Description
Book SynopsisThis new third edition of Bradt's Israel has been fully updated to reflect all the most recent changes and includes a comprehensive and detailed history section, plus improved maps and structural revisions to aid navigation. Israel is a land where three world religions - Judaism, Christianity and Islam - meet in stunning landscapes, where ancient architecture stands next to modern, where the fertile north spills into the arid southern desert and where the secular live alongside the devout. From its ancient history and the sacred Jewish, Christian and Muslim sites of Jerusalem, to modern Tel Aviv with its trendy districts, countless museums and bustling markets, Israel has a lot more to offer than meets the eye. In Bradt's Israel you'll find tips on the top hotels and restaurants, details of local wines, fascinating hiking routes, plus all the information to get the best from Israel's range of attractions. Each town shows the vast diversity of culture and traditions. Jerusalem offers an insight into the history of one of the world's most poignant cities, whilst Tel Aviv is awash with boulevards and epitomises modernity. In turn Haifa is a true seaside gem, with its striking Baha'i Persian gardens, whilst Nazareth is the throbbing heart of Arab hospitality and warmth. From archaeological remains of Crusader castles and Roman cities, scuba diving off Eilat's coast, marvelling at the mountainous Golan Heights to floating in the Dead Sea and discovering cool wadis and thermal baths, Bradt's Israel is the perfect travelling companion, enlightening and enhancing every trip.
Trade Review"Among the many good guidebooks, the Bradt Guide to Israel by Samantha Wilson is well written and useful." Simon Calder - The Independent 'Bradt's new guidebook doesn't claim to offer an alternative 'roadmap' to Middle-East harmony but it does inform and will certainly enrich any visit to the world's most complex religio-political destination.' Travel Media 'Although the first [edition] was produced only two years ago, this updated version includes fresh information on eating places and hotels and in typical Bradt style features a wealth of useful material on everything from single words and phrases, to a potted history and touring essentials.' .... Samantha Wilson has included most of what not only the first time traveller but the seasoned visitor to Israel might need to know about the country. Jewish Telegraph Recommended reading by National Geographic Traveller
Table of ContentsIntroduction PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION Chapter 1 Background Information Geography and conservation, Climate, History, Government and politics, Economy, People, Language, Religion, Education, Culture, entertainment and sport Chapter 2 Practical Information When to visit, Highlights, Suggested itineraries, Public holidays and festivals, Tourist information and tour operators, Red tape, Getting there and away, Health, Safety, What to take, Money, banking and budgeting, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Shopping, Media and communications, Buying property, Cultural etiquette, Business etiquette, Travelling positively PART TWO THE GUIDE Chapter 3 Jerusalem History, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment and nightlife, Shopping and souvenirs, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Around Jerusalem Chapter 4 Tel Aviv and Jaffa Tel Aviv, Jaffa and around Chapter 5 Mediterranean Coast Nahariya, Around Nahariya, Acre, Around Acre, Haifa, Mount Carmel, Zichron Yaakov, Caesarea, Herzliya Chapter 6 Lower Galilee Nazareth, Around Nazareth, Tiberias, The Sea of Galilee (Lake Kinneret), Around Tiberias and the Sea of Galilee Chapter 7 Upper Galilee Safed, Rosh Pina, Travelling westwards from Safed and Rosh Pina, Travelling eastwards from Safed and Rosh Pina, Kiryat Shmona, Around Kiryat Shmona, Metulla Chapter 8 The Golan Heights History, Orientation, Katzrin, Around Katzrin, Ramot, Around Ramot, Mount Bental and Kibbutz Merom Golan, Mount Hermon, Southwards from Mount Hermon Chapter 9 The Negev Desert Beersheba, Sde Boker and around, Mitzpe Ramon Chapter 10 The Dead Sea and the Judean Desert Geography and geology, Getting there and orientation, Ein Gedi, Masada, Ein Bokek, Valley of Sodom, Arad Chapter 11 The Arava Desert and Eilat The Arava Desert, Eilat Appendix 1 Language Appendix 2 Glossary Appendix 3 Further Information
