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Conical Travel | Tailor-made Holidays in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar

Conical Travel is the leading Vietnam Kosher Tour Operator and trusted Destination Management Company in Southeast Asia. We are a passionate expert team with over 10-year experience in the art of arranging the most awe-inspiring tailor-made holidays in Vietnam and Southeast Asia, from classic highlights to off-beat adventures, to meet the passion of every Jewish traveler.

Born and raised here, we have seen a fair share of the local’s struggles. That is why we have been promoting sustainable tourism to help preserve our cultural identity as well as our countries’ natural resources. Conical’s travelers are ensured of the adventures their hearts desire as well as the assurance that they are giving back to the communities they travel.

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Caesarea, Israel: The Jewel of Roman Judea

Caesarea is without a doubt one of the more picturesque locations in Israel. The city’s roots go back to the 1st century BCE and till today most of the archaeological remains are a standard part of the everyday lives of residents. When you need a break from the stunning beaches head into town for some of the best rated hummus in Israel or perhaps a tour of the Ralli Museum.

The History of Caesarea

Caesarea has a very old illustrious history. The city was commissioned by King Herod the Great to be a distinct port city and capital for the Romans. Judea was at the time a Roman province and Herod was the king who would take the architecture of Judea to the next level. He built the Second Temple in Jerusalem and at the time it was the most impressive architectural feat of the ancient world. Many of Israel’s most famous structures were constructed under the term of Herod. Herod was not only a wonderful developer of the urban scene he was also a very savvy politician. He understood that the Romans would have felt politically and culturally inferior to the substantial structure of the temple, and so he constructed for the conquerors their own equally impressive port city. This he named in honor of Caesar, hence the name Caesarea.

Walking around the city one would think they were in ancient Rome as it contained all the major architectural points of a Roman city. These include a coliseum, an impressive aqueduct system, and even a race track where chariot games would be conducted annually. There was an additional full scale Roman bath and imported goods from across the empire. Today concerts are still held in the Caesarea colosseum, a testament to the impressive legacy of King Herod. Today, Caesarea is known for having some of the most gorgeous and least populated stretches of beach along the blue Mediterranean. In the city harbor you can find some delicious restaurants like Pelogi, a family owned business that combines Israeli and Italian cuisine. Neighborhoods of villas have sprung up along the coast, impressive real estate in an even more impressive pastoral location.

The Top Sites to Visit in Caesarea

Speaking of impressive locations, one of the best sites that captures the ancient grace and luxury of Caesarea is the Maritime Museum. This museum houses the largest collection of artifacts from the city’s long history including Byzantine and Crusader artifacts. While many of these artifacts were uncovered in archaeological excavations some were unearthed by accident. Farmers tilling their soil would happen upon columns, coins, pediments etc. all acquired and exhibited by the museum both indoors and outdoors. Many of the artifacts have been placed back in their original location among the ancient sites in Caesarea. Museum visitors can book walking tours of the grounds and the surrounding city.

Speaking of archaeological remains in their original context, be sure to pay a visit to the Underwater Archaeological Park. The Caesarea diving society has all sorts of tours available for divers with little or tons of diving experience. Some of the things you will see resting at the bottom of the Mediterranean include ancient anchors and portions of the old port. The beauty and history of Caesarea has since captured the attention of the world. Its charm made it the chosen location for one of Israel’s most respected and internationally renowned museums, the Ralli Museum. The complex houses a very large collection of contemporary Latin American art. There are five Ralli Museums around the world and two of them are located in Israel. The second museum pays homage to the history and art of Spanish Jews.

The city of Caesarea is without a doubt one of the crown jewels in ancient and modern Israeli history. Herod’s original construction plans still amazes seasoned modern architects. This is a testament to the king’s commitment to create a city that would never be forgotten throughout the ages of the world. Today Caesarea is adding to its regal worldly nature with new and luxurious housing, innovative restaurants, and a highly developed arts scene.

The Eilat-Mitzpe Ramon Region, Israel: The Desert is Where Life Can Begin Again

The south of Israel, between Mitzpe Ramon and Eilat, is one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Middle East. Just a five or six hour drive south of Jerusalem’s rolling hills and Tel Aviv’s white sandy beaches is a whole other world of red desert. The entire landscape that you see on the drive south was at one time completely submerged under the ocean. Over time this area of land dried out leaving behind interesting and whimsical rock formations, caverns, and caves. Aside from the beautiful geography this happens to have been one of the more frequently populated areas in the history of the Levant. Some of Israel’s most complex and intricate archaeological sites and artifacts have been uncovered in the desert. It is also the birthplace of the kibbutz movement, and many of these communities are still hosting families today.

Eilat, Israel’s Most Southern City

Israel’s most southern city, Eilat, offers a touchstone of urbanization in the vast red landscape of Israel’s south. Resting right on the edge of the Red Sea this is definitely one of the best places in Israel to relax and lounge on the beach. In the background are the red mountains of Eilat. During sunsets when the light catches the mountains they appear to be on fire. It feels more like you are on Mars instead of planet Earth. Just a twenty-minute car ride outside of the city are several hiking trails that allow you to explore these ancient formations in greater depth.

Timna Park

Just north of Eilat is one of the staple national parks to visit, Timna Park. During the 12th and 14th centuries (BCE) when Timna was under the control of the Egyptian empire the region was mined for copper. Today there are still a great deal of natural resources within the valley of Timna. Visitors can schedule guided tours of the caverns and even partake in a bit of rock climbing. As mentioned these formations were sculpted underwater, giving the entire park a surreal appearance. Despite the intense temperatures there is also plenty of flora and fauna to be seen. The region hosts its own community of specialized desert dwellers from the Israeli ibex herds to foxes, hyenas, birds, as well as a few lizards. Park visitors are not encouraged to approach or feed any of the animals as all patrons of the park are guests in this wild environment.

Yotvata Hai-Bar Nature Reserve

While we are on the subject of wildlife, just 30 km north of Eilat is the Yotvata Hai-Bar Nature Reserve and breeding grounds. The reserve’s mission is to rebuild populations of specific species on the brink of extinction, mainly the Asian wild ass and the Arabian oryx. The entire park is located on the Yotvata salt flats, which hosts a wide variety of flora. This was one of the main reasons for the chosen location of the nature reserve, because it could feed multiple large herds. Desert life is a welcome refuge for both animals and people alike.

Kibbutz Neot Smadar

If you were to keep driving a few miles north of Yotvata you would run into Kibbutz Neot Smadar, which you cannot pass without noticing the enormous cooling tower that stands out from the landscape. Cooling towers are an ancient form of air conditioning. They use the natural and ample power of desert winds to thermally cool several houses all interconnected by underground pipes. The tower serves a dual purpose in that it is also the arts and culture center for the community. Several Israeli artists and craftsmen call the kibbutz home and all sell their art from the boutique located inside the tower complex. The complex itself is a feast for the eyes with intricate carvings, pillars, and a very memorable color palette. Be sure to also ask for a tour of their local vineyards and winery. You may even be tempted to purchase a bottle or two for later in the evening.

Kibbutz Sde Boker

The other iconic kibbutz to visit on your road trip in the south is Sde Boker, located a few kilometers north of Mitzpe Ramon and about 187 kilometers from Eilat. Established in the early 1950s, this was one of the very first unofficial desert communities that later became a national landmark. It was this community that Israel’s first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion, chose as his home and community. He was on a tour of the south of Israel and noticed the small collection of houses, vineyards, and open agricultural fields. Something drew Ben-Gurion to the community of pastoral peace and from that moment on, he considered the kibbutz his one true home. You can even pay a visit to the former PMs old hut residence where many of his original furniture and books still reside.

The south of Israel from Eilat to Mitzpe Ramon is a hotspot of ancient geographical wonder. Mankind has never created any sort of art or structure that can rival the natural beauty of the desert. The region is in fact not a land of hot emptiness, but a cornucopia of opportunity for new life. It is another world where communities of all kinds, whether they are animal or human, can be embraced with loving arms.

Capernaum

Capernaum, in the Galilee of northern Israel is a Biblical village. It sits not far from other important Christian sites in Israel. These include Bethsaida, the Mount of Beatitudes, and Tabgha, as well as the Jordan River and Tiberias on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Today the town of Kfar Nahum (Talhum in Arabic) stands where Capernaum once stood. The site attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists from around the world every year.

In Biblical times Capernaum was one of the main trading villages in the Gennesaret area. It was a vibrant and prosperous part of Palestine, home to about 1,500 people many of whom were fishermen. Many travelers, caravans, and traders passed through Capernaum on the Via Maris. It was main trade route connecting Damascus in the north and Egypt in the south. There remains a Via Maris highway mile stone in Capernaum today. The village was thought to have prospered from the 2nd century BC to the 13th century AD when it reverted to a simple fishing village until the 1800’s.

The late establishment of the town explains why Capernaum is not in the Old Testament. The town is deeply significant to Christians as it features prominently in the New Testament. Jesus was born in Bethlehem, brought up in Nazareth, and preached in Jerusalem but it was the significant Galilean Ministry years which he spent in Capernaum and where he performed many of his miracles. Capernaum became his home and the Bible calls it Jesus’ “own city”. Matthew 4:13 tells us that Jesus left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum after meeting temptation in the wilderness. Here he met James, John, Peter, Andrew all fishermen and Matthew a tax collector, five of his future disciples.

Description from Tourist Israel

Old City Christian Quarter

The Christian Quarter is one of the four quarters of the walled Old City of Jerusalem, the other three being the Jewish Quarter, the Muslim Quarter and the Armenian Quarter. The Christian Quarter is situated in the northwestern corner of the Old City, extending from the New Gate in the north, along the western wall of the Old City as far as the Jaffa Gate, along the Jaffa Gate – Western Wall route in the south, bordering on the Jewish and Armenian Quarters, as far as the Damascus Gate in the east, where it borders on the Muslim Quarter. The Christian quarter contains about 40 Christian holy places. First among them is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Christianity’s holiest place. Most of its residents are Palestinian Christians, despite their dwindling numbers.

The Christian Quarter was built around the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which is the heart of the quarter. There is a cluster of churches and monasteries surrounding it. The quarter contains few residential houses, which are mostly concentrated in its southern-eastern part. Most buildings are religious, touristic, and educational in character, such as the Terra Sancta High School, the Lutheran School, the St. Pierre School, and the Collège des Frères at the New Gate.

The quarter contains souvenir shops, coffee houses, restaurants and hotels. The shops are concentrated in the west–east market street, the David Street, and along the north-south Christian Quarter Road, or simply Christian Road. Some of the hotels, such as the Casa Nova Hotel and the Greek Catholic hotel, were built by the churches as places for visitors to stay. Others are private hotels.

The quarter contains some small museums, such as the museum of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate. In the southwestern part of the quarter there is a pool called Hezekiah’s Pool or Patriarch’s Pool that was used to store water for the area.

Tulip Winery

In 2003, the Itzhaki family fulfilled their long-held vision by founding the Tulip Winery, an expression of their great love of wine and huge love of people. This was a true milestone – combining fine, high quality wines with a committed contribution to the community.

The hillside in Kfar Tikva, a small and pastoral settlement for residents with special needs, was the perfect and most natural setting for building the winery. The winery’s inspiring and thriving model of employing members of the community and providing a platform for their integration into the labor market just like ordinary people, formed an extraordinary, strong, inseparable and rooted connection.

Tulip Winery annually produces about 300,000 bottles that are sold throughout Israel and in many countries worldwide. Tulip wines receive enthusiastic reviews from wine critics and customers alike, as well as international awards, complementing the holistic experience that every person feels when they encounter these wines.

The passion to create unique, bold and out of the box wines constantly drives us forward. Tulip Winery’s entrepreneurial spirit enables us to continue to lead – creatively, innovatively, professionally and sensitively. The professional breakthrough discernible in the unique blends and the uncompromising quality throughout the winemaking process. Tulip’s unique combination of professional expertise and its new statement within the wine industry, lead to the winery’s great success.

The vineyards are the first station in creating uncompromising, high-quality fine wines. Realization of the passion to create a bold wine that makes a truly unique statement begins where vision meets soil. Our commitment to excellence led us to make profound changes resulting in groundbreaking viticulture.

And so, our new journey began, as a new wine is born. Initially, inside the mind of our expert winemaker, David Bar-Ilan, and from there it took root in the ground, with the vines clinging to the soil and growing towards the future, becoming an extraordinary creation.

With the goal of pursuing our passion for precision and desire to make a personal statement, we selected the finest professionals, those best suited to realize our visions. The winery’s new agriculture department is professionally and expertly led by Professor Costas Bakiastas – a Mediterranean viticulture specialist, alongside Gil Sharon, who manages our vineyards. Under the direction of our winemaker, they are responsible for our new planting and growing methods, which were carefully selected based on a wide-ranging goal of attaining flexibility coupled with precision and professionalism.

Kiryat Tiv’on, Israel: The Pastoral Paradise of the Galilee

Kiryat Tiv’on is a town located in the Haifa district of the northern Galilee between the Zvulun and Jezreel Valleys. The region itself was long inhabited before the town appeared and mentioned in both the Talmud and the Mishnah. Today, Kiryat Tiv’on is a quiet and idyllic town covered in green vegetation, with rolling hills and tall trees.

The History of Kiryat Tiv’on

The Jewish history of Kiryat Tiv’on extends all the way back to the 2nd century CE, the evidence for which can be found in the burial caves that were in use until the 4th century CE. During this time the settlement was known as Beit She’arim. This was the site for the highest court of justice in ancient Israel during the Roman period known as the Sanhedrin. After the destruction of the Second Temple and the expulsion of Jews into the diaspora Kiryat Tiv’on became a predominantly Muslim town.

During this time the town was called Taubun. This all changed with the creation of the state of Israel and in 1956 several smaller settlements were combined to form what today is recognized as Kiryat Tiv’on. Excavations in the last several decades revealed the area’s rich history, which is still yielding more and more discoveries. There has never been any major industry activity in Kiryat Tiv’on which has preserved the pristine green of the landscape. This town is a nature and history lover’s paradise. Within its limits Kiryat Tiv’on has some of the most fascinating archaeological sites to visit, fantastic public parks, natural springs, as well as flourishing artistic life. There is not a more picture perfect town in the whole of Israel.

As previously mentioned, due to the lack of industry the soil of Kiryat Tiv’on produces some of the best grapes for wine in the world. Visitors to the town should check out the Tulip Winery. Established in 2003 by the Yitzhaki family, this small winery has since gained international recognition. The winery is rooted in the community, working with members of Kfar Tikvah, a special needs community. The winery integrates them into the workforce of the Tulip family. Visits to the facility can be booked online which offers a range of tasting experiences. Visitors can elect for a simple wine tasting or go big with additional add ons like local cheeses, breads, olives, and stuffed grape leaves. If you take great joy in the edible pleasures of life do not miss out on this experience. In Kiryat Tiv’on, people are rooted to the land through food, drink, and celebrations of local cultural and artistic life.

Every year the community comes together for the Sheik Avreik Festival, a celebration of local artisans, musicians, culture, and community. The festival features over 280 performances and activities, a local experience not to be missed. One of the other best local experiences to have in this picture perfect fresh environment is a dip in the waters of the Alroi spring. As you enter the waters you are surrounded on all sides by the lush vegetation of Israel’s northern region. Stone steps leading down into the spring will take you back to the region’s ancient history. Speaking of ancient history, one of Israel’s most famous necropoli is located in the Beit She’arim National Park.

This necropolis also happens to be the resting place for the legendary Jewish sage and author Judah HaNassi. Judah was one of the original editors and redactors of the Mishnah, a central text of rabbinic thought and responsum. Other notable burial sites in Kiryat Tiv’on include the founder of several Jewish defense organizations, Alexander Zeid. Zeid was also the first to discover the necropolis of Beit She’arim. Be sure to look out for his commemorative statue which borders Beit She’arim park, overlooking the Jezreel valley.

Statue of Alexander Zeid in Kiryat Tiv'on — Hanay, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

For such a small community Kiryat Tiv’on has had a major impact on the cultural and ecological life of Israel. All roads to Kiryat Tiv’on curve with the land. They lead to a wondrous and peaceful vacation destination just eighteen kilometers away from the hustle and bustle of Haifa. The town is a paramount example of an ideal marriage between culture, history, and the beauty of Israel’s environment.

Jaffa, Israel: The Charming Port City of Color, Art, and Knafeh

The Jewish Story of Jaffa

Jaffa is hailed as being one of the oldest operating ports in Israel and a center of connection between the Jewish and Arab Israeli communities. The entire area is packed with mosques, knafeh, art, history, hummus, clothes, and the most gorgeous stretches of beaches along the blue Mediterranean waters. It is also one of the only areas that stays open on Shabbat. On Saturdays the port is where Tel Avivians head for some light shopping, drinking with friends, and some of the best food outside of the local Tel Aviv area.

The History of Jaffa

Archaeological evidence emerged in both Israel and Egypt that date the establishment of the area before the 15th century BCE. The area was first inhabited solely by Canaanite communities and later conquered by the Egyptian Pharaoh Thutmose III. After a few thousand years of comings and goings, many nations have left their distinct mark on the city and its cultural life. Jaffa has hosted scores of Jews, Muslims, and Christians. In 1909, the entire city of Tel Aviv was established as a Jewish suburb of Jaffa. Before that there were only two small Jewish neighborhoods, Neve Zedek and Neve Shalom. Both of these areas hosted Jewish immigrant populations that came over from Europe when the concept of Zionism was first being birthed.

At the turn of the century, when Tel Aviv was established, Jaffa hosted a distinctly Arab population. The city has retained its Arab population and roots up until this very day, and one can hear the call to prayer loud and clear five times a day from anywhere in Yaffo. The first half of the 20th century was marked by a shift of power between the Turkish holders of the city and the encroachment of British forces, and Jaffa was won by the Haganah forces of the Israeli army in 1948 during the War of Independence. Today, it is a hotspot for culture, art, and cuisine and is one of the best examples of where the old world of Israel meets the new horizons of the future of Israel.

Visiting Jaffa Today

Exploring all that Jaffa has to offer would take anyone at least the better part of a year. However, there are a few iconic sites that should be right at the top of your list. The first thing you will notice when entering the city is the ginormous Clock Tower that overlooks the sea. This tower was constructed over a century ago to honor the Ottoman conquerors of Israel and their vast empire. It is one of seven that can be found throughout former Ottoman territories. In 1948, a plaque was added to the facade of the tower to commemorate the Jewish Israeli soldiers that fought in Israel’s War of independence. Today the clock tower maintains its landmark status as a central point for community gatherings of all kinds, including Christmas parades, markets, and celebrations.

Just a short walking distance from the Clock Tower is the Suspended Orange Tree. Israeli artist, Ron Morin, installed the orange tree in 1993 as a commentary on the urban environment’s relationship to the natural world. The roots are encased in an earthenware vessel with the trunk of the tree growing from a crack in the top. The entire installation is suspended a foot off the ground and today, the tree still bears fruit. Jaffa has a healthy artistic life, from the suspended orange tree to the Ilana Goor Museum.

Goor is considered to be an international multidisciplinary artist as her artwork borders on functionality and surrealism. Some of the permanent exhibitions include works from other renowned Israeli modern artists and of course works by Ilana herself, all housed in a 280 year old building, a work of art in itself. The final stop on the list is the Old Port of Jaffa (Namal Yaffo). The port is still active with a few fishermen heading off to fish in the Mediterranean every night. However, many of the old fishing hangers have since been converted into restaurants, photography exhibitions, and gallery boutiques. There are also tons of gift shops and even a farmers market on Friday mornings.

Jaffa is a world unto itself, a very classic example of the hybrid nature that is Israeli culture. There are healthy doses of every sort of artistic expression from clothes to high art and even household furniture. Expression, color, and life is what visitors can expect to find in the narrow streets of Jaffa. Around every corner is a new aspect of the city, waiting to be discovered.

Melony Boutique Hotel

The Melony Boutique Hotel has a unique family atmosphere, which makes its guests choose the hotel to spend their vacation time and time again. The hotel is located about a 10-minute walk from the promenade, the north coast, and the entertainment centers in the city. The hotel has free Wi-Fi and free private parking. All rooms have a flat-screen cable TV with a kettle, air conditioning, a wardrobe and a private bathroom. Additionally, The reception staff speaks Hebrew and English, and will be happy to help you at any time.

Desert Home

Facing a superb landscape, Bait Bamidbar welcomes you at the edge of the desert, on the outskirts of a quiet residential neighborhood that only Mizpe Ramon can offer. In this unique state-of-the-art holiday complex you will experience a blend of desert and town, deep quiet, splendid sunsets, and nearby attractions.

The quiet, minimalist style of these beautiful units is visible in every detail and includes many natural elements: walls and tall ceilings awash with soft desert colors, bleached wood floors, self-made wood furniture, bathroom floors reminiscent of desert loam, and a private collection of local crafts and art. The magic outdoors and the interior desert elements are deftly intertwined to offer you a real home in the desert. From every corner you can relish the desert landscape. In the small garden of desert flora, fruit trees, and herbs surrounding the complex you will find our Hot tub, sitting and relaxation spots right at the desert’s edge and a room where you can be pampered with a wide range of alternative treatments.

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