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Israel Explorer: An 8-Day Journey Through the Holy Land

Israel Explorer Escorted Vacation

Love

Duration

8 Days

Starts In

Jerusalem

Route

Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, Caesarea, Nazareth, Safed, Golan Heights, Sea of Galilee , Hagoshrim

Experience a collision of cultures, religions, and important history in this all-encompassing exploration of the Holy Land. Visit the birthplace of Jesus in Bethlehem, walk the Way of the Cross, and see the Room of the Last Supper. Enjoy an Israeli wine tasting with breathtaking scenery, marvel at panoramic mountaintop views, and wander through picturesque towns and streets as you learn about the stories and significance of these sites. As the Holy Land for not one but three major religions, Israel is a veritable treasure chest of history, culture, and spirituality; and there is no better way to connect with your faith than to go where it all began.

ESCORTED VACATION – Guaranteed departures - Mondays. English-only escorted coach tour. Scheduled departures - 8-day/7-night tour visiting Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Sea of Galilee, Acre, Haifa & Caesarea. Includes accommodation in Superior First Class or First Class hotels with breakfast & dinner daily, arrival & departure transfers, touring by modern air-conditioned motor coach, and guided sightseeing as indicated in the itinerary.

Includes

Accommodations as per itinerary
Meals as per itinerary; breakfast (B), lunch (L), dinner (D)
Sightseeing: per itinerary
Travel funds escrow protection program
Entrance fees as per itinerary

Excludes

Items of a personal nature
All other items not mentioned as included

Itinerary

Day
1

Day 1: Jerusalem - Arrival

Deluxe Class:

or similar accommodations

First Class:

or similar accommodations

Upon arrival to Ben Gurion Airport, meet our representative and transfer to hotel in Jerusalem.

Day
2

Day 2: Jerusalem (New City) - Bethlehem

Deluxe Class:

or similar accommodations

First Class:

or similar accommodations

Start your day at the Israel Museum’s Shrine of the Book, with the famous Dead Sea scrolls, followed by a visit to the beautifully renovated model of the Herodian city of Jerusalem, dating back to the time of the Second Temple. Wander through Ein Karem, a picturesque village in the southwestern outskirts of Jerusalem. This small village holds great significance in Christian traditions: according to tradition, this is the birthplace of John the Baptist. Continue on to Yad Vashem, the official memorial to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust, established in 1953 and located at the foot of Mount Hertzl. Then visit Bethlehem*, the birthplace of Jesus at the Church of the Nativity and Manger Square. Return to your hotel. Overnight in Jerusalem. (B)

*Site under the Palestinian Authority Jurisdiction. Visit subject to situation

Day
3

Day 3: Jerusalem (Old City)

Deluxe Class:

or similar accommodations

First Class:

or similar accommodations

Enter the Old City of Jerusalem, where you will see the Western Wall and the actual site of the Second Temple, the Temple Mount. Walk the Way of the Cross, the Via Dolorosa, to Calvary and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, housing both the traditional site of Crucifixion and the Tomb of the Resurrection. To the southwest, just outside of the Old City, is Mount Zion, which features the traditional tomb of King David and the Room of the Last Supper. Enjoy the spectacular panoramic view of Jerusalem - the holy city for each of the world’s three Abrahamic religions, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam - from the top of the Mount of Olives. Visit the Garden of Gethsemane where Judas betrayed Jesus. In the heart of a neighborhood in downtown Jerusalem, visit Mahane Yehuda to experience the flavors, aromas, and colors of the largest open market in Israel. Return to your hotel. Overnight in Jerusalem. (B)

Day
4

Day 4: Beit Shean - Nazareth - Safed

First Class:

or similar accommodations

Deluxe Class:

or similar accommodations

Leave Jerusalem and drive north, passing by Jericho, the oldest city in the world. Travel through the gorgeous Jordan Valley and the new settlements to Beit Shean, and visit the excavations of this beautifully preserved Roman city. Continue on to Nazareth to visit the Church of the Annunciation and Christian holy sites. Then proceed to Safed, city of the Kabbalah and centre of Jewish mysticism, to visit the beautiful streets of the artists’ colony. Overnight in a kibbutz hotel. (B)

Day
5

Day 5: Golan Heights - Sea of Galilee

First Class:

or similar accommodations

Deluxe Class:

or similar accommodations

Drive up to the Golan Heights passing by Banias, source of the Jordan River, former Syrian fortifications, and the Druze villages. Enjoy an Israeli wine country experience, with vineyards surrounded by breathtaking views. You will be introduced to a collection of fine and rare wines through a tour, wine tasting, and education about the wine production process. Descend to the shore of the Sea of Galilee and proceed to Capernaum to visit the ruins of the ancient synagogue, the Mount of Beatitudes, traditional site of the “Sermon on the Mount”, and Tabgha, the traditional site of the “miracle of the loaves and the fish”. Continue on to Tiberias, the old center of Jewish learning. You may choose to take an optional boat cruise sailing across the Sea of Galilee to experience its tranquility and breathtaking scenery, little changed over the past 2000 years. Overnight in a kibbutz hotel. (B)

Day
6

Day 6: Acre - Haifa - Caesarea - Tel Aviv

First Class:

or similar accommodations

Deluxe Class:

or similar accommodations

After breakfast, drive westwards through the hills of Galilee to Acre (Akko) for a visit to the ancient famous Crusader stronghold and medieval fortifications. Continue to Haifa, ascending Mount Carmel for a panoramic view of the city, including the Baha’i Shrine, Persian Garden, and Haifa Bay. Travel along the Mediterranean coast to Caesarea to visit the Roman Theater and the Crusader fortress at what is known as the “masterpiece of Herod the Great”. End your day with a short city tour of Tel Aviv and the ancient port of Jaffa. Overnight in Tel Aviv. (B)

Day
7

Day 7: Tel Aviv

First Class:

or similar accommodations

Deluxe Class:

or similar accommodations

Enjoy a free day in Tel Aviv at your leisure. You may consider taking an optional tour to Masada and the Dead Sea. One of Israel’s most popular tourist attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Masada is an ancient fortress that sits atop an isolated rock plateau, overlooking the Dead Sea. It features a museum, hiking trails, cable car rides, and a light and sound show on some summer nights. Or you may choose to beat the heat with a dip in the Dead Sea - one of the world’s first health resorts, it’s almost 10 times as salty as the ocean, which makes swimming more like floating! Overnight in Tel Aviv. (B)

Day
8

Day 8: Tel Aviv - Departure

Breakfast and transfer to the airport for departure. (B)

Suggested Tours

Small Group Massada and the Dead Sea Tour

More Detail

Frequently Asked Questions

What destinations are included in the Israel Explorer Escorted Vacation?

The Israel Explorer Escorted Vacation includes visits to Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Caesarea, Nazareth, Safed, Golan Heights, Haifa, Sea of Galilee, and Hagoshrim. This comprehensive itinerary explores significant historical, cultural, and religious sites across Israel, providing a deep dive into the country's diverse heritage.

How are travelers transported between destinations on this tour?

Travelers on this tour are transported between destinations using a modern air-conditioned motor coach. This ensures comfort and convenience as you explore the various sites included in the itinerary. The tour is escorted, meaning you will have a guide with you throughout the journey to provide insights and assistance.

What meals are included in the Israel Explorer Escorted Vacation?

The package includes breakfast and dinner daily during the tour. These meals are provided at the accommodations where you will be staying. Lunches are not included, allowing you the flexibility to explore local dining options or participate in optional excursions during the day.

Can the accommodations be customized in this itinerary?

Accommodations are provided in Superior First Class or First Class hotels as part of this itinerary. While the specific hotels are not listed, travelers can discuss preferences or specific requirements with a Keytours travel consultant to explore potential customization options based on availability.

Are there any optional activities available during the tour?

Yes, there are optional activities available. For example, on Day 5, you can choose to take an optional boat cruise on the Sea of Galilee. On Day 7, you may consider an optional tour to Masada and the Dead Sea. These activities offer additional experiences beyond the standard itinerary.

Is this tour suitable for families or older travelers?

This escorted tour is suitable for a wide range of travelers, including families and older travelers. The itinerary is designed to provide a balanced mix of guided sightseeing and leisure time, with moderate physical activity. However, travelers should consider their own mobility and comfort with walking when planning.

What should travelers know about visiting Bethlehem on this tour?

Bethlehem is under the jurisdiction of the Palestinian Authority, and visits are subject to the current situation. The itinerary includes a visit to the Church of the Nativity and Manger Square, but travelers should be aware that access may vary depending on local conditions. It's advisable to check with Keytours for the latest information before departure.

Book Your Trip

Include Flights?

Yes

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