Tour Schedule

• 1

  Wednesday

  

  Arrival to Ben Gurion airportOvernight in Tel-Aviv.
• 2

  ThursdayArmored Corps Museum/Ayalon Valley/Diaspora Museum

  

  Begin your journey at Latrun, a historical site from the Crusader period, known for its strategic hilltop location. Explore Yad La-Shiryon, Israel's Armored Corps Memorial and Museum, with its vast collection of tanks and exhibits on Israel's Defense Forces. Enjoy the panoramic view of Ayalon Valley where the Bible states Joshua said “Sun, stand still over Gibeon, and you, moon, over the Valley of Ayalon.” (Joshua 10, 12).Continue to Modiin, home of the 'Maccabees,' and visit the ancient synagogue at Um El Umdan, revealing Jewish religious life from 2000 years ago. Proceed to the 'Maccabees' graves, an archaeological site connecting visitors to the heroes of the Hanukkah story and the Hasmonean dynasty. End your day at the ANU Museum of Jewish people (Diaspora museum) with interactive exhibits celebrating Jewish history and culture.Overnight in Tel-Aviv.
• 3

  FridayPark HaTachana/Old Jaffa/Neve Tzedek/Nachalat Binyamin

  

  Start the tour of Tel aviv at the historic train station 'Park HaTachana', a restored complex from the 1892 Jaffa-Jerusalem railway. Explore the renovated buildings, now housing boutiques, cafes, and cultural spaces, while learning about its role in Tel aviv's development. Continue to the ancient Jaffa Port, a 4,000-year-old harbor, and marvel at the Andromeda Stone and panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. Stroll through the narrow alleys of the Old City, steeped in history and culture, from biblical tales and ancient trade routes to Ottoman rule and stories of Napoleon's conquest. Head to Neve Tzedek, one of the first neighborhoods built outside Jaffa's walls, and enjoy the restored architecture, chic boutiques, and cozy cafes. Conclude your journey at Nachalat Binyamin, experiencing its vibrant Friday artists' fair with local artisans, handmade crafts, and live performances.Overnight Tel Aviv.
• 4

  Saturday

  

  Day at leisure.Overnight Tel Aviv.
• 5

  SundayCaesarea/Megiddo/Druze Village/Haifa

  

  Embark on a captivating coastal drive to Caesarea, a former Roman capital built by Herod the Great in honor of Augustus. Explore the fascinating excavations of the Roman port and aqueduct, and marvel at the restored theatre overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Proceed to Megiddo, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This ancient city, strategically located on the crossroads of ancient trade routes, offers insights into thousands of years of civilization. Discover the well-preserved water system that sustained the city through centuries of conquest and settlement.Continue through the scenic Druze Villages nestled in the lush hills of Mount Carmel, where you will experience a vibrant community known for its rich cultural heritage and spiritual traditions.Arrive in Haifa and enjoy breathtaking views from Mount Carmel, overlooking Haifa’s Bay. Gaze at the iconic Bahai Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its golden dome and beautifully landscaped gardens.Overnight in a Kibbutz guesthouse.
• 6

  MondaySafed/Golan Heights/Golan winery

  

  Set off on an enriching journey to Safed, the renowned center of Jewish mysticism, known as Kabala. Immerse yourself in the history of its ancient synagogues and soak in the vibrant, creative atmosphere of the Artists' Colony. Here, galleries and studios display the work of talented local artists, blending spirituality and art against the backdrop of a picturesque, pastoral town. Continue to Tel Faher, a former Syrian outpost with significant importance for the upcoming days before the Six-Day War. Enjoy the panoramic vistas from Mount Bental, a dormant volcanic mountain with strategic significance and a vantage point overlooking the Syrian border on the one side, and the beautiful Golan Heights on the other. Before concluding your expedition, make a stop at the Golan Winery, where a wonderful wine tasting awaits you.Overnight in a Kibbutz guesthouse.
• 7

  TuesdayNazareth/Sea of Galilee/Beit Alpha/Jordan Valley

  

  Head out on a captivating day, starting with a visit to the sAcred city of Nazareth. Explore the revered Church of the Annunciation, where the Angel Gabriel announced to Mary of her divine pregnancy with Jesus. Continue your journey to The Sea of Galilee, delving into the history of Capernaum, the town where Jesus gathered his disciples, and home to St. Peter. Here, you can marvel at the ruins of the ancient synagogue and the beautiful octagonal Church of St. Peter. Ascend the serene Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Then, drive south to the Jordan Valley and stop at Beit Alpha, an ancient Jewish town from Talmudic times. Admire the remarkable mosaic floor of the ancient synagogue, depicting the captivating zodiac.Overnight Jerusalem.
• 8

  WednesdayMt. of Olives/Old City/Western Wall/Church of the Holy Sepulchre/*Bethlehem

  

  Begin your day with a breathtaking panoramic view from Mount of Olives, offering a stunning overlook of Jerusalem's historic skyline, including the Dome of the Rock and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Next, head to the magnificent Old City to explore the Tomb of King David and the sAcred Room of the Last Supper on Mount Zion. Enter the walled city and stroll through the newly restored Jewish Quarter, discovering the remnants of the Roman Cardo, an ancient Roman road. Make your way to the Western Wall, the last remains of the Jewish Temple, and follow the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, believed to be the site of Jesus' crucifixion and tomb. Conclude your day with a visit to Bethlehem*, birthplace of Jesus. Walk through the Manger Square to visit the Church of Nativity, one of the oldest operating churches in the world. * Visit is subject to security conditions.Overnight in Jerusalem.
• 9

  ThursdayIsrael Museum/Mt. Herzl/Yad Vashem/New City

  

  Drive to The Israel Museum and explore the remarkable Shrine of the Book, where the ancient Dead Sea Scrolls are displayed. Marvel at the intricate miniature model of Jerusalem during the Second Temple period. Pass by the Knesset, Israel's parliament, and proceed to Mount Herzl, Israel's national and military cemetery named after Theodor Herzl, burial place to many of the nation's leaders and heroes. Pay respects at Yad Vashem, the official memorial to the Holocaust. Dive deeper into Jerusalem's history with a tour of its vibrant New City neighborhoods. Wander through narrow alleys, listen to captivating tales, and uncover the rich tapestry of the city's past that shaped its foundations.Overnight in Jerusalem
• 10

  FridayQumran/Masada/Dead Sea

  

  Drive through the awe-inspiring 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, visiting the historic site where the famed Dead Sea scrolls were discovered, and hear about the unique Jewish community living here at those times. Continue your journey and drive south along the beautiful shores of the Dead Sea to the historic site of Masada, where you will ascend to the mountain fortress built by King Herod, via cable car. Explore the remarkable remains of walls, palaces, a synagogue, and a bathhouse witnessing the heroic last stand of the Zealots against the Romans at the end of the Great Rebellion. Descend from Masada via cable car and continue your adventure to the Dead Sea. Immerse yourself in its mineral-rich mud and indulge in a therapeutic float on its waters, believed by many to offer revitalizing effects.Overnight Jerusalem.
• 11

  Saturday

  

  Day at leisure.Overnight Jerusalem.
• 12

  SundayNegev desert/Timna/Eilat Underwater observatory

  

  Leave 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. See the Methuselah Tree in Ktura, a date palm grown from a 2,000-year-old seed found at Masada, symbolizing ancient life revived. 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.
• 13

  MondayFree day in Eilat or *optional day tour to Petra (with additional charge)

  

  After assistance with border formalities, drive straight to Petra, a UNESCO world Heritage site, 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.
• 14

  TuesdayRamon Crater/Ben Gurion’s Hut & Grave/Bedouin hospitality

  

  Leave Eilat behind and head to Mitzpe Ramon. Take a captivating pause to marvel at the geological wonder of the Ramon Crater; visit the remarkable visitors’ center, which offers unique insights into this extraordinary natural formation. Drive to Sde Boker, and stop at David Ben Gurion's, Israel’s first prime minister, hut and grave. Enjoy a breathtaking view overlooking the magnificent Zin Valley. Conclude your tour at an authentic Bedouin tent to learn about the rich culture of these desert nomadic tribes and enjoy a delightful light lunch.Overnight Tel Aviv.
• 15

  Wednesday

  

  Departure from Ben Gurion airport