An 10 days private tour plan of Israel is an intensive itinerary that will cover most of the highlights of Israel and include a day tour of Petra, in Jordan. This carefully crafted tour plan is a great way to immerse your self with Israel’s top tourists destinations, as well as its daily life in the hip parts of Tel-Aviv, Jerusalem and more. The tour covers wide range of subjects, from Old Testament landmarks and nature reserves to sites relating to Jesus and John the Baptists, medieval castles, various food experiences, battle sites, and more. Prepare for a great experience!
10 Days Israel + Petra Private Tour
Day 1 – Explore Roman Caesarea
WELCOME TO ISRAEL!. Pending on time of arrival, we could visit the ruins of the ancient metropolis Caesarea on our way up north, especially appreciating the Caesarea aqueduct, Caesarea Port, Paul’s Prison in Caesarea (?), Herods Palace in Caesarea, Caesarea Theatre, and more. Driving through the Jezreel Valley and the Galilee, we could also visit the Biblical site of Megiddo and learn on its identification with Apocalypic Armageddon.
Overnight: North
Day 2 – Discover the Galilee
This day is devoted to sites in the Galilee and around the Sea of Galilee. We start with a visit to Capernaum , “Hometown of Jesus” according to the New Testament, today an impressive archaeolical site, that bears, among others, the biggest synagogue ever found in Israel. Nearby we visit Magdala, a site that also combines significant Jewish and Christian history, and next we head up to Nazareth, where we have a nice local lunch, and then review the finds at Roman era Sepphoris. On the way back, if time permits, we could also visit Cana.
Overnight: North
Day 3 – Tour Akko and Haifa
Heading west we devote the morning to the significant mediavel city of Akko. Former Capital of the Crusaders, Akko presents an impressive complex of the Hospitallers (the Knights Halls) as well as an authentic local Arab Market. From Akko we could have a Boat ride around its walls, or sail to Haifa, where we can appreciate the Bahai Gardens in Haifa. If time and will permits, we could also visit Atlit Detainee Camp, and\or view Atlit Crusaders Fortress.
Overnight: Tel-Aviv
Day 4 – Be a Tel-Avivian
A full day devoted to the modern history of Israel as reflected in Jaffa and Tel-Aviv will start with a stroll along old Jaffa, and its nearby Flea Market. Next we will head to Rothschild Boulevard. At Shalom Meir Tower Visitors Center we will review the early history Tel-Aviv, and nearby we will visit the “Independence hall”, where the state of Israel was declared (!). We will end with a drive to Rabin Assassination site, and asses the current geo-politics of Israel and its surroundings.
Overnight: Tel-Aviv
Day 5 – Explore Samson’s Land
Heading out of Tel-Aviv we could appreciate some quite a few sites on our way to Jerusalem: the Palmach Museum, the Secret Bullet Factory (“Machon Ayalon”), a drive along the “Burma Road”, Battle site of David and Goliath, ancient Beth Shemesh or crawl in Bar Kokhba caves. After a lunch break we could visit the prolific David Gerstein Studio, and/or visit one the many local wineries in the region. Upon reaching Jerusalem we will drive along the “Capitol hill” and see the Parlaiment building (Knesset), and the Supreme Court Building, before checking in to your hotel.
Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 6 – Unveiling Jerusalem
Our full day tour of the holiest city in the world will begin with an introduction from Mount of Olives Viewpoint , and possibly have also a visit to Dominus Flevit and the Garden of Gethsemane. If you have an interest to visit and contribute to the City of David archaeological project (The Ir David organization), we will have a special VIP tour of the site, and continue into the Old City where we will visit the Western wall, and possibly have a private tour of the Western Wall tunnels. After a lunch break we continue into the Christian Quarter and walk along parts of the Via Dolorosa to visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 7 – Float on the Dead Sea
Heading to the lowest dry place in the world, we might wand to make a stop at the Sea level sign for a Camel Ride. Next we will pass by Jericho and the Baptism site (qasr el-Yahud) and view the caves where the famous Dead Sea Scrolls were found (Qumran). Later we will drive by the oassis of Ein Gedi, and possibly spot some local Ibex. The main focus will be on the mgnificant site of Masada, famed for its dramatic and tragic history. We now head for a lunch and a swim oppurtunity at the Dead Sea, and then head to Eilat (2.5 hours drive), passing by Lot’s Wife Pillar on the way. If time and will permits we could stop Hazeva or Vidor Center.
Overnight: Eilat
Day 8 – Explore Petra and Wadi Rum
Our time in Eilat can be used for a full day tour of Petra and Wadi Rum. An early departure will get us to the border, followed by a private tour, led by a Jordanian guide.
Alternatively we could use the time to visit the Eilat Underwater Observatory, Scuba Diving at the Red Sea (No Experience needed!), or drive up to Eilat Mountains and hike in the Red Canyon and view into Egypt. Another option is a drive to the ancient Copper mines in Timna, where we can also appreciate the Tabernacle Replica. At the end of the day we have a 2 hours drive to Mitzpe Ramon.
Overnight: Mizpe Ramon
Day 9 – 0ff-Road in the Ramon Crater
Our day at the heart of the Negev will beding with a visit to Ramon Crater Visitors Center, followed by a Jeep tour in Ramon Crater, including The “Carpentry”. For a unique and authentic Bedouin lunch experience we could attend the Salman Bedouin Hospitality Experience, and in the afternoon we could Rappel in Ramon Crater. At night we could join a session of Stargazing session in Machtesh Ramon.
Overnight: Mizpe Ramon
Day 10 – The Negev
On our last day we head to airport, with an optional stop at Ben Gurion’s Tomb and Hut in Kibbutz Sde-Boker, and/or a review of Beer-Sheva and\or Tel Be’er Sheva. Alternatively we could drive by the border with Gaza, and learn about the rockets threat in Sderot, ending the day at the Air-port. Farewell!
