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For the 2022 itinerary of this tour, click here.
Israel Explorer — Plus
8 days, Tel Aviv to Jerusalem
Itinerary
Day 1Tel Aviv
Arrive at any time.
There will be the chance to head out for an optional dinner with the group.
The international airport is in Tel Aviv – Prebook a transfer from the airport to start your tour in Tel Aviv. This is a vibrant city with much to see and do, we also recommend booking prenights, should you wish to explore and visit the sights in and around Tel Aviv.
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.
Day 2Tel Aviv/Haifa
This morning explore vibrant Tel Aviv. Enjoy an orientation walk in historic Jaffa before driving up the coast to a Druze community for a local lunch. After, continue to Haifa, beautifully set on the slopes of Mount Carmel facing the Mediterranean Sea.
Tel Aviv Orientation Drive and Jaffa Port Tour
Enjoy a quick driving tour of Tel Aviv before continuing to historic Jaffa, where we take a walking tour to visit the Old Markets, Simon's House, and the ancient port of the city of Jaffa, out of which modern day Tel Aviv has grown. The port is thought to be one of the oldest ports in the world and, myth has it, this was the point from which Jonah set off in the Biblical story of Jonah and the Whale.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your Local Living Moment: Druze Village Visit and Traditional Lunch
Visit a Druze town and enjoy a lunch of local specialties. The Druze community in Israel is recognized as a separate religious entity with its own courts and spiritual leadership. The culture and language is Arabic but they opted against mainstream Arab nationalism over 60 years ago.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 3Haifa/Nazareth/Galilee
Visit Akko and explore its colourful markets and old city. After, travel to Nazareth where we visit the Basilica of the Annunciation, one of the largest churches in the Middle East. Continue to the Sea of Galilee for the evening.
Akko City Tour
Traced back to Pharaoh Thutmose III, Akko is thought to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Following the labyrinthine of alleys, explore the traces of the Crusader, Muslim, and Ottoman conquerors. While here, visit the Old Markets, Aljazar Mosque, and the unique underground Crusader castle .
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
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 4Galilee/Jericho
Tour the Sea of Galilee area, including the Church of Transfiguration and the ruins of Capernaum. Also visit a local Kibbutz to learn about this interesting communal lifestyle. Continue to Jericho for the night.
Kibbutz Tour
Visit a Kibbutz Community and learn about this interesting communal way of life.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Sea of Galilee Area Tour
Tour the Sea of Galilee, including sites such as the Church of Transfiguration and Capernaum. Capernaum is home to one of the earliest churches in the world, as well as a monumental ancient synagogue. We also visit Tabgha, with its ancient mosaic of the Loaves and Fishes dating back to the original Byzantine church.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Masada/Dead Sea/Jerusalem
Visit the fortress of Masada, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After, relax at the Dead Sea with time to swim before continuing to Jerusalem for the night.
Travel to Masada, and visit the famous rock fortress on a guided tour with our CEO. Opt to hike (or ride) to the top and learn more about this ancient place.
Continue on to the fascinating Dead Sea. Cover yourself in the healing mud, bob like a cork in very salty water, or enjoy a little sunbathing on the shore.
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.
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.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Jerusalem
Take a guided walk through the Old City Starting at the Dome of the Rock and Al Aqsa mosque courtyard. After, walk along the Stations of the Cross to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Explore the winding alleyways and quarters and continue on to the western wall. This afternoon is free to explore on your own, or opt to visit the Israel museum then stroll through the Yehuds Market walk with beer tasting.
Note the minimum age for the beer tasting is 21.
Old Jerusalem Walking Tour - Classic
Take a walking tour through the Old City of Jerusalem and view the Temple Mount and western wall, before walking the 14 Stations of the Via Dolorosa, ending at the Holy Sepulchre Church. Later, visit the 4 quarters of the Old City: Christian, Jewish, Armenian, and Muslim quarters.
Free Time
Explore this ancient city.
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Israel museum, Yehuda Market walk & beer tasting
Visit the famed Israel Museum and view the Dead Sea Scrolls housed in the Shrine of the Book. Continue on to the Mahane Yehuda Market, often referred to as "The Shuk," a vibrant local market full of the sights, sounds, and flavours of the Middle East. Yehuda Market is a popular spot for locals and visitors, as Jerusalem's largest market, it features fruits, vegetables, speciality food stalls, and numerous spots to try food and drink. Wander through the maze of laneways as you sample some local favourites. End the market visit at a local brewery for a tasting of craft beers.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Jerusalem
Visit Bethlehem, the Church of the Nativity and the Duhaishe Camp for Palestinian refugees. Return to Jerusalem and visit the Domari Society of Gypsies for lunch and time to get to know the non profit working toward higher literacy rates and employment for women in the community. Then, opt to visit museums or explore on your own.
Travel to biblical Bethlehem and visit the Church of the Nativity before heading to Duhaishe Camp for Palestinian refugees. What started as a camp has become a thriving town and here we learn more about the situation of the Palestinians in Israel and what daily life here is all about. Feel like experiencing more today? Pre-book a tour of the Israel museum, with a visit to the Yehuda Market, and an included craft beer tasting.
Duhaishe Palestinian Refugee Camp
Visit the Duhaishe Palestinian Refugee Camp. The camp has been around for so long it's more of a permanent city. Visit it to learn more about what life is like for Palestinians in the area.
Bethlehem Visit
Explore ancient Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus and King David, and visit the Nativity Church. The city is an important site to all three major religions of Israel: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your G for Good Moment: Domari Society Visit
The Domari Society of Gypsies is a nonprofit organization serving the Domari Gypsy population in Jerusalem. With lower literacy and employment rates amongst the community, the society focuses on tutoring children and job skills training for women. Stop for lunch at the Domari Society of Gypsies to enjoy Domari hospitality as you learn about the unique culture, spices, and handicrafts. This lunch program is creating jobs and training opportunities for women.
Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow
Israel museum, Yehuda Market walk & beer tasting
Visit the famed Israel Museum and view the Dead Sea Scrolls housed in the Shrine of the Book. Continue on to the Mahane Yehuda Market, often referred to as "The Shuk," a vibrant local market full of the sights, sounds, and flavours of the Middle East. Yehuda Market is a popular spot for locals and visitors, as Jerusalem's largest market, it features fruits, vegetables, speciality food stalls, and numerous spots to try food and drink. Wander through the maze of laneways as you sample some local favourites. End the market visit at a local brewery for a tasting of craft beers.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Jerusalem
Depart at any time.
With so much to do and see in Jerusalem, we highly recommend booking post nights to fully enjoy all that the city has to offer.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.