Our resident Gains Guru puts the action into ISRAEL and shares her top tips for taking both your mind and body on the tour of a lifetime…
Located in the space where Asia, Europe and Africa meet, Israel was once known as the centre of the world and could well be the perfect intersection between multifaceted history, spiritual essence, vibrant culture and, of course, culinary delight. From snowcapped peaks at one end through to the epic Negev desert crater and Mediterranean beaches – complete with stunning sunsets – all the way to the Dead Sea at the other end, there is so much to explore and something for every traveller’s taste. Here’s why this small country with a huge personality could be the bucket list item you never knew you needed.
ACTIVE ESCAPE
Hike Masada
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an ancient fortress occupying a breathtaking yet strategic location overlooking the Dead Sea. This mountain is not only one of the greatest archaeological sites in the world, but a significant symbol of determination and heroism telling the story of the 960 Jewish rebels’ last days at the cliff top before they chose to take their own lives rather than fall into the hands of the Romans. Take on the 434m ascent by trekking up the winding snake trail (don’t worry, there aren’t any snakes – only scorpions), and come down by admiring the view through the glass windows of the cable car, where you’ll appreciate the powerful drama and imagery that the landscape portrays. For an even more spectacular experience, set your alarm early and make the trip up to see the sun rise over the top of the ruins. If you’re into selfies, this is your moment.
Float The Dead Sea
At 423m below sea level, the Dead Sea is the lowest point on the surface of the earth and one of the most intriguing natural phenomena. With almost ten times more salt than ordinary seawater, this lake is a non-swimmer’s dream being that you cannot sink. It is also devoid of any marine life, so there is no chance of being eaten by sharks. The high salt and mineral content boasts powerful healing and anti-ageing properties, which means that this turquoise body of water is potentially the biggest free spa on Earth. All you need to do is slather your body in your mud pack, immerse yourself and get salty AF. One word of warning – avoid dunking your head because from experience, if you’re unlucky enough to get the salt in your eyes, you’ll have to wait for someone to lead you out of the water and into the shower on the shore.
Scale the Salt Wonder
AKA – I wonder why the f—k I’m doing this to myself! The Salt Caves of Mount Sodom are an extraordinary and rare underground geological anomaly: for the most part, they are made entirely of salt. If you went to Sunday School, you’ve most likely heard the famous biblical tale of Sodom and Gomorrah – two ancient cities destroyed by God for being too sinful. Well, if stepping backwards off a cliff face and rappelling 300 feet straight down into a black hole sounds like a “wicked” treat, then this is the adventure for you. Being that I’m an adrenaline junkie and avid horror movie watcher having to then belly crawl my way out of the mountain not only gave me an introduction to claustrophobia, but also to my new favourite word – spelunking (to explore caves).
Run Jerusalem: Yalla Yalla
East and West, past and present, heaven and earth: Jerusalem is a city that has it all, and these stones were definitely made for running. Even in the pouring rain. If you’re an Indiana Jones fan, you might remember a scene in Raiders of the Lost Ark where he and his enemies try to capture the lost Ark of the Covenant. Jones’ nemesis pats the Ark and turns to Indiana saying, “You and I are just passing through history. This is history.” And that pretty much sums it up. You’re travelling through thousands of years in just one run, and I couldn’t think of a more engaging way to learn. I’m just glad I was with a group because I would definitely have lost myself in the 1km labyrinthine maze of narrow alleys, overhead arches and ancient stone. The Old City is regarded as the holiest place in the world, and herein lies The Church Of The Holy Sepulchre – recognised since the 4th century as the site of the crucifixion, burial and resurrection of Jesus. During prayer, I can only describe the energy in the air as electric. I’m not religious by any means, but I don’t think you need to practice a religion to have faith.
Bike Old Jaffa
With no traffic lights or stop signs, what better way to enjoy the sights in the sunshine than heading south from Tel Aviv on a sturdy wooden boardwalk towards Jaffa – a boardwalk designed by a husband-and-wife architect team and winner of a prestigious European award for outstanding landscape architecture. With the sparkling Mediterranean waters and palm trees on your right, and the towering skyscrapers on your left, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the Gold Coast (complete with shoreline Ninja Warrior themed outside gyms) had been transplanted 14,160 kms across the world.
Israel is one of those unique places where old, new, myth, faith, and contemporary reality are all mingled together. And Jaffa is no exception, being the oldest seaport in the world, and the place where Jonah (from Jonah and the Whale) set off from. And as you pedal through the port, on the one side, you’ll see fishermen leaning on walls waiting for their dinner to tug at their lines: dinner with exotic nicknames like spinefoot and guitarfish. Against the old walls opposite, will sit ancient street monarchs, fully focused on games of backgammon or chess. Being on a bike allows you to cover more ground giving you the perfect opportunity to take your time, follow your feet and explore with your senses.
Jeep Wrangle in the Desert
If you love a good roadie, then you want to get outward bound and off road with a guided Jeep tour to the Makhtesh Crater in the Negev Desert. This 40 km long giant hole in the earth – nicknamed Israel’s Grand Canyon – is a rare and dramatic geological occurrence, BUT before you start googling asteroids or alien abductions, you should know that it is actually the world’s largest crater via erosion, not impact. The only impact out here is that of your head on the top of the jeep as you speed down the wild and winding roads leading into the heart of the desert. If you’re lucky, you might even spot an Asian Wild Ass, an endangered species re-introduced into Israel to breed in 1982.
Ghattas Turkish Bathhouse
This family owned and operated luxury Turkish Bathhouse is one of the largest functioning hammams in Israel. If you’re not up with the lingo, a Hammam is essentially a place of public bathing, and an integral part of Middle Eastern Culture. Traditionally it was designed to be as much a place where you could come together and swap gossip as it was a place for you to relax, unwind and get rid of the dirt of the day. This incredible yet unusual experience has you lying on a hot marble slab while you get massaged, scrubbed, foamed and then washed. The unusual part is the way in which the cold water is vigorously applied – you can hear the “slapping” sounds mingling with the cries of surprise as they echo around the chamber. This might not be your idea of a happy ending, but I can guarantee you’ll be 50 shades of clean.
PEACE OF MIND
Yad Vashem
“There are always miracles in the world, even when all seems hopeless.” – Eddie Jaku, Holocaust Survivor.
A decade in the making, Israel’s largest Holocaust memorial sits on the slopes of the Mount of Remembrance on the edge of Jerusalem. Shaped as a prism penetrating the mountain, the museum’s architecture sets the atmosphere for the nine chilling galleries of interactive historical displays which present the Holocaust through photos, films, documents, letters, works of art, and personal items found in the camps and ghettos. At the end of the Museum’s historical narrative and the Hall of Names, the exit emerges dramatically out of the mountainside, affording a panoramic view of the valley below. From an architectural point of view, this is incredibly poignant, and is meant to signify the light at the end of the tunnel. This is not an emotionally easy museum to visit, but it is arguably the most important one.
Practice Gratitude at the Western Wall
Located in the Old City of Jerusalem, this is the most religious site in the world for Jewish people. And within seconds of stepping into the grounds, you’ll get why it’s referred to as the Wailing Wall, with people in fervent prayer rocking back and forth, reciting Torah passages, and openly weeping. For those of you who firmly believe in manifesting your future, this could be the answer – thousands of people of all faiths make the journey each year to recite prayers, which are either spoken or written down and placed in the cracks of the wall. Tradition wise, this is one place you need to make sure you cover your shoulders and legs to the knee and when you’re done, walk away from the wall backwards so you’re
not “turning your back on God.” Fun fact: The Israel Postal service has a special “Letters to God” department. All the letters arriving in Jerusalem from around the world addressed to God are opened and placed into the cracks of the Wall.
Get Spiritual at Shabbat
Friday is the traditional evening where Jewish families throughout history eat dinner together, and according to halakha (Jewish religious law), Shabbat is observed from a few minutes before sunset on Friday evening until the appearance of three stars in the sky on Saturday night. For a truly authentic and insider experience, I recommend booking a meal with a local in-home chef who will whip up a homemade kosher meal beginning with the lighting of the candles, the kiddush (the blessing over the wine) and the prayer over the bread. It helps if you catch the bread when it’s thrown at you.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Vegan Tour
With five percent of the population choosing an animal-free diet and over 400 vegan and vegan-friendly kitchens, Tel Aviv is often dubbed the “vegan capital of the world”. Whilst it is said falafel wasn’t invented in Israel. The idea of putting falafel in pitta was (can I get an “Amen”). You are spoilt for choice with the sheer volume of eateries, so a Vegan Food Tour is a great option. Between delicious bites you can learn about the philosophy and history of veganism, break all the myths around it and gain an appreciation for Vuna (vegetarian tuna). I am now officially 90% hummus. Fun Fact: The Israeli Defence Force is the world’s most vegan army. Approximately one of every 18 soldiers is vegan.
goodness.
Old Akko’s Uri Buri
Napolean Bonaparte was unable to conquer the ancient port city of Old Akko, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t. This is one pit stop along Israel’s Mediterranean Coast that should be well and truly on your radar, especially given that it’s home to Uri Buri – the world famous and award winning specialised seafood restaurant. Uri Jeremias first opened the doors in 1989, 27 years later he’s still living out his dream of using food to make people happy, and you’ll see him and his iconic long, white beard sitting and talking with his guests, fearlessly exposing his culinary secrets. This place will have you hook, line and sinker. ■
All tours organised via www.touringisrael.com
By Alexa Towersey
Photography by Chad Nathan (IG: @gingerwithagopro)
For the full article grab the January 2023 issue of MAXIM Australia from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.
