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DAY 1, Thursday - Depart for Israel
Depart for Israel
DAY 2, Friday - Arrive in Tel Aviv and transfer to Jerusalem
Arrive in Tel Aviv and transfer to your hotel in Jerusalem. This evening, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager and fellow travelers at approximately 7 PM, followed by a Welcome Dinner. We recommend that you select flights which arrive in your destination no later than 5 PM on day 2 of the itinerary or earlier, if possible
Overnight: Jerusalem
Meals: Dinner
DAY 3, Saturday - Jerusalem Old City Tour
Begin your walking tour of Jerusalem at the walled Old City with its four distinct sections; the Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Armenian Quarters. At Mt. Zion, visit the Room of the Last Supper and the traditional tomb of King David. Ascend Mt. Scopus to view the magnificent panorama of the city. From here, on to Tower of David Museum, guarding the Jaffa Gate entrance to the Old City. Stroll along the Via Dolorosa through narrow alleys and souks to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, one of the holiest sites in the Christian world. After time on your own, continue to the Western Wall, the only remaining remnant of the Second Temple. Enjoy dinner this evening at a local restaurant
Overnight: Jerusalem
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4, Sunday - Jewish Quarter Tour
After breakfast, return to the Old City and focus on touring the Jewish Quarter this morning. Visit the Western Wall tunnels, followed by the excavation of the Southern Wall of the Temple Mount at the Davidson Archaeological Center. From here walk through the Cardo, the ancient Roman market street that has been excavated to reveal another layer of the city's long history. End the tour with a quick stop at the remains of the Broad Wall, an ancient defensive wall and free time for lunch on your own. The remainder of the day is at leisure or, join the optional Bethlehem tour to visit the Church of the Nativity, commemorating the birthplace of Jesus Christ
Optional: Half Day Bethlehem (PM)
Overnight: Jerusalem
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5, Monday - Jerusalem New City Tour
Today, embark on a morning tour of Jerusalem's New City, beginning at the Israel Museum. While here, visit the Shrine of the Book where the famous Dead Sea Scrolls are kept. See the replica of Jerusalem, built in a 1:50 scale. The model depicts the city as it was in the late Second Temple period. Following the museum visit continue to the Mount Herzl Military Cemetery, Israel's largest military cemetery, and part of the greater national cemetery. The respect and admiration shown to those lost is evident when viewing the identical headstones of all who served, regardless of rank. End the tour with a visit to the site of Israel's Holocaust Memorial, Yad Vashem, located on the western slope of Mt. Herzl, also known as the "Mount of Remembrance." Spend the balance of the day at leisure. This afternoon, join the optional tour to the Herodian Mansions and the Burnt House in the Old City. Tonight, attend the optional Illuminated Jerusalem, Dinner & Sound & Light Show. The evening begins with dinner at a popular restaurant. Next, drive to the Tower of David to attend the spectacular "Sound & Light" Show that tells the story of Jerusalem accompanied by original music and virtual reality images
Optional: Half Day Jerusalem Herodian Mansions & Burnt House (PM)
Optional: Illuminated Jerusalem with Dinner (PM)
Overnight: Jerusalem
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6, Tuesday - Masada En Route to the Dead Sea
Today, travel to the desert mesa of Masada overlooking the Dead Sea. Ascend to the top by cable car to visit the archaeological site of Roman and Byzantine ruins. Excavations of the site have uncovered structures not only of Herod's Palace and a Byzantine church but also a swimming pool, a synagogue, rebel dwellings and mosaics. At the bottom of the hill, visit the Museum of Masada that contains artifacts discovered from the mountain and the surrounding area. Arrive at the Dead Sea this afternoon, with leisure time to float in the buoyant water and relax on the beach, before having dinner at the hotel this evening
Overnight: Dead Sea
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7, Wednesday - Jordan Valley, Beit She'an En Route to Galilee
This morning travel into northern Israel through the Jordan River Valley passing Qumran, the archaeological site near the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Afterwards, stop at Beit Alpha. Go back in time and visit the mosaic floor of the ancient synagogue depicting lunar Hebrew moons and their corresponding zodiac signs. After a short lunch break on your own, visit the ruins of the Roman theater in the impressive archaeological site of Beit She'an. From here continue to Yardenit, a popular baptismal site on the Jordan River before a stop in Caprice, famous for the diamond factory. Dinner is at the hotel this evening
Overnight: Galilee Region
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8, Thursday - Day in Galilee
Spend a full day at leisure in this lush region with a deep religious heritage to the west of the Sea of Galilee. The region offers much to do in nearby towns and cities, such as Tiberias, or venture out on the Sea itself to get a glimpse of the natural beauty of the area before dinner this evening. Participate in the optional full day tour to Upper Galilee & Golan Heights with lunch to understand more about the area
Optional: Full Day Upper Galilee & Golan Heights with lunch (AM)
Overnight: Galilee Region
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 9, Friday - Nazareth, Haifa, Caesarea En Route to Tel Aviv
Head towards the Mediterranean Sea this morning through the Galilean hills to Nazareth. Visit the Church of the Annunciation, the largest basilica in the Middle East. Continue to Haifa to view the impressive Baha'i Gardens incorporating nineteen distinct terraces in the heart of the city. Follow the Mediterranean coast, stopping in the ancient harbor of Caesarea to see its Roman, Byzantine and Crusader ruins and the impressive theater. Watch history come alive with a multi-media presentation at the visitor center. Drive south along the coastal highway to Tel Aviv for dinner and overnight
Overnight: Tel Aviv
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 10, Saturday - Day in Tel Aviv
Today, enjoy a full day at leisure to explore the coastal city of Tel Aviv independently. A more modern city than Jerusalem, Tel Aviv has become the financial, arts and business center of Israel. Take time to admire some of the city's splendid Bauhaus buildings, wander along the beach promenade and the Jaffa Port with its fascinating Arab heritage. Perhaps, visit some contemporary art galleries, artisan boutiques and the dynamic Sarona Market complex, heart of Israel's culinary art scene. Tonight, enjoy dinner with the group
Overnight: Tel Aviv
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 11, Sunday - Sde Boker, Mitzpe Ramon En Route to Eilat
Journey south through the stark Negev Desert to pass by Sde Boker, the final home and resting place of David Ben Gurion, Israel's founder and first Prime Minister. Make a visit to his grave. Then, to Mitzpe Ramon, with its lunar-like landscape and an imposing crater that dates back 220 million years. At the end of the day, arrive in Eilat, Israel's southernmost city at the northern tip of the Red Sea, surrounded by stunning cliff and desert scenery. After a stop at a shop selling locally extracted Eilat stone products, continue to your hotel in Eilat and spend time at leisure. Tonight, treat yourself to dinner at one of the trendy local restaurants, take part in the vibrant night scene, and enjoy the friendly, welcoming atmosphere
Overnight: Eilat
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 12, Monday - Day in Eilat
The day in Eilat is yours to independently discover the city on your own. Or, participate in the optional tour to the spectacular "rose-red" city of Petra in Jordan. It's truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see this amazing city carved completely out of stone. Considered one of Jordan's greatest national treasures, the ancient city is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your tour of Petra begins with a walk through the narrow gorge known as the "Siq", in the shadow of massive red and pink rock walls that leads to the astonishing Treasury monument. After lunch and visits to the soaring temples, palaces and theater in this expansive city return to Eilat
Optional: Full Day Petra with lunch (AM)
Overnight: Eilat
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 13, Tuesday - Day in Eilat
Spend the morning enjoying Eilat's completely transparent turquoise waters. Diving and snorkeling is so easy, as the underwater life can be seen clearly, including corals, rare species of fish and more. An optional morning excursion is offered to nearby King Solomon's Mines with its towering sandstone columns and historical Timna Park; copper ore has been mined here since the kingdom of biblical King Solomon. View the distinctive rock formations and the ancient ruins dotted throughout the valley, uniquely formed by man and nature. View the exciting multimedia presentation, "Mines of Time", where the pharaohs, kings, queens and quarriers, who knew this region millennia ago comes alive. A large section of the valley, containing ancient remnants of copper mining and ancient worship, is encompassed in this large recreational park. Return to Eilat for the rest of the day at leisure
Optional: King Solomon's Mines & Timna Park
Overnight: Eilat
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 14, Wednesday - Travel to Tel Aviv
It's back to Tel Aviv today, traversing the Arava Highway, climbing 1,200 feet to the desert cities of Dimona and Beer Sheva, capital of the Negev. Arrive at Tel Aviv in the afternoon. On this last day in Tel Aviv, there's still opportunity to enjoy the pleasures of this modern cosmopolitan city. In Jaffa, search the boutiques for hand-wrought silver jewelry, woven articles, or colorful woven gifts. Savor a tasty falafel at the Carmel Market, or visit some of the museums sites that made this city so unique. An evening stroll along the "tayelet" (promenade) is the perfect way to say Shalom to Israel. Stop for dinner at a seaside restaurant, or just relax at a nearby café
Overnight: Tel Aviv
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 15, Thursday - Depart Israel
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
Due to local events, holidays and site openings, the order of sightseeing may be changed. Details to be provided locally by Tour Manager.
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