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Israel and Beyond
8 days, Jerusalem to Tel Aviv
Itinerary Notes
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Itinerary
Day 1Jerusalem
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included.
We highly recommend booking a pre-night in Jerusalem to recover from jet lag and relax as this is a fast paced trip with little free time.
Its important to remember that hospitality expectations can vary greatly from what you are used to in your home Country. The point of travel is to open yourself up to cultural differences and new experiences; practice patience and keep an open mind.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 2Jerusalem
Take a specially designed walking tour of the Old City of Jerusalem with both Israeli and Palestinian guides trained by National Geographic Emerging Explorer Aziz Abu Sarah. This unique dual-narrative tour allows travellers a deeper understanding of the diverse cultural, religious, and political aspects of Israel. Visit key sites including the Temple Mount, Dome of the Rock, and the Al Aqsa Mosque. Continue to the Western Wall, then walk through the Stations of the Cross to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. This afternoon, visit the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane, and the Church of All Nations. Later, enjoy a discussion on the current state of affairs with a leading Israeli scholar.
Depending on the time of year and festivals/holidays, the old city can be very crowded with visitors and pilgrims.
While we do visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, we often do not have time to visit the "Tomb of Christ", due to long lineups. Should you wish to spend more time in the Church and visit the Tomb, we recommend doing this on your own in your free time (the church is open in the evenings).
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Old Jerusalem Dual-Narrative Walking Tour
Take a specially designed walking tour of the Old City of Jerusalem with two guides: one Israeli and one Palestinian, an experience exclusively designed by National Geographic Emerging Explorer Aziz Abu Sarah. This unique dual-narrative tour allows travellers a deeper understanding of the diverse cultural, religious and political aspects of Israel. Visit key sites including the Temple Mount, Dome of the Rock, and the Al Aqsa Mosque.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Lecture with Local Expert
Discuss the present-day situation with a local who specializes in conflict resolution. Sit down with this leading scholar to talk about the current state of affairs here, local interfaith issues and gain insight into both Israel and the Middle East.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Jerusalem
Take a sobering visit to Yad Vashem Memorial to learn about the Holocaust and its ramifications today. In the afternoon, visit the famed Israel Museum. View the Dead Sea Scrolls, housed in the Shrine of the Book and observe one of the greatest archaeological finds of the past century. After, opt to walk through the museum’s state of the art archeological exhibition on your own.
Yad Vashem (Holocaust Museum) Visit
The Holocaust History Museum is home to state-of-the-art exhibits on this horrific tragedy. It also showcases original artifacts and survivor testimonies.
Israel Museum & Dead Sea Scrolls
Visit the famed Israel Museum and view the Dead Sea Scrolls, housed in the Shrine of the Book. Considered one of the greatest archaeological finds of the past century, theses ancient manuscripts (dated at over 2000 years old) were discovered between 1947 and 1956 in 11 caves near Khirbet Qumran, on the shores of the Dead Sea. After, enjoy free time to walk through the museum’s state of the art archeological exhibition which showcases some of the most significant finds in the region.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Enjoy some time on your own.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Jerusalem
Enjoy a second exclusively designed dual-narrative tour of Bethlehem with Israeli and Palestinian guides. Visit Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity. Walk through a nearby Palestinian refugee camp and then head to a local Palestinian family's home for a cooking class and lunch. Later, visit Herodion, a hill fortress built by Herod the Great.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Bethlehem Walking Tour
Enjoy a dual-narrative tour of Bethlehem with two guides: one Israeli and one Palestinian. This experience was exclusively designed by National Geographic Emerging Explorer Aziz Abu Sarah. Hearing personal stories and cross-cultural learning, visit Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity, known as the birthplace of Jesus, and learn about the city’s shrinking Christian population. Also walk through a nearby Palestinian refugee camp, and learn how murals and graffiti have been used to depict the refugees’ struggles.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Palestinian Family Meal
Enjoy a midday break with a visit to a local Palestinian family's home. Experience a cultural immersion, learning about daily life in Bethlehem during a cooking class that focuses on traditional favourites. After, enjoy the results for lunch.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Visit Herodium Hill & Fortress
Visit Herodium and the ruins of a fortress, palace, and small town built by Herod the Great. Designated a National Park, Herod's tomb is thought to be located at this site.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 5Jerusalem/Tiberias
Start the day with a guided visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Masada with stops at Herod’s Palace, the Bathhouse, and the Synagogue. Next, visit Qumran, the site where a Bedouin shepherd found the Dead Sea scrolls. After that, it’s off to the Dead Sea, continuing along the Jordan Valley north to the Sea of Galilee, where we’ll stay in a kibbutz hotel for the next two nights
In the Galilee area we stay in a local resort-style hotel which is operated by a Kibbutz.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Masada Guided Tour
Take a tour of Masada, a UNESCO World Heritage site and stunning rock fortress that was the last stronghold of the Jewish in their war against the Romans. The story of the site reveals the courage of the defenders of Massada and their battle against the conquering Romans. Visit Herod’s palace, the mikveh, storerooms, watchtowers, and the synagogue.
Qumran caves
Visit the desert and caves of Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered between 1947-1956. Of the 900 scrolls discovered here (to date), most were written on parchment and papyrus and the caves are thought to be an ancient library. Excavations continue and other important archaeological finds continue including an ancient settlement, ritual baths, a tower, pottery kilns and cemeteries.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Tiberias
Visit the Mt. of Beatitudes, for gorgeous views of the Sea of Galilee and visit the church that was built atop this hill, where Jesus is believed to have delivered his “Sermon on the Mount” speech. Continue to the ruins of Capernaum, where Jesus lived and preached, and where many apostles, including Peter, made their home. Learn about the lives of Israeli Arabs on the way to Nazareth, where we visit the Basilica of the Annunciation, one of the largest churches in the Middle East.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Sea of Galilee area tour
Enjoy stunning sights this morning with a drive to the Mt. of Beatitudes with sweeping views of the Sea of Galilee. Visit the church that was built atop this hill, where Jesus is believed to have delivered his “Sermon on the Mount” speech. Next, tour the ruins of Capernaum, where Jesus lived and preached, and where many apostles, including Peter, made their home.
Nazareth Tour
Visit Nazareth, a city of religious importance and spirituality. Delve into its rich historic and biblical significance, but also admire its modern culture and Middle Eastern charm. Visit the Basilica of the Annunciation, one of the largest churches in the Middle East.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Tiberias/Tel Aviv
Continue to the Mediterranean, visiting the coastal city of Haifa and then south to Caesarea Maritima to see the ruins of Herod’s harbour city. After, continue toward Jaffa, an ancient port city dating back to the Bronze Age. Continue on to the bustling city of Tel Aviv for our last evening.
After a very busy trip, should you wish to enjoy some relaxation and leisure time, we do recommend booking post nights in Tel Aviv,
Caesarea Guided Tour
Visit the majestic Roman ruins of Caesarea. It was built as part of Herod the Great's ambitious plan to "Hellenise" the Holy Land in the 1st century BC. He chose the site of a small Phoenician port and built a classical Greek city. Herod also constructed an artificial harbour by making use of concrete piling underwater - the first ever such use of concrete.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Tel Aviv
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.