Steeped in religious history and grandeur, Jerusalem’s narrow streets and densely-packed houses are eclipsed by the Temple Mount and the ever-resplendent golden Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque. Bounded by its great walls and in particular the Western Wall this is the sacred place of Christian, Islamic and Jewish worshippers alike. While close by the silver domes of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher are less conspicuous but just as culturally noteworthy. Each year, pilgrims travel from around the world to gather in this ‘holiest of cities’ to pay homage to their respective god and to celebrate holy holidays, festivals and rituals within the bounds of the Old City. In fact, the city is marked by sectorial boundaries. Divided into quarters determined by faith - Muslim, Christian, Jewish and Armenian. Regarded as one of the oldest cities in the world, Gifting Owl’s guided tours take visitors through the centuries to now, exploring the highlight sites and learning more about what makes this ancient place with all its layers tick.
The coastal and inland waters of Israel seem just as mystical. Only a short distance from Jerusalem is the legendary Dead Sea. A lake, in fact, the Dead Sea is a phenomenon unlike any other body of water in the world. Pooling into a basin that’s the earth’s lowest point on land, more than 430 metres (1412 feet), the Dead Sea has such concentrated levels of salt that it keeps you afloat. And that’s exactly what people do when they come to bath - just float. You can’t swim or splash in this water - it is simply too painful if you get water in your mouth or eyes. But there are therapeutic benefits too. In fact, people cover themselves in the salt crust that forms at the water’s edge, and just like any mineral therapy, immersed in the salt and floating both relaxes the body and mind.
Further north and directly in line with the Dead Sea is the Sea of Galilee. Unlike the salt water of the Dead Sea, the Sea of Galilee is a freshwater lake and Israel’s major source for drinking water. Its waters are also used for commercial fishing. However, these facts aside, the Sea of Galilee also has a unique history and sacred significance, particularly for followers of Christianity. This is where Jesus is said to have walked on water, fed 5000 of the faithful with five loaves and two fish, delivered his Sermon on the Mount and performed many other miracles. Like the Old City, the Sea of Galilee is a major pilgrimage for worshippers. But to the locals, it’s just known as ‘Kinneret’ (Hebrew for violin), the place to spend the summer days cooling off and having fun under the sun. There is also a township called Kinneret at the southern of the sea. The largest city on the Sea of Galilee foreshore is Tiberias. Here you can visit Berko Archaeological Park - one of more than 2000 archaeological sites in Israel - and the Hamat Tiberias National Park.
If you head towards the coast, the holy city of Nazareth isn’t far from the Sea of Galilee and makes for a fascinating stop on your way to see one of the country's largest national sanctuaries - the spectacular Carmel Mountain National Park. High above the foothills of Haifa, you can spend days exploring this section of coast, lapping up the seaside sites of the Mediterranean and hanging out in Haifa - a fantastic port city that pumps out the fun with a lively social scene, cafes and restaurants, and a surf beach lifestyle. If you’re up for sightseeing, there are some great gift adventures that will take you or your gift recipient on tour of Haifa and Acre. You’ll want to stay a while in Acre too. It’s one of the must-do destinations with lots to explore and discover. Another vibrant and pretty port city, with foreshore restaurants, marketplaces and historical ruins to keep you busy, there’s also an air of romance about the place with its ancient walls, spires, domes and arches.
From Acre, travelling north-east will bring you to Mount Meron and further east again to Golan Heights. If you love skiing, snowboarding and being in nature, this is definitely the place to be. Hermon Mountain is where the winter action happens, and if the slopes aren’t quite your go, there are plenty of other activities to keep you entertained. The resort attracts thousands of visitors throughout the year. In spring and summer, Golan Heights becomes a haven for hikers and mountain bikers who take to the many trails that trace the mountainsides.
If you prefer your weather warm, Tel Aviv is not only one of Israel’s largest cities it is also one of its top spots to visit. Lining the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, Tel Aviv has plenty of pizzazz. The economic and technological heart of the country, the city is also the fashion, centre with lively contemporary arts and cultural scene. It’s modern and busy on one hand and relaxing and easy going on the other. You can spend your days on one of the many beaches, swimming and catching rays, checking out the art galleries and eating spots in the Old City, visiting museums - there’s a quite a few or perusing the fresh produce at Carmel markets. At night, Tel Aviv rocks with authentic foodie fun to be had at any of the great restaurants and cafes before hitting the night clubs for more party time.
Another amazing destination for relaxation and fun is at the very southern tip of the country. Eilat is in the desert country but you’d hardly know it. The city is made for holidays with resorts and hotels perched on the edge of the Red Sea. It’s hot for most of the year, even the winters are warm enough to swim, and the beach and sea the perfect playgrounds for lovers of sand, sea and sunshine. The Red Sea is, in fact, a beautiful bright aqua blue and the first thing you want to do is get your bathers on and take a dip. You can snorkel or dive on coral reefs, swim with dolphins, sunbathe and in short - take it very easy lapping up the good life. In summer, the cool of the evening is always a good time to get out and enjoy the laid-back ambience of the city and the many fabulous food and drink experiences on offer. If you’re in the vicinity, there are a few must-do desert experiences including the Timna National Park with its extraordinary red sandstone geology, the Red Canyon, Masada, Ein Gedi and Ramon Crater - all great places for adventure, sightseeing and discovery.
