Israel tours

The Western Entrance to Jerusalem is distinguished by the Bridge of Chords - a harp-like structure designed by international architect Santiago Calitrava. Nearby are the Central Bus Station and new railway station. To the east, is the Supreme Court (tours in English every Sun–Thu at midday) - an impressive building that uses light, shade and glass to great effect. Just south, past the Bank of Israel and the Prime Minister’s Office, is the Knesset (Israel’s parliament) (open Mon–Wed during debates, Sun and Thu 8.30am–2.30pm). The 120-seat chamber is the symbol of Israel’s democratic system and the interior includes a tapestry designed by Marc Chagall.

Dominating the Mount Carmel hillside in Haifa, the Bahá’í Complex includes the world’s longest hillside gardens, as well as the golden-domed Bahá’í Shrine and the palatial Seat of the Universal House of Justice. The centerpiece is the gold-domed Shrine of the Báb, which contains the tomb of Siyyid Ali Muhammed - known as the Báb. Located on the summit of Mount Carmel, this unique hillside terraced garden, completed in 2001, spreads out spectacularly along the north-western slope of the mountain. The Shrine of the Bab and the Bahá’í Gardens are open to the public for free. Guided tours must be booked at least 24 hours in advance.

405 meters (1,300ft) below sea level, is the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, which is surrounded by the starkest scenery the world has to offer. The first northern opportunity to ‘float’ in the Dead Sea is at Kalya Beach (daily 8am–sunset) on the northwest shore. Further south is Kumran (daily 8am–4pm), where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Viator can arrange tours there for you.

The Carmel Market in Tel Aviv is always crowded with shoppers and is a medley of colours, smells and sounds. A large variety of exotic fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices, as well as clothes and shoes, can be found here at bargain prices. Tourist Israel offers a walking tour of this vibrant market where you can discover Tel Aviv’s interesting food scene for yourself. The two-hour tour takes you through the flavours and smells of this inciting part of town. Looking for Tel Aviv holiday packages? We’ve got lots of brilliant options for you to look at!

Bicycles including electric-bicycles can be rented in most cities, and cycling tours of the country can easily be arranged. Electric scooters can be rented in Tel Aviv. For a more intense cycling adventure book onto one of the tours offered by Pomegranate Tours. They can take you through the magnificent Negev Desert and Judean Mountains.

The best place to see and understand the remarkable marine life of Israel is to head to the Underwater Observatory Marine Park, which exhibits the Red Sea’s fish of all shapes and sizes, together with coral formations. Other options for seeing the underwater marine life include snorkelling on any of the city’s beaches, hiring a glass-bottom boat, and, for the more adventurous - diving. The Red Sea coast is one of the world’s great destinations for diving and Eilat, with its many government-licensed diving schools and sheltered coastline, is an ideal place to learn how to dive. It’s an exciting way to tour the water for sure!