Dead Sea (Israel and the West Bank)

The Dead Sea (Hebrew: ים המלח, Hebrew transliteration:Yam HaMelach; Arabic: البحر الميت, Arabic transliteration: al-Bahir al-Mayyit) has its western coast in Israel and the West Bank. It is the lowest point in the world at 394.6 m (1269 ft) below sea level. 25 km of Dead Sea coastline lie within Palestinian Authority territory, including Qumran and Ein Feshka.

16km

Beer Sheva

city in the Negev desert of southern Israel

62km

Mitzpe Ramon

small town in the south of Israel

91km

Beit Shean Valley

The Beit She'an Valley is an area in the Jordan Valley of northern Israel. It consists of the town of Beit She'an (also spelled Beit/Bet/Beth Shean/She'an/Shan), as well as a number of kibbutzim and other small agricultural communities.

111km

Gaza Strip

– the largest city in the Palestinian Territories, with 450,000 people, Gaza city is a coastal city and the administrative capital of the Gaza Governorate, but it has been heavily damaged in several wars between Israel and Hamas and, due to border closures by Israel and Egypt, you probably can't get in

113km

Desert Castles

fortified palaces or castles in what used to be the Umayyad province of Bilad ash-Sham

143km

Eilat

Israel's southernmost city

175km

Bar Yehuda Airfield

airfield located in the southern Judean desert

4.0km

Ein Gedi

Ein Gedi is a Kibbutz and nearby oasis (and official Nature Reserve) set in stunning desert canyons, which are great for hiking and experiencing nature. Also features the remains of a synagogue in the Old City Eye - Capricorn, from the Byzantine period, including a mosaic floor well preserved. The close-by public beach at the Dead Sea is closed now due to sink holes, but there is another one a few kilometres south.

13km

Mount Sodom

A low mountain next to the Dead Sea which is 80 % made of salt. It includes fascinating landscapes, the Flour cave where the eroded rock has a texture similar to flour, and an impressive 200 m salt cave. The Biblical towns of Sodom and Gomorrah may have been nearby (though other opinions place them elsewhere around the Dead Sea), and tour guides will point out to you a rock formation which they say is

23km

Dead Sea

salt lake bordering Jordan and Israel

23km

David's Tomb

architectural structure

45km

Dome of the Rock

Islamic sanctuary in Jerusalem

45km

Qasr el Yahud

Located near Jericho on the Jordan River is the site where Jesus is said to have been baptised by John the Baptist in the Jordan River (this site in Jericho is rivalled by another in Northern Israel at Yardenit). It is also believed to be the spot described in the Old Testament where the Israelites crossed the river to enter the Land of Canaan.

53km

Israel National Trail

hiking path that crosses the entire country of Israel

55km

Tel Be'er Sheva

Located outside the city to its east (next to Omer), this archeological park is a World Heritage Site and one of the top sites to explore how people have lived in Biblical times.

57km

Monument to the Negev Brigade

Located on a hill to the northeast of the city, this large monument made out of concrete, commemorates symbolically the different aspects of the Negev Brigade which conquered the Negev region in Israel's War of Independence. There is a superb view on the city and its surroundings from this site.

59km

Abraham's well

Located at the edge of the Old Town and on the Wadi Beer Sheva, this small site contains the well where according to tradition Abraham made the oath with Abimelech.

62km

Ben-Gurion's Hut

The house where the first prime minister of Israel, David Ben-Gurion, lived with his wife Paula, after leaving his office. It was preserved in almost the same shape as it was when Ben-Gurion lived there. Guided tours are available.

75km

Ramla

city in central Israel

79km

Hatzor

human settlement

82km

Negev

desert and semidesert region of southern Israel

91km

Makhtesh Ramon

Mitzpe Ramon's biggest sight, Machtesh Ramon is 500 m deep, 40 km long and 10 km at its widest. The geological erosion that formed it created geological formations unlike any others. Complete with a magnificent panorama, it presents a fascinating story of geomorphologic evolution. Prominent viewpoints from Mitzpe Ramon include:

92km

Ashkelon

city in the Southern District of Israel

93km

Tel Aviv central bus station

Planned by overambitious architects, its incomprehensible vastness, multiple levels and intertwining corridors make it a model for what an urban jungle would feel like

94km

Wise Observatory

The Wise Observatory, far enough from the town to avoid light pollution, is remotely-operated by the Tel Aviv University. The facility is unmanned so really there isn't much to see or do, except watch the structure from the outside.

94km

Azrieli Center

Visitors can climb to the top of the mall for a nice view of the city.

95km

White City (Tel Aviv)

neighborhood of Tel Aviv, Israel

95km

Sarona (colony)

A district with restored German Templer architecture, known for its picturesque paths and buildings, upscale restaurants, and luxurious food market.

95km

Yarkon Park

Tel Aviv's central park along the Yarkon River

95km

Rothschild Boulevard

A lot of Bauhaus architecture, restaurants and cafes in Tel Aviv's prettiest street

95km

Tel Aviv Museum of Art

Art museum

95km

Neve Tzedek

Quarter of Tel Aviv.

96km

Afeka College of Engineering

Tel Aviv Academic College of Engineering

96km

Carmel Market

The largest and most famous market in Tel Aviv, Carmel Market open all week except Saturday. Nachalat Binyamin Arts and Crafts Fair is one of the most famous in the world. The art fair is open on Tuesdays 10am-6pm and Fridays 10am-5pm

96km

Rabin Square

The largest public square in Israel

96km

Dizengoff Center

Israel's most iconic shopping centre with a very lively food market every Thursday and Friday

96km

Jaffa Clock Tower

96km

Bialik House

Museum

96km

Jaffa Port

One of the oldest ports in the world, now a must-see, holds various shops, restaurants and events

96km

Palmach Museum

96km

Tel Aviv Promenade

A previously run-down but beautiful area, which is now gentrifying

97km

Tel Aviv Port

One of the most dynamic areas in Tel Aviv, including a multitude of shops, restaurants and nightclubs.

98km

Mount Gilboa

mountain range in northern Israel

105km

Sde Eliyahu

Religious kibbutz in northern Israel

107km

Shluhot

Place in Northern

110km

Mount Ramon

Standing tall over the westernmost edge of the crater, this peak is highest point remaining from the massive mountain that turned into the Ramon crater. It can be reached by route 171 from HaRukhot junction (see the above map). The entire crater is well visible from here, as well as the tall, pointy Mount Ariff in the south.

111km

Nir David

Place in Northern

112km

Belvoir Fortress

castle

122km

Caesarea Golf Club

122km

Birds Mosaic (Caesarea)

A little-known but beautiful archaeological site. The site of a Byzantine palace, there are complex mosaics here with pictures of birds and other wildlife as well as geometric forms. The site can be freely visited with no admission fee.

123km

Caesarea Maritima

Ancient Caesarea Maritima is one of the archaeological treasures of Israel and the Mediterranean. This giant city and port was created 2000 years ago by Herod the Great in honour of the Roman emperor, Augustus Caesar. Much of the Roman city remains, including an aqueduct, theatre, and acres of excavated houses, mosaics and palaces. In the 12th century CE, Caesarea was recreated as a massive Crusader fortress, whose moat, balustrades and towers still stand. The ancient and medieval city are preserved within the Caesarea National Park, and the Roman aqueduct can be seen for free on the beach a few kilometers north of the National Park.

123km

Mount Tabor

The site of the Mount Tabor battle between Barak under the leadership of the Israelite judge Deborah, and the army of Jabin commanded by Sisera, in the mid-12th century BC. It is believed by many Christians to be the site of the Transfiguration of Jesus. The mountain is very prominent, and covered with forests. There are several nice hiking trails going up and down.

129km

Basilica of the Annunciation

built above the sunken grotto which according to the Roman Catholic faith was the home of the Virgin Mary and the place where she received the Annunciation (the announcement of the imminent birth of Jesus). The large and impressive modern-day church is built above the remains of churches dating back to Crusader and Byzantine times, still visible on the lower level. The church boasts dozens of pictures donated by Christian communities around the world. The Largest Church in the Middle East and one of Christianity’s Holiest shrines, its imposing dome dominates the Nazareth skyline and is an ideal landmark and starting point for visiting Other churches. It marks the spot where the Archangel Gabriel Informed the Virgin Mary that God had chosen her to bear his son; there is also a tradition that Mary lived in a house on this site. The complex of the modern Basilica is built on two levels. The lower one,Making the traditional Roman Catholic site of the Annunciation, contains ancient remains of churches from the Byzantiane and Crusader eras. During archaeological excavations, relics were found dating back to the Canaanite settlement of Nazareth, Though the most interesting find was of a typical Nazarene house, hewn out of the rock, from the Roman Period. The upper level, built between 1959 and 1969 on the site of an 18th-century church, is in strikingly modern architectural style. With its stained- glass windows highlighted against bare stone.A garden and courtyard connect the Basilica to St. Joseph’s Church and Workshop. Admission to the Basilica is free.

130km

St. Joseph's Church, Nazareth

next to the Basilica of the Annunciation. Also known as Church of the Nutrition and Joseph’s Workshop, because it is believed that the cavern in the basement was Joseph’s carpentry shop, Built in 1914, on the foundations of a Crusader church, with Romanesque influences.

130km

White Mosque, Nazareth

The white mosque, the first mosque in the city was built by Abdalla El Nini, two hundred years ago. El Nini was a well respected judge and the first of the El Fahum tribe (El Fahum means the wisest of man). He set forth a policy that preaches for love and respect. In order to make sure his policy will continue after his death, he wrote in his will that the responsibility on the mosque will be given to the wisest of his sons or daughters or to the Ka-a-bee in Mecca so that the mosque will not be governed under any rule. Till today, the person responsible for the mosque (Ateph El Fahum reads all the sermons before they are preached to make sure they are fit and in honor of holidays of other religions sermons are being addressed in their honor. Opening hours: All light hours except praying hours and without per-arrangement. Notes: please dress modestly and speak softly. In carpeted areas please take off shoes.

130km

Mary's Well

The structure surrounding Mary’s Well (known as el-Sabil in Arabic) was recently renovated and restored to its original form. Mary’s Well is the symbol of Nazareth Municipality. Next to Mary’s Well is a pleasant souvenir shop named Cactus, belonging to Elias and Martina Shama. After buying the shop in the 1990s, the Shamas discovered that beneath it was concealed one of the most exciting and important discoveries in Nazareth in recent history: a network of beautifully preserved ancient stones arches that once supported a giant bath house. It is believed the exposed remains beneath the shop may date back to the ancient Roman era – that is, to the time of Jesus – and have been fed by the same water that supplied Mary’s Well­. There is an entrance fee to the site, but no advance reservation is necessary and guided explanations and hot and cold drinks are available to visitors.

131km

Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation

Built above a spring believed to be the source of a well where Mary drew water each day. This is the site where the Greek Orthodox tradition maintains that the Angel Gabriel revealed to Mary knowledge of the impending birth of Jesus. The Orthodox Museum is closed. Those working at the church are temperamental, and have been known to arbitrarily shout at or remove pilgrims from the church.

131km

Beit She'arim National Park

Beth Shearim was a Jewish town and necropolis in ancient times. Most of the remains date from the 2nd to 4th century CE. Among those buried in the caves are such famous figures as Rabbi Yehuda Hanasi, author of the Mishna, the text to which the Talmud is a commentary. You can explore several burial caves with intricately carved sarcophagi and wall decorations.

133km

Alonei Abba

134km

Sepphoris

archaeological site and national park in Israel

135km

Tzippori

An archaeological site famous for its well-preserved mosaics from the Roman period. It was once the biggest city in the region.

135km

Bethlehem of Galilee

A German Templer town from the 19th century with beautiful houses from its former settlers. Though, it has not much in common with Bethlehem itself. The scenic/interesting road is the upper one running through town.

135km

Kafr Kanna

The site of the Marriage of Cana.

135km

Galilee

large region in northern Israel

137km

Scots Hotel

This was a small Scottish colony during the 19th century. It now houses a boutique hotel and a church.

140km

Tomb of Maimonides

This revered rabbi, who died in 1204, was one of 12th-century Egypt's most highly regarded sages, while working as a doctor in the court of the Muslim ruler Saladin. Legend has it that before his death in Cairo, he instructed followers to load his remains onto a camel and bury him wherever the camel expired. The camel was apparently drawn to Tiberias. Next to the grave is the Maimonides Heritage Center museum. Also buried here is Rabban Yohanan Ben Zakkai, the leading rabbi at the time of the Roman destruction of Jerusalem. Ben Zakkai is said to have faked his own death, escaping the city hidden in a coffin, and then prophesizing that the Roman general Vespasian would become the new Caesar. When the prophecy came true, Ben Zakkai was granted one wish by the new leader; a Jewish learning centre for him and students.

140km

Maimonides Heritage Center

educational and cultural non-profit organization in the Israeli city of Tiberias

140km

Nabi Shu'ayb

In Druze (and Muslim) tradition, this is the burial site of the prophet Shu'ayb (called Jethro in the Bible). Visitors are welcome. You can take photographs, but not in the tomb chamber. From April 25-28 each year, the Druze have a massive pilgrimage to this site.

141km

Hecht Museum

houses a fine collection of archaeological artefacts relating to Jewish history before the Diaspora. There is plenty of ancient pottery, weapons and even a pair of 2100-year-old petite-sized sandals. The museum highlight is a 5th-century-BC Greek ship found near Caesarea in 1984. It has been carefully rebuilt and placed in a specially designed annex of the museum. An art wing upstairs contains sections on French Impressionist and Jewish art from the 19th and 20th centuries. Among the works are paintings by Monet, Pissaro and Van Gogh.

141km

Yotvata Hai-Bar Nature Reserve

protected area

142km

Sea of Galilee

largest freshwater lake in Israel

145km

Israel Railway Museum

Housed in the old Haifa East train station, The Railway Museum features a collection of stamps, photographs, tickets, timetables and rolling stock. Old timetables remind you that you could at one time travel from here by train south to Cairo or north to Beirut or Damascus.

146km

Israel National Museum of Science, Technology, and Space

Established in 1984, MadaTech - the Israel National Museum of Science, Technology and Space is housed in two historic landmark buildings in mid-town Haifa. Designed, at the turn of the century, by renowned German Jewish architect, Alexander Baerwald, these were home to the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Israel’s first institution of higher education.

146km

Wadi Nisnas

Haifa's largest Arab neighbourhood with a bustling pedestrian zone and outdoor art. "Holiday of the Holidays" is held there between December and January.

146km

Bahá'í World Centre

The gardens and world centre on Mount Carmel's northern slope area a must-see for any visitor to Haifa. Comprising the golden-domed Shrine of the Báb, terraced gardens and administrative buildings, the World Centre is the holiest site of pilgrimage for the members of the Bahá'í faith, as well as the faith's central administrative center. The gardens are stunning and well worth visiting if you are in Haifa. Only parts of the site can be accessed freely without joining the tour – this includes the bottom entrance and the level at the dome.

147km

German Colony, Haifa

In 1868 members of German Templer Society (not to be confused with the Knights Templar) purchased land that was far from the city and set out to build the first planned agricultural community in the Holy Land. Many of the original templar houses have been preserved and have undergone restoration in the last decade of 20th century. Now the main street of the former colony (Ben-Gurion Boulevard) is a promenade, with many restaurants and coffee shops. Some examples of good places in the German Colony are Havana Plus, a hookah bar with a full service bar; Milagro, a restaurant that provides great beer on tap and live music after 8PM; and Isabella, one of the finer restaurants in the area. The City History Museum and the local Tourist Board are also located here.

147km

Stella Maris Monastery

A French Carmelite church, monastery and hospice. This is the founding place of the Carmelite Order, a religious order of the Roman Catholic Church. The present monastery and church, built over what the Carmelites believe to be a cave where Elijah lived, dates from 1836 after the previous buildings were destroyed in 1821 by Abdullah, pasha of Akko. It's worth visiting the church to view the beautiful painted ceiling which portrays Elijah and the famous chariot of fire (in which he ascended to heaven), King David with his harp, the saints of the order, the prophets Isaiah, Ezekiel and David, and the Holy Family with the four evangelists below. A small adjoining museum contains ruins of former cloisters dating from Byzantine and Crusader times.

148km

Israeli National Maritime Museum

Deals with the history of shipping in the Mediterranean area. The collection contains old maps, models of ancient ships, navigation equipment and bits and pieces of sunken ships.

148km

Clandestine Immigration and Naval Museum

This may sound a bit bland but it's actually quite fascinating and worth a visit. The museum deals with the successes and failures of the Zionists' illegal attempts to infiltrate into British-blockaded Palestine in the 1930s and '40s. The centrepiece of the museum (quite literally - the building has been constructed around it) is a boat, the Af-Al-Pi-Chen (Hebrew: Nevertheless), whose hold carried 434 refugees to Palestine in 1947.

148km

Cave of Elijah

Elijah is considered a prophet in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The Carmelites have a tradition that they were founded by Elijah at this time. According to tradition, Elijah lived in a cave on Mt. Carmel during the reign of King Ahab. The site itself may disappoint many tourists as it's a very simple site. One enjoyable and scenic option for good walkers is to walk down to the cave from Stella Maris (monastery) at the top of Mt. Carmel.

148km

Tel Shikmona

An important coastal city from the 15th century BCE until the Byzantine period; some of the ruins can be observed now.

148km

Cable cars in Haifa

Rides between Bat-Galim Promenade and Stella Maris. The ride offer spectacular views of the city, beach, port and Haifa bay.

149km