Israel | 2018
Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv is a city of energy, diversity and contrasts. Located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, it combines modern skyscrapers with historic neighborhoods, laid-back beaches with vibrant nightlife, and Mediterranean flair with urban dynamism.
The seafront stretches along the coast and is ideal for strolling, cycling or simply enjoying the sunset. The city's streets are bustling with life, from trendy cafes and restaurants to lively markets such as the Carmel Market, where exotic spices, fresh fruit and local specialties are sold.
The Neve Tzedek neighborhood, with its charming homes and small boutiques, harkens back to the city's early days, while Rothschild Boulevard, with its Bauhaus buildings from the "White City," is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But Tel Aviv is not only historically interesting, it is also a stronghold of entrepreneurship, art and culture. Numerous galleries, museums and a vibrant music scene make the city a creative hub.
Tel Aviv is modern, vibrant and always on the move - a city that inspires with its energy and where everyone finds their place.
Jerusalem
Jerusalem is one of the most fascinating cities in the world - a place where history, religion and modernity meet. As a holy city for Judaism, Christianity and Islam, it has been a center of faith and culture for thousands of years.
The Old City, surrounded by mighty walls, is the heart of Jerusalem. It is home to some of the world's most important religious sites: the Western Wall, the last remaining part of the Jewish Temple; the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where Jesus Christ is believed to have been buried; and the golden-domed Dome of the Rock, a central shrine of Islam. The narrow streets of the Old City are alive with spice stalls, traditional handicrafts and pilgrims from around the world.
The city is nestled in rolling hills, with olive groves and sweeping views of the Holy Land. It is a place of contrasts - old and new, spiritual and secular, contemplative and vibrant. Jerusalem is not just a destination, but an experience that you can feel and never let go of.
Haifa
Haifa, Israel's third largest city, is picturesquely situated on the slopes of the Carmel Mountains and stretches to the Mediterranean Sea. It is considered one of the most diverse and harmonious cities in the country, characterized by cultural diversity, breathtaking views and a relaxed lifestyle.
The city's landmark is the magnificent Bahai Gardens, a terraced garden complex that stretches up the mountain and surrounds the golden shrine of the Bab. It offers spectacular views of the city, the harbor and the deep blue sea.
Haifa is a place where different religions and cultures coexist peacefully. In neighborhoods like Wadi Nisnas or the German Colony, you can encounter Arab, Jewish and European influences, feel the vibrant atmosphere of the markets and enjoy culinary delights from around the world.
The city offers an exciting mix of industrial port, high-tech center and coastal city with beautiful beaches. The beach promenade invites you to stroll or relax, while the Carmel Mountains attract nature lovers with their green forests and hiking trails.
Haifa may be less hectic than Tel Aviv and less spiritual than Jerusalem, but that is precisely what gives it its special charm - a city between sea and mountains, history and modernity, serenity and innovation.
Judean Desert
Masada, one of Israel's most impressive historical sites, rises high above the Judean Desert. Perched on a table mountain, the ancient fortress not only offers breathtaking views, but also tells a moving story. It once served as King Herod's palace and later became a symbol of Jewish resistance to Roman occupation. Today, the ruins of Masada are a World Heritage Site and a place where history comes alive - especially at sunrise, when the first rays bathe the desert in a golden light.
The surrounding Judean Desert is a fascinating landscape of barren mountains, deep canyons and endless open spaces. Despite the hostile conditions, life flourishes here - Bedouin roam with their herds, and hidden oases such as Ein Gedi offer lush greenery and natural waterfalls. The desert exudes a mystical tranquility that has fascinated travelers for centuries.
At the lowest point on earth, more than 400 meters below sea level, lies the Dead Sea - a natural wonder with a salt content that makes it almost impossible to sink. The water is known for its healing properties, and the black mud is considered beneficial to the skin and body.
Masada, the Judean Desert and the Dead Sea are a unique combination of history, nature and recreation. Visitors to this region experience a landscape that is both harsh and mesmerizingly beautiful - a place where the power of nature and the depth of history are palpable.