Embark on an 14-day private journey through the enchanting landscapes and sites of the Holy Land. This bespoke tour invites you to delve into the heart of this great nation, where biblical heritage seamlessly blends with modern innovation. From the vibrant streets of Tel Aviv to the historic sites of Jerusalem, from the Negev to the Galilee, each day promises a new, exciting, multifaceted experience.
Shalom and welcome to Israel! After landing in Israel, check in to your chosen hotel in Tel-Aviv to settle in and refresh. Depending on your time of arrival, join your guide for a tour of Old Jaffa. Stroll through its charming cobblestone streets and explore its architectural gems. Learn about Jaffa’s rich history, intertwined with figures like King Solomon, the Prophet Jonah, and Saint Peter. Conclude your day with a delightful dinner at one of Tel-Aviv’s excellent dining options.
Start your day in the historic Neve Tzedek neighborhood, known for its pedestrian streets and boutique shops. Continue into Tel-Aviv and visit Israel’s Independence Hall. This historic landmark is where Ben-Gurion declared Israel’s Independence in 1948, one of the most pivotal moments in Jewish History. Take a walk along Rothschild Boulevard, known for its Bauhaus architecture and vibrant street life. After a lunch break continue to the Palmach Museum for a unique sensory experience of the pre-1948 Jewish fighting force. Alternatively, sign up for the high-end Israeli Airforce fighter jet simulator – The Squadron.
Discover the Southern coast of Israel, blending biblical landscape and a glimpse into daily life around Gaza. Start at Ashkelon National Park, a city of 4000 years of history. Walk through its intact Canaanite-era gate and marvel and the marble sculpture reflecting the City’s classical golden era. Continue to Kibbutz Yad-Mordedechai and visit the 1948 war monument against the Egyptians. In Sderot, enjoy a light lunch while learning firsthand how the rocket threat from Gaza impacts the daily lives of its residents. Conclude the day in Netiv Ha’asara farm, where you will have the opportunity to contribute to the “Path to Peace” project. This initiative, situated on the border facing Gaza, aims to foster hope and understanding in the region.
Heading north, visit the Roman-era metropolis of Caesarea Maritima, founded by King Herod over 2,000 years ago. Explore the city’s theatre, hippodrome, and Herod’s Palace, where the Apostle Paul was imprisoned (Acts 24). Tour the new visitors center and enjoy a lunch break next to Herod’s sunken harbor. Journey on to Muhraka atop Mount Carmel which commemorates Elijah’s triumph over the Ba’al prophets (1 Kings 18). In addition to its religious significance, the site also provides sweeping views of northern Israel.
Start today at Capernaum, “the Town of Jesus” (Matthew 9:1), exploring the ancient synagogue and church believed to be built over St. Peter’s house. Nearby, at the Mount of Beatitudes, visit the remarkable church that commemorates Jesus’ renowned Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5; Luke 6). After lunch, at Kibbutz Ginosar visit a 2,000-year-old boat that was possibly abandoned after Jesus walked on water (Mark 6). In the afternoon, explore Magdala, the hometown of Mary Magdalene, and conclude with a serene sail on the Sea of Galilee.
Embarking on a journey to the northern border, start at Tel Dan, an archaeological site associated with the Golden Calf (1 Kings 12). Moving on, in Caesarea-Philippi (Banias), see where Jesus reinstated Peter as his favored disciple (Matthew 16). Ascend the Golan Heights to savor a traditional Druze lunch, combining authentic local cuisine and hospitality. After lunch visit the 1973 “Valley of Tears” battle site and enjoy stunning panorama from Mount Bental. Oenophiles can consider ending the day in a local winery.
Commence your day in Beit-Shean, an ancient city steeped in history and archaeology. Trace the walls where Saul and his sons met their fate (1 Samuel 31) and explore the city’s main monuments from the Roman and Byzantine periods. After lunch continue to Kibbutz Beth-Alpha, known for the discovery of an ancient Jewish synagogue floor bearing intriguing symbols. Culminate your day by ascending to the top of Mount Tabor, believed to be the site of Jesus’ transfiguration (Matthew 17). Explore the stunning Church of the Transfiguration and take in the breathtaking vistas of the eastern lower Galilee.
Embark on a journey across the Galilee, starting in Cana, where Jesus performed the miracle of turning water into wine (John 2). In nearby Nazareth, a city deeply intertwined with Jesus’ early life, explore the Basilica of the Annunciation, commemorating the angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary. Venture beneath the adjacent St. Joseph Church, believed to house remnants of the Holy family’s residence, and enjoy a local lunch. After lunch traverse the Jezreel Valley to Megiddo Archaeological Park. Megiddo is often associated with Armageddon (Rev. 16:16) and was a prominent city in Solomon’s kingdom (1 Kings 9:15). Take the opportunity to explore well-preserved ruins, including biblical-era gates, stables, and a water tunnel.
A tour of Jerusalem is a historical and spiritual enriching experience. Start with a visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre which marks the sites of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. Next, follow the Via Dolorosa, the historic route marking Jesus’ path to his crucifixion. Head on to the Western Wall, a remnant of the Second Temple, and into the Jewish Quarter. Here you can enjoy a delightful lunch and explore historical monuments like the Hurvah synagogue and the Cardo. Continue to Mount Zion for Historical landmarks like King David’s Tomb Mark and the Room of the Last Supper. Conclude the day with a drive to the top of Mount of Olives for stunning panoramas of Jerusalem.
Start the day at the Garden of Gethsemane, where Christian tradition marks Jesus’ prayer before his capture and trial. Continue to the City of David, the historical nucleus of Jerusalem. Review archeological finds relating to David’s palace, and hike down to the Gihon Spring, Jerusalem’s water source in biblical times. Reach the Pool of Siloam, where Jesus healed a blind man (John 9), and hike up an ancient drainage channel to the Southern Wall Archeological Park. Review the park’s rich remains, including dramatic evidence of Jerusalem’s destruction by the Romans in 70 AD, and head on to the Mahane Yudah Market. This lively open-air market is a great place for a lunch savoring local flavors – and a stroll through its bustling alleys. End your day with a peek into the insular Mea Shearim neighborhood, where an ultra-Orthodox Jewish community continues to follow a medieval Ashkenazi lifestyle.
Start your day at Yad Vashem, Israel’s main Holocaust memorial. Explore the museum, a poignant chronicle of the Holocaust through personal stories and artifacts as well as the haunting Children’s memorial. Continue to Mount Herzl which hosts the graves of soldiers and notable leaders. Continue to Ein Karem, a picturesque village on the outskirts of Jerusalem, known Christian landmarks and fine dining. After a lunch break visit Saint John the Baptist Church which commemorates the birth and babyhood of John the Baptist.
Depart Jerusalem and traverse the picturesque landscapes of the Judean Desert, passing by Jericho and the Baptism site. Next to the Dead Sea, your guide will point to the caves where the famous Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Possibly visit Qumran, a mysterious archaeological site that may have been the headquarters of the group behind the Scrolls. Next, drive through the Ein-Gedi Nature Reserve and observe its unique wildlife. Reach Masada and enjoy its visitor center and the comfortable cable car ride to the top. Here, embark on an immersive archeological expedition, tracing King Herod’s grand palaces and the ingenious water system. Along its western flank you’ll encounter the Roman ramp and the synagogue where the poignant decision of the last Jewish defenders may have been made. After a lunch break, conclude the day with the unique sensation of floating in the hyper-saline waters of the Dead Sea.
Experience the enchanting beauty and rich biblical history of the Shephela (The Judean foothills). Start at Tel Beth-Shemesh, a significant biblical site that once bordered the Philistine territory. Enter a 2,700-year-old water reservoir and reach the rock where the ark of the Covenant may have rested (1 Samuel 6). Move on to the Elah Valley, the backdrop for the legendary showdown between David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17). Gather a few pebbles from the brook and ascend to Tel Azekah to appreciate the view that reflects the biblical story. Proceed to a local winery and indulge in a wine-tasting session combined with a light lunch. Conclude your day with a visit to the workshop of esteemed Israeli artist David Gerstein, or an off-road drive alone sections of the 1948 Burma Road.
The last day of the tour will be devoted to a comprehensive exploration of Israel’s foremost museum – the Israel Museum. Review in detail the Judaica and Archaeological wings, the intricate model of Jerusalem in the first century, and the renowned Shrine of the Book, where the Dead Sea Scrolls are on display.
If time and interest allow, this day may extend to include a visit to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem which maintains a long tradition of the birthplace of Jesus. As the day concludes you will be transferred to the Airport for your departure flight. Until we meet again, a heartfelt farewell!
