JERUSALEM OF GOLD – MOUNT OF OLIVES KOTEL YAD VASHEM
On this tour you will see the most exciting sites in Jerusalem! Begin with a drive to the Mount of Olives for a panoramic view of the city. Then, enter the Old City and walk through the Armenian and Jewish Quarters to the recently excavated and restored Cardo, the Roman road. Visit the Jewish Wailing Wall and the Kotel before continuing to the Christian Quarter to walk along the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Proceed to the New City visiting Yad Vashem, the Memorial to the Holocaust.
* On Saturdays and Jewish holidays, instead of Yad Vashem, drive to Ein Karem, southwest of Jerusalem, traditionally known as the birthplace of John the Baptist; Stroll in the narrow lanes of the picturesque neighborhood, stopping by Mary’s spring and continue to visit the remarkable Church of Saint John the Baptist, Return to point of departure.
NOTE: Modest dress (no shorts or sleeveless shirts) and head covering is required for visiting holy sites.
Departure: Daily
MASADA – MASADA, DEAD SEA
Drive along the Judean Hills to the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth. Follow along the shores until you reach Masada, where you will ascend by cable car and tour the mountain fortress built by King Herod and where the Zealots made their last stand against the Romans. Visit the remains of the walls, palaces, the synagogue, water cisterns, mosaic floors, Roman bath and more before you descend by cable car. Next, you will have some time to ‘float’ in mineral rich waters of the Dead Sea, known to have curative effects.
Departure: Daily
BETHLEHEM* – JERUSALEM, BETHLEHEM
Drive to the Mount of Olives for a panoramic view of the city and the Garden of Gethsemane. Enter the Old City and walk through the Armenian and Jewish Quarters to the recently excavated and restored Cardo, the Roman road. Visit the Jewish Wailing Wall and the Kotel before continuing to the Christian Quarter to walk along the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Continue to Bethlehem* for an overview of the Shepherd’s field and then drive through Rachel’s Tomb to visit the Church of Nativity and Manger’s Square.
NOTE: Modest dress (no shorts or sleeveless shirts) and head covering is required for visiting holy sites.
Departure: Daily
THE GALILEE – NAZARETH, TIBERIAS, CAPERNAUM
Enjoy a lovely day travelling through the outstanding landscape of the Lower Galilee. Depart Tel Aviv along the coastal road to Nazareth, the town where Jesus spent his childhood. Visit the Church of Annunciation and the Church of St. Josef before you continue via Kana to the resort town of Tiberias. Continue along the shores of the Sea of Galilee to visit Capernaum and view the ruins of the ancient synagogue. Travel to Tabgha, the site of the miracle of loaves and fish which is located at the foot of the Golan Heights. End your day with a visit to Yardenit, the famous site of baptism, where the Jordan River exits the Sea of Galilee towards the Dead Sea.
Departure: Daily except Sunday