{"id":9455,"date":"2019-09-13T10:06:54","date_gmt":"2019-09-13T09:06:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/?p=9455"},"modified":"2020-09-08T15:10:34","modified_gmt":"2020-09-08T14:10:34","slug":"8-things-to-do-in-israel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/2019\/09\/8-things-to-do-in-israel\/","title":{"rendered":"8 things to do in Israel"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Israel is on the bucket list for many curious explorers and travellers with a keen interest in history. However, a lot of people have the miss-conception that the country isn\u2019t safe to visit. Luckily we can tell you this isn\u2019t true. In fact, travellers return from their visit to Israel telling quite the opposite story. But everything has a silver lining. It does mean that Israel is still less travelled in comparison to other destinations in the region. Making now the perfect time to visit Israel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The country is so rich in history and is home to some of the world\u2019s most striking natural sights that it can be difficult to know what to include on your Israel tour. We have summarised our top 8 things to do in Israel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"700\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Dead-sea-salty-shore.-Wild-nature.-Tropical-landscape.-Summertime-shutterstock_369596609.jpg\" alt=\"salty shore of the dead sea\" class=\"wp-image-9458\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Dead-sea-salty-shore.-Wild-nature.-Tropical-landscape.-Summertime-shutterstock_369596609.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Dead-sea-salty-shore.-Wild-nature.-Tropical-landscape.-Summertime-shutterstock_369596609-300x171.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2>1. Go for a float in the Dead Sea<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Did you know that the Hebrew name for the Dead Sea translates as \u201cSea of Salt\u201d? The \u201cSea of Salt\u201d is probably one of the first things that come to mind when you think about going on an Israel tour. It might actually be the very reason you\u2019re looking to take a trip to Israel. But it&#8217;s not only the lowest body of water on earth and surrounded by breath-taking landscapes, the water and mud is also rich in minerals. This combination makes the Dead Sea the perfect spot to go for a float, detox your skin with the mineral-rich mud and escape the world for a few hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"700\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/BETHLEHEM-ISRAEL-JULY-12-2015-The-gothic-corridor-of-atrium-at-St.-Catharine-church_377628463.jpg\" alt=\"picture of a corridor a st catherine church in bethlehem, things to do in israel\" class=\"wp-image-9461\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/BETHLEHEM-ISRAEL-JULY-12-2015-The-gothic-corridor-of-atrium-at-St.-Catharine-church_377628463.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/BETHLEHEM-ISRAEL-JULY-12-2015-The-gothic-corridor-of-atrium-at-St.-Catharine-church_377628463-300x171.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2>2. Visit Bethlehem<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Bethlehem is only a short drive from Jerusalem and is the perfect day trip. The small town outside of Jerusalem is known across the globe as the birthplace of Jesus Christ and as a result is a popular pilgrimage destination. Make sure you head to the UNESCO site \u201cThe Church of Nativity\u201d, it\u2019s one of the oldest churches in the world. Or, if you&#8217;re the curious type, visit the Old Bethlehem Museum to learn about traditional 19th-century households in Bethlehem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"700\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Nazareth-city-panoramic-view.-Mary-of-Nazareth-Center..jpg\" alt=\"skyline of nazareth city\" class=\"wp-image-9462\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Nazareth-city-panoramic-view.-Mary-of-Nazareth-Center..jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Nazareth-city-panoramic-view.-Mary-of-Nazareth-Center.-300x171.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2>3. Take a day trip to Nazareth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Nazareth is a town in the Galilee region and is believed to be a place where many biblical events have taken place, making it of great historical and cultural importance. Explore the town known as Jesus Christ\u2019s childhood home, visit the domed Basilica of the Annunciation where Gabriel told Mary she would bear a child and make a stop at the St Joseph Church which is said to be the very place of Joseph&#8217;s carpentry workshop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nazareth is a 2-3 hour drive from Jerusalem and is a great option for a day trip. Make a stop at Mount Tabor to break up the drive. Mount Tabor rewards its visitors with magnificent views and it is believed to be the place of the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"700\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Grapes-in-autumn-in-Israel-Image.jpg\" alt=\"dark and ripe grapes in israeli vineyard, things to do in israel\" class=\"wp-image-9466\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Grapes-in-autumn-in-Israel-Image.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Grapes-in-autumn-in-Israel-Image-300x171.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2>4. Wine tasting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Israel is famous for its culture, history and natural beauty but also for its wine. Take a break from your historical adventure and book a wine tasting to kick back, relax and try some of Israel&#8217;s best. Because you\u2019re on holiday after all!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"700\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Skyline-of-the-Old-City-at-the-Western-Wall-and-Temple-Mount-in-Jerusalem-Israel._148478216.jpg\" alt=\"sunset at the wailing wall in jerusalem's old city\" class=\"wp-image-9460\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Skyline-of-the-Old-City-at-the-Western-Wall-and-Temple-Mount-in-Jerusalem-Israel._148478216.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Skyline-of-the-Old-City-at-the-Western-Wall-and-Temple-Mount-in-Jerusalem-Israel._148478216-300x171.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2>5. Explore&nbsp;Jerusalem\u2019s old city<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You haven\u2019t truly been to Israel if you haven\u2019t been to Jerusalem&#8217;s old city. It\u2019s well-established that Jerusalem is home to many important religious and political sites. It\u2019s the reason many travellers choose the city as a base on their trip to Israel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The old city of Jerusalem is a treasure trove for religious and cultural sites, making it a mandatory stop on every traveller\u2019s Israel visit. Take a day to explore the old city and find important sites. Such as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where many believe Jesus was crucified. Additionally the stunning Dome of the Rock and of course one of the most religiously significant sites, the Western Wall. You can easily spend hours appreciating the view of the wall and observe Orthodox Jews pray with inspiring dedication &#8211; it\u2019s a sight you won\u2019t easily forget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have time we recommend taking a tour of the Western Wall tunnels, there\u2019s a lot more to the Wall than what you can see from above the surface. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"700\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/View-of-the-Old-City-Jerusalem-from-the-Mount-of-Olives-with-olive-trees-in-the-foreground_1034467369.jpg\" alt=\"view of jerusalem's old city from mount of olives overlooking green olive trees, things to do in Israel\" class=\"wp-image-9459\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/View-of-the-Old-City-Jerusalem-from-the-Mount-of-Olives-with-olive-trees-in-the-foreground_1034467369.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/View-of-the-Old-City-Jerusalem-from-the-Mount-of-Olives-with-olive-trees-in-the-foreground_1034467369-300x171.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2>6. Mount of Olives<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019ve explored the old city of Jerusalem and wondered how beautiful it would look from a higher view point then look no further. Mount of Olives is only a short hike from the old city and offers magnificent views of Jerusalem. As you\u2019re walking up the mount you will come across the Garden of Gethsemane which is meant to be the place where Jesus prayed before his crucifixion. Furthermore you&#8217;ll find lush olive trees that have been growing here for centuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"700\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/View-of-West-Bank-from-the-Old-City-of-Jerusalem-in-Israel-Image.jpg\" alt=\"view of west bank wall from jerusalem's old city\" class=\"wp-image-9464\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/View-of-West-Bank-from-the-Old-City-of-Jerusalem-in-Israel-Image.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/View-of-West-Bank-from-the-Old-City-of-Jerusalem-in-Israel-Image-300x171.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2>7. West Bank, Jerusalem<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The West Bank is a landlocked area and is the home of 2.7 million Palestinians. You can find a section of the big, graffiti covered concrete wall in Jerusalem. On your visit to Israel you will come across so much history and natural wonders that it\u2019s easy to forget the contemporary issues of the country. Take a guided tour to gain an understanding of the Palestinians, their lives, West Bank\u2019s history and the conflicts that still affect Israel today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"700\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/sunset-on-a-Sea-of-Galilee-shutterstock_657691861.jpg\" alt=\"view of sunset overlooking the sea of galilee, one of the best things to do in Israel\" class=\"wp-image-9457\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/sunset-on-a-Sea-of-Galilee-shutterstock_657691861.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/sunset-on-a-Sea-of-Galilee-shutterstock_657691861-300x171.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2>8. Sea of Galilee<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Sea of Galilee has had many names over the centuries, often changing with major historical events. Nowadays the sea goes by the name of Lake Kinneret and is the lowest fresh water lake on earth. Yes, you\u2019ve heard right, you can tick off floating in the lowest body of water on earth and standing in the lowest fresh water lake on earth on the very same trip. If that wasn\u2019t enough reason to go, the Sea of Galilee is also believed to be the place where Jesus has walked on water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re a raging outdoor enthusiast you might want to consider making the Sea of Galilee a full day trip which will give you time to go on one of the many hikes around the area to appreciate the magnificent views of Lake Kinneret from exhilarating heights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Thinking about taking a trip to Israel? Have a look at our&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/destinations\/north-africa-the-middle-east\/israel\">Israel tours<\/a>&nbsp;or contact our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/about-us\/contact-us\/our-offices\">Adventure Specialists<\/a> to start organising your ultimate Israeli adventure.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><i>Anna is on the marketing team at Tucan Travel. From a young age Anna has travelled solo and on group tours through Europe, Africa, the Americas and Southeast Asia. You can find her on LinkedIn <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/annafranketravel\/\">here<\/a>.<\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Israel is on the bucket list for many curious explorers and travellers with a keen interest in history. However, a lot of people have the miss-conception that the country isn\u2019t safe to visit. Luckily we can tell you this isn\u2019t true. In fact, travellers return from their visit to Israel telling quite the opposite story. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":93,"featured_media":9468,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[4,3],"tags":[1782,1783,10,753],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v15.2.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>8 things to do in Israel - Tucan Travel Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Thinking about travelling to Israel? From the West Bank to the Sea of Galilee, find the best things to do in Israel in our blog and more.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/2019\/09\/8-things-to-do-in-israel\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"8 things to do in Israel - Tucan Travel Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Thinking about travelling to Israel? From the West Bank to the Sea of Galilee, find the best things to do in Israel in our blog and more.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/2019\/09\/8-things-to-do-in-israel\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Tucan Travel Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/en-gb.facebook.com\/tucantraveladventures\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2019-09-13T09:06:54+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2020-09-08T14:10:34+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/View-to-Jerusalem-old-city-at-sunset.-Israel_1080937451.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"700\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"400\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@tucantravel\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@tucantravel\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\">\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Anna Franke\">\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Estimated reading time\">\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"4 minutes\">\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/\",\"name\":\"Tucan Travel Blog\",\"description\":\"Inspiration, Information &amp; Experiences\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":\"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}\",\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/2019\/09\/8-things-to-do-in-israel\/#primaryimage\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/View-to-Jerusalem-old-city-at-sunset.-Israel_1080937451.jpg\",\"width\":700,\"height\":400,\"caption\":\"sunset in Jerusalem, overlooking jerusalem's old city\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/2019\/09\/8-things-to-do-in-israel\/#webpage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/2019\/09\/8-things-to-do-in-israel\/\",\"name\":\"8 things to do in Israel - Tucan Travel Blog\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/2019\/09\/8-things-to-do-in-israel\/#primaryimage\"},\"datePublished\":\"2019-09-13T09:06:54+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2020-09-08T14:10:34+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/e441347291bbbbb2cb6561eecc730a35\"},\"description\":\"Thinking about travelling to Israel? From the West Bank to the Sea of Galilee, find the best things to do in Israel in our blog and more.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/2019\/09\/8-things-to-do-in-israel\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/e441347291bbbbb2cb6561eecc730a35\",\"name\":\"Anna Franke\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/#personlogo\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/61b4de998a005249a4858199b8bdb732?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Anna Franke\"}}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9455"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/93"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9455"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9455\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11683,"href":"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9455\/revisions\/11683"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9468"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9455"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9455"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tucan.travel\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9455"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}