Whether it’s your first time, or you’re already as seasoned as a pita with za’atar, our list of the best travel experiences in Israel adds a little something extra to the usual bucket-list favorites. Israel is a small country that somehow manages to squeeze in everything you could ever want, and then some. You can easily spend your entire trip hopping from one top tourist attraction to the next. But don’t leave without experiencing some local favorites that are off the beaten path, and well worth the journey. Whether you’re in Israel for a week, a month, or the entire summer, you’re sure to have plenty to explore and still leave wanting more. Be sure to check out our hotels in Israel and our tours of Israel so you’re perfectly prepared.
Hike the Golan Trail or Yam L’Yam
The Golan Hiking Trail is a stunning 125km of scenic beauty. It begins at Israel’s tallest mountain, Mount Hermon, and descends towards the Sea of Galilee. It’s the lowest freshwater lake in the world. The Yam L’Yam (Sea to Sea) trail starts at the Mediterranean Sea at Achziv Beach, and goes through Northern Israel, ending at the Sea of Galilee.
The full Golan Trail hike takes about a week. Yam L’Yam takes about 4 days. If you’re not up for that challenge or have limited time, it’s easy to head up north for a day or weekend to hike sections of either. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Israel and Syria, and take in the serene nature and abundant wildlife of northern Israel. Hiking is a big part of Israeli culture. The Yam L’Yam hike is considered a sort of initiation into adulthood for Israeli youth. Saying that you completed all or part of these trails is a great way to fit in with the locals. It’s also close to the Carmel Forest Spa, one of our favorite stops in our spa and wellness guide.
Enhance Your Senses
For a truly remarkable experience, visit the Israel Children’s Museum to participate in the Dialogue in the Dark exhibit. Blind and visually impaired guides lead you through simulations of everyday activities in complete darkness. The exhibit aims to introduce participants to the rich sensory world that we all have access to but largely ignore while promoting positive change in the way people perceive those who are different from themselves. Want to take your sensory journey a step further? Make dinner reservations at the BlackOut restaurant in Jaffa, Tel Aviv. You’ll dine in complete darkness, served by blind or visually impaired waiters who will happily answer your questions and tell you their stories.
Explore Bustling Tel Aviv
No trip to Israel is complete without spending time in the bustling metropolis of Tel Aviv. This laid back yet vibrant city on the beach is like no other in the world; its culinary, shopping, culture, and nightlife offerings are endless. We recommend getting in touch with your inner foodie with a Carmel market tasting tour or taking on the charmingly grungy south Tel Aviv for a fascinating street art tour. Enjoy the aesthetic delights with the help of our design guide and treat yourself to a stay in one of Tel Aviv’s chicest hotels. And don’t miss a chance to do a bit of shopping and eat some of the best food in the middle east at the city’s best restaurants. The more you stay in the city, the more you will fall in love.
Embrace Wine-o-Clock
Everyone knows Israel as the land of milk and honey, but did you know that it was also one of the first wine-making regions? Archeologists have uncovered more than 20 wine presses from over 2,100 years ago, and thankfully some things never change. Over the past few decades, the Israeli wine industry has burst onto the global scene. It produces some 35 million bottles annually and introduces connoisseurs to Israel’s more Dionysian counterpart, the land of wine and cheese. Enthusiasts won’t want to miss the chance to tour the 300+ vineyards that rival Napa and Bordeaux. The best way to discover local varieties is surely the the heart of the area they come from, and you can do just that on our Flavors of the Galilee tour.
Explore Jerusalem: High and Low
Many visitors experience Jerusalem, both old and new, but miss out on the high and low highlights. The Ramparts Walk is, without a doubt, one of the most unique ways to explore the holy city from above with amazing views. Afterward, descend underground to explore the ancient City of David and Hezekiah’s tunnels. Already visited the Western Wall? Dive deeper as you explore the Western Wall Tunnels. You can see hidden parts of the wall beneath the city and learn the history of the area. When visiting a city as special as Jerusalem, it’s imperative to explore it from all angles. Our highlights of Jerusalem day tour takes you to some of these stunning sights. Here are a couple of handy guides if you’re curious about Where to Stay in Jerusalem, or what to do and see in the city.
Experience Eden
One of the hidden gems of Israel, the Sachne is a local favorite that doesn’t make it to most travelers’ itineraries. Nestled in the Lower Galilee, the Sachne (also known as Gan Hashlosha) is believed to be the location of the Garden of Eden, and once you experience this lush oasis for yourself, you’ll see why. The pools are fed by a natural spring, and the waters remain at a constant 28 degrees celsius, making the Sachne a year-round destination for winter soaks and summer picnics. Regardless of the season, prepare to be tickled silly as the fish that live in the pools give you an unsolicited pedicure.
Camp with the Bedouins
No trip to Israel would be complete without having an authentic Bedouin experience. Khan Spice Route invites you to do just that. Lose all sense of time in the serene Arava desert, as you enjoy traditional Bedouin hospitality, feast on hafla, and immerse yourself in the thermal mineral pools. Come face-to-face with elusive nocturnal wildlife before enjoying a nomadic-style barbecue cooked over a desert bonfire. The desert takes up half of Israel’s landscape, so exploring it is definitely one of the most authentic and best travel experiences in Israel. The Negev Desert and Bedouin Experience tour will make this experience streamlined, interesting and fun.
Watch the Sunrise from Masada
Whether it’s your first time at Masada or you’ve been a dozen times, you’ll see the magnificent views through new eyes with a sunrise tour. Hike your way to the top and watch the mountain light up as the sun rises in all its glory over the Dead Sea. This is truly one of the best travel experiences in Israel that you don’t want to miss. Then cool off with a bath under Ein Gedi’s lush waterfalls. Or head to the Dead Sea to paint yourself with mud and float in the restorative waters. It’s no surprise that many of our Israel tour packages combine Masada, Dead Sea and Ein Gedi in the same day.
Snorkel or Scuba Dive in the Red Sea
Head south to Eilat to experience some of the best snorkeling in the world! The Red Sea is alive with playful dolphins, bashful clownfish, and magnificent coral reefs. They will all surely take your breath away. Experienced divers won’t want to miss the sight of the Yatush shipwreck. It’s a patrol cruiser that served in Vietnam before being gifted to the Israeli navy, sinking off the coast of Eilat.
Take a Trip to Jordan or Egypt
Take advantage of your time in the region to cross two must-see destinations off your bucket list! You’ve definitely been dreaming about visiting the lost city of Petra and the great pyramids of Giza, so don’t miss out on the chance to fulfill your dreams when you’re already so close. Israel is perfectly situated for a trip to two of the world’s greatest wonders. With daily departures to Petra and Cairo, all you have to do is book online, sit back, and enjoy! Take this single-day tour to Petra from Eilat to get a taste of these wonders. Or read up on how to get to Petra from Israel.
Traveling All of Israel
If you want to book one of the best travel experiences in Israel, contact us to arrange your journey. And if you’re planning on doing this on your own, check out our guide on getting around in Israel. We can’t wait to see you!
