Old Moaner Travel
I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list
Greater Israel
So this section will look at some of the other parts of Israel, outside the "big three" of Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Eilat.
In deciding what areas are covered I am basing my reviews on areas currently under Israeli control - I'm not interested in arbitrary UN devised borders, or artificial, so called, Palestinian territories.
As with other areas of this site, if you don't like my approach the problem is yours not mine and I'm not interested in hearing contrary opinions, so if you don't like it jog on.
One of the biggest attractions is the Dead Sea, so called because it is so salty it cannot support any life.
It also means that someone like me, who has a negative buoyancy, can still float without any effort ..... and it is traditional to pose floating in the sea reading a copy of the Jerusalem post and, as you can see from the picture, I am no exception.
The Dead Sea is a very popular Spa resort, with both the waters and the mud said to have invigorating properties.
I'm not sure about invigorating but if you manage to get a mouthful of Dead Sea water you will certainly know it.
On a hill overlooking the Dead Sea is the fortress of Masada.
The fortress was built by King Herod in 31 BC, during the war against the Romans.
The fortress came under siege from the Romans between 73-74 AD and when they eventually captured the fortress they discovered the Jewish rebels had committed suicide rather than become slaves.
It is officially open from 08:00 - 17:00 daily (16:00 Fridays) but many visitors arrive and climb the hill before sunrise to be rewarded with a stunning view of sunrise over the Dead Sea. It is worth the early start.
Most visitors access the hill by cable car, however that only runs during the official opening hours, if you want to view the sunrise it's shanks pony.
There are two paths up the hill.
Snake Pass is the most popular is Snake Path, a winding trail that takes 45 to 60 minutes to travel. It is considered the most rewarding path but requires frequent breaks when hiking in the heat.
The Snake Path starts near the entrance to the park and visitor’s centre. It is about 400 meters below sea level. The mountain stands 450 meters high, making the climb an 850-meter ascent.
The path includes a combination of dirt, stone steps, and loose rocks. While inexperienced hikers should have no problem with the trail, all visitors should watch their steps, especially when starting during sunrise.
Due to sun exposure, the Snake Path typically closes at 10 am. It is also advisable to bring water and a hat to deal with the heat.
The Assault Ramp is a more casual walk compared to the Snake Path, thanks to its gradual incline up the slope of the mountain. It takes about 20 to 25 minutes to ascend.
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The path starts on the west side of the mountain, requiring a 40-minute detour from the entrance to the National Park. You can reach it from Road 3199.
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If going to view sunrise I would recommend going up Snake Pass and then wait for the cable car service to take you back down.
Ein Gedi truly is an oasis in the desert. Located close to the Dead Sea it is hard to believe you are in the middle of the Judean desert.
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With nine different marked hiking routes, ranging from a short half-hour walk, to a full day trek, every ability is catered for.
The most popular area is Wadi David, home to the iconic waterfall. The Wadi is accessible by the easier hikes.
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There is an abundance of wildlife as well as a spectacular botanic garden.
Admission is 28 NIS (£6.28) for adults and 14 NIS (£3.14) for children.
It is possible to do all the attractions in the Dead Sea area under your own steam, however it is quite a hassle as access involves crossing through the West Bank and countless security checkpoints along the way and there is no guarantee the guards will speak English.
I'm not normally a fan of organised tours but I would make an exception for this area, it certainly takes away a lot of the hassle.
The other thing to remember is this is a desert area, take plenty of water. Work out how much you think you reasonably need then take twice as much - you will need it. Also remember the sun is incredibly hot, apply plenty of Factor 50 and keep applying it. Also reapply if you get any water on you.
I paddled in the water, only calf high, but didn't reapply the sun cream when I came out (it was supposedly water resistant cream) and I ended up with second degree burns on my leg.
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Bethlehem is a place of pilgrimage for Christian visitors and the town relies on tourism as its main source of income.
To be honest without the Christian association there would be nothing to see in this otherwise ordinary town.
Manger Square is at the heart of the town, surrounded by cafés, restaurants and souvenir shops and plenty of hawkers happy to rip you off.
On the Eastern side of the square is the Church Of The Nativity.
Purportedly built on the site where Jesus was born. bear in mind the first church on the site was built 400 years after the birth it's a fair to assume it's a matter of guesswork as to whether it is the actual site - assuming, of course, the original story is true in the first place.
Whatever, the church grew to be a nice little earner over the ensuing centuries and is now one of the most visited sites in Israel. Admission is free but, obviously, associated gifts and memorabilia can be purchased.
The church is entered by a door only 1.2 m high - it is said it was done so anyone entering the church has to bow down - a nice little fantasy story.
The reality is the door was made that low by the Crusaders to prevent the Mamluks riding into the church on horseback.
Owing to its importance and the fact its free to get in it gets very busy and queues are long.
I suppose if you believe in fairy stories the wait is worth it, personally I wouldn't queue to go in.
The Milk Grotto is cave-chapel is said to be the site of where the "holy family" hid before their flight into Egypt.
According to the legend, a drop of Mary's blood fell on the floor of the cave and whitened the stone. Many people believe that a visit here aids fertility, and so the tiny five-meter by 10-meter grotto is a favoured pilgrimage destination for gullible women who have trouble conceiving.
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Even more tenuous and random is Shepherd's Field or Beit Sahour on the outskirts of the town. This is where Christians believe some shepherds supposedly had an hallucination regarding a visitation of angels proclaiming the birth of Christ. My theory is it was too much wine and magic mushrooms. Anyway this random field has become another tourist trap.
The best way to think of Bethlehem is it being a 1st century Harry Potter type experience.
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Like Bethlehem, Nazareth would be a non-interesting backwater without the fairy story, here the Church of The Annunciation takes centre stage.
Thankfully Israel does have some "normal" cities, relatively untarnished by myths and fairy stories and a prime example is Haifa.
A major port on the Mediterranean, Haifa is a bustling and comparatively secular city.
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Stella Maris is a hill overlooking the city, best accessed by a scenic cable car ride. At the top, if it floats your boat, there is a Carmelite Monastery, but most people go for the stunning view of the city.
The city is home to the Baha'i Gardens and the Baha'i Shrine, with its golden dome, is the city's landmark monument.
The terraced gardens and shrine are a tranquil and beautiful memorial and an immaculate example of garden landscaping. UNESCO has declared them a World Heritage Site for their cultural as well as natural beauty.
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Ben Gurion Street is the main drag is home to some 19th century Germanic style houses and is now the main street for shopping and restaurants.
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The city has two beaches, Bat Galim is a water sports beach, popular with windsurfers and kite surfers, whilst Hof HarCarmel is more for lounging around and chilling. Both are well equipped with plenty of cafés.
For the locals Dor beach 29 km (18 miles) south of the city is the place to unwind at weekends, described as the perfect beach it's quiet with no frills.
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43 km (26 miles) south of Haifa is Caesarea is one of Israel's most interesting ancient sites.
Occupied since the 4th century BC, when the Phoenicians built a harbour here it went on to become an important town for the Greeks and Romans. Herod the Great named the town Caesarea in honour of Emperor Augustus.
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Archaeological work at the site is ongoing and the Crusader city remains along with the Roman theatre and remains of the ancient aqueduct are all open to the public. Open daily 08:00 - 18:00, admission adult 38 NIS (£8.53) , child 23 NIS (£5.16)
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