ISRAEL
The Only Tour Company offering Escorted Tours to Israel
EXTENSIONS TO: JORDAN, EGYPT & GREECE
7 Days a Week
GUARANTEED DEPARTURES
Speak to a Destination Expert! CUSTOMIZED TOURS
by Private Car for Individuals and Families
Expect the World of Us.
800-223-7460
www.isramworld.com
IT’S NOT JUST AN AIRLINE. IT’S ISRAEL.
Many of us think we know Israel. We imagine placing our hands on the Western
Wall, walking the path of Jesus’ final moments on the Via Dolorosa, seeing
the characters scrawled across the taut parchment of the Dead Sea Scrolls, and standing before the very foundations of faith at the Church of the Holy
Sepulchre, the Dome of the Rock and the Temple Mount. We dream of walking
through Jaffa Gate into the ancient splendor of Jerusalem, strolling down the modern streets of Tel Aviv, or floating effortlessly in the salty waters of the
Dead Sea. Such images connect Israel to our cultural and religious heritage —
indeed, they connect us to the heritage of the modern world. But, this is just the beginning of the miracles Israel has to show us.
You might be surprised to know, for example, that though today “green” is the topic du jour, Israel has been a laboratory for innovative, sustainable practices since the turn of the 20th century when Zionist farming cooperatives literally made the desert bloom. Today, Tel Aviv’s once-notorious Hiriya landfill is being transformed into a 2,000-acre public park with bike paths, rivers and hiking trails. Further, Israel is investing $30 million over the next several years to turn the country into an international biking destination. These impressive projects only scratch the surface of the eco-friendly activities taking place everyday in Israel.
Israel is also a wonderland for aesthetes, epicures and shopaholics. Beyond its well-known ancient architecture, Israel has received UNESCO World Heritage
Site distinction for the Bauhaus and International Style architecture of Tel Aviv’s
Ahuzat Bayit neighborhood. Israel is also a destination for diamonds and other
luxurious little wonders, as a trip down Dizengoff Street or through the tony
Kikar Hamedina neighborhood in Tel Aviv makes clear. Wine and food lovers
will find a paradise in Israel, home to a wondrous assortment of international cuisines as well as its world-famous hummus or falafel sandwiches and an internationally lauded wine industry. For those who love getting out of doors, Israel offers a number of attractions, including breathtaking natural wonders like the Negev Desert, world-class beaches along four impressive bodies of water, and enough hiking trails, bike paths and rope course for a lifetime of adventure. In the following pages, you’ll learn about all of the adventures that await your clients in Israel, where increased traffic is already evidence of growing consumer interest. More than 1.9 million tourists visited Israel from January to July of this year, an increase of over 34 percent from last year, with 280,000 in July alone. If you or your clients have any hesitations about safety, you can rest assured. World-class security and screening measures have made Israel’s national airline, El Al, the safest in the world, and the same goes for the country. But don’t take our word for it — just look at the numbers! In 2009, 2.7 million tourists came to experience the wonders of Israel, each and every one of them returning home safely.
So, dive in! The wonders of Israel are just waiting to be discovered!
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Intro to Israel
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navIgatIon PoInts
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goIng green In Israel
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Food and WIne
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Food & Wine Itinerary
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leIsure tIme
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Israel’s great outdoors
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Outdoor Itinerary
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art, arCHIteCture and musIC
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Art, Architecture and Music Itinerary
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Israel: Old World Elegance with Modern Flair
Jaffa Gate on tHe Cover: top: design museum Holon by Yael Pincus;
Though its historic, geologic, religious and cultural sites were the major attractions for the over 2.7 million tourists who visited the country last year, Israel also boasts an incredibly diverse terrain of world-class mountains, deserts and beaches perfect for any traveler’s itinerary. It’s a trip your clients will remember for a lifetime!
GETTING THERE
FLIGHTS
: El Al, Continental, Delta, Air Canada and U.S. Airways operate over 10 daily non-stop flights to Tel Aviv from major U.S. cities, including New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Los Angeles (LAX), Atlanta (ATL) and Philadelphia (PHL), as well as a number of connecting flights to get your clients to these origin cities. Non-stop flight times range from 10 hours (New York) to 15 hours (Los Angeles). In addition, over 70 international airlines operate flights to Ben Gurion International Airport.El Al, Israel’s premier national airline, offers travelers an authentic introduction to the Israeli experience and is regarded as the safest airline in the world, so your clients will enjoy a carefree flight. Onboard the plane, nibble hummus and pita while watching a selection of in-flight movies and American and Israeli TV shows, or listen to provided music while enjoying the comforts of Israeli hospitality. If you’re booking upscale travelers, be sure to check out the elegant King David Lounge at LAX, JFK and Ben Gurion airports for first and business class!
CRUISES
: A number of cruise lines make Israel’s Haifa and Ashdod ports a stop on Mediterranean itineraries, and many of them offer detailed land excursions into the historic cities of Jerusalem and Nazareth. For example, PrincessCruises’ 12-day “Holy Land Cruise” stops at both ports this fall, departing from
Civitavecchia (Rome) and Venice. RCL Vision of the Seas offers both 10- and 11-night excursions this fall, departing from Venice. Celebrity Equinox extends the fun to 13 nights, taking off from Civitavecchia. For the more serious seafaring set, clients traveling by private yacht can enter through ports in Haifa, Ashdod,
Tel Aviv and Eilat before continuing on to the country’s numerous marinas in Jaffa, Acre, Herzliya and Ashkelon.
GETTING AROUND
AIRPORTS
: Visitors will enter and exit Israel through the gates of Ben GurionInternational Airport, conveniently located about 10 miles from Tel Aviv and
about 27 miles from Jerusalem. Travelers will lack no options for shopping, dining and relaxing while making their way among the swooping archways and stone architecture of this breathtaking international hub. Transportation to and from the airport and major destinations is easily managed across a network of public bus and rail services. Rental cars, taxis, limousines and private car services are also easily arranged for visitors.
DRIVING
: Travelers can traverse the length of the country by car in about six hours, making auto rental an attractive option for clients who want to maximize the breadth of their tour in Israel. Popular rental companies include Budget,Avis, Eldan, Hertz and Shlomo Sixt. For clients who like the VIP service of a
private car, there are several top-notch providers, including IsraLimo. Israel has an impressive highway network, with signage in Hebrew, Arabic and English, making navigation considerably easier than in many other travel destinations. Major routes include Highway 6, which stretches North-South from Nahariya in the north to Beersheba in the south, and Highway 1, connecting Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Ben Gurion International Airport.
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navigation points
Israel packs a lot into a little space. Bordered by Jordan, Syria, Egypt and Lebanon, this
cosmopolitan nation of citizens hailing from more than 90 countries sits at the heart of
the Middle East.
Tel Aviv
However, while rental cars easily connect travelers to Israel’s lively and diverse regions, travelers spending time in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv may find it more expedient and affordable to use taxis, because traffic conditions can get quite congested, and tight, narrow metropolitan roads can be difficult for drivers.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
: Offering clients the chance to sit back and relax while taking in the gorgeous scenery of the Mediterranean Coast and Negev Desert, the national train network connects Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Acre and many other stops. Tickets can be purchased in advance from cashiers at train station counters or at automated ticket kiosks. The rail station in Ben Gurion airport is located on Level S. For more information, visit www.rail.co.il/EN.Egged, the country’s public bus company, offers a number of routes in and
between Israel’s cities and major towns, with the exception of Tel Aviv and its surrounding suburbs, which are serviced by the Dan buses. Fares are
reasonable and tickets can be purchased either on the bus or at station kiosks. Though most routes are operated 24 hours a day, clients should be aware that in some regions bus service is suspended during Shabbat, from sundown Friday night to sundown Saturday night. During this period of religious observance, travelers would do best to hail a cab to get to and from locations. For more information about Egged routes, schedules and fares including Egged tour buses, visit www.egged.co.il/eng. For information about the Dan bus service in Tel Aviv, visit www.dan.co.il/english.
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TRACE YOUR FAITH’S HISTORY AND AWAKEN YOUR SPIRIT. From the Mount where Moses received the Ten Commandments to the Mount where Jesus delivered the Beatitudes, the stories of the Bible will be brought to life in their original settings for your clients. With eight decades of travel experience, we offer the perfect combination of faith and fun.To book a religious vacation you can have faith in, call877.797.8793or visitglobusfaith.com.
NEW! THROUGH THE AGES: ISRAEL, JORDAN & EGYPT
12 days from $3,079* TEL AVIV :: JERUSALEM :: EILAT :: PETRA :: DEAD SEA
JOURNEY THROUGH THE HOLY LAND
10 DAYS FROM $2,149* TEL AVIV :: HAIFA :: LOWER GALILEE IN A KIBBUTZ :: JERUSALEM
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NOTHING SHORT
A JOURNEY
of divine.
*Land only prices. Air-inclusive prices available.
MONEY MATTERS
CURRENCY
: Israel’s currency is the New Israel Shekel (NIS), simply called “shekel” in the markets, restaurants, bars and attractions throughout the country. Each shekel is divided into 100 agorot, though transactions involving this penny-like denomination are rare for travelers. Bank notes are printed in 20-, 50-, 100- and 200-shekel denominations. There are also 1-, 5- and 10-shekel coins, as well as the 5-, 10- and 50-agorot coins. At press time, the exchange rate for USD$1 is NIS3.82, a welcome relief for travelers who have had to grapple with the lower exchange rates of the Euro and British Pound.Currency exchange centers are easily located in major cities and do not charge commission for transactions, though they provide a slightly lower exchange rate than banks, which may charge up to four percent commission for their services. Automatic teller machines (ATMs) are also a readily accessible source of currency, though withdrawals may be subject to transaction fees in addition to fees associated with the client’s domestic U.S. bank. Travelers will have little trouble using their Visa cards at ATMs throughout the country, though those wishing to use a MasterCard can only do so at Bank Hapoalim locations. Credit cards are accepted at most shops, restaurants and hotels. MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover cards are universally accepted. Traveler’s
checks are typically only accepted at tourist destinations and are not a recommended form of payment or currency.
TAXES
: With the exception of accommodations, organized tours, car rentals and flights paid either in foreign currency or with a foreign credit card, all prices include a 15.5 percent value-added tax (VAT). However, tourists who purchase goods over $100 at shops advertising “Tax Refund/Tax-Free Shopping” can receive a VAT refund at their port of departure. Tourists should make sure that they receive a special invoice or receipt for such purchases to be submitted for refund at the VAT office. Purchases of tobacco products, electric appliances and photography equipment do not qualify for a refund.TIPPING
: As in the U.S., 10 to 15 percent is typical for restaurant service, and ex-ceptional service may warrant a 20 percent tip at the diners’ discretion. In luxury hotels and restaurants, a 15 percent service charge may be included in the bill. Though it is not customary, tipping is appreciated by taxi drivers and hotel staff. Tour guides and drivers will usually expect a tip for service.WHEN TO GO
SEASONS:
When organizing a trip to Israel, it is important to consider the cycle of the country’s tourist seasons alongside the needs of your clients. As with most of the world, Israel’s peak season is during July and August, when Euro-pean and American travelers in particular take advantage of summer vacation months and, along with many Israelis, flock to the beaches of Eilatand the Mediterranean Coast. Christian and Jewish high holidays are also popular, particularly Passover and Easter (March and April), Rosh Hashanah (September or October) and Christmas (December). During these peak seasons, both airfare and accommodations will be at their most expensive, so if budget is a concern, try to arrange a trip around the low season months of January, February, May and June.
WEATHER REPORT
: One of the great things about Israel’s climate is that it affords fairly warm, sunny weather year-round. Even in January and February, temperatures across Israel stay in the moderate range of high 40s to 70 degrees on average. During the hot summer months, temperatures climb into the 80s, hitting highs over 100 degrees in some of the country’s hottest regions. In general, travelers will find cooler temperatures in mountainous locations such as Jerusalem and Haifa, while warmer temperatures are the norm in the coastal cities of Tel Aviv, Eilat and the Dead Sea.WHERE TO STAY
Like many top international destinations, Israel has a number of upscale and luxury chain hotels that will be both familiar and accommodating to foreign travelers. Holiday Inn, Sheraton, Hilton and Crowne Plaza all have a number of properties across Israel’s popular locations.
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Globus
Globus offers eight decades of travel experience with its religious and faith-based tour packages, giving travelers the perfect combination of faith and fun. To book a religious vacation you can have faith in, call
877-797-8793 or visit www.globusfaith.com.
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Eliat
Eilat is located along the Red Sea on the southern tip of Israel where you can swim with dolphins, discover the beautiful Underwater Observatory and view life in its natural habitat. Boasting luxurious hotels and limited budget accommodations, Eilat offers aqua-based sports, including water skiing, scuba diving, jet skiing and wind surfing. www.eilathotels.org.il
David Intercontinental iconic beach
Adi Hotel
AFI Patio Eilat
Americana
Astral Village
Astral Seaside
Caesar Premier Eilat
Club Hotel Eilat
Club In Eilat
Club Med Coral Beach
Crowne Plaza
Call your travel agent today for further information or contact:
Eilat Hotel Association, Tel: 972-8-6338034 Fax: 972-8-6338151
Email: [email protected] www.eilathotels.org.il
Experience Summer at Israel’s
Winter Riviera - EILAT
Isrotel Agamim
Isrotel King Solomon’s Palace
Isrotel Lagoona
Isrotel Royal Beach
Isrotel Royal Garden
Isrotel Riviera Club
Isrotel Sport Club
Isrotel Yam Suf
Le Meridien Eilat
Leonardo Club Eilat
Relax and enjoy the endless fun in the sun from fabulous water sports to cultural events.
Wine, Dine and enjoy Eilat like never before.
Sign up now for the magic of Eilat.
Dalia Hotel
Dan Eilat
Dan Panorama Eilat
Express Beat
Golden Tulip Privilege
Herods Palace
Herods Forum
Herods Vitalis
Hilton Queen of Sheba
Holitel Siesta
Leonardo Plaza Eilat
Magic Palace
Magic Sunrise Club
Nova
Orchid
Prima Music
Rimonim Eilat
Rimonim Marina Club
Royal Tulip
In Jerusalem, clients will enjoy the luxury of the David Citadel hotel, a short walk from historic Damascus Gate and the Old City, or the Mamilla Hotel, a trendy spot located at the foot of a hot shopping area. The King David, one of the prestigious Dan Hotel properties, offers perhaps one of the finest experiences in the city. Upscale travelers will also delight in the American
Colony Hotel in Jerusalem, a feature in the city for over 120 years where
Arabian architecture and lavish accommodations have attracted major cultural and political celebrities. A bright future also awaits the Waldorf-Astoria
Jerusalem, slated to open in 2011 with over 220 luxury suites and gorgeous
views of the Old City and Independence Park. While taking in the restorative waters of the Dead Sea and checking out nearby attractions such as Qumran, Ein Gedi and Masada, guests will no doubt be pleased with the luxury at Daniel Dead
Sea, owned by the Tamares Hotels Group, or the Royal Hotel, which features
an enormous spa with some 52 treatment rooms.
In Tel Aviv, those who want to take in hotels, conveniently located near the area’s gorgeous beaches, will find the David Intercontinental or Dan Panorama to be wonderful options, while others may enjoy the chic peacefulness of the boutique
Neve Tzedek Hotel.
In Eilat, there are numerous options, but none so elegant as the Dan Eilat,
Dan Panorama, Princess Hotel and Royal Beach Hotel, all of which boast top
notch accommodations along the stunning shoreline of this tony resort city. Beach-going guests might also enjoy the forthcoming Ritz Carlton property set to open in Herzliya in 2012, complete with all of the luxury amenities customers have come to expect from this storied name.
If looking further south in the Negev desert, consumers booking trips in 2011 should consider the Beresheet Hotel, a 112-room complex that will include a
convention center, full service spa, and a department dedicated to making tour arrangements for guests looking to experience the natural beauty of the surrounding desert. In addition to the options sketched out here, there are a wide range of boutique, upscale, family and economy hotels throughout Israel. For a unique experience, you might check out the popular zimmers (bed and
breakfasts), or the kibbutz guest houses, which while rustic in flavor, offer visitors something of a retreat from the high traffic tourist areas.
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El AL
For over 60 years, EL AL has remained the most trusted airline toIsrael. Only EL AL offers the warmth, hospitality and professionalism of the English speaking Israeli crew who make travelers feel at home. To receive the latest EL AL information, visit the airline’s blog at www.skywordswithelal.com, Facebook EL AL Israel Airlines USA and
Twitter @ELALUSA.
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The Inbal Jerusalem Hotel
Live in the lap of luxury with executive suite deals through Feb. 28, 2011, at the Inbal Jerusalem Hotel, discounted from $560 per room. Clients can enjoys an array of “Exclusive Executive” discounted ameni-ties, including complimentary access to the Executive Lounge, featur-ing views of Jerusalem, snacks and drinks, free wi-fi and business services, and much more. (Subject to availability. Blackout dates may apply.) www.inbalhotel.com/suite-dream-package
King David David Citadel
American Colony Hotel
A NOTE ABOUT SAFETY
If you or your clients have hesitated to book a vacation to Israel because of safety concerns, rest assured that the headlines that have colored the country in the media bear little resemblance to the lived reality of its citizens and visitors.
Travelers are pleasantly surprised by how different their perception of Israel is from their experience traveling about the Promised Land. In 2009, each and every visitor traveling to Israel returned home safely.
In fact, many visitors feel more secure traveling to and around Israel than they do anywhere else, with thorough screening procedures and enforcement that ensure every traveler a safe journey. Clients will find that the streets of Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and many other cities throughout the nation are safe to walk at all times and are, especially in Tel Aviv, bustling with activity until the wee hours.
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Information Center Tel: 1-888-77-ISRAEL or 1-212-499-5660 Fax: 212-499-5665 Website: www.goisrael.com www.travelgreenisrael.com Information: [email protected] Atlanta1349 West Peachtree St., NE. Suite 1799 Atlanta, GA 30309 Tel: 1-404-541-2770 Fax: 1-404-541-2775 Information: [email protected] Chicago
205 North Michigan Ave. Suite 2520 Chicago, IL 60601 Tel: 1-312-803-7080 Fax: 1-312-803-7079 Information: [email protected] Los Angeles 6380 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 1718 Los Angeles, CA 90048 Tel: 1-323-658-7463 Fax: 1-323-658-6543 Information: [email protected] New York 800 Second Ave. New York, 10017 Tel: 1-212-499-5650 Fax: 1-212-499-5655 Information: [email protected] Canada
180 Bloor St. West, Suite 700 Toronto, ON M5S 2V6 Tel: 1-416-964-3784 Fax: 1-416-964-2420 Website: www.goisrael.ca Information: [email protected]
CONTACT US
In 1901, the Jewish National Fund (also known as Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael or KKL) formed and made one of its top priorities the reforestation of Israeli lands decimated during the rule of the Ottoman Empire when taxes were fixed accord-ing to the number of trees on a property. As a result of these and other efforts, over 200 million trees have been planted in Israel, making it one of only two nations in the world that has more trees per acre today than it did a century ago. Long before conservation became chic in the west, solar water heaters were a frequent sight atop most buildings in Israel. And you might not know that the drip irrigation systems currently used by farmers in the U.S. and many other countries were first developed in Israel during the 1950s.
More than just founding principles, sustainability is an integral part of life in modern Israel, where kibbutzim and moshav farmers produce roughly 75 percent of the country’s produce in a nation that has only 15 percent arable land. Your clients can experience a sustainable Israel for themselves by spending a holiday at a kibbutz guest house, taking a low-impact tour of major city sights, or marveling at the progress of one of the country’s — and perhaps even the world’s — most amazing reclamation projects: the transformation of the Hiriya landfill into a world-class green space, three times the size of New York’s Central Park.
ON THE KIBBUTZ
Starting at the beginning of the twentieth century, kibbutzim, or collective living communities, were Zionist agrarian projects that evinced the socialist, pioneering spirit of the modern state’s early settlers. These innovative ventures produce some of the tastiest dairy products, poultry, beef, vegetables, citrus fruits and legumes you’ll find in Israel or anywhere else. Though today many of them have been privatized and expanded into non-agricultural sectors such as technology, travelers and citizens alike still benefit from the experience of these unique social institutions.
The best way to understand the kibbutzim’s contribution to Israel is to spend a holiday at a kibbutz guest house. The Israel Kibbutz Hotels website at
www.kibbutz.co.il provides information on lodging options at kibbutzim
throughout the country. Running the gamut from full amenities to more rustic living, guests at kibbutz hotels invariably find the experience a relaxing and peaceful one. One of the most popular is Kibbutz Lotan in the Arava Desert, where green architecture meets wild design in a village of adobe-like houses. Sustainability is the focus at this kibbutz where visitors can sample eco workshops, holistic natural spa treatments, bird-watching excursions and tours of the surrounding desert wonders. For more information, visit
www.kibbutzlotan.com.
GREEN TOURING
For clients looking to experience Israel while keeping a low carbon footprint, there are a number of running, biking, camel and horseback-riding tours of the country’s major attractions.
Runners will thrill at “sight jogging” tours available in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. For example, Run the City’s “Luxury and Diamonds” tour is a 10-kilometer run through Tel Aviv that passes by Philippe Starck’s Yoo Project building, the city’s Diamond District and the opulent houses of the city’s elite. Or, try the “Roots and Tradition” run, which follows the footsteps of Tel Aviv’s founders, including the American-German Colony, Old Jaffa Port, Meir Garden and the trendy Neve Tzedek neighborhood. For more information, check out www.run-the-city.com.
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going green in israel
Even before its foundation as a modern Jewish state in 1948, Israel has been a trailblazer
for the development and perfection of sustainability and environmental consciousness.
Hiriya Park
Planting trees in Israel
[email protected]
800.644.1595 // www.yallatours.com
Yalla_TW_half tab_Israel_v2.qxd:Yalla Tours 8/17/10 10:30 AM Page 1
Biking enthusiasts will find themselves in good company here, where the government has committed about $30 million over the next few years to make Israel a global cycling destination, adding more than 3,000 miles of cycling paths. Whether it’s biking through the desert, along the coastline or cities that your clients want, there are a variety of tours for all ages and experience levels. Biking tours, such as the annual Israel Ride from Jerusalem to Eilat, give participants a chance to witness the country’s changing landscape while learning about the environment and cultural history. For reasonably priced half-day to eight-day tours, check out www.israelcycling.com, which lists a number of road bike and mountain bike excursions through the Galilee, Dead Sea, the Negev Desert and many other destinations.
Near the resort town of Eilat, take a camel ride through the mountains at the Camel Ranch. Only a 10-mile drive from most of the area’s resort hotels, the Camel Ranch is an exciting experience for the whole family. Take the two-hour excursion which includes an hour of camel riding around the scenic mountains and a light repast of traditional Bedouin pita, vegetables and dips alongside an earthy tea made from desert herbs. The half-day tour goes up into the mountains, with a few stops along the way to take breathtaking photos of the surrounding area as well as nibbling on a light Bedouin supper spread before heading back to the ranch under the twinkling stars. For more information, check out
www1.camel-ranch.co.il/ or www.camel-riders.com.
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Ya’lla Tours
Travel agents can earn $50 for each passenger they book on any Israel program with a minimum seven-night hotel stay and six days of escorted touring. Bookings must be made by March 31, 2011, for travel by September 28, 2011. www.yallatours.com
A STORY OF RENEWAL
Perhaps nowhere can the spirit of green innovation and sustainability be seen more than at the Ayalon Ariel Sharon Park. By 2020, the park will be a massive, 2,000-acre green space with a 45,000-person capacity amphitheater and an amazing network of streams, bike paths, running and hiking trails. There will also be a lookout spot from which visitors can take in an unparalleled panorama of Tel Aviv while sipping freshly brewed coffee and nibbling on tasty café fare. From this perspective, you might hardly imagine that this gorgeous property was once Tel Aviv’s out-of-control Hiriya landfill. Since its closure in the nineties, environmentally conscious groups have been working to transform Hiriya into a monument to green living. Part of that process has involved harvesting biogas released by waste for use by manufacturers, a botanical garden that filters sewage water and an on-site recycling facility, all of which are helping to build a sustainable future for the park while setting a model for Israel and the world. Starting this month, visitors will be able to stop by the lookout point and take a run along the hiking and biking trails. At the visitor’s center, tourists can learn about rehabilitation efforts at the park and check out resident artist Brigitte Cartier’s signature furniture, all constructed out of waste materials including rubber tires, shopping bags and crushed aluminum cans. For more information, visit www.ayalon-park.org.il/eng.
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Perillo Tours
We all enjoy traveling for fun, to learn or simply to relax. But there’sone journey that’s in a category all its own — a place called ISRAEL! For information on tours to Israel, Italy and Hawaii, visit
www.perillotours.com.
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The Isrotel Hotel Chain
The Isrotel Hotel Chain operates 12 hotels throughout Israel. Its 13th hotel, the Isrotel Beresheet on the Ramon Crater, will open by March 2011 and offer guests a complete vacation experience with a range of activities, including sports facilities, diving and cruising in the Red Sea, a Kids’ Kingdom, shopping centers, fine dining and the international entertainment show WOW. www.isrotel.co.il/English
Ayalon Ariel Sharon Park
Israel & The Holy Land...a Journey Your Clients Will Cherish Forever!
Not a Perks member? Join today at www.PerilloPerks.com
Call now and order your FREE Israel DVD and Brochure
1-800-431-1515
Israel is a destination like no other. We all enjoy traveling for fun, to learn, or simply to relax. But there’s one journey that’s in a category all its own. A place deep in our soul that echoes through 5,000 years of history. A place called Israel! Perillo Tours offers the
finest first- class, all-inclusive Israel tour available today.
All-inclusive land rate $1950 price per person, double room including: • Superior First Class Hotels • Bountiful Israeli breakfast daily • 3 Luncheons & 8 Dinners
• Complimentary wine, mineral water and coffee with dinners
• Gratuties for all meals, sightseeing and transfers
Experience Perillo’s Israel: Shalom!
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Isrotel - Your Luxury Accommodation In Israel
Isrotel offers these premium hotels and more in southern Israel and Eilat
Centrally located, this all suite hotel mixes business with pleasure for guests seeking comfort and convenience.
Isrotel Tower
Tel-Aviv
Israel’s leading spa resort, where guests can relax and rejuvenate body and soul in luxurious surroundings with gourmet dining.
Carmel Forest Spa
Resort
Isrotel’s flagship hotel fo r a prestigious holiday experience,
with gourmet dining and five star pampering.
Isrotel Roy
al Beach,
Eilat
Isrotel Dead S ea – a pampering d ream vacation on the Dead S ea shores.Isrotel
Dead
Sea
Resort
& Spa
Tel-Aviv
Mount Carmel
Dead Sea
Mitzpe Ramon
Eilat
A luxurious desert vacation on the edge of the Ramon Crater.
Expect to be amazed!
Isrotel Beresheet
Mitzpe Ramon
Coming
A WORLD OF CUISINES
Home to Jews, Muslims and Christians from over 90 countries, gastroculture in Israel is a veritable world tour sure to please any palate. The natural bounty of the Mediterranean Sea and the fresh produce from the country’s kibbutzim and moshavim means that eating locally has never tasted as fresh and delicious as it does in Israel. As you venture around the cities, be sure to take advantage of the numerous stands offering fresh squeezed fruit juices, pomegranates and olives — luxuries in other parts of the world, but everyday treats in Israel — or take a taste of malabi, a light, creamy custard served with rosewater and chopped nuts. And no trip to Israel is complete without sampling its amazing dairy products, from creamy, tangy yogurts to wholesome milk and some of the most decadent, delicious chocolates in the world.
Food is integral to Israeli culture and lifestyle. One particular wonder is the
Israeli breakfast, which includes heaping platters of smoked or cured fish, a
large variety of cheeses, grains, salads, fresh breads and egg dishes. A mainstay at Israeli hotels, this morning smorgasbord blows the continental breakfast out of the water and is a beloved experience for all travelers. When dining out, be sure to sample the mezze-style appetizers, including spicy pepper dip, baba ghanoush and lemon-cured squash. Enjoy exquisite seafood in the coast cities of Eilat, Tel Aviv and Haifa, and while traveling in the Galilee, stop into a Druze village for some traditional pita, covered with tart yogurt cheese and sprinkled with aromatic herbs and spices.
Culinary tours have become increasingly popular here, and many guides organize excursions to the country’s famous open-air markets, or shuks: Jerusalem’s Mahane Yehuda and Tel Aviv’s HaCarmel. Walk along the rows of vendors to sample some of the freshest olives, mangos, figs, cheeses and fruits,
munch on an oval-shaped “Jerusalem bagel,” pop into a hummus restaurant for a light lunch or grab a world-famous falafel from a nondescript stand. Beyond the markets and eateries that populate the cultural capitals of the country, Israel boasts a number of truly exceptional upscale restaurants that show off their culinary prowess with skillful fusion dishes, particularly of the French-Mediterranean variety.
FRUITS OF THE VINE
Wine production in Israel predates Biblical times, and, much like the bottled vintages, Israeli vintners have only gotten better with age. Energized by the legendary Baron Edmond James de Rothschild, who in 1882 established the Carmel Winery near Haifa with imported French grape varietals, the modern Israeli wine industry is a point of pride for the country. In 2007, prominent wine critic Robert Parker awarded 14 Israeli wines scores over 90 points, qualifying them as outstanding, world-class vintages. Though the most popular wines are Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Chardonnay, there are a surprising number of excellent Gewurztraminers and Rieslings.
Israeli wine production is divided among five major regions. In the northern area of Galilee, cooler mountain temperatures and rich soils produce what is widely
considered to be Israel’s best wine. Of the numerous wineries in this region, standouts include the Golan Heights Winery, Chateau Golan and
Tabor Winery. South of Haifa, the coastal plains of the Shomron region and
the fertile soils of the Carmel Mountains serve one of the country’s biggest grape-producing regions, which plays host to the Tishbi Winery and Amphorae
Winery. The temperate climate of the central Samson region fuels the Carmel Winery, the country’s largest and close enough to Tel Aviv to make for an easy
half-day visit. South of Jerusalem, the Judean Hills is a newcomer to the wine industry, but it’s the home of Domaine du Castel, one of Israel’s most award-winning wineries, as well as the Tzora Winery. A real bloom in the desert, the arid lands of the Negev have benefitted from breakthrough irrigation technol-ogy, bringing consumers a small but intriguing array of wines from boutiques such as the Yatir Winery.
While most wineries will be able to accommodate one or two visitors dropping in to sample and shop, it is recommended that those wishing to tour wineries and vineyards call ahead and make reservations, especially for the boutique opera-tions. Guides specializing in wines are recommended for those who wish to do more thorough touring of the various wine regions of Israel.
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food & wine
Integral to Israeli culture and lifestyle, local food and wine from the country’s natural
bounty, predating Biblical times, never tasted as delicious as it does now in Israel.
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Mini Israel
SEE IT ALL SMALL
Mini Israel is a unique and one-of-a-kind “Park of Miniatures” located in the Latrun region. Exhibiting hundreds of amazingly exact models (scale 1:25) of the most important architectural, historic, archeological, religious and social sites in Israel, this model park represents all religions and cultures inhabiting the country. www.minisrael.co.il. Jerusalem Jaffa Gate Bagels
© Eric Newman
Open-air market
DAY 1
Start with a walking tour of Jerusalem’s Old City, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Dome of the Rock and the Damascus Gate. For lunch, take a tasting stroll of Mahane Yehuda market. Have dinner at the truly exceptional kosher restaurants that abound in the city. Overnight in Jerusalem.
DAY 2
Take a morning drive up to the Galilee for a tour of the Golan Heights Winery. Drive to Rosh Pina, the oldest Jewish settlement, and stop for lunch at any of the town’s precious eateries. Overnight in Jerusalem.
DAY 3
Drive to Tel Aviv. Take a tour of the Shuk HaCarmel. Break for lunch at the small, local eateries that dot the nearby Yemenite neighborhood. Make a stop at old Jaffa, and order a malabi from any of the many street stands before taking a walking tour of the historic port. For dinner, sample some of the traditional Lebanese cuisine in Jaffa, taking care to include a taste of shakshuka, a home-style dish of poached eggs cooked with tomatoes, onions and a variety of fragrant spices. Overnight in Tel Aviv.
DAY 4
Start off a day of intensive wine touring with a drive north to the Shomron region, where you’ll sample the elegant Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir vintages at the Tishbi and Amphorae wineries. Stop for a quick lunch in Tel Aviv before heading south to the Carmel Winery, the country’s largest and one of its most storied. Swing over to the award-winning Domaine du Castel Winery in the Judean Hills, making sure to try the lauded Chardonnay and Grand Vin wines. Drive south through the Negev for a brief tour of the Yatir Winery before continuing on to the resort town of Eilat. Overnight in Eilat.
DAY 5
Enjoy the sumptuous and plentiful Israeli breakfast in your hotel before taking a relaxing walk along the beach promenade. In the afternoon, take a camel tour at the nearby Camel Ranch, and enjoy some traditional Bedouin cuisine for lunch. After taking a tour of the geological wonders of the surrounding area, have a family friendly, al fresco Israeli dinner at the casual restaurants that dot the busy promenade. Overnight in Eilat.
food & wine itinerary
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SHOPPING
Shopping is something of a national pastime in Israel and yet another point where ancient tradition meets modern luxury in this charming, diverse country. Tel Aviv and Jerusalem dominate the shopping scene with commercial zones that run the gamut from tony, high-end boutiques to breezy and affordable open-air markets, where tourists can pick up the latest Israeli fashions, jewelry, ceramics and other unique items to bring back home.
As the shopping capital of Israel, Tel Aviv is full of boutiques, malls and stores selling everything the sophisticated traveler could desire. One of the main attractions is the well-known Dizengoff Center, a maze of boutiques, restau-rants, movie theatres, and even a rooftop swimming pool and gym, which plays host to some 140,000 visitors a week!
For fashionistas looking for a survey course in Israeli style, stroll through the
Kikar Hamedina area of northern Tel Aviv, where the city’s elite shop for
high-end looks from local designers, including Sigal Dekel and Ronen Chen, in addition to international icons such as Gucci, Prada and Yves St. Laurent.
To the south, the casual backstreets of the chic Neve Tzedek neighborhood are dotted with high-quality jewelry, crafts and apparel boutiques. Many shops stay open until sundown, making the area perfect for a leisurely trip before grabbing dinner at any of the neighborhood’s adorable and delicious restaurants. Another boutique hot spot is Shenkin Street, where shoppers and café-hoppers jam the streets on Fridays. At the tail end of Shenkin Street, visitors traveling on a Tuesday or Friday will delight in the Nahalat Binyamin Arts & Crafts Fair, a wonderful resource for affordable, high quality handmade sculptures, jewelry and craft art.
Artists and art-lovers alike will definitely not want to miss the treasures they’ll find in the nearby port city of Jaffa. One of the oldest ports in the world, this breezy, seaside outpost is home to a number of artists’ boutiques specializing in metalwork, jewelry, sculpture, vintage artwork and fabric art. While passing through its streets, be sure to stop into Farkash Gallery for its amazing vintage posters and framed reprints of mid-century nationalist, advertising and travel campaigns. At the Frank Meisler gallery, visitors can find the artists’ iconic pewter figurines and sculptures. One of the must-see places in this area is the gallery and residence of Israeli artist and collector Ilana Goor, which houses excellent examples of Israeli metalwork, sculptural furniture, jewelry and abstract art.
In Jerusalem, shoppers will find almost as many wonders in the city’s shopping centers as they will areas of historic import. In the southwest corner of the city in the neighborhood of Malha sits the Jerusalem Mall, one of the biggest shopping centers in the Middle East. With almost 200 shops and restaurants, eight movie theatres, a department store and supermarket, it’s got something for every client. Visitors should also check out Emek Refai’m Street in the historic German Colony, one of the city’s liveliest commercial streets, jammed
with shops, eateries and bars. Take in some history while you shop in the
Cardo, the main thoroughfare of the Jewish Quarter, where ancient Roman
columns still stand. Beginning in the Byzantine era, this long street has been a commercial center, and today is no different with the typical souvenirs and Judaica sold alongside quality jewelry and art in the tiny shops that line the street. For the shopper whose eye tends towards the extravagant and the high-end, cruise down King David Street, Solomon Street or the Mamilla Mall. All boast an impressive assortment of ceramics, apparel and jewelry from local and international names.
Though Tel Aviv and Jerusalem are mainstays for shoppers, there are many other spots to check out on a tour of Israel. In the northeastern town of Safed, visitors can stock up on Judaica and jewelry while exploring the alleyways of this cradle of Kabbalah practice and study. Just slightly west lies Rosh Pina, the first Jewish settlement in Israel where travelers can delight in the galleries, gift shops and famous chocolatiers overlooking the Hula Valley and Mount Hermon. Beauty shoppers will thrill at the variety of Dead Sea-derived cosmetics available all around Israel, particularly at Kibbutz Ein Gedi.
NIGHTLIFE & ENTERTAINMENT
Travelers who have experienced the high-throttle nightlife of cities like New York, Paris and London will be impressed with the non-stop electricity of Tel Aviv after dark. And because Tel Aviv itself is relatively small in size and cab fares are cheap, it’s easy to make a hot spot-hopping night on the town.
16
leisure time
With shopping scenes hailed internationally and nightlife to satisfy a diverse clientele,
Israel’s wealth of leisure activities offer non-stop entertainment for any traveler.
Rosh Pina
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Israel’s
An easy first stop is Tel Aviv Port, where young people and soldiers on leave flock to party at the dance bars like Whisky A-Go-Go, while diners of all ages enjoy some of the city’s best al fresco seafood. In Neve Tzedek, grab a drink at
Jajo Vino, an eclectic wine bar where the wine list changes every week, before
grabbing a romantic, elegant dinner at any of the neighborhood’s chic eater-ies. Since most establishments in this residential neighborhood close around midnight, keep the party going over on Herzl Street with drinks at Weiss, a popular bar with an open-air patio that many may not recognize is one of the oldest houses in Tel Aviv. Further down the street is Nanutchka, a funky, raucous bar with lively DJs and an even livelier crowd that parties all night long while noshing on Georgian bistro fare. Take a cab to Carlebach Street for a tour of Tel Aviv’s hottest nightclubs, including The Cat and Dog, a tight subterranean dance bar with a chic, speakeasy feel that is slammed on Friday nights when Tel Aviv’s in-crowd takes to the dance floor. Further off are the clubs of Ha’Masger and
Ha’Rehevet Streets, which have a reputation for bacchanal revelry. If you’re
looking to wind down, head over to Rothschild Boulevard, where many visitors and locals can be found taking a casual stroll or stopping for a game of chess by late-night lamplight.
LGBT clientele will find a wealth of entertainment options in the cosmopolitan city of Tel Aviv, where an open and vibrant gay culture calls to mind progressive mainstays like San Francisco and Chelsea. Many clubs have dedicated gay nights (called “lines” by locals) during the week, and some of the most popular gay bars are Zizi and Evita, which puts on an outrageous drag revue during the week.
Although it doesn’t have the breadth of Tel Aviv’s nightlife, Eilat is perfect for night owls. The lounges of the palatial resorts in this beautiful city on the Red Sea boast lively dance parties and entertainment until the wee hours, while couples enjoy the romantic setting of a walk along the promenade after a leisurely dinner. Many travelers also enjoy the quieter evenings of Jerusalem. Take a walk down Emek Refai’m Street for example, where evening hours bring out the lights of the cafes, restaurants and bars, giving the street an aura of a festival.
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Collette Vacations
When travel agents make either three bookings or book six passengers by December 31, 2010, for travel through December 31, 2011, they can earn an easy $300*. www.collettevacations.com
*Terms apply. Call for Details. Eilat
Eilat Marine Park
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Whether your clients are eco-tourists, geology buffs, sports enthusiasts or simply sand-and-surf types, there are countless way to enjoy the great outdoors in Israel.
GEOLOGICAL TOURISM
The southern parts of the country and the Negev Desert offer endless opportunities for clients who like to “rock out.” The strange geologic formations springing from the barren grounds at Timna Valley Park, once the site of an ancient Egyptian copper mine, offer a glimpse into the region’s geological history. Bring a camera to catch photos of wild ibex and gazelles scampering around the towering rock walls rising skyward in all directions. Check out the sublime grandeur of Solomon’s Pillars — soaring columnar rocks carved out by centuries of erosion — and the temple to the Egyptian goddess Hathor before taking a climb up the mountain steps for a truly awesome view. Deep in the heart of the Negev lies the Makhtesh Ramon, an enormous crater-like depression formed over 110 million years ago. The process of its formation has left exposed layers of igneous, sedimentary and composite rock that are a true storybook of the past 200 million years. At the visitor’s center, groups can learn about the site and stop by Bio Ramon, a small zoo that puts visitors face to face with desert animals. A short drive from Jerusalem is the Soreq Cave, which contains a
variety of other worldly stalactites, some of them over 300,000 years old. Those who have an itch for archeology can take part in the Dig-for-a-Day programs in the untouched extremities of Tel Maresha, the ancestral home of King Herod, at
Beit Guvrin National Park.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
For those with a taste for the extreme, Israel offers a number of challenging and beautiful hiking, kayaking, biking, rappelling and rock-climbing opportunities. Overlooking the Sea of Galilee (also known as Lake Kinneret), the Golan Heights area features some of the most incredible, natural views of this mountainous seaside region. It is also home to the Gamla Nature
Reserve, the site of the earliest known synagogue in the world. Outfits
such as Israel Extreme offer a variety of tailored tours in Eilat, the Judean Desert, the Galilee and the Golan Heights, with activities including day-long climbing, rappelling and swimming adventures in the caves near Jerusalem, or a breathtaking rappelling tour of the Atek River Canyon. See
www.Israel-Extreme.com for more rates and tour information. Those who enjoy ocean
adventures should check out the Dolphin Reef in Eilat, where visitors can swim with dolphins in the Red Sea, or paddle around this gorgeous little cove. Snorkeling and scuba diving outfits abound along the vibrant reef, and the nearby Underwater Observatory Marine Park offers a great,
family-friendly overview of the lush colors of the Red Sea’s flora and fauna. Another great stop for active tourists is the mountain fortress of Masada, made famous by the Jewish rebels who held out against the Romans in King
Herod’s former strategic stronghold. Skip the cable car, and take an early morning climb up the winding Snake Path to catch daybreak at the summit and panoramic views of the Dead Sea.
israel’s great outdoors
Though cultural and religious attractions could fill up even a month’s itinerary, any
trip to Israel would be incomplete without experiencing the country’s breathtaking
natural world.
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IsramWorld
The only company offering escorted tours seven days a week to Israel with guaranteed departures and extensions to Egypt, Jordan and Greece, is IsramWorld. Hosting tours for discerning travelers since 1967, IsramWorld is now featuring a new and exclusive Elite Israel program. For more information, call 1-800-223-7460 or visit www.isram.com.
Solomon’s Pillars © Eric Newman
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InterContinental
InterContinental David Tel Aviv combines the magic of the Mediterranean witha metropolitan setting. Beautiful guest rooms overlook the sea and city, while various dining options, including the Aubergine restaurant and Inca Cigar bar, serve excellent international cuisine. Facilities include 24-hour room service, seasonal kids’ club, Riki Spa & Gym and an outdoor pool.
www.InterContinental.com/TelAviv
THE BEACHES OF ISRAEL
While checking out the many wonders of Israel, make time to relax on the beaches that mark this country as a true oasis in the desert. Some of the most popular spots are in Tel Aviv, where tourists and sabras alike frolic in the gentle, cerulean waves of the Mediterranean and play volleyball or the paddle ball (called matkot) in the shadows of the luxurious hotels that line the shore. Head north to Herzliya’s Apollonia Beach, which used to be the ancient Phoenician fishing village of Arsuf, or Accadia Beach, named after the upscale Dan Accadia Hotel and regarded as one of the most beautiful in the country. Caesarea’s Habonim Beach, part of a reserve park that features various inlets, reefs, caves and wave fountains for exploration, boasts striking beach views of the Roman
aqueduct that once serviced this ancient port city. In the southernmost tip of the country lies Eilat, a family friendly resort town that hosts most of Israel’s beachgoers in its numerous high-end and mid-range hotels. Here, visitors can relax on the pristine sand beaches along the Red Sea, take a camel tour of the surrounding mountains, or journey over to Jordan to see the ancient city of Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Spa-seekers and medical tourists flock to the Dead Sea for its naturally healthful, high-salinity mineral waters. The shoreline is dotted with tremendous spa-hotels offering relaxation and restoration with all of the chic comforts a luxury-minded clientele expects.
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Central Holidays
Book early with Central Holidays to save from five to seven percent with full payments at the time of booking, or save up to $150 per couple for booking with a deposit of:
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Rimonim
The Rimonim Galei Kinnereth and Ruth Rimonim Safed hotels offer getawaysthrough Feb. 2011. Rimonim Galei Kinnereth is offering deals from $262, including a 45-minute massage, while Ruth Rimonim Safed’s offer, starting from $226.00, includes a complimentary upgrade and a 45-minute spa treatment. For details, contact [email protected].
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HITTING THE TRAIL
One way for visitors to see it all is a hike along the Israel National Trail, a nearly 580-mile long network of paths that stretches from the Lebanese border all the way to the Red Sea. Along the way, travelers will see the verdant hills of the Galilee, the Judean Mountains, the Yatir Forest and the expansive sands of the Negev Desert, all before reaching the sun-kissed shores of Eilat on the
Red Sea. However, the estimated 30 to 70 days of continuous hiking it takes to complete the whole thing is beyond the scope of most itineraries. The trail is broken into 12 parts, each of which could fill up a one-day or two-day adventure itinerary, a perfect alternative for the time-conscious traveler.
DAY 1
Drive through the Negev Desert, stopping at the village of Mitzpe Ramon. After a quick lunch, check out nearby attractions such as the Makhtesh Ramon, before heading out to Timna Park for a tour of Solomon’s Pillars and the surrounding geological phenomena. Overnight in Eilat.
DAY 2
Go for a mid-morning swim with the dolphins over at the Dolphin Reef, before toweling off and heading to the Underwater Observatory Marine Park. Take a scenic drive along the coast to find a few excellent spots for snorkeling and scuba diving. Overnight in Eilat.
DAY 3
Take an early morning drive to Tel Aviv, and rent a bike on Ben Yehuda Street. Take a two-wheeled tour down Rothschild Boulevard, then pedal over for a coffee break at the famous Café Tamar on Shenkin Street. Spend a few hours relaxing on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea before grabbing dinner at any of the city’s wonderful restaurants. Overnight in Tel Aviv.
DAY 4
Head northeast to the Golan Heights, for a trek through the Gamla Nature Reserve. Include a stop at the remains of Gamla’s ancient synagogue, believed to be one of the oldest in the world. While hiking through the surrounding area, stop at Nahla Gamla Waterfall and check out the Griffon. After breaking for lunch in the coastal city of Tiberias, head to the shores of the Sea of Galilee for a relaxing afternoon. Overnight in Tiberias.
outdoor itinerary
Sunrise in Tel Aviv
From the iconic Armenian ceramic tiles commonplace in the markets of
Jerusalem to the groundbreaking work of students at the Bezalel Academy of Art and Design, the galleries and museums of the busiest cities to the chic grandeur of Tel Aviv’s Bauhaus architecture, the artisans and artists of Israel all speak the international language of good design. For audiophiles, there is a wide variety of jazz, classical and popular music to be heard at the country’s many outdoor venues and concert halls. Whatever your interest, Israel is a pleasure cruise for the aesthete, the museumgoer and the music lover.
ARTISTIC ADVENTURES
To get a handle on the breadth and depth of Israeli art past and present, visitors should check out The Israel Museum perched atop one of Jerusalem’s many picturesque hills. Recently reopened after a three-year expansion and renovation, the museum features strong collections of archeological works, fine art, video art and an excellent exhibit on the Dead Sea Scrolls. In addition to its exhibitions of international contemporary art, the museum has dedicated galleries showcasing the work of Israeli artists that reflect the themes and movements that have defined the country’s identity over the past 100 years. For information on current and upcoming exhibitions, check out www.english.imjnet.org.il. Another worthy stop is the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, which boasts one of the most comprehensive collections of Israeli art as well as an impressive holding of international works. For those interested in singular collections from some of Israeli art’s greatest luminaries, check out the Nahum Gutman Art Museum in Tel Aviv’s trendy Neve Tzedek neighborhood, or the Rubin Museum, a small collection established in the former home of legendary Israeli painter Reuven
Rubin. In the Tel Aviv suburb of Holon, check out the Design Museum Holon,
art, architecture and music
The Israeli art world draws on a robust and complex melange of influences,
stylistic languages, subject matter and media.
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Sheraton Tel Aviv Hotel & Towers
Sheraton Tel Aviv is located in the heart of the city overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. All 313 guest rooms, 24 suites, offer the ultimate in luxury. Guests staying in the newly renovated Sheraton Towers, located on the higher floors, can enjoy the Towers Lounge with its new butler service offering complimentary pressing, newspaper and message delivery, turndown and more.
www.starwoodhotels.com
Tel Aviv Skyline
whose Möbius strip like exterior is a vessel for the work of Israeli architectural and design students. Perhaps one of the most important of Israel’s museums, the powerful Yad Vashem Holocaust History Museum is a stunning work of design, and its galleries feature work by survivors and other artists that approach and interpret the Holocaust in new and evolving ways. For a comprehensive list of art museums and galleries throughout Israel, check out www.ilmuseums.com.
ARCHITECTURE
Israel excels at blending the new and the old, and nowhere can this refreshing mix be seen more than in the
architecture of its major cities.
Walking down the palm tree-lined center path of
Rothschild Boulevard is a
tour through the tradition of Bauhaus and International Style architecture from the 1920s and 1930s. Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, these buildings from the Ahuzat Bayit — or “Homestead” — period reflect the uniquely Israeli incorporation of architectural themes
and features native to the various countries from which the country draws its diverse population. To contextualize a walking tour, stop by the
Bauhaus Foundation Museum
on Bialik Street, where visitors can learn about these movements from within an original Bauhaus building. A few steps away, sample a bit of literary history at Bialik House, the former residence and current museum for seminal Israeli writer Hayim Bialik, whose poem “To the Bird” moved many Jews worldwide to emigrate to Israel. The house is one of the best examples of Israeli fondness for art nouveau and its search for a domestic cultural aesthetic. Moving deeper into the heart of the city, the architecture of the 1960s can be seen in the Migdal Shalom, Israel’s first skyscraper and a central spot where tourists can take a number of walking tours.
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Eilat Princess Hotel
The Eilat Princess Hotel offers guests luxury and relaxation among its modern architecture and local landscape. Located near the hub of Eilat entertainment, the resort borders on a private beach. Winter
rates start from $175 per person, with a special discount to travel agents of 25 percent from November 15, 2010, till March 21, 2011, excluding Christmas.
The building also houses Nahum Gutman’s most famous mosaic murals, depicting the founding and development of Tel Aviv, and several wonderful architectural exhibits.
Divided between the Jewish Quarter, Muslim Quarter, Christian Quarter and the Armenian Quarter, Jerusalem’s Old City gives travelers a sense of the varied and storied styles that form the architecture of this “golden city,” so-called because of the pale, yellow limestone brick exteriors of its buildings. Stand before the Western Wall, one of the holiest sites in Judaism, or pass through the majesty of the Damascus Gate. Follow the Via Dolorosa, or
Stations of the Cross, that Jesus took before his crucifixion, marveling not
only at the historical path these stations mark, but also the narrow
passageways and domed arches that were the architectural breakthroughs of their day. Pass alongside the lines of worshipers in the Church of the Holy
Sepulchre, with its ornate décor, brilliant mosaics and mixture of Crusader,
Byzantine and Greek architecture. In the Jewish Quarter, stop by the renovated
Hurva Synagogue, an important temple that was destroyed in the 1948
Arab-Israeli War. En route, get a lesson in Roman city planning as you pass through the central path, known as the Cardo, which still functions today as a bustling and lively marketplace.
Jerusalem is bursting with historic, architectural and religious sites, so planning a manageable tour is essential. Fortunately, Israeli guides are well trained and readily available to help you plan an itinerary that makes sense for your clients. You’ll have a wealth of options for trips tailored to Christian, Jewish, Muslim or secular clientele.
SOUNDSCAPES
For those who missed recent concerts by international luminaries such as rap and R&B star Missy Elliott, metal monster Ozzy Osbourne or soul crooner Seal, there is a never-ending line-up of high-profile popular artists who grace the stages of Israel, including the impressive amphitheater at Hayarkon Park, where Madonna performed last year. Classical music lovers will no doubt thrill at the opportunity to catch a show at the Jerusalem Center for the Performing Arts, a four-auditorium space that is the home turf of the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, or take in a few performances at the Israel Festival, an annual celebration of music and performing arts that draws artists from around the world. Dates for 2011 have been set for May and June, when the Israel Festival celebrates its 50th anniversary. If opera lovers regret missing the recent premiere of Verdi’s La Traviata at the
Israeli Opera in the Tel Aviv Performing Arts Center, they can look forward to
2011, when the company will stage Aida at the foot of Masada.
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Nazarene Tours
Nazarene Tours is one of the largest, privately run tour operators inIsrael, holding assets of multilingual staff/guides, over 500 coaches, plus airport and hotel reps. Offers range from individual, pilgrimage and historical tours to conference, convention planning and
incentive programs. www.nazarenetours.com
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Dan Hotels: Golden 7
Stay a minimum of seven nights at one of the Dan hotels or at a combination of any of the 14 hotels, and save 13 percent off the one-night rate (restrictions apply).
www.danhotels.com
Opera , Tel Aviv
