For a Half Day

Bethlehem: Situated just 12km (7 miles) south of central Jerusalem, the town of Bethlehem lies just across the ‘Green Line' in the West Bank, and is fully under Palestinian control. It is an interesting excursion if security considerations make it possible. Extreme care is required on a visit to this town, and it is very important to check the current situation before travelling there. Visitors should keep abreast through English-language daily newspapers, such as The Jerusalem Post (website: www.jpost.com), but also check with locals before planning a trip.

Bethlehem is known worldwide among Christians as the birthplace of Jesus Christ. However, Bethlehem also appears in the scriptures nearly 2,000 years before Jesus, and has great importance in Judaism as the burial place of Rachel, wife of Jacob. The events of the Book of Ruth took place here, too, and this was also the birthplace of King David. Bethlehem is therefore of great importance to Christians and Jews alike, but the population of this once-Christian town is today 88% Muslim. In the fourth century, a cave was selected as the exact place where Jesus was born and the Church of the Nativity erected over the site. The ornate and atmospheric medieval church, standing along one side of Manger Square is the focal point for any visit. The Cave of the Nativity is reached by going down some steps inside the church and a star on the floor shows where Jesus was supposedly born. Other sites in and around Bethlehem include the Shepherds' Field and Grotto and, on the Jerusalem side of town, Rachel's Tomb - however, these are both particularly dangerous spots.

For a Whole Day

Masada: Situated on an isolated flat mountain top in the Judean Desert and overlooking the Dead Sea, Masada (pronounced ‘matzada' in Hebrew and meaning ‘fortress') was the scene of the final heroic Jewish resistance against the Romans. The group of Jewish zealots who had fled with their families to Masada realised that they faced imminent defeat and, rather than surrender to the Romans, all 967 men, women and children committed suicide. The extensive ruins include Herod's Palace (tel: (08) 658 4207), the synagogue, the fortress, an elaborate bathhouse and much more. Guided tours are available.

Masada (tel: (07) 658 4117/8; website: www.parks.org.il) is run as a national park. It is open Saturday to Thursday 0800-1700 (until 1600 Oct-Mar) and Friday 0500-1500 (cablecar operates from 0800). There is an admission charge with the cablecar costing extra. Masada lies on Route 90 close to the Dead Sea, 22km (14 miles) east of the desert town of Arad, and 20km (12 miles) south of Ein-Gedi. Approaching from the east, the road ends at the parking lot at the foot of the mountain. From there the ascent is either by the cablecar, or by walking up the Snake Path - a tiring climb taking just under an hour. From the west, the road ends at the western parking lot, from which there is a 15- to 20-minute easy climb to the top. Masada can be reached by bus 444, 486 or 487 from Jerusalem.

Ein Gedi, Dead Sea: Located on the western shore, the Ein Gedi Resort (tel: (08) 659 4221; website: www.ngedi.com and www.ein-gedi.co.il/en_index.htm) offers a chance to float in the Dead Sea, relax in its sulphur pools and enjoy its excellent restaurant. Bathers can be covered in black mud before going for a dunking in the sea, which, at some 400m (1,320ft) below sea level, is the lowest point on earth. Famous for its curative powers, the Dead Sea is the saltiest and most mineral-laden body of water in the world. The Ein Gedi Spa is open Saturday to Thursday 0700-1800, and Friday 0700-1700 (admission charge). It can be reached by bus 421, 444 or 486 from Jerusalem.

It is possible to combine the Masada and Ein Gedi Spa in a day with one of the tours run by the Egged National Bus Co-operative (tel: (03) 694 8888; website: www.egged.co.il/Eng).