Saturday: En Route
Depart the USA on your transatlantic flights to Israel.
Sunday: Tel Aviv
Arrival to Ben Gurion Airport where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Overnight Tel-Aviv and Dinner at your hotel. (D)
Monday: Galilee
Depart Tel Aviv and drive along the coastal plain to Caesarea, once the Roman capital of the region; visit the excavations of the ancient city, the Roman theatre and aqueduct. Proceed to Muhraka, the site of confrontation between Elijah and the prophets of Baal; enjoy the spectacular view of the Jezreel valley and the lower Galilee. Continue to Megiddo, identified as the site of Armageddon; learn the impressive history of this battle field as you visit the archaeological excavations including the well-preserved water supply system. On to Acre to visit the remarkable underground Crusader City and crypt; walk through the Old City recognized by UNESCO as world heritage site, the local market and harbor. Continue to Kibbutz Lavi for dinner and overnight. (B.D)
Tuesday: Galilee
After a short tour of Tiberias to visit the birthplace of Mary Magdalene, enjoy a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee; visit the Yigal Alon center where the “Jesus Boat”, an ancient fishing boat from the 1st century, is displayed. Continue to Capernaum to visit the remains of the 2nd century synagogue. Stop at Tabgha, the site of the miracle of fish and loaves, and visit the Church of Multiplication with its 4th century mosaic floor. Proceed to Mount of Beatitudes, the place where Jesus delivered the sermon on the mount. Drive to Yardenit, the baptismal site on the Jordan River. Dinner and overnight at Kibbutz Lavi. (B.D)
Wednesday: Jerusalem
Drive to Cana to visit the Wedding Church, where Jesus performed his first miracle turning water into wine. Continue to Nazareth to visit the Church of Annunciation, Joseph’s workshop and Mary’s well. Proceed to Yardenit, the baptismal site on the Jordan river; next, stop at Beit Shean to visit the newly excavated Roman city and amphitheatre. Drive along the Jordan valley to Jerusalem for dinner and overnight. (B.D)
Thursday: Jerusalem
Drive to Mount of Olives for a panoramic view of the city; visit the Church of All Nations, King David’s Tomb and Room of Last Supper on Mt. Zion. Enter the Old City ; walk through the Cardo, the ancient roman road; visit the Jewish and Christian quarters; view the Temple Mount; visit the Western Wall and walk along the Via Dolorosa and the oriental Bazaar to visit the Church of Holy Sepulchre. Next, drive to the Garden Tomb and enjoy the beautiful gardens and peaceful ambiance. Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Jerusalem. (B.D)
Friday: Jerusalem
Drive to Ein Karem, birthplace of John the Baptist; Visit the Church of Visitation and the Church of Saint John the Baptist. Visit the Israel Museum, the Shrine of the Book, where the Dead Sea Scrolls are housed and the Scale Model of the ancient city of Jerusalem as it was during the Second Temple period. Proceed to Bethlehem (Subject to security conditions) birthplace of Jesus; visit Shepherds’ field; walk through Manger Square to visit the Church of Nativity. Return to Jerusalem for dinner and overnight. (B.D)
Saturday: Jerusalem
Drive through the Judean hills to Qumran caves, where the Dead Sea scrolls were found; Continue along the shores of the Dead Sea to Massada, the last stronghold of the Jews after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 A.D; ascend Massada by cable car and tour the mountain fortress built by King Herod; visit the remains of the walls, water cistern and Herod’s Palace; descend by cable car. Continue to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth; enjoy the opportunity to float in the unsinkable water and cover yourself with the mineral rich mud, believed to have therapeutic effects. Return to Jerusalem for dinner and overnight. (B.D)
Sunday: En Route
End of 7 Night Program
Transfer to the airport for your international departure flight, special assistance is provided for check-in service. (B)
EILAT EXTENSION:
Sunday: Jerusalem/Eilat
Sunday: Jerusalem/Eilat
Journey deep into the heart of the Negev Desert to the Vidor Center for Desert Agriculture, where cutting-edge research and innovation focus on sustainable farming in arid conditions. Discover how technology and tradition combine to grow food in one of the world’s harshest climates. Continue to Timna Park, a stunning desert landscape known for its towering sandstone formations, ancient copper mines, and prehistoric rock art. The dramatic vistas and historical sites provide a unique glimpse into the Negev Desert’s natural and cultural heritage. On to Eilat, a resort city on the Red Sea for Dinner and overnight. (B.D)
Monday: Eilat
Day at leisure OR join the optional day tour to Petra (Jordan) including lunch, returning to Eilat. (B.D or B.L.D).
Tuesday: Eilat – Tel Aviv
Start your day at Eilat’s Underwater Observatory, a captivating window into the vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life of the Red Sea. Experience an immersive underwater world without getting wet. Head north to Makhtesh Ramon (Ramon Crater), the world’s largest erosion crater and one of Israel’s most spectacular geological formations. Marvel at the crater’s unique landscape and visit the visitor center for insights into its geology and natural history. Continue to Tel Aviv for Dinner and overnight. (B.D)
Wednesday: En Route
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight special assistance is provided for check-in services.
