Classical Gems of Israel 10 Day Package Tour

Collect your bags at Ben Gurion Airport and make your way to your hotel where you can shower, settle in, and unwind. The rest of the day will be free for you to wander the streets and soak in the exotic sights and sounds of Israel, or to relax in the hotel. Get ready for a sensational tour! It begins tomorrow!

Overnight stay in Tel Aviv

You begin your tour with a scenic drive up north along the coast, and then inland towards 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, and you can make out the Mount of Beatitudes becoming visible in the distance.

At Capernaum on the shore of the Galilee, you tour the Church of the Multiplication in Tabgha, and then, keeping along the shoreline, with the magnificent backdrop of the Golan Heights across the water, you make your way past the historical city of Tiberius. The tour ends at the Yardenit baptism site on the Jordan River, before heading back for dinner and a good night’s sleep.

Overnight stay in Tel Aviv

Today begins with a tour of Caesarea, exploring the archeological remains of the former Roman port city, including a perfectly preserved Roman amphitheater and remains of a temple. You then continue northwards, passing through 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!

Your next stop 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 beautiful 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 you can marvel at its superb architecture and bustling markets, and tour fascinating structures from the Turkish and British mandate periods.

Overnight stay in Tel Aviv

Today, the drive up north takes you through the rolling, green Galilee hills, before arriving at the Golan Heights, east of the Sea of Galilee: a natural wonder of volcanic rock with sweeping views of nature and farmlands. You pass the ancient hot springs of Hamat Gader, and modern-day spa resort, and then on to the Shalom Observatory, a gorgeous lookout point on the Syrian-Israel border.

There, let the magnificent views surrounding the Sea of Galilee lift your soul! You then make your way to Katzrin, an ancient village from the Talmudic-era, where there will be an impressive tour of the excavations and a visit to the Golan Antiquities Museum. Afterwards, at Mount Bental, you can explore the remaining Syrian bunkers and trenches captured by Israelis in the 1967 Six Day War, and then head back after a day filled with special, uplifting experiences of history and the beauty of nature.

The day starts off at a kibbutz where you learn about the unique kibbutz lifestyle. You then board the bus and travel to the foot of Mount Hermon and the Hermon Stream at Banias, known for its heavenly waterfalls and forests, so beautiful it is known as a modern Garden of Eden. You then continue to the hilltop fortress of Kal’at Nimrod where you can soak in the magnificent views of the Golan. Lunchtime is at a Druze restaurant where a delicious, traditional Druze lunch waits for you. After lunch, you tour the exotic city of Safed, the center of Jewish mysticism, where you visit the Caro Synagogue and the Ari Synagogue, and enjoy the crafts at the colorful Artists’ Quarter.

Overnight stay in Tel Aviv

After morning pick-up from Jerusalem, 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 wide-open 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 continue 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! Spread Dead Sea mud on your skin, which is a natural mask, and soak up the brilliant desert sun.

Overnight stay in Jerusalem

Pickup from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv. Then once again, sail across the magical expanse of the Judean Desert, back through time to the ancient city of Jericho, where the walls came tumbling down and where the sycamore tree of Zaccheus still stands. Following a tour of Jericho, you pass the Mount of Temptation and continue to Qasr al-Yahud, the baptismal site of Jesus.

And then, Bethlehem, with a stop at Manger Square and a visit to the Church of Nativity, the site of the birthplace of Jesus. You proceed to the Church of St. Catherine alongside, and visit its cluster of underground caves holding ancient tombs and shrines. From there, we proceed to Shepherds’ Field Chapel and then back to the hotel.

Overnight stay in Jerusalem

Spend your day discovering Jerusalem. There is so much to choose from!

You can begin with a stroll along the Ben Yehuda promenade and then on to the Machane Yehuda Market for lunch, where colors, smells, and vendor cries fill the air.

Or wander through the Mamilla shopping mall with its boutique shops and inviting restaurants – from there a short walk to the Old City to explore its many museums and historical sites.

Ein Kerem is an ancient village with scenic mountain views, which makes for a peaceful setting for walking and shopping.

And the famous Israel Museum and Shrine of the Book, as well as the Bible Lands Museum near the Knesset, are fascinating and informative places of interest.

Speak to us and we’ll gladly assist to plan your day!

Overnight stay in Jerusalem

From the lookout point on the Mount of Olives, you can see the Old City and Temple Mount, the site of the Jewish Temple before its destruction. If you look directly below, you can see 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, where you can explore the Byzantine-era Cardo and main street, and then a stop at the Western Wall –  a place of faith and hope 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 soak in the exciting sights and smells of the lively market, and 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.

Overnight stay in Jerusalem

Use your time to pack and organize your bags. Hotel check out is at 11am. If you have an evening flight, you may leave your luggage at the hotel. Then head into the city for shopping and lunch; revisit a place you particularly enjoyed or simply walk around, breathing in the Jerusalem air and soaking in the atmosphere. We are always available to advise and help plan your last day on the Holy Land.
Depart for the airport filled with special, lasting memories of a meaningful and enjoyable experience.