For many Russian tourists vacationing in Greece, the proximity of Israel causes an irresistible desire to visit this country. Moreover, the plane from Athens to Tel Aviv takes less than two hours. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to find excursions from Greece to Israel with local travel agencies. Only a few tour operators organize them, but mainly for holidaymakers in Crete. The flight from Heraklion to Jerusalem takes about an hour and a half. Of course, in 1-2 days for which such tours are designed, it is impossible to see all of Israel, but tourists still manage to visit the main attractions of this country. The cost of such an excursion depends on its program, but the prices are quite affordable.
For most people, Israel is the Sacred Land. Pilgrims from all over the world flock here. But Israel is interesting not only for believers. This is an amazing country with a rich history, which has preserved almost intact the places where all the events that the Bible tells about took place. The flow of tourists to Israel is inexhaustible.
Jerusalem
One of the oldest cities in the world, Jerusalem, in the XI century BC. was the capital of the Kingdom of Israel, a century later - the Judean, then was part of the Roman Empire, then belonged to Byzantium, Arabs, crusaders. Each era has left its mark on the appearance of the Great City. Three thousand years ago, it was conquered by King David. And the son of David, Solomon, built the Temple, and the city became the shrine of the Jews. A millennium later, Jesus Christ walked his sorrowful path here, suffered and was resurrected. And Jerusalem became the holy city of Christians. In the Islamic world, Jerusalem is called "El-Quds", which means "Holy". Prophet Muhammad made a wonderful night flight here from Mecca. The third most important shrine of Muslims is located here - the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
The main attractions that are primarily worth seeing in Jerusalem are
- Wall of Tears
- Temple Mount
- Al-Aqsa Mosque
- Church of the Holy Sepulcher
- Synagogue Hurva
- Path of Sorrow
And the panorama of the entire city opens from the peaks of the Mount of Olives.
Bethlehem
Bethlehem is the second most important holy city in Israel. Jesus Christ was born here. Above the cave in which this miracle happened, the Church of the Nativity of Christ was erected. It contains the miraculous icon of the Joyful Mother of God, the silver Star of Bethlehem, the manger in which the baby Jesus lay, and the altar of the Magi. Every year, at Christmas, a solemn Mass is held here, which is broadcast by leading TV channels around the world.
Galileo
Galilee is an area in the north of Israel, very picturesque, with a rich history. The Jordan River flows here and the Kinneret Lake (Sea of Galilee) is located. But the main center of attraction of these places is Nazareth - the third most important, the holy city of Israel. In him passed the childhood and youth of Jesus Christ, here he began to give teachings, performed the first miracle, and on Mount Tabor appeared before the three closest disciples in Divine Majesty. Many churches, monasteries, mosques decorate Nazareth. The Temple of the Annunciation rises above the source from which the Virgin Mary received the Good News.
The valley of Armageddon is located in the north of Israel. Numerous battles have taken place here over the centuries. And the last battle on Earth, when the Sons of Light defeat the Forces of Darkness, must take place in this valley.
The programs of various excursions usually include visits to such famous places as
- Cana of Galilee
- Mount of Bliss
- Latrun Monastery
- Historical and archaeological pair of Caesarea
- Jericho
- Haifa city
- Akko Port City
- Ancient Jaffa
- Fortress Massada and the Dead Sea
But to see even just this, it will take a long time. For those who do not have time to inspect everything, the Mini Israel Park has been created. On a small territory, there are 25 times smaller exact copies of all the main attractions of the Holy Land.
The time allotted for an excursion from Greece to Israel is too short to get acquainted with all the treasures of this country, but enough to admire it, love it and want to come here again.
