This region has of course tragically been much in the news since the Israeli invasion of Gaza and now depradations in the West Bank. But in recent years around a million tourists have visited the West Bank to explore the rich history and culture in places like Bethlehem, Nazareth, and Jericho, as well as the Dead Sea coast (in Gaza there are also things to see/do, but even before the war access was restricted/difficult, and now for the foreseeable future it´s totally off limits).
We like millions around the world are appalled at the destruction and genocide being inflicted on Gaza by Israel, and for those who would like to contribute to humanitarian efforts to aid victims, this article lists several organizations to which to donate.
cover photo: Chloekwak
Comments
Bradt Guide to Palestine reviewed in Wanderlust magazine - read more here.
Hi Mahmood,
thanks for letting us know about Bestway's tours; this looks very interesting and seems to be one of very few 'mainstream' tours being offered which include the West Bank (or any more of it that a quick daytrip to Bethlehem). Has Bestway actually run any of these tours yet? I'm interested to know what kind of experience travellers with mainstream agencies have of Israeli immigration if they are open about where they're planning to visit.
Cheers,
Sarah
The reality of the Palestine-Israel situation can best be understood by actually visiting both countries and discussing with the people who have been most affected. Our extensive tours to the Middle East have now been enriched by a new additional tour called: Palestine & Israel: a journey into reality. This 10days journey (3 nights in Israel and 6 in Palestine) is a comprehensive program that allows encounter with Israelis, ex Israeli soldiers, Druz at the Golan Heights, Palestinians - both refugees living in camps and those housed - we have family visits to both sections and added to that are visits to schools, universities and ofcourse all the many religious sites. View this unique journey:
http://www.bestway.com/itineraries/t064.php
New blog post on the effects of conflict on tourism, and the rights and wrongs of encouraging tourists to come to conflict-affected areas: http://www.tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/rubbernecking-or-learning
The Siraj Centre in Bethlehem are running a series of cycle tours of Palestine . They start in the Northern city of Jenin and head South to Jerusalem through an olive bedecked landscape to Jericho, Bethlehem and the Judean Desert. The tours are suitable for people of all ages and riders will be accompanied by a support vehicle and guides.
Cyclists will be met by a Siraj representative at Ben Gurion Airport, Israel, and be taken to the Hadad Resort Hotel in Jenin, Palestine, which will be their base for the first evening. As the tour progresses the cyclists will get a chance to witness the dramatic Palestinian landscape, dine not only in first class Palestinian restaurants- but also, on one evening, with local Palestinian families.
The political dimension of the journey is inescapable. The cyclists will pass the infamous 'Wall', visit one of many refugee camps and hear at first hand the experiences of those who have so long lived under Israeli occupation. What they will see and hear will clarify the hazy impressions given by the Western media.
The cultural, historical and religious aspects of Palestine will not be overlooked. The tour will visit the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem , the Mar Saba monastery, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Souk in East Jerusalem , and Hisham's Palace.
They will dine in the tented restaurant on Shepherd's Hill, take a Turkish Bath in Nablus and pop into the beer factory in Taybeh.
The people of Palestine are kind and courteous- and their cuisine, a variation of the Mediterranean/Lebanese, is outstanding. The hotels and the guesthouse the travellers will stay in are first class. They will be accompanied by experienced guides and a support vehicle will always be on hand.
For a detailed description of the tour visit www.bikepalestine.com
The cost of the 7 day (6 night) tour is £1220 ($1900 US). This includes all meals and accommodation, support vehicles and guides, transportation to and from Ben Gurion Airport , bikes and light 'on-road' refreshments.
For more information call George Snow on +39 ( Italy ) 0575.690.060 or email george@bikepalestine.com
http://www.bikepalestine.com/
Alternative Tourism Group - http://www.atg.ps/
Code of Conduct for Travel in the Holy Land (for both travellers and tour operators) - http://www.atg.ps/index.php?page=1177263161.1230044857
Tours in English (note: as well as its own tours, this site is convenient for booking day tours with ATG in that you can pay by credit card in advance, but it's cheaper to reserve by phone/email with ATG and pay in cash) - http://www.toursinenglish.com/
Israeli army raids Palestinian city, arrests foreign tourists
Feb 08, 2010
The Israeli army swept into Ramallah in the West Bank Sunday in a pre-dawn raid to arrest two Western tourists.
The women were seized from a Ramallah home where they were staying, after soldiers broke down the door. The two had taken part in protests against the Israeli barrier which has been constructed throughout the West Bank.
One of the women is from Australia, and the other from Spain.
They were named as Bridgette Chappell, of Australia and Ariadna Jove Marti of Spain.
Twenty soldiers armed with M16 rifles took part in the raid. They confiscated cameras, a computer, pro-Palestinian banners and ISM registration forms, according to Ryan Olander, of the United States who was also staying at the home."
full piece: http://www.eturbonews.com/14292/israeli-army-raids-palestinian-city...
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