Israel

Beit She'an was established in the 5th century BC. Its hilltop location made the settlement strategically valuable, meaning that many over the centuries sought to conquer it. It was the seat of Egyptian rule before falling to the King of Assyria, and was later resettled as a Hellenistic city during Alexander the Great's time.A period of conquests followed until the Romans returned the city to its former residents. It prospered during the time of Hadrian and experienced its golden age after the Bar Kochva revolt. Numerous buildings were constructed during this time and the residents enjoyed a period of peaceful coexistence.Beit She'an's face changed markedly after Christianity was declared the Roman Empire's official religion in the 4th century AD. This was followed by further conquests until an earthquake left the city in ruins. Settlements later sprang up around the ruins and the area received an influx of people after the establishment of the State of Israel.Today, this thriving city lies around the remains of an ancient centre. The Roman theatre, Byzantine bathhouse, Roman street and colonnade, and the amphitheatre used for gladiatorial battles are Beit She'an's most notable ruins.Visitors should budget between two and four hours to see the park properly.

Address : The Beit Shean National Park is located in the city of Beit Shean.

Bethlehem is just six miles (10km) south of Jerusalem, and is a major tourist attraction for pilgrims and visitors alike. Reputed to be the birthplace of Jesus, the town is charming despite its tourist-centred commercialism. The Church of the Nativity is the focal point for visitors, and is erected over the site of Jesus' birthplace.Bethlehem is also a wonderful place to see a variety of monasteries that represent different Christian denominations. Christmas is celebrated on three separate dates in accordance with the Catholic Church calendar, the Eastern calendar followed by the Armenians, and the Julian calendar followed by the Greek Orthodox and Eastern churches.For further exploration of the town's cultural diversity and to learn something about its secular history, visitors should stop at the Bethlehem Museum, which was established by the Arab Women's Union to celebrate the area's Palestinian cultural heritage. The exhibits include everything from traditional household items to clothing, jewellery and old photographs, and allow insight into the town's domestic history.Travellers should note that Bethlehem is in the West Bank and vulnerable to regular outbreaks of violence between Jewish and Palestinian factions. The security situation should be checked before contemplating a visit.

Website : www.bethlehem-city.org

Herod the Great established the ancient port city of Caesarea 2,000 years ago as a tribute to the Roman Emperor, Augustus Caesar. Before this, it was known as Straton's Tower after its founder Straton, who may have ruled Sidon in the 4th century BC.Caesarea is conveniently located between Haifa and Tel Aviv and is a popular excursion for visitors. Its rich archaeological heritage includes the remains of a Roman aqueduct, a theatre, houses and palaces. The Roman theatre is used as a concert venue for big Israeli and international stars and is a special place to catch a show. Some of the archaeological finds from Caesarea can be seen in the museum at nearby Kibbutz Sdot Yam.For scuba diving enthusiasts, diving among the ruins of Herod's city is an extraordinary experience. Caesarea has also become well known for some of its modern attractions, including some very fine private homes, Israel's only international golf course, luxury hotels, galleries and boutiques. There are some good cafes and restaurants as well. Miles of sandy beaches stretch along the Mediterranean coastline and visitors can enjoy the sun-soaked atmosphere against this luxurious backdrop.

As the site of Jesus' crucifixion, burial and resurrection, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the holiest Christian place in Jerusalem. Emperor Constantine constructed it in 326, and its structure has suffered frequent damage over the centuries. Repairs have been undertaken by the religious communities that administer it.The Church contains the Chapel of Golgotha, and the three Stations of the Cross where Jesus was crucified. The Sepulchre itself marks the place of his burial and resurrection.This incredible church is filled with treasures and should be of great historical and architectural interest regardless of one's religious beliefs. It is an absolute must for Christians. The church is home to several Christian denominations.The church is not a museum and does not display a lot of information. For this reason, travellers should either join a good tour or do some research before visiting. Also, the church can get very crowded and visitors may have to queue for a long while. It's a good idea to arrive early in the morning. Those visiting in the hope of a tranquil environment in which to pray and worship may be disappointed if they visit at a busy time. The tomb can only be entered by five people at a time so there is usually a long queue for this privilege as well.

Address : Via Dolorosa, Old City.

Website : https://churchoftheholysepulchre.net

Transport : Bus to Jaffa Gate; from there, a walk through the Old City.

Opening times : Daily from 5am to 9pm (April to September), and 5am to 7pm (October to March).

Admission : Free

Called the Tower of David, Jerusalem's Citadel is a medieval fortress with architectural elements from later periods. Its tallest tower, the Phasael, is the best place to appreciate its magnificent view of the city.The Citadel contains the excellent Museum of the History of Jerusalem, which displays 4,000 years' worth of the city's past in its rooms and courtyards. Free tours of The Citadel and museum are conducted in Hebrew on Tuesdays at 10:30am, and in English every day except Friday and Saturday at 11am. The 'light and sound' show held almost nightly is also a delightful way to learn about the history of Jerusalem.The Citadel of David is a great first stop for visitors to Jerusalem, as it covers the city's history from biblical times to the present in a very accessible and interesting way. English and Hebrew captions and audio guides are available for visitors who aren't with tour groups.Visitors will also encounter some fascinating architectural elements. Those who struggle with steps should note that there are a lot of them at this site, and that seeing the place properly requires a fair amount of climbing.

Address : Jaffa Gate

Website : https://www.tod.org.il/en

Transport : Line 38. Lines 13 and 18 stop at King David Street.

Opening times : Saturdays to Thursdays: 9am-4pm Fridays: 9am-2pm

Admission : NIS 40 for adults, concessions available.

The Eretz Israel Museum's unique layout and character make it more like a park than a standalone establishment. It is clustered around the ancient mound of the Tel Kasile, where ongoing archaeological excavations are in progress.The museum consists of various pavilions, each displaying different cultural artefacts and collections. Visitors can purchase a map to help them navigate through this fascinating campus, which covers 3,000 years of history, culture and art relating to Israel. The permanent exhibits include displays on ethnography and folklore, ceramics, copper, coins, crafts, agriculture, domestic life, and many aspects of social and political history.The exhibitions are not all equally impressive and some are better organised than others. Still, there are plenty of treasures to be discovered. There are also temporary exhibitions that change on a regular basis. All exhibits are accessible for the disabled. Photography is permitted but only for private, non-commercial use. Flashes and tripods are not allowed.A special museum shop at the entrance sells clothes, jewellery and all sorts of souvenirs created by talented Israeli designers. Visitors can also buy a wide range of replicas. There is a cafe for refreshments and the Planetarium is right next door - it is possible to buy combined tickets. The air conditioning is a big bonus on hot days.

Address : 2 Haim Levanon Street, Ramat Aviv.

Website : www.eretzmuseum.org.il

Opening times : Monday to Wednesday: 10am-4pm Thursday: 10am-8pm Friday: 10am-2pm Saturday: 10am-4pm Closed Sundays

Admission : Adults: NIS 52. Concessions available.

The mountaintop fortress of Masada (sometimes spelled Massada) is one of Israel's most popular and remarkable tourist attractions. Situated in the Judean Desert and overlooking the Dead Sea, this site is where 967 Jewish Zealots rose against Rome in 66 AD, taking their own lives when defeat seemed inevitable. King Herod built the ancient fortress they defended against Roman siege.Visitors can still explore the ruins of ancient structures and palaces, and see the remains of the most complete Roman siege system in the world. The Roman camps, siege wall and ramp are still clearly visible.Masada is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a place of profound interest for military-history buffs. Visitors can reach the top by cable car or by hiking up the Snake Path. From there, they can enjoy breath-taking views of the Dead Sea and the surrounding desert.The Masada Sound and Light Show recounts this dramatic history with special pyrotechnic effects, and takes place in a natural amphitheatre on the west side of the mountain. The Yigael Yadin Masada Museum is also fascinating.

Nazareth is one of the most important Christian holy sites, attracting pilgrims from all over the world. Jesus spent most of his life in the area.Today, the city has both Muslim and Christian residents. Visitors can expect a quaint mix of red roofs and white churches to greet them from the Galilean hillside. The summit offers a glorious view of the Jezreel Valley.The area is also home to some significant religious places. Visitors should stop at the Church of the Annunciation, where the upper sanctuary's walls depict scenes from the life of Mary. Catholic communities from around the world donated the work. The nearby Church of St Joseph houses the remains of Crusader bas-reliefs and inscriptions found during the Church's construction.Nazareth's Synagogue Church is thought to stand over the site where Jesus preached of the Messiah's coming. Visitors will find an elegant mosque in the Mosque Quarter. The Turkish-style edifice was constructed in 1812 and belongs to the wealthy Al-Fahum family.

Temple Mount is tremendously important to Jews, Muslims and Christians alike. Located within the Old City's walled section, its glinting, golden Dome of the Rock is easily Jerusalem's most distinguishable feature.From a Jewish and Christian perspective, the large rock is said to be where Abraham offered his son Isaac up for sacrifice. Many believe that the First Temple once housed the Ark of the Covenant. Visitors should also note that the Israeli government prohibits non-Muslim prayer on the site.Muslims believe that Muhammad ascended to heaven from the same rock. For this reason, they built the Dome over this site in the 7th century. Muslims know it as the Noble Sanctuary or Al-Haram al-Sharif, and it's one of the three most important sites in Islamic culture. The Al Aqsa Mosque and the Islamic Museum are also located on the Temple Mount.Tragically, due to the site's great importance to three religions, Temple Mount is frequently a focal point for religious tension in Jerusalem. Travellers should investigate the situation before visiting.

Address : Temple Mount, Old City

Transport : Bus to the Dung Gate.

Opening times : While the complex is open to all people, non-Muslim visitors will NOT be allowed entry into the building of the Dome of the Rock. Visitors should also note that Temple Mount may be closed to visitors during times of turmoil or religious conflict in Jerusalem. Generally, it is open Saturday to Thursday from 7.30am-11am and 1.30pm-3pm in summer; and 8am-10:30am and 12:20pm-2pm in winter. Closed on Fridays and during prayer times.

Admission : Admission to Temple Mount is free, but admission is charged for access to the Dome of the Rock, Al Aqsa Mosque and Islamic Museum.

The Dead Sea and its immediate environment have many natural wonders. Wellness travellers are most interested in the high salt and mineral concentration found in its waters. Besides enabling visitors to float effortlessly on the surface, the mix gives the region's black mud tremendous therapeutic properties. Also, as the water is wonderfully warm, swimming is possible all year round.Otherwise, the Dead Sea region boasts some fascinating archaeological sites, with traces of Persian, Greek, Roman and other civilisations remaining. Notable historical locations include the notorious biblical city of Sodom, which was destroyed along with Gomorra.

Transport : Bus 444 or 486 from west Jerusalem.

The museum documents and commemorates the events of the Holocaust, and also furthers education through ongoing research into the period. In this way, it honours the millions of Jews who died during World War II.Visitors will find the world's largest and most comprehensive collection of Holocaust material, which includes documents, photographs, films and videotaped testimonies of survivors. These can be read and viewed in the allocated rooms. Engaging with the information is a sobering, emotional experience.The Hall of Names recognises the Holocaust's six million victims, and is an inspiring tribute to them. Symbolic gravestones display information from the 'Pages of Testimony', which were the deceased's biographical records. The library contains an impressive collection of material in many languages.Regarding its scope, Yad VaShem chronicles the Holocaust's history from the implementation of anti-Jewish policies to the mass murders in concentration camps. The display includes photographs, artefacts, documents and audio-visual material. An important collection of Holocaust art is also displayed in Yad Vashem's Art Museum. The International School for Holocaust Studies and Holocaust Research provides education and ongoing research on the Holocaust at national and international levels.Otherwise, the Yad Vashem experience includes the Righteous Among the Nations exhibition, which honours the non-Jews who risked their lives to save Jews. Visitors can also see the Encyclopaedia of Communities. It's a record of the historical-geographical communities of Jews destroyed or damaged during the Nazi regime.Some visitors may find the museum distressing. Children under 10 are not allowed to enter.

Address : Har Hazikaron

Website : www.yadvashem.org

Transport : By bus to Mt. Herzl, on Herzl Boulevard