Author Archives: Dan Magazine

Navigating Tel Aviv: Your Personal Guide to Public Transport and Walking Tours

Welcome to Tel Aviv! This vibrant city is Israel’s beating heart, where history, culture, and the contemporary world come together in a beautiful blend. Let’s get you moving around the city like a true Tel Avivian…

Tel Aviv has something for everyone. So, grab your “Rav-Kav” smart card, download your favorite transportation app, and let’s start exploring! This guide will help you navigate Tel Aviv’s public transport system, from buses and trains to bikes and scooters, ensuring you make the most of your visit. And if you’re staying at one of the Dan Hotels, our concierge team is always ready to assist you, providing valuable advice and tips for getting around Tel Aviv, ensuring you make the most of your visit.

Navigating Tel Aviv: Public Transport

Buses

Navigating the bus system in Tel Aviv is fairly straightforward once you get the hang of it. Bus stops are sprinkled all over the city, making it super easy to get from point A to point B. Grab a “Rav-Kav” smart card, load it up, and you’re all set. You can top up your “Rav-Kav” card at any train station, at designated “Rav-Kav” service points, via the “Rav-Kav Online” app, or at select convenience stores and kiosks throughout the city. For just 5.90 NIS, you can jump on and off as many buses as you want within a 90-minute window. And the best part? The same card works for the train too. For real-time updates and the best bus routes, “Moovit” and “Google Maps” are your go-to apps.

Weekend Transportation in Tel Aviv

Here’s a local tip: Tel Aviv offers free bus rides on Fridays and Saturdays. The buses run every half hour, and you can check out the schedules on the BuSofash website or transportation apps like “Moovit,” “efoBus,” and “Bus Nearby.” Just remember, the electronic signs at bus stations don’t display bus hours.

Tel Aviv Light Rail

Meet Dankal, Tel Aviv’s light rail system. It’s fast, user-friendly, and a fantastic way to zip around the city. There are three lines: Red, Green, and Purple. The Red Line is already operational, while the Green and Purple lines are still under construction.

Train

Israel Railways connects Tel Aviv to other major cities in Israel. The main stations in the city are Tel Aviv Savidor Central, Tel Aviv HaHagana, and Tel Aviv University. If you’re traveling long distances, the train is a comfortable and quick option.

Taxis in Tel Aviv

Need a taxi? They’re everywhere in Tel Aviv. Just make sure the driver switches on the meter when you start your journey. You can also use apps like Gett to book a ride.

Scooters and Bikes

Check out Tel-O-Fun, Tel Aviv’s bike-sharing program. They’ve recently added electric bikes to their fleet. You can rent a bike for a one-time fee or get a three-month subscription. All the details are available on their app.

Venturing Beyond Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv’s central location makes it a great base for exploring other parts of Israel. Here’s how you can get to Jerusalem, Haifa, Caesarea, and Herzliya from Tel Aviv:

Jerusalem: Regular buses and trains connect Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The bus ride takes about an hour, and the train journey is around 30 minutes.

Haifa: Trains are the best way to get to Haifa from Tel Aviv. The journey takes about an hour, and trains run frequently throughout the day. The ride offers beautiful views of Israel’s coastline.

Caesarea: Trains depart every hour from Tel Aviv to Caesarea, and the journey takes about 50 minutes. The train station is a bit far from the national park, so you might want to grab a taxi.

Herzliya: Trains run very frequently from Tel Aviv to Herzliya, especially during peak hours. The journey takes about 20 minutes.

Walking Tours in Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv is a city that loves to be explored on foot. The city is compact, and many of its attractions are within walking distance of each other. Walking lets you soak in the city’s lively atmosphere, explore its diverse neighborhoods, and stumble upon hidden gems that you might miss when traveling by car or bus.

Follow the city’s Independence Trail, a 1-kilometer route marked by brass stones embedded in the pavement, which guides you through some of the city’s most significant historical sites. Or, if you’re into street art, explore the Florentin neighborhood, a bohemian area known for its vibrant graffiti.

For the foodies out there, the Carmel Market is a must-visit. This bustling marketplace in the heart of the city offers a smorgasbord of local ingredients and culinary delights. It’s not just a market; it’s an experience. You can immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle, sample some of the best local produce, and gain a deep insight into Israeli cuisine.

Dan Hotels in Tel Aviv

When visiting Tel Aviv, finding the right accommodation can enhance your experience. Dan Hotels, ideally located in the heart of the city, serve as a perfect starting point for visitors. With easy access to public transportation and walking tour routes, guests can effortlessly explore all that Tel Aviv has to offer. The hotels offer luxurious rooms, top-notch services, and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. Whether you’re in Tel Aviv for business or pleasure, Dan Hotels can provide a comfortable and convenient base for your stay.

If you’re staying at one of the Dan Hotels in Tel Aviv, you’ll have a wealth of resources at your disposal for planning your explorations. Each hotel has a dedicated concierge desk. The hotel staff there can be a great help in planning your explorations. With their local knowledge and insights, they can recommend places to visit that align with your interests, help with directions, and even offer tips on the best times to visit certain attractions. Their guidance can add a whole new dimension to your walking tour experiences and help you discover the true essence of Tel Aviv.

Your Journey Through Tel Aviv Awaits

Navigating Tel Aviv is an adventure in itself. Whether you choose public transportation, a bike, a scooter, or your own two feet, you’re sure to experience the city’s unique blend of history and modernity. From the bustling markets to the serene beaches, Tel Aviv is a city that invites exploration at every turn. With this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate the city and make the most of your visit. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s start exploring!

Top Vegan Food in Israel: The Best Vegan Dining Experiences

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Ten vegan establishments to check off your list.

With climate change and the world’s environmental challenges rarely out of the spotlight, more and more people are turning to veganism. Some nations are ahead of the curve in this regard, and Israel is one of those countries widely recognized to be among the frontrunners, with one of the highest proportion of vegans worldwide. Fortunately, the tiny country punches well above its weight in relation to the range, quality and creativity of vegan food on offer across the country. In 2022, 1,500 Israeli eateries and 6 500 products displayed the Vegan Friendly logo, but for the month of healthy living, ‘Veganuary’, we look at 10 places in Israel for excellent vegan dining.

Furthermore, with an enduring love of foods, such as falafel, hummus, salads and couscous, already a key part of the Israeli diet, the availability of fresh vegetables and fruits makes it incredibly easy to be vegan.

Vegan Restaurants in Tel Aviv: The Heart of the Vegan Scene
At the heart of this ongoing revolution is Tel Aviv, once described as the “Vegan Capital of the World” by the British newspaper, the Independent, and home to many high-quality vegan cafés and restaurants. Among them – and a 15-minute walk from the Dan Tel Aviv – is Dosa Bar. From its home on Ben Yehuda Street, you can access wonderfully fresh Indian-style vegan street food, with a reputation for incredible dosas, gluten-free pancakes with fillings including traditional and sweet potato, incredible coconut-based sauces, followed by tasty organic desserts using fruits and nuts. There is a range of delightful and charming, high quality vegan coffee shops in Tel Aviv, such as Anastasia, one of the first vegan cafés in Tel Aviv. Located on Frishman Street, also a very short walk from the Dan Tel Aviv there is a diverse menu to satisfy many palates, including some of the most flavorful shakshuka in the city – made from polenta and tofu balls in homemade tomato sauce. Offering a terrific breakfast menu with vegan omelets, nut-made cheeses and a range of creative dips, you can also opt for a splendid tofu curry to mushroom pasta. A close walk from the Dan Panorama Tel Aviv is Green Roll is the first vegan sushi restaurant in Israel since its founding in 2015. A completely vegan menu will leave you full and content. A delicious range of sushi rolls, topped with special sauces produced in the restaurant, and handmade dim sum are inventively created and creatively presented by the restaurant’s uber-friendly staff. Close to the colorful Levinsky market, on Ha-Khalutzim Street, is the award-winning restaurant, Opa, the brainchild of owner and chef, Shirel Berger. Winner of the ‘One To Watch Award’ as part of Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023, this converted warehouse is a perfectly intimate social or romantic setting for those aficionados of delicious vegan food. The 10-course sharing tasting menu is an ideal way to celebrate a special occasion. The bright and airy Goodness restaurant on King George Street offers a creative menu packed with flavor, such as seitan schnitzel and tofu, vegan sausages, but is renowned for its sensational burgers with a vegan fried egg achieved by creating a yolk from chestnut squash and a white from tofu. It has to be tasted to be believed.

Quality also sparkles in Jerusalem
While the vegan spotlight shines brightly in Tel Aviv, it very much sparkles in Jerusalem too. Jerusalem has fast caught up on the country’s shift towards a more plant-based diet. From hearty stews to vegan shakshuka, the options are many, with vegan options dominating the menu at Café Bastet, a small café in central Jerusalem run by long-time vegan owner. This inclusive and LGBTQ-friendly establishment sits just a few minutes from Zion Square and 1km from the King David Hotel Jerusalem, and brings you creative takes on classic Israeli dishes, including vegan shakshuka and black lentil hummus. Its vegan hot chocolate and coffee blend are particularly popular. A tightly innovative menu, intimate atmosphere, and excellent service keep the well-loved Pergamon Restaurant at the top of many lists. A vegan’s dream, the delicious and upscale meals will set you up for a night out on the town. As one of the city’s top-rated restaurants, it is also famous for its cocktails, made and decorated with fresh herbs grown on its patio, and gourmet dishes such as polenta chips with tartar sauce, Parisian gnocchi with za’atar butter and slow-cooked Jerusalem artichoke with white wine and dates. The menu is extraordinary in Jerusalem’s Nagila Vegan Restaurant, a strictly kosher culinary gem in a quiet alley near the iconic Mahane Yehuda market. From the vegan lasagna to the lentil and cashew shakshuka, you will not be disappointed at the creativity and skill of this family-run team.

Haifa’s not-so-hidden gems

Close to the Dan Carmel and Dan Panorama Haifa, we recommend the splendid Umm Kulthum, on Moriya Boulevard. Oozing great vibes, this place dishes up a broad selection of tasty, affordable plates, including the vegan lasagna, Armenian-style pizza and splendid lentils and chickpea meals, not to mention the huge range of hummus. A short stroll down the same street also brings you to Moriah 105, and its menu of vegan cuisine from the Far and Middle East. Sit inside in the homely restaurant or outside on the wooden balcony under the pine trees and enjoy a choice of breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, all cooked with fresh and high-quality ingredients. From Indian dishes, such as thali or korma, to corn schnitzel, you are in the safe hands of an owner dedicated to nutrition and healthy living.

Choosing a vegan plant-based diet, for cultural, health, environmental or religious reasons, the love affair between the locals and veganism guarantees a huge range of eateries for you to choose from. Betay-avon (Bon appétit).

Waddesdon Manor, Rothschild and Israel’s Knesset

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Explore Waddesdon Manor, a beautiful French Renaissance-style château in UK managed by the Rothschilds – with many Zionist connections.

North Front from the North East, National Trust, Waddesdon Manor. (Credit Photo: Chris Lacey)

The Rothschilds need little introduction. In the 18th century, the sons of Mayer Amschel Rothschild founded banking houses in London, Paris, Naples, Vienna and Frankfurt. Their prowess in banking, the arts and wine-making was matched by their philanthropy for Jewish causes.

The support of the Rothschilds was key to the success of the 19th century Zionist enterprise in Palestine, where their agricultural projects included vineyards in Zichron Yaakov and Rishon Lezion. In 1924, Edmond and James de Rothschild founded PJCA – the Palestine Jewish Colonisation Association, which eventually became part of the JNF (Jewish National Fund).

Parterre of sunrise at Waddesdon Manor. (Credit Photo: Chris Lacey)

Situated not far from London in the Buckinghamshire countryside, Waddesdon Manor (waddesdon.org.uk) is one of the few remaining Rothschild grand houses open to the public. First built in 1874 by Ferdinand de Rothschild from the Austrian branch of the family, Waddesdon passed to the present Lord Jacob Rothschild in 1988. Each day, over a thousand visitors enjoy the impressive collection of art, the aviary, and the magnificent grounds.

The surprising and unique Zionist dimension to Waddesdon is that 83-year-old Lord Jacob Rothschild is also president of Yad Hanadiv, the Rothschild charitable foundation that has donated over a billion dollars to educational, cultural and environmental projects in Israel. “Hanadiv” (the benefactor) refers to Lord Edmond de Rothschild.

Mounted on a block of Jerusalem stone in the James and Dorothy de Rothschild Room, you will find scale models of major Yad Hanadiv projects: the Knesset, Israel’s parliament building; Israel’s Supreme Court building; and the National Library of Israel, a huge project currently under construction in Jerusalem. The room also contains correspondence between Dorothy de Rothschild and Israel’s prime minister David Ben Gurion relating to the construction of the Knesset and the Supreme Court.

Top Left: The Waddesdon Manor’s gift shop offers a selection of famous wine labels. Top Right: A model of the Supreme Court on a block of Jerusalem stone. Down: Lord Rothschild – unique Zionist dimension to Waddesdon Manor. (Photos by: Wassesdon Image Library & Chris Lacey).

Dorothy was a fierce Zionist who helped Dr Chaim Weizmann, the Russian chemist who would become Israel’s first president, gain access to British government circles. This access culminated in the Balfour Declaration, the letter from Foreign Secretary Arthur Balfour to Lord Walter Rothschild on 2 November 1917, promising to establish a Jewish state in Palestine. A copy of the famous letter is on display, as well as a set of intricate embroideries made of untarnished gold and silver thread. Created for a private Italian synagogue, and purchased by the Rothschild Foundation, the embroideries depict scenes from the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem as envisaged by the 18th century artist.

Each day, over a thousand visitors enjoy the impressive collection of art, the aviary, and the magnificent grounds. (Photo by: Chris Lacey)

The Waddesdon gift shop offers a selection of famous Rothschild wine labels, including kosher Rothschild wines. A perfect way to end your trip to this unexpected Zionist gem tucked away in the Buckingham countryside.

Yanky Fachler (yankyfachler@gmail.com) is a writer on modern Jewish and Zionist history, and is chair of the Jewish Historical Society of Ireland.

Dan Hotels Chain has Expanded: Something New is Beginning…

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The Dan Hotels Chain is happy to welcome three new hotels into its ranks: Two hotels in northern Israel, in Safed and Nazareth, and a third in Eilat.

With this the Dan Hotels chain has completed a significant expansion and now includes 18 hotels nationwide, expanding its geographic reach and appealing to new audiences.

Ruth Safed hotel features charming corners and walking trails that blend into nature and are steeped with the city’s history and culture.

Mary’s Well Nazareth
The Mary’s Well Nazareth Hotel preserves the unique character of the city of Nazareth, where three major religions – Judaism, Christianity and Islam – come together. It is located in the heart of the Old City, amidst the alleys of the colorful and vibrant market, close to the tourist sites and the Church of the Annunciation. The hotel has 226 rooms featuring patio rooms and church rooms with views of the Old City.
The hotel is close to the Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, as well as to monasteries and other sites in the city where it is believed the family of Jesus lived.

The Mary’s Well Nazareth Hotel preserves the unique character of the city of Nazareth. Up Left: Hotel building. Up Right: The Orthodox Church of the Annunciation

Mary’s Well Nazareth Hotel combines an exclusive hospitality experience with a confluence of religions and beliefs and the unique atmosphere that characterizes the city and its tradition of hospitality.
Guests are invited to join a host of tours of the area, become familiar with the fascinating architecture typical of the magical Galilee city and, of course, immerse in the history, colors, smells, and tastes that make Nazareth a vibrant and wonderful international city.

Ruth Safed
High above the views of the Upper Galilee, nestled on the top of Mount Canaan, sits the city of Safed, overlooking one of the greenest and most beautiful areas of Israel. On the edge of the Old City, with its charming streets, lies the Ruth Safed hotel – a heavenly tourist destination for guests visiting all year round.

Ruth Safed hotel – a heavenly tourist destination for guests visiting all year round. (Credit photos: Eyal Marilius & Alex Fishi).

Hotel grounds span six acres that house 77 rooms steeped in a special and pastoral atmosphere that harmoniously links the past and the present. Half of the structure was built as part of an alley used as a Turkish inn during the time of the Ottoman Empire. The other half of the building is modern, but still retains its authentic character and a seamless link to nature.
The hotel features a swimming pool overlooking the Galilee vista, charming corners and walking trails that blend into nature and are steeped with the city’s history and culture.

A visit to the Ruth Safed Hotel is the point from which to embark on expansive guided tours that lead visitors within minutes to the alleys of the Old City and the centuries-old secrets they hold, as well as to the tombs of sages and rabbis, artist’s booths, and other diverse tourist attractions in and around the city.
Adi Maor, CEO of Dan Hotels in northern Israel:
“The Dan Hotels Chain has made a very significant and important move with the purchase of two hotels in northern Israel, as they are a different product that expands and diversifies the possibilities for both new audiences and our longtime, loyal guests, who seek new experiences and attractions in news sites that offer them the accommodations, service, and reputation of the Dan Hotels Chain.”

Dan Hotels offers you two Hotels in Northern Israel >>

The Neptune Eilat hotel is situated on the Red Sea beach and is in close proximity to the city’s attractions.

Neptune Eilat
This is Dan Hotels’ third location in the southern resort city, joining the Dan Eilat and the Dan Panorama Eilat hotels.
The Neptune Eilat hotel is situated on the Red Sea beach and is in close proximity to the city’s attractions as well as the “Mul Hayam” mall.

Guests can choose from 277 spacious rooms with balconies overlooking the Red Sea, as well as enjoy a wide range of facilities and amenities, including adult and children swimming pools, a spa with massage rooms, a sauna, a Jacuzzi, a gym, and much more.
Lior Muchnik, CEO of Dan Hotels in Eilat and general manager of Dan Eilat: “The fact that the Neptune Hotel has teamed with the Dan Hotels brand empowers and expands the chain’s options by reaching out to new and different audiences. The chain intends to invest in the new product and start a process of integrating the Dan Hotels Chain’s standards.”

Dan hotels in Eilat >>

Neptune Eilat hotel offers a wide range of facilities and amenities, including adult half-Olympic swimming pool.

Top Sacred Places to Visit when Traveling to Jerusalem

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Holy and historical sites, night life and culinary interests, markets, colors, smells and photography – everyone has his or her own Jerusalem. Traveling in Jerusalem is an experience, but when was the last time you did something a bit different? How many of the city’s religious sites have you visited?

Religious tourism is an important component of tourism in many countries; there is hardly a tourist that does not devote time to visit a religious site during a tour abroad. Jews visit religious and biblical sites such as the Western Wall and the Tomb of David, Christians and Armenians visit churches and Muslims visit the sites holy to them. Everyone has a unique Jerusalem, but in many cases a site with multiple archeological layers can be important to more than one religion. This is Jerusalem; a city united, where tourists come to visit not only because of the landscape and mountain air, but mainly thanks to its holy sites, which absorb prayers and tears from all over the world.

Traveling in Jerusalem is an experience of Holy and historical sites, night life, culinary interests, markets, colors, smells & photography.

So where should you begin your tour?
The Old City
An area divided into four quarters by religion or denomination, where visitors can walk down streets lined with fascinating structures, holy sites, markets, restaurants, galleries and exciting stories from the past. The narrow streets lead to David’s Tomb, the Western Wall, churches, mosques, synagogues and shops where time stands still. Visitors to the Jewish Quarter should walk to Jaffa Gate through the Arab market and take the time to visit the Western Wall, reached by walking through the neighborhoods, which illustrate how the residents live and their unique way of life there.

Christ Church
The first Protestant church in the Middle East and the first Jerusalem church in modern times to use bells to call worshippers to prayer, after a centuries-long Muslim ban. Today, it serves as a guest house and heritage center. The church’s simple design is unique. Visitors are often surprised to see Jewish symbols and verses in Hebrew adorning its walls. This is because the church tried to convert Jews, so it placed Hebrew verses inside to make Jews feel more comfortable. The church serves different communities that come to assemble and pray, especially on holidays.

Tombs of the Sanhedrin
The hewn stone from the time of the Second Temple is a symbol of judicial jurisdiction in Jerusalem and other cities in Israel, surviving for hundreds of years, thanks to 71 members that served as a High Court. They were buried, as was customary during the Second Temple period, outside the walls of the city, in a small park in what now is Jerusalem’s Orthodox Sanhedria neighborhood. The stone tombs are impressive, lined with decorations that have been preserved for 2000 years. Worshippers come to pray and write notes of supplication, which they place between the cracks.

Stone streets at the Old City, where visitors can walk down streets lined with fascinating structures, holy sites, markets, restaurants, galleries & more.

Armenian Quarter
The smallest among Jerusalem’s four quarters, a colony of the old Armenian Patriarchate in the city, with many interesting buildings (an ancient library, museum, Armenian school and a theological seminary for clergy), residents that rent space, and Church officials, especially priests, who live in the compound. Since it is not possible to enter the quarter without an invitation or prior coordination, take time to visit areas open to the public, such as the courtyard of St. James’ Cathedral or the church itself during evening hours – St. Jacob’s Cathedral too, an ancient monastery that was built during the Crusades. The monastery has thick stone walls and a beautiful entrance façade on which there are wooden boards and iron sheets held by chains. Called nakos, they were used instead of bells when the Ottoman rulers forbade the ringing of church bells. The church has beautiful blue ceramic tiles, intersecting arches and ancient oil lamps that are lit at nightfall (there is no electricity in the church). The cathedral commemorates the name of two Christian saints martyred for their faith. One was the brother of Jesus and first bishop of Jerusalem; the other was the Apostle James the Greater (the brother of the Apostle John). James the Greater’s head was allegedly severed and buried in the church, while his body was interred in Spain. Entrance is during prayer hours only.

Hurva Synagogue
After years of planning, renovations and construction starting in 1967 – and following its destruction by the Jordanians in 1948 – the Hurva was returned to its former beauty and splendor, which enhance the aura and sense of holiness, taking you back in time and offering a glimpse of the city from the synagogue balcony. You can also see the world’s highest holy ark (a structure that houses the Torah scrolls).

Church of the Holy Sepulchre
A church from the fourth century, which was built by Emperor Constantine, the son of Saint Helena, and which has undergone many changes to bring it to its present state, including a bell tower and a front entrance designed during the Crusader period. This holy site is a focal point of pilgrimage for millions of Christians, due to the belief that the church is the site of the final five stations of the Via Dolorosa – the 14 Stations of the Cross marking the route Jesus took on His way to Calvary.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre from the fourth century, was built by Emperor Constantine.

The Herodian Quarter
At the beginning of Karaite Street you will notice the priests’ quarter, remains of a well-preserved residential neighborhood that was unearthed in excavations after the Six-Day War. The site offers glimpses of life in ancient times, especially during the Second Temple period, and includes streets and houses that were found burnt – evidence of the huge fire in the city at that time. The neighborhood, established during the reign of King Herod, included priests’ houses, artwork and spectacular mosaics, antique tools and a wall painting of the special lamp used in the Temple – items that can be viewed up close in the indoor site. For tickets and inquiries:
072-3932825

Mosque of Omar
On Helena Street, near the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Christian Quarter in the Old City, a mosque was built, supposedly on the very spot where Caliph Omar ibn al-Khattab chose to pray when he visited Jerusalem. According to tradition, during his visit to the city, Omar sought a place to pray, but preferred not to do so in a church. The mosque, including the tall turret from the Dome of the Holy Sepulcher, was built in the 13th century.

Khan a-Sultan and Madrasat a-Tashtimur
Two buildings holy to Islam, from the time of Mamluk rule. The khan was built on Chain Street in 1386 by Sultan Burquq, for pilgrims visiting the city. If you continue walking up to nearby Misgav Ladach Street, you will discover the true beauty of Mamluk architecture, including an entrance with niches over gates filled with “dangling stalactites,” stone seats at the sides of the door and grills and gratings in gray and white. This is the burial place of Emir Tashtimur, who married Burquq’s daughter, was sent to prison and lived the rest of his life in Jerusalem. A short walk in the direction of the Western Wall, you will find the Khalidi Library, which contains thousands of rare manuscripts from the Mamluk and Ottoman periods. You can also see the Tazya structure where Emir Taz is buried.

Tower of David in the old city of Jerusalem, not far from the City of David

The Tomb of David
A site sacred to Jews, who believe that King David was buried there. The tomb, including the underground hall, which had been used for centuries as a place of prayer for Muslims, is used mainly by Jews nowadays. On the floor above the grave is a site holy to Christianity, based on the belief that the Last Supper took place there. Also, the roof of the building has a minaret from the 16th century – another sign of years of political upheaval in Jerusalem.

Al-Aqsa Mosque
The silver-domed Al-Aqsa Mosque was built by Caliph al-Walid and is considered a spacious and unique place due to the eclectic nature of its construction, which even includes decorations from the Crusader period – evidence of earthquakes in the area. The Al-Kas fountain is located north of Al-Aqsa and was built by Mamluk Emir Tankiz. Its decorations are appropriate to that period.

Dome of the Rock
An Islamic shrine located above the foundation stone – the place where the binding of Isaac is said to have taken place and from where, according to Jewish tradition, the world was founded. The stone is a subject of dispute among Jews, who disagree as to its location in the Holy Temple. The building is an octagonal structure decorated with a wealth of magnificent mosaics, featuring royal symbols of different religions and ornaments, but not statues or masks. Also, in the closed area located at the point where, according to Muslim tradition, Muhammad ascended to heaven, there are a handful of hairs believed by Muslims to be from Muhammad’s beard. Below the rock is a cave that, according to Christian Crusader belief, is the place where the angel informed Zakariya that his wife Elizabeth was pregnant with John the Baptist. For this reason, the Crusaders built an arch and steps there that have remained preserved over the years.

Dome of the Rock – building with an octagonal structure decorated with a wealth of magnificent mosaics, featuring royal symbols of different religions & ornaments.

Jerusalem of Gold
The Dan Hotels Chain offers its guests the opportunity to enjoy the Holy City’s unique scenery and sites in four hotels that provide an upscale hospitality experience: King David Jerusalem, Dan Jerusalem, Dan Panorama Jerusalem, and Dan Boutique Jerusalem.

The King David, Jerusalem
The flagship of the Dan Hotels Chain is one of the most famous luxury hotels in the world and a historic site in its own right. This Jerusalem hotel frequently hosts kings and heads of states, and is considered the bright diamond of the hotel industry in Israel. First opened in 1930, the Jerusalem hotel is located across from the walls of the Old City and close to the city center.

Dan Jerusalem
The Dan Jerusalem offers a hospitality experience that combines a luxury environment and breathtaking views. The hotel sits on the spectacular slopes of Mount Scopus, overlooking Jerusalem’s romantic skyline and the hills towering over the Judea Desert.

Dan Panorama Jerusalem
Dan Panorama Jerusalem is synonymous with the high level of hospitality and service on which the Dan Hotels Chain prides itself. The hotel is an ideal starting point for exploring the various facets of the city, thanks to its strategic location – a short walking distance from the Old City walls, the prestigious Mamilla Avenue, Nahalat Shiva and the city center.

Dan Boutique Jerusalem
The Dan Boutique Jerusalem, the youngest and most creative sibling in the Dan Hotels family, is a hotel that thinks a little differently. With excellent location overlooking Mount Zion and the Old City walls, a dynamic and fashionable atmosphere, and a fresh and surprising approach, this Jerusalem hotel sets a new standard for personal hospitality in Israel.

Special hotel deals in Jerusalem, available now >>

Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics: Prepare to be Amazed

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The most important competition in world sports, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games is scheduled to be held in Japan next summer. This is the second time Japan will host the games, 56 years after the Olympics were first held there. In doing so, Tokyo has become the only Asian city to ever host two Summer Olympics.
Visitors can expect an unforgettable sports experience that will be broadcast to billions of viewers around the world.

So what do the Japanese have in store for us?
With less than a year until the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games kick off, preparations in Japan are in full swing. From robot-like mascots that are generating interest on social media, through a special Instagram filter, to the biggest surprise of all: The 5,000 medals for which athletes will compete will be pressed out of 80,000 tons of electronic waste collected from across the country.

2020 Tokyo Olympic Games kick off, preparations in Japan are in full swing.

According to the organizers, the Olympics in the Japanese capital will be the most innovative ever and will be based on three principles: unity and acceptance, achievement, and passing on the legacy to future generations.
But that’s not all. Unlike in previous years, the 2020 competition will also include extreme sports events, such as surfing, skateboarding, and mountain climbing. In addition, two disciplines – softball and baseball – have been reintroduced, and karate has also been added to the list. The games will be held across 16 days, with the opening ceremony taking place on July 24 and the closing ceremony planned for August 9. The Paralympic Games will be held from August 25 to September 6.

Those who prefer to see the action up close and will be attending the games this July, will be treated to a host of entertainment and sporting events on top of the stunning tourist attractions in Tokyo and its surroundings. On the other hand, the 11,000 athletes who will attend 339 events in 33 sports will be in an Olympic stadium that can hold approximately 70,000 spectators and will host the games’ opening and closing ceremonies.
Those planning to visit Tokyo at this time of year should book their flights, hotel and hostel rooms, and rented vehicles as soon as possible, especially if you plan to land at Narita International Airport or Haneda Airport, and even more so if you plan to attend any of the games to be held at the Olympic Park.
By the way, not all games will be held in Tokyo. The handball games, for example, will be held at the Yoyogi National Gymnasium; the soccer tournament will be held in the cities of Sandy and Sapporo, and other games will be held at Olympic facilities in the Ariake area, the Imperial Palace, the Tokyo Metropolis and more.

A golden opportunity for Israel
Israel began competing in the Olympic Games in 1952, and has participated in 16 games to date. Israel may be a relatively young country that notes international successes such as Nobel Prize wins, multi-million dollar high-tech deals, innovations in green energy, and an impressive representation of actors and models worldwide, including hosting the Eurovision Song Contest several times, but when it comes to sports we are less fortunate, to say the least. In the last 24 years, Israeli athletes have won only nine medals in three sports out of 33 disciplines: five in Judo, three in windsurfing, and one in kayaking thanks to Michael Klagenfurt.

Tokyo has become the only Asian city to ever host two Summer Olympics & Visitors can expect an unforgettable sports experience.

So who could take their place on the podium when Israel competes in the Olympics for the 17th time? As of now, 17 athletes, including seven women, have secured their spot on the national Olympic team in athletics, shooting, cycling, swimming, and sailing.
Igal Carmi, president of the Olympic Committee of Israel, who has already received the team’s official invitation to the games, said, “The goal of the Israeli delegation is to win at least two Olympic medals in Tokyo. We look forward to having the biggest delegation of all time with 50 athletes.”
In athletics, Israel will be represented by four athletes: Marhu Teferi, who finished eighth in the Seville Marathon in Spain, and his wife Selamawit Beyulin-Teferi, who set an Israeli record in Kortrijk, Belgium; as well as Prag Girma Amare and distance runner Lonah Chemtai-Salpeter, who met the Olympic criterion for the 10,000 meters’ event and set a new Israeli record at the European Cup competition last July.

In shooting, Sergey Richter secured his place in the Israeli delegation after winning a gold medal at the European Games in Minsk earlier this year.

In riding, four Israeli equestrian show jumpers will make their debut Olympic performance in Tokyo, including Daniel Bluman, Ashley Bond, Elad Yaniv, and Danielle Goldstein, who topped a criterion competition held last June in Moscow.
Since Eitan Orbach’s participation in the Olympics, swimming has gained an aura of glamor and it is not for nothing that Israel is sending four swimmers to the Olympics: Miron Heruti, who secured his participation in the 50 meters freestyle heat; Yaakov Tomarkin, who improved on the Olympic A criterion in the 100 meters’ backstroke by five milliseconds, and Anastasia Gorbenko, who secured her place in the 200 meters’ individual medley thanks to a particularly impressive 2-millisecond Olympic Criterion A result in Marseille, France.

Olympic Games tickets are available exclusively on the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games official website.

Israel’s relay swim team will also take part in the competition: Anastasia Gorbenko, Itay Goldfaden, Tomer Frankel, and Andrea Morz will compete in the 4×100 medley relay; and Denis Loktev, Daniel Namir, Tomer Frankel and Gal Cohen Grumy will compete in the 4×200 freestyle relay. Participation in the team relay events is conditional on at least two swimmers from each foursome competing in one of the individual heats.

In sailing, four delegates have secured their place in the games: Gil Cohen and Noa Lesri, who will take part in a 470 sailboat competition, after finishing 11th in the world competition in Aarhus, Denmark. Windsurfers Maya Morris and Ofek Elimelech will also participate with the Neil Pryde X:RS model.

Olympic Games tickets are available exclusively on the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games official website and through regulated agencies in the country of origin, such as tokyo2020.org
However, only on June 14 will those who enter the ticket lottery know if they will be among the lucky ones to enter the upscale stadium. The reason for this lies with a new Japanese law that prohibits ticket scalping. By the way, ticket prices are determined by the popularity of the sport, so the most expensive ticket offered for sale will cost about $2,500, while the cheapest tickets (for children and pensioners) will cost only $18.

The New Dan Caesarea Resort – HAPPINESS IS AROUND

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The new Dan Caesarea Resort combines a different and unique vacation experience, sprawling lawns, pastoral views, gimmicks and works of art.

Oversized swimming pool considered the gem of the resort, alongside a variety of pampering sports.

Less than an hour’s drive from Tel Aviv or Haifa, a big, creative and inspiring surprise awaits you. Welcome to the Dan Caesarea Resort.
As soon as you arrive at this perfect resort, you meet with a refreshing new approach to the hospitality and leisure experience, via the well-designed and spacious rooms, the art-rich public areas, and the culinary abundance offered in trendy restaurants and bars that blend in with the expansive, lush gardens that surround the resort, inspiring a magical atmosphere of calm and tranquility.

Any member of the family can make the most out of their stay at Dan Caesarea. Adults can choose from a wide variety of fun activities, such as the oversized swimming pool considered the gem of the resort, alongside a variety of pampering sports, such as a mini-golf course, a real-sized soccer field with a well-manicured lawn, basketball and tennis courts, a pétanque field, a pool table, pedal cars, various amusement facilities and much more, all accompanied by refreshing drink options, ice creams and popsicles, as well as lunches of all types, to ensure guests are always at peak energy.

The poolside Tavern restaurant provides a Mediterranean-style culinary experience.

Children can enjoy a magical experience at the “Danyland” Club, which features dozens of games and recreational activities, including an aquarium where they can paint their favorite fish and watch it come to life on a floating wide-screen, paddling in a ball pool, or playing with countless board games, dolls and colorful digital games. The children also have their own pool as well as a wading pool.

Those looking for tranquility can catch some sun on the grounds or the woods near the lounge, read a good book and just indulge in the tranquility, or perhaps indulge in a massage at the luxurious Jah-Spa complex, which offers a variety of professional, pampering treatments, including wet and dry saunas. It is worth noting that the spa’s team uses premium products, especially body butter, to help the guests relax.

Anyone who is interested in working, however, will be pleased to know that business executives and corporate guests who frequent the Dan Caesarea Hotel can make use of two spacious and luxurious event and conference halls: The Omega Hall, which accommodates up to 180 people, and the smaller Sigma Hall, accommodating up to 120 people (in theater-style seating).

And if that’s not enough, the hotel’s dedicated staff spares no effort to ensure guests make the most of all that Caesarea and the region have to offer. Guests have at their disposal a luxury shuttle that can take them to the nearby beach, the amphitheater, and the harbor, as well as to other nearby attractions. The shuttle provides round-trip services. All you have to do is call the lobby, order the shuttle, and it will arrive to pick you up within a short time.

Special deals for Dan Caesarea resort >>

A timeless classic
In total, the renovated Dan Caesarea Resort offers 116 rooms across six levels, with no less than 62 dunams of public spaces. The average room size spans about 30 square meters, along with balconies facing various lovely views, such as the pool complex, the inner garden, the lush grove, and a sea-facing terrace. Every room has a vintage-designed gramophone to which guests can connect via Bluetooth on their smartphone and listen to their favorite music with high-quality sound. In addition, every room boasts a fine coffee machine, with coffee beans that guests can choose to their taste at the check-in desk and which they can grind themselves.Most rooms have both a bathtub and shower, 55-inch widescreen TVs, luxurious beds with ultra-comfortable mattresses to enhance the sleeping experience, and even branded flip-flops to wear when you head down to the pool or the nearby beach.

At the very entrance to the Resort, a luxury life-size Buick designed by Ron Arad.

The artwork that adorns both the public spaces and the rooms, including 15 sculptures and monuments by Israel Prize laureate Jacob Dorchin that are scattered throughout the hotel, add to its unique look. Other works of art include, at the very entrance to the Resort, a luxury life-size Buick designed by Ron Arad, alongside other works of art by leading Israeli artists.

And what about the food, you must be wondering?
Well, the best minds at Dan Hotels have put together a wide array of culinary delights of various styles. The SALON BOCCA bar lies in the central lounge area of the hotel, offering a rich and well-thought-out cocktail menu. The pool area houses the LIMONADA bar, with a refreshing selection of summer drinks alongside pampering cocktails, and the poolside Tavern restaurant provides a Mediterranean-style culinary experience, including an option for creative and scrumptious picnic baskets that guest can take and enjoy elsewhere in the resort. All these are topped by the central dining room with its high ceilings, where you can enjoy the finest bed and breakfast-deal selection, as well as a Friday night dinner from a dairy-based menu.

The LIMONADA bar, with a refreshing selection of summer drinks alongside pampering cocktails.

We invite you to stay at the new Dan Caesarea Resort , which incorporates an innovative hospitality concept that manages to excite both Israeli guests and tourists.

China on the Dan Hotels Chain Map

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Among those pictured (left to right): Richie Yan, El Al Beijing Marketing Manager; Rafi Baeri, Vice President Marketing & Sales; Roy Kriezman, Manager of China & Far East Markets, Marketing & Sales Division

Spirit of Youth
The Dan Hotels Chain and El Al Israel Airlines have cooperated to promote the growth of individual tourism from China to Israel, with a joint initiative that brought six opinion makers from China on a visit. Named the Spirit of Youth, the project consisted of hosting the six at the Dan Panorama Tel Aviv, Dan Jerusalem and Dan Panorama Jerusalem, along with a photo shoot at the Dan Tel Aviv, where the guests were also treated to a magnificent dinner at the hotel’s Hayarkon 99 chef restaurant. Later on during the trip, they participated in a photo shoot at the King David Jerusalem.

Stars in China
The Dan Hotel Chain has been honored with the prestigious CTW Award, for the quality of its service and for adapting its product to China’s tourism market. During ITB China, the large tourism fair that took place this past May in Shanghai, the chain was the recipient of this important prize, which was presented to it by COTRI, the China Outbound Tourism Research Institute, recognized as the world’s leading research institute in examining China’s outgoing tourism, in cooperation with Ctrip, the huge online travel agency.
For its groundbreaking achievements in developing and adapting its product and hospitality experience to meet the specific needs of the Chinese market, the Dan Hotels Chain earned this prestigious award as part of an international competition in which hundreds of hotels all over the world were considered.

The Dan Hotels Chain has been honored with the prestigious CTW Award, for the quality of its service and for adapting its product to China’s tourism market.

The Dan Hotels Chain is the first hotel chain in Israel to place strong emphasis on developing and adapting its tourism product to the special needs of the tourist from China. The chain launched a unique customized hospitality concept directed on tourists from China, three years ago. Known as “Dan Hotels Warmly Welcome Our Chinese Friends,” this hospitality concept includes welcoming postcards in Chinese and TV stations in Chinese in the guest’s rooms, green tea and jasmine tea adapted to the preferences of the Chinese tourist, authentic Chinese food for breakfast in the chain’s hotels, Chinese-language informational pamphlets, shaving and washing kits, and more.
In addition, the Dan Hotels Chain operates a very active Internet marketing program and maintains a strong presence on social media networks in China.

Among those pictured (left to right): Eli Nahmias, Director of Overseas Markets & Tourism Marketing for the Municipality of Jerusalem Tourist Authority; Roy Kriezman, Manager of China & Far East Markets, Marketing & Sales Division; Ctrip Middle East & Asia Manager Roger Yvonne; Dan Hotels Ltd., Rafi Baeri, Vice President Marketing & Sales; Ctrip Middle East & Asia Manager Miya Yvonne; Daniel Federmann, head of the Dan Hotels Chain’s digital division; Sheldon Ritz, King David Jerusalem Operations Manager