Israel Tours & Holidays

Despite its small size, being just marginally larger than Wales, Israel offers an exceptional and wonderfully diverse array of sights and experiences to those who visit. From fabulous beaches and vibrant cities to otherworldly deserts and forest-covered parks, it can be quite easily said that Israel has it all. Whether you have a penchant for exploring culturally rich cities or admiring stunning views atop majestic peaks, Israel holidays are sure to delight and surprise you.

With an exceptionally rich history and equally plentiful culture, the country certainly isn't short of captivating sights and experiences. Ancient ruins, imposing fortresses and the remains of long-destroyed cities are all on display throughout the region. Equally as diverse are Israel's large number of religious sites and buildings. Beautiful churches, mosques and synagogues, all dating back hundreds of years, can be found dotted all over the country, in testament to the devotion of the Christians, Muslims and Jews who all call it home. One of the best places to become immersed in both the culture and history of the country is Jerusalem. This beguiling ancient city is of significant importance to all three of the monotheistic religions, with landmarks such as the Dome of the Rock, where Muslims believe the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven; the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, where Christians believe Jesus was crucified and resurrected; and the Western Wall; the most important Jewish pilgrimage site.

Another city with ample religious significance is Nazareth. Most Israel tours include a visit to the Old City, home to sights such as the domed Basilica of the Annunciation, where the angel Gabriel is said to have visited Mary; and St. Joseph’s Church, which some believe to have been the site of Joseph’s carpentry workshop. Once you've had your fill of religious landmarks and ancient history, a visit to cosmopolitan Tel Aviv is a must. This vibrant beachside city has all of the art galleries and museums, open-air markets and superb eating and drinking options you could wish for. Modern and effortlessly cool, you'll find trendy bars and coffee shops and chic boutiques set against modernist Bauhaus architecture.

Israel is home to breathtakingly beautiful nature, too. From Ramon Nature Reserve, home to a 25-mile-long crater and an array of wildlife, to the golden beaches of Eilat, it is certainly not difficult to find an enchanting respite from the city. Our Israel escorted tours also provide the chance to take a dip in the famous Dead Sea. Located at the lowest place on earth, this expansive salt lake allows you to float as if lying on an invisible inflatable.

With influences from all around the globe, high-quality ingredients and a buzzing cafe scene, foodies will find plenty to appreciate about the Israeli culinary scene.

The food here is centred primarily on traditional dishes that have been brought to the county by Jewish immigrants, though there are plenty of Arab influences thrown into the mix.

With such a diverse range of inhabitants, it's possible to find everything from tagines to bagels on offer. Vegans and vegetarians will feel right at home here, with meat-free restaurants in almost every town and plenty of plant-based options on every menu. Meat eaters are certainly not left out, though. While pork is still something of a taboo, you'll find a wide range of meat and seafood dishes to choose from, from traditional grill restaurants to the popular street food of shawarma.

When it comes to sampling the local flavours on Israel holidays, there are too many delicious dishes to mention. However, a good place to start is falafel, a traditional Middle Eastern food made from deep fried chickpeas, either eaten in a pitta or as a mezze dish. Shakshouka is another important local dish, consisting of poached eggs served on a bed of tomato sauce and topped with various spices, and usually eaten at breakfast. For sweets, look no further than popular baklava, made from layered filo pastry and nuts, soaked in syrup.