Bible Land Tour

Your adventure begins when you arrive at Ben Gurion. After checking in to your hotel, relax and unwind.

Spend the day in the Judean desert, stopping first at Masada, an incredible mountain top fortress built by King Herod in 30 BCE. Later, it became the last stronghold for a group of Jewish zealots whose tragic story has become a symbol of perseverance, faith and ambition. The well-preserved remains are accessed by cable car and offer an incredible view of the Roman camps and the Dead Sea. Drive past Qumran, the site where the famous Dead Sea Scrolls were found, on your way to the Dead Sea where you can end the day floating in the salty, therapeutic waters. Spend the night in Jerusalem. (B, D)

Begin the day with a visit to the Israel Museum, home to the famous Dead Sea Scrolls and a captivating model of Jerusalem as it appeared in the Second Temple Period. After you’ll enjoy Ein Karem, the picturesque village where John the Baptist was born. You’ll be moved by a powerful visit to Yad Vashem, the nation’s memorial and museum dedicated to the memory of Holocaust victims. Travel to Bethlehem to visit the Church of Nativity and Manger Square before returning to Jerusalem for the night. (B, D)

Begin your journey through the Old City in the Jewish Quarter where you will stop at the famous Western Wall (or, “Wailing Wall”). Continuing along the Via Dolorosa, pass the Stations of the Cross on your way to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre where the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of Jesus took place. Next, head to Mount Zion to visit the room believed to be the site of the Last Supper and the Tomb of King David, housed in an incredible, thousand-year old building. Take in a magnificent panoramic view of the city from the Mount of Olives before heading over to the Church of All Nations and Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed after the Last Supper. In the heart of the city, you’ll visit Mahane Yehuda to experience the flavors, aromas, colors and the traders’ interaction with the crowds at the largest open market in Israel. (B, D)

Travel back in time as you pass the desert oasis of Jericho, the oldest city in the world, on your way to another ancient city, Beit Shean. Here you will visit impressive ruins that include a Roman theatre and bathhouse before making your way to Nazareth, where Jesus spent his youth. Make a stop at the Church of the Annunciation, the site of Joseph and Mary’s home, and Mary’s Well before heading to Safed for a spiritual experience like no other. The city is a centre of Kabbalah and Jewish mysticism, and you will have plenty of time to explore the picturesque streets filled with ancient synagogues and artists’ studios. Spend the night at a kibbutz hotel in the Galilee. (B, D)

Make your way to the Golan Heights to visit Druze villages and old Syrian bunkers. Passing Banias, you will see that Israel is not all desert, as the lush green surroundings mark the source of the Jordan River. Enjoy an Israeli wine country experience among vineyards surrounded by breathtaking views. Get acquainted with the wine making process and enjoy tastings of the fine products. Continue along the shores of the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum, where Jesus began his teachings and you can sit within the ruins of the ancient synagogue as well as visit an octagonal church built over Peter’s house. Next, go to Tabgha, the site of the “Loaves and Fishes” miracle and the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus preached the “Sermon on the Mount.” Tour the bustling city of Tiberias before returning to your kibbutz hotel for the night. Optional sailing in a boat across the Sea of Galilee to experience tranquil scenery little changed over the past 2000 years (subject to conditions and fee). (B, D)

The day begins with a series of contrasts in Acre, where East meets West and new and old come together in beautiful harmony. Visit the medieval fortified city built by the Knights Templar before continuing to Haifa for a tour of the Baha’i shrine and gardens. Get a spectacular view of the city and Haifa Bay from Mount Carmel and then check out Caesarea, the Roman capital and the largest port in the Mediterranean. Here you will see the Roman Theatre, the aqueducts, and the Crusader-era walls of “Herod’s Masterpiece by the Sea” . End the day with a short city tour of Tel Aviv and the ancient port of Jaffa. (B, D)

Bid farewell to Israel as your journey comes to a close and you head back to Ben Gurion airport for departure.