travel

Must see and do in Chester

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:13:25 +0100

Encircled by a glorious 2-mile ring of Roman and medieval walls, Chester is a rare and truly magical blend of the ancient and traditional with modern cosmopolitan chic. Situated on the River Dee, close to the Welsh border, Chester is home to 2,000 years of history and one of Britain’s Heritage Cities. Step back in time amid pristine Georgian and Victorian architecture, shop in the unique medieval two-tier galleries called the Rows and enjoy the city's classy café culture.

Culture and heritage

As the most complete walled city in Britain, Chester is one of Britain’s Heritage Cities. The surviving Roman grid pattern of streets are so compact that you can get around all the city's landmarks on foot, feasting your eyes on an amazing architectural panorama of the past. Stroll the Roman walls, studded with historic towers and gates, then drop into the Roman Amphitheatre – scene of a major archaeological project.

Attractions

With 2,000 years of history, Chester isn’t short of great attractions. Marvel at Chester Cathedral, located in the heart of the city and discover a fascinating history spanning a thousand years. Other attractions include the beautiful River Dee, the Grosvenor and Cheshire Military Museums, the beautiful Grosvenor Park and the city’s famous Roodee Racecourse.

Food and drink

Chester offers a mouth-watering menu of delicious cuisine, whatever your taste or budget. Quality local produce is available across the county at many farmers markets, butchers, bakers and fishmongers and used in many of the pubs and restaurants - where you can expect great food and superb service.

Shopping

Chester‘s main shopping area is within the beautiful historic walled city. The 2-tiered galleries of shops in “The Rows” are packed with independent boutiques and high-street stores. And if that’s not enough, head to Cheshire Oaks, the UK’s largest designer outlet village just 10 miles from the city centre.

Must see and do

Top daytime must-do's

Top night time must-do's

Be at the Cross at 12:00 noon for the Town Crier Proclamation, May to September.

See a live gig at Alexander’s Jazz Bar.

Discover the beautiful nature surrounding Chester with a nature walking tour.

Take a night time walking tour around the eerie haunts of Chester’s murky past.

Explore 2,000 years of history in 90 minutes on the History Hunter walking tour.

Enjoy a great night out at Telfords Warehouse.

Find out what life was like in Roman Chester at the Dewa Roman Experience.

Treat yourself to an overnight spa break at the tranquil Karma Spa.

Take in the beauty and character of Chester on a river cruise.

Sunbury hotels

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:00:45 +0100

Featured Hotels in Sunbury

1 Days Inns Columbus Sunbury

Themes: Pet-friendly Hotel

This hotel is rated 2 stars out of 5 price from £28.50

2 Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Sunbury - Columbus Area

Area: Sunbury

This hotel is rated 2.5 stars out of 5 price from £46.64

3 Hampton Inn Columbus Delaware

Area: Delaware

This hotel is rated 2.5 stars out of 5 price from £46.64

Great Places to Stay in Scotland

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:45:38 +0100

Here is a growing list of features on a range of up-market hotels and castles where you can enjoy the best of Scottish hospitality and accommodation.

Airds Hotel, Port Appin, Argyll - a true hideaway country inn with a genuine warm welcome.

A List Apartments, and Glasgow - a popular alternative to a hotel.

Ardanaiseig Hotel - a Victorian mansion in the North-West Highlands.

Arthouse Hotel, Glasgow - fabulous colours and furnishings, homely comforts.

Auchen Castle, Beattock, near Moffat, Dumfries and Galloway - an enchanting aristocratic mansion

Balcary Bay Country House Hotel - on the Solway Firth, Dumfries and Galloway.

Ballathie House - in the breathtaking Perthshire countryside.

Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh - high level of hospitality, homely comfort and exceptional service.

Barns Tower, near Peebles - a romantic retreat in the Scottish Borders.

Best Western Bruntsfield Hotel, Edinburgh - charming townhouse hotel with everything for the visitor.

Best Western Scotland's Hotel, Pitlochry, Perthshire - 5-star amenities for a 3-star price.

Black Bull Hotel, Killearn, Stirlingshire - a modern take on a country inn.

Boath House, Auldearn, near Nairn, Inverness-shire - named by the AA as one of the top 200 hotels in the UK.

Bonham Hotel, Edinburgh - an award-winning establishment.

Borthwick Castle, Lothians - Mary Queen of Scots fled here with her third husband.

Cameron House - on the shores of Loch Lomond.

Carrick at Cameron House, Loch Lomond, Argyll - a new time-share and golf development.

Castle Venlaw, Peebles, Scottish Borders - a chic boutique chateau oozing romantic charm.

Channings Hotel, Edinburgh - connections withe the Antarctic explorer Shackleton.

Cloister House, Melrose - formerly a manse house, beside historic Melrose Abbey.

Cookery Courses Around Scotland - a holiday with personal tuition from the professionals.

Coul House, Strathpeffer - a get-away-from-it-all country house hotel.

Craigellachie Hotel, Speyside, Banffshire - 300 malt whiskies and Hotel Bar of the Year award.

Craigsanquhar House Hotel, Cupar, Fife - A real country house hotel.

Creggans Inn, Strachur, Argyll - on the shores of Loch Fyne.

Cringletie House, Peebles, Scottish Borders - a hidden gem of a country house hotel.

Cromlix House Hotel, Kinbuck, Perthshire - A memorable sense of calm and relaxation

Culloden House Hotel, Near Inverness - grand Georgian surroundings with no stuffy formality.

Culzean Castle, Eisenhower Apartment - live like a President.

Dalhousie Castle, Lothians - dine in the dungeons.

Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club - not far from Edinburgh.

Darroch Learg, Ballater, Aberdeenshire - a Highland paradise.

Donavourd Country House, Pitlochry, Perthshire - homely comforts & superb home-cooking.

Druimnacroish Hotel, Dervaig, Mull - a wonderfully renovated old farmhouse and watermill.

Dryfesdale Country House Hotel, near Lockerbie, Dumfries & Galloway - superb views of the countryside.

Dunblane Hydro - a popular, busy and bustling resort hotel with ideal facilities.

Edinburgh Residence - superior accommodation in a choice of suites and apartments.

Eilean Iarmain Hotel, Skye - a delightful early 19th century inn by the sea.

Enterkine House, Ayr - a small and private 'home', open to a few select guests.

Farleyer House, near Aberfeldy - situated in magnificent Perthshire countryside.

Forest Hills, Kinlochard, Aberfoyle, Stirlingshire - a quiet country house plus excellent sport and leisure.

The Four Seasons Hotel, St. Fillans - stunning views, good food, relaxing atmosphere.

Glasshouse, Edinburgh - gorgeous, glittering and glitzy.

Glengarry Castle Hotel - on the shores of Loch Oich, in the heart of the Great Glen.

Glenapp Castle - a fairytale castle near Ballantrae, Ayrshire.

Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire - with its famous golf course.

Glenmorangie House, Tain, Ross-shire - yes, owned by the whisky company!

Glenspean Lodge Hotel, Roy Bridge, Invernesshire - a baronial manor, close to Aonach Mor & Ben Nevis.

Glenteviot Park, Near Hawick, Scottish Borders - the ultimate rural retreat for discerning guests.

Harmony, Melrose, Scottish Borders - self-catering in a Georgian mansion, built in 1807.

Hebridean Islands Cruises - in an award-winning cruise ship.

Hilton Dundee - spectacular views across the river Tay.

Hilton Glasgow - luxurious leisure and convention resort in the heart of the city.

Holyrood Hotel, Edinburgh - winner of "Scottish Hotel of the Year" title.

Hotel Missoni Edinburgh - Vibrant and vivacious in colour, texture and mood.

Howard (The) - luxury on an exquisite, small scale in Edinburgh.

The Inn at Inverbeg, Loch Lomond - on the loch side, recently upgraded without losing its traditional charm.

Inverlochy Castle Hotel, Fort William - admired by Queen Victoria.

Kilspindie House, Aberlady, East Lothian - fresh, flavoursome food, a warm welcome & a relaxing, enjoyable stay.

Kinloch Lodge, Isle of Skye - home of Lord Macdonald and his cookery expert wife Claire.

Kinnaird, Dunkeld, Perthshire - One of Scotland's Top Ten Hotels.

Loch Lomond Waterfront Lodges, Balmaha, Stirling - 5 star luxury weekend and holiday lodges.

Lockerbie Manor, Dumfries and Galloway - an idyllic, wee country house for a relaxing break.

Lodge on Loch Lomond - a Scandinavian hunting lodge on the bonnie banks.

Malmaison Hotel, Leith, Edinburgh - ultra cool, contemporary, sophisticated and sexy.

Marcliffe of Pitfodels, Aberdeen - a small, intimate, luxury hotel offering comfort and hospitality.

Mar Hall, Bishopton, Near Glasgow - an elegant, romantic country house hotel.

Mar Lodge, Braemar - 72,500 acres in the heart of the Cairngorms.

Melville Castle, Edinburgh - an exceptionally fine hotel in every respect.

Millennium Hotel, Glasgow - in the heart of the city, overlooking George Square.

North West Castle Hotel, Stranraer - in the south-west corner of Scotland.

Norton House Hotel, Edinburgh - comfort and hospitality with a touch of style.

Novotel Edinburgh Centre - stylish, modern, 4-star hotel with fabulous service.

Old Course Hotel, St Andrews - overlooking the 17th green.

One Devonshire Gardens - timeless quality, captivating ambience, sheer luxury.

Orient Express of the North - a trip on the luxury train "Northern Belle".

Peebles Hotel Hydro - the ultimate family resort.

Poole House Hotel, Wester Ross - once the home of the founder of Inverewe Garden.

Princes Street Suites, Edinburgh - self catering in a brilliant location and awesome views of Edinburgh

Radisson SAS Edinburgh, The Royal Mile - cool, contemporary and very classy in the city centre.

Radisson SAS Hotel - an eyecatching new hotel in the centre of Glasgow.

Ramada Jarvis, Glasgow Airport - modern, sleek design, comfortable, homely accommodation.

Reid's Hotel, Madeira - founded by a Scot in 1891.

Rodel Hotel, Isle of Harris - a perfect place to relax and recharge the batteries.

Roxburghe Hotel and Golf Course - 19th century Borders mansion.

Royal Hotel, Tighnabruaich, Kyles of Bute, Argyll - quality food and high standard of cuisine.

Royal Mile Residence - luxury self-catering in Edinburgh's historic heart.

Royal Scotsman - a Scottish Palace on wheels.

Rufflets Hotel, St Andrews - celebrating its Golden Jubilee.

St. Andrews Bay Golf Resort and Spa - a five-star hotel overlooking St Andrews Bay, Fife.

Scotsman Hotel, Edinburgh - a former newspaper office on North Bridge.

Scottish Apartment.com, Edinburgh - standard and budget graded serviced flats around Edinburgh.

Sheraton Grand Edinburgh - a five star hotel combined with a health spa.

Shieldhill Castle - a grand Scottish baronial country mansion in Lanarkshire.

St. Andrews Golf Hotel, St Andrews - welcoming and friendly, with chic, sleek bedrooms, right on the seafront.

Stobo Castle - a Health Spa near Peebles in the Scottish Borders.

Taychreggan Hotel, Loch Awe - a remote hotel in Argyll.

Turnberry Resort - with golf course, spa and loads of outdoor activities in Ayrshire.

Tower of Hallbar, Lanarkshire - a sixteenth century fifty-eight foot Tower.

Ullinish Country Lodge, Isle of Skye - peace and tranquility in spades...

Western Isles Hotel, Tobermory, Mull - with views across the bay.

Information you need to know before you visit Tanzania

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:37:28 +0100

The United Republic of Tanzania lies on the east coast of Africa bordered by Kenya and Uganda to the north; Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique to the south; Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo on the west, and the Indian Ocean to the east. The country takes its name from Tanganyika, its mainland, and the Zanzibar islands off its east coast. In 1964, Tanganyika united with Zanzibar, forming the United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar, later renamed to the United Republic of Tanzania. In 1996, Tanzania's capital was officially moved from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma, although many government offices still remain in the old capital.

The major port, Dar es Salaam, is the natural starting point for trips in Tanzania. It is near Mount Kilimanjaro, the capital city Dodoma and the nearby island of Zanzibar. Many beautiful beaches are within easy reach of Dar es Salaam, such as those at Kunduchi, Mjimwena and Mbwa Maji. Kunduchi, 24 km (15 miles) north of the city, is a fishing village with nearby ruins of Persian tombs and mosques.

The beautiful island of Zanzibar is only 20 minutes' flight from Dar es Salaam. Mount Kilimanjaro, at 5,895 m (19,341 ft), Africa's highest mountain is a major attraction for mountaineers, with the ascent taking about three days. Tanzania's national parks extend over some 33,660 sq km (13,000 sq miles), including the Serengeti National Park (14,763 sq km - 5678 sq miles), claimed to be the finest in Africa. Here are 35 species of plain-dwelling animals, including wildebeest and zebra, and also an extensive selection of birdlife. The Selous Game Reserve is larger than Switzerland and covers 5% of Tanzania's land surface.

Generally, the nightlife centres are in the top tourist hotels and restaurants.

Top 8 New Delhi Luxury Hotels

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 08:13:55 +0100

Ambassador Hotel

A heritage building that exudes colonial charm centrally located in Grand Lutyens Delhi. Hotel has spacious marble floored lobby, luxurious and spacious rooms reminiscent of the bygone raj era, well appointed rooms with private balconies. Three specialty restaurants offering a wide variety of cuisines are located at the lobby level. Also located at lobby level are boutiques, books, toys clothes.

Hyatt Regency Delhi

Rising gracefully, the magnificent Hyatt Regency Delhi Hotel stands out as an impressive land mark in Delhi, India. Brilliantly located minutes away from the city centre and the international airport, the Hyatt Regency Delhi Hotel offers convenience for discerning travellers. Seven floors of luxury, the Hyatt Regency Delhi Hotel is perfectly positioned in one of New Delhi's exclusive residential.

InterContinental Eros, New Delhi

We at the InterContinental Nehru Place make it our business to create memorable and magical moments for our guests. In the heart of South Delhi's prosperous business district, this deluxe five-star hotel offers magnificent views of the Lotus Temple and the southern skyline, and is located 20 kms away from all major tourist and commercial centers.

Taj Mahal Hotel

The Taj Mahal Hotel on Number One Mansingh Road, New Delhi is one of the most distinguished addresses in the national capital. Located in the exclusive residential area of LutyensÂ’ Delhi, close to the seat of government, The Taj Mahal Hotel reflects the heritage of Mughal Delhi. Graceful architecture blends aesthetically with modern facilities.

Taj Palace Intercontinental

The Taj Palace Hotel, New Delhi ia a perfect embodiment of all qualities synonymous with the quality of Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces. Standing apart in service, its facilities and of course, in its distinguished patronage, this hotel has played hosts to heads of state, corporate moguls and high profile businessmen from accross the world.

The Oberoi New Delhi

Full Service - Hotel Year Built - 1965 Year Remodeled - 1994 Additional Property Description - The Oberoi New Delhi Ranked As the Best Business Hotel in New Delhi by the Business Traveller Asia Pacific Travel Awards - September , 2001 -Situated Just 2km/1.2 Miles from the Intl. Trade Centre Pragati Maidan - Centrally Located in the Heart of the City Overlooking Delhi Golf Club.

Le Meridien New Delhi

The Le Meridien New Delhi Hotel, conveniently located in Windsor Palace, one of New Delhi’s focal points, offers guests access to the very best of the city. Travellers arriving from the International Airport can check into this Le Meridien hotel and enjoy the warm welcoming.

Why emigrate of New Zealand

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 08:02:02 +0100

New Zealand Geogragphy: New Zealand is notable for its geographic isolation: it is situated about 2000 km (1250 miles) southeast of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and its closest neighbours to the north are New Caledonia, Fiji and Tonga. During its long isolation New Zealand developed a distinctive fauna dominated by birds, awesome landscapes, lush forests, amazing wildlife and pleasant climate which makes it a haven for many outdoor activities, and a great place to unwind. Hence the reason sport, leisure and an outdoor lifestyle are regarded extremely highly in New Zealand. Areas of particularly breath-taking scenery include the Bay of Islands, Milford Sound and the Fiordland National Park.

New Zealand is one of the most recently settled major landmasses. All new Zealanders are migrants or descendent of migrants, so newcomers are always welcome. The first settlers were Eastern Polynesians who went to New Zealand, probably in a series of migrations, sometime between around 700 and 2000 years ago.Currently the population of New Zealand is mostly of European descent; the indigenous Māori are the largest minority. Asians and non-Māori Polynesians are also significant minority groups, especially in urban areas. The most commonly spoken language is English. More recently, the country has welcomed many new residents from various countries such South Africa, Zimbabwe and India.

New Zealand has a modern, prosperous, developed economy with an estimated GDP of $106 billion. Within a relatively short time, New Zealand has developed a sophisticated, unrestrictive business environment that competes aggressively in world markets. It joins our predominantly agriculture-based economy which continues to deliver the bulk of our export earnings. The success of this has seen decreasing unemployment, a strengthening dollar, soaring stock values and business confidence at an all-time high.Despite New Zealand’s ever-growing economy and motivated workforce, the country is still in need of skilled workers in various fields. The door is therefore open for workers from abroad to bring their skills to New Zealand and enjoy its unrivalled quality of life. Taxation in New Zealand is lighter than in other OECD countries.

New Zealand was ranked 20th in the 2009 Human Development Index and 15th in The Economist’s latest Worldwide Quality of Life index. Most Recently, New Zealand was named the second most peaceful country in the world in The Economist’s Global Peace Index, compiled ahead of the G8 summit. New Zealand is a developed country that ranks highly in international comparisons on human development, quality of life, life expectancy, literacy, public education, peace, prosperity, economic freedom, ease of doing business, lack of corruption, press freedom, and the protection of civil liberties and political rights.Its cities also consistently rank among the world's most liveable.

Must See Places in Costa Blanca

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 20:13:43 +0100

Costa Blanca refers to the over 200 kilometres of coastline belonging to the Province of Alicante in Spain. The name "Costa Blanca" was devised as a promotional name used by BEA when they launched their air service between London and Valencia in 1957. It has a well developed tourism industry and is a popular destination for British and German tourists. It extends from the towns of Denia in the north, beyond which lies the Costa dels Tarongers, to Torrevieja in the south, beyond which lies the Costa Calida. It includes the major tourist destinations of Benidorm and Alicante.

Must See Places in Costa Blanca

Calpe on the Costa Blanca in Spain features a beautiful coastline which is for kilometers around dominated by the huge Peñon de Ifach (Nature reserve from 1987)

La Coveta Fuma is a small Spanish village nestling in a beautiful green valley between Alicante & Benidorm. Traditionally Spanish & totally unspoilt Coveta Fuma has safe, sheltered coves and a sprinkling of Bars & Restaurants in the village square. It's laid back & peaceful-but not remote, in fact the main Coastal Railway linking Alicante in the North to Denia in the South is just a short stroll away.

Denia (Costa Blanca)
Located on the Southeastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula, to border the Mediterranean Sea. Situated in the province of Alicante, being one of its most important towns, because of its archeological findings ; its many Greek and Roman deposits a taster of its turbulent past. The city is found in a natural port on the skirt-line of Mount Montgó (753mts in altitude) and at the feet of a hill crowned by an ancient castle.

Alicante is the centre of the Costa Blanca region, situated on a bay between two capes. Most popular for tourists between May and October when the weather can be guaranteed to be sunny and hot with temperatures often touching 40 degrees. The town is one of the fastest growing in spain and is Valencia's second largest. It is a real town in every sense and whilst its economy today is based around tourism, it exports wine, olives and fruit and has its industries such as leather, pottery and food-processing, the central district is filled with Baroque building bearing testimony to the days when it was a busy seaport

Altea one of the most beautiful cities along the Costa Blanca with about 15 000 habitants can be reached using the AP7 highway.

Great places to visit in Dubai

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 23:52:18 +0100

Here are some quick facts about Dubai before you visit:

Dubai is the world's fastest growing city and fast emerging as tourist destination of choice. Tourists are flocking toward the sunny beaches and the consmopolitab city's night life. Dubai is probably the most exquisite cosmopolitan city in the world.

The United Arab Emirates consists of seven states/emirates and these are Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Quwain, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah.

The capital & second largest city is Abu Dhabi. Languages include Arabic (official), Persian, English, Hindi and Urdu. The currency is UAE Dirham Dh (AED). UAE is a religious country made up of 96 % Sunni Muslim and the remaining % is split between Hindu, Christian and other. International credit cards and traveller's cheques are widely accepted. Dubai time is standard time zone: UTC/GMT +4 hours. Business hours are 0800-1300 and 1600-1930 Sat-Wednesday, 0800-1200 Thursday.

Must see places in Dubai

Dubai Water Front

The waterfront is expected to become the largest waterfront. Its is bound to be largest man-made development in the world.

The Dubai Clocktower is an important landmark in Dubai and was erected as a symbol of Dubai.

Dubai Tower is a supertall skyscraper under construction in Dubai and at 1.2 km this is bound to be the tallest man-made structure ever built.

DXB is the single largest building in the world by floor space the airport and can handle 60 million passengers and construction is in place to increase capacity to 80 million passengers.

The Dubai Mall is the world's largest shopping mall, located in Dubai.

Construction of Dubai Sports City is underway to take advantage of sports/entertainment industry and to establish Dubai as a centre for sports throughout the world and is expected to become the largest sports city.

Information you need to know about North Carolina before you visit

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:21:21 +0100

North Carolina, though the most industrialized of the Southern states, remains relatively rural and poor, with just six million people spread over an area larger than England. It suffered heavily during the Civil War, and Reconstruction brought mixed fortunes: although poverty and hostility were still endemic the Democrats, once they regained control in 1870, were effective in stamping out the Ku Klux Klan.

Since then there have been parallel traditions of radical black, and white racist, activity. Greensboro, for example, where Jesse Jackson served his political apprenticeship, was the site of the 1960 lunch-counter sit-in by black students, and also of the Greensboro Massacre of 1979, when Klansmen killed five people at a Communist Workers Party demonstration.

Geographically, North Carolina breaks down into three distinct areas running from east to west, the coast, the Piedmont and the mountains that help make it one of the more interesting states to tour around. For visitors, the coast is the most promising area, with good beaches, beautiful landscapes and a fascinating history. The inner coast consists largely of the less developed Albemarle Peninsula, with colonial Edenton nearby.

The central Piedmont is dominated by manufacturing cities, and by the academic institutions of the prestigious Research Triangle: Raleigh, the state capital, is home to North Carolina State University. Duke University is at Durham, and the University of North Carolina at trendy Chapel Hill.

Winston-Salem combines tobacco culture and Moravian heritage, while Charlotte bills itself as the next boom city of the South, though for the moment it's distinguished by little but its downtown skyscrapers. In the mountains, one of the most stunning stretches of Appalachia, the only towns of any size, Boone and Asheville, are linked by the spectacular Blue Ridge Parkway, while Great Smoky Mountains National Park overlaps the border with Tennessee.1.Biltmore Asheville, NC - Mountains

10 Popular tourist attractions in North Carolina include:

1.Biltmore Asheville, NC - Mountains

2.Old Salem Museums and Gardens Winston-Salem, NC - Piedmont

3.Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park Chimney Rock, NC - Mountains

4.The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa Asheville, NC - Mountains

5.Historic Ocracoke Ocracoke, NC - Coast

6.Land of the Waterfalls Brevard, NC - Mountains

7.Grandfather Mountain at Grandfather Mountain State Park Linville, NC - Mountains

8.Hanging Rock State Park Danbury, NC - Piedmont

9.Fontana Village Resort Fontana Dam, NC - Mountains

10.Lake Lure Inn & Spa Lake Lure, NC - Mountains

Information you need to know before you visit Israel

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 23:58:20 +0100

The State of Israel is a country in the Western Asian Levant, on the southeastern edge of the Mediterranean Sea. It is bordered by Lebanon to the north, Syria to the northeast, Jordan to the east, and Egypt to the south-west. Israel declared independence in 1948 and although its population includes citizens of many ethnic and religious backgrounds, it is the world's only Jewish state.

The name 'Israel' comes from the Hebrew Bible, Genesis 32:28, where Jacob is renamed Israel after successfully wrestling with an angel of God. The biblical nation fathered by Jacob was then called 'The Children of Israel' or the 'Israelites'. Some rejected name proposals for the new State included Judea, Zion and Eretz Israel.

Israel is a bustling, noisy, modern country. It's best not to arrive with preconceptions of spiritual epiphany. If you do, you'll almost certainly have them confirmed, but in doing so you run the risk of missing the best that this fascinating country has to offer.

Everyone has their own perception of what Israel and the Palestinian Territories are about: it's the Promised Land of the Jews; it's the birthplace of Christ; it's a travel agency package of beaches and sun; it's a ticking time bomb. And whilst it is all of these things, it's much more besides.

If you want to understand Israel, take time to visit the new, cosmopolitan city of Tel Aviv, dive the Red Sea at Eilat, explore some of the country's thriving national parks and float for hours in the salty stillness of the Dead Sea.

Full Country Name: State of Israel
Local Name: Medinat Israel
Capital: Jerusalem (Note: the United Nations and most countries (including the UK) do not recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital, and most countries maintain their embassies in Tel Aviv)
Language: Hebrew, Arabic (both official), English.
Currency: New Israeli shekel (ILS) = 100 agorots.
People: Jewish (80%), Muslim (15%), Christians (1.7%) and Druze (1.3%), Arab.
Life Expectancy: Male: 77.21, Female: 81.55.
Religion: Jewish (mainly), Sunni Muslim, Christian.
Size (sq km): 20,770 / 22,145 (including Golan Heights) (151st)
Population: 7,150,000 (98th)
Population Density per sq km: 324 (34th)
Country Dialling Code: 972
Internet Country Code: .il
Time Zone: GMT +2 (+3 from March to September)
Voltage Guide: 220 AC, 50 Hz.
Finance: All major credit cards and traveller's cheques accepted.
Business Hours: 0830-1200,1600-1800 Sunday-Tuesday and Thursday, 0830-1230 Wednesday, 0830-1200 Friday.
GDP: US$103 billion
GDP per Capita: US$16,291
Annual Growth: 5%
Inflation: -2%
Major Industries: Metal, defence, machinery, technology, diamonds, chemicals.
Major Trading Partners: USA, UK, Belgium/Luxembourg, Germany.
Personal Safety: Mainly safe, but significant unrest in some areas due to civil conflict. Seek latest information at time of visit.

50 Must see places in Israel

Abu Gosh
Acre
Banias
Beit She’an
Ben Yehuda Street
Caesarea
Caesarea Philippi
Capernaum
Cardo
Cave of John the Baptist
Church of Gallicantu
Daliat El Carmel
David’s Spring
Davidson Center
Dead Sea
Eilat
Ein Akev
Ein Boqek
Ein Gedi Nature Reserve
Ein Karem
Ein Tzukim (Ein Feshkah)
Ein Zik
Elah Valley
Garden of Gethsemane
Garden Tomb
Golan Heights
Haas Promenade
Hazor
Hamat Gader
Hezekiah’s Tunnel
Israel Museum
Jewish Quarter Jerusalem
Jezreel Valley
Kfar Hanokdim
Katsrin
Knesset
Kidron Valley
Korazin
Kursi
Masada,
Megiddo
Mt. Arbel
Mt. of Beatitudes
Mt. Carmel
Mt. Hermon
Mt. of Olives
Mt. Scopus
Nazareth Village
Neot Kedumim
Nof Ginosar
Old City, Jerusalem
Old City, Jaffa
Qumran
Rainbow Cave
Ramon Crater
Red Sea
Rosh Hanikra
Sataf
“Shechiyanu Service”
Sea of Galilee
Second Temple Model
Sde Boker
Southern steps
Tabgha
Tel Aviv
Tel Dan
Temple Institute
Temple Mount
Upper Galilee
Upper Room
Via Dolorosa
Western Wall
Western Wall Tunnel Tours
Wilderness Tabernacle
Yad VaShem
Yardenit