Embark on an 7-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 Dead Sea 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 the day with a drive through Rothschild Boulevard, the historical heart of Tel-Aviv. Appreciate its unique eclectic architecture and stop in front of Israel’s Independence Hall, where Ben-Gurion declared the nation’s Independence. Nearby, see the Rabin Assassination site, another pivotal moment in Israel’s history. Heading North, proceed to Caesarea Maritima, a Roman-era Metropolis founded by King Herod. Visit the newly developed visitors center and enjoy a leisurely lunch next to Herod’s sunken harbor. Afterward, explore Caesarea’s main monuments such as the hippo-stadium, theatre, and Herod’s palace, where the Apostle Paul was imprisoned. Conclude the day with a scenic drive across the Galilee, passing by the Muhraka, a site commemorating Elijah’s triumph over the prophets of Ba’al (1 Kings 18).
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.
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). Head to Nazareth, a city deeply intertwined with Jesus’ early life. Enjoy a delightful Galilean lunch, and explore the Basilica of the Annunciation, commemorating the angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary. Conclude the day with a scenic ride through the Plains of Armageddon, en route to Jerusalem.
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.
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.
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. If time permtis, have a peek into the insular Mea Shearim neighborhood before heading to the airport for your departure flight. Farewell!
