Most Popular Tourist Destinations in the Holy Land of Israel

Israel is a land that offers a plethora of historical and religious sites, apart from the regular beach resorts and ecotourism that most people prefer. Israel, with its archaeological and heritage sites, has on offer, everything a tourist would want. There's history and geography, along with philosophy and religion, and there's also culture and tradition, not to forget Israeli cuisine. You would benefit if you kept aside the Israel-Palestinian conflict while planning a trip to this country, that is gaining significance for religious tourism.

In recent years, Israel has seen a steady influx of tourists from all over the world, thanks to the overwhelming response to the Holy Land packages that are on offer. Places like Jerusalem, Nazareth, and Caesarea, have turned into tourist hotspots in the recent past. There is lots to do, learn, and take back with you from a trip to Israel, and I am sure no one would like to just sit back and relax. Let's make a quick tour of this little country.

Christianity, Judaism, and Islam come together in the state capital, which is known for its religious tolerance. Known for its historical, archaeological, and religious attractions, Jerusalem is one of the oldest cities in the world. A visit to the Old City of Jerusalem in the east is a must. The city that is divided into four quarters: Armenian Quarter, Christian Quarter, Muslim Quarter, and Jewish Quarter, is home to several sites of religious importance for the Jews, Christians, and Muslims.

Located outside the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem lies the Garden Tomb on which Jesus' tomb lies. The rock-cut tomb, which is adjacent to Skull Hill or Calvary, is an integral part of the Holy Land Tour taken up by Christians the world over.

Regarded to be the most important Christian site in Jerusalem, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is believed to be the place where Jesus was crucified. The church forms the 14th post on the Via Dolorosa, and is lined with many smaller chapels belonging exclusively to specific denominations.

Located at the northwest corner of the Old City, the Tower of David contains important archaeological finds, dating back 2,700 years. It houses the Tower of David Museum, opened in 1989. You can even ascend to the rampart and enjoy a 360° view of Jerusalem.

The Western Wall or the Wailing Wall is located at the foot of the western side of the Temple Mount. Considered to be the closest permitted accessible site to the holiest spot in Judaism, it is venerated as a pilgrimage site by the Jews.

Located on the Temple Mount in the old City of Jerusalem is the Dome of the Rock, also known as Qubbat As-Sakhrah. The Muslims believe it to be the site of the Islamic miracle of the Isra and Miraj. Patterned after the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the Dome of the Rock is supposed to be the first great work of Islamic architecture. The Foundation Stone has its significance for the Jews, Christians, and Muslims.

Located on the eastern slopes of Jerusalem's mountains, and running adjacent to the Old City, is Mount of Olives. Used as a Jewish burial site, it houses an estimated 150,000 graves on the mount. At the foot of the mount lies the Garden of Gethsemane, featuring trees that are over 2,000 years old.

Located in the Kidron Valley on the eastern side of the Old City of Jerusalem is the tomb of Zechariah. It is a square monolith with a three-stepped base. The valley also contains the tombs of Absalom, Jehoshaphat, and Benei Hezir.

The Old City of Acre is situated in the Western Galilee region of northern Israel. Acre is a historic walled port-city that has been continuously inhabited. The remains of the town have been intact, both above and below the ground, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the Old City of Acre is the Khán-i-'Avámid or the Khan al-Umdan, an important trading spot since the Ottoman period. A major tourist attraction that is open all hours of the day, it has been converted into an open-air stage, to house the theater festival in the month of October.

Galilee is a large region in northern Israel, and is associated for the serene mountain scenery and the Sea of Galilee. Inextricably linked with the life of Jesus Christ, it is also home to two of Judaism's holy cities. Galilee is a popular tourist destination, especially among Christians, as many of the miracles of Jesus occurred here.

Safed is the highest city in Galilee and Israel, and is considered to be one of the Four Holy Cities of Judaism. It is a center of the Kabbalah, or Jewish mysticism, and is frequented by both Israelis and foreign visitors alike.

Lake Kinneret or the Sea of Galilee, as it is known, is the largest freshwater lake in Israel. Christ's sermon on the mount, calming the storm, and walking on water, are said to have been performed at this site.

The mountain is known for being the site of Jesus' famed sermon. Its unique combination of high and low altitudes, and a plateau-like valley, serves as a natural amphitheater that could easily accommodate the multitude that came to hear the sermon.

Located on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee is the church that commemorates Jesus' feeding of the 'Five Thousand'. It also holds the remains of a fifth-century church that stood in this place.

Built on the peak of Mount Tabor in Lower Galilee is the Church of the Transfiguration. Supposed to be the place where the famed Transfiguration of Christ took place, Mount of Tabor also houses an Orthodox church, and a cave on the northwestern side.

This place is said to be where the seed of Christianity was planted, and is supposedly the largest Christian sanctuary in the Middle East.

Located along the Jordan in the Galilee region of northern Israel is the Yardenit Baptismal Site, which is frequented by Christians. This site sees an average of 400,000 visitors each year.

Located on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee is one of the Four Holy Cities of Judaism. Visit the Hammat Tiberias Synagogue, a 4th century synagogue which contains the Torah shrine. Tiberias is supposedly the final resting place of many prominent Jewish rabbis and thinkers. Visit the 2,000-year-old Roman theater that was unearthed near Mount Bernike in the Tiberias hills. Brimming with history, this place attracts scores of travelers each year.

The largest city in northern Israel is located on the northern slope of Mount Carmel. Haifa is home to the Bahá'í World Center, and Matam, one of the oldest and largest high-tech parks in the country. A major seaport located on the Mediterranean coast, it is the major regional center of northern Israel.

Located in Haifa, the Bahá'í World Center comprises the Shrines of Bahá'u'lláh, Báb, and `Abdu'l-Bahá, other holy sites of the Bahá'í Faith in the area, and the buildings on the slope of Mt. Carmel.

Located near the city of Hadera is the town of Caesarea. The town served as a major social, political, and commercial center for the Romans. It is an extensive archaeological site visited by many tourists yearly. Visit the Caesarea National Park that preserves the Roman aqueduct, and standing Crusader balustrades and towers.

The Roman theater hosts concerts, entertainment extravaganzas, and the annual Caesarea Jazz and Opera festival.

Tel Aviv is the largest metropolitan area in Israel, and its second most populous city. Founded on the outskirts of the ancient port of Jaffa by the Jewish community, it is one of the tourist hotspots in Israel.

Located on the eastern edge of the Judean desert and overlooking the Dead Sea, Masada is Israel's most popular paid tourist attraction. The ancient fortress is popular for its unique geographical formation, and for the exhilarating hike that it provides.

The Dead Sea that lies in the Jordan Rift Valley, has attracted visitors from around the world for centuries. A visit to the Dead Sea is a must for a therapeutic experience.

Eilat, the southernmost city in Israel, is located at the northern tip of the Red Sea. Eilat is famous for its beautiful hotels, exciting nightlife, and desert landscape, that make it a favorable spot for international tourism.

Go scuba diving, and indulge in other water sports at Eilat. Explore the coral reefs, and visit the maritime museum at Eilat, to complete an adventurous holiday in Israel.

That pretty much sums up a tour of Israel. Most of the places are tourist hotspots, due to the emergence of Holy Land tours that are conducted the world over. Make the most of your trip to this land of the world's largest religions.