Iconic Israel

Day1

Isrotel Tower Hotel

Tel Aviv, Israel – Tour Begins – Jaffa – Tel Aviv

Join us as we explore Israel, an ancient land rich in tradition and home to some of the worlds most important historic treasures. Welcome to Tel Aviv, a bustling city on the Mediterranean coast. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner in the ancient port city of Jaffa.

Day2

Tel Aviv – Caesarea – Haifa – Acre – Tiberias

Today we follow the coast to the ruins of the ancient Roman capital of Caesarea, built by Herod the Great around 22 B.C. Marvel at its Roman theatre, aqueduct and fortress. Travel the Valley of Armageddon to the excavation site of Tel Megiddo, which dates back to the Bronze Age. Next, take in the breathtaking panorama of Haifa and the Baha’i Shrine and Gardens on Mount Carmel (UNESCO World Heritage site). Step back in time in the ancient Crusader city of Acre (UNESCO). Your day comes to a close in Tiberias.

Day3

Tiberias – Cana – Nazareth – Tabgha – Capernaum – Sea of Galilee

Set off for Cana, considered to be the site of the First Miracle where Jesus turned water into wine. In Nazareth, visit the Church of the Annunciation and Mary’s Well. Continue to Mt. of Beatitudes, site of the Sermon on the Mount; and Tabgha, site of the Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes. Make a stop at the ancient fishing village of Capernaum before exploring the Galilee Boat Museum. See a boat that sailed the Sea of Galilee approximately 2,000 years ago before boarding a boat for your ride on the Sea of Galilee. Get a taste of the local flavour during lunch at a communal settlement, known as a kibbutz.

Day4

Tiberias – Beit Shean – Jericho – Qumran – Dead Sea

Peek into Roman times at Beit Sheans well-preserved ancient theatre. Continue along the Jordan River Valley to Jericho, considered to be the oldest city on earth. Journey to Qumran, the location of one of the most important archaeological finds of all time the discovery of the ancient Dead Sea Scrolls. Proceed to the lowest place on earth, the Dead Sea. Then its your choice! Stop in the AHAVA Visitors Center and learn about the world-famous cosmetics that come from the Dead Sea. Or, take the opportunity to “float” in the tranquil, healing waters of the Dead Seaexperience the natural buoyancy due to its high salt concentration and the benefits of its minerals to beauty and health. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day5

Dead Sea – Masada – Bethlehem – Jerusalem

Travel to the former palatial fortress of Masada (UNESCO). Ascend the ancient walls of Masada by cable car to Herod’s Palaces, the Roman Camp and the Synagogue. A stop in the city of Bethlehem, spread along the Judean Hills, brings you to the Church of the Nativity the birthplace of Jesus and the first church ever built. Tonight you arrive in one of the most captivating cities in the world, Jerusalem.

Day6

Jerusalem

Drive to Mount of Olives to take in the panoramic view of Jerusalem and the surrounding area. See the Church of Ascension and the Garden of Gethsemane. Discover the Kidron Valley and the tombs of Mary, Absalom, Zachariah and James. Continue to St. Peter in Galicantu and Mt. Zion to discover the room of The Last Supper and the tomb of King David. Marvel at the Shrine of the Book at the Israel Museum, home to a selection of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Conclude your day at the Garden Tomb.

Day7

Old City, Jerusalem

Come to know the Holy City of Jerusalem on a walking tour of the old walled city (UNESCO). See the Western (Wailing) Wall, the Temple area, the Dome of the Rock (outside view only), the Pool of Bethesda, and the Church of St. Anne. Next, walk the path of the Stations of the Cross as you traverse the Via Dolorosa, beginning at Pilate’s Judgment Hall and ending at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Later, continue exploring the city independently or peruse the sights and sounds of the world-renowned Mahane Yehuda Market, known as the shuk (open-air market).

Day8

Jerusalem

Your day is at leisure to explore independently or simply relax. This evening, join your fellow travellers for dinner at one of Jerusalems most popular restaurants.

Day9

Jerusalem – Tour Ends

Your tour comes to a close today.