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DAY 1, Tuesday - Depart for Israel
Depart on your flight to Tel Aviv, Israel
DAY 2, Wednesday - Arrive in Tel Aviv
Welcome to Israel! Upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport proceed to your hotel to rest, relax, and acclimate to your new time zone. Tonight, join your fellow travelers and Tour Manager for an orientation meeting at approximately 6 PM, followed by a Welcome Dinner. We recommend that you select flights which arrive in your destination no later than 4 PM on day 2 of the itinerary or earlier, if possible
Overnight: Tel Aviv
Meals: Dinner
DAY 3, Thursday - Ancient Jaffa, Sarona Market, Rabin Center
A morning walking tour introduces you to the ancient port city of Jaffa (Joppa), eternally linked with the biblical tales of Jonah and St. Peter. Tour the Ottoman buildings, continue along the winding cobblestone lanes to the reconstructed Artists' Quarter. View the breathtaking landscape of the shoreline of Tel Aviv and the Mediterranean coast. From here continue your tour that reveals the contrasting architecture of this city on the sea, pausing to admire some of the city’s splendid Bauhaus buildings - more than any other city in the world. Then on to the dynamic Sarona Market complex, the heart of Israel’s culinary art scene, before lunch on your own. Continue with a drive to the Israeli Museum at the Yitzhak Rabin Center chronicling the life of the late Prime Minister and the development of the State of Israel
Overnight: Tel Aviv
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4, Friday - Caesarea, Wine Tasting, Nazareth, Haifa
On the drive north along the scenic Mediterranean coast you reach spectacular Caesarea, built by King Herod, considered one of the greatest builders of the ancient world. Explore this archaeological site with its Roman and Crusader ruins, including an impressive 1st-century theater still being used today and a hippodrome that once held over 20,000 people for chariot races. Afterward, arrive at a family-owned winery, where you will savor a tasting. The tour will proceed towards Nazareth, the sacred town where Jesus spent most of his youth. Here, visit the Basilica of the Annunciation. There will be time for a brief stop at Mt. Precipice. Continue with a drive towards the shimmering seaport city of Haifa. Arrive at your hotel overlooking the bay of Haifa in time for dinner
Overnight: Haifa
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5, Saturday - Baha’i Shrine, Acre (Akko), Rosh Hanikra
This morning, visit the meticulously manicured gardens and striking golden dome of the Baha’i Shrine, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From here drive north to visit the port city, a stark contrast in scenery as you arrive in the timeless Crusader city of Acre (Akko). Once a thriving Ottoman city, with its bustling fishing port, stunning architecture and monuments recalling the colorful Middle Ages, walk through the Arab markets. Have lunch in Acre before taking a scenic drive past the rugged terrain of the northernmost tip of Israel and the gleaming white cliffs of Rosh Hanikra. Here, descend by cable car to the astonishing underwater grottoes and sea caves, a magical world of nature in all of its splendor. Time at leisure this evening in Haifa
Overnight: Haifa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 6, Sunday - Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, Mount of Beatitudes, Yigal Alon Museum, Beit She'an en route to Jerusalem
Depart from Haifa and travel via verdant rolling hills to the tranquil Sea of Galilee. The drive takes you past kibbutzim that dot the area – the very beginning of Israel’s concept of collective communities traditionally based on agriculture. Once you reach the shores of the Galilee Sea, visit Capernaum and view the ruins of a 1st century village. Proceed to the Mount of Beatitudes, site of the Sermon on the Mount, where you stand in wonder at the expansive views of the entire region. Continue with an unforgettable opportunity to visit a working kibbutz and get acquainted with everyday life in this rural community, then proceed with a visit at the Yigal Alon Museum. Head south via the Jordan Valley and reach the impressive site of Beit She'an, an ancient Roman city dating back to King Saul, see the remains of an ancient city and the ongoing excavations. The day is capped by the entrance to "Golden" Jerusalem. Time to settle in at the hotel before dinner
Overnight: Jerusalem
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7, Monday - The Old City of Jerusalem, Western Wall Tunnels, Herodian Mansions
The exploration of Jerusalem, one of the oldest and holiest cities in the world, begins with a walking tour of Jerusalem within the walled Old City with its four distinct sections: the Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Armenian Quarters. Visit the Western Wall remains of the Second Temple, and the holiest prayer site of Judaism. You may leave a prayer note in the crevices of the wall as people of many religions have done for centuries. Your visit continues with a walk through history in the astonishing Western Wall Tunnels. Then follow the steps along the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, one of the holiest sites in the Christian world. Pass through the narrow alleys and souks and walk along the Cardo, the colonnaded main street of Roman and Byzantine Jerusalem. Next, visit a six-house compound known as the Herodian Mansions. These were the homes of aristocracy, Temple priests and their families. These dwellings bear witness to the residents' wealth and high standard of living. The remainder of the day is on your own, or attend the optional Illuminated Jerusalem, Dinner & Sound & Light Show. The evening begins with dinner before driving to the Tower of David to attend the spectacular "Sound & Light" Show that tells the story of Jerusalem accompanied by original music and virtual reality images
Optional: Illuminated Jerusalem, Dinner & Sound & Light Show
Overnight: Jerusalem
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8, Tuesday - Masada and Dead Sea
The day begins with a drive along the shores of the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, to reach the clifftop fortress at Masada, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ascend by cable car to the last stronghold of the Zealots, learn about their brave tale and their struggle against the Romans. Visit the archaeological sites including the remains of Herod's Great Palace, a synagogue, bath houses, dwellings, and workshops, and you will discover why the symbolism of Masada remains meaningful to this day. After a visit to the Museum of Masada at the base, continue for lunch and free time to swim in the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea. Changing rooms will be provided for your convenience. After a relaxing time by the Dead Sea return to Jerusalem, where the evening is at leisure to explore
Overnight: Jerusalem
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 9, Wednesday - Yad Vashem, Israel Museum, Machane Yehuda Market
This morning visit Yad Vashem, a memorial to the Holocaust. Walk through the Museum, the Children’s Pavilion and along the Avenue of the Righteous, dedicated to Christians who rescued Jews during the Holocaust. Afterward, drive via the Supreme Court Building and the Knesset (Parliament) to the renowned Israel Museum and view the remarkable Scale Model, a miniature replica of ancient Jerusalem from the Second Temple period and the Shrine of the Book, where the Dead Sea Scrolls are housed. Return back to the pedestrian area and walk the oldest neighborhood outside the Old walled City of Jerusalem, stroll through the Machane Yehuda Market to observe daily life in Jerusalem. During your Farewell Dinner on this last evening in Israel, share wonderful memories of your journey with newfound friends
Overnight: Jerusalem
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 10, Thursday - Depart Israel
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
Due to local events and holidays, the order of sightseeing may be changed. Details to be provided locally by Tour Manager.
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DAY 1, Wednesday - Depart for Israel
Depart on your flight to Tel Aviv, Israel
DAY 2, Thursday - Arrive in Tel Aviv
Welcome to Israel! Upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport proceed to your hotel to rest, relax, and acclimate to your new time zone. Tonight, join your fellow travelers and Tour Manager for an orientation meeting at approximately 6 PM, followed by a Welcome Dinner. We recommend that you select flights which arrive in your destination no later than 4 PM on day 2 of the itinerary or earlier, if possible
Overnight: Tel Aviv
Meals: Dinner
DAY 3, Friday - Ancient Jaffa, Sarona Market, Rabin Center
A morning walking tour introduces you to the ancient port city of Jaffa (Joppa), eternally linked with the biblical tales of Jonah and St. Peter. Tour the Ottoman buildings, continue along the winding cobblestone lanes to the reconstructed Artists' Quarter. View the breathtaking landscape of the shoreline of Tel Aviv and the Mediterranean coast. From here continue your tour that reveals the contrasting architecture of this city on the sea, pausing to admire some of the city’s splendid Bauhaus buildings - more than any other city in the world. Then on to the dynamic Sarona Market complex, the heart of Israel’s culinary art scene, before lunch on your own. Continue with a drive to the Israeli Museum at the Yitzhak Rabin Center chronicling the life of the late Prime Minister and the development of the State of Israel
Overnight: Tel Aviv
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4, Saturday - Caesarea, Wine Tasting, Nazareth, Haifa
On the drive north along the scenic Mediterranean coast you reach spectacular Caesarea, built by King Herod, considered one of the greatest builders of the ancient world. Explore this archaeological site with its Roman and Crusader ruins, including an impressive 1st-century theater still being used today and a hippodrome that once held over 20,000 people for chariot races. Afterward, arrive at a family-owned winery, where you will savor a tasting. The tour will proceed towards Nazareth, the sacred town where Jesus spent most of his youth. Here, visit the Basilica of the Annunciation. There will be time for a brief stop at Mt. Precipice. Continue with a drive towards the shimmering seaport city of Haifa. Arrive at your hotel overlooking the bay of Haifa in time for dinner
Overnight: Haifa
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5, Sunday - Baha’i Shrine, Acre (Akko), Rosh Hanikra
This morning, visit the meticulously manicured gardens and striking golden dome of the Baha’i Shrine, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From here drive north to visit the port city, a stark contrast in scenery as you arrive in the timeless Crusader city of Acre (Akko). Once a thriving Ottoman city, with its bustling fishing port, stunning architecture and monuments recalling the colorful Middle Ages, walk through the Arab markets. Have lunch in Acre before taking a scenic drive past the rugged terrain of the northernmost tip of Israel and the gleaming white cliffs of Rosh Hanikra. Here, descend by cable car to the astonishing underwater grottoes and sea caves, a magical world of nature in all of its splendor. Time at leisure this evening in Haifa
Overnight: Haifa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 6, Monday - Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, Mount of Beatitudes, Yigal Alon Museum, Beit She'an en route to Jerusalem
Depart from Haifa and travel via verdant rolling hills to the tranquil Sea of Galilee. The drive takes you past kibbutzim that dot the area – the very beginning of Israel’s concept of collective communities traditionally based on agriculture. Once you reach the shores of the Galilee Sea, visit Capernaum and view the ruins of a 1st century village. Proceed to the Mount of Beatitudes, site of the Sermon on the Mount, where you stand in wonder at the expansive views of the entire region. Continue with an unforgettable opportunity to visit a working kibbutz and get acquainted with everyday life in this rural community, then proceed with a visit at the Yigal Alon Museum. Head south via the Jordan Valley and reach the impressive site of Beit She'an, an ancient Roman city dating back to King Saul, see the remains of an ancient city and the ongoing excavations. The day is capped by the entrance to "Golden" Jerusalem. Time to settle in at the hotel before dinner
Overnight: Jerusalem
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7, Tuesday - The Old City of Jerusalem, Western Wall Tunnels, Herodian Mansions
The exploration of Jerusalem, one of the oldest and holiest cities in the world, begins with a walking tour of Jerusalem within the walled Old City with its four distinct sections: the Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Armenian Quarters. Visit the Western Wall remains of the Second Temple, and the holiest prayer site of Judaism. You may leave a prayer note in the crevices of the wall as people of many religions have done for centuries. Your visit continues with a walk through history in the astonishing Western Wall Tunnels. Then follow the steps along the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, one of the holiest sites in the Christian world. Pass through the narrow alleys and souks and walk along the Cardo, the colonnaded main street of Roman and Byzantine Jerusalem. Next, visit a six-house compound known as the Herodian Mansions. These were the homes of aristocracy, Temple priests and their families. These dwellings bear witness to the residents' wealth and high standard of living. The remainder of the day is on your own, or attend the optional Illuminated Jerusalem, Dinner & Sound & Light Show. The evening begins with dinner before driving to the Tower of David to attend the spectacular "Sound & Light" Show that tells the story of Jerusalem accompanied by original music and virtual reality images
Optional: Illuminated Jerusalem, Dinner & Sound & Light Show
Overnight: Jerusalem
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8, Wednesday - Masada and Dead Sea
The day begins with a drive along the shores of the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, to reach the clifftop fortress at Masada, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ascend by cable car to the last stronghold of the Zealots, learn about their brave tale and their struggle against the Romans. Visit the archaeological sites including the remains of Herod's Great Palace, a synagogue, bath houses, dwellings, and workshops, and you will discover why the symbolism of Masada remains meaningful to this day. After a visit to the Museum of Masada at the base, continue for lunch and free time to swim in the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea. Changing rooms will be provided for your convenience. After a relaxing time by the Dead Sea return to Jerusalem, where the evening is at leisure to explore
Overnight: Jerusalem
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 9, Thursday - Yad Vashem, Israel Museum, Machane Yehuda Market
This morning visit Yad Vashem, a memorial to the Holocaust. Walk through the Museum, the Children’s Pavilion and along the Avenue of the Righteous, dedicated to Christians who rescued Jews during the Holocaust. Afterward, drive via the Supreme Court Building and the Knesset (Parliament) to the renowned Israel Museum and view the remarkable Scale Model, a miniature replica of ancient Jerusalem from the Second Temple period and the Shrine of the Book, where the Dead Sea Scrolls are housed. Return back to the pedestrian area and walk the oldest neighborhood outside the Old walled City of Jerusalem, stroll through the Machene Yehuda Market to observe daily life in Jerusalem. During your Farewell Dinner on this last evening in Israel, share wonderful memories of your journey with newfound friends
Overnight: Jerusalem
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 10, Friday - Depart Israel
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
Due to local events and holidays, the order of sightseeing may be changed. Details to be provided locally by Tour Manager.
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