Posted on May 30, 2012 by sguese

When your history stretches back thousands of years, you might have more than five key points of interest. Israel is one such place, a country where the history is almost overwhelming. If you are trip planning for Israel and don’t know where to begin, look no farther than forming your holiday around these key pieces in Israel’s puzzle.

The Dead Sea

At 1,360 feet below sea level, the Dead Sea is the lowest of the low. In fact, it is considered the lowest point on earth. Its waters are ten times saltier than the oceans, making it possible to just float in the sea due to its buoyancy. Many have long come to the Dead Sea to soak up its mineral rich waters.

The Galilee

Long linked with the life of Jesus Christ, Galilee rests in Israel’s lush northern region. The area abounds with historic and Biblical sites to see. Travelers shouldn’t miss the Sea of Galilee along with the holy cities of Tiberias and Safed.

Masada

Deep in Israel’s desert, you will find the Masada. The desert fortress was the scene of the tragic last resistance of the Zealots to the Romans in 73 A.D. You can still make out the ramparts the Romans built as part of its siege on the ancient Jewish sect. Travelers can choose to hike or cable car their way up the 1,3000 foot peak to the fortress.

Jerusalem’s Old City

Of course, a trip to Israel would be nothing without a trip through Jerusalem’s Old City. The official capital of the country boasts of being sacred to three major religions, Christianity, Judaism and Islam. The city’s walls date back to the Ottoman period. Some of the top holy sites in the area include the Western Wall, the Dome of the Rock and the Church of Holy Sepulchre.

Eilat

Set up on the Red Sea, Eilat is the country’s main seaside resort. If all of the touring of the country’s ancient and historic sites has worn you thin, Eilat makes for a relaxing point on the itinerary. Here you can blow off steam by way of watersports, swimming and sunbathing.

Baha’i Gardens

The handing gardens of Haifa stretch up the northern slope of Mount Carmel. Declared a Unesco World Heritage site, the gardnes drape along a broad staircase of 19 terraces. The central terrace is home to the gold domed Shrine of the Bab.