Israel In Focus
The Dead Sea
A SALTY RETREAT:
The salubrious waters of the Dead Sea draw medical and recreational
tourists from all over the world. Mud drawn from the bottom of the sea
and its surrounding environs helps remove impurities and toxins from the
skin and is slathered on with abandon by visitors whose photos of mud-covered bodies are a favorite keepsake of their time at the Dead Sea.
on location
WHERE TO STAY
One of the most popular places to
stay on the Dead Sea is Ein Gedi
Spa, located in a natural oasis some
three miles from the shore. Guests
can explore the surrounding flora and
fauna on a leisurely hike, indulge in spa
treatments or relax in the mud baths,
freshwater and sulfur pools. At the
southern tip of the Dead Sea, the resort
town of Ein Bokek is host to some of
the area’s most upscale and renowned
hotels, including the Daniel and Royal
hotels, in addition to more modestly
priced options.
WHAT TO SEE:
Beyond its restorative waters,
the Dead Sea area offers
a number of other nearby
attractions for visitors. Take
an early morning hike or
an easy cable car ride up
the steep cliffs of Masada
to learn about the epic
struggle that took place there
between Roman conquerors
and Jewish rebels in 72
A.D. Visitors may also be
interested in seeing Qumran,
the archaeological site where
the Dead Sea Scrolls were
found by a Bedouin shepherd
in 1946.
GETTING THERE
The most popular spots along the Dead
Sea are about a 90-minute drive from
Jerusalem, or roughly two hours from
Tel Aviv. Bus transportation is available
to most major hotels and spas.
Off the Beaten Path
FRUITS OF THE VINE
Israel’s wine country is divided into five unique regions: the Galilee, Shomron, Samson,
Judean Hills and the Negev Desert. Specialized tour guides can be a great advantage for
travelers, as their relationships with various wineries can help guarantee English-speaking
staff, a tasting menu catered to client preferences and a reasonable itinerary.
SIGHTSEEING WORKOUT
Operators such as Israel Cycling offering everything from an afternoon’s tour of Tel Aviv to a
multi-day journey through the Galilee, Negev and other popular destinations. For those who
like to move at a slower pace, operators such as Walk in Israel offer a number of options
for hiking and trekking in the country. For the more adventurous traveler, Israel Extreme and
Ashdot offer rappelling and backpacking tours of Israel’s beautiful outdoors.
RED SEA RESORT LIFE
Beyond its gorgeous beachfront, Eilat’s proximity to Jordan and Egypt, as well as its
popular shopping mall and boutiques draw throngs of travelers to the shores of this resort
town each year. While the number of resort hotels and restaurants that dot its elegant
promenade offer relaxation and restoration with all of the chic comforts a luxury-minded
clientele will expect, nearby attractions like the Dolphin Reef and Camel Ranch provide
great day trip activities for families, couples and independent travelers.
SOUNDS OF ZION
For those who missed recent concerts by international performers Guns ‘N Roses, the Red
Hot Chili Peppers and Madonna, there is a never-ending line-up of high-profile entertainers
who grace the stages of Israel, including the landmark amphitheatre at Ha Yarkon Park. The
Jerusalem Center for the Performing Arts, home of the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra,
hosts world-class concerts for classical music fans, while annual traditions such as Eilat’s
Red Sea Jazz Festival and the Opera Festival at Masada draw huge crowds from all over
the world.
MUSEUM DAYS
Israel’s museums are sure to please the historian, art enthusiast or anyone who wants to
learn about the country’s diverse cultural topography. Those interested in art and literature
will want to check out the Bauhaus Foundation Museum, the Bialik House and the Reuven
Rubin Museum, which explore the work of Israel’s most prominent national artists. The
Design Musem is a must-see in Tel Aviv for its architecture as well as its contemporary
design exhibits. Other best bets: seeing history come alive at the Tower of David Museum in
Jerusalem, taking in the broad sweep of the nation’s history at the nearby Israel Museum, or
spending a day at the Tisch Family Zoological Gardens.
