Introduction
Itinerary
Upon arrival to Tel Aviv Airport, you will be welcomed by our representative, who will guide you to pick up your luggage, after which you will be escorted via customs to where your personal driver will transfer you to your luxury accommodation in the cosmopolitan city of Tal Aviv.
Today you will drive along the shores of the Dead Sea to the rock fortress of Masada, Israel’s foremost archaeological park. Ascend by cable car for a thorough visit that gives insight to the rituals, politics and culture of the people who inhabited this desert fortress. Visit fortress built by King Herod, where the Zealots of the first century made their last stand against the Romans.
Enjoy a chance to swim in the Dead Sea (weather permitting). The water is so rich in salts and minerals that you float!
Afterwards drive to Jerusalem. Overnight Jerusalem.
Commence your day at the Israel Museum’s Shrine of the Book to see the famous Dead Sea Scrolls and the model of Jerusalem from Herodian times. Experience a moving visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial. Explore the picturesque village of Ein Karem, birthplace of John the Baptist. Continue to Bethlehem (subject to security clearance) – the birthplace of Jesus at the Church of the Nativity and Manger Square
This morning enter the Old City of Jerusalem where you will see the Western Wall and the actual site of the Second Temple, the Temple Mount. Walk the Way of the Cross, the Via Dolorosa, to Calvary and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, housing both the traditional site of Crucifixion and the Tomb of the Resurrection. To the southwest, just outside the Old City, is Mount Zion, with the traditional tomb of King David and the Room of the Last Supper. Enjoy the spectacular panoramic view of Jerusalem – the holy city for each of the world’s three great religions – Christianity, Judaism and Islam, from atop the Mount of Olives. Visit the Garden of Gethsemane where Judas betrayed Jesus.
In the heart of a neighborhood in downtown Jerusalem, visit Mahane Yehuda to experience the flavors, aromas, colors and the traders’ interaction with the crowds, at the largest open market in Israel.
Commence your journey to the Sea of Galille via Jericho, the oldest city in the world. Explore the excavations of the beautiful Roman City of Beit Shean. Proceed to Nazareth, boyhood home of Jesus, to visit the Basilica of the Annunciation and the carpentry workshop of Joseph. On to Safed, city of the Kabala, for a walk through the mystic alleys, a visit to a synagogue and the artists’ colony.
Begin the day that carries you back in time to Jesus. Journey to the Golan Heights, passing by the Druze villages. Visit a former Syrian fortification on the heights. Pass by Banias, source of the Jordan River.
Enjoy an Israeli wine country experience, with vineyards surrounded by breathtaking views. Become acquainted with the collection of fine and rare wines enjoying a tour, with wine tasting and understanding the wine production process. Descending to the shores of the Sea of Galilee, to visit the Mount of Beatitudes and the ruins of the ancient synagogue and Peter’s house at Capernaum.
Visit Tabgha, where the miracle of the fish and bread took place. Continue to Tiberias for a short tour of the old centre of Jewish learning.
Go sailing in a boat across the Sea of Galilee to experience the tranquility and scenery that little has changed during the past 2000 years (subject to weather conditions)
Depart for Akko (Acre), UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of the remains of the Crusader town. Explore the Knights’ Halls and the secret Crusader tunnels. Proceed to Haifa to marvel at the views of the magnificent Bahai gardens from atop Mount Carmel. Enjoy Caesarea’s magnificent archaeological site, to visit the Roman Theatre, roman amphitheater, port hippodrome and the Crusader Fortress. Continue to Jaffa for a short city tour of the Old Jaffa Port and the beautiful alleyways of Old Jaffa and Flea Market. See the iconic views along the Mediterranean Coast before returning to Tel Aviv.
This morning you are transferred to the Airport for your departure flight.