During this eight-day tour, discover the incredible highlights of Israel. Being in the vibrant city of Tel Aviv and then go explore ancient archaeological ruins and charming villages. You’ll also discover Jerusalem and its fascinating 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, does not only contain a dozen important Christian sites, but is also Israel’s largest Arab city and has many 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: Israel’s third largest city, beautifully set on the slopes of Mount Carmel facing the Mediterranean Sea, is 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 (OPTIONAL TOUR: MASADA)
Have breakfast at the hotel and then enjoy a full day to yourself in which you get to explore Tel Aviv and the surrounding areas at your own rhythm. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also join an optional tour to Masada and the Dead Sea: drive to the Dead Sea via Arad and then turn south to Masada, Israel’s foremost archaeological site. Ascend via cable-car to for a thorough visit during which you will learn about the rituals, politics and culture of the people who inhabited this desert fortress, the last stronghold of the Jewish Zealots in their war against the Romans. Visit the excavations, Herod’s palaces, the synagogue, the bathhouse and the cisterns, and enjoy the breathtaking view of the Roman camps and the Dead Sea from the top of the hill. Descend then to the lowest place on earth: the Dead Sea. Experience the mineral-rich black mud and float in its salty waters. At the end of the visit, drive back to Tel Aviv for an optional dinner and later spend the night in the hotel.
Overnight in Tel Aviv.
Day 3: 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 4: GALILEE – NAZARETH – GALILEE/TIBERIAS (50 KMS – 1 HR)
Recharge your energies with breakfast at the hotel and depart to Nazareth to visit the Church of the Annunciation and a number of other holy places. Next we proceed to Tabgha, where you’ll visit the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fish. Continue then to Capernaum, the most important ministry of the last four years of Jesus’ life. Explore the ruins of an ancient synagogue dating back to the 2nd century. Later, proceed to the city of Tiberias, located on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Enjoy a brief visit to a local Diamond Factory, the second most important industry in the country. At the end of the visit, return to Galilee/Tiberias for dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Galilee/Tiberias.
Day 5: GALILEE – TIBERIAS – JERUSALEM (200 KMS – 2.5 HRS)
After breakfast at the hotel, drive through the Judean Desert and the Jordan Valley and appreciate the stunning views of the Mount of Temptations along the way. Travel through the valley from the Jordan River up to Beit Shean, a city with a lot of history, being of strategic importance due to its geographical location. Here you will visit the ancient excavations and learn about the many things that here occurred over the centuries. Late in the afternoon, check in to your hotel in Jerusalem and wrap up the day with dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 6: JERUSALEM – BETHLEHEM - JERUSALEM (20 KMS – 2 HRS)
Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel and then head out to the New City of Jerusalem. Visit the Sanctuary of the Book in the Museum of Israel, where you can see the manuscripts of the Dead Sea, as well as a model of what the city of Jerusalem looked like in the time of Jesus. Later, enjoy a view of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem before continuing towards Ein Karem, a picturesque neighbourhood on the outskirts of the city, to visit the Sanctuary of John the Baptist. From there, proceed to Yad Vashem, the memorial to the six million Jews who were killed in the Holocaust. Established in 1953, it is located at the foot of Mt. Herzl. In the afternoon, travel to Bethlehem and step into the Church of the Nativity, the Grotto of the Nativity, and the grottoes of Saint Jerome and Saint Joseph. Return to Jerusalem for an optional dinner and to spend the night in the hotel.
Overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 7: JERUSALEM: OLD CITY
Wake up to breakfast at the hotel and drive via Mount Scopus to the Mount of Olives, from where you can admire a wonderful view of the Old City of Jerusalem, which is where you will head next. Continue then to the garden of Gethsemane, brimming with olive trees, and see the Basilica of all Nations. Then delve into the Old City and visit the Western Wall (also known as the ‘Wailing Wall’), from where you can appreciate the Temple Esplanade. Proceed to walk along the Via Dolorosa all the way to the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre. Later in the day, visit Mount Zion, the Abbey of the Dormition, the Tomb of King David, and the Cenacle (the room where the Last Supper took place). At the end of the visit, return to Jerusalem for an optional dinner.
Overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 8: DEPARTURE JERUSALEM – TEL AVIV
We have reached the last day of the tour! Enjoy one final breakfast before your transfer takes you to the airport to catch your flight back home.
Breakfast included.
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.
