Your adventure begins when you arrive at Ben Gurion airport where you will be met by one of our representatives and transferred to your hotel.
Spend the day out in the Judean desert stopping at Masada, an incredible mountain top fortress built by King Herod in 30 BCE. Later, it became the last stronghold for a group of Jewish zealots whose tragic story has become a symbol of perseverance, faith and ambition. The well-preserved remains are accessed by cable car and offer an incredible view of the Roman camps and the Dead Sea. Drive past Qumran, a site close to where the famous Dead Sea Scrolls were found on your way to the Dead Sea where you can end the day “floating” in the salty, therapeutic waters. Spend the night in Jerusalem.
Dinner
Get a magnificent panoramic view of the city from the Mount of Olives before heading over to the Church of the Agony and Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus went after the Last Supper. Next, visit the Israel Museum, which is home to the famous Dead Sea Scrolls and the model of Jerusalem from the Second Temple period. Brace yourself for a powerful journey through the Holocaust with a visit to Yad Vashem, a massive complex and museum dedicated to the memory of Holocaust victims. In the afternoon you will visit Ein Karem, where John the Baptist was born. Visit Mahane Yehuda to experience the flavors, aromas, colors and the traders' interaction with the crowds, at the largest open market in Israel.
Dinner
Begin your journey through the Old City in the Jewish Quarter where you will stop at the famous Western Wall (or, “Wailing Wall”). Continuing along the Via Dolorosa, pass the Stations of the Cross on your way to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher where the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of Jesus took place. Next, head to Mount Zion to visit the room believed to be the site of the Last Supper and the Tomb of King David, which is housed in an incredible thousand-year old building. Travel to Bethlehem* to visit the Church of Nativity, Manger Square and Rachel’s Tomb. *Site under Palestinian Authority jurisdiction
Dinner
Travel back in time as you pass the desert oasis of Jericho*, the oldest city in the world, on your way to another ancient city, Beit She’an. Here you will visit impressive ruins like the Roman theatre and bathhouse before making your way to Nazareth where Jesus spent his childhood and youth. Make a stop at the Church of the Annunciation, the site of Joseph and Mary’s home, and Mary’s Well before heading to Safed for a spiritual experience like no other. The city is a center of Kabbalah and Jewish mysticism, and you will have plenty of time to explore the picturesque streets filled with ancient synagogues and artists’ studios. Spend the night learning about the religious kibbutz movement at a kibbutz hotel.
Dinner
Make your way to the Golan Heights to visit Druze villages and old Syrian bunkers. Passing Banias, you will see that Israel is not all desert, as the lush green surroundings mark the source of the Jordan River. Enjoy an Israeli wine country experience among vineyards surrounded by breathtaking views. Get acquainted with the wine making process and enjoy tastings of the fine products. Continue along the shores of the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum, where Jesus began his teachings and you can sit within the ruins of the ancient synagogue as well as visit an octagonal church built over Peter’s house. Next, go to Tabgha, the site of the “Loaves and Fishes” miracle and the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus preached the “Sermon on the Mount.” Tour the bustling city of Tiberias before returning to your kibbutz hotel for the night. Optional sailing in a boat across the Sea of Galilee to experience tranquil scenery little changed over the past 2000 years (subject to conditions and fee).
Dinner
The day begins with a series of contrasts in Acre, where East meets West and new and old come together in beautiful harmony. Visit the medieval sights built by the Knights Templar before continuing to Haifa for a tour of the Baha’i shrine and gardens. Get a spectacular view of the city and Haifa Bay from Mount Carmel and then check out Caesarea, the Roman capital and the largest port in the Mediterranean. Here you will see the Roman Theatre, the aqueducts, and the Crusader City. End the day with a short city tour of Tel Aviv-Jaffa.
Dinner
Bid farewell to Israel as your journey comes to a close and you head back to Ben Gurion airport for departure.
