It has made such an enormous impact on Western civilization that it’s hard to fathom how small Jerusalem actually once was. According to archeological evidence, over 5,000 years ago a first settlement was established near Gihon Spring, northeast of the Old City of Jerusalem. Located in the Kidron Valley, the Gihon Spring made human settlement possible in ancient Jerusalem, providing both drinking water and irrigation for the adjacent valley. It was the main source of water for the Jerusalem of King David, who captured the city from the Jebusites in the 10th century B.C.E. Most scholars believe ..read more

There have been many words of wisdom when it comes to what to bring on a vacation, but when packing for Israel, one valuable tip is to lay out all your clothing items, and then choose the ones that make you feel most confident and joyful, then half it. Of course, much depends on whether you are travelling with the family, friends or solo, with or without children, but the golden rule applies. Cover the essentials, leave space for memories and pockets for souvenirs. The Basics: Essential Items for Every TravelerWherever you go in the world these days, you have to start with the three Ps: Paperw ..read more

Visitors to Israel inevitably gravitate towards the life force of Tel Aviv, the awe-inspiring spirituality of Jerusalem, the eclectic feel of Haifa or the stunning natural wonders of Eilat, but the city of Nazareth is a charming mix of religion, faith and archeology, with a modern twist, all under an hour from Haifa. Where is modern-day Nazareth located? Surrounded by hills and valleys in northern Israel, modern-day Nazareth lies in the Lower Galilee, about 25 km west of the Sea of Galilee and 9 km from the city of Tiberias. Home to a significant Arab Christian population, as well as a Muslim ..read more

Kids often learn more on a family trip to somewhere new than in a classroom, and youthful Tel Aviv is an education all on its own. With a huge range of activities catering to the most energetic toddlers and the moodiest of teenagers, there is something novel to impress, thrill and inspire everyone on a family holiday in Tel Aviv. Teenagers can try their hand at surfing, paddleboarding and volleyball along many of the city’s Mediterranean beaches, while younger children have numerous parks and playgrounds dotted around, as well as interactive museums where they can make new discoveries, at thei ..read more

The journey of a thousand miles may begin with a single step, according to the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu back in the 6th century BC, but today, for getting around in Israel – a country the size of New Jersey – all you need is a few apps, a Rav-Kav travel card, and ‘some’ patience. With just six hours between the northern town of Metula and the southern Red Sea city of Eilat, and 3 hours between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordanian border, to the east, Israel transportation – particularly buses and trains – plays a crucial role. While getting to landmark tourist attractions in the major ci ..read more

Welcome to Tel Aviv! This vibrant city is Israel’s beating heart, where history, culture, and the contemporary world come together in a beautiful blend. Let’s get you moving around the city like a true Tel Avivian… Tel Aviv has something for everyone. So, grab your “Rav-Kav” smart card, download your favorite transportation app, and let’s start exploring! This guide will help you navigate Tel Aviv’s public transport system, from buses and trains to bikes and scooters, ensuring you make the most of your visit. And if you’re staying at one of the Dan Hotels, our concierge team is always ready to ..read more

When you have 24-karat gold, you have pure gold in its most valuable and precious form. Widely referred to as the city of gold, Jerusalem never stops shining as a mecca of the ancient and the modern, blending an incomparable history with an often surprising contemporary and vibrant cultural scene. With so much to absorb and just two days to do it, you won’t want the key highlights to pass you by. In this blog, we have devised an itinerary to give you the best experience of two days in Jerusalem, whose flagship and off-the-beaten-path attractions also lie all within reach of the four splendidly ..read more

Featuring kilometers of beautiful Mediterranean beaches, 300+ sunny days a year, top-shelf cuisine, internationally recognized museums, architecture, art, and welcoming locals, Tel Aviv is not like any other city on the planet. Yet, there’s so much more to absorb in this city that never sleeps! An exciting art scene, internationally renowned architecture, top notch restaurants and bars, as well as friendly locals, excellent transport links and more. With so many urban adventures at your feet, deciding which attractions to visit, and in what order, can be a tall order. That’s where this 3-day T ..read more

Standing at the crossroads of the ancient and the modern, few cities around the world can realistically claim to match the marvel that is Jerusalem. With thousands of years of history beneath your feet and above your head, it’s a must-see destination for any world traveller. Its sheer number of historic, and religious sites across Judaism, Christianity and Islam is unrivalled, while each neighborhood has its own distinct character and cultural attractions, making it challenging to narrow down activities for your stay. Here, we set out a full itinerary for three days in Jerusalem, all convenien ..read more

From the street’s vibrant cafés and Mediterranean beaches to the tops of the Bauhaus buildings dotted around, there is no city that screams “Live life!” more than Tel Aviv. So much so, it recently left a huge imprint on singer Robbie Williams and Guns and Roses who performed concerts in the immense Hayarkon Park. Should you find yourself on a short visit to this enchanting and raucous city, we have created an itinerary packed with the city’s must-sees, so you get the best experience of two days in Tel Aviv. With an unrivaled crop of historic and cultural attractions, first-rate Israeli, Ethiop ..read more