- Capital: Jerusalem
- Time Zone: GMT +2
- Currency: New Israeli Shekel (ILS)
Israel has always been a standout destination. From the days of the prophets to the modern day nomad this tiny slice of land on the eastern Mediterranean has long attracted visitors. While some arrive in the ‘Holy Land’ on a spiritual quest, others are in search of cultural tours, beach holidays and eco trips.
Cities
Jerusalem
As a holy city for Judaism, Christianity and Islam, Jerusalem has always been of great symbolic importance. Among its 220 historic monuments, the Dome of the Rock stands out: built in the 7th century, it is decorated with beautiful geometric and floral motifs. It is recognized by all three religions as the site of Abraham’s sacrifice. The Wailing Wall delimits the quarters of the different religious communities, while the Resurrection rotunda in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre houses Christ’s tomb. Jerusalem is a city of overwhelming emotions, a city that promises a religious and spiritual experience, excitement and pleasure, interesting tours and entertaining adventures.
Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv or Tel Aviv-Yafo forms part of the Tel Aviv Metropolitan Area, also known as Gush Dan, which constitutes Israel’s largest metropolitan area. Tel Aviv was founded by the Jewish community on the outskirts of the ancient port city of Jaffa in 1909. Tel Aviv and Jaffa were merged into a single municipality in 1950. Tel Aviv’s White City, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003, comprises the world’s largest concentration of Bauhaus buildings. With 2.5 million international visitors annually, Tel Aviv is the fifth-most-visited city in the Middle East. Known as “The City that Never Sleeps” and a “party capital”, it has a lively nightlife, dynamic atmosphere and a famous 24-hour culture.
Haifa
Israel’s third largest city and one of its prettiest, Haifa has a lot to offer visitors. It has the country’s largest port, a particularly active beach and is the home of the World Center of the Bahai Faith. Surrounded by abundant nature sites, the city contains an interesting mix of modern neighborhoods and older districts; churches and mosques; mountain and sea. Haifa is a multi-faceted city with several unique characteristics making it an attractive place to visit. From the coast, one can go up the Carmel Mountain via the cable car. Haifa also boasts many institutions devoted to culture, art and sciences: the city offers an array of festivals, activities and several types of museums.
Language
Hebrew, Arabic, and English
Electricity
The electricity is 220 volts; therefore, an adapter and/or converter will be required.
Entry requirements
Kindly make sure to have the proper documents required to enter the countries you are visiting. Please refer to www.travel.gc.ca for updated information. Regarding visas, you can refer to the link: www.travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories.
Failure to obtain these documents prior to travel can result in being denied entry or exit from the country.
Communication
International access code: 00, 012, 013, 014 International dialing code: 972 Concerning national calls made in Israel, it is not necessary to dial the 972 country code. If you are calling from Canada, please dial 011, then 972 and finally the local phone number in Israel.