Five Ideas for Guided Tours in Israel

• Akko (Saint-Jean-d’Acre)

  Akko is located north of the bay of Haifa, 150 km from Jerusalem. It is one of the oldest cities in the world. Its ramparts and its plan which date from the time of the Crusaders have remained as if frozen in time. The old city of Akko is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll in the shade of the alleys, taste the freshly squeezed pomegranate juice, soak up the smells and enjoy the colors. As you stroll along, linger in the enchanted garden, the templar tunnel, or the Turkish bath. You can also take a sea tour on small boats. You prefer land? Stroll along the ramparts and watch the fishermen: the fish you’ll eat tonight in one of the many restaurants in the old town may be taking the bait.

• Old City of Jerusalem

  The Old City of Jerusalem is about one square kilometer. It is surrounded by a wall with 8 gates of which Jaffa is the main one. It is composed of four neighborhoods: Christian, Muslim, Jewish and Armenian. It is a unique place. Its markets, its narrow streets, its symbolic buildings will awaken all your senses. You will surely pass by the lament wall, also called ” Kotel “, a sacred place for religious Jews. Take a detour to the temple top where the Church of the Holy Sepulcher is located. Legend has it that it is located on the site of Jesus’ crucifixion. In the Jewish quarter, you are sure to marvel at the ancient Roman market and the four Sephardic synagogues. No matter how long you stay, walking through the alleys accompanied by a tourist guide to Jerusalem is an absolute must. More than a historical visit, it is a journey through time that you will make with him.

• The old city of Jaffa

  Jaffa is located on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, south of Tel-Aviv. The port, closed today, is one of the oldest in the world. The old town of Jaffa has kept its authenticity and charm of yesteryear. It has also become a trendy place, frequented by an eclectic youth. You will see an abundance of artists’ studios and art galleries, especially on the place de l’Horloge. Don’t miss the Shouk HaPishpeshim, the Jaffa flea market. This is the opportunity to find a kilim, an oriental antique or an unusual object signed by a local designer. Don’t forget that haggling is the rule here. A little hunger? Taste the street-food and let yourself be carried away by its succulent smells. You have to admit that the Brooklyn of Tel Aviv is irresistible.

• Masada

  The Masada Fortress is a plateau of about fifteen hectares. It overlooks on one side the Dead Sea and on the other side the Judean Desert. Here, the view has not changed for 2000 years. Masada includes several palaces and fortifications. To get there, visitors must take the snake path. The ascent usually takes one hour. Leave early in the morning to admire the sunrise in this majestic place. Then wander among the ruins classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001: you can almost feel the taste of past tragedy. You will then understand why Masada remains the symbol of unconditional resistance to oppression. It is not by chance that it is at Masada that the new recruits of the IDF come to take the oath of office.

• Dead Sea and surroundings

  Do you know that the Dead Sea is the lowest place in the world? It is 417 m below sea level. This unique place is surrounded by two countries; Israel and the Jordan. It is also the saltiest sea in the world with 340 g of salt per liter of water compared to 5 g for the others. Such concentrations prevent all life from developing and force any object to float on the surface. But its high mineral content makes it an excellent remedy for conditions such as cystitis, psoriasis, eczema, rheumatism, asthma, and many others. Its sulphur and bromine laden air soothes you. Want to get off the beaten track?
  – Visit the Ein Gedi nature reserve, about 5 km north of the Dead Sea. Arrive early enough in the day to enjoy the coolness in the shade of the trees, admire the waterfalls or swim in the small pools.
  – Take a tour of the Qumran National Park where there are some remarkable archaeological sites.
  – Climb up to the pretty village of Metsuke Dragot located on a cliff in the middle of the desert. There you will have a breathtaking view of the Dead Sea.