Kola Nut Travel - Israel & The Holy Land

Israel is still high on the list as a destination, especially for those interested in religious history and sacred sites. Home to three religions, Israel’s old cities provide a glimpse into the past and give visitors a chance to see places where spiritual events changed the world. The country has marvelous old cities, good beaches, a blend of cultures, phenomenal history, numerous holy places, and really good food. Kola Nut Travel gives you an unforgettable vacation in the Holy Land, whether it’s a pilgrimage to holy places or a holiday on the beach. Through our affiliates we can arrange for you to join a like-minded group tour or tailor a specific itinerary just for you.

Jerusalem is the three times holy capital of the twice promised land. In the old city you will see priests, nuns, mullahs and rabbis all over the place. Churches of every possible denomination dot the town; the golden domed mosque of the Haram-al-Sharif is seen from afar, and the Wailing Wall is always busy.

But the old city of Jerusalem is not just a holy place. It is also a very busy market place with more tourist shops than anywhere else. The Arab part of town has bustling markets (especially near Damascus Gate) where anything is for sale. Popular day trips include Jericho near the border of Jordan or an excursion through Judea to the Dead Sea and the fortress of Masada where Jews committed mass suicide rather than submit to Roman rule.

Religion and Wine in Jerusalem? Yes, it's one of the best-kept secrets to non-Israelis. There are several excellent wineries operated by monasteries around Jerusalem. The first and closest winery is at Dir Rafat, a monastery just west of Jerusalem on the way to Beit Shemesh. Dir Rafat is where the Winery Mony is located. It has one several awards worldwide.

To the north, the Sea of Galilee, Nazareth, the Golan Heights and the towns of Tiberias and Haifa are the most important stops on any itinerary, whereas the south offers the enormous Negev desert and the Dead Sea. At the southernmost point of Israel, the Red Sea beach resort of Eilat is a tourist hot spot. Located at the very bottom tip of Israel, this is a popular fun-in-the-sun vacation spot. Not to be missed is snorkeling or scuba diving at Hof Almog on the border between Israel and Egypt.

Tel Aviv is the most modern and westernized city in Israel. Where Jerusalem is the official capital (although not internationally recognized as such) and the religious capital, Tel Aviv is the party capital. When you walk the streets at night you can hardly imagine you are in the Holy Land. Sidewalk cafés give the city a decidedly European flavor and shopping at the enclosed Dizengoff Center is pleasant. Jaffa is the old Arabic quarter of Tel Aviv. It is much older (Tel Aviv was founded in 1909) and now enjoys a reputation of being somewhat trendy. Although it has many small and quaint boutiques, it still retains some of its Arabic flavor. The best reason to come to Tel Aviv is to have a good time, the nightlife is great, there are good restaurants, many shops, the beaches are popular and there is always something going on. Most international flights arrive and depart from here so it’s an ideal way to end your journey.

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