Discover paradise on the Red Sea shores and unique utopic valleys in Galilee during your custom tailored grand tour of Israel. Let the rich minerals in the soil of the Dead Sea soothe your skin. Dig your toes into the soft, gold sand of Tel Aviv’s beaches. Follow the gilded hues of Jerusalem stone to the remains of the Second Temple and framed walkway of Via Dolorosa, the path Christ walked to his crucifixion. From sampling olives fresh from the orchard to wines produced from verdant vines, you...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Tel Aviv – Magnificent Beginnings
The city of Tel Aviv rises along the edges of the Mediterranean Sea. The promenade stretches for nine miles until it reaches the historical port of Old Jaffa. Locals bask in the endless sunlight on the soft, gold sand beaches. The aisles of the outdoor Carmel Market overflow with colorful fresh produce, from radishes to zesty oranges. The air fills with an aroma of blending spices displayed in sacks along family-run stalls. The Old City fills with chic cafes emanating the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. The windows look out to the shoreline and the spires of the Franciscan architecture of St. Peter’s Church.
Your flight lands at Ben Gurion International Airport outside of the city. Your private transfer meets you upon your arrival and escorts you to a luxurious hotel in offering views of the golden coastline. Your guide meets you in the lobby, eager to lead you through an introductory tour of the city’s vibrant streets and historical destinations. Thought provoking murals drape the walls of unsuspecting apartment buildings, creating outdoor galleries depicting political messages or dreamlike landscapes. You reach the neighborhoods, adding to the lush nickname of the “White City,” named for the 4,500 Bauhaus-style structures. The facades contain rounded pillars and balconies, offering a sense of serene European ambiance amongst the bustling streets of Israel’s largest city.
What's Included:
Day 2
Galilee – Touching History and Grace
Day 3
Galilee – Spiritual Samples
Day 4
Galilee – On the Trail of the Past in Galilee and Nazareth
Day 5
Jerusalem – Visiting the City on the Hill
Day 6
Jerusalem – From a Different Perspective
Day 7
Jerusalem – Salty Shoreline and Open Caves of the Dead Sea
Day 8
Jerusalem – City on the Hill at Leisure
Day 9
Eilat – On the Road to the Red Sea
Day 10
Eilat – An Israeli Riviera
Day 11
Tel Aviv – Returning to the Beachside City
Day 12
Tel Aviv – Departing the Grand Tour
Trip Highlights
- Visit the famous sites of Old Jerusalem on a private guided tour, including the Western Wall and Church of the Holy Sepulchre
- Linger in the soothing, buoyant waters of the Dead Sea while visiting a luxury spa along the celebrated lakeshores
- Visit the scenic oases along the Galilee to sample a selection of wines produced on a charming vineyard
- Explore the Negev Desert while touring Timna Valley, home to the stunning multi-colored rock formations of King Solomon’s Pillars
- Bask in the beauty of the Red Sea while snorkeling along the utopic Coral Beach Nature Reserve
- Traverse the thought-provoking exhibits of Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Memorial Museum, part of Jerusalem’s New City
- Venture across the desert ridges of Qumran to view remnants of the ancient city and the caves in which the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered
- Uncover the gorgeous remnants of the Byzantine and Roman-era churches, along with a 6th-century synagogue at Beit Alpha
- Walk along the ancient Roman and Herodian city of Caesarea on the coastal plains near Haifa
Detailed Description
The splendors of Israel incorporate captivating tales and marvelous scenery, connecting Roman ruins to Jewish traditions, Christian churches, and historical vineyards. Your 12-tour encompasses Israel’s variety, taking you along the desert hills and magnificent cliffs, to the briny waters of the Dead Sea and the Red Sea. The journey begins with your arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport. Your private transfer meets you at customs and escorts you into Tel Aviv, Israel’s largest city. After checking into your luxurious hotel overlooking the coastline, you meet with a local guide to enjoy an introductory tour of the city’s vibrant culture and artistic streets.
The next day, you venture out of Tel Aviv and into the Galilee region. Visit the historic cities of Caesarea and Megiddo before meeting with a local Druze community. In Haifa, you ascend Mount Carmel for stunning views of the bay and Baha’i Gardens. Traverse Galilee, beginning with the town of Safed. Explore the synagogues and culture connected to Kabbalah before visiting the Golan Heights and the town of Quneitra. Enjoy the lush landscape of a local winery to sample the delicious flavors of the terrain.
You then continue your journey around the Sea of Galilee, this time venturing into the town of Tiberias to view the ancient Church of St. Peter. Continue to Nazareth, the largest Arab city in Israel before visiting the Beit She’an Archeological Park to view the historic Beit Alpha Synagogue. Transfer to Jerusalem to experience the preserved ancient history at Mount Zion and along the 2,000-year-old main street of the Cardo. Tour the Jewish Quarter to see the Western Wall and continue through Via Dolorosa in the Christian Quarter before visiting the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Next, your guide leads you through the New City of Jerusalem, viewing Chagall’s stained glass windows and Yad Vashem. Traverse the galleries of the Israel Museum and the Knesset parliament building.
Next, you can linger in the waters of the Dead Sea and explore the ruins of Qumran, along with the caves that once held the Dead Sea Scrolls. Take a cable car to the top of Masada for a remarkable tour of the ancient hilltop fortress before returning to Jerusalem for the evening. The day is at your leisure to enjoy Jerusalem’s day of rest. You could stroll along the open city, following the historic ramparts or enjoy the churches in the Armenian Quarter. The following day, your private transfer escorts you south to the Israeli Riviera at Eilat, stopping in the Negev Desert to visit the stunning landscape of the Timna Valley. Once in Eilat, you can experience the beauty of the Red Sea at the Underwater Observatory, one of the largest aquariums in the world.
Spend a day at your leisure to indulge in the wonders in and around Eilat. Enjoy snorkeling along the Coral Beach Nature Reserve or hike the Mount Zefahot Trail for a panorama of Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. Your private transfer leads you north the following day, passing through the Ramon Crater and the Kibbutz Sde Boker en route to Tel Aviv. Visit a local Bedouin community for a camel excursion and a cultural lunch before visiting the Air Force Museum. On the final day, your private transfer meets you at the hotel and escorts you to Ben Gurion International Airport for your flight home.
Starting Price
$7,800 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service
4.87 stars based on 146 reviews.
Reviewed By Sharon A.
Reviewed By margo w.
Reviewed By David B.
Reviewed By Vicky d.
Reviewed By Maya S.
Reviewed By Jessica R.