Looking to visit Israel this year but not sure what to do? Well you’ve come to the right place. Dine like a king in the foodie capital of Tel Aviv, sleep under the stars in a Bedouin oasis, marvel at the crystal blue waters of Rosh HaNikra grottoes and discover the hidden tunnels of underground Jerusalem. These are the five most inspiring experiences you can have in Israel.
1. Explore Jerusalem underground
No trip to Israel is complete without visiting Jerusalem. But there is more to this city than meets the eye. Buried under Jerusalem is a network of ancient tunnels. Escape the heat and head underground into the 2,000 year old Jewish city. If you’re really lucky, you might catch a concert in the five-acre quarry that is Zedekiah’s Cave.
2. Rest your head at Kfar Hanokdim Bedouin Experience
Arguably, Kfar Hanokdim is the best Bedouin experience in Israel. Hidden away in the Judean desert, Kfar Hanokdim is a tranquil oasis that offers a taste of nomadic life. But desert doesn’t mean dirty. Your comfort is the number one priority, so thanks to spacious tents, stone lodges with wooden-floored sukkahs, hot showers and cold filtered drinking water, you’ll quickly feel at home. You’ll learn all about Bedouin hospitality as the hosts take you on camel rides, desert hiking treks and sunset jeep rides. Oh and did we mention meals? Think traditional feasts and big flavours.
3. Indulge in a lavish dinner at Messa, Tel Aviv
Without a doubt, one of the best restaurants in Tel Aviv. Treat yourself to an evening at Messa, the classy restaurant owned by famed Israeli chef Aviv Moshe. The name “Messa” in Spanish means table, which explains the huge communal table in the centre of the restaurant. The food is prepared to the highest quality and tastes delicious. The atmosphere is sophisticated without being stuffy. Although on the pricier side, it’s well worth it. We recommend ordering the Beef Fillet followed by “Snow White” for desert. Trust us.
You might also like – Where to eat in Tel Aviv, Israel’s blossoming food capital
4. Fall in love with the azure waters of Rosh HaNikra grottoes
The Rosh HaNikra grottoes (or sea caves) are one of the most unique sites in Israel. Located on the Mediterranean coastline in the Western Galilee region, these magnificent rock formations are the result of thousands of years worth of sea erosion. Take an exhilarating ride down the cliff face by cable car and stroll around the caves admiring the crystal-blue water.
How do I get there from Tel Aviv? The cheapest and easiest way is by train. The journey will take you 3 hours and cost 45 – 65 New Israeli Shekel (approx $13 – $18 USD).
When are they open? The Rosh HaNikra sea caves are open 09:00-18:00 during the summer, weekdays only.
5. Float peacefully in the Dead Sea
As the lowest place on earth (431m below sea level), the Dead Sea is a must do on any visit to Israel. But why is it called the Dead Sea? The sea is referred to as “dead” because of the high level of salt which prevents fish from living and plants from growing. It’s 8.6 times saltier than the ocean. But, the unusually high salt concentration does have its perks. The Dead Sea has been proven to relieve skin ailments such as acne, eczema and psoriasis. This is because the salt minerals help your skin to retain water, making it silky smooth and soft.