On arrival at Tel Aviv Airport you will be met by our representative and transfer to your hotel in Jerusalem. The rest of the day is free at leisure. Overnight in Jerusalem.
Start the day at the Israel Museum’s Shrine of the Book with the famous Dead Sea scrolls, then a visit to the beautifully renovated model of the Herodian city of Jerusalem, dating back to the time of the Second Temple.
This afternoon drive to visit the picturesque village of Ein Karem, in the south western outskirts of Jerusalem. This small village has great significance in Christian traditions, since this is where according to tradition John the Baptist was born. Proceed to visit Yad Vashem, the official memorial to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust, established in 1953, located at the foot of Mt. Hertzl. End the day exploring Bethlehem – the birthplace of Jesus at the Church of the Nativity and Manger Square.
Overnight in Jerusalem.
Today enjoy sites of the Old City of Jerusalem. Enter through one of the gates to the walled old city, where you will see the Western Wall and the actual site of the Second Temple, Temple Mount and the colourful bazaars. Walk the Way of the Cross, the Via Dolorosa and the stations of the cross, to Calvary and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, housing both the traditional site of Crucifixion and the Tomb of the Resurrection. To the southwest, just outside the Old City, is Mount Zion, with the traditional tomb of King David and the Room of the Last Supper. Enjoy the spectacular panoramic view of Jerusalem – the holy city for each of the world’s three great religions – Christianity, Judaism and Islam, from atop the Mount of Olives.
Visit the Garden of Gethsemane where Judas betrayed Jesus. In the heart of a neighbourhood in downtown Jerusalem, visit Mahane Yehuda to experience the flavours, aromas, colours and the traders’ interaction with the crowds, at the largest open market in Israel.
Overnight in Jerusalem.
This morning leave Jerusalem and drive north, passing by Jericho, the oldest city in the world. Travel to the Jordan Valley and the new settlements to Beit Shean to visit the excavation of this beautifully preserved Roman City. Next proceed to Nazareth, where Jesus spent his childhood, to visit the Church of Annunciation, built on the site where archaeologists believe the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary and other Christian holy sites. Later continue to Safed, city of the Kabbalah and centre of Jewish mysticism for a walk through the mystic alleys, a visit to a synagogue and the artists’ colony. Continue to your stay in Galilee. Overnight in Galilee.
Today, ascend to the Golan Heights passing by Banias, source of the Jordan River, former Syrian fortifications and the Druze villages. Enjoy an Israeli wine country experience, with vineyards surrounded by breathtaking views. Become acquainted with the collection of fine and rare wines enjoying a tour and wine tasting and understanding of the wine production process. Descend to the shore of the Sea of Galilee and proceed to Peter’s house at Capernaum. Proceed to explore the ruins of the ancient synagogue, the Mount of Beatitudes, the traditional site of the ‘Sermon on the Mount and it is believed that it is here Jesus picked his 12 apostles. Next visit Tabgha, just north of Tiberias, the site of Christ’s miracle of feeding the 5,000 and at the Church of Multiplication, where the mosaic floor depicts a basket with loaves and two fishes. Drive on to Tiberias for a short tour of the old centre of Jewish learning.
Overnight in Galilee.
Today morning, you will drive through the hills og Galilee, westwards to Acre (Akko) for a visit of the old, famous Crusader stronghold and medieval fortifications. Continue to Haifa, ascending Mount Carmel for a panoramic view of the city, including the Bahai Shrine, Persian Garden and Haifa Bay. Proceed southwards along the Mediterranean coast to Caesarea to visit the ancient port, Roman Theatre, Hippodrome the Crusader fortress at what is known as the “masterpiece of Herod the Great”. End the day with a short city tour of Tel Aviv and the ancient port of Jaffa, the picturesque alleys of the old fortified town.
Overnight in Tel Aviv.
The day is free to explore this wanderlust city on your own.
Or take an optional visit to Masada & Dead Sea. Begin your day with visiting the site of Qumran Caves. Enjoy a remarkable scenery drive of the Dead Sea, as you arrive Masada an isolated cliff in the Judean Desert. Ascend by cable car to the fortress, which was the last stronghold of the Jewish Zealots in their war against the Romans. Later visit Dead Sea, nearly 1,300 feet below sea-level is the lowest point on the earth’s surface. Weather permitting you have an opportunity to ‘float’ on the salty mineral rich water.
Overnight in Tel Aviv.
Today check out of the hotel as you are transferred to Tel Aviv Airport for your flight back home.
