Israel & Palestine Tours & Holidays
Small Group Tours
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Overview
We are not currently operating any trips to Israel & Palestine although we hope to be able to return there soon. If you would like to be alerted if and when this happens, please send an email to info@wildfrontiers.co.uk with the subject line Israel & Palestine
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A region that has lain at the crossroads of world history for over three millennia, Israel and Palestine sit at the heart of a landscape that has witnessed some of the world’ ...
We are not currently operating any trips to Israel & Palestine although we hope to be able to return there soon. If you would like to be alerted if and when this happens, please send an email to info@wildfrontiers.co.uk with the subject line Israel & Palestine
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A region that has lain at the crossroads of world history for over three millennia, Israel and Palestine sit at the heart of a landscape that has witnessed some of the world’s most pivotal moments over the past three thousand years. From the passing of Crusaders and Saracens and the crucifixion of Christ, to the bloody conflicts of the Arab-Israeli wars, this troubled land has provided the backdrop to events that have shaped the world we live in today.
This extraordinary diversity of peoples, past and present, means that any visit to the region offers a multitude of experiences and encounters through some of the most culturally and historically significant landscapes in the Middle East. The rich landscapes of ancient Palestine for example are riddled with long distance footpaths - such as the biblical ‘Path of Abraham’ - Bedouin encampments and the unique waters of the Dead Sea.
You can also visit the biblical cities of Jericho, Bethlehem and Jerusalem, some of the most revered and contentious settings on earth, where Christians, Jews and Muslims have long fought over the right to call these hallowed sites their own. Whatever draws you to this part of the world though, you will be setting foot into the pages of history.
WHAT'S IN A NAME?
It is often said that if you ask two Israelis or two Palestinians their opinion on any subject you’re likely to get at least three different answers. Such is the controversy and complexity that surrounds this region, and it is seemingly impossible to refer to the region without making some sort of political statement. The British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office refer to the region separately as “Israel” and “The Occupied Palestinian Territories” while others, including many media outlets, refer to the non-Israel areas as “Palestine”, a name that has been in use for centuries and is recognised by approximately three-quarters of the world’s countries. At Wild Frontiers we consider ourselves engaged in the issues but ultimately apolitical, and have chosen to refer to the region as “Israel & Palestine” to reflect the cultural focus of our trips rather than to assert any geo-political statement.
Start your journey
HIGHLIGHTS OF ISRAEL & PALESTINE
BEST EXPERIENCES
Visit the Wailing Wall
Considered the holiest of all Jewish sites, the Wailing Wall became a place of pilgrimage for Jews to come and mourn their ancient loss. The Wall now functions as a open air synagogue and prayers written on paper can be found hidden in the cracks in the wall.
Enjoy Shabbat with a local family
In Jewish culture, Shabbat is a day of rest beginning on Friday evening when families come together to celebrate with a tasty, traditional meal. You'll have the unique opportunity to be welcomed to join Shabbat and get an insight of Jewish culture in Israel.
Visit the Church of Nativity
Undoubtedly the top attraction in Bethlehem, the Church of Nativity is the site believed to be the birthplace of Jesus of Nazarath. The church was built over the cave that marked Jesus’ birth is one of the oldest operating churches in the world.
Explore ancient Tel Akko
Discover the remains of the ancient city of Akko before it was resettled on what is now the "Old City". When multiple cities are built on top of each other, you can see how it looks over time by seeing the hill close by where a statue of Bonaparte sits atop.
Take a city bike ride
Tel Aviv is perfect for exploring by bicycle, giving you an alternative, carbon-free perspective of the city. Cycle through the streets alongside locals taking in the beachside promenade, spotting Bauhaus architecture and soaking up Israel's recent history.
Meet a settler of Efrat
Efrat is considered an illegal settlement under international law but this is contested by both the settlers and Israeli government. Take the chance to speak to one of the settlers who'll provide some insight into a contentious part of life in Isreal.
TOP PLACES TO VISIT
Akko
Akko is located on a peninsula jutting out into the Mediterranean, and is famous for its well-preserved city walls. The city offers layers of history, from the Romans to the Crusaders and the Ottomans,...
Bethlehem
The ‘little town’ of Bethlehem has attracted pilgrims from across the world for centuries, who believe it to be the birthplace of Jesus. However Bethlehem is also sacred to the Jewish faith as the birthplace ...
Jerusalem
Jerusalem is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating and spiritual places on Earth and is central to the three great monotheistic faiths. Watching Christians quietly praying in the Church of the Holy ...
Tel Aviv
OUR FAVOURITE PLACES TO STAY
Drisco Hotel, Tel Aviv
Drisco Hotel in Tel Aviv is a wonderfully restored property, with a history reaching back to 1866.The luxurious, boutique hotel boasts sophisticated interiors, hand-made artwork, modern facilities and…
Market House Hotel, Tel Aviv
The four-star boutique Market House can be found next-door to Jaffa’s historical clock tower right in the heart of ancient Jaffa, the oldest part of the city. The history of the area can even be…
The American Colony Hotel, Jerusalem
The American Colony Hotel is a five star hotel adorned with unique gardens and buildings paired with a rich history. The original building was inhabited by Horatio and Anna Spafford and their Christian…
The Scots Hotel, Tiberias
Only a few minutes’ walk from the Shores of Galilee is the boutique Scots Hotel. A grassy oasis surrounds the pool which leads out onto the beach, providing an atmosphere of calmness and tranquility.…
Villa Brown Boutique Hotel, Jerusalem
Villa Brown is part of Brown Hotels, representing unique, boutique luxury properties. Originally a 19th century villa, The Villa has been restored to its former majesty but with the addition of modern…
The Jaffa, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Tel Aviv
The Jaffa is a uniquely designed hotel perfectly located in the trendy, historic port area of Jaffa. The hotel has been created out of the restoration of a 19th century Neo-Classical building and is…
Dar Sitti Aziza, Bethlehem
Dar Sitti Aziza is a special property located just outside the Nativity Church. Literally translated as 'The House of my Grandmother Aziza', this property was once a family home dating back more than…Discover more
WHEN TO GO
Conditions can vary dramatically from region to region, but it’s generally accepted that the area has two seasons, winter when it is cold and rainy – even by our standard! And summer when it is hot and dry. Usually autumn / winters can be quite rainy; traditionally spring is seen as the best season to travel.
Meet the expert, Dan
Dan is our Middle East expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Daniel by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258
LGBTQIA+ Guidance
When planning to travel as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, there may be additional things you wish to consider doing, such as:
- Speaking to one of our travel experts for information about travelling in your chosen destination and local attitudes towards members of the LGBTQIA+ community
- Checking the Human Dignity Trust map of countries that criminalise LGBTQIA+ people, which highlights potentially dangerous regions and countries
- Checking the ‘Local laws and customs’ section of your country's official foreign travel advice page
- Looking for any updates for your desired destination on the Human Rights Watch LGBTQIA+ rights page
- Buying a recommended guidebook, as many include an LGBTQIA+ section and advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers
USEFUL INFORMATION
Health and Vaccinations
There are no mandatory immunisations for travellers to Israel & Palestinian Territories though you should be up-to-date with Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio and Hepatitis A. Please note we are not medical professionals and so we highly recommend you seek advice from your local GP or travel centre as to the correct immunisations and preventative treatments.
Currency
In Israel & Palestinian Territories the official unit of currency is the Shekel (NIS).
To check out the latest exchange rate for the places that you are visiting you can go to www.oanda.com.
Cultural Sensitivity
On our tours you will frequently interact with local people, each with their own distinct customs and traditions. We therefore ask you to be considerate and to treat them with respect. Your tour-leaders and guides will always be able to advise you accordingly.
Women should wear modest clothes, skirts or trousers which cover below the knee. In the religious buildings, women should cover their heads with a scarf or hat, while men should take their hats off.
Shabbat, or Jewish Sabbath, is a tradition in Israel. From Friday sunset to Saturday sunset every week, establishments will close, even in Tel Aviv. The holy day traditionally means any work involving vehicles and cooking is forbidden in order to switch off electricity. Although the atmosphere is calmer, you will struggle to find a taxi or mode of public transport. In the Arabic quarters of cities, life goes on as normal so you should be able to find an open restaurant or bar.
Language & Religion
Hebrew is the country’s official language, and almost the entire population speaks it either as native speakers or proficiently as a second language.
There is no other country in the world that has so much religious significance for so many people and religions. The main religions practiced are Judaism, Islam and Christianity, with a wealth of branches of these and other religions. Learning about their history is one of the most enriching experiences of travelling in the area.
Time
Israel & Palestinian Territories is 2 hours ahead of GMT.
A useful website to check the time zone differences is www.worldtimezone.com.
Food and drink
Israel & Palestine Territories are a real melting pot of different styles of food from the surrounding areas. From the Middle Eastern influence (falafel, humus, olives, kebab style meats and a wonderful selection of fruit) to oriental influences, and even some Eastern European cuisines that Jewish immigrants of Hungarian descent brought over with them. A real highlight is the Arab sweets and pastries soaked in honey.