Day 1 - Tour of Northern Coastal Cities: Caesarea, Haifa, Rosh HaNikra, and Acre The first of four days brimming with history, culture, and natural beauty, begins in Israel’s North with a tour of Caesarea. Explore the archeological remains of the former Roman port city, including a perfectly preserved Roman amphitheater and remains of a temple and soak in the beautiful sea views.
Afterwards you continue towards Haifa, where you stop to visit the historical German Colony neighborhood. Enjoy the tour of the Stella Maris Monastery and see the amazing, world-renowned Baha’i Shrine, with its spectacular gardens cascading down the mountainside!
Next is Rosh HaNikra, Israel’s northernmost point along the coast, near the Lebanese border. The cable car takes you down into the remarkable grottoes, created by the collision of waves against the rocks - a stunning display of nature! You can also discover the remains of the Mandate-era railway to Lebanon. Then southwards to Acre, Israel’s largest Crusader city, where we marvel at its magnificent architecture and bustling markets, and tour fascinating structures from the Turkish and British mandate periods.
Sites you will visit Caesarea National Park Roman Theatre of Caesarea Bahai Gardens, Haifa Rosh Hanikra Grottoes Acre Old City Market Acre Underground Crusader City
Day 2 – Tour Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee, and Yardenit Today you tour Nazareth, where you will visit the Church of Annunciation and the Church of St. Joseph. You then continue to the famous Sea of Galilee, the waters where Jesus walked! Along the way, you pass the ancient village of Cana, where Jesus turned water into wine.
Out in the distance, you will notice the Mount of Beatitudes becoming visible as you head towards Capernaum. At Capernaum, on the shore of the Galilee, you tour the Church of the Multiplication in Tabgha, and then make your way along the shoreline, with the magnificent backdrop of the Golan Heights across the water. You pass the historical city of Tiberius, and end the tour at the Yardenit baptism site on the Jordan River, before heading back for dinner and a good night’s sleep.
Sites you will visit Church of Annunciation Church of St. Joseph Sea of Galilee Capernaum Church of Multiplication Yardenit Baptismal Site
Day 3 – A Tour of Masada and the Dead Sea After morning pick-up, our experienced tour guide takes you south towards the sandy plains of the Judean Desert, and onwards, to sea level. At sea level, you stop to view the magical desert vista, while the ancient city of Jericho lies in the distance.
Then onwards, even lower, to the lowest place on earth – the Dead Sea! Look out for the Inn of the Good Samaritan on the way! You make your way to the Dead Sea, following the salty shoreline towards Masada, where King Herod built his fortress, and the last Jewish outpost during the Roman era. Ascend to the top of the mountain in the cable car, and after touring the ruins, you head back to the Dead Sea, passing the lush desert oasis of Ein Gedi on the way, as well as Qumran, site of the discovery of the 2,000 year old Dead Sea scrolls.
The rest of the day is spent at the Dead Sea, relaxing on the beach and in its waters, so dense with salt that it keeps you afloat! The Dead Sea mud is a natural mask, which you can spread on your skin, and then soak up the brilliant desert sun.
Sites you will visit The Judean Desert Masada National Park The Dead Sea
Day 4 - Jerusalem Old and New From the Mount of Olives, you can see the Old City and Temple Mount, the site of the Jewish Temple before its destruction. Directly below the lookout point, lie the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations tucked in the Kidron Valley.
You then head for the Old City, and enter through the Zion Gate, passing through the Armenian Quarter on the way to the Jewish Quarter. Explore the Byzantine-era Cardo and main street, and then stop at the Western Wall - a place of faith, hope, and prayer for thousands of years.
Afterwards, you walk through the Via Dolorosa, making your way along the traditional pilgrim route to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, site of Jesus’ crucifixion and his empty tomb from where he was resurrected. Before leaving the Old City, you can enjoy the lively market with its sights, smells, and sounds. You then depart through the Jaffa Gate for a short tour of the New City.
Included is a visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial museum, where you will see authentic artifacts, original documents, photos, and video testimonials of Holocaust survivors.
Sites you will visit Byzantine-era Cardo Western Wall Church of the Holy Sepulcher Yad Vashem Holocaust Remembrance Center