Israel is one of the few tourist destinations that retain its popularity all year round. Here you can get the whole range of pleasures: explore the history of the region, heal and lie on the beach.
Regions of Israel and resort areas
Despite its modest size, Israel combines very diverse activities. Each of the cities has its own specifics, which distinguishes it from another.
The capital of Jerusalem - one of the oldest cities in the Middle East. The place is considered sacred and is revered by Christians, Muslims and Jews. Throughout the year, streams of believers and people hoping for a miracle flock here in order to feel the deep spirituality of the place and touch the shrines. It is not surprising that the Holy Sepulcher is located here, as the main symbol of Israel. Here is the Wailing Wall.
Tel Aviv leads an active entertainment life. Once this place was one of the Jewish quarters, but over time it became a separate city. Now it is one of the best seaside cities in the world.There is a magnificent promenade and about a dozen beautiful beaches. The place is decorated with huge skyscrapers, modern restaurants, trendy clubs that attract young people from all over the world. There are also many galleries, museums and places of cultural education.
The city of Nazareth, according to the tradition, was built exactly where the Virgin Mary gave birth to Jesus. There are many churches and temples. Roman cups are kept in the national park, where Jesus turned the water into wine.
Haifa is known for being the business center and the largest port in the country. There is a little more Europe and less religion than in other major cities of Israel. They work on Saturday, which is of particular importance for Jews. The main attraction is Mount Carmel, which appears in the Bible.
Israel is located between two seas, so there are many beaches here. In the Mediterranean, the largest resorts are:
- Tel Aviv;
- Herzliya;
- Netanya.
The entire beach resorts sandy. Everywhere there are sun loungers, umbrellas, showers. Each beach has snack bars, bars, discos, but private recreation areas on the coast are rare. Only in the most expensive hotels you can find a fenced area by the sea. One of the most respectable resorts is Herzliya. Only wealthy guests of the country can afford to live here. Somewhat more affordable rest in Netanya. Here seek couples with children.
On the Red Sea is the city of Eilat. The entrance to the sea on the local beaches is rocky, so the rest is an amateur here. This place deserves special attention from diving fans. Also popular are other types of water dispute.
For treatment is more suitable coast of the Dead Sea. A huge concentration in the input of salts and trace elements allows you to treat:
- skin diseases;
- chronic runny nose and cough;
- joint disease.
To do this, tourists go to Tiberias, where there are hot springs with healing mineral water.
The climate of Israel
A large number of sunny days in Israel coexists with a heterogeneous climate, which is surprising for such a compact country. Here the tropical climate flows into temperate. Rain falls from early November to May. The rest of the time dry hot weather reigns. In the southern part of the rain almost does not happen, heavy rainfall occurs more often in the north and in the central regions.
You can swim all year round. In the summer, it is more pleasant to do in the Mediterranean part, and in the winter it is recommended to move closer to the Dead and Red Seas. Hottest summer in Eilat and the Dead Sea. The average air temperature is 380.
Visa regime and customs clearance
If you plan to travel and Israel for a period not exceeding 90 days, then the Russians can go without a visa. There are a number of restrictions on the importation and exportation of tobacco products, alcohol, perfumes, products, expensive equipment, antiques and currency. This information can be found in Israeli laws.
Since the situation in the country is hectic, customs procedures when passing the border are quite complex and lengthy. Very unexpected questions may be asked here. It is better not to argue, but to respond quickly and calmly. You will also need to show a return ticket, proof of hotel booking and financial solvency, insurance and a number of other documents. All these procedures take time, so it is recommended to arrive at the airport in 4 hours.
How to get to Israel
In Tel Aviv from Moscow, you can fly daily by direct flight. The flight takes 4 hours. Aeroflot airplanes can also fly to Ovda airport near Eilat. There are options with transfers.
A direct flight to Tel Aviv will cost from $ 250 in both directions. If you choose flights with transfer, you can save a little. A flight to Eilat is much more expensive - from $ 380 with a transfer. From Petersburg to Tel Aviv can be reached for $ 250 with a transfer and for 290 without.
Inland transport
It is convenient to travel by train within the country. The schedule is tight and flights depart 8 times a day. A ticket for a comfortable train Tel Aviv - Jerusalem costs about 25 ILS.There are discounts for retirees and students 50% and 20% respectively. Children under 5 travel for free. Tickets are bought at the box office or on the official website. You can also put money on a special card and pay for it.
You can use buses. The price of a trip from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem costs about ILS 20. Inside the city, moving on a bus costs about 7 ILS. It is inconvenient that they do not go on holidays, as well as on Friday nights and all Saturday. At this time, you can use the bus. They cost more and go less often. Even more money will have to spend on a taxi. He can be called by phone or caught on the street. The trip costs 12 ILS and 5 for each kilometer. There are also special taxis for tourists with a guide at the wheel. They can be recognized by the emblem of the Ministry of Tourism on the door of the car.
Trams are only in Jerusalem. A ticket for it costs the same as a bus. You can rent a bike. In the cities of Jerusalem there are excellent conditions for cycling. Rent per day costs ILS 20, ILS 80 per week.
The car is useful to those who are planning to travel around the country. It is enough to leave a deposit for a car in the amount of about 4,000 ILS, which will freeze on the account and will immediately be defrosted upon returning. For a day of using an economy class car, you need to pay from 120 ILS, the middle class will need to pay ILS 170, and an SUV - at least 250 ILS. Parking is often paid, the place costs from 12 ILS per hour.
Accommodation in Israel
In this country, instead of a system of assigning hotels stars use classes. The level of hotels belonging to global networks is determined by tour operators at its discretion. Therefore, instead of classes and stars it is better to find out in detail the scope of services offered by the hotel.
If the hotel is identified as a four star hotel, then there will be no pool. The room is quite spacious. Food is good everywhere, but in the top hotels it is richer. Prices vary in different cities. Tel Aviv and Jerusalem are about a quarter more expensive than Haifa and Netanya. If you want to live in 5 stars, then in Tel Aviv you will have to lay out about 1000 ILS, in 4 - from 500 ILS. If there will be enough three-star rooms, then you can pay the amount of 300 ILS. Also, when settling with tourists take a deposit.
Voltage in local electrical outlets is standard for Russians - 220 watts. Therefore, you can use your electrical appliances without adapters.
Kitchens, restaurants, shops ...
Every woman of fashion is trying to buy more local cosmetics in Israel. Also here you should try the local wine and get something from the jewelry. In addition, it is recommended to purchase a set of spices, try real hummus, local chickpeas and pistachios.
The trade here is well organized. In large cities, there are entire neighborhoods for shopping, and all the pedestrian streets are filled with shops of various sizes. In each city there is a market that you must visit at least out of curiosity. It is accepted to bargain. The price can be knocked down in half. If this ritual to miss, then the seller may even be offended.
Local cuisine is very diverse. Numerous ethnic groups left their mark on it, their natives live in Israel. Tourists from different countries can visit the restaurants with their national cuisine. Portions in Israeli cafes and restaurants are large, but the price of food here is usually high. From the local cuisine it is recommended to try:
- Hebrew meat;
- Meorav Yerushalmi
- salads;
- hummus;
- falafel;
- cold beet soup;
- fried zucchini.
It is also recommended to taste Israeli beer "Maccabi". Among the desserts, “Gogol-egol”, pancakes, baked apples, gingerbread with almond nuts and more are popular.
Kosher cuisine is no less diverse. It is distinguished by the absence of pork, seafood. Meat with blood is prohibited, and dairy products are served separately from meat. No less amazing local pastries. It can be purchased at one of the many bakeries.
A serving of hummus at a local cafe costs around 30 ILS. Tips are usually not included in the bill, but if desired, tea leaves 10% of the bill.Dinner for two from several dishes with wine in Tel Aviv will cost about 270 ILS. Grab a bite on the street with falafel for just 20 ILS.
Country Tours
As for excursions, in this country there are a myriad of them. Only sightseeing tours of Jerusalem more than a dozen. They differ in duration and route. Such a trip will cost from $ 75. You can see Bethlehem for an amount from 45 to 80 dollars. Journey to the Dead Sea, depending on the additional options will result in 50-100 dollars. Seaside cities can be visited at a price of $ 65.
These are just a few guided tours in Israel. From the range, you can choose any route you like or make it yourself. Any option will give the traveler a sea of pleasant impressions.
