10 reasons to visit Israel

Israel is a remarkable, fascinating and controversial country, and is classified today, as a world-class destination which offers numerous cultural and religious attractions, spas and renowned sea resorts - all within an atmosphere that combines the very ancient with the ultra high-tech.

Whatever you are looking for in a holiday, you can be sure you will find it in Israel. Here’s just a few of the reasons to visit Israel in 2007:

1. Dive into Paradise
The place with year round sunshine and temperatures that rarely drop below 25°C and even the water is perfect. From diving with parrot fish to swimming with dolphins this place has the lot – and if you don’t fancy getting wet you can visit the Coral World Underwater Observatory with the largest collections of pools and aquariums in the Middle East. Eliat is the prefect destination for a fun packed family holiday. Further information can be found at coralworld.com/.

2.Ancient yet bursting with life!
The Western Wall is the holiest site in Jerusalem for the Jewish people as it is thought to be the only remnant of the Temple which was destroyed in 586 BCE. Today the site is still important and is frequented daily by people from all walks of life and beliefs. Everyday, messages are scribbled on millions of pieces of paper and placed into tiny crevices in the wall, in the hope that these will be read and wishes will be granted. The wall may be thousands of years old but it’s still very much full of life.

3.When the sun goes down it just gets going!
One of the hottest spots in Europe for clubs, bars and exquisite restaurants, Tel Aviv is fast stating its claim as the party capital of the Middle East. Regular party goers often start their night out at 11pm – which is considered early for some revelers who don’t warm up until 2.am! With a multitude of beachfront bars and clubs there is never a dull moment in the city - the problem is finding the best place to be! Party seeker visitor numbers have increased with international club nights, world-class restaurants and designer spas opening in the Rio of the Med.

4.Explore the desert – where anything is possible!
Negev the desert is truly wonderful and is the perfect place to combine tranquility and a pastoral landscape with action-packed outdoor activities. Those who are fans of desert action will find what they crave at the Negev Desert. With the wild Negev landscape as its backdrop, you can hop on the back of a camel, quad bike or pony to enjoy the sites!

5.Come on England!
The luck of the draw has not gone in England’s favor so far for the Euro 2008 qualifying matches and it will certainly not be a walk in the park against Israel on the 24th March. If England is to qualify for the championship in 2008 they will have to conquer the likes of Yossi Benayoun and prove they still have what it takes. What better place to watch this happen than at the world class 41,500 seater Ramat Gan Stadium.

6.Conquer like the Romans
Conquer a fortress like the Romans when climbing Masada at the Dead Sea. Fortress Masada stands 1,300feet above the Dead and was the site where Jewish soldiers attempted to defeat the Romans in 73CE. The site is saturated in history but is one of the most romantic settings in Israel to watch the sun rise or set, offering spectacular views of the Dead Sea and Judean Desert. If you are feeling energetic you can even climb the famous snake path, rising 350 meters and takes approximately 45 minutes – it wasn’t that easy for the Romans!

7.Fancy a dig in the desert?
Jerusalem may be known to most as the historical centre of Israel, but the Timma Valley in the Aravah Desert is home to a number of 6,000 year old Egyptian copper mines and bizarre rock formations. 25 Kilometers north of Eilat the park extends over 60 square kilometers of valley, surrounded by a belt of cliffs, the highest of which reaches an altitude of 854 meters. Numerous archeological sites till remain untouched making Timma Alley the prefect place to get digging! Further information can be found at ardom.co.il/tourism/timna/timna.htm.

8.Whether it’s a Merlot or Cabernet-Sauvignon that tickles your tastes buds - Chateau Golan is a must
Galilee is one of the most peaceful places in Israel and thanks to its verdant landscape and the calming influence of the Sea of Galilee it is now home to Israel’s wine region. Sample some of the best wines in Israel where a visit to the Chateau Golan estate leaves you with feeling relaxed, a calm alternative to the bustling urban life. Tours are available of this new and exciting vineyard, further information can be found at chateaugolan.com.

9.Spot a Birdie amongst Roman Ruins
One of the few places in the world where you can bask on the beach in the morning and hit a round of golf amongst ancient Roman and Byzantine ruins at the Caesarea Golf Club in the afternoon! Just 50mins from Tel Aviv, the course was designed in 1961 by Fred Smith and is considered Israel’s leading golf club. The weather is golfer friendly all year round and if golf isn’t your thing you can wander through the remains of the port city built on top of the Roman town at the edge of the Mediterranean. Further information can be found at http://caesarea.org.il.

10.The most famous story of them all
Whatever your view on religion, almost every step that you take through the streets of Jeruslaem tells a story and reminds you that this is a very special place with a lot of history. Walking along the Via Dolorosa at Easter is an extremely holy experience where one can retrace the network of streets through which Jesus dragged his cross before his crucifixion, and follow the Fourteen Stations of the Cross.

With so much to do in a country the size of Wales it not surprising that tourists have been flocking to the region year after year, in order to experience everything that Israel has to offer.

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