Gray Line Wanderings Travel Blog

The Beaches of Tel Aviv Overflowing on the Weekend. Photo by Author.

Although Israel is a truly tiny country, with glimmering Mediterranean coast lines, a slew of contemporary cities, a collection of biblical ruins, and an awesome cuisine, it certainly holds its own on the global scene. Israel is fascinating semi-European country with Mediterranean influences dropped into the culturally rich Middle East which makes it quite a versatile vacation destination. Are you backpacking on a budget or balling? Retracing your roots or escaping your routine? Seeking day trips or nightlife? Israel has really got it all. If you get the chance to get out here yourself, here are some of the best places in Israel for your vacationing pleasure!

A Side Street in Akko

4th of July at the Dead Sea

Top 5 Places to Visit in Israel

1. Jerusalem: Best Historical Sights in Israel

• The Old City of Jerusalem is undoubtedly one of the oldest and most important places on earth in terms of religious, political, and historical relevance. You can explore the origins of the Abrahamic religions at the Western Wall, Via Dolorosa, and the Dome of the Rock while enjoying some of the best falafel in Israel. Sounds like a good day of sightseeing to me!

2.Tel Aviv: Best Place to Luxury Travel in Israel

• If you’re looking for a getaway with class, you can’t go wrong in Tel Aviv. With tons of ritzy restaurants, five star hotels, art museums, and cultural shows, Tel Aviv excels in upmarket offerings. Spend your days at the beach and your evenings wandering around in search of THE place to be.

3. Dead Sea: Must See Sight in Israel

• While a dip in the Dead Sea is not necessarily as refreshing as one in the Mediterranean, this salt lake is a must visit for travelers in Israel. Float around or give yourself a mineral-rich mud treatment that would break the bank on shore!

4. Akko: Best Place to Chill Out in Israel

• Akko is an up-and-coming fishing town in Northern Israel with a well preserved history and a beautiful coastline to boot. While it lacks the restaurant and bar scene of other Israeli cities, it is a good chance to escape the cities and relax. Get there now for an authentic perspective on Israel’s Arab culture and the UNESCO World Heritage Sights!

 5. Haifa: Most Beautiful City in Israel

• Sea views, the Baha’i Gardens, and the tree-covered slopes of Mt. Carmel make Haifa more than just another concrete city. While the city’s cultural and art scene is still developing, a visit to Haifa is necessary if you want to experience natural beauty without getting too far from the city.

Jerusalem's Old City at Sunset. Photo by Author.

Today in Bethlehem and Jerusalem, I explored three of the most prominent world religions and actually retraced the life of Jesus Christ.

I never thought I would say that…

While I’m not an overly religious person, there was something overpowering about walking through the cobblestone alleys of the 3000 year old Jerusalem and touching the mosaic-covered walls of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. In spite of 22 years of Christmas story readings, religious studies classes, history lectures, Easter services, and Sunday school lessons, seeing the place itself was the first time the stories adhered to my mind as something very real. And this was the very first lesson on religion that I didn’t have the secret urge to sleep through.

The Gray Line Jerusalem & Bethlehem Tour began at the Mount of Olives viewpoint where we were able to get our bearings on the city. The golden Dome of the Rock served as the center, and like a giant dial, everything else in the city was referenced as a directional hour from the center.

Inside the Church of the Nativity

In attempt to avoid the lines, we went to Bethlehem first to see the Church of the Nativity where the birth place of Jesus is commemorated by a metal star enshrined with candles and elaborate curtains.

Unlike the Bethlehem I imagined (open meadows, crumbling inns, a novelty hay-filled crib, etc.) the city was like any other tourist spot with shops and refined hotels. However, the real surprise was that it was actually a politically buzzing Palestinian territory enclosed in a barbed-wire-covered concrete wall decorated in spray paint murals–including some by the urban art legend Banksy.

Graffiti by Banksy in Bethlehem

After a stop in the gift shop and lunch, we headed into the Old City of Jerusalem for the remainder of the tour. We walked through the evenly divided four quarters of Jerusalem– the Armenian, Christian, Jewish, and Muslim Quarters– and watched the evolution of architecture and traditional dress with the curves of the streets. We caressed the Wailing Wall and watched devoted Jewish pilgrims press their faces against the cold stone while expressing gratitude to God.

The Wailing Wall

We walked the Via Dolorosa, retracing the steps of Jesus when he carried the cross to his own crucifixion. We entered the Church of the Holy Sepulchre where Jesus was believed to be buried. And finally, at Jerusalem’s most recognized monument, the Dome of the Rock mosque, we discussed the religious significance of a mosque standing on the site that Jews believe to be the very spot where God created the Earth.

Our Gray Line Guide on the Via Dolorosa

Within the city of Jerusalem we explored the topic of the growing religious conflict that is grouted into the streets and visited ancient history wrapped inside old city walls and surrounded by modern society.

Exploring the Old City of Jerusalem was among the most valuable history lesson, religious studies class, and church service that I had ever attended. I was reminded once again that the best way to learn anything is to get out into the world and see things for yourself. And technically, I was on a business trip for Gray Line, so I guess that I have the best job ever.

Whats the most educational trip you’ve ever taken? Let us know in the comments or on Facebook!