Summer 2025 in Israel: Part 1

“Ein Al Ha’am Shelanu” This is a statement I truly believe: There is no other nation like our nation.

I believe that about our people, and I especially feel it about this land filled with layers and layers of history and new adventures to be explored.

I landed in Israel 3 weeks later than I had originally planned, so we decided to hit the ground running.

We started with a bang: First, a children’s show in the Jerusalem Theater, followed by a concert by Hatikva 6, a band that we love. The concert was filled with adults, kids of all ages, soldiers, you name it - and all I could think was - there is no place I would rather be than right here, right now, singing and dancing at a concert with the most resilient group of people on earth.

I was supposed to be in Israel for over two months this summer, and I had set a goal for myself since it was such a long trip —Explore more.

Don’t get stuck in the same area over and over again. Drive further, dig deeper, and don’t be afraid to try new things.

After a one-night stay in Jerusalem, we were off on a mini-trip. I find that 4 days away is plenty. It gives you time to focus on a small area and discover as much as possible within that area. 

Our 4-Night Trip between Zichron Yaakov & Caesarea

Zichron Yaakov is a part of modern Israeli history (1882). It was started by Baron Rothschild, in honor of his father, giving it the name Zichron Yaakov in memory of Jacob. This beautiful city is about 50 minutes north of Tel Aviv, and although it is considered the north, it is not too far up north.

Caesarea on the other hand, was once a thriving ancient Roman port city founded by Herod the Great between 22 and 10/9 BCE, and is now a major archaeological site and tourist destination featuring beaches and so much more.

Caesarea

The port in Caesarea is set within the broader Caesarea National Park.The oldest archaeological remains found here go back to at least the 4th century BCE (over 2,300 years ago), though the modern national park itself was created in the 1960’s.

Here, similar to an experience you might have in Rome or Athens, you walk through ancient ruins just to get to a restaurant - it’s a regular activity with a side of history, unlike any other. The amphitheater is part of the national park, and can be visited as an ancient site during the day.

A concert in a 2,000-year-old Roman theater?

We were lucky enough to see Shlomo Artzi live, one of Israel’s most iconic artists who’s been performing since the 1970s. His music is the soundtrack of generations here, and seeing him perform in such a historic setting made it all the more powerful.

Workshops — The best way to take a piece of Israel home with you

I love attending workshops in Israel- with a huge array to choose from, I feel that when my kids participate and make something, it takes on a greater significance. Taking part in an artisanal activity in Israel connects us all more to the people, the land, and the magic here. 

Each of these workshops has a special element that makes it uniquely Israeli, and what better souvenir to bring home, than one that was worked on with a person specializing in this craft, and bringing a piece of it home with us. I find this ties the experience deeper into our memories because we used our hands, we smelled, we tasted, we participated.  

Michaliz

Everyone in Israel loves to play sheshbesh (otherwise known as backgammon). Here you get to paint your own sheshbesh board. Pick the colors, design, and take home something beautiful that will have you remembering Israel every time you play. 

Fun fact: Sheshbesh isn’t just a board game in Israel—it’s practically a national pastime. From beachside cafés in Tel Aviv to park benches in Jerusalem, you’ll find people of all ages passionately playing sheshbesh, often with loud banter and friendly (or fierce!) competition.

SPECIAL OFFER: MENTION “CAMPLISA” TO RECEIVE A GIFT WHEN YOU BOOK A WORKSHOP.

Beton Bakery

The workshop is located just at the beginning of Hameyasdim Street- Zichron Yaakov’s main central street. This pedestrian picturesque street is lined with French inspired stone homes, and cobblestone streets,  giving it a European feel.

This workshop has nothing to do with food, but it's inspired by the creative process of a bakery. It’s kind of like baking a cake, just with concrete instead of flour. This workshop uses the Terrazzo process from Italy, color detailing, and alpha plaster. You pick the color palette, wait patiently for it to dry, sand it down, and take home something beautiful and made by you. 

SPECIAL OFFER: MENTION “CAMPLISA” TO RECEIVE A GIFT WHEN YOU BOOK A WORKSHOP.

Speculo Glassblowing

It is known that Caesarea is one of the most beautiful historic sites in Israel. It is a blend of history, archeology, and a beautiful seaside, located inside Caesarea National Park, right at the port. They offer glassblowing with a view inside a Crusader fortress, built over ancient Roman ruins. Visitors actually use their hands to participate in this technique, with the direction of the instructors, to shape glass themselves! Glassblowing has been around since the first century BCE, so participating in this ancient craft, after walking through ruins, into the modern day adds a feeling of depth to the activity.

Off the Beaten Trails in the North

In Israel, a tiny stream, or a natural spring of water, is a novelty. Coming from Miami, with endless beaches, I wasn’t sure what my daughter would make of this. I guess it’s like the story of Goldielocks & the 3 Bears—what we saw was just the right fit for them, and because it’s unlike anything we have back home, that makes it a novelty. From that moment on, my girls were asking when their next water adventure would be.

Ein Aviel

Located near Binyamina and Pardes Hanna, this natural water  spring and stream  short hiking trail through shallow water, all through a tiny stream, was a huge highlight for my girls. It is super easy to walk through, but at the same time, deep enough for them to splash and play. They loved it, and it left them wanting more. Mud, slippery rocks, and the unevenness that provides, was a great lesson as to why water shoes in Israel are a must.

Nahal HaShofet

We were welcomed to this national park by a large group of cows.

A picturesque hike in Ramat Menashe Biosphere Reserve, features a paved trail (wheelchair accessible- which I haven’t seen on a hiking trail), amazing greenery, super tall trees, an ancient flour mill, with some small caves too. Peaceful, easy to connect with nature and appreciate the serenity- hug a tree, and then stretch out your neck to see the top of it since it's so tall- It also connects to Shvil Israel. Filled with small shallow pools, it’’s seriously like nothing like we have back home.

*Shvil Israel is The Israel National Trail, a 1,025-kilometer hiking trail that crosses Israel from its northernmost point at Kibbutz Dan to Eilat on the Red Sea, taking hikers through a diverse tapestry of landscapes, flora, fauna, and cultures. (Walking the whole thing takes about 45-60 days). 

Hof HaBonim

Let’s go to a national park, walk on the beach, and watch the sunset. 

Would you pay to watch a perfect sunrise? This park is part of Israel’s National Park system, so there is an entrance fee, but believe me, the sunset here is worth every penny. When I got to the beach here, I was sure the shells were fake. Instead of sand, the beach here is completely covered in layers and layers of shells that have washed up over time. This shore looks like it belongs in Italy or Portugal.

If I hadn't taken ths picture myself, I would have thought it was a postcard.

Mey Kedem

It’s not everywhere in the world where you can visit an ancient hand dug water tunnel (Roman aqueduct), dating back 2000 years. The water from here flows from natural springs in Alona to Caesarea. This one was special, because I came here on my honeymoon over 20 years ago. Bringing my kids here so many years later made it that much more special. The water comes up past your knees, and parts are in complete darkness (hence the flashlights). Walking through this 280 meter long aqueduct, is actually taking a walk through history. As soon as we finished my daughter asked if we could go again. 

The Magic Beyond the Main Cities

I’ve been coming to Israel every summer for my whole life. Caesarea and Zichron Yaakov have both been frequent stops for me because I love these cities. What’s most impressive to me is how much these cities have grown in size, in the activities that they offer, and even in their food scene. Keep in mind this is beyond Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, and still offers so much history, so much beautiful nature, and so many things that are just authentic Israeli — and it’s just the tip of the iceberg. 

More adventures from summer 2025 are coming soon — and trust me, you won’t want to miss what’s next.

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