Israel is getting ready to welcome a record number of tourists this year, government statistics suggest.
Around 1.7 million people visited the country between January and July 2008, an increase of 41 per cent compared to the same periods last year when only one million tourists arrived.
Of the visitors so far this year, more than 260,000 came to the country in July itself (an increase of 22 per cent over July 2007).
These developments fit in well with the Tourism Ministry”s forecast of 2.8 million tourists in 2008 – a record year for Israel.
According to Lonely Planet, it”s best not to arrive with "preconceptions of spiritual epiphany".
But if you do, the travel guide says "you”ll almost certainly have them confirmed, but in doing so you run the risk of missing the best this fascinating place has to offer".
Lonely Planet recommends that holidaymakers visit Israel in spring (April and May) or autumn (September and October), as this is when the weather is at its best.
Culture and Sightseeing – City Tours – Whichever city you are in these tours will help to ensure you do not miss a thing.