Things to See in Israel and the Palestinian Territories

The impressive archaeological site Tzippori (or Sepphoris) was first settled by the Hasmoneans in the 2nd century BC, but then served as the Roman capital of Galilee. Today it brims with ruins, including original colonnaded roadways, a Roman villa with lovely mosaic floors, a Crusader citadel and a haunting underground system of cisterns and aqueducts.

One of the Golan Height's most spectacular spots, Banias Nature Reserve, also known as the Nahal Hermon Reserve, takes in the Banias Cave sanctuary as well as the lovely Banias waterfall. On a hill above the cave, the grave of the prophet Elijah is marked by a white cliffside memorial.

It may be clichéd, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't do it. No trip to Israel is complete without a float in the Dead Sea. The water is packed full of invigorating minerals and there's 10% more oxygen in the air here than at sea level.