It all began in at a brainstorming meeting between a group of people who loved Israel and wanted to find the best way to share what their country has to offer to the world. And, eureka! They decided the best way to do this was by bringing people there, including online opinion leaders, trendsetters, Influencers, bloggers, and people who could easily spread the word on everything Israel has to offer. Since then Vibe Israel has done over 20 tours, reaching over 30 million people worldwide!

Vibe Tours takes international online opinion leaders on a week-long themed experience of Israel. Their success is based on showing influencers what Israel truly has to offer. Vibe Israel Tours fill the gap between how the outside world perceives their country and reality. Each tour is specific to industries Israel has a competitive advantage in, including business, social entrepreneurship, environment, art, fashion, photography, and of course gastronomy!

Jerusalem

My Vibe tour took me on a journey from Jerusalem, to Northern Israe l, to Jaffa Tel Aviv. Getting off the plane at Ben Gurion Airport I didn't know what to expect. I imagined armed guards, tanks, barbed wire, and desert. Instead, Israel wound up becoming a secret that was so amazing I was apprehensive about sharing it with the world.

I entered a modern airport greeted by friendly people, and the entry process was quite smooth. And we were off to Jerusalem! There is a mix of lodging options in Jerusalem of everyone, including everything from modern upscale Hotel Herbert Samuel to cost effective options like trendy Abraham Hostel Jerusalem. As a food lover, if you find yourself at Hotel Herbert Samuel you need to stop by the hotel's 11th-floor restaurant which shares the hotel's name. The restaurant is pleasing to both the eyes and pallet and has a menu curated by renowned Chef Oren Yerushalmi.

The restaurant boasts an impressive view of the center of Jerusalem, along with the Old City. The restaurant’s atmosphere is a contemporary open chef’s kitchen which sits in the center of the dining room. A gold plated ceiling manufactured in India accents the restaurant's decor. Food lovers can expect a menu that uses fresh seasonal ingredients from the local markets and a considerable cocktail menu. This is place is a must!

After a quick break from enjoying all of that delicious food, I found myself at the Dead Sea which borders the West Bank and Jordan. The Dead Sea is more than 400 meters below sea level making it the lowest point on dry land. I floated on the hyper-saline water in tranquility surrounded by Israeli's, Palestinians, Jordanians, and people from all over the world. It was quite an eye opening moment.

If you find yourself in Jerusalem and want to do some shopping for local delicacies you have to make a stop at the Mahane Yehuda Market. The market prides itself on being one of the world famous icons of Jerusalem. The market integrates both the old and the new. It is more than just a market, it is a bustling neighborhood, it incorporates food, drink, shopping, bars, restaurants.

The market offers classic tours, and tours on graffiti and nightlife, bar tours, bakery tours, wine and cheese tours a chef guided tasting tour, and more. "Machne Yuda," is also the name of an outstanding Israeli restaurant located in the market. The restaurant offers authentic Mediterranean food curated by head Chef's Assaf Granit, Uri Navon, and Yossi Elad.

Northern Israel

Northern Israel is a food lovers dream! There are wineries, authentic restaurants, wine club parties, markets, parties, and tour companies that will even bring you into a local's home for a one of a kind life changing experience and meal. And, a great place to stay to enjoy all of this is the picturesque Efendi Boutique Hotel which overlooks the historic city walls and the majestic Mediterranean Sea. The hotel is a dream that came to life by Uri Jeremias, chef and proprietor of the famed Uri Buri restaurant. The one of a kind structure of this boutique hotel combines two ancient houses with hundreds of years of history stored within their walls.

One of the best gems of Northern Israel is the Golan Heights Winery, which is (yes you guessed it!) located in the Golan Heights which borders Syria. Now you might be thinking to yourself Syria?! No way! However, it was peaceful, we could actually see the country after taking a jeep tour in Ramat Hagolan- an Israel travel secret. The area's topography is categorized by mountainous terrain, streams, waterfalls, breathtaking scenery, and of course the winery!

I love the Golan Heights Winery! The Golan Heights Winery was founded in 1983, and since then it has become the leading premium winery in Israel partially due to the fact that enjoys ideal conditions, as in Bordeaux or Tuscany. And, Yarden Katzrin, released in 2011, is its flagship wine produced from its best grapes harvested during outstanding vintages. Comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon and a bit of Merlot, Yarden Katzrin is produced exclusively in special vintages. The 2011 harvest was recognized as such despite the fact that it recorded the lowest temperatures ever in the region and 130% average annual rainfall.

“A rich wine of exceptional qualities, Yarden Katzrin embodies the best of the Winery’s creative process,” said Anat Levi, CEO of Golan Heights Winery. “As a blend of two varieties, the 2011 Yarden Katzrin tells the story of the Golan growing region as a whole. This wine expresses the unique landscapes and characteristics of the Golan, the stunning power of nature, and the wonderful creativity of our people.”

Puzzle Israel works with the Golan Heights Winery to bring you unique dining experiences including small picnics on a mountaintop overlooking Syria t o cooking classes set deep within the marvelous vineyards. The company also offers an eclectic mix of tours ranging from cycling challenges to farm to table style dinners inside of a local's home. What better what better way to get to know a country than to truly immerse yourself into local cuisine prepared by a local?

And, no visit to Northern Israel is complete without a visit to The Old Acre Market. Acre’s rich history is made up of many cultures who played a role in what the town is today, including Israelis, Greeks, Romans, and Arabs. Acre is also a holy city in the Bahá’í Faith and can add recognition by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The market is a colorful range of stalls displaying fish, sweet pastries, shops selling perfume, goods and original spices from Israel and all over the world.

Jaffa Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv is a city that is shaping the world we live in today. It is a city by the ocean full of entrepreneurship, technological advances, cutting-edge dining experiences, art, nightlife, vibrancy, and innovation. There are numerous boutique hotels that are shaping the city and you feel the aura of a metropolis that is continuously growing. A few of the best boutique hotels to check out when you are in Tel Aviv include the CUCU Hotel and Hotel 65.

Tel Aviv is a biking city where the beach, nightlife, and fantastic dining is just minutes away. So rent a bike and head over to Ras-El-Chanut Restaurant and enjoy specialty sausage, cheese, vegetables and wine. Then grab a cocktail at French 57 for a New Orleans inspired cocktail and a snack. Or, dine at Port Said for some delectable Middle Eastern fare, and top the night off at JIMMYWHO? Bar & Lounge, a swank funky hangout popular with locals. In the mood for Italian food? Pronto Ristorante Italiano uses a carefully crafted menu of Italian cuisine with a Mediterranean flare.

Or, after spending the day at the beach check out Milk and Honey Distillery. Israel’s first whiskey distillery, dedicated to a genuine artisan manufactured product. The ingredients, equipment, barrels and production process are all carefully managed with a goal to make Israel’s best Single Malt whiskey. Like many of the hundreds of entrepreneurs making Israel its home, The Milk & Honey Distiller y is the result of a group of whisky-loving entrepreneurs' dream.

If you are looking for a one of a kind life altering experience head to Jaffa Port and BlackOut Restaurant. In total darkness, you will be served various dishes, escorted by blind waiters. In their words "When the eyes do not engage in the eating process, one’s ability to taste and smell food sharpens. There is so much to be “seen” when eyes are closed". Dining at BlackOut is one of the three outstanding experiences offered to the visitors of the Nalaga’at Center. The Center – the first of its kind in the world, seeks to promote interaction between deaf-blind, deaf, and blind individuals and people able to hear and see, regardless of cultural or social distinctions.

None of these experiences would have been known to me without the amazing work done by Vibe Israel and for that, I am eternally thankful!

Vibe Israel is a not-for-profit organization leading initiatives to strengthen Israel’s brand in the world. They exist to create a new conversation about Israel, a conversation about Israel’s creative energy. Through their strong network of philanthropists and Israeli business people, they initiate and implement projects that market Israel’s competitive advantages to the world, while always seeking a social return on investment for our donors, and a commercial return on investment for our business partners.

So Donate, and visit Vibe Israel's website to learn more.

By Mosaka Williamson