Israel: Journey through the Holy Land

Sample Itinerary

DAY 1 : DEPART USA

EN ROUTE

Depart on your overnight flight to Tel Aviv.

DAY 2 : ARRIVE TEL AVIV

DAN TEL AVIV

Arrive Ben Gurion International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Tel Aviv. You might wish to explore the port of Old Jaffa, rich in history and in atmosphere with its colorful alleyways and its flea market – a good spot to have dinner on your own.

DAY 3 : CAESAREA / HAIFA

VILLA HAIFA

This morning travel north up the coast along the Mediterranean towards Haifa stopping en route at Caesarea, once the Roman capital of the Holy Land where you can see excavations of the Roman statues, an Aqueduct and Amphitheater. Take in a panoramic view of Haifa’s bay at Mt. Carmel. Visit the splendid and delicately manicured Bahá’í Shrine and Gardens on the edge of the city center and explore the nearby German Colony established in 1868 with its many cafés and shops. End the day at Megiddo to see the excavations of King Solomon’s stables and 20 layers of civilization. Transfer to your hotel in Haifa for the rest of the day at leisure. (B)

DAY 4 : HAIFA / ACCO

VILLA HAIFA

Drive north to Acco (Acre) for an in-depth visit of the Old City, now a UNESCO World Heritage site with a fascinating historical heritage blending East and West: Al Jazar Mosque, the buildings of the Order of Saint John, the subterranean Crusader city, Khan Al Omdan, and the Turkish Baths. The city also contains a tunnel leading to a 13th century fortress of the Knights Templar. Afternoon visit to the Ein Hod artist colony and the colorful souk of the Druze Villages in Haifa before returning to your hotel for the rest of the day at leisure. (B)

DAY 5 : HAIFA / NAZARETH / TIBERIAS

SCOTS HOTEL

Set out with your guide for Tiberias stopping en route in Nazareth to visit the Basilica of Annunciation, the largest church in the Middle East, and St. Joseph’s Carpentry shop. Afternoon visit to the picturesque city of Safed, the center of Jewish mysticism, with its charming stone houses and artists’ studios and workshops. Continue to Capernaum to see the first century synagogue where Jesus taught, and the stone with the carving of the Ark of Covenant. Transfer to Tiberias to your elegant hotel, formally a 19th century medical center built by a Scottish surgeon, overlooking the Sea of Galilee. (B)

DAY 6 : GALILEE & THE GOLAN

SCOTS HOTEL

Morning jeep exploration of the Golan Heights, sure to please any nature lover, history buff, or pilgrim with its unique and untamed natural landscape, fascinating archaeological sites dating from Prehistoric to Crusader times, and the setting for several biblical events. Spend the afternoon wine tasting in the Golan Heights, home to a number of notable wineries. Enjoy a sunset boat trip on the Sea of Galilee for a glimpse of the surrounding landscapes that have been sacred for thousands of years. (B)

DAY 7 : TIBERIAS / JERUSALEM

MAMILLA HOTEL

Morning visit to Yardenit, the Baptismal site where, if you wish, there is the opportunity to be baptized in the Jordan River. On to Beit Shean to see the excavations of the former Roman city, in particular an overview of the excellent amphitheater. Drive through the beautiful Jordan River Valley past Jericho, the oldest city in the world, to Jerusalem. Check in at the hip Mamilla Hotel in the heart of Jerusalem with its magnificent views of the Old City walls, the Tower of David and Jaffa Gate. (B)

DAY 8 : JERUSALEM

MAMILLA HOTEL

Start this historically significant day with a visit to Mt. of Olives for an unforgettable panoramic view of Jerusalem, dominated by the golden Dome of the Rock on the Temple Mount. Visit the Pater Noster Church followed by the Garden of Gethsemane at the foot of the Mt. of Olives. Visit the tomb of King David and the room of the Last Supper on Mount Zion. Enter the walled city and walk the newly restored Jewish Quarter. Visit the Herodian Mansion and continue to the Western Wall and the nearby Kotel Tunnel, an amazing porthole to the past. Walk along the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. End the day at the old Roman Cardo and practice bargaining in the city’s old covered bazaar. (B)

DAY 9 : JERUSALEM & BETHLEHEM

MAMILLA HOTEL

Explore New Jerusalem beginning with the Hadassah Medical Center in Ein Karem to see Chagall’s magnificent stained glass windows. Continue to Yad Vashem, the memorial to the Holocaust, and then to the newly rennovated Israel Museum where there is the Shrine of the Book housing the Dead Sea Scrolls and the 1:50 scale model of Jerusalem during the Second Temple Period. Continue to Bethlehem, stopping at Rachel’s Tomb, to visit the Church of the Nativity. (B)

DAY 10 : JERUSALEM

MAMILLA HOTEL

Leave Jerusalem through the Judean Mountains and drive along the shores of the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth (1,280 feet below sea level!) to Masada. Ascend by cable car and tour the ancient Jewish stronghold where the Zealots made their last stand against the Romans before committing mass suicide in the year 73 CE Descend by cable car. Time and weather permitting, try the unique experience of bathing in the Dead Sea. Continue to the richly diverse oasis of Ein Gedi, and then to Qumran, home of the Essenes, and see the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. (B)

DAY 11 : DEPART TEL AVIV

EN ROUTE

Morning transfer to the airport for your departure flight. (B)