Travel

Highlights

Book Now!

Escorted Package Includes

Round trip flights New York-Tel Aviv, Tel Aviv-New York

Itinerary

DAY 1, Thursday - Depart for Israel

Depart for Israel

DAY 2, Friday - Arrive in Tel Aviv and transfer to Jerusalem

Arrive in Tel Aviv and transfer to your hotel in Jerusalem. This evening, meet your Tour Manager for an orientation at the hotel, followed by a light meal

Overnight: Jerusalem

Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Saturday - Jerusalem Old City Tour*

This morning, enjoy a full day exploration of Jerusalem's walled Old City with its four distinct sections known as the Christian Quarter, Jewish Quarter, Muslim Quarter and Armenian Quarter. Begin the tour just outside of the walls at Mt. Zion to visit the Room of the Last Supper and the tomb dedicated to King David and Mt. Scopus to view the Wall of Life. From here, visit the David Citadel and stroll along the Via Dolorosa, a central street in the Old City and visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre which was constructed early in the 2nd century and has undergone beautiful restoration projects. Following free time for lunch rejoin the group to visit the Western Wall, a remnant of the original wall surrounding the Temple Mount. Savor dinner at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel for the evening

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 4, Sunday - Jewish Quarter Tour*

After breakfast, return to the Old City and focus on touring the Jewish Quarter this morning. Visit the excavation of the Southern Wall of the Temple Mount at the Davidson Center followed by a visit to the Western Wall tunnels. From here walk through the Cardo, the ancient Roman market street that has been excavated to reveal another layer of the city's long history. It brings to life the mural of the ancient Roman Cardo that is located near the entrance of the Davidson Center viewed earlier this morning. End the tour with a quick stop at the remains of the Broad Wall, an ancient defensive wall and free time for lunch. The remainder of the day is at leisure

DAY 5, Monday - Jerusalem New City Tour*

Today, embark on a morning tour of Jerusalem's New City, beginning at the Israel Museum. While here, visit the Shrine of the Book where the famous Dead Sea Scrolls are kept. Not far away is the enormous replica of Jerusalem, built in a 1:50 scale. The model depicts the city as it was nearly 2000 years ago in 66 AD. Following the museum visit continue to the Mount Herzl Military Cemetery, Israel's largest military cemetery, and part of the greater national cemetery. The respect and admiration shown to those lost is evident when viewing the identical headstones of all who served, regardless of rank. End the tour with a visit to the site of Israel's Holocaust Memorial, Yad Vashem, located on the western slope of Mt. Herzl, also known as the "Mount of Remembrance." Spend the balance of the day at leisure. This afternoon, join the optional tour to the Herodian Mansions and the Burnt House in the Old City

Optional: Half Day Jerusalem Herodian Mansions & Burnt House (PM)

Optional: Illuminated Jerusalem with Dinner (PM)**

Overnight: Jerusalem

Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6, Tuesday - Masada En Route to the Dead Sea

Today, travel to the desert mesa of Masada overlooking the Dead Sea. Ascend to the top of the 400 meter by flat top by cable car to visit the archaeological site of Roman and Byzantine ruins. Excavations of the site have uncovered structures not only of Herod's Palace and a Byzantine church but also a swimming pool, a synagogue, rebel dwellings and a mosaic workshop. At the bottom of the hill, visit the newly constructed Museum of Masada that contains artifacts discovered from the mountain and the surrounding area. Arrive at the Dead Sea this afternoon and enjoy dinner at the hotel this evening

Overnight: Dead Sea

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 7, Wednesday - Jordan Valley, Beit She'an En Route to Galilee

This morning travel into northern Israel through the Jordan River Valley passing Qumran, the archaeological site near the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Afterwards, stop at Beit Alpha. Go back in time and visit the mosaic floor of the ancient Synagogue depicting lunar Hebrew moons and their corresponding zodiac signs. After a short lunch break visit the ruins of the Roman amphitheater in the impressive archaeological site of Beit She'an. From here progress to Yardenit, a popular baptismal site on the Jordan River before a stop in Caprice, famous for the diamond factory. Enjoy dinner at the hotel this evening

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 8, Thursday - Full Day in Galilee

Enjoy a full day at leisure in this lush region with a deep religious heritage to the west of the Sea of Galilee. The region offers much to do in nearby towns and cities, such as Tiberias, or venture out on the Sea itself to get a glimpse of the natural beauty of the area before dinner this evening. Participate in the optional full day tour to the Golan Heights to understand more about this strategic area

Overnight: Galilee

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 9, Friday - Nazareth, Haifa, Caesarea En Route to Tel Aviv

Head towards the Mediterranean Sea this morning through the Galilean hills to Nazareth. Here there will be a chance to visit the Church of the Annunciation, the largest basilica in the Middle East. Continue to Haifa to view the impressive Baha'i Gardens in the heart of the city and incorporating nineteen distinct terraces. Follow the Mediterranean coast, stopping in the ancient harbor of Caesarea to see its Roman, Byzantine and Crusader ruins and the impressive theater. Watch history come alive with a multi-media presentation at the visitor centre. Drive south along the coastal highway to Tel Aviv for dinner and overnight

DAY 10, Saturday - Full day in Tel Aviv

After breakfast there is the option to join a short walking tour of Tel Aviv with a local guide provided by the hotel. Take the remainder of the day to explore the coastal city of Tel Aviv independently. A more modern city than Jerusalem, Tel Aviv has become the financial, arts and business center of Israel. Take time today to wander along the promenade along the beach and to the Jaffa Port

Overnight: Tel Aviv

Meals: Breakfast

DAY 11, Sunday - Depart Israel

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight

Meals: Breakfast

*Please note that due to local events, the order of the Jerusalem sightseeing might be altered. Details will be provided locally by your Tour Manager

** Optional Illuminated Jerusalem with Dinner will operate on Day 3 for departure dates: Mar 31, 2016.

Gate 1 itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.