A beach within reach has just got easier with Virgin Atlantic announcing flights between London Heathrow (LHR) and Tel Aviv Ben Gurion (TLV).
The five hour flight makes it a popular destination for families in need of some vitamin D, family fun and fantastic food. With white sandy beaches and bustling markets by day, Tel aviv transforms into a cosmopolitan city at night, with street-lined cafes filled with laughter.
“I’m also thrilled to introduce this new destination to our leisure customers and I know it’s somewhere they’ll love to visit. Renowned for its cultural sites and with UNESCO recognised architecture, Tel Aviv also boasts beautiful beaches, a buzzing artistic and nightlife scene, incredible food and is a great base to explore the tourist destinations of the region including the iconic historical city of Jerusalem, Nazareth, and the Dead Sea”. – Shai Weiss, Virgin Atlantic CEO commented.
A stone’s throw away from the old city of Jerusalem, travel makers can explore the old with the new whilst ensuring every family member ticks off an activity on their holiday bucket list. From fresh orange juice in Jaffa to swimming with dolphins in Eilat, Tel aviv is the perfect base to explore all of Israel’s treasures.
Whatever brings you to Israel – business or leisure, the new route on the Airbus A330-300 aircraft offers seamless connections to a range of destinations throughout North America – including New York, San Francisco and Seattle.
Eating Out
You’re spoilt for choice in Tel Aviv, but if you’re after a culinary experience, then Taizu’s dining journey is one for you. Inspired by the elements of Fire, Water, Metal, Wood and Earth – think all your favourite Southeast Asian dishes on one menu! For more authentic cuisine, try Mashya – traditional cuisine reinvented which takes diners on a gastronimical adventure. And for those who still have room for dessert, Anita Gelato in Neve Tzedek is a must! With a range of varieties including vegan, sugar-free and yoghurt, ice cream-goers can indulge in flavours such as Pavlova, Rum & Raisin and White Chocolate & Strawberries.
Sightseeing
Israel is steeped in culture and history, from Jerusalem to Bethlehem and Haifa to Eilat, all a short distance from Tel Aviv. But for those visiting the cosmopolitan hub that is Tel Aviv, fear not, culture is also on your doorstep. On your trip, don’t miss out on visiting the, Tel Aviv Museum of Art and The Old City of Jaffa where you can drink freshly squeezed orange juice as well as the visiting the old railway. Israel is immersed in architecture and design, so the Bauhaus Centre is a must along with the Helena Rubinstein Pavilion. And whilst roaming the city, the abundance of street art will soon be prevalent. Immersed in graffiti from the likes of Banksy, the street art tells political and social stories of the country and will subconsciously provoke thoughts whilst on your journey.
Shopping
From markets to shopping centres, Tel Aviv offers a variety of shopping experiences old and new. The Carmel Market has been open since 1920 and is the best place to capture the aroma of Israel. Neve Tzedek offers a bohemian hub of boutiques and fashion stores whilst Sarona shopping village offers a range of food, jewellery and fashion shops set in a shopping village in the centre of the city. The TLV Fashion Mall is the home of international chain stores and perfect for picking up essentials.
Nightlife
The nightlife scene in Tel Aviv is world renowned with a range of bars and clubs with the hottest DJs in town. For a sophisticated crowd, The Library Bar at The Norman Hotel offers a great selection of cocktails whilst The Bar at the Hotel Montefiore is perfect for those wanting a taste of the 1920s. 223 is run by world renowned mixologist Ariel Leizgold and the bar offers a cocktail experience unlike any other.
Flights to Tel Aviv are on sale now. For further information contact www.virginatlantic.com or call 0844 2092 770. Luxury onboard experience, with fab food and drinks always included.