Israel balances thousands of years of history with the world’s three largest monotheistic religions; your custom tailored tour immerses you in vibrant culture while exploring the captivating churches, antique neighborhoods, and enchanting landscapes of the region. Ancient foundations support contemporary basilicas. Cobblestone streets whisper the stories of Roman legions and Christ. Israeli and Arab youth interact warmly in a city promoting harmonious lifestyles. Enjoy first-hand the experiences...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Jerusalem – Welcoming True Israel
Jerusalem is a city of the ancient world and spiritual connection, religious quarters and majestic ambiance. Cobblestone lanes lead to antique boulevards. Chic cafes fill the spaces of vintage buildings. Date palms add to the skyline and lavish religious structures spread across the hillsides glinting in the passing sun. Your private transfer meets you upon your arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport, escorting you south to a luxurious hotel hosting a façade decorated with Jerusalem stone and overlooking the Liberty Bell Garden.
After settling into the contemporary comforts of the accommodation, you meet your private guide in the lobby. Your introduction to the city begins along the mile-long Sherover Promenade. The walkway offers a panorama of the Old City beginning at the southern stairway. The tan limestone and wrought iron lamp posts allow the contemporarily erected walkway to blend into the classic style of the city. Three large pergolas embellish the promenade, offering stunning views of the Mount of Olives in the distance framed by stone pillars.
You have a clear view of olive groves and wheat fields in the north, along with rows of santolina, a chamomile flower, waving in the breeze. You make your way to a charming restaurant in the old neighborhood of Yemin-Moshe, which was erected at the end of the 19th century. Bougainvilleas drape over the stone stairways and walls. The windmill of the neighborhood has become an icon, visible from around the city. You settle into a charming restaurant providing panoramas of Old Jerusalem and bask in the aroma of exotic spices emanating from the kitchen.
What's Included:
Day 2
Jerusalem – Spiritual Jerusalem
Day 3
Jerusalem – Beginnings of the Ancient City
Day 4
Haifa – Following Tradition
Day 5
Haifa – Times of Peace and Prosperousness
Day 6
Safed – Northern Immersion
Day 7
Tel Aviv – Miracles of Galilee
Day 8
Tel Aviv – The Most of the Morning
Trip Highlights
- Explore the birthplace of Jesus while visiting the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem
- Traverse the winding path to the top of Masada for a unique view of the desert landscape in the spreading sunrise
- Discover the beauty of the Golan Heights by visiting a number of the bunkers remaining from the Yom Kippur War, which overlooks the Syrian border
- Visit the Beit-Hagefen Center to meet with activists engaging in Arab-Jewish relations initiatives
- Venture into the depths of the ancient Roman and Herodian city of Caesarea located on the coastal plains outside of Haifa
- Wander through the tranquil beauty of the Baha’i Gardens and Shrine, which encompasses 19 terraces along a mountain slope
- Tour the Christian and Jewish Quarters of Old Jerusalem to see the Wailing Wall and follow Via-Dolorosa, the path that Jesus walked to his crucifixion
- Enter Domus Galilee to explore the Mount of Beatitudes, upon which Jesus presented the Sermon on the Mount
- Visit the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth to view the site where the Archangel Gabriel spoke to Mary
Detailed Description
Israel connects culture, history, and landscape to create an eye-opening experience focused on revealing the way its society has developed from its past. Your 8-day tour offers an immersive experience into the daily lives and lifestyle of Israelis, from Jerusalem to the Golan Heights, the Sea of Galilee to Tel Aviv. You arrive at Ben Gurion International Airport, where your private transfer meets you upon arrival. You make the journey south to Jerusalem and enjoy an introductory stroll along the Sherover Promenade and the cobblestone streets of the Yemin Moshe neighborhood.
The next morning, your guide meets you after breakfast, excited to lead you on a majestic tour of the city, beginning at the Mount of Olives. Explore Dominus Flevit Church and see the Room of the Last Supper. Walk along the Via Dolorosa, which leads to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and enjoy the elegance of the 19th-century Nahalat Shiv’a neighborhood. Then, you venture deep into the roots of Ancient Jerusalem with a guided tour around the City of David. Visit the Western Walls as well as the Jewish and Christian Quarters. Enjoy the exhibits at the Israel Museum to view the Dead Sea Scrolls and listen to the prayers echoing off the Western Wall in the evening. You also have a chance to visit with a member of the IDF to hear personal stories from his or her time in the Israeli forces.
Next, you step back in time by visiting the Church of the Nativity, which was erected over the location where Jesus was born. Traverse the elegant and dramatic galleries of Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Memorial Museum, before touring the grounds of the Mormon Jerusalem Center of Brigham-Young University. Leave Jerusalem for the spiritual ambiance of the town of Shilo before settling into the comforts of a luxurious hotel in Haifa. Then, you have a full day tour of the exciting city of Haifa. Stroll along the Baha’i Gardens and meet with locals in the Beit-Hagefen Center of Jewish-Arab coexistence. Tour a local private school and visit Roman and Herodian ruins at the city of Caesarea alongside the Mediterranean Sea.
You meet a distinguished member of the Israeli Civic Service before making your way to the Golan Heights to see bunkers along the Syria-Israel border. Stop in a Druze village en route to the lovely town of Rosh Pina and your charming hotel in the Galilee region. Explore the mountains of Galilee, beginning at Mount of the Beatitudes, home to a church erected on the spot Jesus offered the Sermon on the Mount. Continue to Nazareth to see the Church of the Annunciation, along with the largest Arab city in Israel. You reach Tel Aviv in the evening and settle into your beachside hotel. Wake up before dawn to experience Masada at sunrise. Enjoy the trail and beautiful scenery while touring the unique hilltop fortress. In the afternoon, your private transfer leads you from the hotel to Ben Gurion International Airport for your flight home.
Starting Price
$5,200 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.
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