Road Trip to the Wonders of Israel

It is far from rocket science to realise that Israel is a simply superb destination with so much diversity and depth. We start with the historical sites in Tel Aviv; then the appeal for culture vultures in the city; a beach break; wine-tasting; and retail therapy. While Jerusalem offers the most significant religious sites in any place worldwide. And heading both north and south bring some other choice attractions.

TEL AVIV

Here you will pick up your Indigo hire car at Tel Aviv Airport and begin to explore the city where there is plenty to do.

Jaffa Old City for some 5000 years has been the gateway between east and west, north and south and contains many must-see sights for the beginning of your road trip. These include such historical sights as:

The stone park provides a scintillating view of Tel Aviv’s shoreline
The Libyan synagogue is the oldest synagogue in Tel Aviv’s Jaffa (Yafo).
The clock tower was built on behalf of Yossef Molal who was sick of people pestering him for the time on their way to the train station.
The Mahmoudiya mosque is named after Jaffa’s governor Muhammed Abu Nabbut and is the largest mosque in Jaffa.
The Wishing Bridge is the source of a legend whereby a visitor standing on the bridge with thoughts of their astrological sign as they gaze out to sea will have their wish granted. (As ever be careful what you wish for!)
The Gate of Faith was sculpted by Daniel Kafri (1973-75) at the top of the peak park and resembles a gate. It depicts Biblical scenes including Abraham and Isaac as they are tested by the Lord, next to a depiction of Jacob’s dream.

For culture vultures Tel Aviv has much to boast about including:

Joseph Bau House Museum is the real thing, an artist workshop that lets you have access to his movies, animation, paintings, graphics, literature and research of the Hebrew language (and it is always worthwhile to learn a smattering of that!)
Tel Aviv Museum of Art is host to both domestic and international art from the mid-19^th century to the present in painting, sculpture, print, drawing, photography, video, installations, architecture and design. At the time of writing (and until October 2023) you can see Tamar Getter’s Pi-el, ‘a dynamic network of thought-images and painterly events’.
Ilana Goor Museum is the work of an ‘individualistic, autodidactic, intuitive and multifaceted artist’. Self-taught, she creates sculptures, furniture, judaica, lighting fixtures, jewellery and fashion items and has been extensively exhibited in both Israel and abroad.
The Nahum Gutman museum is found in the centre of Neve Tzedek, the first Jewish neighbourhood outside of the walls of Jaffa. His work documents the story of Tel Aviv in terms of both iits culture and the people who live there.

Once you have had your fill of art and culture why not take a walk on Tayelet the paved beachside walkway that makes up a 2km path between Jaffa and Tel Aviv.

Then if you feel like you could shop till you drop take in Carmel Market (Shuk Ha’Carmel) including if you like a tasting tour from the produce of the Yemenite vineyard.

And after your sight seeing how about going down to the Tel Aviv Old Port for some lovely bars and restaurants with local fayre.

JERUSALEM

Old City of Jerusalem emphasises the fact that this area has always been a holy place for Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Here you will find some 220 historic monuments including the Dome of the Rock, the site of Abraham’s sacrifice and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre which houses Christ’s tomb. If you want to make sense of all the narrow winding streets it may be worth getting a guide to introduce you one by one to these sacred sites.You could probably spend an hour at the Western Wall learning of its history and significance.

The World Holocaust Remembrance Centre is made up of indoor museums, outdoor monuments, gardens and sculptures. Entrance is free but it is worth booking for the guided tour to make the most of your stay, a truly eye-opening experience telling of a history we sometimes seem to forget.

A companion visit to this may be to go to the Israel Museum with a large-scale sculpture garden and a collection ranging from prehistoric archaeology to contemporary art.

For a very real experience from the life of Jesus can be found at Monte das Oliveiras with the Chapel of Ascension and Pater Noster.

Another slice of the Passion can be found in the Garden of Gethsemane, thought to be the site of the Christ’s contemplation and prayer. While the Garden Tomb is believed to be the site of Christ’s crucifiction, burial and resurrection.

NORTH ISRAEL

Heading out of the cities to the North you will find Roman ruins in Caeserea, built by Herod the Great; then on to Haifa where the Baha’i faith is represented by kaleidoscopic gardens; then Rosh Hanikra offers aqueous beauty to behold; before exploring the deeply historical Acre.

SOUTH ISRAEL

Masada is of historical interest too in the South for its ancient fortress atop a rocky plateau that was the last stronghold during the first Roman-Jewish War. You can either take the cable car or hike depending on your predilection.

Mizpe Ramon offers spectacular views of the northern edge of Israel’s ‘grand canyon’. You will also find a good range of restaurants, entertainment and shopping venues.

Eilat on the Red Sea delivers the perfect family beach break.

So comes the sad time to hand in your Indigo Car Hire keys back at the airport and take the flight home. But don’t doubt for a minute that your road trip of a lifetime will stay fixed in your imagination forever, and of course we recommend a look through our other choice destinations for next time!

Take a look at the below links also for a brief overview on renting a car and driving in Israel:

And here are some of the services we offer there too:

This is far from exhaustive mind you, if you have any special requirements or general questions then get in touch here, we are always here to help!

Rich Jevons was first published in the Yorkshire Post at the tender age of fifteen. After graduating at University of Humberside, Rich covered the visual and performing arts for a wide range of regional, national and international magazines, journals and newspapers. He has interviewed the likes of Patrick Stewart, Colin Baker and Christopher Eccleston. Currently, he is writing copy on road trips around the world, all from his office in Wortley, Leeds