Where should I travel for a "bonus day" in Israel and/or Palestine?
August 5, 2010 11:09 AM Subscribe
I will be travelling for work as part of a delegation to Israel and Palestine in early October. I'm hoping to stay for an extra day or two at the end, but I can't decide what I should do with my time. Help?
I will have already spent nearly two weeks in the area, but I'll be working the whole time. However, the work does involve accompanying the delegation, so I will have seen a fair bit of the country. I'll be flying into Tel Aviv, then spending the majority of the time in Jerusalem, travelling to Ramallah and area, and Haifa and area.
I don't know if I'll ever be in this part of the world again, but I can only really spare an extra day or so before flying back to North America. I've been considering the Dead Sea as a good option, but I'm so unfamiliar with the area that I'm not sure if there's something else I'm missing. I'll be leaving from Jerusalem, and will need to get back to Tel Aviv for my flight.
I love hiking, being near water, cool landscapes, and am less interested in really busy cities and things like shopping (especially because we will have been in cities pretty much the whole time). I will likely have to bring back some office luggage, so might be kind of loaded down, so I have to bear that in mind. I'll also probably be fairly tired from the pace of the previous two weeks. Given that I will probably only have to pay for one extra night myself, it doesn't have to be the cheapest option ever, but I'm pretty okay with "humble" accommodations. Oh, and I'm vegetarian and an atheist.
So, all that to say that any suggestions of 1) where to go and what to see, 2) where to stay and 3) where to eat would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
I will have already spent nearly two weeks in the area, but I'll be working the whole time. However, the work does involve accompanying the delegation, so I will have seen a fair bit of the country. I'll be flying into Tel Aviv, then spending the majority of the time in Jerusalem, travelling to Ramallah and area, and Haifa and area.
I don't know if I'll ever be in this part of the world again, but I can only really spare an extra day or so before flying back to North America. I've been considering the Dead Sea as a good option, but I'm so unfamiliar with the area that I'm not sure if there's something else I'm missing. I'll be leaving from Jerusalem, and will need to get back to Tel Aviv for my flight.
I love hiking, being near water, cool landscapes, and am less interested in really busy cities and things like shopping (especially because we will have been in cities pretty much the whole time). I will likely have to bring back some office luggage, so might be kind of loaded down, so I have to bear that in mind. I'll also probably be fairly tired from the pace of the previous two weeks. Given that I will probably only have to pay for one extra night myself, it doesn't have to be the cheapest option ever, but I'm pretty okay with "humble" accommodations. Oh, and I'm vegetarian and an atheist.
So, all that to say that any suggestions of 1) where to go and what to see, 2) where to stay and 3) where to eat would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Response by poster: Thanks, and point well-taken. We will be taking time to tour fairly extensively in Jerusalem with the group, and have some time set in for visiting markets, etc. I've never been further east than Europe (from North America), and I had heard amazing things about hiking in the desert, etc., which is why I had mentioned those things in particular. I just know myself well enough to know that I may need a change of pace that doing something "outdoorsy" would offer.
That said, please do feel free to mention things not on my list - especially if there is a specific things to see/do in Jerusalem or another city.
posted by sabotagerabbit at 11:24 AM on August 5, 2010
That said, please do feel free to mention things not on my list - especially if there is a specific things to see/do in Jerusalem or another city.
posted by sabotagerabbit at 11:24 AM on August 5, 2010
PS You will just eat massive amounts of hummus and falafel. And it will taste very good.
posted by game warden to the events rhino at 11:24 AM on August 5, 2010
posted by game warden to the events rhino at 11:24 AM on August 5, 2010
If you are dead set on hiking, one of the most beautiful places in the world to hike, IMO, is Ein Gedi. I camped but you would probably do just fine in this lovely looking guest house.
posted by Sophie1 at 11:27 AM on August 5, 2010
posted by Sophie1 at 11:27 AM on August 5, 2010
I've only made two harried trips to the region so can't recommend much (aside from seconding the rec to visit the Old City), but if you're looking for cocktails somewhere that will take you back in time, check out the cellar bar at the American Colony Hotel in East Jerusalem.
posted by BobbyVan at 11:28 AM on August 5, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by BobbyVan at 11:28 AM on August 5, 2010 [1 favorite]
Some quick tips:
Go to the Dead Sea. You have to. It's awesome, and you won't experience anything like it anywhere else in the world. Walk around Jerusalem, definitely. It's a really weird place and it's fascinating. Eat tons of falafel. It's vegetarian and delicious. Israel has the best falafel in the world. I have yet to find falafel anywhere in the US or Europe that is close to the falafel you get in Israel. Eat a lot of food, actually. Food in Israel is really good. Go to a lot of restaurants. There are a ton of vegetarian options in Israel.
Tel Aviv is sweet but there's not really much to do there besides walking around and seeing the city (it's a cool city though), going to the beach, eating good food and partying. I'd spend a day in Tel Aviv just exploring though, it's a fun place. Hiking in Israel is mostly done in the northern part of Israel and it doesn't sound like you'll be close to there.
If you end up going to the Dead Sea go see Masada, it's really cool. Read up about the story of what happened there if you decide to go. It's right by the Dead Sea.
If you go to Tel Aviv you can also go to Jaffa which is also a really weird place. Go to the street markets there. They are crazy. Lots of history in Jaffa.
However, if you do end up north go to Haifa (the city is right on the coast and on a big hill and has really nice ocean views) and see the Bahai gardens, and also go to Ceasaria - old roman ruins on the coast. It's really pretty. Actually, there is quite a bit of Roman Ruins in Israel so you might want to look into that if that's something you're interested in.
And yea, Israel is really really small, it won't be hard to see a lot of it in a limited time. Also, eat a lot of falafel.
Also there are a ton of "atheists" or non-religious Jews in Israel. Don't worry, your views on the matter won't get in your way of enjoying the trip.
posted by carmel at 11:35 AM on August 5, 2010
Go to the Dead Sea. You have to. It's awesome, and you won't experience anything like it anywhere else in the world. Walk around Jerusalem, definitely. It's a really weird place and it's fascinating. Eat tons of falafel. It's vegetarian and delicious. Israel has the best falafel in the world. I have yet to find falafel anywhere in the US or Europe that is close to the falafel you get in Israel. Eat a lot of food, actually. Food in Israel is really good. Go to a lot of restaurants. There are a ton of vegetarian options in Israel.
Tel Aviv is sweet but there's not really much to do there besides walking around and seeing the city (it's a cool city though), going to the beach, eating good food and partying. I'd spend a day in Tel Aviv just exploring though, it's a fun place. Hiking in Israel is mostly done in the northern part of Israel and it doesn't sound like you'll be close to there.
If you end up going to the Dead Sea go see Masada, it's really cool. Read up about the story of what happened there if you decide to go. It's right by the Dead Sea.
If you go to Tel Aviv you can also go to Jaffa which is also a really weird place. Go to the street markets there. They are crazy. Lots of history in Jaffa.
However, if you do end up north go to Haifa (the city is right on the coast and on a big hill and has really nice ocean views) and see the Bahai gardens, and also go to Ceasaria - old roman ruins on the coast. It's really pretty. Actually, there is quite a bit of Roman Ruins in Israel so you might want to look into that if that's something you're interested in.
And yea, Israel is really really small, it won't be hard to see a lot of it in a limited time. Also, eat a lot of falafel.
Also there are a ton of "atheists" or non-religious Jews in Israel. Don't worry, your views on the matter won't get in your way of enjoying the trip.
posted by carmel at 11:35 AM on August 5, 2010
Mitzpe Ramon is very special, IMO. Google image search.
posted by limon at 11:43 AM on August 5, 2010
posted by limon at 11:43 AM on August 5, 2010
Go to the Dead Sea and hike in the Ein Gedi Nature Preserve. You won't regret it--Ein Gedi is a beautiful place, and the masses of Dead Sea tourists rarely go there.
There are great hikes in Israel but the best tend to be not so close to Jerusalem or the airport. Maktesh Ramon (Mitzpe is the nearby town) is far, as is the Galilee.
Of course, if you're adventurous, go for a hike in the West Bank somewhere, where the land is less spoiled, though I'd recommend finding an Israeli guide who can take you there.
posted by j1950 at 1:51 PM on August 5, 2010
There are great hikes in Israel but the best tend to be not so close to Jerusalem or the airport. Maktesh Ramon (Mitzpe is the nearby town) is far, as is the Galilee.
Of course, if you're adventurous, go for a hike in the West Bank somewhere, where the land is less spoiled, though I'd recommend finding an Israeli guide who can take you there.
posted by j1950 at 1:51 PM on August 5, 2010
The desert is okay, but no so different than that of other countries. Alternative suggestion for one day:
Rent a car and visit Zikhron Ya'akov. It's a magical and way-overlooked city with a beautiful and charming promenade. After brunch, head North-East, towards the Sea of Galilee. If you are Christian, check out the Jordan River, Capernaum and a trillion other sites. If you are Jewish, Head to Tsfat and Tibereas. if you appreciate old architecture and a crazy synthesis of the new and the old, head to as many of the cities as you can catch.
Grab a late lunch at Pagaoda, the Chinese restaurant in Tibereas.
If you aren't wiped out, head due west. Pop out to Haifa and check out the Ba'hai Gardens. Then head over to Acre - there is a reason it is a UNESCO protected site.
If by some magical time stopping reason you still have another few hours, head north. Check out Rosh Ha'Nikra - the caves are amazing.
Israel is awesome because it has so many unique natural phenomenon as well as a cultural and historical tapestry which would do any country well.
Or just head south, hit up the Dead Sea, Ein Gedi and Mactesh Ramon.
Israel is small enough that you can't throw a stone (awkward) without hitting an archeological site, a historical site, a natural phenomenon or a hot girl in a uniform.
Win win.
posted by eytanb at 3:28 PM on August 5, 2010
Rent a car and visit Zikhron Ya'akov. It's a magical and way-overlooked city with a beautiful and charming promenade. After brunch, head North-East, towards the Sea of Galilee. If you are Christian, check out the Jordan River, Capernaum and a trillion other sites. If you are Jewish, Head to Tsfat and Tibereas. if you appreciate old architecture and a crazy synthesis of the new and the old, head to as many of the cities as you can catch.
Grab a late lunch at Pagaoda, the Chinese restaurant in Tibereas.
If you aren't wiped out, head due west. Pop out to Haifa and check out the Ba'hai Gardens. Then head over to Acre - there is a reason it is a UNESCO protected site.
If by some magical time stopping reason you still have another few hours, head north. Check out Rosh Ha'Nikra - the caves are amazing.
Israel is awesome because it has so many unique natural phenomenon as well as a cultural and historical tapestry which would do any country well.
Or just head south, hit up the Dead Sea, Ein Gedi and Mactesh Ramon.
Israel is small enough that you can't throw a stone (awkward) without hitting an archeological site, a historical site, a natural phenomenon or a hot girl in a uniform.
Win win.
posted by eytanb at 3:28 PM on August 5, 2010
It isn't in Israel - it's in Jordan - but if I were in your situation I would kick myself for not seeing Petra. According to this review (which is also a plug for the tour company, of which I know nothing) you can do it in a day trip.
posted by Joe in Australia at 5:57 AM on August 7, 2010
posted by Joe in Australia at 5:57 AM on August 7, 2010
Response by poster: MetaFilter just reminded me to close this question - so I thought I'd just update that I ended up spending an afternoon floating in the Dead Sea at Ein Gedi, then went on to the hostel at Masada, hiked Masada at daybreak, and spent the rest of the day hiking around the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, and splashing around in the waterfall pools there, before returning to Jerusalem. It was great!
posted by sabotagerabbit at 8:03 AM on October 21, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by sabotagerabbit at 8:03 AM on October 21, 2010 [1 favorite]
This thread is closed to new comments.
For example: the Old City of Jerusalem is one of the most brain-exploding places I've ever been; unless you're certain you'll get time to explore it during the work days, I would start there. Also, the whole area is so tiny (which is part of the whole problem, of course...), so if you booked into a hotel in East Jerusalem, say, and ended up thinking you didn't need more time there, a day trip to Bethlehem (or something) would be straightforward.
I guess all I mean is, my trip there (as a non-religious person, too) blew my mind to such a degree that it feels wrong to advise someone in terms of "go hiking" or "hang out by the ocean", which you can do in very many places. Not that hiking and water in the area can't be stunning — I'll leave those to others to suggest.
posted by game warden to the events rhino at 11:19 AM on August 5, 2010 [1 favorite]