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.
Day 1: ARRIVAL TEL AVIV – JERUSALEM (60 KMS – 1 HR)
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 Jerusalem. 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, history and gastronomy Jerusalem has to offer, or relax at the hotel making the most of the available services.
Overnight in Jerusalem
Day 2: JERUSALEM – BETHLEHEM - JERUSALEM (20 KMS – 2 HRS)
Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel before heading out to explore the fascinating city of Jerusalem. Walk into the Old City through the famous Jaffa Gate to visit the renewed Jewish Quarter, the Western Wall, the Temple area, and the many colourful bazaars that line the alley walls. Walk along the Via Dolorosa, stopping at each of the Stations of the Cross, to eventually reach the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Then visit the Garden of Gethsemane, where Judas betrayed Jesus, in the heart of a neighbourhood in downtown Jerusalem. 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 3: JERUSALEM: NEW CITY TOUR
After breakfast at the hotel, start the day by contemplating a panoramic view of Jerusalem from atop the Mount of Olives. Then visit Mount Zion, where you’ll visit the traditional tomb of King David and the location of the Last Supper. Continue then to the Israel Museum’s Shrine of the Book, where the Dead Sea Scrolls are preserved, and then visit the beautifully constructed model of the Herodian city of Jerusalem, which shows us what the city looked like during the times of the Second Temple. After the museum, walk through the courtyard of the Knesset (Israeli parliament) and pass the Hebrew University before eventually visiting Yad Vashem, the memorial to the six million Jews who were killed during the Holocaust. It was established in 1953 and is located at the foot of Mount Herzl. At the end of the visit, return to the city for dinner.
Overnight in Jerusalem
Day 4: JERUSALEM – TIBERIAS – GALILEE (200 KMS – 2.5 HRS)
After breakfast, drive through the Judean Desert and the Jordan Valley until you reach Tiberias, a fascinating location known for its thermal baths and for being an ancient hub of Jewish scribes. Then skirt the wonderful shores of the Sea of Galilee until you reach Capernaum, where you will visit its ancient synagogue and what once was the home of Saint Peter. Later in the afternoon, drive on to your hotel in the Galilee, check in and end the day with dinner.
Overnight in Galilee.
Day 5: GALILEE – NAZARETH - GALILEE (50 KMS – 1 HR)
Today breakfast is followed by an uphill drive to the Golan Heights, passing by a number of quaint Druze villages on the way. Visit a former Syrian fortification on these imposing mountaintops, and then discover the delights of an Israeli wine country experience, surrounded by breath-taking views. Continue afterwards to Safed, a city known for being a historical centre of Kabbalah. Walk through its mystical alleys to visit a synagogue and a little hidden artists’ colony. Finally, proceed to Nazareth to visit the Church of the Annunciation as well as other holy places that can be found in the area. At the end of the visit, return to Galilee for dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Galilee
Day 6: GALILEE – ACRE – HAIFA – CAESAREA – TEL AVIV (124 KMS - 2 HRS)
After charging your batteries with breakfast, drive through the hills of the Galilee region westwards to Acre. There you will visit an old Crusader stronghold and several mediaeval fortifications. Continue then to Haifa, where you will ascend Mount Carmel for a panoramic view of the city and visit the Baha'i Shrine, the Persian Garden and the bay. Proceed then to drive down along the Mediterranean coast to Caesarea to visit its ancient Roman Theatre and Crusader fortress known as the masterpiece of Herod the Great. At the end of the day, upon arrival in Tel Aviv, check in and have dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Tel Aviv
Day 7: TEL AVIV - MASADA & DEAD SEA - TEL AVIV (350 KMS – 5 HRS)
After waking up to breakfast at the hotel, drive via the Dead Sea and Arad to Masada, Israel’s foremost archaeological excavation site. Ascend the hill via cable-car to enjoy a comprehensive visit during which you will learn all about the ancient 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 mesmerising view of the Roman camps and the Dead Sea – which, incidentally, if your next destination. Descend to the lowest place on earth, the Dead Sea, to experience its mineral-rich slimy black mud and to float in its salty waters. At the end of the visit, drive back to Tel Aviv for dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Tel Aviv
Day 8: 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.
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.
