During this eight-day tour you will discover the incredible highlights of Israel. Starting in the vibrant city of Tel Aviv, go down below sea-level and visit the Dead Sea, explore ancient archaeological ruins and discover charming villages. Then delve into the complexity 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, but is also Israel’s largest Arab city and has some fascinating cultural sites and experiences to offer.
Galilee: One of the most beautiful regions of Israel, Galilee is characterised by its beautiful landscape, 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-listed World Heritage Site and it encapsulates 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.
Day 1: ARRIVAL TEL AVIV
Upon arriving at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport, you’ll meet your tour representative before hopping onto the transfer to your hotel in Tel Aviv. After checking in, the rest of the day is free for you to spent at leisure. You can either hit the streets to start becoming acquainted with your vibrant new surroundings, or relax at the hotel while 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 Tiberias, where you’ll check in and have dinner.
Overnight in Galilee/Tiberias.
Day 3: GALILEE – JORDAN RIVER – GALILEE/TIBERIAS (200 KMS – 3.5 HRS)
Today after breakfast visit the north shore of the Sea of Galilee, the setting for many of the events in the life of Jesus Christ. Driving along the sea coast to Capernaum-known as "His City", we will visit the site of Jesus' ministry, where he spent much time healing the sick and working miracles. Next we proceed to Tabgha, where you’ll visit the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fish. We will continue to the Mount of Beatitudes overlooking the sea, where Jesus preached the "Sermon on the Mount", and where he is believed to have chosen his 12 apostles. Continue to Yardenit, where Jesus was baptised in the Jordan River. At the end of the day, get back to your hotel in Galilee/Tiberias and enjoy dinner.
Overnight in Galilee/Tiberias.
Day 4: TIBERIAS – NAZARET – JERUSALEM (200 KMS – 2.5 HRS)
Wake up to a leisurely breakfast at the hotel and then leave the city of Tiberias behind as you make your way to Nazareth, the city where Jesus spent his childhood, and visit the Church of Annunciation, built on the site where archaeologists believe the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary. You will also see Mary’s Well and Joseph’s Church. Next visit the Mount of Precipitation traditional site, a cliff where an angry mob tried to expel Jesus. Admire the panoramic views over Nazaret before heading to the Matrimonial Church of Cana where Jesus performs his first miracle by turning water into wine. We will travel through the Jordan Valley, passing Jericho, before ascending through the Jewish Mountains to Jerusalem.
Overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 5: JERUSALEM: OLD CITY AND YAD VASHEM
Wake up, have breakfast in the hotel and start with a visit to Yad Vashem the official memorial to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust, established in 1953, located at the foot of Mt. Hertzl. Just behind the Old City walls is Mount Zion, with King David's traditional tomb, the Last Supper Room (Cenacle) and Dormition Abbey. We will enter the Old City of Jerusalem, where you will see the Western Wall and the current site of the Second Temple, the Temple Mount. We will walk along the Via Sacra, the Via Dolorosa, to Golgota and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which houses both the traditional site of the Crucifixion and the Tomb of the Resurrection.
Overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 6: JERUSALEM: OLD CITY TOUR
After the breakfast, start the day at the Israel Museum’s Shrine of the Book with the famous Dead Sea scrolls, then a visit to the beautifully renovated model of the Herodian city of Jerusalem, dating back to the time of the Second Temple. Enjoy Ein Karem; a picturesque village on the southwestern outskirts of Jerusalem. This small village has great significance in Christian traditions, since this is where according to tradition John the Baptist was born. We will enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Jerusalem - the holy city of each of the world's three great religions - Christianity, Judaism and Islam - from the top of the Mount of Olives. We will visit the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus spent his last night and was betrayed by Judas.
Overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 7: JERUSALEM
Today you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel as you have nowhere to hurry to afterwards. This day is entirely free for you to spend your time at leisure, whether that be further exploring the wonders of Jerusalem or relaxing at the hotel. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even join an optional tour to the ancient fort of Masada and the mineral-rich Dead Sea. The choice is yours; you set the rhythm.
Overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 8: JERUSALEM- DEPARTURE TEL AVIV (55 KMS - 1 HR)
Have one last breakfast in the Holy Land before catching your transfer at the appropriate time back to Ben Gurion Airport, where the tour comes to an end and you’ll board your flight to your next destination.
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.
