Grand holyland Tour
Sunday arrival - 10 nights / 8 touring daysTour Description
Tour duration: 10 nights / 8 touring daysVisit Israel and explore its Christian roots. Follow Jesus' footsteps through the bible's holy sites and miracles. Our Holyland tour packages provide you the opportunity to visit Christian highlights and Israel's admirable sites and attractions. The tours are available at various levels of Israel's finest hotels for you to choose from according to your personal taste and budget. Our Holyland tour packages include accommodations at a wide selection of hotels, touring guided by government licensed English speaking tour guides, entrance fees to sites as described in the itinerary, transportation in air conditioned vehicles, and optional arrival and departure transfers from Ben-Gurion airport.Tour Schedule
1
sundayArrival to Ben Gurion airport Overnight in Tel-Aviv.2
mondayCaesarea/Muhraka/Megiddo/AcreToday's journey takes us to Caesarea, an ancient city where the Apostle Paul was imprisoned before his journey to Rome. Explore the Roman Theater and aqueduct, reflecting the grandeur of the once-mighty Roman Empire. Next, we visit Muhraka, a captivating mountaintop where Prophet Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal in a pivotal biblical moment. Continuing on, we reach Megiddo, a site of great significance in apocalyptic prophecies, believed to be the location of the final battle of Armageddon. Our final stop is Acre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a rich Christian history. Discover the underground Crusader City and crypt, providing insights into the fascinating era of the Crusaders. Walk through the Old City, recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site, and visit the local market and harbor. Overnight in a Kibbutz guesthouse.3
tuesdayTiberias/Capernaum/BaniasEnjoy a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus performed many of his miracles, including walking on water; Next, visit the Yigal Alon Center where the "Jesus boat," an ancient fishing boat from the 1st century, is displayed; Continue to Capernaum to visit the remains of the 2nd century synagogue. Stop at Tabgha, the site of the Miracle of Fish and Loaves, and visit the Church of Multiplication with its 4th century mosaic floor. Proceed to Mount of Beatitudes, the place where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Drive to the Banias springs and tour the Golan Heights. Return to Kibbutz Lavi hotel for overnight.4
wednesdayCana/Nazareth/Beit SheanDrive to Cana to visit the Wedding Church, where Jesus performed his first miracle turning water into wine. Continue to Nazareth, hometown of Jesus, to visit the Church of Annunciation, Joseph’s workshop and Mary’s well. Proceed to Yardenit, the baptismal site on the Jordan River, where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. Proceed to Beit Shean to visit the newly excavated Roman city and amphitheater. Drive along the Jordan Valley to Jerusalem for overnight. Overnight in Jerusalem5
thursdayJerusalem - Old CityToday, we explore Jerusalem, the city of peace, where Jesus was crucified and resurrected. Our tour starts with a visit to Mount of Olives, with a magnificent panoramic view of Jerusalem, where Jesus ascended into heaven. We then visit the Church of All Nations, King David's Tomb, and the Room of Last Supper on Mt. Zion. Our journey then takes us to the Old City to explore the Cardo, an ancient Roman street, and the Jewish and Christian quarters. Here, we see the Jewish Wailing Wall, the Via Dolorosa, and visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which marks the site of Jesus's crucifixion and burial. We also visit the Garden Tomb, a serene and lovely garden believed by many to be the site of Jesus's resurrection. Overnight Jerusalem.6
fridayJerusalem – New City and *BethlehemHead out to the Ein Karem neighborhood, the birthplace of John the Baptist, and visit the Church of Visitation, where Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth. We then visit Yad Vashem, Israel's official memorial to the Holocaust. Onto the Israel Museum and the Shrine of the Book, where the Dead Sea scrolls are housed, and the miniature model of Jerusalem as it was during the Second Temple period. Proceed to *Bethlehem, birthplace of Jesus; visit Shepherds' Field; walk through Manger Square to visit the remarkable Church of Nativity. Return to Jerusalem. * visit is subject to security conditions. Overnight in Jerusalem.7
saturdayQumran/Masada/Dead SeaDrive through the Judean Desert, leading you to the extraordinary Dead Sea, the Earth's lowest point, and situated approx. 1300 feet (400 meters) below sea level. Stop at Qumran, where the famed Dead Sea scrolls were discovered. Drive along the shores of the Dead Sea to reach Masada, the last refuge of Jews after the destruction of the Second Temple. Ascend by cable car and tour the mountain fortress built by King Herod. Descend by cable car and continue to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth; enjoy the opportunity to float in the unsinkable water and cover yourself with the mineral rich mud, believed to have therapeutic effects. Return to Jerusalem for overnight.8
sundayNegev desert/Timna/Underwater observatoryLeave Jerusalem and enjoy a captivating southbound journey through the Negev Desert. Make a stop at Timna, a vast geological and archaeological park, where you will be enchanted by the breathtaking multi-colored rock formations and fascinating copper mines. Do not miss the chance to witness the impressive Solomon's Pillars, adding a touch of historical wonder to your experience. Continue your expedition to the vibrant city of Eilat, nestled on the northern shores of the Red Sea. Discover the remarkable Underwater Observatory Marine Park, ingeniously built into a coral reef, offering you an up-close and immersive encounter with the vibrant marine life of the Gulf of Eilat, leaving you with unforgettable memories of the wonders that lie beneath the Red Sea's surface. Overnight Eilat.9
mondayFree day in Eilat or * optional day tour to Petra (with additional charge)After assistance with border formalities, drive straight to Petra, the astonishing rose-red city built by the Nabateans (an early Arab tribe). Petra is renowned for its massive architecture, pools, dams and water channels. The visit begins with the possibility of a short horseback riding for about 700m. until the entrance of the Siq, which is about 1.2 km long (walking distance). Petra is famous for its huge monuments such as the treasury, royal tombs, the court, Roman theatre, Roman street, Qasr al-Bint (Palace of Pharaoh’s daughter) and many other smaller fascinating monuments. The city itself is almost 45 km² and is considered to be the second wonder of the world. After the visit, time for lunch in a nearby restaurant. After lunch, drive back to border. On the way, a short visit to Aqaba with the possibility to stop and take a walk around. Transfer to the border at around 18:00 and cross back to Eilat. *Visa is required in advance Overnight Eilat.10
tuesdayMitzpe Ramon visitor’s center/Sde Boker/Bedouin hospitalityLeave Eilat behind and head to Mitzpe Ramon. Take a captivating pause to marvel at the geological wonder of the Ramon Crater, while also visiting the remarkable Mitzpe Ramon visitors’ center, which offers unique insights into this extraordinary natural formation. Continue your adventure to Sde Boker, where you can witness both Ben Gurion's hut and grave, offering a breathtaking view overlooking the magnificent Zin Valley. As your exploration continues, make a stop to visit an authentic Bedouin tent to learn about the rich culture of the Bedouin people and enjoying a delightful light lunch, leaving you with cherished memories of this culturally enriching journey. Overnight Tel Aviv.11
wednesdayDeparture from Ben Gurion airport