TEL AVIV the first modern Jewish city. It is a vibrant and young city situated on the Mediterranean with pristine beaches, hip sidewalk cafes and a booming nightlife. Tel Aviv has become a hotspot for foodies and is the vegan capital of the world. It was at Meir Dizengoff's home in Tel Aviv, that David Ben Gurion made the Declaration of Independence of the State of Israel on May 14, 1948. Today, many come to Independence Hall to revisit this incredible moment where a nation was reborn in a day! Nearby Neve Tsedek is the oldest neighborhood in Tel Aviv and a great place to visit with avant-guard boutiques, charming restaurants and cafes.
JAFFA is over 4,000 years old and is the oldest seaport in the world. Solomon brought the cedars of Lebanon through Jaffa in order to build the Holy Temple. Jaffa is also where Peter had his vision while staying at the home of Simon the Tanner and Dorcas was restored to life. In the late 1800s Jewish immigrants, surviving the Holocaust, sailed into the port of Jaffa. Today, visitors can stroll through the charming artist quarter in Jaffa, see St. Peter’s Church and the traditional Home of Simon the Tanner and shop at the Jaffa Flea Market. At night, the area of the Flea Market is also a popular place to go with its eclectic restaurants and hotspots.
CAESAREA was built by Herod the Great as a major port city on the Mediterranean. It became the political capital of Judea during the Roman period. The Herodian, Byzantine and Crusader ruins are extensive here with an impressive ancient theater, amphitheater, palace, aqueduct and much more. The headquarters of the Roman Governor was in Caesarea. Here, archaeologists found the first inscription ever mentioning Pontius Pilate. Peter arrived in Caesarea to meet Cornelius, a righteous gentile, after having his vision in Jaffa. After sharing the Gospel with them, Cornelius and his household received the Holy Spirit and were baptized. From Caesarea, the Gospel was spread to the gentiles. Today, visitors view the ancient theater, explore the Herodian ruins, enjoy the beautiful aqua-blue Mediterranean and dine at one of the picturesque seaside restaurants.
MOUNT CARMEL is a coastal mountain range with striking views of the Mediterranean and the Valley of Armageddon below. It was here that Elijah had his contest with the prophets of Baal. Today, tourists visit the Muhraqa Carmelite Monastery on Mount Carmel to remember the biblical event. The rooftop of the monastery has an awesome panoramic view of the entire area and is the perfect place for an orientation of the area.
HAIFA is the third largest city in Israel and is the largest port city serving both passenger and cargo ships . The views from Mount Carmel are spectacular over the city and the port. Many visit the Baha'i Gardens, with a staircase of 19 terraces on the slope of Mount Carmel. The German Colony below is charming with its restaurants, shops and galleries.
AKKO is located on the Mediterranean in the north of Israel and is one of the oldest ports in the world. It was called Ptolemais in biblical times. Luke and Paul passed through Ptolemais according to the New Testament. Over the past decade, Akko has been extensively excavated. Impressive Crusaders ruins have been preserved. Visitors come to walk through the Knights' Halls of the Hospitaller Fortress, go underground through the Templar's Tunnel, stroll through the rustic Old City and dine at one of the local seaside restaurants.
ROSH HANIKRA is situated on the Israeli-Lebanese border on the Mediterranean Sea. The striking white chalk cliffs open up into spectacular grottoes with the stunning turquoise water of the Mediterranean rushing in. It is quite a site to see. Take a cable car down to explore the grottoes and enjoy the breathtaking view. This area also boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the country at Achziv.
