During this eight-day tour, discover the incredible highlights of Israel. Beginning in the vibrant city of Tel Aviv, drive below sea-level to visit the Dead Sea and explore ancient archaeological ruins and charming villages. Then discover the wonders of Jerusalem and its history.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
Jerusalem: Israel’s capital is a city of tradition, religion and history, but also of modern culture and heritage.
Nazareth: Nazareth, located in Israel’s Galilee region, is not only home to over a dozen important Christian sites, it is also as Israel’s largest Arab city, and it’s filled with fascinating cultural sites and experiences to discover.
Galilee: One of the most beautiful regions of Israel, Galilee is characterised by its beautiful landscapes, amazing natural formations, historical sites, and charming villages.
Tel Aviv: This city that never sleeps combines sandy Mediterranean beaches with top-notch nightclubs, a buzzing cultural and culinary scene, fascinating architecture and an international mindset.
Acre: The Old City of Acre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it encapsulated the tumultuous history of Israel possibly better than any other city in the country.
Haifa: Haifa is Israel’s third largest city, beautifully set on the slopes of Mount Carmel facing the Mediterranean Sea, often nicknamed ‘Israel’s San Francisco’.
Caesarea: The ancient Herodian port city of Caesarea features amazing harbour ruins, beautiful beaches, and impressive modern residences.
Beit She’an: One of the oldest cities in Israel, with over 20 layers of human civilisation tucked away inside its large ancient mound.
Day 1: ARRIVAL TEL AVIV
Upon arriving at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport, meet your tour representative, who will be waiting for you after passport control holding a sign with your name on it. Our representative will guide you to pick up your luggage and then escort you through customs to meet your driver, who will transfer you to your hotel in Tel Aviv. Then spend the rest of the day at leisure, becoming acquainted with your vibrant new surroundings. Perhaps hit the streets and start exploring the culture, beaches and gastronomy Tel Aviv has to offer, or relax at the hotel making the most of the available services.
Overnight in Tel Aviv.
Day 2: TEL AVIV – CAESAREA – HAIFA – ACRE – GALILEE/TIBERIAS (215 kms - 3 hrs)
After breakfast, visit the Old City of Jaffa, located in the southern half of Tel Aviv. Then hop onto a comfortable bus that will take you from the ‘White City’ of Tel Aviv up the Mediterranean coast to the ancient ruins of Caesarea, the city erected by one of the greatest builders of ancient times: Herod the Great (1st century BC). After exploring this beautiful location humming with history, continue to Haifa and ascend Mount Carmel for a panoramic view of the city. Proceed to visit the Baha'i Shrine, the Persian Garden and the bay. Then drive to the coastal city of Acre to visit the old, famous Crusader stronghold and the Crypt of the Knights. At the end of the day, you’ll finally reach the Galilee, where you’ll check in and have dinner.
Overnight in Galilee.
Day 3: GALILEE – NAZARETH – TIBERIAS – JERUSALEM (300 KMS – 4 HRS)
Start the day with breakfast at the hotel before departing to Nazareth, one of the most important cities of Christendom, where you will visit the church of the Annunciation. Continue to Safed, a city historically known for being a cradle of Jewish mysticism and Kabbalah. Visit the old town, with its colony of artists, and a 16th century synagogue. Then depart for the region of the Sea of Galilee, where you will be able to contemplate memorable panoramic views of the lake from the Mount of Beatitudes. Then explore Capernaum, the adopted city of Jesus, where you can see the ruins of the house of Saint Peter and its ancient synagogue, as well as Tabgha Church, also known as the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fish, to admire its beautiful mosaics. Finally, descend through the Jordan Valley to Jerusalem. En route, enjoy the views of Jericho, the oldest city in the world, and the Mount of Temptation. On arrival in Jerusalem, check in and end the day with dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 4: JERUSALEM: NEW CITY TOUR
Breakfast at the hotel is followed by a morning tour of the new city of Jerusalem. The trip begins in the ultra-Orthodox Jewish Quarter of Mea Shearim and then continues to the Israel Museum. There you will visit the Book Sanctuary, where the Dead Sea Scrolls are preserved, and the fascinating model of what Jerusalem looked like during the time of King Herod. After the museum, pass by the Knesset (Israeli parliament) and the statue of a Menorah, the symbol of the state of Israel, to eventually arrive at Mount Zion, where you’ll visit the tomb of King David and the Cenacle, the location of the Last Supper. Continue to the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial for a moment of reflection and remembrance. Then end the day by discovering Ein Kerem and the Church of the Visitation. At the end of the visit, return to the hotel for dinner.
Overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 5: JERUSALEM: OLD CITY TOUR AND BETHLEHEM (20 KMS- 1 HR)
Wake up to breakfast in the hotel before departing towards the Mount of Olives, from where you can admire the most famous panoramic view of Jerusalem. Contemplate the esplanade of what once was the Temple, now covered with beautiful mosques, and then visit the Wailing Wall, Judaism’s most sacred location. Continue through the Cardo, the old main street built during the Roman and Byzantine period, and make your way across the Via Dolorosa, which winds through the souks of the old town, to finally reach the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the most sacred Byzantine crossed-dome basilica. In the afternoon, take a bus to visit the city of Bethlehem and the Church of the Nativity. Admire the view of the Shepherd's Fields and then return to Jerusalem for dinner.
Overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 6: JERUSALEM – MASADA – DEAD SEA – JERUSALEM ( 340 KMS – 4.5 HRS)
After breakfast, drive through the Judean Desert on your way to the Dead Sea. Then make a turn south and continue to Masada, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site situated on an isolated cliff in the heart of the Judean Desert. Ascend by cable car to the ancient fortress, which was the last stronghold of the Jewish Zealots in their war against the Romans. Visit the excavations, King Herod’s palace, the synagogue, the bathhouse and much more. Contemplate the breath-taking view of the Roman camps and the Dead Sea, your next destination. Nearly 400 metres below sea level, the Dead Sea is the lowest point on the earth’s surface. Bring your swimsuit because, weather permitting, it is possible to float on the salty, mineral-rich water. At the end of the visit, drive back to Jerusalem for dinner and overnight.
Overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 7: JERUSALEM
Have a rich breakfast at the hotel. Today explore Jerusalem on your own. Jerusalem has a way of working its way into your gut; with its mixture of civilization, spirituality and monotheism. You may want to visit again the Holy sites together with the colourful bazaars and Ben Yehuda Street with shopping stores, restaurant and coffee shops; all this in one place makes your visit unforgettable.
Overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 8: JERUSALEM - DEPARTURE TEL AVIV
We have reached the final day of this tour! Enjoy one last breakfast at the hotel before your transfer drives you to the airport, where you’ll bid farewell to Israel and board your flight back home.
Comfortable and light clothing is best suited to travel in the warm months and warm clothing in the colder months in Israel. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or sparse clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings or at the Western Wall. Sun protection, sunglasses and a hat can be very useful during your stay.
