I would like to start this post with an inspiring quote by David Ben-Gurion, the first Prime Minister of Israel: “In Israel, in order to be a realist you must believe in miracles“.

The Holy Land makes for inspiring and fascinating travel.

To some, the territory between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea is all Israel.

To others, it’s all Palestine.

For most, including myself, it’s a bit of both.

I planned my travel for 6 days/5 nights but seems that most itineraries posted throughout the web are for at least 8 days.

So, I took info & tricks and planned my own itinerary trying to visit many of the highlights that this wonderful region has to offer: an adventure for independent and active travelers, that fits best for couples (maximum 4 people), inclined towards food & wine and day-to-day life of the culture.

So briefly, here is the itinerary:

Now, before continuing with day by day itinerary and details, some useful info to organize your travel:

Entry requirements: E.U. and U.S. citizens traveling to Israel for stays of up to 3 months do not need a visa, but must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival.

When to go: Israel enjoys long, warm, dry summers (from April to October) and generally mild winters (from November to March) with drier and cooler weather in hilly regions, such as Jerusalem and Safed.

What to Pack: Pack light and don’t forget the shades: from April through October it’s going to be warm and bright, and even in the winter, about the only extra layer you’ll need is a light sweater and a windbreaker. During summer I recommend lightweight T-shirts, sleeveless shirts, shorts, and a bathing suit. Pack a sweater or a jacket for nights in the mountains or the desert. During winter it’s better if you bring long sleeve shirts, sweaters, warm coats and a raincoat, plus an umbrella.

Most of the religious sites require long pants for men and clothing that covers the shoulders and knees (sometimes hair as well) for women: always bring a scarf with you!

So, are you ready to start the adventure??

Starting from tomorrow, I will share with you a day by day itinerary and details about rental cars, public transportation, accommodations, food and so much more!

Stay tuned!

Day 1: Tel Aviv and Old Jaffa (Yafo)

(All photographs artwork and other images in this blog are © copyright Travel Palates and cannot be reproduced without written permission and consent – All rights reserved)