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Israel Uncovered
8 days, Jerusalem to Tel Aviv
Itinerary
Day 1Jerusalem
Arrive at any time. Your arrival transfer is included.
It’s highly recommended to book a pre-night in Jerusalem to recover from any jet lag you may experience. It’s also a good time to relax as the trip is quite face paced with very little room for free time.
It’s also important to remember that the hospitality expectation can differ greatly from what you may be 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.
Day 2Jerusalem
Today starts off with a walking tour of Jerusalem’s Old City. This area of the city is where sacred sites are located that happen to be important to three of the world’s largest faiths. The group will visit the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque when at the Temple Mount. Afterwards, walk through the Jewish Quarter to the Hurva Synagogue. Follow the Way of the Cross, which is believed to be the route Jesus took on his way to crucifixion. Later in the afternoon the group will climb up the Mount of Olives where they can enjoy views of the city below. In the evening take part in a discussion with a local scholar to learn about daily life in this country and the hardships that may come with it.
The included lectures serve to give context to the various viewpoints and cultural differences within Israel. Try to keep an open mind and see these discussions as learning experiences in which you can begin to understand how just about everything in Israel is either directly or indirectly related to different Political and Spiritual opinions.
During certain times of year, especially any festivals/holidays, the old city may be very crowded with both visitors and pilgrims.
While the group does take a trip to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, there isn’t often time to also visit the “Tomb of Christ”, because of very long lines. If you desire to spend more time in this Church and wish to see the Tomb, we advise trying to do this on your own during free time. The Church is open in the evenings as well.
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
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.
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.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Jerusalem
First thing in the morning the group will head to Israel’s memorial to the Holocaust called, Yad Vashem. Afterwards, it’s on to see the Dead Sea Scrolls at the Israel Museum. Choose to meander through the exhibition on your own and in the evening embark on a walking tour to the vibrant Mahane Yehuda Market with an Israeli chef. During the walk you’ll learn about the staple ingredients in Israeli cuisine before partaking in a 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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
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.
Mahane Yehuda Market Walk & Kosher Cooking Class
As one of the culinary hotspots 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, the group will explore this popular spot home to Jerusalem's largest market; it features fruits, vegetables, spices, sweets, specialty food stalls and numerous spots for food and drink. Wander 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.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 4Jerusalem
It’s all about Bethlehem today. This ancient town is located in the hills of the West Bank. First, the group will visit Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity, supposedly, where Jesus is said to have been born. Then, take a walk through a Palestinian refugee camp close by before continuing on to a local women’s collective to support refugee women. Here, watch and learn how Palestinian dishes are prepared in the shared camp kitchen before digging in to the delicious meal with these women who will tell you stories of their experiences and 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
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.
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.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 5Jerusalem/Tiberias
Enjoy a guided visit this morning to Masada, King Herod’s 2,000-year-old mountaintop fortress and also a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander the remains of palaces and bathhouses before going to the Dead Sea where you’ll have the opportunity to try floating in its known waters. Then, travel north to the Sea of Galilee and visit a kibbutz, which is an Israeli communal settlement. While here learn all about the movement's origins.
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.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 6Tiberias
Experience the place where it’s thought that Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount at the top of the Mount of Beatitudes. See the incredible views of the Sea of Galilee and visit the church that commemorates the event. Then, onwards to the ruins of Capernaum to learn perspectives of Israeli Arabs before continuing on to Nazareth. Here, enjoy a quick visit to the Basilica of the Annunciation, which also happens to be one of the largest churches in the entire Middle East. Later, the group will be treated to a private tasting and tour of a local winery.
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.
Galilee Winery tour and tasting
Visit a local winery in the lush farmlands near the Sea of Galilee and learn about the process, 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.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 7Tiberias/Tel Aviv
Along the way to the beautiful Mediterranean, stop at the coastal city of Haifa before continuing south to Caesarea Maritima for some exploring of the ruins of this harbour city. Then, finish the day in Tel Aviv where you can enjoy the group’s last night 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.
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.