Car Rental israel - Exploring israel

Israel is small and easily covered by car. Much of it is parched desert, but dotted with historic must-see sites. Away from the West Bank hotspots driving is perhaps the safer option.

Bethlehem, near Jerusalem, features highly in Christian legend as the birthplace of Jesus. The Church of the Nativity, apparently built over the stable where Jesus was born, is the chief draw card of this historic pilgrimage town. It has a rather pious atmosphere, and Rachel's Tomb, on the edge of town, is one of Judaism's most sacred shrines.

Also nearby are the still waters of the Dead Sea. The lowest point on earth (30 meters below sea level), the lake is so dense in minerals that you can famously float in its water. Ein Gedi is an attractive shoreline oasis, with freshwater springs, waterfalls, and even tropical vegetation. Masada, further south is another popular resort.

The Galilee was the scene of most of Jesus’ evangelism, and is one of the few reasonably lush areas in this otherwise desertified country. Fertile farmland surrounds the Sea of Galilee, and Nazareth is popular with pilgrims, while Tiberias is the best of the lakeside towns.

Important during the crusades, Akko is a timeless stone fortress city on the Mediterranean, seemingly unchanged since Alexander the Great arrived. Ramparts of the old city walls remain, with excavations of the subterranean Crusader city.

Hula Valley and Nature Reserve is a beautiful valley in the Golan heights, near the Lebanese border, with wildlife and lush vegetation in parts.

Eilat is a cosmopolitan resort town wedged between Egypt and Jordan at on the Gulf of Aquaba in the extreme south, with excellent diving, good beaches and plenty of sunshine.