Tailor-made Israel holidays

Due to the ongoing unrest in the region, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is currently advising against all but essential travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Vibrant and forward-thinking but with one foot rooted firmly in a truly fascinating past, Israel is a country that defies expectations. From the ancient wonders of Jerusalem to the vineyards of Galilee and the beaches of Tel Aviv, our tailor-made holidays take in the best of it. No matter where you choose to spend your time in Israel, our specialists are on hand to help you plan a trip to remember.

Israel's cultural riches

Travel into the heart of the Holy Land, home to sites of unmatched religious and historical significance; Nazareth and Bethlehem throb with pilgrims drawn to Christendom's holiest sites, while Jericho is both the oldest continually inhabited city on Earth and the lowest in the world, lying 260m below sea level. Meanwhile, the capital Tel Aviv is a diverse cultural mix, home to avant-garde galleries, hipster cafes, world-class nightlife and some of the best beaches in the Middle East, while the northern city of Haifa serves up spectacular coastal views and the beautiful Baha'i Gardens.

Nazareth, Israel

The Red Sea and Dead Sea

The popular port of Eilat on the Red Sea has glorious coral reefs fringed by fine beaches and is a perfect environment for diving, swimming, windsurfing and water-skiing. In contrast the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth at 400m below sea level, caters to tourists interested in its health and beauty benefits and the chance to float on its salt-rich waters.

Eilat, Israel

Wonders in the desert

While many travellers head for the cities and coast, Israel's interior is equally appealing. Explore the Negev Desert by camel or 4WD to see empty expanses of arid, stone-strewn wilderness. Or travel to Wadi Qelt, where a natural spring, nature reserve and the ancient monastery of St George of Koziba await exploration. Then, in the south, the great Roman site of Masada is truly spectacular, with immense fortifications, and the site of King Herod's Palace, built atop a vast plateau with views stretching across the desert and the Dead Sea.

Masada Palace, southern Israel

Israel & the Mediterranean on Celebrity Apex

13-day ocean cruise from £2,220 pp incl. flights

Contrast the UNESCO-listed gems of Rome and Athens with the religious sites of Israel's Holy Land on this in-depth exploration of some of Europe's most ancient and historically important cities.

Discover Israel with a private guide

8-day tailor-made journey from £3,395 pp incl. flights

Spend a memorable week in the company of an expert guide, who’ll help showcase the very best of Israel’s history, cultural and natural world.

Israel articles

9 of the Best Souks & Markets in the Middle East and Africa

For many visitors to the Middle East and North Africa, it's the local markets that provide the real attraction (or distraction, depending on how you see it). From Istanbul's Golden Horn to the shores of the Gulf and beyond, here's a selection of the best.