Day Trips from Tel Aviv

When visiting Israel you have to experience Tel Aviv. This happening city has it all: culture, beaches, a culinary scene, and lots of events. It’s an exciting place but it’s a very small part of Israel. Israel is home to some of the most interesting historically rich places in the world. Its varied geography within a very small distance, adrenaline-driven activities in nature, and its mild climate create countless opportunities to enjoy throughout the country.

Luckily Israel is small and a short day trip by car or by public transportation allows you to experience different facets of the country in only a few hours. Grab a backpack with some snacks, water, comfortable shoes, and sunglasses and let’s go:

• Masada and the Dead Sea: A short drive from Tel Aviv and you are already in the Judean Desert heading towards the Judean Hills along to the awe-inspiring Dead Sea, the lowest point in the world. Take pictures, bathe, schmeer yourself with mineral-rich mud, and float on the water. A short drive away is Masada, the iconic fortress and palace with ruins dating over 2,000 years. Walking or taking the cable car to the top, you arrive at a plateau summit with historic structures, mosaics, and breathtaking views. Take a guided tour to learn the historic events and stores surrounding the legend of the mountain. 
• Jerusalem: In just under an hour, or a 30-40 minute train ride with Israel’s new fast train, from Tel Aviv, you are entering the most well-known city in the world. A place with such historical value and current importance it’s hard not to be awestruck. Here you can take guided tours to visit some of Jerusalem’s famous neighborhoods, walk through the bustling markets (day or night), and experience the views and learn about the importance of the surrounding region atop the beautiful city walls. 
• Mount Hermon: For this one, you may have to get up early in the morning but it’ll be worth it. Drive up to the northernmost point in Israel to climb, ski, or just view the tallest mountain in Israel bordering both Syria and Lebanon. In the summer the mountain is a beautiful place to hike and sightsee. In winters, when there’s heavy precipitation, it’s the best, and only, place to enjoy winter sports such as skiing, snowboards, and sledding. 
• Take a day trip outside of Israel. Yes, this can be done with an organized guided tour to historic Petra in Jordan, one of the Wonders of the World. Make your life easy and book a tour – the tour company will take care of transportation, food, crossing the border,  leading you through the Jordanian desert canyons to the diamond in the rough explaining in detail it’s history and ancient story. 

So, whether you are working here as part of Career Israel with Masa Israel, enjoy Tel Aviv but make sure to venture out once in a while for a fun and easy trip through the country.