Welcome to Israel – our dedicated representative will greet you and smooth the transfer to your Tel Aviv hotel. Tonight you’ll sleep in one the world’s most vibrant cities.

Today will take you from sea to desert to sea…. Departing Tel Aviv, we’ll journey down the coast through the Mediterranean ports of Ashdod and Ashkelon to arrive in Beersheba, the “capital” of the Negev, where we’ll take in the local history. Now we truly enter the desert and the drive will take us through unforgettable vistas, the truly ancient city of Arad and leave us at the base of Masada. You’ll fully explore this most iconic of Israel’s monuments – we’ll ascend by cable car and set foot upon the last stronghold of the Jewish Zealots in their war against Rome. You’ll be expertly guided through the ongoing excavations, Herod’s palaces, the synagogue and stunning views of the surrounding Roman camps and the distant Dead Sea. From this grand mount you’ll descend and experience the salty waters of this sea — lowest place on earth. Past the oasis of Ein Gedi the caves of Qumran, we’ll make our way to Jerusalem for an overnight in this holiest of cities. (B)

Today we’ll explore the “new” Jerusalem. Get a magnificent panoramic view of this golden city from Mt. Scopus. You’ll travel to the Garden of Gethsemane, the Church of all Nations and the Israel Museum’s Shrine of the Book, permanent home to the Dead Sea Scrolls. We’ll take in a fascinating and intricate model of Jerusalem, as it appeared at the time of the Second Temple and continue a short distance to Yad Vashem, the nation’s memorial to the millions killed in the Holocaust. From here you’ll visit the lovely Ein Kerem district, birth place of John the Baptist, before returning to your hotel with a new sense of the city – sleep well, tomorrow brings a whole different side. In the heart of a neighborhood in downtown Jerusalem, visit Mahane Yehuda to experience the flavors, aromas, colors and the traders' interaction with the crowds, at the largest open market in Israel.  (B)

This morning you’ll enter the Old City; through these gates, generations have passed. As we explore, we’ll take in the Jewish Quarter, the Western Wall, the Temple area, the bazaar, the Via Dolorosa and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. A short drive will bring us to Mt. Zion, a visit to the tomb of King David, the site of the Last Supper and the peaceful and contemplative Dormition Abbey. This afternoon we’ll travel on to Bethlehem*, visit the Church of the Nativity and return to Jerusalem for the night. (B)

Today we’ll head North. Our first destination, Jericho*,  is the oldest inhabited city in the world. We’ll wind our way through the fertile Jordan Valley toward Beit Shean. Our expert will guide you through the excavations and give a sense of what life was like in this beautifully preserved Roman city. A short drive will bring us to Nazareth and a visit to the Christian Holy Sites. A drive through the Hula Valley will bring us to Safed, city of the Kabala, to visit a synagogue and the artist colony. Tonight’s stay in a local kibbutz hotel will leave you with a sense of Israel outside bustling cities. (B)

Today you’ll experience Israel’s northern borders. Starting in the Golan Heights, you’ll take in breathtaking views of the landscape, visit former Syrian fortifications, view Druze villages and Banias, the beautiful source of the nation’s lifeline, the Jordan River. Continuing along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, we’ll next stop at Capernaum and visit the ruins of a lovely ancient synagogue, the house of Peter, and Tabgha, site of the miracle of the loaves and fishes. We’ll be back at the kibbutz for the night. Enjoy an Israeli wine country experience, with vineyards surrounded by breathtaking views. Get acquainted with the collection of fine and rare wines, and gain an understanding of wine making process with some wine tasting too. Optional sailing in a boat across the Sea of Galilee to experience the tranquility and scenery little changed during the past 2000 years (subject to conditions and fee). (B)

After a kibbutz breakfast, we’ll drive west to Acre for a fascinating visit to one of the best-preserved Crusader strongholds in the world. Later, in Haifa, we’ll enjoy a tour of the city including the Bahai Shrine and its famous Persian gardens, Mount Carmel and panoramic views of the city and the sea. We’ll take to the coastal road and take in Caesarea, Herod’s “Dream on the Sea” and explore the spectacular Roman and crusader ruins – few sites can boast the views afforded here…. From this sea to another…a short drive we’ll take us to the airport and our awaiting flight to Eilat, one of the world’s great resort destinations. A taxi to the hotel, then maybe a swim or a walk along the promenade will set you up for a great sleep. (B)

Today we leave Israel for Jordan, crossing the border and driving through the scenic Jordanian desert to one of the wonders of the world, Petra. For centuries, Petra has inspired romantics, poets and adventurers – you’ll enter as they did, through the Siq, a narrow gorge passage that culminates in a breathtaking view of the Treasury – famous in print and cinema. Continuing into the heart of this ancient city you’ll pass hundreds of rock-cut tombs and monuments and an amphitheatre that once held three thousand spectators. We’ll share a leisurely lunch, a visit to lovely Wadi Musa and the Spring of Moses, see modern Petra and enjoy a tour of Aqaba. We’ll return to Eilat, our waiting flight back to Tel Aviv and our hotel for the night. (B)

This morning’s breakfast is a time to compare photos, exchange contacts with new friends… we’ll make sure you’re at the airport in plenty of time for your flight. (B)

*Site under the Palestinian Authority jurisdiction, our visit is subject to the situation