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What to do and what to see as you drive through a small Middle Eastern country with a rich history and culture that spans over millennia.

It may be a small nation (covering only 8,367 square-miles and just slightly larger than New Jersey), but despite its size, Israel has an abundance of places for for families to explore. It is a land with ancient history and culture and can provide any traveler, no matter what your religion and/or ethnicity, with a myriad of attractions and sites to see.

But where should a family start? It can be overwhelming as one of the greatest things about Israel is that families can experience a little bit of everything: great skiing, great beaches, Biblical and historical sites and museums, the world's saltiest sea, dry desert hills and modern, interactive attractions all within a few hours' drive.

It seems that the best way to approach a rich and beautiful nation such as Israel is to take it one area at a time, visiting a few select sites and seeing the rest of the countryside through the rear view mirror of your rent-a-car. Of course, visits to Israel's biggest cities are no-brainers; your trip would be incomplete without stops in Jerusalem (a crossroads of religions and ancient history) and Tel-Aviv (the "NYC" of Israel complete with bustling shopping district and restaurants galore). Also, be sure to spend a day or two in the south by Eilat as well as in the northern regions, Haifa and Neve Ativ, and do not forget to make a pit stop by the Dead Sea in between.

Tel Aviv

Eretz Israel Museum
2 Khayim Levanon Street
Tel Aviv, Yafo, Ramat Aviv
03-6415244
A cluster of different museums bunched into one name and location, the Eretz Israel Museum can become an all-day affair for a family. The main building features a handful of permanent exhibits that contain ancient glass and ceramic artifacts. There is also a Folklore section with objects from Israel's past that illuminates the traditions and ceremonies of the nation's community and families. Other venues operating in conjunction with the museum are: Mosaic Square, the Olive Oil Plant, Sundial Square and Independence Hall. Also, visit the Tell Quasile Excavation site to see the remnants of the Philistines who lived in the area during the 12th Century B.C. And if the kids get too tired of all the art and history, take them to the Planetarium (also inside the museum) where they can watch "Voyage Through the Universe," a 360-degree, out of this world simulated flight with moving floors and special effects.

Mini Israel
D.N. Shimshon 997762
near the Latrun Interchange at Routes 1 and 3
(East of Tel Aviv in the Center of Israel)
08-9130010
Imagine Israel condensed into 13 acres. It may sound impossible, but at Mini Israel, one of the newer attractions in the Holy Land, with a 1:25 scale, there are miniature replicas of 350 major religious, historic, social and modern Israeli sites and 30,000 figurines. Designed in the shape of the Star of David, the park features six different sections that are broken up to help visitors get a better handle on the geography of the country, making the North and South end of the country (usually 200 plus miles apart) within quick walking distance. Families will love the miniature Roman architecture of the Caesarea that was originally built in 10 B.C.E. and the replicated tiny Old City of Jerusalem, especially the Western Wall, is another treat. Lastly, the location of Mini Israel is incredibly convenient for traveling families. It is a short drive East of Tel Aviv and very close to the Ben Gurion International Airport, making it great to explore upon arrival or right before your departure.
Thanks to Susan Davidson for her help and input on Mini Israel.

Ramat Gan Safari
Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv
03-6313531
Located inside of the Tel Aviv-Ramat Gan Zoological Center, this safari is a combination of a modern zoo and an African Park, making it the largest collection of animals in the entire Middle East. With over 1,600 animals from more than 225 species, the safari is spread over 250 acres and is highly involved with animal conservation efforts. Herds of African and Asian elephants as well as hippopotami, families of gorillas and orangutans, and even a pride of lions, are all bred on the grounds.