Israel packs in riches from cherished religious sites and stunning archaeological remains to spectacular natural wonders. Holy land to Jews, Christians, and Muslims, this is where biblical place names like Jerusalem and the Galilee come alive. Colorful features in Fodor's Israel travel guide help travelers experience all of this and more: awe-inspiring ancient treasures, beautiful landscapes, food and wine, and vibrant contemporary culture. Competitive Advantage: With its focus on modern pleasures as well as historical attractions, Fodor's Israel is the best-selling guide to this exciting, diverse country. It's well positioned to take advantage of growing American travel to Israel: the number of visitors rose more than 50% between 2004 and 2011. Expanded Coverage: This new edition captures the latest developments in this fast-changing country, including the hot restaurant scenes in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Tel Aviv's great shopping is covered in more depth, along with its expanding gallery scene. Also getting more attention are the country's spa culture, B&B scene, new resorts, wineries, and transportation improvements. The guide also includes more information on the popular side-trip excursion to Jordan's world wonder of Petra. Illustrated Features: Browsable experiential features highlight quintessential Israel, both ancient and modern. Topics include Masada; the Western Wall and the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem; the Dead Sea; Jesus in the Galilee; outdoor activities in the Negev desert; nightlife in Tel Aviv; and Israeli wine, giving travelers an unparalleled sense of the country. Short features address Israeli cuisine and Tel Aviv's Bauhaus architecture. Indispensable Trip Planning Tools The Experience Israel chapter provides an overview of the country and what to do, with special features including Israel Made Easy, on the basics of travel to Israel; top attractions and experiences; the best Israeli food and markets; great beaches; and the most interesting activities for kids. Orientation and planning features in each chapter make it easy to prepare for a trip and navigate the destination, and detailed itineraries address specific kinds of visitors, such as first-timers and Christian travelers. Safety and security expectations are thoroughly detailed. Discerning Recommendations: Fodor's Israel offers savvy advice and recommendations from local writers to help travelers make the most of their time. Fodor's Choice designates our best picks, from hotels to nightlife. Word of Mouth quotes from fellow travelers provide valuable insights.