Discover Your Dreamland of Israel & Palestine

The territories of Israel or Palestine always have been the dream of any keen visitor. This makes it the oldest visiting destinations on Earth. Many take it as of utmost spiritual significance marking the birthplace of the Jesus Christ and the dwelling place of many Islamic prophets. Therefore, on an annual basis, the holy country witnesses a horde of folks that get attracted like a needle to a magnet.

Besides spiritualistic sights, the country offers a great holiday package through its mountains scenery, trailing tracks, desert, beaches, and some activities such as surfing, skiing, and riding. Despite the fact that this nation has some bad politics and infamy name, its tight security gifts you with complete safety. Bear in one mind on thing that the people here are fond of arguments and that you should never enter into all this irrespective of whatever the topic be.

Tourist Attractions

Bethlehem Tourist Attractions

Who doesn’t know the glory of this ancient town where holy Mother Mary and Joseph came back with the God’s divine son – Lord Jesus. Its history dates back to the 14th century B.C. along with the inhabitants of the Paleolithic era. Named after the goddess Beit Lahmu, the city accepted Christianity as the religion stimulated by the Roman Emperor Constantine along with the setting of the Eastern Orthodox Church after three centuries from the birth of Lord Jesus. Later, it was seized by the Muslims in 638 A.D. Facing towards Jordan, it is also known as the Judean Desert.

• Cave:
  Located in the International Center of Bethlehem, also called Dar Annadwa, it is a location where a cavern sits at a lower level. Look for the artisans working via big windows or enter the gallery and bookstore.
• Church of the Nativity:
  This religious structure is built on the site of the birthplace of Lord Jesus. Built by Constantine along with his mother Helena Augusta as the head and the Bishop of Jerusalem in charge in 326 and also known as the Basilica of the Nativity, it is the most ancient active church.
• Crib Museum:
  As the name suggest, the museum is famous for its nativity scene. It is at walking distance off Manger Square that is the hub of the city offering religious and logistical services.
• Milk Grotto Chapel:
  This is a legendary holy place of reverence accessible via walk off Manger Sq. In this chapel of stone, a white rock is believed to emit milk from a mother’s bosom and improve fertility by taking a bit of the chalky matter in. As per the legend, Mother Mary and Joseph halted here with the small toddler Jesus for feeding during which a few drops fell onto this originally red rock converting it into white.
• Mosque of Omar:
  Located in opposite to the church on the Manger Sq, this mosque was named after the 2nd caliph, Omar Ibn al-Khattab. It was built in 1860 on the land gifted by the Greek Orthodox Church to pay a tribute to the Prophet Muhammad’s father-in-law. This was because he, in 637, freed Jerusalem from the declining Byzantines and subsequently prayed in the Church of the Nativity.
• Old Bethlehem Museum:
  Explore the 19th century Palestine via its local costumes and buy embroidery of the Arab Women’s Union.
• St Catherine’s Church:
  Reachable from the Church of Nativity, this new, pink-colored church’s midnight mass is broadcast on the entire planet on the Christmas Eve. Check out its Franciscan cloister of the Crusader-era along with a statue of St Jerome.

Jerusalem Israel Attractions

With its 3000 years of history, this holy city inside the ancient walls is of utmost importance for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. To the visitors, there are pulsating religious and historic sites. The Old City offers ruins of ancient and modern eras; while the East of the city holds the consulates, museums, and the Garden Tomb – perhaps the crucification site. I would suggest you plan to stay for a few days here to explore it completely.

• Dome of the Rock:
  This is the sight of the gold-plated Dome of the Rock where a dome holds the piece of stone considered as holy by both Muslims and Jewish. It was precisely this place where Abraham arranged to sacrifice his son and the Prophet Mohammed headed towards heaven to sit next to Allah.
• Haram ash-Sharif/Temple Mount:
  With its history dating thousands years before Christ marked by a Jewish Temple, the Haram ash-Sharif/Temple Mount is a timeless pilgrimage site for thousands of pilgrims. This is an open court of cypress trees and old cobblestones whose current architecture belongs to the first Muslim invasion some 1400 years ago.
• Herod’s Gate:
  The so-called name was mistakenly given by the 16th and 17th century pilgrims as they thought that a close building was the palace of Herod Antipas. In history, the 100m east of the gate was from where the Crusaders broke the city walls in 1099.
• Tower of David Museum:
  The Jaffa Gate offers the Crusader fortress holding the Herod’s Tower, Tower of David minaret, and remarkable Tower of David Museum. The museum exhibits the complete history of Jerusalem that can be understood quite precisely. Further, the revolving art displays in the halls and gardens are simply amazing. Do not miss to have some wonderful views of the city from the uppermost remains.

• Western Wall:
  Originally built prior to 2000 years ago, currently, it carries the utmost significance of holding a religious shrine of the Jewish folk. Even the workers of this wall would not have dreamed of it being the most important site for anybody. This is because initially, it was only a wall holding the exterior area of the Temple Mount on whose atop there is the Second Temple built in 250 B.C.

Best Time to Visit

Spring – April to May and Autumn – September to October

Accommodations

In Bethlehem Palestine Accommodation:

• Bethlehem Hotel
• Bethlehem Star Hotel
• Everest Hotel & Restaurant
• Jacir Palace Inter-Continental

In Jerusalem Accommodation:

• New Hashimi Hotel & Hostel – $55
• Hotel East New Imperial – $70
• Renaissance Jerusalem Hotel – $126

Tip

Do not visit at the time of Jewish religious holidays due to limited transport, closed services, and double or triple prices of the hotels. Avoid exploring the border areas surrounding the Gaza Strip, southwest Israel, and the border areas with Lebanon for security reasons.