FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - First timer needs help planning 7 day trip to Israel
Old Jan 6, 2007 | 7:31 am
  #3  
filmtex
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 4
Only 7 days, that's too bad...10 would be better!

With only 7 days in Israel, I don't think I'd waste more that 1 day in Tel Aviv. Don't get me wrong, I love Tel Aviv, but there is SO MUCH more to see in Israel.
You should consider spending at least one night in either Tiberius or Sfat (Safed) in the Galilee area- or better yet, go to the other side of the Kineret and stay at Ein Gev. It's a great place. Two nights might be better, theres a lot to see in the north. From Tel Dan, to the Golan Hts, Mt. of Beatitudes, Nof Ginosaur, a boat ride on the lake.
Don't forget to factor in a night on the Dead Sea. It's a long trip from Tiberius to the Dead Sea Spas, (think about avoiding a trip down the West Bank and detour around Ramallah as well) but well worth the trip. Drop in at Qumran for a look at the place where they found the Dead Sea Scrolls, take the aerial-tram to Masada (allow at least 2 hours on top to explore this magnificent fortress), and take a swim in the Dead Sea. You will NEVER forget the sunrise over the mountains of Jordan the next morning.
And what to say about Jerusalem, so much to see, so little time. The Western Wall, The Rabbi's Tunnel, The Old City, David's City, Davidson Archaeological Seminar/The Southern Steps. Shopping in the Jewish/Muslim?Christian Qtrs. Ths Shrine of the Book, Mt. of Olives, Gethsemane...there's just waaaaay to much to do and see in Jerusalem.
And make sure to take a swing west from Jerusalem on your way back to Tel Aviv- it's beautiful wine country, alot like Napa btw. Stop for dinner in Joffa and then your last night in Tel Aviv- reward yourself with an evening swim in the Mediterranean.
Ben Gurion airport departure- a model of efficiency that American airports should observe.
Enjoy your stay in Jerusalem. Oh, I'm not from Israel, but I enjoy several trips a year there for my work as a photo-journalist at a Texas-based ministry.
Have fun, the people are great, and Israel is VERY family-friendly.
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