TEL AVIV

Welcome to Tel Aviv, one of the world’s most unique seaside metropolises - a combination of beach, culture, activities, nightlife and just plain fun!  The city of Tel Aviv-Jaffa is the center of the State of Israel, and not only geographically. Tel Aviv-Jaffa is the business center of Israel, and also the center of culture, entertainment and nightlife. Tel Aviv-Jaffa is alive and bustling 24 hours a day - a non-stop city.  As soon as you arrive at Ben Gurion International Airport, Tel Aviv-Jaffa is your base in Israel for business, tours, recreation or relaxation.  During the 1930’s Tel Aviv, hardly out of its teens, was a stage for intensive development, with most of its architects coming from Europe and bringing with them the ideas of the modernist movement. They constructed what has become the largest and most impressive collection of Bauhaus architecture anywhere in the world, transforming parts of Tel Aviv’s central area into a source of beauty and even inspiration for those who seek out such aesthetic forms. Today, the city contains about 4,000 buildings in the International Style, about 1,100 of which have been earmarked for preservation.  In July 2003, Tel Aviv’s Bauhaus areas, named the “White City” were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  'The White City' is the story of Tel Aviv, from its beginning to today and is a wonderful opportunity to savor the experience of life in Tel Aviv, in the past and the present.

Jaffa: Tel Aviv’s Ancient Sister - According to Christian legend, Jaffa was named after Noah’s son Japhet, who built the city after the Flood. Others believe that the name derives from the Hebrew word "Yofi" - beauty. From archeological discoveries and ancient documents we learn that Jaffa existed as a port city some 4,000 years ago, serving Egyptian and Phoenician sailors in their sea voyages.

New Testament Jaffa - Tel Aviv may not be the place one associates with the Holy Land; nevertheless, the ancient port city of Jaffa is mentioned in the Bible - the Old and the New Testament - in numerous contexts.

Jaffa: The Last 125 Years - Starting in the late 19th century Jaffa prospered, as thousands of Jews returning to their ancestral homeland, landed there. Meanwhile, Tel Aviv had developed its own small port to the North. Nevertheless, as Tel Aviv grew into Israel’s largest city and economic and cultural capital, Jaffa also developed as an integral part of the metropolis. Today, the narrow alleyways and ancient fishing port of Old Jaffa contrast

with the pulsating modernity of Tel Aviv immediately to the north.

Jaffa Churches - Jaffa has always symbolized coexistence among Jews, Moslems and Christians. Among the churches that are included are St. Peter's Church, St. Antuan's Church, St. George's Church, Emanuel Church, and others.

Distances Approx.: A Base for Touring

Sure, Tel Aviv is great and we’re certain that you and your group will enjoy it to the hilt. Even though, it’s obvious that there are other attractions in Israel – the sights and sites of Jerusalem (64 km) and the Upper Galilee region (166 km), the Dead Sea (180 km) that will always appear on the “must visit” list of any tourist. Stay in Tel Aviv and just about everything Israel can offer is at your fingertips, a coach ride away.

Getting Around

Roads are excellent and well signposted. Coaches are spacious, modern, air-conditioned and comfortable, manned by experienced drivers and guides.  The two neighboring cities Bat Yam and Herzeliya are less then 5 Km away from Tel Aviv. They are both great places for beach vacations due to their long and beautiful sand beaches right outside the many hotels.  Herzeliya is also famous for its expensive villas and exciting night clubs near Herzeliya Pituach.  60 Km to the south you will find the city of Ashkelon – one of the best places for water sports and relaxation on the beach. Don’t forget to walk along the attractive Marina!

The Beach

The Mediterranean shore in the Greater Tel Aviv area, stretching from up market Herzeliya, north of the city - to Bat Yam in the south, features kilometers of clean, supervised beachfront and a vortex of activity all the year-round; however, there is much more to do here than merely enjoy the wonderful beaches and sea. A range of water sports is readily available, including scuba diving for both beginners and experienced divers. Other water sports options include surfing, snorkeling, kite-surfing and water skiing, with sailing boats, kayaks and water sports equipment available for rental.  The promenade, which extends along the Tel Aviv shoreline from the Hayarkon Estuary in the North to the entrance to Old Jaffa in the South - the stretch of beachfront along which most of the city's major hotels are located - is always alive with strollers, joggers, vendors, musicians and mimes, and lots of fun. Restaurants and snack bars are ever-present along the promenade.

Geography, Climate, etc.:

Climate & Clothing - Anyone packing for a trip to Tel Aviv should take climate into consideration. Winters begin around the middle of November and end in April at the very latest. Temperatures will usually range between 15*C-23*C.
Even in the North of the country, winter rainfall occurs fewer than 70 days a year - less, the farther south one travels. On sunny winter days people go to the beach, and there are quite a number who swim all the year round - ideal conditions for walking about and exploring the city most of the time. During the summer, temperatures will usually range between 28*C-32*C.