Israel Vacation: Historical Expedition of the Land of Milk & Honey

To begin your adventure, you will arrive at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, where you will be met by your private driver. Your accommodation will be situated on the top of Carmel Mountain, and once you arrive, you will have ample time to settle in to your glamorous suite that overlooks the city. When you are ready, you will meet your private guide to begin your initial exploration of Israel. For your exploration, you will be led to a magnificent lookout point on top of Carmel Mountain, where you can watch the sun set over the Mediterranean Sea. Afterward, you will descend Mount Carmel and arrive in the city’s charming German Colony, which is located at the base of the Baha’i Gardens.

This morning, you will have breakfast in your room before meeting your expert guide to begin the day’s activities. This morning, you will be led on a private tour of the Baha’i Gardens, which is a peaceful respite from the bustling cityscape. As you stroll through the gardens, your guide will explain to you a bit about the unique Baha’i faith and will share some of the beliefs, customs, and traditions that surround it. Once you have finished with the gardens, you will return to the charming German Colony, where you can enjoy an Israeli snack at one of the lovely cafes. This traditional Druze village is located on Mt. Carmel, and you will be provided with the exclusive opportunity to enjoy a gourmet lunch in the home of a Druze family.

This morning, you will enjoy breakfast before meeting your private driver for your transfer to Golan Heights. You will spend the day exploring this luscious region of Israel, beginning with the infamous Mt. Bental. Upon your arrival, you will notice the spectacular views of the Golan and Syria, and your guide will provide you with insight regarding the history and politics of the site. From Mt. Bental, you will continue to the dazzling Banias Nature Reserve, which is one of Israel’s most incredible natural locations. Here, you will learn of the religious and historical significance of Banias as you partake in a leisurely trek through the park. Afterward, you will begin your transfer to the day’s final destination: the mountaintop city of Safed.

This morning, you will have breakfast at your hotel before exploring the town of Safed with your private guide. Your private tour will begin in the famed Artist Quarter, and you will stroll through the cobblestone streets to learn about the area’s interesting history from your expert guide. As you meander along the streets, you can stop at the various upscale art galleries, which are sometimes located in the homes of the artists themselves. You will then be provided with the opportunity to mingle with the local artists. Afterward, you will explore the Artist’s Market.

This morning, you will enjoy breakfast at your accommodation before continuing your explorations of this spiritual city. To begin your day’s events, you will transfer to a local synagogue for a private Kabbalah lesson from one of Safed’s most highly acclaimed rabbis. During this unique experience, you will learn about this ancient practice and teaching of Jewish mysticism, which has been an important staple in Judaism for centuries. You will spend the next several hours exploring Safed at your leisure before returning to your accommodation to relax and freshen up for your evening’s activities. This evening, you will visit the home of a local Jewish family, where you will be provided with the exclusive opportunity to join them for the traditional Shabbat meal.

This morning, you will enjoy breakfast before transferring to Tel Aviv. In the afternoon, you will arrive at your beachfront accommodation that overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and settle in to your luxurious suite. When you are ready, you will meet your guide to begin a private tour of Tel Aviv’s iconic sites and neighborhoods. Your tour will begin at Tel Aviv’s bustling shuk, which is also known as the Carmel Market. As you stroll through the crowded aisles of the market, you will have the opportunity to sample the best of the city’s delicious delicacies while shopping for local souvenirs. From the market, you will be guided through the rest of Tel Aviv’s most noteworthy neighborhoods and areas before spending the remainder of your day at the beach.

Your day will commence with a private tour of Jaffa and many of its iconic landmarks. After a quick transfer to the ancient port city, you will arrive at the famed Jaffa Flea Market, where you can stroll through the bustling aisles of the market. As you peruse the stalls, you will admire the treasures of the flea market, and you can even try to haggle, which is a typical practice at traditional markets throughout the Middle East. Once you have had your fill of the flea market, you will be guided to the illustrious Jaffa Clock Tower. Shortly after, you will arrive at the Old Jaffa Port for lunch at one of the many trendy eateries that overlook the bustling port. After lunch, you will be led to New Jaffa, where you can stroll through cobblestone alleys while stopping at high-end art galleries and boutiques.

This morning, you can indulge in a delectable breakfast before meeting your guide to enjoy your final day in Tel Aviv. You will begin your morning with a transfer to Independence Hall. You will enjoy learning about the inspiring history of Israel’s formation in the place where it became official, and you will also watch a short film that details the historic events that led up to Israel gaining independence. After you have time at Independence Hall has concluded, you will have the remainder of the afternoon to spend at your leisure. Your private guide will provide you with recommendations based on your interests.

This morning, you will have breakfast before transferring to the Negev Desert. After your transfer, you will arrive at your luxurious glampsite accommodation, where you will be spending several nights under the stars. Once you settle in, you will be met by your guide to embark on a camel ride through the desert. The original form of desert transport was camels, and you will explore the Negev on camelback. Once your camel ride has concluded, you will be met by ATVs, which will lead you on a thrilling ride through the desert to a picnic lunch. After lunch, you will be returned to your glampsite, where you can relax and prepare for an evening of gourmet cuisine. This evening, you will indulge in a multi-course Bedouin dinner that will be accompanied by a performance of traditional song and dance.

This morning, you will be transferred to the magnificent Masada fortress after breakfast. Once you arrive, you will ascend to the top of Masada to watch the sun rise over the Dead Sea. When you are ready, you will descend in a cable car and transfer to the Dead Sea. At the Dead Sea, you will float on its buoyant water, which is also the lowest point on Earth. You will also be able to cover yourself in mineral mud, which is known throughout the world for its unique healing properties. Upon your return to your desert accommodation, you will visit the Bedouin camp for a fascinating discussion with a member of the local tribe. During your visit, you can sample their customary sweet tea as you learn about the rich history, culture, and customs of the Bedouin people.

Today, you will enjoy breakfast before transferring to Jerusalem. Eventually, you will arrive at your luxurious accommodation that overlooks the walls of the Old City. Once you have had time to settle in, you will meet your guide for a private tour of the Old City’s most fascinating sites. Your tour will commence in the Jewish Quarter, where you can approach the Wailing Wall, which is one of the most significant sites in the Jewish faith. You will then continue to the Muslim Quarter, and here, your guide will point out the golden Dome of the Rock. You will then explore the bustling Muslim market, where you can admire the intricate handiwork of local artisans. Finally, you will be guided to the Christian Quarter, where you will stroll along the Via Dolorosa and approach the incredible Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

This morning, after breakfast, you will be transferred to one of Jerusalem’s most interesting neighborhoods of Mea Shearim. Known as a unique corner of the planet that seems to be frozen in time, Mea Shearim is the home to an ultra-orthodox sect of Judaism. During your visit, you can explore this neighborhood on a private tour, during which you can stop at shops that line the streets of the neighborhood. From Mea Shearim, you will be transferred to Jerusalem’s exciting New City, where you will visit the Mahane Yehuda Market. From the market, you will visit the infamous Ben Yehuda Street, which is also the main drag of the New City.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Old City for an exclusive tour of the Western Wall Tunnels. These tunnels were discovered below the Jewish and Muslim Quarters of Jerusalem and offer you fascinating insight into the history of ancient times, specifically regarding the periods of the Jewish First and Second Temples. During your tour, you can walk through the winding tunnels to uncover the hidden secrets of the past. From the Old City, you will transfer to the Yad Vashem museum, which is also known as the World Holocaust Remembrance Center. Here, you will indulge in a specially curated tour of the museum. After your tour, you will spend the remainder of the evening at your leisure, enjoying your final night in Jerusalem in the district of your choosing.

Today, you will enjoy your final breakfast in Israel before spending the morning at your leisure. You can meander through Jerusalem at your leisure, stopping for a coffee at one of the charming cafes that line the city. As you bask in the peace of a typical Jerusalem morning, you will begin to reminisce about your fantastic adventure thus far. Before you know it, you will have to return to your accommodation for your transfer to the airport. You will then board your international flight home.