Israel has a fascinating contrast between the ancient and sacred sites clustered in Jerusalem’s Old City – the Temple Mount, Dome of the Rock shrine, Al-Aqsa Mosque, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Wailing Wall – and the crisp, white architecture, beaches and wild nightlife of Tel Aviv. In the north, on the Mediterranean coastline and extending up the north slope of Mount Carmel lies Haifa, renowned for the immaculately landscaped Bahá’í Gardens with the gold-domed Shrine of the Báb proudly stood in their centre, and the shops, galleries and restaurants of the German Colony at their foot. Although Tel Aviv is renowned for its beaches on the Mediterranean coast, Israel is also popular for its sunny beaches and hotel resorts, SCUBA diving and water sports available on the Red Sea and the unique Dead Sea, famous for its buoyancy and medicinal qualities.
Tel Aviv
Boasting some of the best and most popular beaches on Israel's Mediterranean coast, Tel Aviv is well-known for its crisp, white 1930s Bauhaus buildings, thousands of which can be found in the White City architectural area, and its vibrant nightlife, ranging from the lounges in Lilienblum Street to the open-air cafes found in Dizengoff Street. Its port waterfront promenade is lined with popular shops and restaurants.
Jerusalem
Dating back to Biblical times, Jerusalem is of great significance to Christians, Jews and Muslims. Its Old City houses sacred and historically significant landmarks, from the Christian Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Jewish Western Wall to the Islamic Dome of the Rock, and important pilgrimage sites such as the Garden of Gethsemane, Dome of the Ascension and Tomb of the Virgin Mary. Try traditional dishes in the Mahane Yehuda Food Market, or haggle for goods in one of the markets lining the narrow streets
Akko
Today Akko is a lively Arab city, complete with a bustling market and a quaint fishing port. Crusaders, Ottomans, Napoeleon, the British Mandate authorities and Jewish freedom fighters have all added a touch of their own colour to Akko's rich history, its old city populated with an eclectic mix of minarets and church spires, encompassed by a great citadel and imposing walls.
Haifa
Extending from the Mediterranean up the north slope of Mount Carmel, Israel's third largest city, Haifa, is best known for its Baha'i Shrine and German Colony. The immaculate Persian Gardens cascade colourfully down the hill into the German Colony, with the golden-topped Baha'i Shrine of the Bab at its heart, and shops, galleries and restaurants housed in the 19th century buildings.
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