Author: shuki

Backpacking, family holiday or a group tour – packing is an integral part of any trip preparation.
Not everybody is a gifted organizer, and there are many things to consider, which makes packing a tricky thing that can cause quite a few inconveniences during vacation.  
While there is always an option to purchase an item you forgot to take with you, packing well will save you time and money.
Israel is a small country on the Mediterranean coast with a comfortable climate, four seasons, and a wide range of geographical areas.
Nature and city, water and desert – Israel has it all. However, travelers often cross several areas in the same day and plan various activities, but fail to pack properly.

In this article, we will suggest must-have essentials for your next trip to Israel.

Passport 
Upon arrival in Israel, your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of your planned departure.
We highly recommend having a few copies of your passport to avoid significant problems if it gets lost.

Visa 
Visitors from the US,  UK and South Africa, as well as tourists from most European countries do not need to apply for a visa before arriving in Israel.
Visitors from other countries are required to apply for a travel visa before their arrival.
Please note: upon entering Israel, all visitors will receive a small blue paper (“B2”) that will serve as your travel visa/entrance permit.

Document photocopies
Make sure to have copies of your health insurance and booking confirmation letters.
You can also store them on your phone, but it would be better to have the actual paper instead of looking for an option to print it in case you’ll be asked to show a physical copy.

Driver’s License
If you are interested in any driving activities, you need to bring a valid driver’s license.
Keep in mind that a driver’s/learner’s permit is not enough.

Chargers, Power Banks, Adapters and USB Cables
Israel’s electrical system operates on 230 V and 50 Hz.
Most modern devices include a built-in converter; however, if you have a 110 V device, you should get a converter and adapter. 
Today, many vehicles have a USB socket to charge your device while on the road.

Suitcase
Nowadays, a growing number of airlines fly to Israel, each having different baggage restrictions. 
The most common weight limit is 23 kg/50 lbs.
We highly recommend investing in a lightweight suitcase with a good number of compartments and a portable luggage scale that will help you pack better and stay within the weight limit.
Pack your absolute necessities and a few clothing items in a carry-on to avoid extreme inconvenience if the check-in bag gets lost.

Medicine and Prescriptions
Make sure to pack prescription and over-the-counter medicine for the entire trip.
You can take with you over-the-counter drugs against flu, throat and sinus inflammation, stomachache, nausea, diarrhea, pain, and fever.
Bring a copy of your prescriptions, so you will be able to use them at the local pharmacies in case you run out.
Note that some non-prescription drugs in your country require a prescription in Israel.

Accessories for a visit to the Dead Sea
Applying mud and floating in the buoyant waters is vital to any Dead Sea experience.
Bring a swimsuit or shorts and a shirt, a pair of water shoes (not flip-flops), sunglasses and a wide-brim hat.
Don’t wear your best swimsuit to the Dead Sea – high concentration of salt and minerals can destroy its fabric.

Water Shoes
A pair of durable and comfortable water-shoes will be handy during water hikes or a visit to the Dead Sea. Make sure they are well strapped to your feet. 
We do not advise wearing flip-flops because they can easily slip off and get lost in the water.

Shoes 
Hiking is probably the best way to get to know Israel. Make sure to pack a pair of good hiking shoes.
Consider that on some days you will walk more than on others because certain areas, like the Old City in Jerusalem, are mostly accessible by foot.
When shopping for a new pair, we recommend choosing light shoes with a thick sole.
Certain places allow visitors who need help with long walks to rent a golf cart.
Bring a pair of formal shoes for a fancier occasion.

Flashlight 
For adventurous exploration of caves and tunnels, pack a flashlight and spare batteries.
To have your hands free, we recommend using a headlamp that is strapped to your head.

Toiletries 
Pack your personal care products in a toiletry bag, and transfer the liquids into smaller containers to save valuable baggage space.
Most airports allow passengers to carry their toiletries packed in a separate bag inside their carry-on.
However, some airports forbid passengers to carry any toiletries through the security check; in this case, it is better to pack the toiletry bag in the check-in luggage.

Clothes 
Israel has a typical Mediterranean climate with hot summers, rainy winters and comfortable transitional seasons.
Nevertheless, sunny winter days and chilly summer evenings are quite common.
The golden rule is to dress in layers, bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat suitable for sunny and rainy days. 
If you plan to tour Israel during winter, pack at least one light outfit in addition to warm clothes and a rainproof coat.
Your summer gear should consist of light clothes, sandals and a jacket that you can wear if the weather becomes chilly.
Most Israeli religious sites require visitors to dress modestly.
We strongly advise male and female tourists to carry a large shawl; it is light and can be easily tied around the waist or shoulders when entering a shrine.
For more information about Israeli weather and standards of modesty, click here.

Cash and Credit Cards
Most Israeli hotels and businesses accept both credit cards and cash.
There are two rules to follow:

1. Use Israeli currency – shekels (abbreviated as NIS or ILS), when paying at local businesses, such as supermarkets, restaurants and pharmacies.
2. Use euros or US dollars in restaurants and shops in tourist areas – for example, in the Old City of Jerusalem.

Most businesses do not accept foreign coins, so make sure to have enough banknotes.
Click here to read more about currencies and payment methods accepted in Israel.

Smaller USD or Euro banknotes
We strongly recommend carrying smaller banknotes with you for the following reasons:
First, since many tourist areas have pickpockets, consider keeping a smaller amount of cash accessible and the rest hidden away or left in the hotel’s safe.
The second reason is for tipping – Most Israeli service providers accept and appreciate gratuities.

Bags
There are several types of bags you should have during your trip: 
A lightweight and well-organized daypack for your daily excursions.
Choose the one with a hidden compartment for your valuables.
A foldable shopping bag that becomes the size of your palm once folded.
A small elegant bag for fancier occasions.

Additional Items
If you find out that you are missing something during your trip, most chances are that you can easily purchase it in Israel.

We hope that this article will help you get your mind right when packing for your trip.
To learn more, check our article – General information about Israel.

Just like in the famous Hebrew song by Rami Kleinstein, Israel is a tiny country with many wonders.
Snowy Mount Hermon, evergreen Galilee forests, rocky Judean desert, and many flowing streams – nature has never seen this amount of diversity crammed in a small country that is no bigger than New Jersey.
Each area offers unique hiking opportunities with colorful vistas and interesting natural phenomena, and there is enough for everyone.
When searching for hiking routes, you should definitely look into the famous “Israel trail”, in Hebrew – “Shvil Israel.”
1050 km (652 miles) long, it is a cross-country trail that stretches from the foot of Mount Hermon in the north to the shores of the Red Sea in the south, and covers the country’s entire geographical area.
It can take a few weeks to complete the trail, however, if you don’t have the time, you can do a smaller section of it in your preferred area.
It is quite easy to explore Israel even for first-time hikers, since most of the trails are marked.
Walking is one of the best ways to explore, and while we do not expect you to walk across the entire country, we strongly recommend including nature in your trip to Israel. We hope that this article will help you prepare for hiking in Israel. Following is a list of our most recommended Israeli trails, arranged from north to south.

1. Banias Reserve’s Suspended Trail
Located in the vast Hermon Stream Nature Reserve, it is one of the prettiest trails in Israel. It goes through a lush and evergreen landscape, which includes a visit to an ancient Roman city, a walk along the riverbank of one of the Jordan River sources, and a suspended bridge that stretches over a series of beautiful waterfalls.
Banias has the most powerful waterfall in Israel, which flows throughout the year.
This hiking trail is family-friendly and can be done all year round.

2. Mount Meron Trail
Mount Meron is the highest mountain in the Galilee (1208 meters). Its summit offers a beautiful circular trail that is about 2 km long. This route is family-friendly and is rich with breathtaking views of the Galilee, Golan Heights, Mount Hermon, and even Southern Lebanon. The mountain was declared a nature reserve way back during the British Mandate period. Due to a high amount of precipitation, beautiful flowers can be observed blooming in the spring and autumn.

3. Gilabon
One of the most popular hiking experiences in the Golan Heights, you can travel the Nahal Gilabon trail in two ways via a 3 km loop trail or 5 km trail with different starting and finishing points. Both trails are great, and include a visit to the remains of a Talmudic village, impressive waterfalls, water hikes, and the beautiful landscape of the Galilee and Hula Valley.
This hike is family-friendly and is considered of moderate difficulty level.

4. Nahal Kziv and the Montfort Fortress
Nahal Kziv is one of the most beautiful bio-reserves in Israel. The entire area consists of the Kziv stream that stretches over 140 km (86 miles) from the foot of Mount Meron to the Mediterranean coast, and cuts through the Upper Galilee mountains, creating a dramatic landscape filled with sharp cliffs and lush Mediterranean scrubland.
The bio reserve offers many hiking options with a variety of loop and point-to-point trails with difficulty levels ranging from moderate to advanced.
The stream flows all year round thanks to the high precipitation on Mount Meron, and the various springs along its route. All trails include access to water.
We highly recommend including a visit to the beautiful Montfort Fortress located in the heart of the reserve.

5. Sataf
Located in the heart of Jerusalem Mountains, Sataf nature reserve is a great example of biblical agriculture.
The scenery is dominated by mountains covered with terraces, which are fed by several springs flowing to this day.
Ancient communities used the terraces as a unique irrigation technique that allowed better cultivation of the mountain fields.
The crops that once covered the terraces were replaced by a lush woodland with seasonal flower blossoms.
This area offers many hiking options, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty level. All trails are family-friendly and we highly recommend visiting one of the springs.

6. Wadi Qelt
This flourishing oasis, called Wadi Qelt in Arabic and Nahal Prat in Hebrew, is located in the Judean Desert. Three large springs feed the Qelt stream, which cuts through the landscape creating a powerful canyon that stretches from the mountains of Jerusalem to the Dead Sea.
The stream is identified with the Cherith brook mentioned in 1 Kings 17, where Prophet Elijah was fed by ravens and drank from the water source.
Around the fourth century, a monastery was built on the side of the cliffs. This is the first monastery created in the Judean Desert, and it was named after a Christian hermit – Saint Chariton.
The most popular hiking option is a loop trail, which includes the springs and an opportunity to go up to the Monastery.
Please note that during certain days of the week, the monastery allows entrance to male visitors only.

7. Ein Gedi
Located in the Judean desert close to the shores of the Dead Sea, this is the most popular site amongst trackers.
Four large springs emerge from the cliffs, creating a series of waterfalls and a beautiful ecosystem with diverse flora and fauna.
The most impressive waterfall comes from a spring, named after King David. According to the Bible, King David hid from King Saul in one of the caves in the reserve.
Make sure to pay attention to the permanent residents of Ein Gedi – the ibexes and hyraxes, which can be observed regularly, nibbling on the leaves of the acacia trees or just resting in the crevices of the cliffs.
Ein Gedi offers many hiking options. Whether you choose the short or long trail, make sure to grab a pair of good hiking shoes and a bathing suit to enjoy the cool spring water pools.

8. Ein Avdat
Another beautiful oasis, this time in the heart of the Negev Desert.
Nestled deep in the Tzin Canyon, Ein Avdat is a nature reserve with 3 springs that feed a lush ecosystem.
The landscape is truly unique, with the Tzin cliffs towering above the springs, creating a narrow gorge with mesmerizing pools.
Various animals are attracted to the oasis, the most famous of which is the griffon vulture that dominates the skies of Ein Avdat.
The site was named after the ancient city of Avdat, which was built above the reserve by the Nabateans.
Another point of interest in the area is David Ben-Gurion’s tomb overlooking the Tzin Canyon.

9. Nahal Nekarot
The list would not be complete without the “Makhteshim” (craters) of the Negev Desert.
The Ramon Crater (Makhtesh Ramon) presents multiple hiking options, one of which is Nahal Nekarot – a seasonal watercourse that drains the Makhtesh and is rich with interesting geological phenomena.
The loop trail is of moderate difficulty, takes around two hours to complete, and is highly recommend during winter, after the flash floods.
Don’t miss the remains of a Nabataean inn that used to accommodate incense-carrying convoys around 2000 years ago.

10. Red Canyon
Situated in Eilat Mountains, the Red Canyon was formed by a seasonal stream that cuts through the red sandstone, creating a meandering trail in the deep gorge.
The narrow passage leaves its visitors speechless and captivated with the beautiful shades of red, which indicate different concentrations of iron oxide.
Some parts of the trail have rungs and ladders and therefore, it requires medium to advanced hiking skills.

Deciding to travel to Israel is the first step towards a fabulous holiday.
The next step is to plan it properly.
Like every other destination, learning the background and important information is crucial for a smooth vacation, and there are many details about Israel that you should consider.
Israel is an exciting country on the Mediterranean coast, with a colorful heritage and welcoming people.
It is the only Jewish state in the predominantly Arab Middle East, and it enjoys a comfortable weather all year round.

The following article will provide you with essential information for your trip to Israel.
We hope you will find it helpful in your preparation for your once-in-a-lifetime vacation.

Power requirements

Israeli operates on 230 V voltage and 50 Hz frequency, which is common in most European countries.
If you come from the US or any other country that supports 100 V, you should get a 110/230 voltage converter.

Weather 

The proximity to the Mediterranean coast and the subtropical ridge provide Israel with an overall comfortable climate throughout the year.
There are four seasons in Israel:Winter starts in December and lasts until late February.
It is usually accompanied by moderate rain and occasional hail.
It rarely snows in Israel, and when it does, it usually accumulates at altitudes above 900 meters.
During summer, which is from June to August, it can get hot and humid as the temperature rises to 32-42 °C (90-106 °F). Autumn – from September to November, and spring – from March to May, are typical transitional seasons with pleasant breezes and moderate temperatures.
Keep in mind that our small country is divided into several geographical areas, each with a slightly different sub-climate:
The mountainous areas of Galilee, Golan Heights and Jerusalem are usually cooler.
The Jordan and Jezreel Valleys and the Mediterranean and Red Sea coasts are hotter and have higher humidity.
The Dead Sea and Negev Desert areas are warm and arid.

Currency

Israeli currency is called “shekel.” It is abbreviated in two way: NIS (New Israeli Shekel) or ILS (Israeli Shekel).
There are coins of 1, 2, 5 and 10 shekels.
Coins of less than one shekel are called “agorot” – a 50 agorot coin is worth 0.5 shekel, and 10 agorot –0.1 shekel.
Banknotes used in Israel are 20, 50, 100, 200.
1 USD is around 3.5 ILS, and 1 EURO – around 4.2 shekels.
The above rates are approximate and depend on the daily exchange rate.
Tip: when shopping in tourist areas, we recommend using dollars or euros instead of shekels.
Make sure to check the currency of the marked prices before paying.
Most businesses do not use foreign money, because exchanging it is inconvenient.
When the change is smaller than 1 dollar, most places will give it in local currency.
The majority of businesses accept payment in cash and credit cards; traveler’s cheques are rarely accepted.
Money changers are found in many places; consider checking the daily rate before proceeding with the exchange.
The majority of ATMs have an English menu option.
Keep in mind that most ATMs will not provide foreign currency and you will have to withdraw shekels instead.

Kashrut 

Kashrut is a set of Jewish dietary rules.
The majority of restaurants and hotels follow these rules, but in some areas, there are more non-kosher restaurants than others.
Kosher places will serve food the following way – meat and dairy are not mixed or served simultaneously.
Restaurants will serve either meat or dairy-based dishes. Hotels will serve a dairy-based breakfast with no meat, and dinner will include meat but no dairy.
Pork and seafood, except most fish types, are prohibited according to Kosher rules.
Keep in mind that religious cities like Jerusalem mostly feature Kosher places, while predominantly secular cities like Tel-Aviv have more non-kosher restaurants.

Sabbath – formal resting day

Shabbat, meaning Saturday, is the seventh day of the week and the Jewish resting day.
According to Jewish customs, the day starts at the sunset of the previous day, which is Friday, and lasts until Saturday’s sunset.
Shabbat is observed throughout most of Israel, which means that public transportation, shops, restaurants and some sites do not work on Shabbat.
Most hotels prepare food before Shabbat.
Food and beverage stations, where omelet, pizza and coffee are made per demand, do not function on Saturdays.
In buildings, there’s usually at least one elevator that operates on Shabbat and stops automatically on every floor, allowing religious tenants to get to their floor without pushing the buttons.
Areas that are predominantly Christian or Muslim often work on Shabbat, because their resting day is Sunday and Friday.
Keep in mind that cities like Tel Aviv have a larger secular population and many businesses are open on Shabbat.

Public transport  

Israel’s transport system is well connected, and most locations are accessible via train, intercity buses, and taxis.
When arriving at Ben-Gurion Airport, there are several transport options:

• Taxis and rent-a-car services.
• Shuttles (“Monit Sherut” in Hebrew) are available at affordable prices.
  If you need to get to Tel Aviv, Jerusalem or Haifa (the three major cities), you can find these shuttles parking outside the arrivals hall.
• Most cities are reachable via express trains.
  It takes 30 minutes to get to Jerusalem and 20 minutes to Tel Aviv (not on Shabbat).

Jerusalem has a light rail that operates on weekdays from 05:30 AM to 12:00 AM.
It currently has only 1 route that connects the most distant neighborhoods to the city center.
However, there are plans to open two more routes within a couple of years.
In addition, Tel Aviv light rail is under construction and should be ready by the end of 2022.

Vegan food 

Israel’s prospering agriculture with innovative technologies that allow harvesting many crops, made our small country a vegan superpower.
With new vegan restaurants springing up like mushrooms, it is easy to find a delicious and nutritious plant-based meal.
Tel Aviv is regarded as the capital of veganism, with a wide range of eating options ranging from street food to upscale restaurants.
Last but not least, Israeli scientists recently invented plant-based meat, which competes with leading companies in the industry.

Tips  

Gratuities are very common in Israel. All those providing service in the food and beverage, tourism and hotel industries will appreciate a tip for their work. The acceptable amount ranges from 10% to 14%, usually given in the form of cash and sometimes via credit card.

Wi-Fi  

Nowadays, the absence of free and good quality WiFi is very unusual throughout Israeli hotels and restaurants, and it is also available on most public busses and trains.

Tap water 

Drinking tap water in restaurants and hotels is safe.
Nevertheless, in some areas, it’s better to drink bottled water.
We recommend buying a reusable bottle that you can fill in the hotel’s dining room for free.

VAT refund  

Most products in Israel have a 17% VAT.
Foreign visitors can get a VAT refund on receipts of over $100 at the airports and border-crossings.
Make sure to request a VAT form at the shop where you make the purchase.
To get a refund, you have to present the VAT form, receipt, passport, and products listed on the receipt.
Note that you cannot get a VAT refund on supermarket, pharmacy and restaurant purchases.

Security

Israel experienced many wars and terror attacks, and as a result, security is the country’s top priority.
Military service is mandatory for Israeli boys and girls; most hotels, malls, and transport hubs allow entrance only after a security check, and seeing police officers and soldiers on the streets is normal – all of these make Israel one of the safest countries in the world.

Modest clothes

With three predominant monotheistic faiths, a visit to Israel would be incomplete without a few religious sites.
Most shrines require adhering to strict rules of modesty:
Churches and synagogues require visitors to cover their shoulders and knees; however, women do not have to cover their heads and can wear pants.
Men are required to wear a head cover (kippah or yarmulke) upon entering synagogues.
When visiting mosques, female visitors have to cover their legs, arms and clavicle area.
Tight clothes are not allowed, and some mosques will ask women to cover from head to toe with a garment that they will provide.
Male visitors are required to wear long pants and cover their shoulders.

Official languages

Israeli population consists of 75% Jewish, 20% Arabs and 5% ethnic minorities.
The country’s official languages are Hebrew, Arabic and English.
Most Jewish families migrated to Israel within the last 3 to 4 generations, hence, may locals can speak another language, for example Russian, French or Spanish.
Nevertheless, do not expect the different communities to be fluent in all three official languages.
Most Jews do not speak Arabic, and in some cases, you might even find it hard to communicate in English.

Airports and border-crossings

As of 2019, there are five airports in Israel – two for international flights and three for domestic.
When arriving in Israel, most people will land in Ben-Gurion Airport, located between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
Israel has border crossings to Egypt and Jordan:
One crossing to Egypt, called Menachem Begin Crossing or Taba Border Crossing.
Three border crossings to Jordan:
the Jordan River Crossing (Sheikh Hussein Bridge), Allenby Bridge” (King Hussein Bridge), and Yitzhak Rabin Terminal (Wadi Araba Crossing).
Finally, if you are planning to arrive in Israel by sea, there are two main ports in the cities of Haifa and Ashdod.

 

Healthcare and medical services

Every large city has a medical center that serves the entire district in which it is located.
Every Israeli, by law, is a member of a health maintenance organization, which means that many of the medical services and treatments are government-supervised.
Israel evolved into one of the leading countries offering medical treatments to foreigners, and in 2020, the International Healthcare Research Center ranked it at number 8.
We strongly recommend acquiring health insurance before traveling – it will save you a fortune, if you’ll need any medical assistance. 

Millions of tourists visit Israel every year. Some prefer traveling independently, while others would rather tour as part of a group.
Besides each group’s common denominator – for example, pilgrimage, a family celebrating a bar mitzvah or a group of friends spending time together in Tel Aviv – everyone wants to bring back home a souvenir that would remind them of their unique and meaningful trip to Israel.
Moreover, quite a few tourists like to buy gifts for their friends and family, and shopping is an integral part of their tourist experience.
In Israel, there are many markets, which feature a prominent combination of the Eastern and Western cultures – authentic markets with stalls and small, magical shops, alongside modern and boutique shopping centers.
We often notice the spark in the tourists’ eyes when shopping comes onto the agenda.
You know how it goes – women get excited and their spouses come to terms with their bitter fate and wait outside the store, and sometimes, it’s the other way around.
During the tours, we’re often asked what are the best and most original souvenirs to buy in Israel.
This article features some of the popular, yet original souvenirs that we think you’d love to bring back home with you.

Dead Sea Products – While products labeled as such are sold all over the world, and while cosmetics companies add certain ingredients to be able to state that their products contain Dead Sea minerals in order to attract customers, the source of these essential components is right here, in Israel.
Experiencing the freedom of floating in the Dead Sea and its healing power open up a new perspective on these products for many tourists.
It’s the best “spa” the nature can provide – your skin becomes smooth as on the day you were born.
The leading Israeli companies in this field are Ahava and Premier, with many branches across the country.
In addition, you can visit the factory store located at the Dead Sea and enjoy a variety of lucrative deals.

Judaica – Jewish ceremonial art and ritual objects can be purchased in many places in Israel.
Many of those who come to Israel want to bring back a piece of art to adorn their home, use on Shabbat or the holidays, and to remind them of the amazing experience of traveling Israel.
For example, a Menorah that would remind of the Hanukkah miracle, a kiddush cup for Shabbat and holidays, a charity box to teach our children about one of the most important values ​​in Judaism, a challah cover, jewelry with Jewish symbolic motifs such as the Star of David, chai, pomegranate menorah, Chai symbol, Shabbat candlestick holder, kippah, tallit and tefillin.
The most diverse variety of these items can be found in Jerusalem and Safed.

Jerusalem Cross – Consisting of a large cross surrounded by four smaller crosses, the Jerusalem Cross is without a doubt one of the most prominent religious symbols associated with this city.
The large cross symbolizes Jerusalem – the cradle of Christianity – and the four surrounding crosses symbolize the four quarters of the world to which Christianity was spread.
The cross was already used way back in the Byzantine Empire as a Christian seal, in the Crusader Period as a symbol of the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem, and nowadays, it is the symbol of the Franciscan Order that has a prominent presence in the Holy Land.
Many pilgrims who visit the Holy Land purchase the Jerusalem Cross as a piece of art or jewelry to commemorate their visit and their connection to the Holy City of Jerusalem as people of faith.

Items made of Olive Wood – The olive tree is prominently associated with the Holy Land from the biblical period, when the dove carrying an olive leaf signaled the end of the flood.
The olive tree, with its roots growing deep into the soil, is a strong tree with a very high survivability, and in Israel, it may come as a surprise, since our country’s rainfall average is quite low.
“A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit,” (Isiah 11:1).
This verse is validated in the Gospel, while Jesus is actually one of the shoots of the stump of Jesse, and similar to the roots of the olive tree penetrating deep into the soil, so is the genealogy of Jesus – deep and long-standing.
Bethlehem is the place that specializes in olive wood art and extensively features this special and impressive craft.
The olive wood industry is one of Bethlehem’s most important streams of income, and many tourists, as well as pastors and priests, purchase works of art made of olive wood for their churches.

Armenian Ceramics – A craft with a centuries-long history.
These uniquely beautiful ceramics are meticulously handcrafted by Armenian artisans, while tiles made by them adorn many buildings in Jerusalem, the most prominent of which are the Dome of the Rock on the Temple Mount and the Rockefeller Archaeological Museum situated near the Damascus Gate.
This unique craft is passed down from generation to generation within the families, and you can find a wide variety of workshops and studios in the Old City of Jerusalem, especially in the Armenian Quarter.

Antiquities – How much history there is in Israel! So many archeological sites have been discovered, while some remain unknown.
Israel features countless collections of antiques, and licensed dealers will be happy to present you with a wide assortment of items.
Among the most common an antiques in Israel are jars, vases, Roman glass items, oil candles, as well as coins from different periods.

Wine – Like the olive trees, grapevines are thriving here in Israel, and many local wineries produce an excellent selection of Israeli wines.
The variety and number of wineries in Israel is enormous, which has created a very healthy competition, in which the real winners are the consumers who benefit from the abundance of products available.
You can find excellent wineries in every region of Israel, even in the desert.
Some of them got international awards to boast about, which also helps attract tourist.
Almost every tourist visiting Israel would have at least one glass of local wine, while many guests take a tasting tour in one of the wineries and purchase Israeli wine to take back home.

Dates – This delight of a fruit that fills you with energy is one of the seven species with which the Land of Israel was blessed.
Dates that grown in the Jordan Valley and the Arava region are considered among the best in the world.
You can find a number of varieties, such as the yellow date (Barhi) or the moist date (Hayani), while Medjool is the most popular, as well as the largest and most delicious date variety.
Medjool dates have become the trademark of some of the settlements in the Jordan Valley, and are exported to many countries.
Another product that is considered a delicacy and has become an integral part of Israeli cuisine is “Silan” Date Honey – a sweet and delicious date syrup that is featured in many dishes.
You can buy “Silan”, as well as the dates, in supermarkets across Israel and in many stores in the Jordan Valley and at the Dead Sea.

Olive Oil – Like date, it is one of the seven species with which the Land of Israel was blessed.
Olive trees adorn many areas of Israel. The locally extracted olive oil is of a very high quality, and is an integral part of the Israeli and Middle Eastern cuisine. Whether it is olive oil from the Galilee, the Golan Heights or the Samaria Mountains, each has its unique taste.

Israeli Snacks and Food Products – There are a few Israeli snacks we’d be happy to recommend.
First and foremost – “Bamba” peanut butter snack.
Not only that it is without a doubt the favorite snack of the locals – “Bamba” is one of the first words that Israeli babies learn to say.
Also, quite amazing is the fact that almost all Israelis develop immunity to peanut allergy.

Another popular Israeli snack is “Bissli”.
Unlike “Bamba”, it’s crunchy and comes in a variety of flavors.
Many Israelis like to combine these two snacks, and there’s even a version featuring both in the same bag.

We also like “Tortit” – A chocolate waffle bar filled with hazelnut cream.
This snack is also very popular among Israelis, and it has some other versions as well, like cake and cookies.

Black Coffee – Most likely, during your trip to Israel you will drink at least one cup of black coffee.
Many people also call it Arabic coffee or Turkish coffee, and you can find it in any Israeli supermarket.
However, if you’re looking for an authentic coffee experience, we’d recommend you to visit one the local markets and purchase coffee ground on the spot.