The Most Popular Travel Destinations In Israel

Many people make the most out of their time off work and school by traveling to the different places that would let them experience the beauty of the world. There are those who embark on such travel packages as European expeditions, Asian tours and Mediterranean cruises, to name a few. Each new place they visit etches a deep memory in their minds and touches their hearts. However, there is one travel experience that will truly alter their lives in one way or another.

Christian tours to Israel offer a life-changing experience that will surely ignite the Christian faith of everyone who participates in them. Not only do Christian tours to Israel enhance one's knowledge of the holy book, but also strengthen his or her spirituality. These tours offer private tour guides and are designed to fortify the foundations of the participants' Christian faith while they enjoy a truly unforgettable travel experience.

Christian group tours of Israel make stories we have read in the Bible and heard of in the homilies during mass more real. They are great for the individuals who feel alone, are in the quest for answers and meaning, lost and wish to communicate with God. They are also popular among those who want to renew their faith, attend and serve in the church, and constantly listen to the good news of the Lord.

The places included in the itineraries of the tours offered will definitely cause every participant to have a deeper reflection of their Christian faith. The list below shows the destinations in Israel that are worth-visiting. 1. Jerusalem - A trip to Israel is never complete without a visit to Jerusalem. It is the most popular city in the country. The guided tours allow you to have a spectacular view as well as a great insight of the Old and New Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives.

The Western Wall, which is considered the holiest site in Jerusalem, is also a place you can visit. It is located in the Jewish Quarter. Golgotha, the place near the location where Jesus was crucified, is one of the places in Jerusalem that every traveler should not miss. Other popular spots in Jerusalem that you should visit are the Christian Quarter through the Via Dolorosa, Church of the Holy Sepulture, Cardo (the old Roman market), the Holocaust memorial museum called the Yad Vashem, Temple Mount, Hezekiah's Tunnel, Dome of the Rock, King David's tomb, the Last Supper and the Dormition Abbey. 2. Nazareth - As we all know, Nazareth is the birthplace of Jesus, which makes this part of your Israel trip one of the most spiritual trips you will ever have in your entire life. The best places to visit in Nazareth are the Church of Annunciation, Joseph's workshop and the Nazareth Synagogue. 3. Galilee - Perhaps one of the most moving stories in the Bible is the story where Jesus walked on water. See the vast Sea of Galilee as you cross above it via cable car. 4. The Dead Sea - Driving through the coast of the Dead Sea with the picturesque view of the Judean Desert alone makes this trip so worth it. Meals are served at Abraham's tent. Maximize the break time given during the tour. Swim in the Dead Sea and float effortlessly on its salt concentrated waters. The Dead Sea Resort is also there for you to check into. They offer a very relaxing and healing mud treatment. 5. Masada - Another way to see the Dead Sea from a close distance is through Masada. Visit the richness of the very impressive world heritage Herodes palace. Despite all the things we hear from the international news channels today, Israel remains to be one of the most sacred places on earth. It is the center of three major religions - Judaism, Islam and Christianity. The destinations mentioned above are just some of the holiest places in the world. Going to these places that every Christian know by heart is a truly extraordinary experience. Israel gives you the opportunity to have a taste of the Bible's richness and reality. After having explored Israel, you will never read the Bible and listen to homilies the same way again as you have already gained a fuller understanding of the good news from your Israel travel experience.

Author : Tomer Harel

About the Author :
Looking for life-changing Christian tours to Israel? Get ready to see the Biblical sites with your own eyes. Join our Christian group tours of Israel and follow the footsteps of Jesus Christ.

Read more!

10 Things You Have to Know if You Want Lodging in Italy Without Spending a Fortune

Almost everyone is feeling an economic pinch in the current economy. This may suppress your travel fund, but it does not suppress the desire to do the traveling. So how can you make the most of the situation; maximum fun, minimum spending and bringing home photos of Italy to make all your friends jealous? Because Italy is so tourist oriented the options are numerous here; whether you are in quest of a holiday apartment in Venice, a cheap hotel in Milan or a budget accommodation in Siena; you will find something to make you happy. And there are ways to come back with a few euro still in your pocket.

1.Peak season versus low season - spring and summer are peak season and if you can time your trip to be just outside of those seasons your accommodations can sometimes be up to half off. Certain cities also have small peak periods that push prices through the roof, Venice for Carnivale, Milan for Fashion Week and Siena for Palio are definite budget-busters.

2.Timing of your reservation - both extremes work here. Six months in advance or two days before get you the best prices. A deposit keeps a hotels
cash flow going and a last-minute reservation saves an owner from an empty hotel room.

3.Choosing the least amount of accommodation you need - unless you are on your honeymoon, chances are very little of your time will be spent in your hotel room. There is just too much to see. If you are in Italy for the beauty of the gondolas and canals and food it's better to find a cheap bed and breakfast in Venice instead of spending money on a hotel you only use for sleeping.

4.Use care in the choice of location - in Italy the public transportation is much better than most US cities, you can get virtually anywhere from anywhere with minimal expense and time. Choosing a 3 star hotel in the center of Milan will put you near transportation that can take you through most of Northern Italy in about 2 hours.

5.Booking - If you spend a little extra time booking you can save big. Using the huge assortment of travel sites or clicking on your Skype and calling Italy, checking the options of booking either with or without flight will show you just how big a difference a little extra time can make.

6.To avoid nasty checkout surprises - always verify prior if tax/IVA is included and if the rate is for the room or if there is a per person charge. If you are in a quiet little Siena holiday farmhouse this most likely won't be an issue, but in many midsized hotel it can add 50% to your bill.

7.More than two people - If there are more than two people it can actually cost less per person to rent a suite style room or family style room instead of two double rooms, especially if tip 6 is followed.

8.Comparing transportation costs - sometimes spending just a touch more on your hotel can save you a lot. Buses and trains through all of Italy are a good value, but the cost of taxis can be outlandish.

9.Weekday versus weekend - like most areas finding a good deal is easier midweek. Also many hotels and websites offer deals such as 5th night is free, take advantage of this.

10. Buy a little snack food - the mini-bar is all to tempting at midnight or 2 in the morning.

Italy is one of the top travel destinations in the world. Crisis or no financial crisis. Some of the most beautiful cities on the planet beckon. Whether you chose to return from a day in the canals to a bed and breakfast in San Marco, Venice; return from a day of shopping and people watching to a budget hotel in Milan; or relax all day sipping wine in a Siena holiday farmhouse; it will be an unforgettable journey.

Author : Maria Luce Cardelli

About the Author :

Maria Luce Cardelli is the founder of http://www.expertlodging.com, a really useful resource to find accommodation in Siena Italy and other beautiful cities: b&b in Venice Italy, budget hotels in Milan.

Read more!

Florence Italy

Florence Italy is in Tuscany area about midway between Rome to the South and Milan to the north. During Renaissance, Florence was a center of politics, art, and intellectual thought. City is a biggest tourist attraction in region with lots to places sees. City is small to walk to the places, however offers many attractions to keep you motivated for weeks. A great place to visit and have a good time with. The accommodation is very good and is a pleasure to be in this place as it is one beautiful.

Large airport & train station in region makes traveling in the region or else out of this country easy. With the public transportation & most attractions in walking distance, Florence vehicle rental might not be essential.

Everybody in a region talks in Italian, but some people speak English as well. It is good idea to have knowledge of the Italian language while visiting this area. In case you do not speak Italian, then think of buying phrase book with the common phrases in Italian language to help you converse when staying in this area.

Early Autumn & Spring are best times to go to Florence and this is considered to be best tourist season, however is not overcrowded. Summer is a busiest season & you must expect crowds in case you select to travel at this particular time. Later autumn generally tends to be very chilly & can be rainy. Still it is warm enough to go and crowds may have disappeared by that time.

Sightseeing in Florence Italy

Casa di Dante is a home of famous author The Divine Comedy. House is the tourist attraction as well as is situated in medieval section of this city.

Baptistry of John Baptist is the ornate church, which was built in 11th century

Church of San Lorenzo is a religious structure very old in Florence and it was built before year 400.

Dining in Florence is wonderful, with a wide range of restaurants all through the city. You may get chance to try Florence Italy recipes that use freshest ingredients. In case you rent villas and apartments in Florence, then you might want to try some of these in your kitchen with ingredients bought at local market.

Renting apartment, whether it is your first or tenth, is big step. Whenever you sign lease, you are signing legal document & you are responsible for all terms and requirements that are laid out in that. Renting apartment goes further paying your rent every month as well as includes knowing your rights & responsibilities as tenant. Keep reading and learn essentials of what you have to know before you sign the lease.

You Can Negotiate

Irrespective of whether it is renter or owner's market, you may negotiate on lease. No matter whether you are asking for an access to parking, or asking that rent raises be limited to five percent each year or negotiating reduced security deposit, and it is all possible.

Author : Giuseppe Urso

About the Author :

Florence Escape offers a wide selection of alternative hotels.

Read more!

Six of the Best European Walking Holidays

Europe is blessed with some of the finest walking country in the world, and millions of people travel to the great valleys and mountain ranges on the continent every year. Of course, great trekking isn't confined to the continent - there's plenty of outstanding walking to be done in the UK, with the Scottish Highlands, Snowdonia, the Lake District and the Peak District offering spectacular peaks to climb and routes to traverse. But if you are itching to leave the familiar behind and experience some of Europe's finest scenery, here are six of the best routes and destinations for walking holidays in Continental Europe...

Le Tour Du Mont Blanc

Le Tour Du Mont Blanc is a truly stunning walking holiday, an epic 100 mile circumnavigation of the Mont Blanc Massif. It is one of the most famous and popular walks in Europe, taking in high mountain passes, dramatic valley walking and some truly stunning vistas of the major peaks whilst enjoying the hospitality of the Alpine huts along the way. It typically takes two weeks to walk, and while not technically challenging it does demand a good level of fitness and mountain walking experience.

The Haute Route

The other classic route through the Alps, The Haute Route (or "High Route"), stretches from Chamonix to Zermatt, beginning in the shadow on Mont Blanc and ending at the foot of the Matterhorn. With many climbs to high passes it isn't for the fainthearted or inexperienced, but it is one of the most challenging and exciting European trekking holidays. Alternate routes that avoid the glacier crossings are also available.

The Lycian Way

For those who prefer coasts and culture to high mountain adventure, the Lycian Way in Turkey is the perfect walking holiday. This coastal route runs from Fethiye to Antalya, and offers a splendid mixture of beautiful landscapes (cedar forests, pasturelands, and rocky mountain routes) and ancient archaeological sites, including the sunken city at Kekova.

The Dordogne Valley

Located in the South West of France, the Dordogne valley is one of France's national treasures, and is home to one of the country's great walking holidays. The valley is rich in natural splendour, with forests, limestone cliffs and the great river of the Dordogne itself, and the region is peppered with charming traditional towns and medieval castles. There are also many old cave paintings and prehistoric sites in the Dordogne, along with an excellent museum in Les Eyzies.

The Dolomites

While the Alps may be the most famous mountain range for walking holidays, the Dolomites offer a completely different experience - dramatic limestone pillars, glaciers and lunar plateaux stand above rolling meadows filled with wild flowers, and the many routes in and around the Dolomites provide some of the best unspoilt walking to be had in Europe.

The Mountains of Sardinia

Known as "the land of silence", the Italian island of Sardinia offers some of the most remote and peaceful routes for a European walking holiday. The ancient mountain ranges in the north of the island offer visitors stunning walking through the gorges and ridges, as well as the chance to see prehistoric monuments of the Nuraghi people. The perfect weather, friendly island culture, and stunning scenery make Sardinia an ideal destination for a relaxing walking holiday.

Author : Tony Maniscalco

About the Author :

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Ramblers Worldwide have been operating since 1946 and now offer over 250 holidays in more than 70 different countries. They are dedicated to providing the very finest walking holidays at the best value prices.

Read more!

Top 10 Attractions in Spain

Don't Let One Pass You By!

When you look at a country such as Spain, it's difficult to narrow down all of the attractions and experiences to the top ten. However, here are the top ten attractions in Spain that we think you shouldn't miss.

1. Museo del Prado in Madrid

The Prado is considered to be the world's most premier art museum. With some 4,000 masterpieces, you can explore the history of Spain and the art movement all under one roof. Many of these art featured in the museum was acquired by the kings of Spain and include the works of the masters including Goya, Caravaggio, Fra Angelico, Botticelli and Hieronymus Bosch.

2. La Alhambra in Granada

La Alhambra is a Moorish fortified palace. The palace complex is vast and occupies a large portion of the city. Be sure to plan an entire day for exploring the grounds. If you're visiting in the summer, be certain to purchase your tickets well in advance. La Alhambra is considered to be one of the greatest representations of Islamic art and architecture. The La Alhambra provides a variety of sights within itself including the Alcazaba, the palace's fortress that offers spectacular views of the city.

3. Sagrada Familia, Barcelona

The Sagrada Familia is Gaudi's unfinished cathedral. Work began on the cathedral in 1882 and two years later the architect resigned. Gaudi secured the commission to complete the cathedral and he secluded himself on site to work on it. He lived and worked on the cathedral until he died in 1926 and the cathedral was never finished. The building features Gaudi's transformed Gothic style including sidewalls, vaults and piers. In 1979, work was started on the cathedral to complete it as Gaudi himself would have.

4. The Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao

Experience the design of Frank O. Ghery at the Guggenheim in Bilbao. The museum opened its doors to the public in October of 1997 and is considered one of the most significant architectural structures of the 20th century.

5. Cordoba and the Mezquita

Founded by the Romans, the city of Cordoba features a variety of treasures including a mosque-cathedral, the Calahorra Fort, and the Jewish Synagogue, which is now a museum. You also want to check out the medieval quarter of La Juderia.

6. The Running of the Bulls, Pamplona

It's not recommended that you run with the bulls yourself, but definitely have fun watching others do it! This is one of the most famous festivals in Spain, but do go with caution, because it's not only the runners that have been injured.

7. Las Ramblas, Barcelona

The Las Ramblas is just for pedestrians and offers outdoor markets, shops, cafes and restaurants. You can spend the entire day strolling and looking for hidden treasures and sampling all of the great cuisine that Spain has to offer. Don't forget to hit the tascas for some tapas.

8. Experience the Art of Salvador Dali, Figueres

Salvador Dali is one of the most beloved painters in the world. Experience his mausoleum and museum; it's one of the highlights of northern Spain.

9. Ronda

Driving through the Andalucian mountains, you'll upon Ronda. This little town is set atop a huge cliff and features a magnificent bridge that spans a gorge between new and old Ronda. You can also find the oldest bullfighting ring in Spain and roman baths.

10. The Food

You've simply not seen everything in Spain without enjoying the cuisine of the country. No matter which city or town you'll visit, you're going to find a new style of cuisine to try. Take your time and try them all from the ensaimada and tapas to the coffee and paella.

Author : Nicholas Muyonjo

About the Author :
For more complete information about Spain, Visit our travel guide to Spain. We carry a lot of useful information about Barcelona, Mallorca, Madrid, and other major cities in Spain. Visit us today and bookmark us for your return visits.

Read more!