DK Eyewitness - DK Eyewitness Top 10 Israel and Petra (Pocket Travel Guide)

Clockwise from top: Jaffa Port, Design Museum Holon, Sink holes in Dead Sea, the Monastery at Petra, ancient church mosaic in Petra, shops at Jerusalems Cardo Maximus, Yad Vashem

Holy sites and beachside hedonism, ancient ruins and Bauhaus buildings, desert oases and Galilean springs Israel and Petra combine the age-old and the high-tech, the earthy and the spiritual. Add excellent cuisine and wines and you have a feast for the senses, mind, and spirit. With Eyewitness Top 10 Israel & Petra, it is yours to explore.

In Jerusalem, the three great Abrahamic faiths connect with their ancient sources. Jews the world over pray toward Jerusalem, and when here flock to the Western Wall, a remnant of the Holy Temple that once stood on the Temple Mount. For many Christians, no site is more sacred than the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where it is believed that Jesus was crucified, buried, and resurrected. In nearby Bethlehem, the Church of the Nativity marks what many believe is Jesus birthplace. Muslims venerate Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock, both on Jerusalems Temple Mount (Al-Haram ash-Sharif). The citys Israel Museum displays artifacts that bring ancient times to life.

Dynamic Tel Aviv-Jaffa, an economic powerhouse, has fine-sand Mediterranean beaches, as well as excellent museums, shopping, and nightlife. Up the coast in Haifa, a model of Jewish-Arab coexistence, the incredible Bahai Gardens adorn the slopes of Mount Carmel.

Whether youre visiting for a weekend or a week, our Top 10 guide brings together the best of everything that Israel and Petra have to offer, from the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea and the ancient synagogues of the Sea of Galilee to the incredible ruined Nabataean city of Petra. The guide has useful tips throughout, from seeking out whats free to avoiding the crowds, plus eight easy-to-follow itineraries, designed to tie together a clutch of sights in a short space of time. Add inspiring photography and detailed maps, and youve got the essential pocket-sized travel companion. Enjoy the book, and enjoy Israel and Petra.

Exploring Israel and Petra

Whether youre interested in biblical archeology, hiking through awe-inspiring landscapes, or relaxing on the beach, you can easily spend months exploring all that Israel and Petra despite their small size have to offer. But you can also pack a great deal into a week-long trip, starting with two days in the holy city of Jerusalem.

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Two Days in Jerusalem

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Day 1

Morning

Start at the via the Moors Gate. Non-Muslims can only admire the elaborately tiled, gold-domed Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque from the outside.

The holy Dome of the Rock shrine in Jerusalem is open only to Muslims.

Afternoon

Visit the excavations at the , with its landmark churches and stunning views.

Day 2

Morning

At the , walk through the Archeology Wing, with its treasures from ancient Israel and neighboring civilizations, then see the Dead Sea Scrolls. Stroll through the Billy Rose Art Garden on your way to see paintings by Rembrandt and Monet.

Afternoon

Absorb the testimonies and artifacts at the museum at . A Childrens Memorial recalls the 1.5 million Jewish children who died during the Holocaust; a crypt near the Hall of Remembrance holds the ashes of death-camp victims.

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Seven Days in Israel and Petra

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Days 1 and 2

Follow the two-day itinerary for Jerusalem.

Day 3

Now head to Manger Square in ; bow through its impossibly low front door to enter the Church of the Nativity. Visit the adjacent St Catherines Church and the Milk Grotto before checking out the Old Market, which sells fruit, vegetables, and snacks. Then head to Beit Sahour, site of the Shepherds Fields and two churches.

Day 4

By car or on a tour, head to the for a dip in the sea.

Day 5

Enter Jordan at the Yitzhak Rabin/Wadi Araba border crossing. From Wadi Musa, walk or ride through the .

Day 6

From the ancient city of architecture before enjoying a gourmet dinner in central Tel Aviv.

Jaffa, on the shores of the Mediterranean, is one of the worlds oldest ports.

Day 7

Head to .

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Top 10 Israel and Petra Highlights

The golden Dome of the Rock shrine on Jerusalems Temple Mount

TOP 10 ISRAEL AND PETRA HIGHLIGHTS

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CHURCH OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE

Venerated as the site of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, this is, for many, the holiest venue in Christendom. The first church was built here for Emperor Constantine in AD 326. Destroyed in AD 614 by the Persians and by the Fatimid Sultan Hakim in 1009, it was rebuilt by the Crusaders between 1114 and 1170. Having survived fire and earthquake, it is now administered by six Christian denominations.

NEED TO KNOW

The Christian Quarter, Old City (02) 626 7000 Light Rail to City Hall, or Egged bus 60 to Jaffa Gate Open summer: 5am9pm (till 8pm in Oct) daily; winter: 4am7pm daily

Google Map

• There is only one entrance into the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, via the main courtyard. Wheelchair users will not be able to enter Christs Tomb, Golgotha, or the side chapels, but can safely negotiate the main area of the church.