An Interesting Insight Into Israel

Belinda Jessup, Senior Sales Consultant at our Woodbridge travel agents, took a moving trip to Israel recently. As well as getting to see some of the luxurious hotels available, she toured the cities of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Here are some of her favourite parts of the experience.

Destination: Israel
Operator/Host: Cyplon Holidays
Accommodation
(Hotel names/Ship name): Orient Hotel, Jerusalem; Royal Beach Hotel, Tel Aviv
Airline: BA
Duration: 5 Nights

Flight

The flights with BA were in business class which was fantastic. We departed London Heathrow terminal 5 at 20.35 and arrived in Tel Aviv next morning 03.20! I really needed the lay flat beds and glass of champagne on this 'red eye' flight. The service was impeccable and the business class lounge at Heathrow was very good.

Accommodation

Both hotels were part of the Isrotel group which is a very prestigious company that owns several hotels all over the Middle East.

The Orient Hotel Jerusalem is a 5-star luxury property. It's one of their newest and most modern options with beautiful architecture that's very sympathetic to its surroundings. Two miles from the Old City you'll find restaurants and unique boutiques. Inside, there are beautiful interiors with first class service, amenities and a rooftop pool.

The Royal Beach Hotel Tel Aviv is another 5-star luxury choice. It's adjacent to a fantastic white sand beach and offers great sea views from many of its 19 storeys. The interior is modern and chic with rooms that vary in size and location.

What Was Included?

• A coach trip across the Negev desert to the lowest place on earth and a 'float' in the Dead Sea.
• Jerusalem Old City guided tour, visiting lots of the important religious sites. These included the Western Wall, the Via Dolorosa, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and many more
• Tower of David 'sound and light' show
• Meal in an Armenian Restaurant
• Visit to a local fruit and veg market in Tel Aviv
• Tour of Jaffa, an ancient historical port on the Mediterranean
• City tour of Tel Aviv

Trip Highlights

My favourite part of the trip was the guided tour of the walled Old City of Jerusalem, following the Via Dolorosa and the Stations of the Cross Jesus took on his way to the Crucifixion. This ended at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre where I touched the Rock of Golgotha and entered Jesus's burial chamber. It was very moving and I feel very lucky to have visited.

Recommendations

It was a fantastic destination and a tour which I would highly recommend to customers. There is a lot more to see and an eight-day tour would probably be better. You do not have to be religious to enjoy a trip like this; it's just so interesting.

Must see? Jerusalem and the Old Walled City
Must do?Float in the Dead Sea
Must try? A 'Holy Grail' Cocktail

If you would like to visit Israel or anywhere else in the world, the TravelQuest team can always offer some advice and recommendations.