Explore fascinating Israel; discover the biblical landscapes and sites. From the ancient history to the modern State of Israel, visit the colourful mosaic of cultures, unique spirit, history, food and religions!
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Nazareth: located in Israel’s Galilee region, not only has over a dozen important Christian sites but as Israel’s largest Arab city, has some fascinating cultural sites and experiences to offer.
Galilee: One of the most beautiful regions of Israel, Galilee is characterised by its beautiful landscapes, amazing natural formations, historic sites, and charming villages.
Jerusalem: Israel’s capital is a city of tradition, religion and history, but also of modern culture and heritage.
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 mind-set.
Day 1: ARRIVAL TEL AVIV / CAR PICK-UP
Arrival to the Ben Gurion International Airport. Pick up your car at the Budget rental car office at the airport. On Saturdays and holidays, check in to hotels is 2 hours after sundown, after Shabbat ends.
Overnight in Tel Aviv.
Day 2: TEL AVIV
Wake up to breakfast at the hotel and start the day along the Rothschild Boulevard, where you can experience the stories of "The White City", Tel Aviv's most prominent Bauhaus Boulevard and surrounding streets, including the Bauhaus, international and eclectic buildings which are so iconic here. Proceed to Neve Tzedek, the first neighbourhood of Tel Aviv, built in 1887. Visit the Shuk Ha Carmel, Tel Aviv’s largest and most centrally located market (Closed on Saturdays) and pass by the Florentin neighbourhood, discovering the dynamic graffiti and street art in the area. Don't miss a visit to the Old Port City of Jaffa, for a beautiful panoramic view of Tel Aviv and a sense of the first Jewish city of the modern era.
Overnight in Tel Aviv.
Day 3: TEL AVIV – CAESAREA – HAIFA – AKKO – GALILEE – TIBERIAS (200km – 2hrs)
Indulge in a delicious breakfast and depart from Tel Aviv and travel north along the coast to the archaeological ruins of Caesarea, built by Herod the Great in honour of Augustus Caesar. Continue to Haifa, for a panoramic sightseeing tour of the city, including the Baha'i Shrine, Persian Garden, Mount Carmel and Haifa bay. Proceed to Akko, the fascinating UNESCO town. Visit the famous Crusader stronghold and medieval fortifications. Spend some time walking through the Old City with its Arab Bazaar. The day ends driving to Tiberias, on the shores of the Sea of Galilee.
Overnight in Tiberias.
Day 4: TIBERIAS – SAFED – GOLAN HEIGHTS – TIBERIAS (130km – 3hrs)
After breakfast, visit Safed, known as the capital of Jewish mysticism past and present. Walk the Artist Colony and visit one of the famous synagogues of Safed – Ha'ari, Abuhav and Yosef Caro Synagogues. (Closed on Saturdays). Ascend the Golan Heights for an overlook on the gorgeous area. In the afternoon, explore the Christian Sites in the Northern Shores of the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus lived and preached. Visit Capernaum, a 2nd-century synagogue that threw light on the life of the community of that era. Proceed to Tabgha where Jesus performed the miracle of the multiplication of fish and loaves fed 5,000 people. Drive to the top of Mt. of Beatitudes to see the gardens of the church and the breath-taking view of Sea of Galilee.
Overnight in Tiberias.
Day 5: TIBERIAS – NAZARETH – BEITH ALFA – JORDAN VALLEY – JERUSALEM (265km – 4.5hrs)
Enjoy a rich breakfast at the hotel and travel to Nazareth, where Jesus spent his childhood and youth. 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. Drive through the Jordan Valley and the new settlements to the ancient synagogue of Beit Alfa, where depictions in the ancient mosaic floor together with a modern audio-visual presentation are a revelation to Jewish life in the area from 1600 years ago. Continue to the Holy City Jerusalem and enjoy the spectacular panoramic view of the Old City from the top of the Mount of Olives.
Overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 6: JERUSALEM – QUASR EL YEHUD – MASSADA – DEAD SEA – JERUSALEM (300km – 4.5hrs)
Delight in a tasty breakfast at the hotel. Through remarkable scenery of the Dead Sea, drive south to Quasr El Yehud – the traditional Baptism site on the Jordan River. Continue to the fortress Masada, last stronghold and stand of the zealots against Rome, on the edge of the barren Negev Desert. Ascend and descend the site by cable car. Have time to “swim” in the waters of the Dead Sea and relax on its shore. Drive by the Judean Wilderness back to Jerusalem.
Overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 7: JERUSALEM OLD CITY
Have breakfast and discover the Old City of Jerusalem by a walking tour, and visit some of the renowned sites; including the Western Wall and the Cardo, an ancient commercial street where you can still shop today. Continue to the Arab Bazaar, where haggling has been raised to an art form, and walk along a portion of the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Pass by Hurva synagogue and reach Mount Zion, where you can visit King David's Tomb, Room of Last Supper and the Dormition Abbey.
Overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 8: JERUSALEM – DEPARTURE TEL AVIV / CAR DROP-OFF (60km – 1hr)
After one last breakfast, at the appropriate time drive to Ben Gurion Airport and after dropping off your car, continue with your travel arrangements.
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 skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Shoes should be removed before entering a temple or private house. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay. The Validity of the passport should be 06 months from the date of departure. A driving license valid for a minimum of 2 years. Clients must collect the car with their own international credit card.
