Visitors have the opportunity to go back 4000 years in time to the period of Abraham or tread in the footsteps of Jesus and his disciples as they roamed through Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Nazareth and Tiberias 2000 years ago. At the same time, they can experience the dynamism and life of modern Israel. For those who seek a relaxing beach atmosphere is EILAT. For Culture and history - JERUSALEM. For nightlife and bustle - TEL AVIV and for health and calm - the DEAD SEA. Less than two hours' drive away from Jerusalem is the lush and hilly region of the Galilee and Lake Kinneret (the Sea of Galilee). Also close at hand are the verdant Jezreel Valley, the Judean Desert and the famous archaeological sites of Massada and Qumran. CLIMATE Israel has hot Summers with no rain and a rainy Winter season. Spring and Autumn are generally mild and pleasant. The Dead Sea area and Eilat are warm and relatively dry in Winter. CURRENCY Israel's currency is the Shekel which is divided into 100 Agorot. The currencies of most Western countries are recognized as legal tender. The exchange rate is regulated and is more or less the same at all banks. International credit cards are widely accepted, as are traveler's checks. Tourists can enjoy a number of exemptions from Value Added Tax (VAT) with many stores participating in Vat refund schemes for purchases of over 50 $. To benefit from these refunds, one must present the receipts and display the articles purchased at the airport bank, on departure. HOLIDAYS The Jewish Sabbath (from sundown on Friday till sundown Saturday) and Holy Days are observed by the country. Jewish owned businesses close at around 1.00 PM on the eve of the holiday and remain closed until the morning following the holiday. Most of the restaurants are open on holidays and Saturdays, usually until midnight, as well as pubs and nightclubs. SHOPPING HOURS Shops usually open between 8.00 and 9.00 AM until approximately 7.00 PM weekdays (Sunday through Thursday). Some shops may close during the middle of they day from 1.00 to 4.00 PM. Friday, shops are open from 8.00 till 2.00 PM.