This April I’m dividing my time between Egypt, Israel, the Palestinian Territories, and Turkey. To many, Israel represents a beacon of democracy, stability, and prosperity in the middle of a bunch of very troubled states. (Having just come from Egypt, I can certainly understand that.) Of course it’s the Holy Land–three great religions share some of Israel’s most sacred spots. And that means it’s the center of a complex political puzzle, and full of great travel experiences. I’m spending about a week here to scout for an upcoming TV episode and I’m in the hands of fine local guides provided by the very supportive Israel Ministry of Tourism. For the next week I’ll be sharing a couple of posts a day. Please share this with your friends who may be interested. I hope you enjoy my reporting.
The Israeli coast from Tel Aviv to the border of Lebanon is dotted with interesting sights. The thriving city of Haifa is home to the main temple of the Baha’i Faith. Its founder, Baha’u’llah, is buried in Israel. Sightseers must come away from a visit to any Baha’i sight thinking: These people are the ultimate in let’s all just get along, live together in peace, and tend gorgeous gardens.
Signs in four languages are commonplace in Israel: Hebrew (for its Jewish population), Arabic (for the Israeli Arabs–about a quarter of the country), Russian (as many locals are recent Jewish arrivals from the former Soviet Union, and Russian tourism is booming), and English (for everyone else).
Signs that are only in Hebrew present me with more than a language barrier: I literally can’t tell which end is up.
Visitors to Israel come away impressed by the country’s many layers of history. That includes lots of Roman ruins. The ancient city of Beit She’an–the best Roman ruins in Israel–marked the eastern end of the empire at its peak. In A.D. 749, the impressive city was leveled by what must have been a mighty earthquake.
Comments
14 Replies to “Welcome to the Holy Land”
We spent 10 days in Israel 2 years ago. It was amazing. Can’t wait to see your journey!
We returned from ten days in Israel just five days ago, and also came away with having had an amazing pilgrimage! We had an Israeli guide – archeologist, as well as the pastor from our church in the U.S. Between them, we learned so much at each site from Tel Aviv thru Caeserea to Tiberius and the Sea of Galilee, then south to Jerusalem. It was truly a spiritual journey! We are also alumni of a Rick’s tour in Italy and have great memories of that wonderful trip! Looking forward to following you in Israel! It will be so interesting to get your perspective on some probable mutual experiences there.
Make sure you see Caesarea, Rosh Hanikra, and Masada. Also, the man-made caves at Bet Guvrin-Maresha.
Nearly all things worth seeing are part of the National Parks System. If you are going to 2 or more parks (everything I listed above is in the park system) then buy an annual pass. It will save you loads of money.
Thanks so much for posting about your time spent in Egypt. I moved to Cairo last August to teach and have found the people here overall warm and welcoming. Thank you for helping to dispel some of the misconceptions people have about Egypt due to things they read in the media.
Now…how exciting you are in Israel! I went there during Christmas break and absolutely loved my time there. I look forward to reading your blogs of the time you spend there.
I have been to Israel 3 times, there will be another trip coming. It is such a special place,
whatever your religion may be, you may have none at all, I promise Israel will change you.
To get there is an adventure on it’s own, I fly from Helsinki to Limassoll, Cyprus, overnight ferry to Haifa, it is a lovely way to go, dinner, music, dancing, people come from all over the world. Many were up at 04 to catch a first glimpse of Israel, unforgettable. Shalom.
Israel is the most interesting country I’ve ever visited (except for India). I hope Rick gets to see Eilat and its extraordinary aquarium.
I spent seven weeks working in Israel last summer. I think Gamla Nature Reserve near Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) and Nimrod’s castle were some of my favorite places. Kayaking on the Hatzbani and the Jordan River from Kfar Blum was a fun and cultural experience I’ll never forget.
In many respects I resent Israel’s government. It seems to me to be the tail wagging the dog with the dog being you know who. I might like to travel there for its history – but its politicians – oi vey!!
I love, love, love Israel and all it has to offer! I enjoyed my 3 weeks there exploring and participating in an archeology dig. I truly hope you come out with some great audiotours for Israel! I’d listen to them even without a trip there, but of course I can’t wait to return to the Holy Land.
Interesting elevator bit. Im also anxious to read your observations on Israel. I used to work there in the Hotel industry in the 70’s and 80’s, but dont get back too often anymore. Interesting place, where life changes at a quicker pace than here in the USA. Very dynamic people, with lots of challenges…
Have toured there with guided tours, and as a resident (10 yrs). But there’s always new stuff to see, and as I age, I see things thru a different lens now. Please blog away, Rick, anxious to hear what you have to say!
So excited to see the programs on your trip to Israel! I have been three times and would go again today if I could. As above, be sure to go to Rosh HaNikra. Amazing! And gorgeous.
As a veteran of 8 Rick Steves tours, I’m hoping some time soon Rick will re-introduce a Rick Steves Tour of Israel that perhaps includes Egypt & Jordan. I’d sign up immediately!
We were so impressed with your show on Iran about two years ago. We’re looking forward to your fair and balanced insight into Egypt and the Holy Land.
Americans need to be encouraged to take off their blinders.
Thank you so much!
Jeff and Friends
WEDU TAMPA
I am so impressed because you are dividing the April month to spent in the four places. I am looking forward to see more photos.
We spent 10 days in Israel 2 years ago. It was amazing. Can’t wait to see your journey!
We returned from ten days in Israel just five days ago, and also came away with having had an amazing pilgrimage! We had an Israeli guide – archeologist, as well as the pastor from our church in the U.S. Between them, we learned so much at each site from Tel Aviv thru Caeserea to Tiberius and the Sea of Galilee, then south to Jerusalem. It was truly a spiritual journey! We are also alumni of a Rick’s tour in Italy and have great memories of that wonderful trip! Looking forward to following you in Israel! It will be so interesting to get your perspective on some probable mutual experiences there.
Make sure you see Caesarea, Rosh Hanikra, and Masada. Also, the man-made caves at Bet Guvrin-Maresha.
Nearly all things worth seeing are part of the National Parks System. If you are going to 2 or more parks (everything I listed above is in the park system) then buy an annual pass. It will save you loads of money.
Thanks so much for posting about your time spent in Egypt. I moved to Cairo last August to teach and have found the people here overall warm and welcoming. Thank you for helping to dispel some of the misconceptions people have about Egypt due to things they read in the media.
Now…how exciting you are in Israel! I went there during Christmas break and absolutely loved my time there. I look forward to reading your blogs of the time you spend there.
I have been to Israel 3 times, there will be another trip coming. It is such a special place,
whatever your religion may be, you may have none at all, I promise Israel will change you.
To get there is an adventure on it’s own, I fly from Helsinki to Limassoll, Cyprus, overnight ferry to Haifa, it is a lovely way to go, dinner, music, dancing, people come from all over the world. Many were up at 04 to catch a first glimpse of Israel, unforgettable. Shalom.
Israel is the most interesting country I’ve ever visited (except for India). I hope Rick gets to see Eilat and its extraordinary aquarium.
I spent seven weeks working in Israel last summer. I think Gamla Nature Reserve near Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) and Nimrod’s castle were some of my favorite places. Kayaking on the Hatzbani and the Jordan River from Kfar Blum was a fun and cultural experience I’ll never forget.
In many respects I resent Israel’s government. It seems to me to be the tail wagging the dog with the dog being you know who. I might like to travel there for its history – but its politicians – oi vey!!
I love, love, love Israel and all it has to offer! I enjoyed my 3 weeks there exploring and participating in an archeology dig. I truly hope you come out with some great audiotours for Israel! I’d listen to them even without a trip there, but of course I can’t wait to return to the Holy Land.
Interesting elevator bit. Im also anxious to read your observations on Israel. I used to work there in the Hotel industry in the 70’s and 80’s, but dont get back too often anymore. Interesting place, where life changes at a quicker pace than here in the USA. Very dynamic people, with lots of challenges…
Have toured there with guided tours, and as a resident (10 yrs). But there’s always new stuff to see, and as I age, I see things thru a different lens now. Please blog away, Rick, anxious to hear what you have to say!
So excited to see the programs on your trip to Israel! I have been three times and would go again today if I could. As above, be sure to go to Rosh HaNikra. Amazing! And gorgeous.
As a veteran of 8 Rick Steves tours, I’m hoping some time soon Rick will re-introduce a Rick Steves Tour of Israel that perhaps includes Egypt & Jordan. I’d sign up immediately!
We were so impressed with your show on Iran about two years ago. We’re looking forward to your fair and balanced insight into Egypt and the Holy Land.
Americans need to be encouraged to take off their blinders.
Thank you so much!
Jeff and Friends
WEDU TAMPA
I am so impressed because you are dividing the April month to spent in the four places. I am looking forward to see more photos.