Embark on an 17-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.
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 with a visit to the meticulously landscaped terraces of the Bahai Gardens in Haifa. Explore the terraces surrounding the Golden-domed Shrine of the Báb, the burial place of the Bahá’í founder. Continue to Akko (Acre), a city steeped in historical and biblical significance. Discover the restored Crusader-era Hospitaller Knights’ Halls and wander through the colorful markets of Akko’s old city. After a lunch break, walk through the enchanting underground Templars’ Tunnels and on the Old city’s ramparts.
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.
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.
This day tour is especially designed for Saturdays (Sabbath), when many sites in Jerusalem are closed. Your first stop will be the Church of the Nativity, which maintains a long tradition of the birthplace of Jesus. Reach the Grotto of the Nativity and admire the medieval art and architecture. Next, make your way to the Shepherd’s field, commemorating the angel’s announcement to the shepherds. Visit the tent-shaped chapel and the adjacent caves once used as dens for livestock. After a lunch break and some souvenir shopping, return to Jerusalem to explore the nation’s most important museum, the Israel Museum. Its highlights include the Shrine of the Book, the Judaica the archaeological wings, and the Second Temple Model of Jerusalem.
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.
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.
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 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, experience the unique sensation of floating in the hyper-saline waters of the Dead Sea before heading to Eilat.
Overnight: Eilat
Make sure you have your passport and comfortable shoes as today you embark on a day tour to Petra. Once you cross the border, you’ll be greeted by the Jordanian guide who will arrange the 2-hour drive, passing through the rugged landscapes of Wadi Rum. Upon arrival, walk through the famous Siq, a winding canyon leading to the iconic Treasury (Al Khazane) monument. You’ll also pass by the royal tombs and Petra’s theatre and finally reach the city center. After a leisurely lunch, consider a hike to the Monastery (Ad-Deir) or to Petra’s High Place of Sacrifice. Enjoy also some free time for souvenir shopping before returning to Eilat.
Take some time to relax with a late breakfast and start the day leisurely. Explore Eilat’s attractions, and especially snorkeling in the Red Sea to discover its vibrant marine life and coral reef. Alternatively, go for an introductory scuba dive where your private instructor holds your hand through the whole dive. If you prefer to stay dry, opt for a tour of Eilat’s Underwater Observatory or a private sail on the Red Sea. In the afternoon make your way to Mizpe Ramon, a desert town situated on the edge of the phenomenal Ramon Crater.
Discover the stunning panoramic views and rugged landscapes of the Ramon Crater, a paradise for nature enthusiasts in the heart of the Negev’s wilderness. Start with a 2 hour off-road tour, exploring the local wildlife and unique geological features like the Ammonite wall. For an adventurous twist, join a child-friendly rappelling experience and visit the adjacent visitors center. At night indulge in an immersive stargazing session made extraordinary by the minimal light pollution in the crater.
On your way to the airport, visit Ben-Gurion’s Desert Home and appreciate its new multimedia visitors center. Continue to Sderot, the town closest to the Gaza Strip to gain insights into the challenges faced by the local community. Nearby is Yad Mordechai, a Kibbutz conquered by the Egyptians in 1948 after intense fighting, but later liberated by Israel. In the evening, reach Ben-Gurion airport for your departure. Farewell until we meet again!!
