Jerusalem: With more than 3,000 years of history, the country's capital is its largest city and the spiritual centre of three major faiths. Many religious tours begin with a visit to the Mount of Olives before exploring the maze of streets that make up thethree distinctive religious quarters, all leading to the Westernor Wailing Wall, Jerusalem's holiest site.
Safed:One of Israel's most atmospheric cities, Safed is where mysticism and arts meet. During the 16th century, it became the centre for the study of Kabbalah and Jewish law; today it attracts religious and bohemian types alike.
Tiberias:One of Israel's four holy cities, Tiberias was built in the first century and is home to the Mount of Beatitudes, the site of Jesus's Sermon on the Mount. The historical resort town on the freshwater Lake Kinneret attracts a young crowd and families. The Galilee Mountains offer good hiking opportunities.
Eilat:Occupying a tiny stretch of Red Sea coastline wedged between Jordan and Egypt, Eilat is Israel's hedonist playground. Imagine a marriage between Las Vegas and Miami, where desert meets aquamarine sea. The reefs around Eilat are ideal for learning to dive, with crystal-clear waters and gentle currents.