Daniel Robinson - Lonely Planet Israel & the Palestinian Territories

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At the intersection of Asia, Europe and Africa both geographically and culturally Israel and the Palestinian Territories have been a meeting place of cultures, empires and religions since history began.

The Dome of the Rock () shines out in Jerusalem.
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The pomegranate is said to have as many seeds as there are Jewish commandments.
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The Holy Land, cradle of Judaism and Christianity and sacred to Muslims and Bahais, offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the richness and variety of their own religious traditions and to discover the beliefs, rituals and architecture of other faiths. Ancient Jewish sites, found throughout the country, include Jerusalems Western Wall, which once surrounded the Second Temple, and Byzantine-era synagogues adorned with sumptuous mosaics. The Roman-era synagogues around the Sea of Galilee may have been used by Jews and Christians before they started thinking of themselves as belonging to separate religions. Both Christian pilgrims and tourists are welcome to visit sites associated with Jesuss birth (in Bethlehem), ministry (in Nazareth and around the Sea of Galilee) and crucifixion (in Jerusalem). For Sunni Muslims, only Mecca and Medina are holier than Jerusalems Al-Haram ash-Sharif, known to Jews as the Temple Mount perhaps the most contested real estate on earth.

Human beings have lived in Israel and the Palestinian Territories since long before recorded history, and thanks to the painstaking work of archaeologists, you can explore and ponder what they left behind. If the 10,000-year-old mud-brick relics of Jericho dont impress you, you might find inspiration in Jerusalems City of David, which dates from the time of Kings David and Solomon. Every conflict has two sides, so you could twin a visit to Masada, with its dramatic tale of resistance to the mighty legions of Rome, with a tour of the colonnaded thoroughfares and capacious theatres of Beit Shean, which still pulse with Roman opulence. Many of the countrys most extraordinary finds a silver amulet from the 6th century BCE inscribed with Judaisms Priestly Benediction, a 1st-century-BCE manuscript of the book of Isaiah (one of the Dead Sea Scrolls) are on display in Jerusalems Israel Museum.

Few countries have so much geographic variety packed into such a small space. Distances are short so you can relax on a Mediterranean beach one day, spend the next floating in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea or rafting down the Jordan River, and the day after that scuba diving in the Red Sea. Hikers can trek the length of the Golan Heights, follow spring-fed streams as they tumble towards the Jordan, explore verdant oases tucked away in the arid bluffs above the Dead Sea, and explore the multi-coloured sandstone formations of Makhtesh Ramon. Some trails are ideal for mountain biking.

Dome of the Rock

The first sight of the Dome of the Rock () its gold cap shimmering above a mystical turquoise-hued octagonal base never fails to take ones breath away. Perhaps thats what the architects had in mind more than 1300 years ago when they set to work on this impossibly gorgeous building. The best view is from the Mount of Olives but dont miss the chance to see it up close by taking an early morning walk up to the Temple Mount.

Dome of the Rock, with Mount of Olives in the background
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The Dead Sea

You pass a sign reading Sea Level and then keep driving downhill, eventually catching glimpses of the Dead Seas () cobalt-blue waters, outlined by snow-white salt deposits, reddish-tan cliffs and tufts of dark-green vegetation. At the oasis of Ein Gedi you can hike through unique desert habitats to crystal-clear pools and tumbling waterfalls before climbing to the Judean Desert plateau above or heading down to the seashore for a briny, invigorating dip. To the south around Mt Sodom, outdoor options include adventure cycling along dry riverbeds.

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Tel Aviv Beaches

Just over 100 years ago, Tel Aviv was little more than sand dunes. Now TLV is a sprawling cosmopolitan city bursting with bars, bistros and boutiques but the beach is still the epicentre of life. Here, sunbathers bronze their bodies, while the more athletic swim, surf and play intense games of matkot (beach racquetball). Each beach () along the coast of Tel Aviv has its own personality sporty, party, alternative, gay or religious all against the deep-blue backdrop of the Mediterranean.

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Golan Heights

From towering Nimrod Fortress, the Galilee Panhandle () spreads out before you like a topographical map, but turn around and the looming flanks of Mt Hermon, snow-capped well into spring, dwarf even this Crusader-era stronghold. Hikers can take on the alpine peaks of Mt Hermon, or follow the cliff-lined wadis of the Banias and Yehudiya Nature Reserves on their way to the Jordan River and the Sea of Galilee. The Golans basalt soils are ideal for growing grapes, so the local boutique wines are some of Israels finest.

Nimrod Fortress, Mt Hermon
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Western Wall

In Israel they say that every rock is holy in some way, but for Jews the holiest stones of all are those that make up the Western Wall (), the 2000-year-old western retaining wall of the Temple Mount. For centuries Jews have come here to pray and to mourn the destruction of the First and Second Temples. The walls great stones have an almost magnetic power, drawing close the hands and foreheads of the faithful, who come here in search of a deep, direct connection with God.