9-Day Jewish Heritage Tour to Israel

The Holy Land is clustered with significant historical sites. Our 9-day Jewish heritage tour to Israel covers many sites and activities related to ancient and modern history. The Golan Heights, the Jordan Valley, Jerusalem, Tel-Aviv, and more. This specially designed tour proposal combines Israel’s best: Archaeological sites, scenic landscapes, cultural and food experiences, and fun activities for all ages.

Day 3 – Explore the Golan Heights

• Ascend the Golan Heights and reach the top of Mt. Bental. Here, you can view both Israel and deep into Syria, and explore an unmanned IDF bunker here.
• Nearby, visit the 1973 battle site “Valley of Tears.” In October 1973, a small tank force heroically successfully held against a massive Syrian attack.
• Join an ATV tour next to the Syrian Border to appreciate the Golan countryside’s beauty and special geo-politics.
• Have a unique lunch and hospitality experience in a Druze village.
• View the site of Gamla. Here, 2000 years ago, the Jewish city was conquered in a brutal Roman assault. Today, the site is part of a nature reserve. It combines the archaeological site with unique eagle nestling enclaves and breathtaking vistas of the Sea of Galilee.

Overnight: Tiberias

Day 4 – Greet Jerusalem

• Have an optional sail on the Sea of Galilee from Tiberias to Kibbutz Ginosar.
• See the unique first-century CE synagogue discovered in Magdala. Assess the meaning of the enigmatic decorated stone found in its center. Combine it with an optional visit to Capernaum‘s ancient synagogue.
• Visit the tomb mark of Maimonides and possibly other rabbis’ tomb marks in Tiberias.
• Assess the archaeological discoveries that may relate to the ancient Sanhedrin found in ancient Tiberias and Hamath Tiberias.
• Pass by Kinneret farm and cemetery and learn about the first Jewish pioneers here, who also founded the first kibbutz in the world (!).
• Enjoy a typical Israeli barbecuw lunch at Beit She’an, followed by a tour of the site’s rich remains from Roman times.
• Reach Jerusalem towards sunset and greet with a “Sheheyanu” from the Mount of Olives grand view of the city.

Overnight: Jerusalem

Day 5 – Unfolding Biblical Jerusalem

• Reach the city’s oldest finds uncovered at the City of David. Enjoy the 3d movie introduction at the visitor’s center and continue into the city’s ancient water systems.
• Walk along the dark and waterfilled Hezekiah’s Tunnel up to the Pool of Siloam.
• Review the significance of the pool in the temple days and ascend through the Herodian drainage channel to the Southern Wall Archaeological Park.
• Appreciate the rich presentation at the Davidson Center, and head for lunch in the Jewish Quarter.
• Explore the Jewish Quarter at sites like the Burnt House, or the Hurvah Synagogue. Combine it with some Judaica shopping in the Cardo.
• In the evening consider going to the Tower of David Night Spectacle.

Overnight: Jerusalem

Day 6 – The Temple Mount and the Western Wall

• Ascend to the Temple Mount. View the Muslim monuments and assess the remains that might relate to the Second Temple.
• Join a 1.5-hour tour of the Western Wall Tunnels, learning about the foundations of the Temple.
• Return for a visit to the Western Wall and possibly join the virtual tour of the Second Temple.
• Drive to Gush-Ezion to train in an anti-terror facility. Practice your Krav-Maga skills and some live shooting.
• Visit Herodium and learn about Herod’s lost tomb and the use of the site by the Bar-Kokhba rebels.

Overnight: Jerusalem

Day 7 – Masada and the Dead Sea

• Drive to the Dead Sea with an optional stop on at Sea Level sign for fun and short Camel Ride.
• At Masada, admire the site which witnessed a great drama 2000 years ago. See the wealth of remains and assess its tragic end for the Jewish rebels.
• Have an authentic kibbutz lunch experience at  Kibbutz Ein Gedi, followed by a stroll in the kibbutz’s famous botanical gardens.
• Alternatively, drive to one of the hotels by the Dead Sea for a lunch and swim experience.
• On the way back to Jerusalem, stop to view the caves where the famous Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered (Qumran).
• If time permits, learn how Biblical Tsitsit was made at the unique Tekhelet Factory.

Overnight: Jerusalem

Day 8 – Track Goliath and Samson in the  Shephela

• Drive to the pastoral low hills countryside of the Shephela.
• Reach the summit of Tel Azekah and assess the reality behind the biblical story of the Battle site of David and Goliath.
• Tour biblical Lachish and learn about its devastation by the Assyrians in 701 BCE.
• Dive along the historical 1948 Burma Road and learn about the battles of providing Jerusalem with vital supplies during the War of Independence.
• Time permitting, join a tour of the 1948 Secret Bullet Factory (“Machon Ayalon”).

Overnight: Tel-Aviv

Day 9 – Be a Tel-Avivian

• Visit the Independence Hall on Rothschild Boulevard, where the state of Israel was declared.
• Continue on Rothschild boulevard and learn how Tel-Aviv was established and developed into Israel’s metropolis.
• Proceed to Jaffa and learn about its rich history. Stroll in its scenic alleys and enjoy its unique art galleries.
• Go to the Flea Market for a lunch break and chance finds of rare vintage memorabilia.
• Reach Rabin’s Assassination site. Here, in 1995, the Israeli prime minister was shot by opposition to the contemporary peace process with the Palestinians.
• Time permitting, visit the Palmach Museum or the ANU Museum, or try the extreme jet fighter flight simulator (“The Squadron”)!