Isarel’s Highlights

Upon arrival at Tel Aviv Airport, our representative will greet you with a sign with your name shortly after passing through passport check. Our representative will assist you in retrieving your bags, and then accompany you through Customs to meet your driver, who will transport you to the hotel. Evening in Tel Aviv at leisure. Overnight in a Tel Aviv hotel.

Today, begin with Tel Aviv and drive south through Ashdod and Ashkelon to Beersheba, for a brief visit to the Negev Desert's capital. Proceed via Arad to Masada, Israel's most important archaeological site. Ascend via cable car for a comprehensive tour that sheds light on the customs, politics, and culture of the people who inhabited this desert citadel, which served as the final bastion of the Jewish Zealots during their struggle with the Romans. Explore the excavations, Herod's palaces, the synagogue, baths, and cisterns, and take in the panoramic view of the Roman camps and the Dead Sea. Descend to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth, to feel the mineral-rich black muck and float in its saline waters. Proceed into the Judean Desert, passing via the oasis of Ein Gedi. Overnight in a Jerusalem hotel. (B)

Today, begin with a panoramic view of Jerusalem from the Israel Museum's Shrine of the Book, which houses the world-famous Dead Sea scrolls, followed by a visit to the magnificently restored Herodian city of Jerusalem, which dates all the way back to the period of the Second Temple. Enjoy Ein Karem, a lovely hamlet on the outskirts of Jerusalem to the south. This little town is significant in Christian traditions since it is believed to be the birthplace of John the Baptist. Visit Yad Vashem, established in 1953 and located at the foot of Mt. Hertzl, the official memorial to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust. Bethlehem - the birthplace of Jesus, with the Church of the Nativity and Manger Square. Overnight in a Jerusalem hotel. (B)

After breakfast, visit Jerusalem's Old City, where you'll view the Western Wall and the Temple Mount, the exact location of the Second Temple. The Via Dolorosa leads to Calvary and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which contains both the traditional location of the Crucifixion and the Tomb of the Resurrection. Mount Zion, just beyond the Old City to the southwest, contains King David's supposed tomb and the Room of the Last Supper. From atop the Mount of Olives, take in the stunning panoramic view of Jerusalem — the sacred city for each of the world's three main religions – Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Visit the Garden of Gethsemane, the location of Jesus' betrayal by Judas. Overnight in a Jerusalem hotel. (B)

Today, after breakfast, continue north, passing via Jericho, the world's oldest city. Travel across the Jordan Valley and new towns to Beit Shean, where you will view the excavations of this magnificently preserved Roman city. Then it's on to Nazareth, where we'll see the Church of the Annunciation and other Christian holy places. Proceed to Safed, the city of Kabbalah and epicentre of Jewish mysticism, to stroll around the colony's picturesque streets. Overnight in a Galilee hotel. (B)

After breakfast, go to the Golan Heights, passing via Banias, the Jordan River's source, former Syrian defences, and druze villages. Enjoy an Israeli wine region adventure surrounded by stunning views of vineyards. Discover the collection of outstanding and unusual wines with a tour, wine tasting, and education about the winemaking process. Descend to the shores of the Sea of Galilee and continue to Capernaum, where you will explore the remnants of the ancient synagogue, the Mount of Beatitudes, the traditional location of the 'Sermon on the Mount,' and Tabgha, the traditional location of the'miracle of the loaves and fish.' Onward to Tiberias, the ancient Jewish seat of study. Overnight in a Galilee hotel. (B)

After breakfast, drive west across the Galilee highlands to Acre (Akko) for a visit to the historic Crusader fortress and mediaeval walls. Continue to Haifa by hiking Mount Carmel for a panoramic view of the city, which includes the Baha'i Shrine, the Persian Garden, and the Haifa sea. Proceed down the Mediterranean coast to Caesarea, where you will explore the Roman Theater and Crusader castle at what is referred to be Herod the Great's "masterpiece." A brief city tour of Tel Aviv and the old port of Jaffa concludes the day. Overnight in a Tel Aviv hotel. (B)

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and make your way to the airport for your flight. (B)