Israel 3 Unforgettable Road Trips

Written By Israel Travel Advisor .

Welcome to Israel, a land packed with history, culture, and stunning scenery! For first-time visitors keen to explore this fascinating country, a road trip is a fantastic way to see its diverse highlights. Here are three of the best road trip plans, carefully put together to show you Israel's most popular and must-see spots.

Road Trip 1: The Golden Triangle - Jerusalem, Dead Sea, and Masada (Approx. 3 Days)

Day 1: Jerusalem - The Eternal City (Driving: Around 30-40 minutes total) Begin your exploration in Jerusalem's captivating Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk its ancient walls, visit the sacred Western Wall (Kotel), and explore the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Wander through the vibrant markets (shuks) to experience local life. In the afternoon, drive to Yad Vashem (check website for opening hours), a powerful Holocaust memorial and museum offering crucial historical insight. Conclude the day with a visit to the charming village of Ein Karem, exploring its picturesque streets and significant churches like the Church of the Visitation and the Church of Saint John the Baptist, enjoying its peaceful atmosphere before returning to your Jerusalem accommodation.

  • Parking Suggestions :

    • Old City:

      • Mamilla Mall Underground Parking: Shlomo ha-Melekh St, Jerusalem. Open 24/7. Estimated Rate: Hourly rates apply, can be relatively expensive, check current rates upon arrival. Link: https://www.mamilla-avenue.co.il/en/parking/

      • Karta Parking Garage: Yitzhak Kariv St 13, Jerusalem. Open 24/7. Estimated Rate: Hourly rates apply, check current rates upon arrival. Link: No direct website, search "Karta Parking Jerusalem" for user reviews and potential rate information.

    • Yad Vashem: Har Hazikaron, Jerusalem. Opening Hours: Sunday-Thursday 10:00-17:00, Friday 10:00-14:00. Closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays. Free Parking available on-site (follow signs). Link: https://www.yadvashem.org/visit/plan-your-visit/getting-here.html

    • Ein Karem: Parking in Ein Karem is generally available along the roadside metered parking. Be mindful of parking signs and avoid blocking narrow streets. There are also a few small free parking lots scattered throughout the village, but they can get crowded, especially on weekends. Specific rates and links for these smaller lots are not readily available.

Day 2: Head to the Lowest Point - The Dead Sea and Relaxation (Driving: About 1.5 - 2 hours, 120-150 km) Take a beautiful drive east towards the Judean Desert and the Dead Sea, the lowest place on Earth. As you go down, the scenery will change a lot. When you arrive, enjoy the unique experience of floating easily in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea – something you won't forget and known for its good effects. Many resorts by the Dead Sea offer spa treatments using the famous black mud, which people think helps with healing. Take your time to relax and enjoy the strange atmosphere. You might want to visit the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve nearby for a refreshing walk among desert springs and waterfalls before going to your accommodation in the Dead Sea area.

  • Parking Suggestions :

    • Dead Sea Resorts/Beaches: Most resorts and public beaches along the Dead Sea offer free parking for their guests and visitors. Follow the signs to the designated parking areas. Rates for public beaches, if any, are usually minimal but can vary.

    • Ein Gedi Nature Reserve: Near Nahal David entrance. Opening Hours vary seasonally, check website. Paid parking available at the entrance. Estimated Rate: Around 15-20 NIS per car per day (subject to change). Link: https://www.parks.org.il/en/reserve-and-national-park/ein-gedi-nature-reserve/plan-your-visit/

Day 3: Ancient Fortress and Desert Beauty - Masada and Return to Jerusalem (Driving: About 2-2.5 hours, 100-130 km) Start your day by visiting Masada, an old fortress sitting on top of a high cliff looking over the Dead Sea. Go up by cable car or walk up the Snake Path to see the ruins of King Herod's palace and learn about the dramatic siege that happened here. The wide views of the Dead Sea and the desert around it are truly stunning, especially at sunrise. After seeing Masada, you can spend more time relaxing at the Dead Sea or start driving back towards Jerusalem. On your way back, you could stop at Qumran Caves, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found, giving you another interesting look into ancient history.

Road Trip 2: Coastal Charm and Ancient Wonders - Tel Aviv, Caesarea, and Acre (Approx. 3 Days)

Day 1: Tel Aviv - The Modern Hub (Driving: Just around the city) Begin your coastal trip in the lively and modern city of Tel Aviv. Explore the historic Jaffa (Yafo) with its old port, charming small streets, and art galleries, offering great views of Tel Aviv's skyline. Walk along the lovely Tel Aviv beaches, from the busy Gordon Beach to the more peaceful Frishman Beach. Get to know the Bauhaus architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage site known as the "White City," by taking a walking tour. In the evening, experience Tel Aviv's exciting nightlife and food scene, with lots of restaurants and bars to choose from. You might want to visit the Carmel Market (Shuk HaCarmel) for a taste of local food and a busy atmosphere.

  • Parking Suggestions :

    • Jaffa: Parking in Old Jaffa can be limited and often requires payment.

      • Jaffa Port Parking: Paid parking lot near the port. Rates vary, expect hourly fees. No direct website, search "Jaffa Port parking" on Google Maps for locations and potential reviews with rate info.

      • Street Parking: Metered parking available on some streets, use parking apps like Pango or Cellopark to pay. Rates vary by zone and time.

    • Tel Aviv Beach Area: Mostly paid street parking (metered) or paid parking garages. Use parking apps (Pango, Cellopark) to find and pay for street parking. Garage rates vary significantly by location. Search "parking garages Tel Aviv beach" on Google Maps for options and potential rate information.

    • Carmel Market Area: Parking is very limited. Consider parking further away (e.g., near Dizengoff Street) in a paid garage and walking or using public transport. Search "parking garages near Carmel Market Tel Aviv" on Google Maps.

Day 2: Roman Grandeur and Coastal Beauty - Caesarea (Driving: About 1 hour, 50-60 km) Take a beautiful drive north along the Mediterranean coast to Caesarea Maritima, an old city built by King Herod the Great. Explore the impressive Roman theater, the well-kept aqueduct that once brought water to the city, and the Crusader fortress. Imagine how grand this once-busy port city was as you walk through its archaeological park. Enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery and maybe have lunch at one of the restaurants overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Give yourself plenty of time to explore the different ruins and learn about the rich history of this interesting place.

Day 3: Crusader History and Old City Charm - Acre (Akko) and Return to Tel Aviv (Driving: About 1 hour, 50-60 km each way) Continue your trip north to the ancient city of Acre (Akko), a UNESCO World Heritage site with a long history from the time of the Crusaders. Explore the well-preserved Crusader tunnels, the large citadel, and the busy market from the Ottoman period. Wander through the narrow streets of the Old City, finding hidden gems and enjoying the authentic feel. Visit the Al-Jazzar Mosque, one of the biggest and most beautiful mosques in Israel outside of Jerusalem. In the late afternoon, start driving back to Tel Aviv.

  • Parking Suggestions :

    • Acre (Akko): Parking is available outside the Old City walls in paid parking lots. Follow the signs as you approach Acre.

      • Acre Citadel Parking: Paid parking lot near the entrance to the Old City. Rates vary, expect hourly fees. No direct website, search "parking Acre Old City" on Google Maps for locations and potential reviews with rate info.

      • Other paid lots are available around the perimeter of the Old City. Look for signs indicating "Parking" (חניה). Rates are generally similar.

Road Trip 3: Galilee's Beauty and Spiritual Significance - Nazareth, Sea of Galilee, and Golan Heights (Approx. 3 Days)

Day 1: Nazareth - The Childhood Home of Jesus (Driving: About 1.5 - 2 hours, 90-110 km from Tel Aviv) Start your trip north to Nazareth, the biggest Arab city in Israel and a very important place for Christians as the town where Jesus grew up. Visit the Basilica of the Annunciation, believed to be where the Angel Gabriel told Mary she would have Jesus. Explore the Church of St. Joseph, traditionally thought to be Joseph's workshop. Wander through the Old City market, experiencing the local culture and maybe enjoying a traditional Middle Eastern meal. Take your time to appreciate the spiritual feeling and learn about the history of this important city.

  • Parking Suggestions :

    • Nazareth: Parking in the center of Nazareth can be challenging due to narrow, winding streets.

      • Paid Parking Lots: Several paid parking lots are available in the downtown area, indicated by signs (usually in Hebrew and sometimes English). Rates vary, expect hourly fees. Search "parking Nazareth city center" on Google Maps for locations. Examples include parking near the Basilica.

      • Street parking is possible but can be difficult to find and may have time restrictions. Pay close attention to signs.

Day 2: The Sea of Galilee - History and Serenity (Driving: Just around the Sea of Galilee) Drive to the beautiful Sea of Galilee (Lake Kinneret), Israel's largest freshwater lake and a place where many stories from the Bible took place. Visit Capernaum, where Jesus lived and taught, and explore the ruins of the old synagogue and Peter's house. Explore the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount, offering amazing views of the lake. Consider taking a boat trip on the Sea of Galilee to see the surrounding landscape from a different angle. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and the historical importance of this region. You can find various historical and religious sites around the lake, each with its own unique story.

  • Parking Suggestions :

    • Capernaum National Park: Opening Hours vary seasonally, check website. Free parking is typically available at the entrance. Link: https://www.parks.org.il/en/reserve-and-national-park/capernaum-national-park/plan-your-visit/

    • Mount of Beatitudes: Opening Hours generally 08:00-17:00. Free parking is available for visitors. Link: No official park website, search "Mount of Beatitudes parking" on Google Maps.

    • Boat Trips: Parking availability varies depending on the specific boat tour operator and departure point. Many have adjacent free parking or offer information on nearby paid parking. Check with the tour operator in advance.

Day 3: Golan Heights - Stunning Views and History (Driving: About 1-1.5 hours, 60-80 km around the Golan Heights) Go into the Golan Heights, a region with stunning natural beauty and historical importance. Drive along scenic roads offering wide views of the Hula Valley and the Sea of Galilee. Visit Tel Dan Nature Reserve, an old biblical city with beautiful walking trails and natural springs. Explore the Banias Nature Reserve, home to the impressive Banias waterfall and the ruins of ancient Caesarea Philippi. Learn about the strategic importance of the Golan Heights and its history. You might want to visit a local winery in the Golan Heights to try some Israeli wine. In the late afternoon, start driving back towards where you began (Tel Aviv or Jerusalem), enjoying the changing scenery.

Please note that parking rates and availability can change, especially during peak tourist seasons and holidays. It's always a good idea to have some cash on hand for parking meters or smaller lots that might not accept credit cards. Using parking apps like Pango and Cellopark can be very convenient in cities. Enjoy your travels!

General Tips for Driving in Israel for Tourists:

  • Driving Side: You drive on the right-hand side of the road.

  • Road Conditions: Roads in Israel are generally in good condition.

  • Traffic: Traffic in big cities, especially Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, can get heavy when people are going to and from work. Plan your drives with this in mind.

  • Navigation: Using a GPS app like Waze (which was invented in Israel!) or Google Maps is really helpful. Keep in mind that some areas of the West Bank might not be mapped well or accurately.

  • Parking: Finding parking in city centers can be tricky and often costs money. Look for marked parking lots or use parking apps. Pay attention to parking signs, as they are strict about illegal parking.

  • Speed Limits: Speed limits are shown in kilometers per hour (km/h). Watch out for road signs. Typical speed limits are 50 km/h in cities, 80-90 km/h on roads between cities, and 100-120 km/h on highways.

  • Gas Stations: You can easily find gas stations along main roads.

  • Car Rental: Many international and local car rental companies operate in Israel, especially at airports and in major cities. Make sure you have the right driver's license and insurance.

  • Checkpoints: Be ready for occasional security checkpoints, especially when traveling between certain areas. Have your ID ready.

What to Avoid While Driving in Israel:

  • Driving in Ultra-Orthodox Neighborhoods on Shabbat: Try not to drive through very religious Jewish neighborhoods on Shabbat (from Friday afternoon until Saturday evening) as it's seen as breaking religious law and can lead to protests.

  • Entering Area A of the Palestinian Authority: Unless you have special permission, don't go into Area A of the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank. Navigation apps might sometimes guide you through these areas, so pay close attention to road signs.

  • Off-Road Driving in Unauthorized Areas: Stick to paved roads and don't drive off-road unless you are with a licensed tour guide in allowed areas.

  • Leaving Valuables Where People Can See Them: Like in any country, don't leave expensive things where they can be seen in your parked car to avoid theft.

  • Aggressive Driving: Even though traffic can be busy, try to stay calm and don't drive aggressively.

Taking a road trip through Israel is a fantastic way to see its rich mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. These suggested plans are a great starting point for your first adventure in the Holy Land. Have a wonderful trip!

Israel Travel Advisor .
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