You’ll discover a myriad of flavoursome traditional dishes throughout Israel, as well as many delicious local specialities in cities, towns and villages to tantalise your taste buds. Israeli cuisine is an ultra-healthy blend of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and North African cuisines, which is packed with nutrients. The country is lauded as the vegan capital of the world, with Tel Aviv, for example, having more than 400 vegan and vegetarian restaurants.

Falafel is the national dish of Israel and is often served in pita with hummus and a tahini dip. Shakshouka is a popular breakfast dish consisting of poached eggs and tomatoes in a mixture of tomatoes, onions, green pepper, spinach, feta cheese and garlic. Kugel is a much-loved Jewish pudding or casserole made with egg noodles or potatoes, cheese, milk or vegetables. A delicious meaty dish is cholent which consists of beef, beans, barley and a range of seasonings.

 A scrumptious dessert is halva, a tanini-based candy which can include nuts, chocolate or dried fruit, while malabi is a cream dessert infused with subtle rose water and topped with strawberry syrup and nuts. Limonana is a refreshing mix of lemonade and crushed mint leaves and Arak is a potent liquorice-flavoured liquor found in Israeli bars and clubs.

The summer months of June to August are the ideal time for beach lovers to visit Israel with clear blue skies and wonderful hot weather. Average temperatures in the heart of the country are over 30°c in the summer, while the mercury soars close to 40°c in the South and Galilee. A better time for discovering the country’s historical and cultural attractions is during the spring and autumn months, when temperatures are lower and more pleasant for touring around. Israel sees most of its rainfall in the winter months of December to February.
The religious holidays in Israel - including Passover and Sukkot - are extremely busy so these are times that are best avoided if you are averse to large crowds. The west coast of Israel experiences a typical Mediterranean climate, while the interior climate is more arid and continental in nature, due to its greater distance from the sea.      

There’s so much to see in Israel that your only problem may be trying to fit it all in. Awe-inspiring old and new cities will wow you with their historical and cultural treasures, including Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Western Wall, the Dome of the Rock and the Tower of David. Israel doesn’t disappoint when it comes to shopping opportunities with malls, markets and local crafts stores and you’ll be spoilt for choice when it’s time to dine, with everything from lively street food stalls to gourmet restaurants. The Hanging Gardens of Haifa (Bahá'í Gardens) are a must-see marvel, the White City area of Tel Aviv is truly impressive and Masada National Park is amazing. Other compelling attractions are the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial, Ein Gedi Reserve, Caesarea National Park, Mount Zion and the Stalactite Cave Nature Reserve.
 A visit to The Dead Sea is highly recommended with its salt-laden waters which allow you to lie back and float, with no risk of falling below the surface. Popular outdoor pursuits in Israel include swimming with dolphins, camel riding, snorkelling, hiking, ziplining, water sports, dune buggying and cycling.