Israel and Beyond
8 days
from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv
From
$ 2459
Duration8 days
Israel holds a unique place in the Middle East. With sacred sites central to three of humanity’s major religions, you could spend a lifetime exploring its wonders of history and culture. Look over ancient Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, learn about Israeli wine at the Sea of Galilee, walk the coastal ruins at Caesarea, and immerse in local culture through culinary endeavours. Make your own pilgrimage to this beloved and complex place.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 8 daysService level: Upgraded
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Starts in: JerusalemPhysical Grading: Light
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Ends in: Tel AvivAges: 12+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Jerusalem
We highly recommend booking a pre-night in Jerusalem to recover from jet lag and relax as this is a fast paced trip with little free time.
Its important to remember that hospitality expectations can vary greatly from what you are used to in your home Country. The point of travel is to open yourself up to cultural differences and new experiences; practice patience and keep an open mind.
Its important to remember that hospitality expectations can vary greatly from what you are used to in your home Country. The point of travel is to open yourself up to cultural differences and new experiences; practice patience and keep an open mind.
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included.
Day 2: Jerusalem
Lectures are included to provide context to different viewpoints and the wide range of cultural differences within Israel. As everything in Israel relates directly or indirectly to vastly different Political and Spiritual opinions, its important to keep an open mind and see these interactions as learning experiences.
Take a walking tour of the Old City of Jerusalem, visiting key sites including the Temple Mount, Dome of the Rock, and the Al Aqsa Mosque. Continue to the Western Wall, visit Hurva Synagogue in the Jewish Quarter then walk through the Stations of the Cross to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. This afternoon, visit the Mount of Olives for stunning views of Jerusalem. Later, enjoy a discussion with a local scholar on conflict and local interfaith issues.
Depending on the time of year and festivals/holidays, the old city can be very crowded with visitors and pilgrims.
While we do visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, we often do not have time to visit the "Tomb of Christ", due to long lineups. Should you wish to spend more time in the Church and visit the Tomb, we recommend doing this on your own in your free time (the church is open in the evenings).
While we do visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, we often do not have time to visit the "Tomb of Christ", due to long lineups. Should you wish to spend more time in the Church and visit the Tomb, we recommend doing this on your own in your free time (the church is open in the evenings).
Meals: B
Day 3: Jerusalem
This morning, visit the Yad Vashem Memorial to learn about the Holocaust and its ramifications. Continue to the famed Israel Museum to view the Dead Sea Scrolls, one of the greatest archaeological finds of the past century. After, opt to walk through the museum’s state-of-the-art archaeological exhibition on your own. This evening, join a local Israeli chef on a walking tour of Mahane Yehuda Market, followed by a private cooking class.
Meals: B, D
Day 4: Jerusalem
Spend the day in Bethlehem, beginning with a visit to Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity. Walk through a nearby Palestinian refugee camp then head to a local women's project for a demonstration of Palestinian cooking and a local lunch. Visit the accredited Bethlehem Bible College for a lecture on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from the Palestinian Christian perspective.
Depending on the time of year and festivals/holidays, Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity can be very crowded with visitors and pilgrims. Access to the grotto is not guaranteed, it is often very crowded with long lines and is closed on some days (without notice).
Meals: B, L
Day 5: Jerusalem/Tiberias
In the Galilee area we stay in a local resort-style hotel which is operated by a Kibbutz.
Start the day with a guided visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Masada with stops at Herod’s Palace, the Bathhouse, and the Synagogue. After that, it’s off for a visit to the Dead Sea before continuing along the Jordan Valley north to the Sea of Galilee. Also enjoy a visit to a local Kibbutz community.
Meals: B, D
Day 6: Tiberias
Start place: Tiberias
Visit the Mt. of Beatitudes, for gorgeous views of the Sea of Galilee and visit the church that was built atop this hill, where Jesus is believed to have delivered his “Sermon on the Mount” speech. Continue to the ruins of Capernaum, where Jesus lived and preached, and where many apostles, including Peter, made their home. Learn about the lives of Israeli Arabs on the way to Nazareth, where we visit the Basilica of the Annunciation, one of the largest churches in the Middle East.
End place: Tiberias
Meals: B, D
Day 7: Tiberias/Tel Aviv
Start place: Tiberias
Continue to the Mediterranean, visiting the coastal city of Haifa and then south to Caesarea Maritima to see the ruins of Herod’s harbour city. After, continue toward Jaffa, an ancient port city dating back to the Bronze Age. Continue on to the bustling city of Tel Aviv for our last evening.
After a very busy trip, should you wish to enjoy some relaxation and leisure time, we do recommend booking post nights in Tel Aviv,
End place: Tel Aviv
Meals: B
Day 8: Tel Aviv
Start place: Tel Aviv
Depart at any time.
End place: Tel Aviv
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Jerusalem Lecture with Local Expert, Jerusalem Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Mahane Yehuda Market Walk & Kosher Cooking Class, Jerusalem Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Palestinian Women's Project Local Lunch, Bethlehem Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Lecture on Palestinien Christians in Israel, Bethlehem Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Galilee Winery tour and tasting, Galilee
- Arrival transfer
- Jerusalem Old City walking tour
- Visit Yad Vashem (the Holocaust memorial)
- Visit the Israel Museum and view the Dead Sea Scrolls
- Tour Bethlehem
- Visit a Palestinian refugee community
- Guided visit to Masada
- Dead Sea visit
- Explore the Sea of Galilee area including Capernaum and Nazareth
- Kibbutz tour
- Visit Haifa and Caesarea Maritima
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Transport
Private van/bus, Walking -
Accommodation
Hotels (7 nts)