A short drive in any direction from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv takes you to hundreds of different sights, activities, and experiences. Imagine being able to hike the Grand Canyon, scuba dive in Belize, study the ruins of Rome, and sample incredible olives in the hills of Greece all in one trip. Welcome to Israel, where you can experience the bizarre buoyancy of the Dead Sea and the beach resort of Eilat on the Red Sea; hike through the gorgeous landscapes in the Negev Desert; and raft down the Jordan River in the Golan Heights--all within driving distance of Jerusalem or Tel Aviv. Below, you will find specifics on these fascinating must-sees.

Masada is the magnificent ancient palace built on a high plateau that rises out of the surrounding landscape. Although Herod originally built it for the Romans, Jewish zealots occupied it for their famous stand against the Roman conquerors. Today, the excavated ruins serve as the best sunrise vantage place in the entire country. A popular excursion begins by climbing a few hours before sunrise and then witnessing the glorious spectacle from the top. For those not in the mood to hike at 4am, there is a cable car that will take you up and back down again.

From the top of a plateau to the lowest spot on earth, a trip 400 meters below sea level to the Dead Sea is unforgettable. The water is so concentrated with salt that you can probably bring in patio furniture with you and still float on top of the water. The world-famous therapeutic black mud is not only a source of health enhancement but also pure entertainment. A photo of your family and friends covered in mud--and smiling about it!--is sure to make it into any picture frame. (One warning about the water: Since the salt levels are so enormously high, be prepared to become fully aware of any cuts you may have on your body. Ouch!)

For more traditional water fun, the resort city of Eilat, at the mouth of the Red Sea, beckons water-sports lovers. Since the sun shines here virtually year-round, this is a favorite resort destination for people the world over. The desert mountains surrounding the region provide a mystical and romantic setting. Sun worshippers line the beaches, parasailers fly overhead, jet-skiers and water-skiers take to the crystal-blue waters, snorkelers and scuba divers mix with the marine life, and adventurers can hike through the neighboring Arava Desert.

But for a real desert experience, the Negev can't be matched. The desert makes up 60 percent of Israel's entire landmass, separating The South from the fertile coastline and the rest of the country. Ecotourism has erupted in this area and you can take jeep, donkey, and camel tours into the desert, past natural formations like the Pillars of Solomon that have made Tinma Park famous throughout the Middle East. Mount Karkom, which some believe to be the biblical Mount Sinai, boasts more than 30,000 rock carvings. If the desert heat doesn't overwhelm you, the stunning panoramic views from the top of the desert ridges surely will.

For views of another nature--green and fertile instead of brown and barren--The Galilee in The North is a lush oasis of agricultural bounties and rushing waters. The Jordan River rushes down from the hills, feeding the olive groves and orchards, before emptying into the beautiful Sea of Galilee. Dotting the area, amid waterfalls, marshes, and bird sanctuaries, are kibbutz fields--orchards and groves harvested by the predominately farming communities found throughout the region.

North of the Sea of Galilee is the Golan Heights, an area that may be the least visited in all of Israel. Yet, here you can find lots of wild animals and wild adventure. Leopards, wolves, gazelles, rabbits, vultures, eagles, and many other birds and land creatures call this place home. Along with taking in all the exotic wildlife, animals of the human variety can enjoy river rafting down the Jordan River, relaxing in hot springs, or even skiing on Mount Hermon, Israel's only ski slope (depending on the season, of course).

Just west of the Sea of Galilee are two wonderful cities in which to spend some time. Nazareth has a population of 60,000 people--half Christian and half Muslim--living in harmony. The city is known for its pilgrimages and most famous resident but also for its Middle Eastern sense of hospitality. Zefat is a throwback to earlier times. The Old City clings to the mountain, and the cobblestone streets are only navigable on foot. The city is deeply rooted in religion, and is believed by the followers of Jewish mysticism to have the purest air in the whole country. It also has a large artists' community.

Continuing west toward the coastline, visitors come across Haifa, Israel's third largest city and northern capital. Overlooking the Mediterranean from the slopes of Mt. Carmel, Haifa is a melting pot of Old World and contemporary lifestyles. A beautiful Baha'i Shrine welcomes visitors, who can then relax in an outdoor cafe or take in a theater performance. Across the beautiful harbor, the medieval walled fortress city of Acre is perched against the waters of the Mediterranean and, if weather permits, the impressive white cliff of Rosh Hanikra, which serves as the border checkpoint between Israel and Lebanon, can be seen in the distance. A visit to the heavily guarded border, where the views of The Galilee are phenomenal, makes for a very interesting side trip.