Israel: 3 adventure activities
Israel: 3 adventure activities
DIVE INTO THE RED SEA
Each day's majestic sunrise and sunset behind the mountains is just the beginning of what the Red Sea resort destination of Eilat has to offer. Israel's southernmost town is the place to go for an underwater experience on par with many of the world's top diving sites.
The reef here, with its veritable mazes and canyons, is home to over 270 species of coral, among which are numerous small habitats that contain over 2500 species of marine life – some of them unique to the Red Sea. These include sea turtles, sea anemones, a host of tropical fish and even several types of dolphin. Outside the reserve there are several other diving sites including one known as the eel garden, where divers can watch a forest of eels standing upright in the current. Israel-based operator U-Dive offers a range of PADI-certified diving courses. An introductory dive is priced from 220 Israeli shekalim ($57).
CYCLE THROUGH THE NEGEV
Over half of Israel's land area, in the country's southern region, is taken up by the Negev Desert. While sparsely populated due to its barren and desolate landscape, this is a fascinating region to explore on two wheels, with its archaeological and cultural sites as well as the occasional oasis and local wildlife.
Cyclists will also have the chance to explore the mighty Ramon Crater – the remains of a giant sandstone mountain – where the locals love to go "snappling" (abseiling) down the cliff face. Tour Plan Israel offers the 19km guided cycling trip On the Crater's Rim, which departs from Mitzpe Ramon, where participants will enjoy outstanding views of crater. They'll also cycle along the dry riverbed of Nahal Hava, exploring its unique desert flora, fauna and geological formations. The trip takes around three hours and costs $US75 ($72).
HIKE TO NIMROD FORTRESS
It's one of the most beautiful fortresses in the Middle East – author Mark Twain even described it as "probably the most exquisite ruins in the world" when he paid a visit. Curious visitors will have to decide for themselves when they visit this structure, which is the remnants of a Muslim construction over a medieval Crusader fortress built in 1229. Located in the centre of Nimrod Fortress National Park in the northern part of the Golan Heights, it contains wide halls, hidden passageways, watchtowers, the remains of stairs spiralling to the top of a tower and even a prison. The entrance fee to Nimrod Fortress is around 20 Israeli shekalim ($5).
HOT OFF THE PRESS
In the latest product news for the country, the Israel Travel Centre has several first time itineraries for 2012, such as the eight-day Pilgrimage to the Holy Land, where Catholic pilgrim groups follow in the footsteps of the Bible, visiting iconic holy sites at Bethlehem, Nazareth, Jericho and Jerusalem. Other additions include a four-day Christmas in Bethlehem Tour and the opportunity to stay at Kibbutz Ein Ged, overlooking the Dead Sea, with its famous therapeutic black mud.
Meanwhile, Greece and Mediterranean Travel Centre has introduced a new Catholic Pilgrimage to the Holy Land package – an eight-day itinerary visiting spots including Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Jericho, Nazareth, Tiberias and Mount Tabor.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
israelLatest News
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!
Globally-renowned chefs gather for Vivid Food 2024
As a human, we agree that food is a fundamental part of the human experience. Some might say the most fundamental.
Air New Zealand returns to Hobart and Seoul
If you notice an uptick in Kiwis making their way through the Mona, you know why.
European Waterways targets multi-generational families with ‘floating villa’ deal
The jury is still out on whether spending a week on a 'floating villa' with family is a hell or a paradise.
Luxury Escapes launches ‘sail away’ sale
Rest assured, you'll be getting your 'sails' and 'sales' mixed up for the rest of the day.
Rex-owned National Jet Express adds weekly charter between Brisbane and Orange
This is for mining and civil contractors, so please, put your holiday attire away.
Let the games begin. Viking introduces eye-watering benefits for the industry’s top 10 advisors
Did someone say 'trip to Venice'? Hold my coat, this one is far too good to miss!
Best friends or frenemies? What is the REAL relationship between sales and marketing?
We can all stop fighting over the corner office because our mothers were right - we are all important in our own way.
The Walshe Group Announces Two Key Appointments
What we really want to know is whether they got joint or separate welcome parties.
FAMIL: Agents explore the delights of Mauritius on 7-day tour
Go green with envy as you read this fabulous itinerary! Time to book that second honeymoon.
Hamad International recognised as world’s best airport at 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards
Hamad airport is so good it is almost considered a destination in itself. Ballina, up your game.
Saudi Arabia highlights tourism investment opportunities at global investment event
Now is the time to start looking at Saudi Arabia if you are not already. There's big things to come.
“Rampant” – Aussies warned as dengue fever cases spike in Bali
Worried about Bali belly? Now you have something else to worry about.
TTC Tour Brand reveals slew of deals across operators including Trafalgar and Contiki
Everybody loves a bargain and you could do lot a lot worse than check out these deals from TTC!
Fiji Airways partners with Porter Airlines in US growth bid
Any initiative that gets more people visiting the delights of Fiji is a good initiative.
Flight Centre launches CruiseHQ – a marketplace exclusively for agents
The cruise industry has surpassed pre-Covid levels so this isn't one to miss!
Feeling festive? Wendy Wu tours unwraps Christmas collection
Get the Christmas hols booked now and avoid spending it with that elderly relative with dubious political views.
OPINION: In a world of screens, we crave experience
If you get feelings of deep shame and regret when you see your screen time, don't worry - you're not alone.
Sun Princess: High-end dining and world class entertainment awaits
If you are a foodie and you are not currently on the Sun Princess, we really have to ask - what are you doing?
YouGov: 2 in 5 Aussies would pay more for a sustainable hotel
If you want to be REALLY sustainable you can go camping. You just might lose the will to live.
“Can planes swim?” – Planes become boats as Dubai Airport is savaged by severe storm
Unfortunately, "can planes swim?" is a real life question and not an opener to a really bad joke...
Explora journeys reveals bespoke outdoor furniture designed by Matteo Nunziati
This is making your plastic table and chairs look really bad now, isn't it?
Bangkok Airways targets growth with renewed Sabre deal
Two stories abut Sabre's growth in one week and its only Wednesday! Watchout world.
PR agency Example wins pitch for InterContinental Sydney
We also went in for the contract but they said that a 'Be Our Guest'- themed TikTok was unoriginal! The cheek.
Norwegian Cruise Line reveals culinary experience aboard Norwegian Aqua
Once again, this TW journalist REALLY regrets writing this before getting lunch.
Signature Queensland hosts luxury tourism event
Known for its tropical beaches and unique wildlife, Queensland also offers luxury.
Capella Sydney recognised in prestigious Travel + Leisure’s 2024 ‘it list’ of best new hotels
You know that 'it girl' at school who everyone wanted to hang out with? Capella is the hotel version of that.
Rex launches 72-hour fare sale with NO school holiday blackout so you can take your kids (if you want to)
Sadly, leaving your children at home whilst you go on holiday is generally frowned upon.
Adventure World offers chance to connect with “heart and soul” of the US
I mean who hasn't dreamed of a road trip around the US?! Go with Adventure World and you're less likely to get lost.
Fiji’s family-owned luxury resort Likuliku Lagoon launches its own app
We were relieved to find out that having a "concierge in your pocket" referred to an app on your phone.
Hawaii: The US’ laid-back front door for Australians
If you needed another sign that you should definitely head to Hawaii - this is it!
Sabre targets Asia Pacific growth with latest hire
Call the Avengers! Sabre continues its bid for world domination with latest hire.
Air New Zealand signs its largest EVER deal for sustainable aviation fuel
Air New Zealand makes huge step towards sustainable travel. We bet it recycles its rubbish properly too.
IHG Hotels & Resorts continues regional growth with Sunshine Coast Holiday Inn
This Holiday Inn looks considerably flashier than some of the ones we have stayed at in our time.
Budget carrier Scoot welcomes first of 9 E190-E2 aircrafts
Here at TW we would like to offer Embraer E190-E2 a warm welcome! It's not easy being the first of the fleet.