Month: February 2020

Tel Aviv-Jaffa is the New York of the Middle East. A young and ever-growing city that refuses to sleep, the first to make way for innovative trends and new inventions – yet Tel Aviv-Jaffa’s pioneering foundation stands stronger than its iconic glass skyscrapers.

Stretching out along Israel’s Mediterranean coastline, it is the home to almost half a million citizens and receives more than two-and-a-half million visitors every year.

How could it not? The economic and technological center of the country, with fabulous sandy beaches, quality restaurants, and art galleries – it’s no surprise that Tel-Aviv-Jaffa is where you’ll want to be.

 

Old Jaffa

The Biblical city of Jaffa or, in Hebrew, Yafo was traditionally founded by Japheth (Noah’s son). Since then, it was conquered by many different rulers such as the Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Mamluks, and British until it eventually came under Israeli rulership.

Walking its stone-arched, narrow alleyways or viewing the sea from the promenade and fisherman’s port, you can sense the echoes of history in every stone and salty breeze. Pass by the house traditionally known as Simon the Tanner’s, visit the church of St. Peter, explore archeological excavations dating from the early Canaanite period, and delight in the nostalgic atmosphere of the ancient, yet classy, Jaffa.

 

 

 

The Jaffa Flea Market and Shenkin Street

Who doesn’t love shopping? Especially in a high-energy place like the Flea Market, where there is something for everyone. Shops are bursting at the seams with anything from decorative paintings to vintage clothing, hand-made and second-hand items, jewelry, Judaica, antique and designer furniture, Persian rugs, and souvenirs. If you ever get tired, you can stop at one of the many restaurants or coffee shops, enjoy a great meal and people watch.

If you’re more a one-street-one-track kind of shopper, Shenkin Street is another excellent option. It’s a mile-long street leading practically to the sea, lined with restaurants, cafés, and shops selling chic brand-name and second-hand clothing, perfumes, and shoes. It’s where the young and old and everyone in between mingle with affinity.

 

 

 

Tel Aviv’s Independence Trail

When you come to Tel Aviv, you might spot a golden line embedded in a pavement lined with benches and shade-giving trees, and wonder what it’s for. This is the Trail of Independence, which takes you on a journey from the founding of Tel Aviv in 1909 to the establishment of Israel in 1948.

If you follow the golden trail, you’ll see the first homes in Tel Aviv, built on sand dunes, the Great Synagogue, the Haganah Museum, Herzliya Hebrew Gymnasium, the monument commemorating Tel Aviv’s founders, the Independence Hall, and more.

There’s no better way to get acquainted with the history of a city than to walk its streets and pause to enjoy its beauty.

There is so much to see and to do in this city of endless options – visit art galleries, feast your eyes on the Bauhaus architecture, or enjoy clean and sunny beaches, museums, pubs, and nightclubs. Join us on one of our tours and relish every ounce of youth and history the city has to offer. Tel Aviv never sleeps, and it’s waiting for you!

 

The biblical city of Bethlehem, which means in Hebrew “House of Bread,” is known as Rachel’s burial place and King David’s city of origin, but, more famously, it is the birthplace of Jesus. Bethlehem is located to the south of Jerusalem and is home to around 25,000 Muslim and Christian Arabs. 

It proudly holds the title of one of the holiest places in Christendom. Thousands of tourists visit each year and enjoy the sunshiny and vibrant city of Bethlehem.

If you’re planning to visit Bethlehem, bring your passport, spending money (for cheap but quality restaurant dining and souvenir shopping), and a childlike imagination to bring to life the biblical stories that took place in this now-modern Middle Eastern city.

 

Church of the Nativity and Manger Square

The Church of the Nativity, located in the city center, is built atop the Holy Crypt, a cave where tradition holds that Jesus was born.  It was originally constructed by the Byzantines in the 2^nd and 5^th centuries AD, and remains the foundations of today’s church, which has seen additions and renovations from as early as the Crusaders and on to the modern era. It is considered one of the holiest sites in Christendom and receives millions of visitors each year.

Inside the stone church, you’ll firstly notice beautiful high ceilings, colorful stained glass windows, staunch columns, and elaborate candelabras. A sense of reverence fills the atmosphere as flickering light from the candles dances on the walls and prayers are whispered.

Stretching out in front of the church is Manger Square. If you visit Bethlehem during the Christmas season, you won’t be disappointed. The square is wholly transformed into a Christmas wonderland by sparkling lights, star-topped Christmas trees, music, food vendors, and shops selling ornaments, wooden figurines, and anything that rings of Christmas cheer. 

 

 

The Chapel of the Milk Grotto

The Chapel of the Milk Grotto of Our Lady is a Catholic Chapel erected in 1872. The Chapel was erected around a cave, which tradition says was where Mary and Joseph stopped while fleeing Herod’s soldiers on their way to Egypt. As the story goes, while Mary fed Jesus, a drop of her milk fell on the floor of the cave and changed its color to white. 

Many mix the soft white chalk of the cave with their food and pray to Our Lady of the Milk Grotto believing in the healing of infertile couples, an increase in the quantity of milk, and healing miracles for children. 

 

Judean Hills and the Shepherds’ Fields

In the New Testament, the shepherds’ story plays out at night in a field near Bethlehem. An angel of the Lord appears to a group of shepherds and announces the coming birth of Jesus, the Messiah.

If, when you read “fields,” you immediately think of flat plains, think again. The shepherds’ field is a desert hillside terraced with olive tree groves. Looking out from the top of the hill, you can close your eyes, put yourself in the dusty leather sandals of one of the shepherds, and imagine how you would react to such a miraculous event.

 

 

Bethlehem is a city packed with religious history. Its people are, without a doubt, warm and inviting.  You can buy a souvenir in one of the shops, and eat the delightful Arab cuisines at a family-run restaurant. 

Trust one of our experienced Palestinian guides to show you around this spectacular city on one of our daily tours. Book one today! Bethlehem is an experience you will never forget.