Israel & Jerusalem

JUST BACK FROM... The highlight: Seeing the rich history, culture and diversity of the Abrahamic religions in the Old City of Jerusalem. Must see: The Western Wall – sometimes called the ‘Wailing Wall’ – at the Temple Mount is a Jewish site of pilgrimage, and an opportunity to put pen to paper with a global peace prayer, which is then folded and placed in one of the cracks in the wall. Top tip: At the top of the Carmelite Monastery of Mukhraka, just outside the coastal city of Haifa on the Horn of Carmel, there’s a panoramic viewpoint offering breathtaking vistas. Cautionary tale: Some airlines flying into Tel Aviv have strict security protocols, so be prepared to answer lots of questions before check-in, and be aware that queues for busy flights can be long. I wish I’d known... Tel Aviv is said to be the most vegan/vegetarian city in the world. It’s a modern, arty metropolis where you can eat healthily among some unique architecture. Sunsetfriendly Tel Aviv beach is also an ideal place to chill out for a few days before heading home. Anything else? No visit to Israel is complete without experiencing a kibbutz (collective community). I’d recommend visiting Kibbutz Amiad, near the Sea of Galilee – it’s one of the oldest, founded in 1946.

wanderlust.co.uk

Just got back from somewhere amazing? Visit wanderlust.co.uk or email us at fromtheroad@wanderlust.co.uk

Reader Navin Kukadia visits northern Israel and the Holy City, exploring a land packed with ancient (and modern) sights