Looking for a destination for your vacation? How about Israel?
Full of history and culture, Israel is a destination well-known for religious tourism, but believe me, the region goes far beyond that. Along with the wonders of the place, there are countless options for enjoying Israeli cities. With that in mind, we invited influencer Helena Silvarolli , who has just returned from there, to share some of the highlights of the trip in an itinerary that has a little bit of everything, from beaches to gastronomy . Check it out:
Accommodation — King David Hotel
I visited Israel for the first time in my life and it was a dream come true from start to finish. As soon as I arrived in the country, I visited the facilities at the King David Hotel, located right in the center of Jerusalem, where I stayed for most of the trip. The hotel is a historic paradise, with a privileged view of the city and impeccable service. It’s like an oasis within Jerusalem! On the room service menu, you already have access to some dishes that bring a bit of local culture and are delicious. It is definitely worth trying, especially for the convenience and comfort of having a meal inside your room while enjoying the view.
Church of the Nativity — Religious Experiences
An essential stop for anyone visiting Israel is to visit the Church of the Nativity, a place known worldwide for being the birthplace of Jesus. I couldn’t contain my emotion when I saw the star on the floor that represents the exact location of his birth! Even if you’re not religious, it’s an indescribable experience when it comes to culture and history. The energy of this basilica is surreal and you can feel it as soon as you walk through the door. On the way to the church, you can also pass by the Mount of Olives, one of Israel’s landmarks, both for the beauty of its buildings surrounded by vegetation and for its historical importance. In the city, you can also walk along the Via Dolorosa, the path where Jesus is said to have carried the cross on his shoulders. The walk is tiring, but it is worth seeing each point along the way.
Little shops in the center
There are many interesting things to see in the center of Jerusalem! In addition to religious articles, you will find cafes and restaurants where you can try local cuisine, as well as several clothing and accessories stores. I suggest visiting the Israeli sweet shops, which are very tasty and a true paradise for those who love dessert.
Wailing Wall
I love getting to know the local customs of each country I visit and I couldn’t miss making my wishes at the Western Wall. The place is very crowded with tourists from all over the world, but it’s a very emotional moment for everyone! You can write your wish on a piece of paper, fold it and place it next to the wall to receive blessings and have the luck of having your wish come true. When I visited the Western Wall, it was precisely at the beginning of Shabbat, a very important day for the Jewish community and, therefore, there were several beautiful and special celebrations happening at the same time.
Dinner at Machneyuda
Despite the fierce competition when it comes to booking a table, you can’t visit Israel without visiting Machneyuda, one of the most famous restaurants in Jerusalem. To begin with, the atmosphere is very lively, with lots of music and a relaxed staff, who, in addition to the impeccable service, are always looking to offer the best dining experience. Since I love Italian food, I took advantage of the menu with a lot of variety to try cheese ravioli and simply the best truffle polenta of my life. I highly recommend it!
Eilat beaches
Before you say goodbye to Israel, you need to visit the country’s coastline, which is mainly located in the city of Eilat. Known for one of the most beautiful reefs in the world, the city’s beach is bathed by the Red Sea and offers a dreamlike view! The water is super fresh, perfect for spending the whole day enjoying the sun and sea. You can get to the city by car and see Israel’s natural beauty up close, or you can shorten the journey by flying directly. I stayed at the Royal Beach Hotel, right in front of the beach, and I can say it was one of the best decisions I could have made! There are several stores selling accessories, clothes, and makeup next to the building, as well as bars and restaurants.