Fascinating Israel
A treasure trove of historical and biblical sites
Embark on this 8-day guided tour beginning in Tel Aviv and completing in Jerusalem, with overnights in Haifa and Kibbutz. Along the way, you'll visit tons of famous areas, plus historical and religious sites, including Baha'i Shrine, Crusader City, Masada, Cana, Bethlehem, the Church of Nativity, and more! A dip in the Dead Sea makes this once-in-a-lifetime trip the whole package.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Tel Aviv (TLV)
- Round-trip airport transfers
- Accommodation in hotels listed, or similar:
- 2 nights in Tel Aviv at the Herods Hotel Tel Aviv
- 1 night in Haifa at the Dan Panorama Haifa Hotel
- 1 night in Kibbutz at the Kibbutz Lavi Hotel
- 4 nights in Jerusalem at the Dan Panorama Jerusalem
- Guided sightseeing as described in the itinerary, including the following:
- Visit to the Monastery of the Trappist Monks in Latrun
- Walking tour of Jaffa
- Tour of a Roman Amphitheater and Crusader fortress in Caesarea
- Visit to the Baha’I Shrine
- Visit to the Church of the Annunciation
- Cruise on the Sea of Galilee
- Mount of Beatitudes & Jordan River
- Excursion to Masada & the Dead Sea
- Tour of Yad Vashem & Bethlehem
- Walking tour of Jerusalem
- Full Israeli breakfast daily and 6 three-course dinners
- Services of a Professional Travel Director
- Transportation by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach or minibus (with complimentary Wi-Fi)
- Hotel tips, taxes, porterage and service charges
**Note: Children must be 8 years or older at time of travel.
Great Ways to Explore
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Experience several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, like Baha'i Shrine and the walled port city of Acre.
- Visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, erected on the site of Jesus' crucifixion.
-
Enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Sea of Galilee and see beautiful views of Lake Tiberias.
-
Ascend by cable car to the spectacular cliff-top Fortress of Masada.
-
With transportation included and a guide by your side, this spiritual journey is 100% stress-free.
This is an escorted tour. It’s perfect if you prefer not to do your own driving and want to see as many sights as you can during your vacation.
Please note:
GOOD NEWS - The local tour operator will no longer require a COVID-19 vaccination for travelers as of March 1, 2023. For travelers departing before March 1, the tour operator requires that travelers aged 12 and older provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination in the form of written documentation (paper or electronic copy), in English, for all vacations. Proof of vaccination must be completed at least 14 days prior to the tour start date. *Exceptions apply to children who do not qualify for vaccination.
Immerse yourself in spiritual wonder on this 8-night journey through Israel’s most fascinating historical and biblical sights! Your guided tour will begin in the vibrant city of Tel Aviv and come to an end in the Old City of Jerusalem. In between, you'll stay overnight in Haifa and Kibbutz, visit the Dead Sea, the walled city of Acre, the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem, and much more! You'll also explore incredible UNESCO World Heritage Sites, like Baha’i Shrine, Masada, and several others.
During the trip, you'll also visit the site of David’s victory over Goliath in the Valley of Elah near Latrun, go on a walking tour of the ancient port city of Jaffa, and explore the underground Crusader city in Acre. You’ll see the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth, as well as the site of the first miracle in Cana. You’ll even get to experience authentic kibbutz life!
While this tour is entrenched in religious history, it goes beyond temples and shrines to offer personal experiences and stunning natural beauty. Cruise atop the Sea of Galilee and take in a panoramic view of the Lake Tiberias. Gaze out the window as you drive along stunning blue coasts near Tel Aviv and Jaffa! With transportation and guided sightseeing included, you’ll get to know Israel front to back.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Tel Aviv (TLV)
- Round-trip airport transfers
- Accommodation in hotels listed, or similar:
- 2 nights in Tel Aviv at the Herods Hotel Tel Aviv
- 1 night in Haifa at the Dan Panorama Haifa Hotel
- 1 night in Kibbutz at the Kibbutz Lavi Hotel
- 4 nights in Jerusalem at the Dan Panorama Jerusalem
- Guided sightseeing as described in the itinerary, including the following:
- Visit to the Monastery of the Trappist Monks in Latrun
- Walking tour of Jaffa
- Tour of a Roman Amphitheater and Crusader fortress in Caesarea
- Visit to the Baha’I Shrine
- Visit to the Church of the Annunciation
- Cruise on the Sea of Galilee
- Mount of Beatitudes & Jordan River
- Excursion to Masada & the Dead Sea
- Tour of Yad Vashem & Bethlehem
- Walking tour of Jerusalem
- Full Israeli breakfast daily and 6 three-course dinners
- Services of a Professional Travel Director
- Transportation by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach or minibus (with complimentary Wi-Fi)
- Hotel tips, taxes, porterage and service charges
**Note: Children must be 8 years or older at time of travel.
-
Experience several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, like Baha'i Shrine and the walled port city of Acre.
- Visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, erected on the site of Jesus' crucifixion.
-
Enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Sea of Galilee and see beautiful views of Lake Tiberias.
-
Ascend by cable car to the spectacular cliff-top Fortress of Masada.
-
With transportation included and a guide by your side, this spiritual journey is 100% stress-free.
This is an escorted tour. It’s perfect if you prefer not to do your own driving and want to see as many sights as you can during your vacation.
Please note:
GOOD NEWS - The local tour operator will no longer require a COVID-19 vaccination for travelers as of March 1, 2023. For travelers departing before March 1, the tour operator requires that travelers aged 12 and older provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination in the form of written documentation (paper or electronic copy), in English, for all vacations. Proof of vaccination must be completed at least 14 days prior to the tour start date. *Exceptions apply to children who do not qualify for vaccination.
Immerse yourself in spiritual wonder on this 8-night journey through Israel’s most fascinating historical and biblical sights! Your guided tour will begin in the vibrant city of Tel Aviv and come to an end in the Old City of Jerusalem. In between, you'll stay overnight in Haifa and Kibbutz, visit the Dead Sea, the walled city of Acre, the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem, and much more! You'll also explore incredible UNESCO World Heritage Sites, like Baha’i Shrine, Masada, and several others.
During the trip, you'll also visit the site of David’s victory over Goliath in the Valley of Elah near Latrun, go on a walking tour of the ancient port city of Jaffa, and explore the underground Crusader city in Acre. You’ll see the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth, as well as the site of the first miracle in Cana. You’ll even get to experience authentic kibbutz life!
While this tour is entrenched in religious history, it goes beyond temples and shrines to offer personal experiences and stunning natural beauty. Cruise atop the Sea of Galilee and take in a panoramic view of the Lake Tiberias. Gaze out the window as you drive along stunning blue coasts near Tel Aviv and Jaffa! With transportation and guided sightseeing included, you’ll get to know Israel front to back.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Day 1. Welcome to Tel Aviv!
Touch down in Tel Aviv! Enjoy a comfortable transfer to your first hotel and check into your room. Once you're all settled, enjoy a delicious welcome dinner with your traveling companions and tour director!Â
Transfer to Tel Aviv hotel
Check-in - Herods Tel Aviv
Nestled on the Tel Aviv-Jaffa Promenade, this elegant hotel boasts beachfront beauty and stylish decor. Open the door to your spacious room and find free Wi-Fi, LCD TV, plush bedding, and luxurious bath amenities. Make a splash in the outdoor pool, soak your stresses away in the sauna, or keep up your workout routine in the fitness center. Enjoy views of the Mediterranean Sea as you indulge in delicious cuisine at the spectacular on-site restaurant!
Day 2. Tel Aviv - Excursion to Valley of Elah - Latrun - Jaffa - Tel Aviv
After breakfast, drive into the ancient land of the Philistines and into the Valley of Elah. Stop at the site of David's victory over the Philistine champion, Goliath, and hear about this significant biblical event.
Later, refresh your memory with the tale of Samson and Delilah as you proceed through the land of the Dan tribe to the vast Valley of Ayalon. At Latrun, you'll visit the Monastery of the Trappist Monks!
Continue along the Mediterranean shore and stop in Jaffa for a walk through the beautifully restored ancient port, where medieval pilgrims once started their strenuous 2-day trek to Jerusalem! In the evening, you'll return to Tel Aviv for a relaxing night at leisure.Â
Day 3. Tel Aviv - Caesarea - Acre - Haifa
Recharge with breakfast, then begin your tour of the Holy Land with Caesarea, an amazing place to learn about the Roman and Crusader presence in the country. Visit the Roman Amphitheater and the impressive Crusader Fortress, then admire Herod's stadium and harbor.
Next stop: Acre! Head to this UNESCO World Heritage Site located at the northern end of the bright blue Bay of Haifa. Acre became the capital of the Crusader kingdom after its conquest by Richard the Lionheart! Marvel at the forbidding Ottoman fortress and tour the underground Crusader City, filled with secret passageways and vaulted crypt of the Knights of St. John.
After an exciting day, you'll journey to Haifa, a city with a fascinating history dating back to biblical times. Enjoy a visit to the golden-domed Baha'i Shrine, the global center of Baha'i faith!
Check-in - Dan Panorama Haifa
Towering 21 stories on Mount Carmel, Dan Panorama Haifa offers unbeatable views of the city and sea. Indulge in a stay in this landmark hotel as you enjoy the contemporary style and spacious public area of this property. The hotel offers guestrooms which feature floor-to-ceiling windows to maximize the incredible views as well as close proximity to outdoor coffee bars and the stores of the Carmel Center and Panorama Mall just outside the hotel, which makes shopping quick and easy.Â
Day 4. Haifa - Nazareth - Cana - Sea of Galilee - Kibbutz
Take a scenic drive to Nazareth in Galilee, where you'll visit the contemporary Church of the Annunciation. Next, travel on to Cana, where Jesus changed water into wine at a wedding! To this day, many couples renew their wedding vows at this sacred destination.Â
Feast your eyes on a breathtaking view over Lake Tiberias, then enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Sea of Galilee! As you sail, you'll even see an ancient fisherman's boat that is rumored to be from the time of Christ. Take some time to relax before dinner, then attend a lecture on Kibbutz life!Â
Check-in - Kibbutz Lavi Hotel
The Lavi Hotel is run by members of the kibbutz and is a combination of high-level facilities, personal service, and a kibbutz atmosphere. Honoring their ancient tradition of hospitality, the hotel welcomes both local and foreign visitors. The hotel boasts 184 rooms including suites, garden rooms, deluxe rooms, a restaurant, a comfortable lobby, and halls with audio-visual equipment.Â
Day 5. Kibbutz - Mount of Beatitudes - Capernaum - Bet She'an - Jerusalem
As you head toward the Sea of Galilee, pay a visit to the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered his Sermon on the Mount! Continue onward to Capernaum, where Jesus recruited his first followers among the local fishermen.Â
Ride along the ruins of Kursi, which memorialize two of Jesus' miracles, then arrive at the Jordan River and visit a baptismal site! Continue your day with a visit to the ancient city of Bet She'an, filled with fine Roman and Byzantine relics. Located at the foot of Mount Gilboa, Bet She'an is the site where King Saul and his son died in battle with the Philistines.Â
As you near Jerusalem, you'll stop for a breathtaking panoramic view of the Holy City, considered one of the oldest places in the world, with a history dating back as far as 4000 BC! Be sure to have your cameras ready - you'll want a keepsake of this moment!
Check-in - Dan Panorama Hotel Jerusalem
Located within walking distance of the Old City and historic landmarks along the way, Dan Panorama Hotel Jerusalem gives you access to the best Jerusalem's varied attractions just by stepping out the door. Across the street from the hotel is the Bloomfield Garden, which extends into the Yemin Moshe neighborhood. You can easily explore modern Jerusalem and the Old City on foot from the property. During your stay, you can enjoy the newly renovated, spacious guestrooms and spectacular city views from the hotel, rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym, and dynamic lobby bar offered by the hotel for your convenience and comfort.Â
Day 6. Jerusalem - Excursion to Masada & The Dead Sea
Snap photos as you drive through the Judean wilderness to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on the surface of the earth. Enjoy stunning scenery as you follow the road between the famously salty water and the majestic desert mountains! Catch striking glimpses of the caves of Qumran, where the precious Dead Sea Scrolls were found.
Ascend by cable car to the spectacular clifftop Fortress of Masada, where you'll hear how 960 Jewish rebels made their last stand against Roman forces! Around lunchtime, you'll reach one of the Dead Sea resorts for free time to experience the incredible buoyancy in the saturated saltwater; you'll also receive a special salt scrub gift!
Head back to Jerusalem and relax at your hotel after a long day of excitement.Â
Day 7. Jerusalem - Excursion to Yad Vashem - Israel Museum - Bethlehem
After breakfast, enjoy a history-packed morning. Visit Yad Vashem, the "World Holocaust Remembrance Center," then continue to the Israel Museum, where you'll see the Shrine of the Book and the Dead Sea Scrolls, as well as a scale model of Jerusalem at the time of Christ!Â
Proceed to Bethlehem for a fascinating afternoon of religious history. See Shepherd's Field, where the angels announced the birth of Jesus! Then, pay a special visit to the Church of Nativity, which stands on the site where Jesus was born.Â
Day 8. Jerusalem - Excursion to the Old City
Enjoy a pleasant breakfast, then start your last full day in Israel by visiting the Garden Tomb. After a stunning view of the city from the revered Mount of Olives, begin your walking tour of the Old City! See the Chapel of Dominus Flevit, designed in the shape of a teardrop to symbolize the tears of Christ. Arrive at the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed the night before his arrest. Nearby, you'll find the Cave of the Assumption of Mary, believed to be the Virgin Mary's tomb, as well as the Cave of Betrayal, where Judas betrayed Jesus.Â
Follow the Via Dolorosa with its Stations of the Cross, marking the path that Jesus walked on the way to his crucifixion. In Golgotha, you'll visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, erected on the site of the crucifixion and which houses the remaining five Stations of the Cross.
The next part of your day will start near the Western Wall, the only remnant of the Second Temple! See the Temple Mount and the Dome of the Rock, which are sacred sites for both Jewish and Muslim people. Stroll the restored Jewish Quarter to Mount Zion and visit the Upper Room, where Jesus and his disciples partook of the last supper. Then, visit the Tomb of King David, the House of Caiaphas, and more!
This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your traveling companions.
Day 9. Depart Tel Aviv
Wave goodbye to the Holy Land and enjoy a comfortable transfer to the airport. Spend your flight home replaying warm memories and planning your next trip.Â
Transfer to Tel Aviv airport (TLV)
Fly home!
We have selected the most economical flight schedule for you. Please note that shorter and more convenient flight options may be available at an additional cost.
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