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
Hi... Anyone with late information concerning visitors?
Hi David,
thanks for your response. I'd say the main place not to miss would be Nablus and, if you have time for a day-trip or quick overnight from it, nearby Sebastia. Nablus has some wonderful scenery, great ancient remains, the intriguing Old City, good restaurants and the Samaritan community on the hillside above. It also has a range of hotels to suit different budgets - my favourite, when I can afford it, being the Yasmeen, right in the middle of the Old City souk - http://www.alyasmeen.com/. Sebastia is a gorgeous little village in the hills - olive groves, Greek, Samaritan, Crusader and Ottoman remains and architecture and a fantastic little community tourism centre and guesthouse which can organise hiking etc - see http://palestineguesthouse.com/2011/02/20/sebastia-guesthouse/.
Enjoy!
Congratulations, Sarah, that's great news! Actually, I was thinking of heading to Israel and the West Bank this March, so I would definitely pick up your book. If I have a relatively short time, where should I absolutely make sure not to miss?
Ten Highlights of Palestine in The Guardian's travel section...
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
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