DISCOVER ISRAEL

Regarded by many as the Holy Land, Israel is a remarkable, fascinating and controversial country. The history of Israel may be traced back to 2000 BC, though the earliest recorded event derives from the era of Moses (around 1300 BC) when elements of the tribes of Israel escaped to Palestine from serfdom in the eastern Nile Delta.

Although visitors are advised to check official government advice before travelling to the Palestinian National Authority Region or to Jerusalem, owing to political tension, Israel is a world-class destination which offers numerous cultural and religious attractions, spas and enowned sea resorts - all within an atmosphere that combines the very ancient with the ultra high-tech. The Dead Sea is a very popular attraction. An inland lake lying in the lower Jordan Valley, flanked by the Judean and Moab Mountains, it has minerals and high salt content renowned worldwide for their health-giving properties.

Israel's Mediterranean Coast a major tourist attraction features the following cities and resorts.  From the Rosh Hanikra grottoes in the North; (and moving southwards): the resort city of Nahariya; the walled Crusader city of Acre; Haifa; Caesarea, a Roman and (later) Crusader city, site of a reconstructed Roman amphitheatre and home of lsrael's only 18-hole golf course; Netanya, one of lsrael's major seaside resorts; Herzliya; with its new marina and deluxe hotels; Tel Aviv-Jaffa; Bat Yam and Ashkelon, two seaside resort cities.