Dan Panorama Tel Aviv

Dan is one of the most well-known hotel chains in Israel, offering four-star accommodations in numerous cities.

The Dan Panorama Tel Aviv is located in the southern part of the city and is across the street from the Mediterranean. Most rooms have small balconies with a view of the sea - a perfect place to watch the sunset (unless of course you're on the beach).

The breakfast and dinner buffets are ample.

Holyland Journey: First stop Jaffa

What a joy to take another group to Israel!

After a 10-hour flight from Newark, we landed at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv around 11 a.m.

The customs process went quickly and smoothly, and we met our tour guide in baggage claim.

We drove to the ancient port city of Jaffa for a brief walking tour. Jaffa, or Joppa, is the mentioned both in the Old and New Testaments. Jonah sailed from here, trying to avoid going to Nineveh. Cedar for King Solomon's Temple arrived in Jaffa. And Peter stayed with Simon the Tanner and saved Tabitha.

The town is now an artistic colony and offers great views of neighboring Tel Aviv.