Inland, between Caesaria and Haifa, Megiddo is an archaeological site as well as a national park. Excavations here have uncovered the ruins of 25 cities dating from 4000 BCE to 400 CE. You can see an ancient Canaanite shrine and the famous well and underground water works, an engineering feat dating from the ninth century BCE. Megiddo, one of King Solomon's chariot cities, sits strategically on the ancient coastal road. It has served as an important battlefield throughout history and is identified in the New Testament with Armageddon (from the Hebrew Har Megiddo or Mount Megiddo), where it is said that the last great battle of the world will be fought.

Not far from Haifa is the ancient site of Beit Shearim. After the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE and the repression of the Bar Kochba Revolt in 135 CE, Beit Shearim became a major Jewish center in the Galilee. Following the burial here in 220 CE of Rabbi Judah HaNassi, who codified the Mishna here, Bet Shearim became a popular burial place for both Holy Land and Diaspora Jews. Excavations have uncovered a network of catacombs filled with intricately carved sarcophagi with many bas reliefs and frescoes.

Not far from Banias is the Tel Dan Nature Reserve, a beautiful hiking area where the Dan River flows and where you will find many varieties of native trees, such as Mt. Tabor Oaks. If you think of Israel as a desert, Banias and Tel Dan will surely change your mind. The Canaanite city of Laish existed here 5,000 years ago. The name of the city changed to Dan when the Israelite tribe captured it. Recently there have been several important archaeological finds here. One of the most exciting is a stele with what many believe to be the first mention of the City of David, corroboration that the biblical story of David has basis in fact.

Also on the shores of the Kinneret, and north of Tiberias, Capernaum boasts the beautiful remains of a 2nd-century synagogue said to be built over the original one where Jesus used to teach. There are many beautifully carved stones here, showing a typical range of Jewish motifs from the Roman to the Byzantine periods when this was a thriving Jewish community. (about 1st century BCE to 6th century CE.) A striking contrast between old and new is the modern Catholic church, which has been built over the remains of the House of St. Peter. The octagonal plan of the church preserves the shape of the Byzantine basilica originally built around the traditional site where Jesus is said to have visited.

Tiberias is a good place from which to drive to the Golan Heights. Visit Syrian fortifications captured in the '67 war and, while enjoying the stupendous views, gain an understanding of the strategic importance of this area to Israel's defense. At Metulla, which used to be Israel's northernmost point, and which resembles an alpine village more than an Israeli town, you can stop at the Good Fence. Many tourists stop here to see this spot on the Israel - Lebanon border. Here, cooperation between the people of these two warring countries has become a reality and crossings are permitted for Lebanese coming to seek medical attention or visit relatives, or to come to their jobs in Israel.

Just a few minutes drive from Beit Shean, Gan HaShelosha is a spot much loved by Israelis, who bring their families to picnic and swim. It is not necessarily on the regular tourist routes. Naturally fed by Ein Harod (Herod's Spring), this water pool has been engineered to be a full-fledged water park with waterfalls, slide, and more, while maintaining the feeling of being out in nature. If you don't want to picnic, you'll find an air-conditioned cafeteria/restaurant.

The modern New City is no less exciting. The Knesset (Israel's Parliment) is as modern as the State. The New Supreme Court Building is state-of-the-art. Hadassah Hospital, that boasts care equal to that anywhere in the world, is even more famous for its stained glass windows by French artist Marc Chagall. The Israel Museum has world renowned collections of archaeology, science, and art, and also the unforgettable Shrine of the Book, where you can see the Dead Sea Scrolls. Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Museum, with its Hall of Remembrance, Hall of Names, Children's Memorial, Valley of Destroyed Cities, and Avenue of the Righteous Gentiles, insures that indeed no one who sees it will ever forget what happened or dare to say it never did.

Very close in miles to the Dead Sea, Ein Gedi is a beautiful, lush oasis that couldn't be more different than its surroundings. It is somewhat of a climb to the top waterfall, past smaller waterfalls and pools. It was in a cave here that David hid from King Saul 3,000 years ago. Another spot where Israelis like to hike and swim.

There is controversy about the ancient nature of Qumran. Was it an Essene town, a military camp, a resort villa or...? Everyone, however, agrees that these are the caves in which the Dead Sea scrolls were first discovered. There is an upscale souvenir store here, featuring Dead Sea products and other Israeli products. The restrooms here are among the best at any tourist spot in the country!

Ten miles from Madaba is Mount Nebo. This is the site where Moses is said to have looked out over the promised land before he dies and was buried. Here there are ruins of a fourth and sixth century church whose mosaic floor is still beautiful. It is protected today by a building constructed by the Franciscans, who began excavating here in 1933. On a clear day, you will have an outstanding view of the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, and maybe even the spires of Jerusalem in the distance.