Israel Highlights Tour

Your adventure begins when you arrive at Ben Gurion airport where you will be met by one of our representatives and transferred to your hotel. Spend the evening at leisure in bustling Tel Aviv. Overnight in Tel Aviv.

This morning we’ll set off from Tel Aviv, driving south, passing the ancient ports of Ashdod and Ashkelon for Beersheba and a short visit of this capital of the Negev. Through the desert, via ancient Arad we’ll arrive 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 inspiring palace remains are accessed by cable car and offer an incredible view of the Roman camps and the Dead Sea. Continuing past Qumran, find-spot of the Dead Sea Scrolls, we’ll come to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, where you’ll have the opportunity to float in the dense water and cover yourself with the mineral-rich mud, believed to have therapeutic effects. Through the Judean desert and the oasis of Ein Gedi, we’ll return to Jerusalem for the night.

We’ll start the day at the Israel Museum’s Shrine of the Book, home to the oldest scriptures extant, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and a fascinating model of Herodian Jerusalem which portrays the city as it was during the time of the Second Temple. We’ll visit Ein Karem, a picturesque village on the outskirts of Jerusalem held to be the birthplace of John the Baptist and site of the Visitation before taking in Yad Vashem, the nation’s memorial and museum dedicated to the victims of the Holocaust. From Jerusalem we’ll drive to *Bethlehem, birthplace of Jesus, visiting Shepherds’ Field, Manger Square and the remarkable Church of the Nativity. We’ll return to Jerusalem for the night.

* Visit subject to security conditions

This morning we’ll enter the Old City; you’ll walk the ancient Roman road to view the Western Wall and the Temple Mount, walk along the Via Dolorosa and the Bazaar to visit the Church of Holy Sepulchre, the traditional site of the Crucifixion and Tomb of the Resurrection. From the Old City we’ll drive to the Mount of Olives for a panoramic view of the city, visit the Church of All Nations, King David’s Tomb, the Room of Last Supper on Mt. Zion and the Garden of Gethsemane, were Jesus prayed with the disciples before his walk to Golgotha. Back in the heart of the new city, you’ll visit bustling Mahane Yehuda and experience the dazzling colours, aromas and sounds of Israel’s most famous open market. Tonight we’ll stay in Jerusalem.

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 She’an. 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 center 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.

Today you’ll 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, with vineyards surrounded by breathtaking views. Get acquainted with the collection of fine and rare wines, and gain an understanding of wine making process with some wine tasting too. Continue down to 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 the octagonal church built over Peter’s house. Next, go to Tabgha, the site of the Loaves and Fishes miracle and Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus preached the “Sermon on the Mount.” You’ll tour Tiberias, a centre of Jewish learning and have the option of sailing in a boat across the Sea of Galilee to experience tranquil scenery little changed during the past 2000 years (subject to conditions and fee). We’ll return to the kibbutz for the night.

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 stronghold built by the Knights Templar before continuing to Haifa, home to 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, “Herod’s Masterpiece by the Sea”, and the largest port in the Mediterranean. Here you will see the Roman Theatre, the aqueducts, and the Crusader City. End the day with a short city tour of Tel Aviv-Jaffa. Sleep tonight in Tel Aviv.

Bid farewell to Israel as your journey comes to a close and you head back to Ben Gurion airport for departure or an extended tour to Egypt and/or Jordan.