Hidden Gems of Israel

Hidden Gems of Israel

  • 8/30/2013
    •    

    ​With the Jewish High Holy Day season nearly upon us, we thought it would be a great way to begin the New Year 5774 with some memorable gems.

    ​
    Within Israel’s 8,367 square miles, you will find an abundance of history, culture, resorts, restaurants and so much more. For many, of even great importance, is Israel being the cradle of three of the world’s monotheistic religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
     
    In spite of hundreds of other exotic vacation spots around the world, people continue to flock to Israel for all the unique and exciting happenings. July 2013 marked an all-time high for tourism to Israel with the arrival of some 246,000 tourists visiting, a 2% increase from last year, and a significant increase from previous years. Since the beginning of the year through July, more than 2 million visitors arrived in Israel.
     
    Many of Israel’s visitors are visiting for the second, third, fourth… time, discovering new and exciting locations, uncovering even more that Israel has to offer. Some hidden gems that are a great addition to your trip include:
  •  
     
     
     Mt. Hermon – At the southern tip of the Alpine Trail, Mt. Hermon boasts the only ski resort in the Middle East, featuring a wide range of ski trails at novice, intermediate, and expert levels. With beautiful views, Mt. Hermon offers spectacular views of Israel, Syria, and Lebanon.
     
    Nimrod Fortress - An impressive site located on the slopes of Mount Hermon above the Banias Spring, affords glimpses of forested valleys and marvelous vistas. The fortress was built in 1228 AD to block passage from Acre to Damascus. Today, visitors can visit and explore the fortress during the day, and in the evening, with advanced arrangements being made, you can take lantern tours through the secret passageway that once served as an exit for those inside.
     
     
     
    Hula Valley - The lake and the swamps are home to tens of thousands of birds of over 200 species, including cranes, storks, pelicans, cormorants and egrets.  These birds stay in the reserve, knowing they can find an abundance of food. Visitors can ride in specially appointed John Deere tractors with trailers to see the birds up close.
     
    Belvoir Castle – A Crusader fortress in Northern Israel, Belvoir Castle, is the best preserved Crusader fortress in all of Israel and the prototype of the Tower of London.
     
    Acre (Akko) – Originally a Crusader port city, Acre is one of the oldest, continuously inhabited sites in the world, offering a wealth of history, culture and culinary pleasures.  Visitors can walk through the Knights Hall, visit the markets and ports while enjoying extraordinary cuisine, and stroll through Acre's Old City, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
     
     
    No matter how many times you visit Israel, you can always explore new discoveries; come to Israel and experience them for yourself.  If you need help in planning your trip, the Midwest Israel Government Tourist Office, led by Consul Omer Eshel, an Israel licensed and certified guide, can provide you with the education, resources, and tools to plan a life-changing journey to Israel. 
     
    For more information about tourism to Israel, visit www.goisrael.com or contact the Midwest Office at 312.803.7080 or igtochicago@imot.org.
     
    Shana Tovah. We look forward to seeing you in Israel…in 5774.