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florals

Travel

The Wedding Website of Shelbi Wasser and Erin Frankel
For many of you, this will be your first time visiting Israel - and we could not be more delighted to share it with you. Israel may be small (you can drive across it in just a few hours), but it is remarkably diverse. In a single trip, you can move from beaches to ancient cities, from mountains to desert landscapes - all while enjoying some of the best food you will ever have. If you would like help planning your trip, scroll down for a personalised travel prompt you can use with ChatGPT. Trust the Process. IL | A Few Things You Might Not Know * Israel is roughly the size of Wales - but packs in an extraordinary amount of history and variety *It enjoys over 300 days of sunshine each year ☀️ *The Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth - and yes, you really do float *Tel Aviv has one of the highest numbers of cafés per capita in the world (coffee is taken rather seriously) *You can have breakfast by the sea, lunch in the mountains, and dinner in the desert - all in one day

Flight

Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)

Travel Note

📍 Places to Explore

🌆 Tel Aviv has… …a vibrant, relaxed energy - think Mediterranean city life with a very good social scene, and night life. 📍 Landmarks & Areas Old Jaffa – ancient alleyways, galleries, and beautiful sea views Rothschild Boulevard – cafés, architecture, and the heart of the city Carmel Market – lively, colourful, and perfect for street food Neve Tzedek – charming streets, boutiques, and a slightly more polished feel Tel Aviv Port – a lovely spot by the water for a walk, especially at sunset 🍴 Where to Eat Port Said – lively, slightly chaotic, and very Tel Aviv HaSalon – a full experience (dinner that turns into a party) Taizu – excellent Asian-inspired cuisine Abu Hassan – arguably the best hummus you’ll ever have Benedict – brunch at any hour ☕ Cafés & Easy Stops Cafe Xoho – relaxed, great coffee and breakfast Origem Fresh Coffee – for serious coffee lovers Dallal Bakery – pastries worth planning your morning around 🏨 Where to Stay The Norman Tel Aviv – refined, elegant, and central Renaissance Tel Aviv Hotel – beachfront and very easy Crowne Plaza Tel Aviv Beach – reliable, comfortable, great location Dan Tel Aviv Hotel – a classic Israeli luxury stay 💡 Expect: Comfortable: ₪700–₪1,200 Higher-end: ₪1,500+

Travel Note

📍 Places to Explore

🏛️ Jerusalem has… …a depth and significance that’s difficult to replicate anywhere else - layered with history, culture, and meaning. 📍 Highlights Western Wall – one of the most meaningful sites in the world The Old City – a maze of streets filled with history at every turn Mahane Yehuda Market – lively by day, and surprisingly vibrant in the evening Mount of Olives – sweeping views over the city Mamilla Neighbourhood 🍴 A Few Favourites Machneyuda – creative, energetic, and very popular Azura – traditional, comforting local dishes Cafe Kadosh – excellent pastries and breakfast Best for: history, culture, and a sense of perspective 🏨 Where to Stay Cramim Resort & Spa – vineyards, spa, and a true retreat Mamilla Hotel – modern and very central The American Colony Hotel – historic and full of character Dan Panorama Jerusalem – easy and well located 💡 Expect: ₪800–₪1,500 depending on style

Travel Note

📍 Places to Explore

🌄 Haifa has… …a quieter, more laid-back charm—set along the slopes of Mount Carmel, overlooking the sea. 📍 Highlights Baháʼí Gardens – beautifully kept terraces with panoramic views Louis Promenade – one of the best viewpoints in the country The German Colony – a picturesque street of cafés and restaurants Haifa’s coastline – long, relaxed beaches with a more local atmosphere 🍴 A Few Favourites Fattoush – lively and full of character Vivino – excellent Italian food Shtroudl – charming and relaxed 🚶 What to Do Walk along the Louis Promenade at sunset Spend time by the sea - quiet, clean, and far less crowded than Tel Aviv Visit the Madatech – Israel National Museum of Science, Technology and Space (surprisingly fun, even for adults) Wander between neighbourhoods - you’ll notice the mix of cultures immediately *Shelbi's dad lives there and he would love hosting you for coffee and cake! 🏨 Where to Stay Dan Carmel Haifa – great views, slightly elevated feel Crowne Plaza Haifa – comfortable and practical Templars Boutique Hotel – smaller, charming option 💡 Expect: ₪600–₪1,000

Travel Note

📍 Places to Explore

🌴 Eilat has… …a true holiday feel - sunshine, desert mountains, and the clear blue waters of the Red Sea. 📍Highlights The Red Sea – warm, crystal-clear water with colourful marine life Beautiful beaches set against a dramatic desert backdrop Timna Park – striking desert landscapes and unique rock formations (and where Shelbi proposed to Erin) The nearby border with Egypt – from parts of the coastline, you can look out and see Egypt, Jordan, and even Saudi Arabia meeting across the sea 🌊 What to Do Snorkel or dive in the Red Sea (some of the best in the region) Relax on the beach and enjoy the sunshine Visit the Dolphin Reef to see dolphins in their natural habitat and water therapy Take a short trip into the desert for something completely different 🍴 A Few Favourites Beachfront restaurants and cafés - best enjoyed slowly, with a view Fresh seafood and relaxed evening spots along the marina 🏨 Where to Stay Dan Eilat Hotel – lively, beachfront, and a full resort experience Herods Palace Hotel – classic Red Sea luxury Royal Beach Eilat – relaxed, high-end feel Princess Hotel Eilat – quieter, slightly removed (great for diving) 💡 Expect: ₪900–₪1,800

Travel Note

✨ A Few Special Mentions (Worth Knowing About)

🏜️ On the way to Eilat Beresheet Hotel - Set right on the edge of a desert crater, this is one of the most unique stays in Israel - private villas, vast views, and complete quiet. Six Senses Shaharut - Set high above the Arava Valley in the Negev Desert, this is one of the most extraordinary hotels in Israel—built into the landscape with uninterrupted desert views. 🌿 In the North Mitzpe Hayamim - A peaceful retreat surrounded by greenery, known for its spa and “farm-to-table” food grown on-site.

Travel Note

🤖 For Those Who Prefer Their Holidays Well-Planned (and Effortlessly So)

Rather than overwhelm you with suggestions, we thought it only fair to introduce you to our (unofficial) third wedding planner. It is efficient, endlessly patient, and will not judge your itinerary choices. Simply copy the below: Hi ChatGPT, Please act as an exceptionally competent travel planner for Israel. We are visiting for a wedding in Caesarea on 1 September 2026 (the main event), and would like to build a trip around it. A few details: – We are [X people] – Travelling [with / without children] – Staying for [X days] – Our ideal trip is: [relaxed / cultural / food-focused / adventurous / balanced] We would like a well-structured, enjoyable itinerary that includes: – The key highlights (Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, etc.) – A few less obvious recommendations – Excellent food (non-negotiable) – Logical and comfortable travel between locations Please keep the pace realistic - we would like to enjoy the trip, not recover from it. If possible, include a few thoughtful touches we wouldn’t think to ask for. Thank you in advance. We have very high expectations.