Explore the Wonders of Israel on Your Summer Vacation

Not many places on earth have so many exciting and educational attractions as the country of Israel. A land of wonder and culture, Israel takes you back to a time that "once was" while also offering modern day activities such as sports, hiking and deep sea diving. There is no end to the number of things you will enjoy while visiting Israel in the summertime.

Of course, every person who visits Israel needs to visit the city of Old Jerusalem. You will be both captivated and enthralled with the sights, smells, sounds and tastes of the city. The busy streets, full of vendors, pedestrians, shoppers and store owners, will give you memories to last a lifetime. Of course, Old Jerusalem is filled with reminders of days gone by. The Western Wall, Garden Tomb, and other reminders of Bible days and stories are here. Jerusalem is considered "home" to the three major monotheistic religions.

New Jerusalem is modern, with both secular and religious aspects. It is the center for culture and government, filled with bustling markets, restaurants, and boutiques. The Dead Sea Scrolls and fine art are on exhibit at the Israel Museum. The Biblical Zoo and the Mahane Yehuda market are two other intriguing places to visit while in Jerusalem.

Another awesome place to visit is Nazareth, the childhood home of Jesus. Here is where the angel told Mary that she would soon be the mother of Jesus. Nazareth is also the place of Mount Precipice, where Jesus was nearly thrown off a cliff by an angry mob. In downtown Nazareth, you will find the Church of the Annunciation. Here, you will find artwork of Jesus and Mary from all over the world, placed inside the largest church in the Middle East.

If you are in Israel, you definitely will want to check out the beach scene! Some of the best beaches in the world are in Herzliya! The city was named after Theodore Herzl, the man who founded Zionism. There is an awesome marina here, along with huge yachts and other interesting water vessels. Because Harzliya has some of the most luxurious neighborhoods in Israel, the nearby beaches are well taken care of and very clean. Although the beaches can be crowded, they are clean and there are plenty of shops and restaurants to visit also.

Another awesome place to visit is the Dead Sea. When you enter these waters, you will float on top, due to the amazing high salt content. In fact, fish cannot live here due to the high salt content. As you float, you will soon see oil on top of the water, near your skin. This is your oil, being cleansed from your body. The salt in the water also has wonderful healing abilities and many people claim that their skin is healed from eczema and other skin problems after being in the water of this amazing sea. Oftentimes, people will also rub down with the mud from the sea to gain the full benefits of the mineral-filled soil. This is one body of water that will leave you educated and entertained.

Eilat is another town you won't want to miss when vacationing in Israel. Although it is a small resort town of only 20,000 people, this area is a combination of both sea and desert. The most interesting attraction in Eilat is diving in the Red Sea where you will find a world renowned underwater preserve. Every imaginable type of sea creature is in these waters, along with beautiful coral. If you don't care for diving, you can still see the creatures and plants below the surface with a mask and snorkel or by taking a ride in the glass-bottomed boat. There is also a submarine available to take rides 200 feet below the surface of the water. Here in Eilat, you will also find the Coral World Underwater Observatory where you can see the wonders of the sea fifteen feet below the surface. The Dolphin Reed is a unique attraction where you can dive and swim with the dolphins.

Hiking is another healthy and fun outdoor sport that many Israeli vacationers enjoy. There are many trails with guides that are available to take hikes. Mount Arbel has one of these trails that is particularly enjoyed by tourists. The view at the top of the mountain makes it well worth the trip to the top. Ancient caves along the way make the trip even more enjoyable and interesting.

There is never a problem finding things to do in Israel during your summer break. You will never be bored or wish you had gone somewhere else. It does not matter what your age, religion, or culture is; Israel offers something for everyone. The county is truly a paradise for vacationers everywhere.