DK Eyewitness - DK Eyewitness Top 10 Israel and the Palestinian Territories (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 the Palestinian Territories combine the age-old and the high-tech, the earthy and the spiritual. With DK Eyewitness Top 10 Israel and the Palestinian Territories, it is yours to explore.

Deeply significant to the three great Abrahamic faiths, this ancient land is a place of pilgrimage, imbued with a mix of cultural influences. In Jerusalem, Jews flock to the Western Wall, a remnant of the Holy Temple that once stood on the Temple Mount; Christians pay tribute to Jesus at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre; and Muslims venerate Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock, both of which stand on Temple Mount (Al-Haram ash-Sharif).

Set on the coast, Tel Aviv-Jaffa is Jerusalems dynamic counterpart, with fine-sand Mediterranean beaches and thriving nightlife, and Haifa stands as a model of Jewish-Arab coexistence. Almost everywhere lie traces of civilizations past, scattered between a stunning backdrop of lush oases and parched desert sands.

Whether youre visiting for a weekend or a week, our Top 10 guide brings together the best of everything that Israel and the Palestinian Territories have to offer, from the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea and the ancient synagogues of the Sea of Galilee to the birthplace of Christ in Bethlehem. The guide has useful tips, from seeking out whats free to finding the best beaches, 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 the Palestinian Territories.

Exploring Israel and the Palestinian Territories

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 the Palestinian Territories 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.

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 , visit the Archeology Wing, with 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

Travel to the West Bank to Manger Square in ; bow through its 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. 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 hike in a lush desert oasis. Attractions along the trails include the David Waterfall; ambitious hikers can follow the Arugot stream to a hidden cascade.

Day 5

Visit the Masada Museum before climbing the snake path or taking the cable car to the top of .

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 the Palestinian Territories Highlights

The golden Dome of the Rock shrine on Jerusalems Temple Mount

TOP 10 ISRAEL AND THE PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES 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.
• There are several restaurants and cafs at the , only a minutes walk from the main entrance.