central station to reach Tel Aviv. If you take the train, go to Hagana station or Tel Aviv Savidor Central railway station.

Are means of transport and services in Israel operating on Saturdays?

The answer is no. From Friday afternoon to Saturday night, all public transport activities are closed, restaurants and offices are closed. You should avoid this time if moving from one city to another. There are still taxis operating but not many and the price is also more expensive than usual. The only thing you should do on Shabbat as a tourist is to take a leisurely walk on the road and not go too far.

Jerusalem guide: How to get around Jerusalem?

The city of Jerusalem includes the Old City and the New City. The old quarter is quite small and there is no public transport in it, so please walk. Tourists and residents mainly use trams and buses to move from the bus station to the hotel and from the new quarter and the old town. Tram is the popular and easiest means of transport to use in Jerusalem, just catch the Tram or Metro 01 running from Mount Herzl to the West Bank, you can getting to many tourist places. Most hotels or attractions are located along this metro line.

Although Jerusalem is not really large, it is very hilly and therefore a lot of roads wind around the hills. There are no real city streets but more like an interwoven network of roads and trails. For daily commute, taking a public bus is very useful. You will see people queuing to get on the bus, especially during the morning and late rush hours.

Where to stay?

Because it is a tourist city, the choice of hotels and B&B here is quite rich. However, because it is an old city, most of the hostels and B&Bs have small, ancient and bearing Middle Eastern style. The hostel I rent is Stay Inn Hotel Jerusalem in the New Quarter, the room is old but the hot water, kitchen and location are all very good.

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• The American Colony Hotel ( Agoda , Booking )
• Bezalel Hotel – an Atlas Boutique Hotel ( Agoda , Booking )
• Arthur Hotel – an Atlas Boutique Hotel ( Agoda , Booking )
• Herbert Samuel Jerusalem ( Agoda , Booking )
• King David Hotel ( Agoda , Booking )
• Orient Isrotel Exclusive Collection Jerusalem ( Agoda , Booking )
• Mamilla Hotel ( Agoda , Booking )
• Dan Boutique Jerusalem ( Agoda , Booking )

Check out more top and best hotels in Jerusalem on Agoda.com or Booking.com

Jerusalem tourist guide: Where to go, what to do and top things to do in Jerusalem

Most people think of Jerusalem and think of a highly religious city, rife with places of worship, layers of historical dust, and possibly some conflict. But beyond that, Jerusalem is a vibrant and bustling city with a fascinating mix of cultures and people, and pleasant surprises at every turn, nook and cranny. Jerusalem has a history spanning millennia, with so much to see and do in the city, making it not only an important place if you’re religious person but also if you’re interested in with just a little bit of history.

Jerusalem is dense with religious, archaeological and artistic atmospheres, so many people come to this city many times in their lives to discover as much as 5,000 years of Western history encapsulated in 650 square kilometers. I spent 2 days and 1 night in Jerusalem but still haven’t visited all the famous landmarks because the city is only as small as Ba Dinh and Hoan Kiem districts while the number of monuments, relics, ruins here is denser than any other ancient city in the world. Here is the Jerusalem itinerary for 3 days 2 nights.

New Jerusalem (Downtown)

Jerusalem appeared in our eyes under the golden sunlight and blue skies of the Middle East. Contrary to imagination, Jerusalem’s New Neighborhood is crowded, luxurious and seemingly richer than Tel Aviv. Although Tel Aviv is the financial and commercial capital, it cannot have the majesty and prosperity of Jerusalem. Along the main street of Jaffa, there are a number of brands, mansions, administrative offices, banks and restaurants. People walking on the street are mostly pilgrims, most of them wearing traditional religious costumes, the rest of the locals seem to be more relaxed than the busy atmosphere in Tel Aviv. Most of the buildings in Downtown were built during the British takeover of Jerusalem from 1917 to 1948 with a simple but elegant Bauhaus style. Downtown is not the main attraction, so the atmosphere here is quite peaceful like an early morning.

Old City of Jerusalem – Uptown

Old quarter.

The Old City of Jerusalem is 5,000 years old, but the buildings in good condition were mostly built during the Ottoman period from the 16th to 19th centuries, the rest are mostly ruins or preserved in museums. The old town is divided into 4 districts: the Jewish District, the Christian District, the Muslim District and the Armenian Christian District, with four gates named Jaffa, Damascus, Lion and Zion. From the New Quarter to the Old Town, we usually go through Jaffa Gate, from the avenue of the same name. Here are the prominent attractions in the Citadel you should visit.

Exploring all parts of the Old City is a must when traveling to Jerusalem. A walled city of stone structures, set in the golden hues of the sun, creates a maze of paths that cut this ancient citadel into Muslim, Christian, Armenian quarters and Jewish.

Tower of King David and Citadel Area

This is believed to be the place where King David, who defeated the giant Goliath and ascended the throne of Israel in 970 BC, laid the foundation of the Palace. However, after many destructions, the present-day form of the Citadel was built during the Ottoman period. The most obvious sign is the prominent Islamic prayer tower. In addition, the Tower of David is a complex museum that includes rooms showing Israel through each historical period. The main courtyard was excavated so that the public could clearly see moats, the old foundation of the old imperial citadel. At night there is also an art performance recreating the history of the Jewish nation.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Going further northeast, we will meet the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where the body of Jesus was buried. According to Christian belief, this is the hill of skulls, where Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected 3 days later. During the time of Christ, this was outside the ancient city of Jerusalem. Today, the tomb is surrounded by a church that was rebuilt almost new in 1808. Today the church is always full of pilgrims.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is considered the holiest site in the world for Christians and is believed to have been built on the site of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. The building as it stands has been built and destroyed many times over thousands of years with what stands today as a rather large and impressive church. Given its great significance, prepare to line up here if you want to see most of the main attractions inside the church with some waiting for hours, especially the queue to see the tomb of God Jesus where he was resurrected.

Via Dolorosa (The Path of Sorrows)

This is the path that Jesus suffered from the place of Roman torture to the hill of skulls to be crucified. This road I almost didn’t notice because it was a very normal looking road but each section would have a sign saying where Jesus fell, where God met his mother Mary for the last time, etc.

Wailing Wall (Western Wall)

The Western Wall is actually the remains of an ancient Jerusalem temple and is an extremely sacred site for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. The wall was first built around 19 BC and is now one of the oldest attractions in Jerusalem. When you visit, there are separate areas for men and women with men having to cover their heads with top hats while women need to cover shoulders and legs.

English is often written as the Western wall. This is the only surviving wall of the Jewish Temple that existed between 500 and 70 BC. Before it was destroyed by the Romans and started the wandering period of the Jewish people, this was a temple with a huge scale and extremely magnificent architecture. The center of the temple is the foundation stone on which God created the world. Today the rock is surrounded by the Al-Aqsa Mosque with a golden dome and below the mosque is the Wailing Wall. Every year the Jews flock to the foot of the wall to bow down and mourn the fate of a people that had been lost for 2,000 years.

Temple Mount and Al-Aqsa Mosque

There are other names like Dome of the Rock or Haram al-Sharif (Noble Sanctuary) for Muslims, this is considered the place where the Prophet Muhammad ascended to Heaven on top of a stone, and this stone coincides with the rock of Jewish as I mentioned above. Today the rock is surrounded by a gilded mosque and only Muslims are allowed to get inside, except during prayer times. To enter the mosque, you must enter from the western gate.

Dome of the Rock is considered one of the holiest sites in Jerusalem, revered by Jews, Christians and Muslims for many reasons. It’s worth noting that it’s one of the hardest places to visit due to its great importance, makes it more devoted to prayer than anything else.

The stunning Dome of the Rock stands proudly on this site and is the most iconic landmark in the city. The central dome of this church glistens with gold and the colorful tiled exterior walls are absolutely magnificent.

Walking around the small streets of the Old City (Jerusalem travel blog)

Jerusalem is densely packed with alleyways, and its steep streets are still mostly intact from the Middle Ages. Along these streets are souvenir shops, stalls selling fruit, silk, fleece and religious items. Wandering in this small but solemn space, you will find yourself both small in the midst of thousands of years of history, and very proud when stepping on the stones that have been worn down by time. The scent of incense, the sound of prayers, the sound of church bells creates a thick mixture of ancient smells before your eyes.

Machaneh Yehudah Market

Machaneh Yehudah Market on Agripas Street has a vibrant and bustling atmosphere when you wander past stalls of sweets, fresh fruit and vegetables, fresh loaves, nuts, pastries, meats and more.

You dodge to dodge trays, carts and locals with bags full of local produce. Your head spins as you hear the calls of the market vendors, the jeering of hurried deals, and the lure of fresh juice bars and fast food joints. No wonder it is one of the main attractions of Jerusalem and a beautiful window into local life.

At night, the market is a fun hangout for the trendy kids of the city. Vendor stalls are transformed into seating areas, tables and chairs are laid out, and restaurants, pop-up shops and bars are in full swing. This can also be where you spend a lot of time.

Jaffa Street

Jaffa Street runs through the heart of the New City, connecting everything together. In some picturesque and quaint areas, it’s nice to stroll and take in the shopping and dining that’s hidden behind it. In the evening, the streets around Zion Square come alive with the buzz of local bars and entertainment venues, where you can sip local Goldstar beer.

What to eat in Jerusalem?

The first thing I have to warn you about: Jerusalem is not a foodie paradise for most people. Simply put, in a city with a strong and dense religious atmosphere, the food is also humble and ascetic. Don’t expect to have a great party experience in Jerusalem. Jerusalem is the Holy Land of three monotheistic religions, and what is clear is that all three of them ban or restrict pork. Don’t expect to find pork in Jerusalem. Jews and Muslims are extremely strict vegetarians and their signature food is Hummus, made from pureed cooked chickpeas mixed with tahini (sesame butter), olive oil, salted lemon juice and garlic.

In Jerusalem we eat a lot of veggie bread and hummus. If you absolutely must eat meat, the new neighborhood has a number of lamb sandwiches. However, lamb has a pretty smell, so many people will not be used to it. Your only consolation in Jerusalem is fresh fruit. Israel is a country with the most advanced agriculture in the world, so pomegranates, oranges, and apples here are very sweet, big and available in many street stalls. Don’t forget to try the specialty pomegranate juice.

Because food in Jerusalem is quite expensive, if you’re traveling on a budget, head to the local markets to find authentic dishes made with fresh ingredients, sample different cuisines from different religions, cultures and ethnicities, and make the most of the street food selling by roadside stalls to get the best food at an affordable price.

A city rich in history and home to diverse culinary traditions, Jerusalem is second to none when it comes to delicious street food. A unique balance between Eastern and Western influences, these dishes have become synonymous with the city and with Israeli culture. You can try hummus, falafel, bourekas or knafeh, shawarma, shakshuka, sabich, turkish coffee, arak, local craft beer and many other delicious dishes.

What to buy as a gift in Jerusalem?

Souvenirs or religious symbols are the most valuable gifts in Jerusalem. Religious followers are proud to own items with the word Jerusalem on them. In the Muslim District, you should buy candy, olive oil, and dried fruit because these are two specialties of Arab countries. In the Armenian District, buy pottery in the shape of a pomegranate as it is a typical item of Armenians who are famous for their craftsmanship. In addition, cosmetics with ingredients from dead sea minerals in the Jewish district are also valuable gifts for relatives.

Some useful notes before you go

How to dress when coming to jerusalem.

Make sure you dress politely and discreetly. It is best whether you are a man or a woman, you should wear long pants, long sleeves and prepare a headscarf if entering a mosque. And when you get to the Wailing Wall, someone will give you a top hat if you are a man.

How to behave properly in Jerusalem?

Be as discreet, polite and proper as possible. You absolutely avoid indiscriminate behaviors such as screaming, touching others without permission, staring at them as well as using profanity in a foreign language. Many Jewish, Muslim and Christian monks try to stay away from women and of course you should not approach them to avoid any risks. People in Jerusalem are generally not very friendly, hospitable. On the road if you need help you can ask the young people, they speak English quite well and are more open.

What to do to ensure your safety?

Do not carry weapons or sharp objects with you because obviously if you do you will not get through the security check and believe me, Israeli police and soldiers do not look very approachable. Do not approach the Palestinian-Israeli border and temples, shrines that are closed or do not allow women to get in (signs will be posted outside).

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Jerusalem you can refer to

• Jerusalem Day Tour
• Jerusalem, Dead Sea Day Tour & Bethlehem from Tel Aviv
• Jerusalem, Dead Sea and Bethlehem Day Tour
• Jerusalem Holy City Tour
• Dead Sea Chill Out Trip from Jerusalem
• [Unlist] Jerusalem Hills Private Jeep Tour
• Jerusalem Mount of Olives Tour
• Jericho, Ramallah, and Bethlehem Day Tour from Jerusalem
• Jerusalem Shabbat Tour
• Masada, Ein Gedi, Dead Sea Tour
• From Tel Aviv: Jerusalem and Bethlehem Guided Day Trip
• From Tel Aviv/Jerusalem: Masada Sunrise, Ein Gedi & Dead Sea
• From Jerusalem: Masada & Dead Sea Full Day Tour with Pick Up
• From Tel Aviv: Jerusalem Old City & Dead Sea Guided Day Tour
• From Jerusalem: Tour to Bethlehem, Jericho, and Jordan River
• Full Day City Tour of Jerusalem
• From Jerusalem: Nazareth and Sea of Galilee Tour
• From Jerusalem: Full-Day Bethlehem and Dead Sea Day Tour
• Jerusalem: Customized Tour with a Local Guide
• From Jerusalem: Half-Day Bethlehem Guided Tour Small Group
• From Tel Aviv: Jerusalem Old & New City Bus Tour
• From Jerusalem: Masada, Ein Gedi, Dead Sea Guided Tour
• Masada & Dead Sea Tour: Full-Day from Jerusalem
• Jerusalem Half-Day Sightseeing Tour
• Best of the West Bank Full-Day Tour from Jerusalem

Read more about Middle East guide here .

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Latest Middle East Travel Update on My Upcoming Trip to Egypt, Jordan, and Israel

It has been a while since I have provided an update on my upcoming trip to the Middle East and North Africa, so I wanted to take a moment to let you all know what is happening with those plans. Although COVID is still having an impact on the travel industry, we are seeing more-and-more signs that things are starting to open up for international travel. In my Middle East travel update, I will provide you with the latest details on my trip planning efforts and I will share some of the wisdom that I have gained through this lengthy and sometimes stressful travel planning process.

The Good News

First, I would like to talk about the good news. If you follow my blog closely, you know that I had to postpone this trip last autumn because the country of Israel was on the verge of re-closing its borders to travelers with a surge in COVID cases. Little did we know at the time that it would still be open during our travel dates but would close again shortly after. As our travel dates approach this Spring, the signs we are seeing regarding the country’s openness are much less ominous.

According to the Tourist Israel website , the country of Israel is preparing to open its borders to all travelers (vaccinated and unvaccinated) on March 1, 2022. We are fully vaccinated and boosted, but the fact that it will be open to all travelers is a great sign that the country should be open when we travel. Some more great news is the fact that Israel will be giving PCR tests upon arrival, with expedited results within 6-12 hours. This means that travelers will no longer need to plan for and time their PCR test before boarding a plane to Israel. This is fantastic news!

The Remaining Uncertainty

The only uncertainty that we have left is whether or not the land border crossings will be open when we visit. Depending on the situation, we may need to either change the order of our travel or change our travel dates slightly. The good news is that all signs point to a re-opening, so we are hopeful that things will be open when we visit. If they aren’t, we are confident that we will be able to adjust our airfare with Delta Airlines if need be. The airline has been nothing short of fantastic as we have navigated the difficult travel planning for this trip.

Our Planned Itinerary

Obviously, with things still a bit in flux, the following travel itinerary that I am outlining is certainly subject to change. However, the things that we want to see in each country will remain the same, even if the sequence in which we see these places may be different. If you are interested in learning about what we are planning on seeing while on our trip for inspiration in planning your own trip, I have included details for you to review in my Middle East travel update below.

Egypt Itinerary

We will start our tour in the incredible city of Cairo, Egypt . Seeing Cairo and the Great Pyramids has long been on my travel bucket list , so I am very excited about seeing these ancient wonders of the world. It will also be an amazing experience to tour the infamous Egyptian Museum in Cairo and learn more about the local culture. I have included more details on my itinerary in Egypt in my Middle East travel update below.

• Tour the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx in Cairo.
• Tour the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.
• Visit Old Cairo.
• Visit the Sinai Desert.
• Visit Marah by the Red Sea.
• See Elim, Rephidim, and Mount Sinai.
• See the Saint Catherine Monestary.
• Eat a traditional Bedouin dinner.

Jordan Itinerary

After leaving Egypt, we will briefly cross into Israel before heading to the incredible country of Jordan. Like the Great Pyramids, I have wanted to visit the incredible historical site of Petra since I was a young boy and saw this amazing place in the Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade movie. I remember thinking that a place that beautiful and that incredible couldn’t be real. It is very real, and I cannot wait to see it with my own eyes and photograph it. In addition to Petra, there are a number of other wonderful spots that we plan to visit while in Jordan. I have outlined these places in my Middle East travel update below.

• Visit Aqaba.
• See the beautiful Wadi Rum.
• Explore Petra.
• Tour Amman.

Israel Itinerary

The final country we will be visiting on our Middle East trip is the incredible country of Israel . In addition to seeing some of the holy sites in the country, we also hope to explore some of the beautiful landscapes in Israel as well. There is so much that we are planning to see during our visit, and I have included a list of highlights in my Middle East travel update below.

• Tour Old Town Jaffa.
• See the Sea of Galilee
• Visit Mount Carmel.
• See Megiddo, the Valley of Armageddon.
• Visit Nazareth.
• See the Lower Galilee Region and the town of Tiberias.
• Tour the Golan Heights.
• Visit Banias, Tabgha, Capernaum, and Beth Shean.
• See the Dead Sea.
• Tour the holy sites in Jerusalem.

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Published by Josh Hewitt

Avid traveler and photographer who loves to see new places, meet new people, and experience new things. There is so much this world can teach us, we just need to explore! View all posts by Josh Hewitt

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17 comments ›.

Very exciting! I’ll keep my fingers crossed that all goes to plan. Three countries I would love to visit myself so excited to hear about it when you’ve come back!

Thanks Jason!!! I am hoping we have better luck this year. I will definitely be sharing lots of info and pictures from the trip! 😄👍

I need to start planning a couple of trips. I have some in mind, but there are obstacles with each. Still. I am hopeful. And if these don’t work out, there are so many other options!

Oh, and your plans sound fantastic! Can’t wait to see how they shape up.

Thank you so much Kim!!!

The hardest part is making the decision to go! Once you do, the plans will come together. Find a place that inspires you 😄

I hope it all works out – it’s too good an itinerary to miss! I’m really hoping the US removes it’s “test negative to fly home” requirement soon.

Thank you so much!! I have my 🤞. I really, really hope they remove that requirement soon too. Really no reason not to at this point.

Yes. Not sure why we’re being so stubborn.

Travel under a pandemic is never easy,appreciate that a lot!!

It certainly isn’t. Thanks Kira!!

Hey Josh, so cool that you are planning to travel to the middle east. I have been to Egypt and Jordan. I loved Bhariya white desert most. Check my blog https://vacaywork.com/white-desert-camping-egypt/ . You may want to add it to your itinerary.

Thank you so much for the tip Sahana!! I will check it out!

I like your list. Non of the countries I have already visited.

Thank you so much for the kind words!!

Such interesting sites!

Thank you so much!!

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Thank you so much for your kind words!!

Wonderful & very informative article. Good you explained everything in detail it has been a great help.

Gibraltar is so beautiful, I never thought of visiting this place, your always adorable photography has made Gibraltar even more…

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FULL TEL AVIV FOOD GUIDE: WHERE TO EAT FOOD IN TEL AVIV FOR EVERY TYPE OF PERSON & MEAL

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ISRAEL TRAVEL BLOG: A LOCAL’S GUIDE ON ISRAEL TRAVEL TIPS AND WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

* Israel Travel Guides : Scroll to the bottom to head straight to my Tel Aviv city guide , North Day Trips from Tel Aviv guide , South Israel/Mizpe Ramon/Eilat travel guide , or Tel Aviv Food Guide or keep reading to see what to know and expect when visiting Israel and travel tips for Israel*

I have visited Israel 10+ times on different types of trips, have lived in Israel in 2015 on an international program for six months, again in beginning of 2019 for 4 months and then moved to Tel Aviv Israel permanently in October 2019 (clearly I can’t get enough of Israel!), and have now lived in Israel almost 4 years. This Israel travel blog will go into extensive detail on Israel travel tips from a (now) local.

Israel is my pure happy place. I feel super blessed and lucky to be able to live in this amazing country at this point in my life. I have extensive knowledge of the main cities, territories, trips and rural areas covering the entire country. So I can definitely help when figuring out the best places to visit in Israel and planning a trip to Israel. I could talk about Israel all day everyday. Israel is a very eclectic, special country and I urge you to read up on the  facts in this Israel travel blog and its subsequent guides (below) before traveling to Israel as it is the most amazing place. In fact, Forbes named Tel Aviv the #2 place to visit for 2020 !

Disclosure: This Israel travel blog may contain affiliate links. I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As always, all opinions are my own and I would never post about something I have not personally used/verified.

Travel Guide Contents

Israel Travel Blog: Israel Travel Tips & Planning A Trip To Israel

Getting around israel: israel road trip tips, israel car rentals, driving tips and apps.

• If you are traveling around the entire country on your own I definitely suggest renting a car in Israel! It is SO easy to drive around Israel and all the main highways have English signs. I highly suggest doing an Israel road trip for your trip when touring Israel on your own!
• However, if you are only visiting Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, DO NOT RENT A CAR! Parking is beyond difficult in the cities and you do not need a car within the city! They are both walkable cities!! Additionally if you are JUST visiting these two cities you still don’t need a car as public transportation between the two is easy (bus and train).
• If you are renting a car in Israel, I HIGHLY suggest renting with Eldan Car Rental , they are the most respectable rental car company in Israel . I have personally rented with them and recommend. Hertz, Budget and all the other big companies also do car rentals in Israel BUT you MUST MUST MUST book it from their ISRAELI website (ending in .co.il) otherwise you will have to pay 3x more when you get here. Even though the price will come up as cheaper when you book online. Trust me.
• They drive on the right side so very standard and normal for Western countries.
• Israeli drivers are aggressive. So be aggressive, too.
• There are no rights on red in Israel.
• All rental cars come with a reflective vest: if you are stopping on the side of the road for some reason you must put this on (safety reasons).
• You don’t need an international driver’s license to drive in Israel, you just need to have a standard valid driver’s license from your home country. 
• Download the Gett app before getting to Israel! Gett was made in Israel and is the primary way to get around Tel Aviv and Israel in general. They do not use Uber or Lyft. Gett just uses regular taxis in Tel Aviv but it makes it easier because you can pay by credit card . Regular taxis do not let you pay by credit card, it is cash only. When you order Gett’s they usually come SUPER quickly (like quicker than in NYC) so it is always my go-to, I can’t remember the last time I hailed a cab in Israel!

Cost of A Trip To Israel: Israel Travel Budget

• Tel Aviv is by far the most expensive city , but of course the most popular and built up. Hotels and Airbnbs are both expensive as are restaurants. (Basically New York levels)
• You do NOT need a guide to see the city of Tel Aviv . Jerusalem is naturally the most expansive, cultural and diverse city here and also expensive, and I do suggest doing guided tours of many of the Jerusalem sites to understand the historical facts

Israel On A Budget

If you are not here to visit the history and understand Israel and just want to have a chill vacation either just laying on the beach in Tel Aviv or hopping between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, there are DEFINITELY ways to lower your Israel trip cost and keeping your Israel travel budget down!!

• Cheap Accommodations: The hostel and backpacker community is THRIVING in Israel!!! There are a ton of options to choose from. I highly suggest Abraham Hostels in both cities . Book Abraham Hostel Tel Aviv here and Abraham Hostel in Jerusalem here . They are both very cheap and GOOD, quality, safe hostels.
• Cheap Eats: Street food is also INSANE in Israel and beyond recommended. The absolute best food in this country cost less than $10 and you can easily have it – and its different options – for every meal! From Shwarma to falafel to Sabich to hummus, you can have it all! You can see all my Israel street food recs on my Tel Aviv food guide .
• Almost everything that is a “must see” in Tel Aviv is free – as it is just walking around the different areas. This keeps costs down and why you do not need a guide! In Jerusalem, there are also a ton of free tourist spots – the Kotel, Ben Yehuda street, Mahane Yehuda market – but I do recommend paying for tours of Yad Vashem, underground Kotel tunnels and more based on your interests. Tour are really important here to understand the vast history that lies in Jerusalem for all religions. The hostels can coordinate budget-friendly tours!

Israel Packing Tips

• Israel is HOT in the summer (like humid gross) and pretty mild in the winter!
• For a traveling to Israel packing list, Sunscreen is a MUST in Israel. Israel is a desert!!! My fave face sunscreen is Sunbum stick (buy here) which I bring everywhere. It’s a solid so great for flying and is tiny and can fit in any small bag.
• A water bottle is also a must – there is a lot of walking around and long hikes to do in both the North and the South of Israel! My go-to is S’well (I own three of them) and don’t leave home without it. You can buy a S’well here .
• Also, since you are likely coming to Israel for a longer trip – and staying in different places every, or every other, night. packing cubes are lifesavers to know where everything is quickly! This is my favorite bunch ever, buy here .
• For all of my other fave travel/packing essentials I bring on any trip compiled together, head to my influencer page on Amazon here for a complete list or my descriptive carry-on packing guide here or my favorite travel gear here !

Travel Insurance In Israel

• When visiting Israel, I highly recommend getting travel insurance . You never know what may happen to your flights, a death/personal emergency in your family, or an accident happening while traveling (think: getting mugged, falling while hiking and spraining your ankle, literally any accident than can happen ANYWHERE!). World Nomads makes it super easy and I never leave for a trip without getting their insurance. Most importantly it’s extremely affordable: get your World Nomads travel insurance before your trip here!

Related Post: Cyprus Travel Blog Guide

Israel Expectations: What To Expect When Visiting Israel & Best Time To Go To Israel

• SO MUCH HISTORY IN ISRAEL:  Israel and its land has so much history behind it it is unbelievable. All Israel beautiful places have history. Each time I visit, even the same places repeatedly, I learn even more. Be prepared to visit historical spots and really try to listen to the stories. Even for non-cultural and non-history trip lovers, I really believe there is so much to learn about Israel, the people, and the land,  and it has such an interesting and different past, present and future. There is so much to do in Israel you simply cannot cover it all in one trip.
• A ZEST FOR LIFE: Despite the past and current political and religious tensions that Israel faces, Israelis have a zest for life unlike anyone else. I have never seen a group of people, in all of the countries I have visited, truly LOVE life and give meaning to “live life to the fullest”. Israelis are adventurous, open-minded and all around happy humans , and these characteristics truly radiate off of them. They also truly embody the idea of a “home” and will literally invite you to come to their house for any holiday even if they don’t know you. They want everyone to feel welcome and at home in Israel . If you can’t tell from this and other Israel travel blogs already, this is the reason why I love this country so much.
• SOLDIERS AND GUNS: There will be soldiers walking by you all the time and everywhere . They will have guns larger than you wrapped over their body. The first time you see this, it will be a little weird. After a while, you realize how normal it is . These soldiers, many of whom are younger than 24, are living their life and protecting their country at the same time.
• WEEKENDS ARE FRIDAY & SATURDAY: The world runs a little different in Israel. Shabbat, the day of rest, is Friday night to Saturday night. As such, their weekend is actually Friday and Saturday, with the work week starting on Sunday. Almost   everything is closed on Saturdays ,  especially  in Jerusalem. Take the day to really rest…go to the beach, hang at one of the amazing parks, hike around the desert or mountains. There is so much to do. If you can, try to be on a hike or in Tel Aviv during Shabbat – Jerusalem COMPLETELY shuts down with no transportation and everything closed that you won’t be able to experience Jerusalem tourist things if that is what you are going for.

My biggest Israel travel blog tip : On a Friday morning, I urge you to go to one of the popular Shuks (markets) in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem – they are BEYOND hectic and crowded every Friday morning and shut down at 3pm. It is amazing. Make sure you plan what to do in Israel around their weekend days.

Israel Currency

The Israeli shekel (ILS) (symbol:  ₪ )! The shekel is about 3.8 to the US dollar (it used to be better!). But there still is no better time than to visit Israel then now!

Israel Language

Hebrew ! Good luck with being able to read any signs unless you know the language. Hebrew is a gorgeous language and I could listen to Israelis talk all day, however it is SUPER confusing and definitely not easy to learn for a quick trip. Luckily, Israelis are taught English from an early age (for the younger generations) so you will find that younger Israelis all speak great English, however the older generation speaks very little English. In Tel Aviv, English is very prominent, but in Jerusalem it is a little harder to get by with no Hebrew – just keep this in mind when you are planning out what to do in Israel – but it shouldn’t stop you!

Related Post: Jordan Travel Guide

Other Israel Travel Tips & Is Israel Safe???

• ISRAEL WEATHER : Summers in Israel are exceptionally, uncomfortably hot. It is also PEAK tourist season, along with the week of Passover. I recommend planning a trip to Israel in May/June or October/November – this is the absolute BEST weather in Israel and the best time to visit Israel – less tourists, mild and perfect weather, and happy locals.
• DON’T BELIEVE THE MEDIA:  I can’t stress this enough. Probably the best Israel travel tip. No matter your religion, your beliefs, your political views,  Israel is for everyone.  There is so much history in the holy land that has affected  all of our history no matter what. I truly urge you to visit Israel with an open-mind because it is the most remarkable, happiest country I have ever experienced.
• RELIGION : Everyone thinks you have to be Jewish to enjoy Israel. SO NOT TRUE. There are SO MANY DIFFERENT RELIGIONS and history of multiple religions celebrated in Israel. Also if you are not religious at all – Tel Aviv is beyond secular! Based on your desires, there is so much of what to do in Israel to cater to everyone truly.
• That being said, make sure you are up on current events before you go. The stability is always changing in the Middle East region, including in Israel. As long as you are aware of what is going on around the area and in the country, you will be fine. You can avoid certain borders/areas if need be. I promise you there is  never a bad time to go to Israel. 

Related Post: United Arab Emirates Travel Guide

BEST OF ISRAEL CITY & AREA TRAVEL GUIDES

WHAT TO DO IN EILAT, THE NEGEV DESERT, MIZPE RAMON & MORE IN THE SOUTH OF ISRAEL

TEL AVIV BLOG: A DETAILED LOCAL’S GUIDE TO VISITING TEL AVIV ITINERARY

NORTH ISRAEL DAY TRIPS FROM TEL AVIV

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About The Author

Rachel Shulman is the owner of From East To West and a seasoned traveler having been to 45+ countries and no intention of stopping soon. She is obsessed with planning and specializes in creating detailed, efficient travel itineraries and guides so you don’t have to when planning your next destination.

A blog written with a touch of history as well as understanding others with beautiful pictures, the time spent here has become very valuable.! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us.

Hi, you have a great page and nice picture, please visit my Kerala tourism blog and Tempo traveller luxury rental Page. please visit and support us.

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Always choose Israel Tour Guide wisely, because the guide can make your trip memorable. Israel travel guide can help you to cover all important spots.

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Bar/bat mitzvah tours, jewish heritage tours, synagogue tours, plan the perfect trip to israel in 2022.

There’s no denying that the past two years have been tiring for most of us. Being cooped up at home worrying about our family, loved ones, and ourselves makes us feel like we’ve had to live surrounded by a cloud of worry and fear. However, rays of sunshine sometimes manage to peek through the clouds.

This time at home has given us the chance to reconnect with our family and deepen our desires to invest in ourselves, our well-being, as well as our community and culture.

Now, as the borders start to open and the sun shines anew, why not consider Israel for your next vacation?

But just taking a trip to Israel is not enough to truly take in the culture, you want to make every second of your visit count. There are so many sights to see, places to visit, and (of course) delicious food to eat. Trying to do it all at once can be daunting and planning for it is exhausting, which kind of makes the whole point of a vacation moot, doesn’t it?

If you really want to make the most of your trip, there are many tours that you can take designed to reconnect with your Jewish roots and make your vacation to Israel one for the books.

You may ask yourself, “but are there any agencies that offer tours of Israel?”

Yes, and that’s where we come in.

Whether you’re a member of the Jewish community or a friend and are looking for tours of Israel, look no further! Israel Travel Advisory Service (ITAS) is a top-notch travel planning and advisory service for trips to Israel . We offer custom tours so you can experience Israel’s culture, beautiful locals and cuisine in full, all at your own leisure.

So relax and leave the planning to us and be ready to make 2022 a memorable and significant year for you and your family with one of our fantastic tours of Israel .

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A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Israel

Israel celebrated its 70 th Independence Day in April 2018, but its history stretches back hundreds of years. It’s home to one of the world’s oldest civilizations and important religious sites of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Centuries of kings, leaders, immigrants, merchants, pilgrims, and people of various ethnicities coming in and out of the country has made Israel a melting pot of cultures and ideas.

As the “Promised Land,” Israel holds a special place in the hearts of the 86% Roman Catholic population of the Philippines . The Philippines is also home to a ten-million-strong Muslim community, whose holiest sites include the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.

Beyond Religion

By and large, Filipinos see Israel as a religious destination, but the country offers more. Unspoiled beaches line the coast, enjoying 300 days of sunny, beach-perfect weather. Fascinating architecture populates the towns. Dozens of museums and landmarks steeped in history dot the city. And in the deserts and seas, natural wonders promise one-of-a-kind adventures.

A vibrant food scene awaits, moreover. Crispy falafel , rich hummus , and sweet baklava are sold in colorful displays. Savor the sweet cheesiness of a kanafeh , the delightful mix of flavors of shakshuka , and the distinct taste of wines from one of Israel’s many rolling vineyards.

Ready to check the country off your bucket list? Here’s an Israel travel guide that would help you make the most of your stay. We discuss the requirements, safety, attractions, food, and more.

It’s time to discover the wonders that Israel holds.

Do Filipinos Need a Visa to Travel to Israel?

Israel and the Philippines maintain an open-door policy, which means Filipinos who hold Philippine passports don’t need a visa to visit the Holy Land . Philippine passport holders can travel visa-free to Israel for up to 90 days. Make sure that your passport will still be valid six months beyond the date you intend to make your trip.

You’ll still be interviewed at the port of entry, though, so you need to keep the following handy:

• Philippine passport
• Confirmed round-trip ticket with an onward flight
• Confirmed hotel reservation
• Pocket money or credit card (no need for a printed bank statement, but you need to be able to answer how you’ll fund your trip. You can mention that you already paid the whole cost if you booked a tour).

Read our detailed post on Israel’s visa requirements .

Go Backpacking or Book a Packaged Tour?

It depends. We’d like to give you a more specific answer, but it really does boil down to what you want to achieve on your trip. Let’s break down what you look for in your Israel vacation.

• What do you want to see? Most tours take visitors to the most popular tourist sites. So if you’re interested in the highlights, then a packaged tour is right for you. If you set your sights on discovering a hidden gem, then a DIY travel itinerary might be the smart way to go. Don’t feel obligated to choose one over the other, though. Mix and match your itinerary. You can visit famous spots on a backpacking trip or find a tour that accommodates relatively unknown areas.
• Do you enjoy structured trips? Packaged tours are structured. They follow a definite itinerary and leave little time for you to explore on your own. It’s a great option if you hate getting lost and prefer everything to be pre-arranged. If you’re fond of walking around and discovering things, then go backpacking. You decide where to go, when you want to go.
• What’s your budget? With packaged tours, you know how much you’re going to spend. DIY trips, on the other hand, allow for a flexible travel budget. You might encounter surprise expenses in Israel (you underestimated the price range of the restaurant hubs, for instance). The beauty of it, however, is you can work with a tight budget.
• How would you like to learn? Tour packages come with a guide, so in every site you visit, you’ll surely receive information. With DIY travels, you’ll learn about the site from locals and various guides, who offer different insights and share unique experiences. Much like with number 2, if you like to learn in a structured way, then go for a tour package. If you’re into discovery and interacting with people, go backpacking instead.
• Convenience or Control? Tours take care of everything for you — the itinerary, accommodations, and transportation. So, if you want a convenient trip, a packaged tour is the one for you. If you want to plan things yourself, though, DIY travel is the way to go.

If you lean toward tour packages, here are some trips you can check out. These are all 2018 tours, so check their page if you plan to visit Israel in 2019 and beyond.

• Holy Land Pilgrimage (by Catholic Travel, Inc.) – The tour stretches from November 15-26, 2018 and visits Mount Nebo, Madaba, Petra, Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee, Cana, Mount Tabor, Jerusalem, Jericho, Qumran, the Dead Sea, and more.
• Holy Land (by Travelmall.ph) – A 13-day, 12-night tour that includes Mount Nebo, Madaba, Petra, the Jordan River, Tiberias, Jerusalem, Qumran, the Dead Sea, Cairo, and more.
• Holy Land Pilgrimage: Israel & Jordan (by Larga.ph) – A 7-day, 6-night tour that includes Tel Aviv City, the Dead Sea, Masada Ruins, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Petra, and more.
• A Journey to Holy Land (by Rakso Travel) – A 12-day tour that includes Mt. Nebo, Madaba, Petra, Nazareth, Tiberias, the Sea of Galilee, Haifa, Jaffa, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Jericho, the Dead Sea, Qumran, Mt. Sinai, Cairo, and more.

If you want to travel to Israel independently, here are some tips on making the most of your trip:

• Sample the street food – Food sold at the supermarkets and restaurants can be pricey, so it’s best to go to the shuk (market), where you can buy local food at low prices and you have room to haggle.
• Take the bus or train – Take advantage of the affordable train services and city buses in Israel — only take a taxi when you feel like splurging.
• Steer clear of tourist markets – Many souvenir shops that cater to foreign tourists charge more than small stalls do. So, avoid popular tourist markets. Instead, look for stalls not frequented by tourists (hint: these are places where prices are in shekels, not dollars).
• Stick to your budget – As mentioned earlier, there’s more room for surprise expenses in a DIY trip. So, include service charges, tips, and extra cash in your budget.

The Best Time to Visit Israel

There are three great seasons to travel to Israel: spring (April-May), when the weather is perfect for touring; summer (June-August), when skies are clear and water attractions are officially open; and Christmas, which is an incredible time to go on a pilgrimage.

The weather is pleasantly warm, and the scenery is breath-taking during Spring. Flowers cover the hillsides and wildlife come out of hibernation. Pools and beaches are open to the public, as well. In May, Israelis celebrate various festivals, such as the Shavuot (Pentecost) and the Israel Festival so look out for that if you’re traveling to the country about this time.

A trip to the beach is lovely in the hot Israeli summer. Oases, streams, and other adventure spots cool down hordes of tourists while several water sports are a hit among adrenaline junkies. Summer is also when the city nightlife is at its peak.

Christmas (December-January)

What’s more special than spending Christmas in Bethlehem? Much like in the Philippines, a festive air embraces the Holy Land, and magnificent Christmas services take place.

For a comprehensive guide on Israel’s best seasons, read  When is the Best Time to Visit Israel?

The Ideal Israel Travel Budget

How you plan a budget depends on your trip.

Packaged Tours

The cost of the tours we mentioned above range from Php111,000 to Php144,000 . They include breakfast, admission, accommodations, tour transportation, guides, and airfare. Depending on your package, you’ll have to add a little extra to your budget to cover the Philippine travel tax (Php1620) and Visa fees and border taxes (Php7000 or $130).

Lunch and dinner are usually not covered in tour packages. You’ll be on your own at this time. As food tends to be a little pricey here, even by European standards, allot around Php820 to Php1100 per meal . If you want a bargain meal, explore the shuk . With luck, you’ll score a plate of falafel for an equivalent of Php110 or Php160. A 1.5L bottle of water, meanwhile, could cost around Php60.

Additionally, tipping is expected in Israel. Tours recommend setting aside Php540 to Php800 for tips per day. So, a day in Israel could cost Php2,240 (a conservative estimate) on top of your tour package fees. Don’t forget pocket money for souvenirs, too.

Airfare rates vary depending on various factors, roundtrip tickets could cost from Php50,000 to Php100,000 depending on your airline and the season of travel. Moreover, you need around Php3,800 to Php5,400 per day to cover your accommodations, transportation, meals, and tours. Where you fall in this range depends on your save-vs-splurge mindset.

For instance, a shared hostel room could cost as low as Php1,100 a night. Some hotels, however, carry price tags of up to Php9,000. Moreover, the country’s street food could go as low as Php110. If you’re willing to pay extra, a meal at an inexpensive restaurant can set you back around Php820.

Interested in exploring a national park or museum? Prepare an entrance fee of Php530 to Php749. But if you’d rather spend your money elsewhere, Israel still has tons of free tourist attractions that you could check out.

Flying to Israel from the Philippines

Currently, there’s no direct flight from Manila to Israel. Here are some flight routes that require no visa.

• Manila, Philippines — Bangkok, Thailand — Tel Aviv, Israel
• Manila, Philippines — Hong Kong — Tel Aviv, Israel
• Manila, Philippines — Istanbul, Turkey — Tel Aviv, Israel (No need for a visa if you won’t leave the airport)

Here are some (of many) flights that need a visa for the layover:

• Manila, Philippines — Guangzhou or Beijing China — Tel Aviv, Israel
• Manila, Philippines — Seoul, South Korea — Tel Aviv, Israel
• Manila, Philippines — Amman, Jordan — Tel Aviv, Israel

The total duration of a trip from the Philippines to Israel varies. Some flights with short layovers (less than 2 hours) take around  15-16 hours . Others, meanwhile, could take as much as  23 hours  to account for longer layovers.

A note: You can’t enter or exit Israel through Gulf Cooperation Countries (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar) because of the strained diplomatic relations between the states.

Is It Safe to Travel to Israel ?

Yes, traveling to Israel is safe . The media may air stories about conflicts in the Gaza strip but life carries on in most parts of Israel. Schoolchildren attend their classes, markets sell all sorts of goods, buyers haggle, and the young have their share of fun in the city nightlife. Business as usual , as they say, and hordes of tourists enjoy all Israel has to offer safely. Travel to the Lebanese and Syrian border is not recommended, however.

Expect heavy security once you enter the country, though. The airport inspects people and luggage closely. Security personnel roam about in shopping malls. These, on many accounts, make people feel safe and secure.

The extra security, however, shouldn’t make you complacent. You’re still at risk for petty crimes, such as theft of passports, wallets, and phones. So, stay vigilant and keep an eye on your valuables. Avoid changing money on the streets — swap your dollars or pesos for shekels at the airport or certified money changers. Lastly, keep yourself up-to-date on the news for weather updates and travel advisories for Israel.

Where to Stay in Israel

Tourism is one of Israel’s largest industries, so you have a lot of accommodations to choose from. Major tourist spots are dotted with hostels, inns, and hotels ranging from one-star, affordable bed-and-baths to luxurious five-star lodgings.

Here are a few accommodations you can check when you’re planning your trip. A disclaimer: these prices are for a single adult. Prices vary according to the number of visitors and change without prior notice.

Where to Stay in Jerusalem

Where to stay in tel aviv, where to stay in eilat, where to stay in galilee, where to stay in negev.

Attractions & Activities You Shouldn’t Miss

It’s hard to compile a list of must-see attractions in the Holy Land. Israel is full of awe-inspiring destinations and adventure-filled activities that you’ll never find yourself looking for something to do on your trip. Don’t miss out on these:

• The Old City – A parcel of land barely a square kilometer, the Old City houses important religious sites, such as the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Western Wall, and the Temple Mount.
• The Mahane Yehuda Market – Get great deals on candies, pastries, spices, tea, and all sorts of produce. It’s the best place to introduce your taste buds to new flavors.
• The Israel Museum – This place is home to more than 5,000 cultural treasures, such as titanic statues, woven fabrics, sculptures, paintings, and the Dead Sea Scrolls , one of the world’s oldest biblical manuscripts.
• The Yad Vashem – This is the Holocaust Memorial Museum, a tribute to victims of the Second World War.
• The City of David National Park – An active archeological site that houses the birthplace of Jerusalem, where King David united the people of Israel.
• Rothschild Boulevard – A beautiful boulevard lined with trees and shops, cafés, clubs, and museums. This section of Tel Aviv is brimming with a youthful, energetic vibe.
• The Tel Aviv Museum of Art – One of Israel’s prime tourist attractions, the museum boasts a collection of contemporary art, which includes masterpieces in photography, design, and architecture.
• Carmen Market – This is the largest open-air marketplace in the city. It’s also the best place to find good deals on fresh produce and clothes.
• The Ancient City of Jaffa – With beautiful walls and labyrinthine corridors, the city of Jaffa is a sight to behold. Travelers enjoy the charming, old buildings that house modern attractions. Countless art galleries, cafes, museums, restaurants, and bars welcome visitors day in and day out.
• Tel Aviv Beaches – A visit to Tel Aviv is not complete without a trip to the coast. The city has 16 beaches, all with turquoise waters perfect for watersports or a quiet stroll under the sun.
• The Red Canyon – Bikers love the beautiful hiking trails of the Red Canyon. Witness how the sunlight hits the reddish rock, giving off an intense red hue that gave the canyon its name.
• Timna Park – This majestic valley is surrounded by steep cliffs, yellow sandstone mountains, and Mount Timna, the first copper mine in the world . Hiking trails snake across the park, which give hikers a beautiful view of the area’s wildlife.
• Underwater Observatory Marine Park – This pristine area boasts a beautiful coral reef and a variety of sea creatures, such as turtles, stingrays, and sharks.
• Dolphin Reef – Get to know one of the most intelligent creatures of the sea at Dolphin Reef. This sea-pen allows tourists to watch and swim with dolphins in their natural habitat.
• King’s City Theme Park – This is a biblical-themed amusement park built around the stories of King Solomon. Some of its attractions include the Cave of Illusions and King Solomon’s Waterfalls.
• Mount Tabor – Believed to have been the site of the Transfiguration of Christ, Mount Tabor sits east of the fertile Jezreel Valley. Apart from pilgrims, it also draws adventure seekers with its scenic hiking trails and paragliding locations.
• The Sea of Galilee – In the Christian tradition, the shores of Galilee is where Jesus recruited the first disciples. It’s also where the walking on water and the calming of the storm took place.
• Basilica of the Annunciation – This Roman Catholic Basilica is said to stand on the site of Mary’s home, where the Angel Gabriel visited her to tell her that she would carry the Son of God.
• Capernaum National Park – This houses the remains of a fishing village from the time of Jesus’ ministry.
• Nazareth Village – A unique destination in Israel, this is a recreation of a first-century Galilean farmstead that portrays what life was 2000 years ago. There are ancient vineyard terraces, a wine press, quarries, and actors who portray daily life.
• The Masada – An ancient fortress that sits atop a rock plateau south of the Dead Sea . Masada was built by King Herod the Great and offers a breathtaking view of the sunrise.
• The Ramon Crater (Makhtesh Ramon)  – One of the world’s largest erosion craters and the country’s most beautiful natural wonders.
• Negev Jeep Tours – A guide takes visitors deep into the desert, climbing sand dunes, traveling through desert streams, and getting up close and personal with nature.
• Camel Rides in the Desert – What better way to experience the desert than on the back of a camel? Many places in Negev offer camel rides to let visitors take in the stunning the scenery.
• Tel Be’er Sheva National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site , this is an archeological site of the biblical town of Beersheba.

For a full list of places to visit, read  Main Israel Destinations and Attractions .

Israel’s Culinary Adventure

Israel’s food scene is vibrant and bursting with the combination of flavors and textures from various parts of the region. Tables are laden with sour cheeses, soft, flaky bread, lots of lemons and olives, and delicious vegetables tossed and taken to different directions by various condiments and sauces. Everywhere, the smell of fresh herbs and spices waft in the air.

A vacation in Israel means you get to take part in this culinary feast. Don’t leave without trying out these Israeli food :

• Hummus – A thick paste made of ground chickpeas, sesame seeds, olive oil, lemon, and garlic
• Falafel – Crispy, fried balls of mashed, spiced chickpeas
• Tahini – A paste made of sesame or nigella seeds
• Kanafeh – A cheese pastry drizzled in sweet syrup
• Shakshuka – Poached eggs in cooked in a sauce of tomatoes, onions, chili peppers, and spices
• Boureka – A pastry stuffed with cheese, spinach, and mashed potatoes and sprinkled with cheese
• Kebabs – Beef or lamb on a skewer grilled to perfection
• Israeli Salad – A mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions, drizzled in olive oil and lemon juice
• Baba Ganoush – A creamy spread made from cooked eggplants and sesame seeds
• Malabi – A creamy, milk-based pudding perfumed with rosewater and topped with fruit or nuts
• Labneh with Za’atar – Labneh is a thick strained yogurt often spiced with Za’atar, a mix of herbs, salt, and sesame seeds
• Hafuch Coffee – Fondly called upside-down coffee, it’s a beverage where the milk is first poured in, followed by coffee and milk foam

Sample Itineraries for an Israel Trip

Clueless on how to plan your trip? Base your itinerary on these pre-planned ones:

A Seven-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Jerusalem: The Old City. Visit one of the oldest cities in the world which is lined with magnificent stone walls. Walk around the Tower of David, the Room of the Last Supper, the Western Wall, the Temple Mount, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Day 2: Jerusalem: The New City. Visit the Orthodox neighborhood of Mea Shearim. Grab a bite and buy goods from the Mahane Yehuda Market. Visit the Israel Museum as well as the Yad Vashem.

Day 3: The Dead Sea, Masada, and Kfar HaNokdin. Take a dip at the Dead Sea, then drive south to the mountain fortress of Masada. Then, travel to the Kfar HaNokdim and ride a camel into the desert.

Day 4: Sea of Galilee. Head north to the Sea of Galilee. Explore the towns where Jesus Christ once walked. Then, head to a lakeside resort in Tiberias and explore nearby Nazareth.

Day 5: Haifa and Caesarea. Travel to Haifa and explore the Baha’i Shrine and Gardens. Explore Caesarea, a town built by Herod the Great.

Day 6 and 7: Tel-Aviv. Cap off your Israel experience with a trip to Tel Aviv. Spend the day on the beaches, try watersports, or take a dip in the waters. Visit the Tel Aviv Art Museum, stroll along Rothschild Boulevard, and try out restaurants and bars.

A Ten-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Tel Aviv. Explore the vibrant city, the local museums, art galleries, trendy cafes, Israeli restaurants, and the beach. Try watersports and go swimming.

Day 2: Galilee. Head to the hometown of Jesus and visit the Basilica of the Annunciation. Explore the village of Cana, Tiberias, and the Sea of Galilee.

Day 3: Galilee. This time, tour a kibbutz, a traditional Israeli community, the iconic Banias Nature Reserve, the Nimrod Fortress, and Safed.

Day 4: The Mediterranean Coast. Explore the ancient town of Caesarea, the Baha’i Gardens, the Crusader Port city of Akko, and Rosh Hanikra.

Day 5: Northern Israel. Ascend Golan Heights, the tip of Israel, and visit the ancient synagogue at Katzrin. Marvel at the views from Mount Bental and the vineyards along the way.

Day 6: Masada and the Dead Sea. Take in the beauty of the Masada Fortress and take a dip in the Dead Sea (you won’t sink, though).

Day 7: Bethlehem. Explore Jesus’ birthplace and visit the Manger Square. Go to the Church of the Nativity, Crusader Church, Shepherds’ Field, and the Franciscan Grotto of the Lady Mary.

Day 8: Jericho. Visit Hisham’s Palace and the Hasmonean Palace, the Mount of Temptation, St. George’s Monastery, and the Nabi Musa.

Day 9: Jerusalem: Old City. Visit the world’s holiest sites, like the Temple Mount, the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Tower of David, and the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Day 10: Jerusalem: New City. Cap off your Israel trip with contemporary tourist attractions, such as the Yad Vashem and the Israel Museum. Get a good bargain at the Mahane Yehuda Market and explore the charm of the Mea Shearim.

A Few Reminders Before Your Trip

Israelis are warm and friendly people, but you still have to do your part as a traveler and learn the local nuances to make the most of your trip.

• Use Local Greetings. English is spoken as a second language by a majority, but they surely appreciate greetings in their language. So, drop the hellos and goodbyes and say  Shalom.
• Don’t Smoke on a Saturday. Israelis observe the Shabbat , which runs from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset. Shops quiet down and the roads become deserted. We advise against smoking during this time.
• Don’t Bring Up Politics. This topic is loaded and can get heated, so steer clear of it to keep the peace.
• Wear Modest Clothing in Religious Sites. Modest clothing means no bare legs or shoulders. In mosques and synagogues, women may be asked to cover their upper arms. Men, meanwhile, should enter synagogues with a yarmulke. It’s best to pack long-sleeved shirts and pants.
• Bring Adapters. Standard voltage is 220 volts, 50Hz AC. Most buildings have Continental European sockets, which requires plugs with two round pins.
• Download Moovit. It’s an app that provides accurate train and bus schedules. It also has directions and routes to help travelers find their way.
• When you’re at a shuk, vendors expect you to haggle. Always ask for a lower price.

Useful References

Here are other guides to help you plan your travel to Israel:

• The National Geographic
• Lonely Planet
• Culture Trip
• Tourist Israel
• iGoogled Israel

With centuries-old religious sites, an abundance of natural wonders, fresh and diverse cuisine, and a welcoming people, it comes as no surprise that Israel is a tourists’ paradise.

Take part in this iconic experience. Travel to Israel and discover the best it has to offer.

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Shalom - meaning peace

Welcome to Israel—a land of contrasts and wonderful surprises. Join hundreds of years of voyagers who have flocked to this dynamic country. Ancient and modern, secular and sacred, Israel beckons visitors with its magnificent sites, holy places and warm Mediterranean climate. Here, age-old sacred shrines exist alongside futuristic skyscrapers and posh resorts with swaying palms alongside desert wasteland. No matter where you look, the legendary stories of mankind’s collective history come to life in this magnificent place.

Destination Must-See's

Dome of the Rock:

This structure dominates the old city. It is the shrine for Islam’s third most holy site. It covers a black stone in the mountain where Muhammad is said to have ascended to heaven. It was the first dome shrine to be built and is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. It’s made of wood with marble slabs inside and covered with Persian tiles on the outside.

Known in the bible as Sea of the Arabah or Salt Sea, it gets its name from the high mineral content preventing anything from living in it. The lowest point of dry land on earth is the shoreline of the Dead Sea. Nearly 7 million tons of water evaporate from it every day, but the minerals remain.

Dead Sea Scrolls:

The first seven of many Dead Sea Scrolls were found by 3 brothers while gathering their goats high in the mountains. The brothers were not aware of what they found and sold the scripts. Years later, all scripts made their way to one location where the full content was finally revealed. See the Shrine of the Book at the Israel Museum to view the scrolls on display.

This is the birth place of Jesus. Christians all over the world consider this a holy site, but it is also significant to Jews because it is the burial place of the matriarch Rachel and birth place of King David. Manger Square is the main focus during Christmas celebrations three times a year.

Destination Must-Do's

Explore Jerusalem:

This historic location plays a major part in the 3 monotheistic religions. The heart of Jerusalem is in the Old City. This section is surrounded by a wall divided into 4 quarters: Armenian, Christian, Jewish and Muslim. Inside are important holy sites of the 3 major religions. Jerusalem also has a New City as well that still captures the original charm of the city.

Sea of Galilee:

This is a mountainous region in Israel’s north that is divided into two parts. It is densely populated and has the largest variety of ethnic communities in Israel. Its natural beauty and landscapes make it a main tourist destination. However, it is also popular for its national antiquities parks, farming communities, nature reserves, Jewish holy sites, Christian holy sites, and the Jordan River. One of the best ways to experience Galilee is to take a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee.

Visit the Western Wall:

Located in Jerusalem's Old City, the Western Wall is one of the holiest Jewish sites in Israel. Also known as the Wailing Wall or the Kotel, this sacred place is visited by millions of pilgrims each year so that they may pray and reflect. It is the only intact remnants of the Second Temple of Jerusalem and dates back to 2nd century BCE.

Enjoy Tel Aviv:

Tel Aviv is Israel’s economic and cultural center and it’s referred to as the “city that never stops.” It is the country’s first modern Jewish city in Israel, but it still holds quite a bit of history. Visitors can find several important Christian sites there, but it’s also teeming with restaurants, shops, old courtyards, fishing ports and night clubs that attract tourists from all over.

Expert Advice

As you prepare to explore Israel, enjoy a casual dress style and be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes. Please dress conservatively when visiting holy sites throughout the country; shorts and sleeveless shirts are not permitted when visiting churches and other religious sites.

You’re in for a treat as you explore the many delicious flavors of Israel. Israeli food is based off Middle Eastern and Turkish cuisine. Common ingredients include lentils, nuts, raw vegetables, lamb and beef. Common beverages include mint tea, mint lemonade, egg cream and fruit shakes. Coffee lovers will enjoy Israel's Turkish style cup of java with its sweet notes of cardamom and caramel.

In Israel, religious items make popular souvenirs; these are not too hard to find in the "Holy Land." Many travelers love to collect beautiful glass-made products, ceramics and silver in Israel. Olive wood carvings are extremely popular here. For those who love beautiful jewels and jewelry, Israel is one of the world's leading diamond manufacturing and trading centers.

Featured Tours to Israel

Iconic Israel

Israel: Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

Israel: A Journey of Faith

Jordan & Israel: Cultural Crossroads

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• Best overall
• Best for expensive trips
• Best for exotic trips
• Best for annual plans

How we reviewed travel insurance for seniors

Best travel insurance for seniors of may 2024.

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

Reaching your golden years doesn't mean your adventures have to end. In fact, in this stage of life, you'll hopefully have more time and resources to travel. But as a senior citizen, you'll want to ensure you have travel insurance that covers any health-related issues arise while you travel.

Our top picks for the best senior travel insurance

• Best overall: Allianz Travel Insurance
• Best for expensive trips: John Hancock Travel Insurance
• Best for exotic trips: World Nomads Travel Insurance

Best for annual plans: Travel Guard

How we rate the best senior travel insurance companies »

Compare travel insurance for seniors

Your health gets more unpredictable as you age, which makes travel insurance more important for seniors. Unfortunately, it's also more expensive. The best travel insurance for seniors won't have too steep of a price hike compared to rates for younger travelers. It will have high coverage limits for emergency medical coverage, trip cancellations, and and emergency medical evacuation. It's also important that your travel insurance offers pre-existing condition waivers , ideally at no extra cost to the traveler. 

Here are our picks for the best travel insurance coverage for seniors in 2024.

Best overall: Allianz

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Good option for frequent travelers thanks to its annual multi-trip policies
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Doesn't increase premium for trips longer than 30 days, meaning it could be one of the more affordable options for a long trip
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some plans include free coverage for children 17 and under
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Concierge included with some plans
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Coverage for medical emergency is lower than some competitors' policies
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Plans don't include coverage contact sports and high-altitude activities
• Single and multi-trip plans available
• Trip cancellation and interruption coverage starting at up to $10,000 (higher limits with more expensive plans)
• Preexisting medical condition coverage available with some plans

Allianz Travel Insurance is one of the most widely recognized names in travel insurance, and it stands out as one of the top travel insurance providers for seniors. It offers a wide range of policies covering medical treatments overseas and emergency medical transport.

Allianz also provides options for varying trip lengths. Its annual multi-trip policies , for example, cover any trip you make during your policy period, even if they aren't yet planned, making it an excellent option for seniors who vacation multiple times per year.

Read our Allianz Travel Insurance review here.

Best for expensive trips: John Hancock

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers 3 travel insurance plans
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancel for any reason rider available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable travel insurance premiums
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews of claims process are mixed
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Buyers may not get specialty coverage for sports equipment and other high value items
• Trip cancellation for 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption insurance for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $250,000 per person
• Medical evacuation coverage of up to $1,000,000

John Hancock Travel Insurance plans for seniors offer some of the best coverage available. It provides generous maximum benefit amounts while still offering affordable prices.

Each plan includes coverages like trip cancellation, emergency accident, and emergency medical, with the option to add benefits like CFAR (cancel for any reason) . Plus, getting a free online quote is a quick and straightforward process.

Read our John Hancock Travel Insurance review here.

Best for exotic trips: World Nomads

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Coverage for 200+ activities like skiing, surfing, and rock climbing
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Only two plans to choose from, making it simple to find the right option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. You can purchase coverage even after your trip has started
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. If your trip costs more than $10,000, you may want to choose other insurance because trip protection is capped at up to $10,000 (for the Explorer plan)
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Doesn't offer coverage for travelers older than 70
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) option
• Coverage for 150+ activities and sports
• 2 plans: Standard and Explorer
• Trip protection for up to $10,000
• Emergency medical insurance of up to $100,000
• Emergency evacuation coverage for up to $500,000
• Coverage to protect your items (up to $3,000)

World Nomads Travel Insurance is a great choice for active senior citizens under 70 who want comprehensive travel insurance. The key difference between World Nomads and many other providers is that it covers 200+ adventurous activities like scuba diving, mountain biking, surfing, skiing, and even bungee jumping. In addition, World Nomads' trip cancellation and emergency medical coverage includes COVID-19-related issues. Many other insurers are excluding that type of coverage now.

For adventurous senior citizens over the age of 70 years, World Nomads suggests working with its partner, TripAssure .

Read our World Nomads Travel Insurance review here.

Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost and trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the cost, for all three plan levels
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. CFAR covers up to 75% of total trip costs (maximum of $112,500 on some plans) 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Medical coverage of up to $500,000 and evacuation of up to $1,000,000 per person
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes COVID coverage 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Above average baggage loss and delay benefits
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High medical evacuation coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Premiums may run slightly higher than competitors

Travel Guard is a well-established and highly rated name in the travel insurance industry. It offers three main coverage options to choose from, and in general its policies have above-average coverage for baggage loss and baggage delays, plus high medical evaluation coverage limits.

• Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Preexisting medical conditions exclusions waiver must be purchased within 15 days of initial trip payment
• Annual travel insurance plan and Pack N' Go plan (for last-minute trips) available

Travel Guard  offers comprehensive insurance plans for shorter and longer trips. One of its more unique offerings is its Travel Guard Annual Plan.

This annual travel insurance comes with standard coverage benefits (trip delay, baggage loss, etc.) and substantial coverage amounts, which is important for seniors who travel multiple times per year. Travel Guard also offers a preexisting medical condition waiver, meaning those with certain medical issues can still gain coverage.

Read our AIG Travel Guard Insurance review here.

Understanding travel insurance for seniors

Before diving into the specifics, it's essential to understand what travel insurance is and why it's particularly important for senior travelers. The best travel insurance offers financial protection against unexpected events affecting your trip, such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.

Types of coverage

• Medical Coverage: Ensures your medical expenses are covered in case of illness or injury.
• Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage: Provides reimbursement if your trip is canceled or cut short due to unforeseen events.
• Baggage Coverage: Covers loss, damage, or theft of personal items during your trip.

Benefits of travel insurance for seniors

• Peace of Mind: Knowing you're covered in case of emergencies can make your travel stress-free.
• Financial Protection: Shields you from potentially overwhelming medical costs and trip cancellations fees.
• Assistance Services: Many plans offer 24/7 assistance services, providing help whenever and wherever you need it.

Making the most of your plan

After choosing a plan, it's crucial to understand your policy fully and know what services are available to you in case of an emergency.

Understanding your policy

• Read the fine print and understand the claims process to avoid surprises.

Emergency assistance services

• Familiarize yourself with the emergency assistance services offered by your plan and keep all necessary contact information handy.

How to pick senior travel insurance

It's wise to compare several different travel insurance policies for the best coverage and pricing, as premiums vary widely between insurers and depend on factors like your age and travel destination.

That said, some of the more essential coverages to look for if you're a senior citizen include:

• Travel medical coverage - This coverage will pay for your medical bills outside the US.
• Medical evacuation coverage - If you're injured or become sick while traveling, this coverage will transport you to the nearest hospital or even back home if your condition necessitates it.
• Preexisting conditions - Coverage for known health conditions. You'll need to purchase travel insurance within a certain time period from when you book your trip to qualify for a preexisting condition waiver .
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) - The name says it all! It'll cost extra and you'll need to purchase insurance early, but it's the most comprehensive trip cancellation coverage you can get. Note that CFAR insurance usually only covers up to 75% of your trip fees.
• Trip cancellation insurance - This coverage provides reimbursement for your prepaid and nonrefundable costs if you cannot make your trip due to an unforeseen event.
• Baggage delay insurance - This coverage will reimburse you for essentials like toiletries and clothes if your bags are delayed.
• Lost luggage insurance - This coverage will reimburse you up to a specified amount if your bags get lost en route.

Of these, the most critical to note are whether or not your policy covers preexisting conditions and the limits for travel medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation.

Some insurance companies offer a waiver that will cover preexisting conditions. You'll have to follow the requirements for adding a waiver to your policy, like insuring the entire cost of your trip. Or purchase the policy within a specific time after making your first trip deposit payments.

You'll also want to find a policy with high maximum limits for travel medical and emergency medical evacuation coverage. These types of expenses can be substantial, so you want to have appropriate coverage.

When comparing senior travel insurance options, we looked at the following factors to evaluate each travel insurance provider:

• Coverage limits: We looked at each travel insurance company's coverage amounts for benefits like medical emergencies and trip cancellation.
• Flexibility: We looked at how customizable a policy is, so you can choose what your travel insurance policy covers .
• Coverage for preexisting conditions: Preexisting conditions are one of the more critical factors for travel insurance for senior citizens, so we looked at travel insurance companies that offer the best coverage for preexisting conditions.
• Price: We compared travel insurance providers offering reasonable basic and comprehensive coverage rates.
• Benefits geared towards seniors: We compared travel insurance companies that offer solid coverage for senior citizens, like medical evacuation, COVID-19 coverage, and trip cancellation.

You can read more about our insurance rating methodology here.

Seniors should look for travel insurance policies that offer comprehensive medical coverage, including for preexisting conditions and emergency medical evacuation. They should also consider policies with higher coverage limits to ensure adequate protection. Additionally, seniors should seek travel insurance plans that provide 24/7 assistance services, as well as coverage for trip cancellations, interruptions, and baggage protection.

The cost of senior travel insurance coverage can vary depending on your age, overall health, state of residence, travel destination, and length of your trip. However, assuming all other factors are the same, you'll pay more for travel insurance at 70 than at 30.

All travel insurance companies, except World Nomads, included in this guide offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions as long as you buy your policy within the qualifying period from when you placed your trip deposit.

Allianz is the best travel insurance for seniors due to its wide array of medical coverages and emergency medical transport. Allianz also offers multi-trip insurance policies , which could make sense for seniors who travel frequently.

In some instances, travel insurance companies will have age eligibility restrictions, often only insuring people 80 years old and younger.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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Live updates: Hamas says it agreed to a cease-fire proposal; Israel examining proposal

What to know.

• Hamas said in a statement today that it has agreed to a cease-fire proposal, but an Israeli official told NBC News that the proposal Hamas has agreed to is not the framework that was agreed upon with mediators.
• The Israeli military has told some 100,000 people to leave Rafah and move to what it said is an expanded humanitarian area in the Palestinian enclave.
• The evacuation of eastern Rafah, which Israel says is "limited" and "temporary," comes ahead of an expected ground assault on the southern Gaza city , where more than 1.4 million civilians are sheltering.

Hostage families say Hamas announcement 'must pave the way' to release deal

Paul Goldman

The families of hostages still in Gaza said Hamas' announcement that it is willing to accept a proposal "must pave the way for the return of the 132 hostages held captive," according to a statement was released by Hostages and Missing Families Forum.

"Now is the time for all that are involved, to fulfill their commitment and turn this opportunity into a deal for the return of all the hostages," the statement said.

Hamas agrees to a three-phased hostage deal proposal over six weeks, source says

Ayman Mohyeldin

The proposal that Hamas said it agreed to is a three-phased hostage release that would play out over six weeks and would include a halt in military operations, an Arab official familiar with the deal said.

The source said the proposal does not use the word “cease-fire” but “the permanent halt to Israeli military operations and hostilities in Gaza.” There would be a release of one Israeli hostage for 33 Palestinian prisoners based on seniority of detention in Israeli prison, the source said.

Each phase encompasses the return of Israeli hostages from eldest, women, sick and finally soldiers.

It’s not yet clear if Israel has accepted this proposal, although it was the framework the U.S. had presented as acceptable to the Israelis. The source also added that this is a complex deal that is not yet done.

Biden administration reviewing Hamas' response

Gabe Gutierrez

A senior administration official says the White House is reviewing Hamas’ response to the cease-fire proposal. 

Right now, President Biden is meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan at the White House.

Peter Jeary

Palestinians in eastern Rafah have been urged to evacuate and move to Al-Mawasi, an Israeli-declared humanitarian zone near the coast.

Video shows what that area looks like.

Israel reviewing cease-fire proposal, source says

Raf Sanchez

TEL AVIV — An Israeli official says the proposal Hamas has agreed to is not the framework that was agreed upon with mediators.

Israel is examining the proposal Hamas has agreed to and will respond, the source said.

Hamas announced today that it has agreed to a cease-fire proposal in a call to Qatari and Egyptian mediators but did not detail the terms of the agreement. The news comes the same day Israel ordered evacuations from Rafah, seemingly in preparation for intensified military operations in the border city.

Israeli defense minister said Rafah operations needed with lack of alternatives

Andrea Mitchell

Israel Defense Minister Yoav Gallant spoke to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin earlier today and told Austin that military action is required, including in the area of Rafah, over a lack of alternative options, according to Gallant's office.

"Hamas continues to conduct attacks on the State of Israel and its citizens, while also indicating a lack of seriousness in regard to the frameworks that were submitted for the release of hostages," Gallant's office said in a statement.

Austin was informed about an attack on a military area near the Kerem Shalom crossing, which Hamas claimed responsibility for, over the weekend. Gallant also thanked Austin for U.S. support.

White House halted large shipment of deadly weapons to Israel last week

Carol E. Lee Carol E. Lee is the Washington managing editor.

Courtney Kube

The White House halted a large shipment of offensive weapons to Israel last week, as the Israel Defense Forces are ramping up for a ground invasion of Rafah, according to two senior administration officials familiar with the decision.

The shipment included 2,000-pound bombs and other ammunition that would likely be used in Rafah, the officials said. Israel already has a large arsenal, making the halt unlikely to stop an offensive.  

The officials say the move does not indicate a larger change in policy about providing weapons to Israel, but it has been very rare for the U.S. to withhold weapons and equipment to Israel because of concerns over how they could be used.

The White House did not respond to a request for comment. Axios was first to report the shipment being halted.

Hamas says it agrees to cease-fire deal

Doha Madani

Ammar Cheikh Omar

Hamas announced in a statement today that the head of its political bureau has agreed to a cease-fire proposal.

The statement noted that Ismail Haniyeh informed Qatari and Egyptian mediators of its approval in a phone call today.

Israeli officials have not yet released a statement on the matter.

University of Texas senior speaks out about arrest at protest

Daniella Silva

A graduating senior at the University of Texas at Austin described rough treatment from police as she was arrested during a recent protest against the war in Gaza with other students. 

Anne-Marie Jardine, 22, said she was participating in an “incredibly peaceful” protest on April 24 when law enforcement officers arrived to arrest them. Jardine said she was released the next day after being booked on allegations of trespassing, but charges were never filed.

Jardine said multiple law enforcement agencies were present during the arrests.

She said she was standing with her arms locked with a friend when police hit the protesters with their bicycles. Several officers grabbed Jardine: “[They] threw me to the ground” and “dragged me by the hair and my arm,” she said.

Jardine said her injuries included a sprained neck, arm and lower back, as well as cuts and bruises. 

“I got hit in the stomach with the baton,” she said. “We had no idea that we were going to be met with this much violence.” 

The president of the University of Texas at Austin said in a statement that April 24 was a “challenging day for many.”

“The protesters tried to deliver on their stated intent to occupy campus,” Jay Hartzell said. “People not affiliated with UT joined them, and many ignored University officials’ continual pleas for restraint and to immediately disperse. The University did as we said we would do in the face of prohibited actions.”

Jardine said she believes the growing protests across college campuses have reached “a turning point.”

“The main goal or message has always been divest from death," she said. "Also, we want to bring awareness as to what’s happening and then you need to get as many people educated on it as possible, because ultimately, there’s no way to try to excuse genocide.”

Biden updates Netanyahu on hostage talks, makes position 'clear' on Rafah

President Joe Biden "reiterated his clear position on Rafah" on a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to a readout from the White House today.

There were no additional details on the conversation regarding Rafah, though Biden's administration has stated many times that it believes there would be devastating humanitarian consequences to intensified operations there.

Netanyahu agreed to ensure the Kerem Shalom crossing is open for humanitarian needs after an attack on an adjacent military compound prompted the crossing's closure over the weekend.

Biden also updated Netanyahu on "efforts to secure a hostage deal, including through ongoing talks today in Doha, Qatar."

The two leaders also acknowledged Holocaust Remembrance Day and the 6 million Jews who were targeted and murdered during "one of the darkest chapters in human history."

Students in Britain start encampments at Oxford and Cambridge

Inspired by recent protests in the U.S., students at the storied Cambridge and Oxford universities have set up encampments on campus.

The pro-Palestinian movement that began at Columbia University and swept campuses across the U.S. has inspired some international schools to demand their institutions divest from weapons manufacturers and cut ties to Israel.

A group called Cambridge for Palestine posted on social media what it said were the university's investments showing how it collaborates with "the Zionist project of ethnically cleansing Palestine."

A similar thread was posted by Oxford Action for Palestine, which included in its list of demands that the university divest from arms companies and invest in the rebuilding of Palestinian territories. The group released a statement announcing its encampment , saying it was the evolution of months of demonstrations, petitions and "all possible efforts to work with the Administration."

"Palestinian liberation concerns all of us," the statement said. "As we all bear witness, we are compelled to act. We are members of an institution that makes this suffering possible."

Both universities responded to the encampments, acknowledging the rights of student and staff to engage in peaceful protest, according to Sky News , and asked that environments remain respectful.

Displaced teachers set up tent school in Rafah

Airstrikes are frequent, drones buzz constantly overhead and an Israeli ground invasion looms large. But on a small patch of sandy wasteland on the outskirts of Gaza’s southernmost city of Rafah, a group of teachers has set up classrooms in tents, determined to continue educating as war rages around them.

“This magnificent scene sends a message to the world: We are a nation that loves to learn and loves education, that rejects ignorance,” Nehad Badria, the principal, said in an address to students last week as they lined up outside the tents.

The students, all girls ages 6 to 15, listened intently before Badria led them in call-and-response chants. “We love to learn,” they shouted, pumping their fists in the air. “We are free, Arab Palestine.”

Set up to serve some of the tens of thousands of children displaced by the fighting in Gaza, the school is named Al Awdah, which means “return” in Arabic, a nod to the hope that students and teachers can one day return to their homes in other parts of the enclave.

Read the full story here.

World leaders warn Rafah offensive is 'massacre' in the making

Leaders in the Middle East and Europe raised the alarm again over an intensified operation in Rafah, warning that already catastrophic humanitarian conditions will worsen.

Ayman Safadi, Jordan's foreign minister, wrote in a post on X that an operation in the southern border city would be an "indelible stain" on the international community. He said "another massacre of the Palestinians is in the making" and that everyone must act to prevent it.

Egypt's foreign ministry warned that the "escalatory action" puts the lives of more than 1 million Palestinians sheltering in Rafah at risk.

"Egypt calls on Israel to exercise the utmost restraint and avoid further escalation at this extremely sensitive time in the process of ceasefire negotiations and to spare the blood of Palestinian civilians who have been exposed to an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe since the start of the war on the Gaza Strip," the ministry said in a statement.

The European Union's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, said that today's evacuation orders signify the worst to come, "more war and famine." Borrell urged Israel to renounce a ground offensive and urged international leaders to act.

According to France 24 , the French foreign ministry reiterated its opposition to an intensified Rafah invasion.

"The forced displacement of a civilian population constitutes a war crime," the ministry said in a statement.

Rafah offensive will not be a ‘picnic’ for Israeli forces, Hamas warns

Chantal Da Silva

A Hamas official has warned that any military operation in Rafah will "not be a picnic" for Israeli forces.

Izzat Al-Rishq said in a statement that a military offensive in the city, where more than a million people have taken refuge, would also put any negotiations for a cease-fire deal "in jeopardy."

"And it will not be a picnic for the enemy army, and Netanyahu and his government bear full responsibility," Al-Rishq said.

Biden to speak with Netanyahu this morning to discuss Rafah

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden will speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this morning to discuss the potential ground assault on Rafah, according to a National Security Council spokesperson.

An Israeli official also confirmed the two will speak today.

“We can’t speak for IDF operations. We have made our views clear on a major ground invasion of Rafah to the Israeli government, and the president will speak with the prime minister today," an NSC spokesperson said.

"We continue to believe that a hostage deal is the best way to preserve the lives of the hostages, and avoid an invasion of Rafah, where more than a million people are sheltering. Those talks are ongoing now," the spokesperson added.

Columbia cancels universitywide commencement ceremony after weeks of protests on campus

Antonia Hylton

Mirna Alsharif

Marlene Lenthang

Columbia will replace its universitywide commencement ceremony May 15 with “smaller-scale, school-based celebrations,” university officials announced today,   after weeks of pro-Palestinian and counterprotests on campus.

The Ivy League school said the decision was made after discussions with student leaders. Security concerns were a main reason behind the decision, a university official told NBC News.

Evacuation orders could be start of 'nightmare scenario,' aid group tells NBC News

Israel's calls for Palestinians in eastern Rafah to evacuate the area to Al-Mawasi, just north of the city, marks "the start of the nightmare scenario that we've been dreading for months," warned Samah Hadid, a spokesperson for the Norwegian Refugee Council.

"We’ve been warning against a military operation in Rafah because the consequences will be deadly and devastating for the over 1 million IDPs in the area," Hadid said in a phone interview with NBC News this morning, using the acronym for internally displaced persons.

Hadid said her organization not only fears for the safety of those who remain in Rafah, but also for those who evacuate to the Al-Mawasi area, which she said she does not believe is equipped to handle a mass influx of people. "It doesn't have the humanitarian services and assistance that’s required to accommodate such a large number of displaced people so it’s ... for us, it’s impossible for this area to be designated as a safe area or a humanitarian zone," she said.

Calling on the Biden administration to "use its influence and leverage over Israel" to stop any possible military operation in Rafah, Hadid said: "It is beyond time for the U.S. government to suspend its arms sales" and military aid to Israel.

Israel orders Al Jazeera to close its local operation and seizes some of its equipment

The Associated Press

Israel ordered the local offices of Qatar’s Al Jazeera satellite news network to close yesterday, escalating a long-running feud between the broadcaster and Netanyahu’s hard-line government as the Doha-mediated cease-fire negotiations with Hamas hang in the balance.

The extraordinary order, which includes confiscating broadcast equipment, preventing the broadcast of the channel’s reports and blocking its websites, is believed to be the first time Israel has ever shuttered a foreign news outlet operating in the country.

Al Jazeera went off Israel’s main cable and satellite providers in the hours after the order. However, its website and multiple online streaming links still operated yesterday.

“Al Jazeera reporters harmed Israel’s security and incited against soldiers,” Netanyahu said in a statement. “It’s time to remove the Hamas mouthpiece from our country.”

Al Jazeera issued a statement vowing it will “pursue all available legal channels through international legal institutions in its quest to protect both its rights and journalists, as well as the public’s right to information.”

“Israel’s ongoing suppression of the free press, seen as an effort to conceal its actions in the Gaza Strip, stands in contravention of international and humanitarian law,” the network said. “Israel’s direct targeting and killing of journalists, arrests, intimidation and threats will not deter Al Jazeera.”

Palestinians, forced to move again, fear Rafah assault is imminent

Richard Engel NBC News Chief Foreign Correspondent, Host of MSNBC's "On Assignment with Richard Engel"

JERUSALEM — Palestinians are being forced to move once again, and they are increasingly convinced that an Israeli operation in Rafah is coming.

This time, in an unprecedented move, they're being forced out of the city of Rafah along the Egyptian border where more than 1 million Palestinians are taking shelter because they were told it would be safe there.

They were told to get out of the way to allow for new Israeli military operations against Hamas and instructed to go to another area on the Mediterranean coast, which Israel designated as a not-quite-safe but safer zone.

Civilians pack their lives into vehicles in Rafah

Max Butterworth

Displaced Palestinians were packing their belongings into vehicles this morning as they prepared to flee Rafah following an evacuation order by the Israeli military.

Netanyahu delivers fiery speech as Israel honors Holocaust victims

JERUSALEM — This morning, Israelis stopped for two minutes of silence to remember the six million Jews butchered by the Nazis and their allies during World War II.

The moment of contemplation came a day after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected international pressure to halt the war in Gaza in a fiery speech.

“If Israel is forced to stand alone, Israel will stand alone,” he said yesterday, amid calls for restraint from a growing chorus of world leaders who have criticized the heavy toll caused by Israel’s military offensive against Hamas in Gaza.

His message was delivered in a setting that typically avoids politics on one of the most solemn dates on the country’s calendar.

“I say to the leaders of the world: No amount of pressure, no decision by any international forum will stop Israel from defending itself,” he said, speaking in English. “Never again is now.”

Hamas says Rafah evacuation order a ‘dangerous escalation' as two sides trade blame with talks stalled

Israel's order for Palestinians to evacuate eastern Rafah is a "dangerous escalation that will have consequences," a senior Hamas official warned this morning.

The official, Sami Abu Zuhri, told the Reuters news agency that the U.S. also "bears responsibility for this terrorism," in an apparent reference to Washington's support for Israel.

Meanwhile, Israel accused the militant group of having “sabotaged” a possible cease-fire deal.

In a statement released this morning, the Israeli prime minister's office appeared to strike out at comments from top Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh yesterday accusing Israel of torpedoing efforts to reach a deal.

“The claim that Prime Minister Netanyahu and not Hamas is the one who sabotaged the hostage release deal is a complete lie and a deliberate deception of the public,” the statement said. “The truth is completely the opposite. Hamas is the one that sabotages every deal by not moving a millimeter from its extreme demands that no government in Israel can accept.”

NBC News sees families begin to evacuate eastern Rafah after IDF order

Video captured by NBC News' crew on the ground in Gaza this morning showed families leaving eastern Rafah, with their few possessions in tow.

Cars and trucks could be seen driving away from the area, their roofs loaded with stacked mattresses, rolled-up blankets and other necessities.

Some could be seen walking, carrying backpacks and hauling large plastic bags on their backs. Other families were just beginning to pack, filling the trunks of their cars with suitcases and boxes.

The city has been crowded with people for months, many of them displaced from elsewhere in Gaza after fleeing the Israeli military's assault further north in the Palestinian enclave.

Cease-fire talks have not completely collapsed, sources tell NBC News

JERUSALEM — Talks to secure a new cease-fire between Israel and Hamas have not completely collapsed, two regional sources told NBC News this morning.

A senior Arab negotiator directly involved in the talks with Israel and the United States said that the negotiations are not over and have not collapsed, so it is not yet clear when or whether a major Rafah operation could begin.

And an Israeli official also said the talks have not completely collapsed, adding that the fact CIA Director William Burns is in the country is an indication that there are still ongoing discussions. Burns was in the Qatari capital, Doha, for talks on the subject yesterday.

Hamas negotiators left the Egyptian capital, Cairo, without an agreement on a new deal to secure the release of hostages still held in Gaza and pause the fighting.

The IDF's order this morning for civilians to evacuate parts of Rafah had only added to the concern that a deal may be falling apart.

Richard Engel reported from Jerusalem, and Raf Sanchez from Tel Aviv.

Rafah evacuation comes after 4 IDF soldiers killed at Kerem Shalom crossing

Israel's call for Palestinians to evacuate eastern Rafah come a day after Israeli soldiers were killed in a Hamas "rocket and mortar barrage" toward the Kerem Shalom crossing, according to the IDF.

The crossing for delivering badly needed aid to Gaza was closed overnight and this morning the IDF said the number of soldiers killed had risen to four following the strike.

The IDF noted that it carried out a "counterstrike" in response to the assault and in a later news release said fighter jets struck "terror targets" in the area of Rafah from which projectiles were launched. It said a sniper post, a military structure and terrorist infrastructure were among the targets.

Video captured by NBC News' crew on the ground showed people gathering around a home Palestinians said was targeted in a strike last evening. Witnesses said several people were killed, including children, with video shot by NBC News' crew appearing to show the bodies of at least two children.

NBC News has reached out to the IDF for comment. Israeli officials have not stated any connection between the Kerem Shalom attack and today's Rafah activity.

IDF says evacuation of eastern Rafah is a 'limited scope operation' but questions remain

The evacuation of parts of eastern Rafah is a "limited scope operation," IDF spokesperson Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani said in a briefing this morning.

Referencing a map outlining the areas Palestinians have been urged to evacuate, he said the development did not represent a "wide-scale evacuation." Israel has also described the evacuation as "temporary."

He further noted that Israel had expanded the "humanitarian area" in which people can seek refuge in Al-Mawasi, saying that effort included "field hospitals, tents, increased quantities of food, water, medicines and additional supplies." Shoshani said the amount of aid entering Gaza would also not change in the coming days.

But it is not clear how or when those being urged to flee Rafah would be able to return to the city, which many have only made their home after being displaced from elsewhere in the enclave. And many Gazans will fear that this could be just the beginning of a broader effort to clear civilians from a city that Israel has long been signaling it plans to assault with troops on the ground.

Rafah assault would be 'devastating for 1.4 million people,’ UNRWA says 

An assault on Rafah by Israeli forces would be "devastating for 1.4 million people," UNRWA has warned.

The United Nations' aid agency for Palestinians said in a post on X that an offensive in the southern city, where more than half of Gaza's population has sought shelter amid the war, would "mean more civilian suffering & deaths."

UNRWA said that its team in Rafah would not be evacuating the area and that the agency would maintain a presence in the city "as long as possible & will continue providing lifesaving aid to people."

Israel tells U.S. it has ‘no alternative’ to Rafah military action

Israel's defense minister told his U.S. counterpart in their exchange yesterday that his country had been left with "no alternative" but to launch an operation in Rafah.

Yoav Gallant said that Hamas was refusing any offer that would allow a deal for a cease-fire and release of hostages who remain held in Gaza, according to a readout from his office. As a result, he said, military action in Rafah was required given "the lack of an alternative."

It comes after the latest round of cease-fire talks appear to have stalled.

Lloyd Austin stressed the need for any military operation in Rafah to include a plan to evacuate civilians and maintain the flow of humanitarian aid, according to a readout of the conversation provided by the Pentagon.

No firm timeline for Rafah ground attack, Israeli official says

TEL AVIV — No firm timeline has been set for when Israeli ground troops will enter Rafah, an Israeli official has told NBC News.

The timing will depend on when the government gives the IDF the order to move in and on how long it takes for civilians in eastern Rafah to evacuate, the official said.

The U.S. and its allies have repeatedly urged Israel's government against a ground assault on the southern city, where more than half of Gaza's civilian population is thought to be sheltering.

But Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted his troops will enter Rafah to target Hamas leaders, whether before or after a new truce deal.

IDF drops leaflets over eastern Rafah urging people to evacuate

The IDF has dropped leaflets over eastern Rafah urging Palestinians to evacuate the area to Al-Mawasi, several miles north of the encampment where hundreds of thousands of people have sought shelter.

In leaflets seen by NBC News' crew on the ground, people in parts of Al-Shouka, Al-Salam, Al-Jeneina, Tabbah Ziraa, and Al-Byouk were warned to "evacuate immediately to the expanded humanitarian area of Al-Mawasi."

They also urged Palestinians to avoid trying to return north of the Wadi Gaza, saying Gaza City is "still a dangerous combat zone."

In separate flyers, the IDF outlined where humanitarian services would be expanded in Al-Mawasi area.

Around 100,000 people told to evacuate eastern Rafah, IDF spokesman says

TEL AVIV — The number of people being told to move from eastern Rafah into what Israel says is an expanded humanitarian area is estimated to be around 100,000, an IDF spokesman said. 

Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani would not say in a media briefing how long civilians have to evacuate under this morning’s evacuation order. 

He also would not go into detail about how the operation will impact the Rafah crossing but said the IDF is committed to maintaining the flow of aid into Gaza. He said the humanitarian zone would be “safer” for civilians but that the IDF reserved the right to strike against Hamas inside the zone.

IDF instructs people in eastern Rafah to move to humanitarian zone

Rudy Chinchilla

Israeli forces today began instructing people in eastern portions of Rafah to move into a humanitarian zone, potentially signaling preparations for a ground invasion of the southern Gaza city.

The call for Palestinians to move was confirmed by the Israel Defense Forces, which included a map of the humanitarian area . "Calls to temporarily move to the humanitarian area will be conveyed through posters, SMS messages, phone calls and media broadcasts in Arabic," the IDF said in a statement.

A possible ground offensive in Rafah has been widely condemned internationally, with United Nations officials warning that it would increase the civilian death toll and worsen the humanitarian crisis in the enclave.

The move also comes despite President Joe Biden repeatedly stating U.S. opposition to an invasion of Rafah, where the population has swelled to an estimated 1.4 million people following Israel’s offensive in Gaza in retaliation for Hamas’ deadly attack on Israel and the taking of hostages Oct. 7.

The Biden administration has threatened consequences for Israel should it move forward with a military assault without a credible plan to safeguard civilians in Rafah, which had a prewar population of around 250,000. 

Austin reiterates need for civilian protections in Rafah

Mosheh Gains

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin yesterday stressed the need for any Israeli military operation in Rafah to include a plan to evacuate civilians and maintain the flow of humanitarian aid.

He made the remarks while speaking with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, according to a readout of the conversation provided by Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder. During the discussion, Austin reiterated the U.S. commitment to supporting Israel's defense, and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the return of all hostages taken by Hamas militants.

CIA director may travel to Israel for more cease-fire and hostage negotiations

Dan De Luce

CIA Director William Burns may travel to Israel for more cease-fire and hostage release talks after holding discussions yesterday in the Qatari capital, Doha, a source with knowledge of the matter told NBC News.

Burns, whose schedule remained fluid amid uncertainty over the outcome of the talks, has emerged as a key figure in the negotiations. The CIA director had previously been in Cairo, where Hamas stated that cease-fire discussions concluded yesterday following “in-depth and serious discussions.”

The militant group reiterated key demands that Israel again rejected. After earlier signs of progress, the outlook appeared to dim as  Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu  vowed to resist international pressure to halt the war.

Israel’s war on Gaza updates: Hamas says reviewing new Israeli proposal

Official Khalil al-Hayya gave no details of offer, as Israeli FM says Rafah invasion to be ‘suspended’ if deal reached.

This live page is now closed. You can continue to follow our coverage of the war in Gaza here .

• Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya says the group is reviewing a new Israeli truce proposal, as Israeli FM Katz says Rafah invasion would be “suspended” if a prisoner swap deal is reached.
• At least seven people were killed and others injured when the Israeli army bombed a home in southern Gaza’s Rafah, Palestinian news agency Wafa reports, citing local and medical sources.
• Hamas’s military wing has published a video of two Israeli captives held in Gaza, showing footage of them calling on PM Netanyahu’s government to make a deal to secure their release.
• Growing student protests in the United States against the war on Gaza and universities’ ties with Israel have spread into Europe and beyond.
• At least 34,388 Palestinians have been killed and 77,437 wounded in Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7. The death toll in Israel from Hamas’s October 7 attacks stands at 1,139, with dozens of people still held captive in Gaza.

That’s a wrap from us

Thank you for joining us for updates on everything related to Israel’s war on Gaza.

For more news, analysis and opinion on the conflict, click  here .

A look at what happened today

We will be closing this live page soon. Here’s a quick recap from today:

• US news site Axios, citing two Israeli officials, reported that a new Israeli proposal for a possible deal with Hamas included a willingness to discuss the “restoration of sustainable calm” in Gaza.
• Israeli FM Katz said the Rafah invasion would be “suspended” if a prisoner swap deal is reached.
• Al Jazeera’s correspondent reported that 30 rockets were fired from Lebanon towards Israel.
• An Israeli strike in Srebbine, southern Lebanon, destroyed a house and injured 14 civilians, two of them seriously, according to Al Jazeera’s reporter.
• Student protests  in the United States against the  war on Gaza and universities’ ties with Israel continued.
• Students at Columbia released their five demands from the US university, including a demand to divest from companies that aid the Israeli government and another to sever ties to Israeli universities.
• Some senior US officials advised Secretary of State Antony Blinken that they do not find “credible or reliable” Israel’s assurances that it is using US-supplied weapons in accordance with international humanitarian law, according to an internal State Department memo reviewed by Reuters.
• Palestinian news agency Wafa reported that Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian farmers in residential areas in the occupied West Bank.
• Hamas’s military wing released a video of two Israeli captives demanding the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reach an exchange deal.
• At least seven people were killed in an Israeli army attack on a home in Rafah, Wafa reported.
• A flotilla hoping to deliver aid to Gaza was blocked in Turkey after the West African country of Guinea-Bissau withdrew its flagged vessels.
• Muqtada al-Sadr, an influential Shia Muslim leader in Iraq, expressed his support for the pro-Palestinian encampments at universities in the United States.

WATCH: A 74-year-old Palestinian activist spends six months in Israeli jail

Omar Assaf has just been released from an Israeli prison after six months in custody.

Our cameras caught him reuniting with his family and a little bit of his story.

Watch our video for more: 

‘We’re living this war in all aspects of life’

Al Jazeera’s Hind Khoudary was one of the signatories of the letter calling on US White House journalists to boycott the correspondent’s dinner.

She spoke to us from Deir el-Balah in central Gaza. Here is what she said:

I don’t have the words to describe what I have been going through since October 7.

This is not something that has been ending. It has been continuous every single day for more than 200 days. We have been killed, displaced and homeless, and we’re not only reporting on this, but we’re also living it with every single detail.

We’re living this war in all aspects of life. We have not seen our families as journalists. We have not been able to eat well. We have been dehydrated.

We have been reporting in one of the harshest conditions any reporter can go through despite losing a lot of colleagues, and it hurts our souls and our hearts every single day.

We have been constantly targeted by the Israeli air strikes and shelling.

All of these daily things we have been living as journalists are overwhelming [and] exhausting, but we still continue because there have been at least 100 Palestinian journalists whom I personally know that have been killed since October 7.

If they were here today with us, they would be reporting, and they would be raising the voice of the voiceless Palestinians.

Pro-Palestine protesters arrested at Indiana University

The Indiana University police department in Bloomington, United States, says that 23 protesters have been arrested.

Indiana State Police and Indiana University police told pro-Palestinian protesters they could not pitch tents and camp on campus.

When the tents were not removed, police arrested and transported protesters to the Monroe County Justice Center on charges of criminal trespass and resisting arrest.

A police statement read, “The Indiana University Police Department continues to support peaceful protests on campus that follow university policy.”

Protesters shout, ‘Shame on you’, outside White House correspondents dinner

Reporting from Washington DC, US

It’s astonishing. We’ve never seen a White House correspondent’s dinner like this.

At the Washington Hilton, the president is here to speak while being warmly applauded by the national US press core.

But these VIPs are all dressed up in the evening finery, and they have to run the gauntlet of hundreds of protesters out here who are shouting, “Shame on you”.

“Shame on you” for breaking bread when there are 140 journalists dead as a result of, as far as they say, Biden’s complicity in their murder.

Rockets fired from southern Lebanon at northern Israel

Al Jazeera’s correspondent reports that 30 rockets were fired from Lebanon towards Israel.

The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation reported that rockets were fired from Lebanon towards the Meron area, which is located in northern Israel.

Israeli media and platforms broadcast scenes showing explosions over the area.

As we have reported, there were several exchanges of fire across the Lebanon-Israel border on Saturday.

An Israeli strike in Srebbine, southern Lebanon, destroyed a house and injured 14 civilians, two of them seriously.

Since October 8 , the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah and the Israeli military have traded fire regularly.

You can read our in-depth analysis of these cross-border attacks here .

Photos: Day 10 of pro-Palestine protest at Columbia University

Students continue to occupy an encampment at Columbia University’s campus in New York.

They have been protesting the university’s investments in Israel and showing their support for Palestine for almost two weeks – inspiring other students across the nation to do the same.

Prominent US activist expresses support for campus pro-Palestine protests

Linda Sarsour tells Al Jazeera that she is “extremely inspired and encouraged by these young people all across this country”.

Sarsour, who is of Palestinian descent, was visiting the protest at Princeton University where students, as they are on campuses across the country, are protesting in support of Palestinians, as well as against their institutions’ investments in Israel.

“These young people are reaffirming and demonstrating that the tide is shifting on Palestine, that the Palestinian people have solidarity not just across the United States of America, but across the world,” she said.

When asked why no major university presidents are supporting the students in their protests, she said that the institutions “are beholden to their donors, instead of being loyal to their students”.

Police staying away from Emory University after Thursday’s violent scenes

Reporting from Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Over the last hour or so, the number [of protesters has] steadily been growing. At the moment, it’s probably more of a gathering than a protest.

But this is very much a peaceful affair, and that’s been very much what the organisers have been selling it as on social media. [They say] come along, bring a blanket, bring some food, bring something to drink, sit on the ground, make some posters, write some slogans on the floor with chalk, just show your solidarity through peaceful motives.

There’s also a significant lack of police here. The occasional officer walks by, but compared to Thursday, when we saw those scenes and those mass arrests, the police are very much staying away.

The president of this university is coming under increasing pressure because he is the man who said that the police were right to be here on Thursday when we saw those violent arrests . Yesterday, one of the faculties here held a motion to hold a vote of no confidence in him.

Israeli truce proposal includes possibility of ‘restoration of sustainable calm’ in Gaza: Report

US news site Axios, citing two Israeli officials, reports that a new Israeli proposal for a possible deal with Hamas includes a willingness to discuss the “restoration of sustainable calm” in Gaza after an initial release of captives on humanitarian grounds.

According to Axios, the Israeli officials said the new proposal was formulated jointly by the Egyptian intelligence delegation and the Israeli negotiations team.

The new proposal is reported to offer a response to several of Hamas’s demands, including a willingness to allow the full return of displaced Palestinians to their homes in northern Gaza and a withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Netzarim Corridor, which splits the north of Gaza from the rest of the enclave.

Axios states that “the proposal also includes a willingness to discuss the establishment of a sustainable ceasefire as part of the implementation of the second phase of the deal”, which would take place after the release of the Israeli captives on humanitarian grounds.

This would mark the first time since Israel began its war on Gaza that Israeli leaders have shown an openness to discussing an end to the war as part of a deal to release the captives.

WATCH: Aid ship delayed as Israel creates ‘administrative roadblock’

A flotilla aiming to deliver aid to Gaza has been blocked in Turkey after the West African country of Guinea-Bissau withdrew its flagged vessels.

“Sadly, Guinea-Bissau has allowed itself to become complicit in Israel’s deliberate starvation, illegal siege and genocide of Palestinians in Gaza,” said the Freedom Flotilla Coalition.

Watch our video to learn more:

491 Palestinians killed in West Bank since Oct 7: Ministry

The Palestinian Authority (PA) Ministry of Health has said that the number includes 123 children, five women, five elderly people and 10 detainees in Israeli prisons.

Earlier today, we reported that Israeli troops killed two men, ages 20 and 21, in Jenin, and injured two others moderately, according to medics at Jenin’s government hospital.

Palestinian journalists call for boycott of White House correspondents dinner

More than two dozen Palestinian journalists have called for a boycott of the upcoming White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, which annually brings reporters, politicians and a glitzy array of celebrities together.

With President Joe Biden heading a long list of VIP guests, Palestinian journalists penned an open letter urging their American colleagues not to attend the dinner.

“You have a unique responsibility to speak truth to power and uphold journalistic integrity,” said the letter. “It is unacceptable to stay silent out of fear or professional concern while journalists in Gaza continue to be detained, tortured, and killed for doing our jobs.”

According to the New York-based Committee for the Protection of Journalists (CPJ), at least 97 journalists – including 92 Palestinians – have been killed since October 7. At least 16 others have been wounded.

In addition to the boycott call, an antiwar coalition is planning a demonstration not far from the Washington Hilton hotel where the dinner will take place.

The antiwar group Code Pink, part of the coalition, said it planned to “shut down” the dinner to protest “the complicity of the Biden administration in the targeting and killing of Palestinian journalists by the Israeli military”.

Four US state depts raise concerns in internal memo that Israel may be violating international law in Gaza

Some senior US officials have advised Secretary of State Antony Blinken that they do not find “credible or reliable” Israel’s assurances that it is using US-supplied weapons in accordance with international humanitarian law, according to an internal State Department memo reviewed by Reuters.

Under a National Security Memorandum (NSM) issued by President Joe Biden in February, Blinken must report to Congress by May 8 whether he finds credible Israel’s assurances that its use of US weapons does not violate US or international law.

By March 24, at least seven State Department bureaus had sent their contributions to an initial “options memo” to Blinken.

“Some components in the department favoured accepting Israel’s assurances, some favoured rejecting them, and some took no position,” an unnamed US official quoted by Reuters said.

A joint submission from four bureaus raised “serious concern over non-compliance” with international humanitarian law during Israel’s prosecution of the war on Gaza .

The assessment from the four bureaus said Israel’s assurances were “neither credible nor reliable.” It cited eight examples of Israeli military actions that the officials said raise “serious questions” about potential violations of international humanitarian law.

These included repeatedly striking protected sites and civilian infrastructure; “unconscionably high levels of civilian harm to military advantage”; taking little action to investigate violations or to hold to account those responsible for significant civilian harm and “killing humanitarian workers and journalists at an unprecedented rate”.

Protests in Israel constant reminder to the gov’t that it remains very unpopular

Reporting from Tel Aviv, Israel

There were perhaps as many as 30,000 people earlier on, both here outside the Defence Ministry and in front of the Tel Aviv Museum of Modern Art, where the families of the captives gather every night.

These protests are gathering momentum. They have been here since long before October 7. I was here this time last year as people protested against the government and its attempts to change the way judges were appointed to the Supreme Court.

They picked up again in recent months as people called for an end to the war in Gaza and the resignation of the government, particularly [Prime Minister] Benjamin Netanyahu.

Many of the protesters here saying that Netanyahu is deliberately prolonging this war in Gaza, because it saves him from the ultimate reckoning at the ballot box.

The difference this year from last year is that there’s a more mixed crowd because many people have lost faith and Benjamin Netanyahu.

All the polls say that if there’s a new election, then he will almost certainly lose.

Israeli army says it hopes Gaza aid pier ready by early May

The Israeli army has said it hopes a pier to deliver aid to Gaza will be ready by early May, as it pushes ahead with its war on the besieged coastal enclave.

“We will be working with our partners on this endeavour … in the upcoming weeks, hopefully to make it fully functional early May,” Israeli army spokesperson Nadav Shoshani told an online press briefing on Saturday.

Shoshani said, “There will be no American boots on the ground, so once the aid gets to the land, the international organisations are going to be the ones carrying them out.”

Plans for the pier were first announced by US President Joe Biden in early March as Israel continues to hold up aid deliveries by land.

UN agencies have said maritime deliveries alone cannot deliver sufficient aid to ward off the threat of famine and have called on Israel to open up more border crossings for road convoys.

Hamas reviewing Israeli proposal for Gaza ceasefire

Senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya has given no details of Israel’s offer, but said it was in response to a Hamas proposal two weeks ago.

Negotiations earlier this month centred on a six-week ceasefire proposal and the release of 40 captives in exchange for freeing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.

A separate Hamas statement said leaders from three main factions active in Gaza discussed attempts to end the war. It didn’t mention the Israeli proposal.

The statements came hours after an Egyptian delegation wrapped up a visit to Israel.

Egypt has cautioned that an offensive into Rafah could have “catastrophic consequences” on the humanitarian situation in Gaza as well as on regional peace and security.

Israeli fighter jets target Hezbollah infrastructure: Israeli military

We reported earlier on an exchange of fire between Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and the Israeli military in the north of Israel.

The Israeli military now says that its fighter jets struck Hezbollah infrastructure in the areas of Markaba and Srebbine in southern Lebanon.

Al Jazeera’s correspondent, Zeina Khodr, reports that the strike in Srebbine destroyed a house and that 14 civilians were injured, two of them seriously.

Husam Zomlot, Jeremy Corbyn lead pro-Palestine protest in London

The official account of the Palestinian Mission to the UK has posted a picture of Husam Zomlot, Palestine’s ambassador to the UK, leading a protest in London.

Also pictured is Jeremy Corbyn , the former leader of the UK Labour Party and vocal critic of Israel’s war on Gaza.

#HappeningNow : Ambassador @hzomlot leading the massive protest in London to demand an end to the Israeli genocide in Gaza. pic.twitter.com/oHPECFV7fC — Palestine in the UK (@PalMissionUK) April 27, 2024

Injuries after Israel bombs town in southern Lebanon

According to Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency, nine were injured in an Israeli raid on the town of Srebbine in the south of the country.

The Israeli raid targeted a house in the southern Lebanese town of Srebbine. NNA said one person was injured critically and that among the wounded were two Syrian citizens.

Police say they will not interfere in peaceful protests at George Washington University

It’s noisy at the moment. Several organisers have been speaking at a news conference, making clear their intent not to vacate this area.

At the moment, there are a little more than 100 students encamped in what is called University Square.

Unlike what is happening at other universities like Princeton, this is a public university, so effectively, this is all public space.

University administrators and the police are well aware of this. Administrators did ask the police to come in 24 hours ago and remove tents.

However, Washington, DC police declined to do so. They insisted that the demonstrations were peaceful and that they would not interfere as long as they remained so.

Now, some of the students have told us that the university is using retaliatory methods. It has suspended a number of the students who have been demonstrating. The university identifies them when they leave the square behind me and go into one of the adjoining buildings to use a bathroom, for example, and as they would need to log in to the system. They have then been identified by that login.

However, the students insist they will remain here. The police maintain that their job is to stand here and observe and take no action while these demonstrations remain peaceful.

Blinken set to travel to Saudi Arabia to discuss Gaza, regional security

The US State Department says that the secretary of state will make the visit on Monday and Tuesday to meet regional partners and discuss efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza.

The State Department said in a statement, “[Blinken] will discuss the recent increase in humanitarian assistance being delivered to Gaza and underscore the importance of ensuring that increase is sustained.”

“The Secretary will also emphasize the importance of preventing the conflict from spreading and discuss ongoing efforts to achieve lasting peace and security in the region, including through a pathway to an independent Palestinian state with security guarantees for Israel,” it added.

Israeli foreign minister says deal would defer Rafah operation

Israel’s foreign minister says that a planned incursion into the city of Rafah could be suspended should there be a deal to secure the release of Israeli captives held by Hamas.

“The release of the hostages is the top priority for us,” said Foreign Minister Israel Katz during an interview with Israeli broadcaster Channel 12.

Asked if that included putting off a planned operation that would target Hamas battalions in the city of Rafah, Katz answered, “Yes.”

He went on to say: “If there will be a deal, we will suspend the operation.”

Israel’s allies, the United Nations and major NGOs have urged Israel not to invade the southern Gaza Strip city, in which hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians are currently sheltering.

Princeton protestors won’t leave until the university divests from Israel

Reporting from Princeton, New Jersey, United States

This is day three at Princeton University, and these students are walking a fine line.

The university has said that they are not allowed to sleep here, so they have been coming in shifts to continually occupy this space for these past three days.

On Thursday, the first day, when a couple of them put up a tent, police came in and arrested them. So that’s the line they have to walk.

I talked to a history professor and he was saying there was a bit of irony here that this university is instilling values in the students and then punishing them for practising those values.

These students have decided to take their stand on this issue: They’re demanding divestment from the university from anything invested in Israel or in the war on Gaza, and they say they’ll stay here until they get what they asked for.