Off to Israel during Passover

SallyD

Hi, any tips or suggestions to make my visit more enjoyable would be welcome.I am staying with friends in Haifa 3 nights,visiting the Dead Sea (En Gedi) for two nights and Jerusalem for 2 nights then back to Haifa. intend to stop off in Tel Aviv prior to my flight home.

RoCas

Hi Sally,

As your friends live in Haifa, I assume they'll know all the good places you can visit there, but remind them to tell you about the Bahai gardens and golden dome and also the Mount Carmel gardens.

The Dead Sea is great fun - very hot - there are loads of spas where you can get mud treatments, etc., but it can be a bit pricey. Make sure you don't get salt in your eyes!

Jerusalem is my favourite ... there's the Western Wall, Mount of Olives, Dome of the Rock, Had Vashem (Holocaust Memorial Centre) and loads of museums. Mount Scopus has beautiful views over the old city.

You don't really need to rent a car to get about because the bus system is clean, frequent, and relatively cheap. However, remember that public transport stops and shops and attractions all close between Friday late afternoon and Saturday evening for the Sabbath.

Haifa and Jerusalem can be a bit nippy in the evening this time of year so take a jacket or cardigan for your evening strolls.

Take a look at the Israeli tourism website, where you can also download discount vouchers:
http://www.goisrael.com

PM me if there's any particular aspect of your trip you want to find out about and I'll help if I can.

Have a great time.
RoCas

dave111

can you recommend a hotel in jerusalem near the old city.
I am aware of the inbal and the Kingdavid.
any other ideas?

bylromarha

SallyD- if going to En Gedi, it's worth a quick trip up Masada too.

Yad Vashem is a hard place to visit, but a must see. I just loved wandering the markets and soaking up the atmosphere of the old city.

Also, be ready to brush off the many boys who come up and offer you an olive branch for peace...then stick the other hand out for a shekel. Don't forget to take something to cover your head with too.

Have a great time.