Israel, the holy land of the Jews and the birthplace of Jesus Christ, is known for its ancient cities and modern metropolises. Tourist attractions in Israel include the ancient city of Jerusalem, known as the cradle of Judaism, Christianity and Islam; the town of Jericho, one of the world’s oldest inhabited areas; and Tel Aviv, famous for the Museum of the Diaspora and Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra. Other attractions include the Dead Sea, the Banias Nature Reserve, Lake Tiberias (the Sea of Galilee), Mount Sodom and the archaeological site of Tzippori. The holy town of Bethlehem, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth, and Deir Quruntal are also worth visiting.

Many airlines fly directly to Tel Aviv and Haifa from various destinations in Europe, North America, Middle East, Australia and Asia. Regular passenger ferries also connect Haifa with Greece and Cyprus. Visitors can also cross borders from Egypt and Jordan.