I returned last week from a great trip to Israel, and one in which I was reminded that this tiny country has an incredible amount to offer the curious traveler interested in a wide variety of experiences in a host of different environments.

Of course the country has a remarkable history, with something of interest around virtually every corner, whether it be a brush with ancient biblical history on the streets of Jerusalem, striding through Roman ruins on the Mediterranean coast, or walking through tunnels and chambers built by the Crusaders a thousand years ago. But in addition to these remarkable historical, and for many, deeply spiritual sites, the country is also home to some amazing natural environments just waiting to be discovered by active travelers. In fact, the diversity of natural environments within such a small area is really a huge benefit for travelers, as it allows one to move from one natural environment to another in such a short period of time.

Always a favourite of travellers is of course the desert, and the area that surrounds the Dead Sea where one can experience remarkable Masada, home to the mountain top fortress in which the Jews fought off the Romans two thousand years ago – with rugged desert canyons visible to the west, and the waters of the Dead Sea visible to the east. A fabulous marine environment and bountiful coral reefs await divers at the Red Sea, while active adventurers can enjoy white-water rafting on the Jordan River, but there is still more…

My most recent trip took me to the Hula Valley, in the far north of the country. Originally a swamp that was converted to agriculture in the 1950s, this area of 177 sq. kms. (25 km north to south by 6 – 8 kms wide) is in the process of being rehabilitated to its original state, and is again providing a second home for thousands of migrating birds in the autumn and spring, as well as serving as a home to a huge variety of native birds, making it a popular sight for bird-watchers from Israel and abroad. Now the nature reserve at Agamon HaHula has walking paths, observation points, and telescopes for observing the thousands of birds and other wildlife that inhabit the site. Visitors can also go on guided tours that offer detailed explanations about the birds that inhabit the Hula Valley. As such, this is a highly recommended stop for those nature lovers looking to get off the beaten track while travelling in Israel.