A tour of the Holy Land is the best way to explore the in-depth history of Judaism. This 5-day Jewish Heritage tour to Israel proposal includes many essential sites related to biblical and Jewish history, as well as the modern State of Israel. The tour also includes a few special, fun activities for all family members, creating an unforgettable experience for all ages.
Start your journey driving toward Jerusalem along the historic 1948 Burma Road, learning about the dramatic battles around Latrun during the War of Independence. Upon arrival in the city, set out on foot through the Jewish Quarter, where ancient remains and restored synagogues mingle with a vibrant modern atmosphere. Continue to the Western Wall Plaza, joining worshippers at this holiest accessible Jewish site, and enhance the visit with a virtual presentation that re-creates the Temple as it once stood (“Look into the Past”). If time permits, descend into the City of David, where remarkable archaeological finds bring biblical history vividly to life.
As evening falls, consider attending the breathtaking Tower of David Night Spectacular, projected against the ancient citadel walls.
Head east into the Judean Desert, pausing at the Sea Level sign for a fun camel ride and photo opportunity. Continue to the fortress of Masada, where palaces and storerooms built by King Herod became the setting for the Jewish rebels’ last stand two thousand years ago. Walk among the ruins and reflect on the site’s dramatic story of courage and tragedy.
For lunch, enjoy an authentic kibbutz experience at Ein Gedi, followed by a stroll in the famous Botanical Gardens. Alternatively, opt for a hotel lunch combined with a refreshing swim in the Dead Sea. On your way back, stop at Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, and if time allows, visit the Tekhelet Factory to see how biblical fringes are uniquely produced.
Travel north to Safed, the city of mystics and once a great center of Kabbalah. Wander along its charming streets, now home to thriving Jewish art galleries, and step inside synagogues where once famous rabbis prayed. Consider also visiting the revered tomb of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai (Rashbi), the most visited rabbinic tomb in Israel. Return to Tiberias, where the waters of the Sea of Galilee invite you to enjoy water activities or simply relax by the lakeshore.
Ascend the rugged Golan Heights and reach the summit of Mount Bental, where sweeping views extend across northern Israel and deep into Syria. Nearby lies the Valley of Tears, site of a legendary 1973 battle where a vastly outnumbered Israeli tank force repelled the Syrian army. Continue with an adventurous ATV tour along the Syrian border, combining the region’s dramatic landscapes with an understanding of its complex geopolitics. Pause for a traditional meal and warm hospitality in a Druze village, then begin your journey back toward the coast. Time permitting, stop at Caesarea, where the remains of Herod’s harbor city tell stories of Jewish, Roman, and Crusader history.
Begin the day at Independence Hall on Rothschild Boulevard, where David Ben-Gurion declared the birth of the State of Israel in 1948. Continue along the boulevard, hearing how Tel Aviv grew from sand dunes into a thriving metropolis. Next, drive south to Jaffa, one of the world’s oldest ports, and explore its picturesque alleys, filled with art galleries and history. Break for lunch in the bustling Flea Market, where antique shops and vintage finds create a lively atmosphere. Later, stand at the site of Yitzhak Rabin’s assassination, where in 1995 the Israeli Prime Minister was killed during a rally for peace. If time allows, end the day at the Palmach Museum, the ANU Museum, or enjoy the thrill of the Squadron – an IAF jet fighter simulator, each offering a different angle on Israel’s story.
