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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 is 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.
Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting
The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. Check for the meeting time on the welcome note at the hotel. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Leonardo Jerusalem Hotel (or similar)
Day 2Jerusalem
Begin the day with a walking tour of Jerusalem’s Old City, home to sites that are sacred to the three of the world’s great faiths. At the Temple Mount, visit the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque. Continue to the Western Wall, then make your way through the winding lanes of the Jewish Quarter to the historic Hurva Synagogue. Walk along the Way of the Cross, the route that Jesus is believed to have taken on his way to crucifixion, and end at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre—according to tradition and to recent findings, Jesus’s tomb is located here. This afternoon, ascend to the top of the Mount of Olives for panoramic views of the city. Later, we’ll enjoy a talk with a local scholar about the struggles of daily life in Jerusalem, discussing interfaith issues, political conflict, and hopes for a peaceful future.
Lectures are included to provide context to different viewpoints and the wide range of cultural differences within Israel. As everything in Israel relates directly or indirectly to vastly different Political and Spiritual opinions, its important to keep an open mind and see these interactions as learning experiences.
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).
Mount of Olives Viewpoint
Named for the olive groves that once covered its slopes, the Mount of Olives is a mountain ridge just east of Jerusalem's Old City, separating it from the Judean Desert. Enjoy sweeping views of Jerusalem and enjoy this prominent site which is referenced in Holy Scriptures.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Jerusalem Lecture with Local Expert
Sit down with a local Jerusalem scholar and business owner for a discussion on what daily life is like from the perspective of a Palestinian resident. Gain insight into life in this hotly contested city discussing aspects of religious, political and cultural differences. Also discuss the varying opinions within the city and community on what a peaceful resolution looks like and hopes for what the future can hold.
Old Jerusalem Walking Tour - Journeys
Take a walking tour of the Old City of Jerusalem with your CEO and gain 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, the western wall and Hurva Synagogue. Also walk the Stations of the Via Dolorosa, ending at the Holy Sepulchre Church.
Accommodation
Leonardo Jerusalem Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Jerusalem
This morning, pay a visit to Yad Vashem, Israel’s moving memorial to the Holocaust. Continue to the Israel Museum to view the Dead Sea Scrolls, one of the most important archaeological finds of the past century, and opt to walk through the museum’s state-of-the-art exhibition on your own. This evening, join an Israeli chef on a walking tour of the lively Mahane Yehuda Market. We’ll learn about the key ingredients of Israeli cuisine, and enjoy a hands-on lesson in kosher cooking.
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.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Mahane Yehuda Market Walk & Kosher Cooking Class
Considered one of the culinary hotspot in Israel, the bustling Mahane Yehuda Market (often referred to as "The Shuk"), is a vibrant local market full of sights, sounds, colours and flavours of the Middle East. Led by a local Israeli Chef, we explore this popular spot for locals and visitors alike; as Jerusalem's largest market it features fruits, vegetables, spices, sweets, speciality food stalls and numerous spots for food and drink. Wander our way through the maze of laneways, with our expert who ensures we taste and sample some local treats and learn about key ingredients in Jewish cuisine. After, continue to a local Kosher Restaurant where our Chef will instruct us in the finer points of kosher cooking. At the end of a busy day, we enjoy a dinner of our creations.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Leonardo Jerusalem Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 4Jerusalem
Spend the day in the ancient town of Bethlehem, located in the hills of the West Bank. Begin with a visit to Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity, where Jesus is believed to have been born. Walk through a nearby Palestinian refugee camp on your way to a local women's collective, created by and for refugee women. Learn how to prepare traditional Palestinian dishes in the camp’s shared kitchen, and sit down to a delicious meal with the women while gaining insights into their lives as refugees.
Depending on the time of year and festivals/holidays, Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity can be very crowded with visitors and pilgrims. Access to the grotto is not guaranteed, it is often very crowded with long lines and is closed on some days (without notice).
Bethlehem Tour - Journeys
Explore ancient Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus and King David; the city is an important site to all three major religions of Israel: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Visit Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity, the Milk Grotto and Shepard’s field. Continue for a walk through a nearby Palestinian refugee camp neighbourhood.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Palestinian Women's Project Local Lunch
Visit the Noor Women's Empowerment group, a grassroots project created by and for refugee women who have children with disabilities and/or are the sole family provider. These engaging women are all experienced home cooks who will teach us how to prepare traditional Palestinian dishes in their shared kitchen in the Aida Refugee camp. After the demonstration, we will eat together and learn about our host’s families and life in a refugee camp.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Leonardo Jerusalem Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 5Jerusalem/Tiberias
Start the day with a guided visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Masada, King Herod’s 2,000-year-old mountaintop fortress. Explore the remains of elaborate palaces and bathhouses, then travel to the shores of the Dead Sea for a chance to float in its fabled waters. Continue north to the Sea of Galilee and enjoy a visit to a kibbutz—an Israeli communal settlement—while learning about the origins of the kibbutz movement.
In the Galilee area we stay in a local resort-style hotel which is operated by a Kibbutz.
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.
Dead Sea Visit (Israel)
The Dead Sea is actually a lake, without any from of life whatsoever in its waters, hence its name. The water is so dense that it is practically impossible to sink and its five to ten times as salty as regular sea water. While swimming, cover yourself with the sea's mud, which is reputed to have special healing powers, and don't forget to take a photo of yourself reading a book while floating! You will notice that the salt penetrates any cuts on your body and has an unusual smell, but there are showers to wash off under after swimming.
Kibbutz Experience
Enjoy an introduction to the Kibbutz movement history which started about 100 years ago around the Sea Of Galille. Discuss the difference between the the "Original" movement to the Kibbutz of today. Learn about the Kibbutz structure including the use of shared public buildings and areas including; dining room, children's houses, laundry station, as well as the agricultural areas.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Ohalo Manor Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 6Tiberias
Venture to the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus is believed to have delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Visit the church that commemorates the event, and take in breathtaking views of the Sea of Galilee and the surrounding countryside. Continue to the ruins of Capernaum, often called “the town of Jesus.” Learn about the lives and perspectives of Israeli Arabs en route to Nazareth, where we stop at the Basilica of the Annunciation, one of the largest churches in the Middle East. Later, visit a local winery for a tour and private tasting.
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.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Galilee Winery tour and tasting
Visit a local winery in the lush farmlands near the Sea of Galilee and learn about the process and production and the growing popularity of Israeli wine. With an expert we will embark on a guided tour of the wine production process, visit the oak barrel cellar and then indulge our taste buds with an enhanced tasting session, featuring a wide variety of high-quality wines. The tasting takes place in a private room with our wine expert explaining each selection and will be accompanied by a variety of boutique Golan Heights cheeses.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Ohalo Manor Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 7Tiberias/Tel Aviv
Head to the sparkling shores of the Mediterranean, stopping at the coastal city of Haifa. Then travel south to Caesarea Maritima to explore the ruins of Herod’s great harbour city. Afterward, continue to bustling Tel Aviv for our last evening in Israel.
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.
Accommodation
Cinema Hotel Tel Aviv (or similar)
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.