One of the most exciting trips in the last years took me to Israel. I attended a summer school at the University of Haifa. The summer school included a one day field trip to Jerusalem. After the summer school I spent 4 days traveling the country to Sea of Galilee, the Dead Sea, Massada, and Jerusalem.
haifa
Haifa is located at the Mediterranean Sea with summer temperature going up to 40°C. There is probably more exciting places in Israel but if you are around don't miss the Bahai Gardens.
- Bahai Gardens:
The religious center of the Bahai. Take one of the guided tours to learns about the Bahai and see the beautiful gardens.
- Mount Carmel:
The University of Haifa is located a few kilometers outside the city center on top of Mount Carmel. Don't miss the museum.
- German Colony:
Not sure what to do in the evening? The German colony at the bottom of the bahai Gardens is the place to go. Lot's of bars, restaurants, and hotels.
sea of galilee & golan heights
Drive west from Haifa to visit the Golan Heights and the Sea of Galilee. Places to visit are Mount of Beautitude and the Church of the Multiplication. If you have time, visit Nazareth.
dead sea
From the Sea of Galilee we drove the Jordan Valley Road through the West Bank to En Gedi, a Kibbutz located at the shores of the Dead Sea. Even though the salty water is very aggressive (don't stay for more than 20 minutes) the effect is pretty cool. Bring your book for the swim ;-)
- Massada:
The fortress of Herodes is one of the top sights around. Go there early in the morning for sunrise (begin your climb around 4.30am). Bring lots of water since even this early temperatures might already exceed 35°C.
jerusalem
Jerusalem is one of the most fascinating cities I have ever seen. Hard to accept that violence and conflicts are omnipresent. Allow at least 2-3 days to see the city. Here my random pick of the places to visit.
- Western Wall:
No visit to Jerusalem is complete without having visited the Wester Wall. Take the tour to learn about the history of the temple and get a good understanding of the conflict lasting for decades.
- Dome of Rock & Al Aqusa Mosque:
Come early in the morning - if you are lucky you are allowed to enter before 10am (though it seems that this changes daily).
- Mount of Olives:
Probably the most touristy part of Jerusalem with the Garden Gethsemaneh and the Jewish cemetery. Come early to avoid the crowds.
- Ramparts Walk:
My insider tip is a walk along the city ramparts. The western part offers beautiful views of the Dome of Rock, the eastern part can be accessed at night.
- Old City and Church of Holy Sepulchre:
Visit the place where Jesus was crucified, located in the middle of the beautiful old town of Jerusalem.