Genevieve Belmaker - Moon Israel & the West Bank: Including Petra

colorful kippot for sale.

Israel and the West Bank are lands of religious pilgrimages and ancient stories, where even the bodies of water whisper of miracles and the faithful of multiple religions carry out their observances. Yet they are also places where modern, secular life thrives and some of the most advanced technology in the world is born.

This deeply significant region to the three largest monotheistic religions in the worldJudaism, Christianity, and Islamis filled with timeworn stones that have witnessed thousands of years of epic history. That history continues to unfold even today through news headlines that capture the attention of the world.

Many people dream for their entire lives of journeying here, largely for religious reasons. The numerous archaeological and anthropological sites, museums, and more make it a prime destination for students and scholars as well.

The diversity in beliefs and lifestyles can make your trip a journey toward connection and understanding. The crown jewel for most visitors is Jerusalem, a city that is bursting at the seams with incredible historical and religious adventures alongside fine restaurants, excellent shopping choices, and an ever-increasing vast array of entertainment for every taste and age. As much as Jerusalem makes the past feel present, liberal, freewheeling Tel Aviv is intently focused on the future. The fresh scent of sand and sea seems soaked into everything, and marketplaces smell of spices, falafel, and Turkish coffee. Its an assault on the senses, in the best possible way. North along the Mediterranean in sparkling Haifa, Jews and Arabs coexist peacefully in the shadow of the world-famous Bahai Golden Dome.

clock tower in Akko

traditional sweets available at the shuk

the beaches and promenade at Tel Aviv

The West Bank, with its ancient cities of Bethlehem, Jericho, and Hebron and the more modern city of Ramallah, offers a journey into another world. On a hot summer day with the warm smell of olive trees set against a backdrop of rolling brown hills, you'll almost forget the political tensions that have troubled this area for centuries.

Is it any wonder this region has inspired such passions, such creativity, such devotion, such faith? Beyond the history books and news headlines, it must be experienced firsthand to be truly appreciated.

the Bahai Gardens in Haifa

floating in the Dead Sea.

Christmas in Nazareth

Where to Go

Jerusalem

A city of just over 800,000 people and an important locale to the three major religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, Jerusalem seems older than time itself and is enthralling with its dozens of archaeological, religious, and historical sites and museums. When you tire of tours and history lessons, it is just as interesting to stroll through the unique districts of the city, such as the German Colony, with its many family entertainment options, lush greenery, unique homes, and numerous shops, and then stop for a world-class meal in one of the citys many restaurants. A classic destination for religious pilgrimage, Jerusalem also has a lively arts scene and some nightlife offerings, though it is tame compared to Tel Aviv. A claim to fame is that it is home to more museums than anywhere else in Israel.

ONE WEEK: Jerusalem and Tel Aviv

market in Jerusalems Old City

10 DAYS: Add Haifa, the Dead Sea and Bethlehem

TWO WEEKS: Add the Negev, the Sea of Galilee, and Akko

ONE MONTH: Add Jericho, Ramallah, Eilat, and Petra

Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv isnt called the center for nothing, with a dizzying offering of restaurants, clubs, museums, performing arts venues of all sizes, nightlife, music, beaches, surfing, and outdoor sports. The first modern Jewish city, Tel Aviv has earned its reputation as the core of contemporary Israeli life. It is a place known for its openly accepting atmosphere of all kinds of people, a high-powered technical and business sector, and the heart of the countrys famed diamond industry. Tel Avivs world-class parks and recreation offerings are at the heart of its many summer festivals, events, and live concerts. It is, far and away, the most popular place in Israel to party and just enjoy life.

Haifa and the North Coast

Once youre in Haifa, Israels third largest city, situated on the coast about an hour north of Tel Aviv, you can easily jump off to other charming coastal towns and nearby historical and religious sites, such as Akko, Caesarea, and Zichron Yaakov, with minimal hassle. The life of Haifa, the only city in Israel with any public transportation on the weekend, revolves around the dominating