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Extending from the red sea In the Jordanian Egyptian border in the south and to Rosh Anikra in the border with Lebanon and the Golan Heights in the North, and from the Mediterranean sea to the Jordan River it encompasses more than 5000 years of history. The Old and new testament as well as the Koran name parts of this country and many biblical landmarks can still be visited in the Holy Land. Much of our history always  had an eye on Jerusalem also, not only for the ongoing conflict but also for The ottoman empire presence, the Crusaders, The Romans and the British.
Actually Israel is a beautiful country but it was born in conflict and remains in Conflict. You can see war at every store you are checked before entering or in any street you walk by, its a militarized country. Don't be afraid, though. Most of Israelis are already used to and so you will have to do same.
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Tel Aviv: Biggest city in Israel reflects all what the country is able to, Skyscrapers shopping malls, international restaurants, Nightclubs Tel Aviv has it all. Oh, and is just next to the beach.

Jerusalem: Capital city of the state of Israel, although most embassies are located in Tel Aviv. Biblical sites are located near and inside the old city, being this one a UNESCO world heritage site.

Haifa: Port city where most of the immigrants to the new state arrived, its landmark is the Baath gardens and temples.

Ein Gedi: Resort on the Dead sea shores, near Jerusalem this beautiful spot is excellent point to float on the dead sea and visit Near by Massada Mountain.

Queisaria: Roman Capital of the Judean province and today's best spot to watch the sunset in Israel. Surrounded by newly constructed neighborhoods.

Eilat: Southern most city in Israel and home of the Israeli miracle. this deserted arid land was transformed in a Oasis the same way Las Vegas was.

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A single list is not enough and you need some couple of years living there to see all the beautiful things Israel has to show:

Jerusalem: visit the old city where Jesus walked, The Jewish Temples Stood and from where Muhammad ascended to the skies. The Yad Bashem Museum, the Mt. Ertz and the Hebrew Universities are also worth the Time. Visit the Jerusalem Page here.

Tel Aviv: Spend a couple of days partying and enjoying the beach in this cosmopolitan Middle eastern City.

Dead sea and Massada: Visit the lowest point in earth and home to tha sea where you can float. Have a relaxing day at a spa and
Don't forget to visit the Mountain of Massada, last standing point for the Macabean revolution against the Romans.

Eilat: Southern most city in Israel on the banks of the red sea, borders with Egypt and Jordan (visible from the coast)

Rosh Anikra: on the border with Lebanon lies some gorgeous caves

Mt. Hermon and the Golan Heights: Former Syrian territory is now one of the nicest places in Israel. Although full of army bases and soldiers the whole trip and ascension to the hermon (from where you can even sky in the winter) is worth the trip.

Queisaria: old capital of the Roman province in Judea the huge amphitheater still stands and works for programmed shows. Sunsets from the ruins are wonderful and the entrance is free after 6PM

Zfad: Located in the Galil hills, this tranquil spot is home to the world famous Kabala movement.

Other places you should not miss: Akko, Nazareth, the Sea of Galilea, and Sde Boker.

Visiting the occupied territories (Palestine):
Its like crossing a border, only harder. If you are Jewish don't even try to go to places like Ramalla or nablus. Bethlehem is worth a visit and you can easily go with a cab from Jerusalem.
To visit other points inside the territories there is a bus terminal outside of the Yaffo gate in old jerusalem. Busses go to all destination there.

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All terminals and public transportation were targeted by terrorist in the past, so you can expect to be checked at entrance points of all train, bus, ship or air terminals. Always carry with you a photo ID and never, ever leave your bags unattended as you may trigger a terror response (and your bag will be gone). The same is true (but not so trough fully) for entrance to theaters, restaurants, bars, shops and so on.

Don't express your opinion in the conflict to any authority as you will get arrested or delayed, specially in the Ben Gurion Airport and inside the old city of Jerusalem. Displaying Jewish motives in Arab areas is dangerous, is not so much in the opposite way, but still is not recommended.

Egged Busses cover all destinations and there efficient and clean, you will travel surrounded by soldiers and guns but there is no problem at all and soldiers are actually young kids and will be delighted to practice their English with you.  Hitchhiking is acceptable and you will get a lift pretty easy on any major intersection.
Inside the cities you can take shared taxis, busses or private taxis.

Traveling to the occupied territories is dangerous and your return is not guaranteed by anyone, further more IDF operations are carried inside major Palestinian cities sometimes without warning and you might get caught in the crossfire. Borders and crossings might close at any time and waiting times range between 2 and 4 hours. The Gaza strip is out of bound for tourist or sightseeing.
In case you really want to visit don't go alone, the best you can do is talk with any Arab person inside Israel, preferably Jerusalem, and they will say to you what to do and how to go, even introduce you to their family, Arab hospitality has no limits. The bus terminal to get to the Occupied areas is in Jerusalem. From the Yaffo gate walk straight into a little street (there is a sign and also is located near Jesus "grave") and you will see a big platform with many white buses. These buses are written in Arabic but if you ask major lines are covered such as Ramallah and East Jerusalem. Schedules and other are errant and as in many arab places bus leaves only when they are full, not when its time to leave. This buses goes through Checkpoints all the times.

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The Markets (shuk or Suk) in Israel and all of the middle east are bustling commerce centers and you might find there all kind of souvenirs from the region, ranging from Narguiles (Shishas), Darbukas o Djumbeks (arabic drums), Turkish coffee, Ceramics, handcrafts, wood carvinds and more.
The narrow streets of the old city of Jerusalem are all markets that caters the hundreds of tourists and Locals that enter the city every day. You can get there all of the above mentioned, plus religious items, depending on your religion, but wither muslim, jewish or catholic you will find croses, kippas, or mecca posters.
Music is also an excelent gift, always. Arabic drums, or belly dance music is a great and original present.

Tel Aviv, Haifa and Yaffo also have markets, but there are not the only places to get presents, shopping malls and commerce streets are abundant in those cities where you can get more sophisticated presents such as high quality technology, brand clothes, and other interesting things.

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Falafel and hummus are a staple of the middle east, but really a must in every Israeli house.

To make a good Hummus you will need:

Chickpeas 150gr. or 1 can
Tehina (sesame paste) 1/2 teacup or less
Lemon 1
Water (from the can or the soaked beans) 1/2 teacup or less
Olive Oil 4 soupspoons
Garlic 1 clutch
Salt and Pepper.

If using dried Chickpeas leave in water overnight.

Blend ingredients altogether, start by adding all the beans with the water, some garlic and the Olive oil. Once blended add the lemon and Tehina, but add them softly until finding the flavor and consistency. The result should be a homogenous paste.
For decoration you can use parsley leaves, olive oil, and paprika. Many Hummus restaurants will make a bowl with the hummus and add in the middle other ingredients, such as: Grounded meat, Mushrooms. Tehina, Zatar, etc.

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