The Classic Israel Tour | Israel | 13 Days

One of the unique and mesmerizing characteristics of Israel is how the entire country seems to fully embrace the Sabbath ritual. Famously known as the day of rest, it is a time where Israeli’s often gather at the beautiful beaches along the Mediterranean coast, at parks or at the plentiful cafes and patios. Today you will have an opportunity to wander Tel Aviv on your own and immerse yourself into the vibrant Tel Aviv lifestyle.

After our Israeli breakfast, we will take a scenic drive to the mystical city of Safed. Safed is the center of Jewish mysticism. Here we will visit the ancient synagogues and walk through the artist colony. Our journey continues North to the Golan Heights to see the former Syrian bunkers, located in the city of Kuneitra. Time for some fun! Our next stop is at the Golan Winery for a tour and some wine tasting. To conclude the day, we proceed to “Golan Magic” for a multimedia presentation of the area and its history.

Today we begin with a visit to the city of Nazareth. Here we will visit the Church of Annunciation. Our tour continues towards Tiberias; Our first stop is at Capernaum, home to Jesus, to see the ruins of the synagogue and octagonal Church of St. Peter. We will take a short drive and visit the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered the sermon on the mount. To conclude our tour for the day, we proceed via Beit Shean to Beit Alpha to see the remains of the mosaic floor of an ancient synagogue. We will be driven to Jerusalem for our check-in and overnight sleep.

Following breakfast, we will start the day with a magnificent panoramic view from the Mount of Olives. Our tour will proceed to the Old City of Jerusalem. Here we will visit the Tomb of King David and the Room of Last Supper on Mt. Zion. From there we continue forward to enter the walled city and walk through the newly restored Jewish quarter. Some of the sites include the Roman Cardo, the Herodian quarter and most notably the Western Wall. Moreover, we will walk along the Via Delarosa to the Church of Holy Sepulchre. Our tour concludes with a visit to Bethlehem, the location of Rachel’s tomb, the Church of Nativity and Manger’s Square.

Our tour begins with a drive to the Israel Museum. Here we will visit the Shrine of the Book, where the Dead Sea scrolls are housed. We will proceed for a tour of the Knesset, Israel’s parliament. Continue to visit Mount Hertzel cemetery and Yad Vashem, the memorial to the Holocaust. In addition, we will drive through Mea Shearim, the ultra-orthodox neighborhood in Jerusalem. A chance to learn about their unique lifestyle. Moreover, in the evening enjoy dinner followed by the spectacular “Sound & Light” show at the Tower of David Museum.

Our journey continues through the Judean hills to the Qumran caves, where the Dead Sea scrolls were found. From here we continue along the shores of the Dead Sea to Massada, the last stronghold of the Jews after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 A.D. We will ascend Massada by cable car and explore the mountain fortress built by King Herod. Some notable sites include the remains of the walls, water cistern, and Herod’s Palace.

We will descend by cable car and continue to the Dead Sea. Which is considered the lowest point on earth; take the opportunity to float in the unsinkable water. To enjoy all it has to offer, cover yourself with the mineral-rich mud, believed to have therapeutic effects.

Following Shabbat breakfast, we will get to experience the atmosphere of Jerusalem on Shabbat.

Travel south through the Negev desert. Next a stop at Timna, a large geological and archaeological park; We will get a chance to view the outstanding Solomon’s pillars. Continue to Eilat, the southernmost resort city on the shores of the Red Sea. Moreover, explore the Underwater Observatory marine park that was built into a coral reef. Check-in to our hotel in Eilat

Today we will enjoy the Red Sea and have a day at leisure.

Optional tour – Petra Extension: Enjoy breakfast before we depart to the border with Jordan. Our representatives will assist us with the entry visa at the Jordanian border. The journey begins with a drive straight to Petra, the astonishing rose-red city built by the Nabateans (An ancient Arab tribe). Petra was renowned for its massive architecture, pools, dams and water channels. Moreover, the city itself is almost 45 square km and is considered to be the second wonder of the world. Following lunch, we will drive back to the Jordanian-Israeli border. If time is permitting we will stop in the Red Sea city of Aqaba fro a chance to walk around. To conclude our day of touring, we will be transferred to the border at around dinner time and back into Eilat, Israel.

Our tour will depart Eilat and proceed towards Mitzpe Ramon (The Ramon Crater) for a beautiful panoramic view. Take a moment to gaze into this geological wonder. We will proceed to Sde Boker and see Ben Gurion’s hut and his grave overlooking the magnificent Zin valley. Our tour will stop for a camel ride and a visit to an authentic Bedouin tent. We will learn about Bedouin hospitality and enjoy a light lunch. To conclude the days touring, we will proceed to Hatzerim and visit Israel’s Airforce Museum. Our tour will arrive in Tel Aviv for our last night in Israel.

Enjoy our last full Israeli breakfast. Following breakfast, we will be transferred to Ben Gurion Airport for our departure back home. Return home with lifelong memories of The Classic Israel Tour and the Holy Land!