Tastes of Israel: Wine and Culinary Tour in 10 Days

Breathe in the fresh sea air of the Mediterranean as you cruise along the tarmac at the airport in Tel Aviv. Once you've collected your bags, you'll be greeted by your private airport transfer services and whisked downtown to your luxury hotel. Take in the soaring skyscrapers along the edges of rocky cliffs as you listen to locals enjoy late-afternoon picnics on the beaches. Relax at the hotel in the afternoon, then enjoy a leisurely sunset stroll.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant city life of Tel Aviv. In the morning, you'll experience the exotic arts and culture scene of the city during the eclectic Florentin Graffiti Tour. Then, enjoy an afternoon of self-guided exploration through the labyrinth of Levinsky Market. Let the rich aromas of saffron and citrus seduce you as you sample Israel's mouthwatering bites. Later that afternoon you'll wind through the rows of colorful displays at Carmel Market where you can try just about any variety of Israeli ingredients, from juicy sweet fruits to decadent olive and cheese pairings and delightful sugary treats.

Get on the road and out of the city as you embark on an expedition to Israel's Coastal Plains. You'll start the day by traversing the Caesarea National Park. Behold the magnificent ancient ruins of the Herodian Theatre and peer out over the mesmerizing deep-blue waves of the Mediterranean Sea a mere stone's throw away. Later, you'll attend a traditional Druze cooking workshop for an intimate look at local culinary delights led by locals who know these dishes best. Sink your teeth into salty-sweet cherry tomato tabbouleh, before refreshing your palette with creamy hummus and pita fresh out of the oven.

Sometimes taking the road less traveled means kicking into four-wheel drive. In the morning, you'll take an exhilarating tour of the rugged plains of Golan Heights in an all-terrain Jeep. From several lookout points, you can gaze out on the rolling plains of Haifa and Tel Aviv in the distance. Later, you'll roll up your sleeves alongside a local culinary expert for a home-cooked meal you'll never forget. Indulge in the dazzling flavors of fresh grape leaves, lemon-lime, crispy falafel, and Moroccan carrots. Sample freshly-made tahini and zhug that’s sure to electrify your taste buds.

Travel back to Biblical times in the morning with a visit to the ancient port city, home of Mary Magdalene. Walk the rugged stone paths and explore a synagogue that dates back to the time of Jesus. Later, take in panoramic views from Sabah Habib, where you'll visit a local olive oil press and learn more about this staple in Israeli cooking. Sample some of the finest and freshest in all of Galilee, before breaking for lunch. In the afternoon you'll stroll through the lush fields at Adir Winery and immerse yourself in the wine-making process, including harvesting, pressing, and barrel-aging as you breathe in the succulent aromas of crisp red wines that linger in the air.

Explore life on an authentic religious kibbutz, dedicated to organic farming and natural living.  Stroll amongst the looming palm trees swaying in the breeze as you learn about organic farming methods and daily religious life. Before lunch, meander through Kochav HaYarden, an Israeli national park and home to the most intact Crusader fortress discovered to date. Partake in a traditional Shabbat dinner in the Holy Land with a local family to learn about the special customs associated with the sabbath.

Hover above the mountains from a suspended cable car to explore the famous ruins of King Herod's palace, including the ancient Roman-style bathhouse in Masada. Enjoy this opportunity for breathtaking photos as you gaze upon the stony facades dotting the valley below. Then, travel to the Dead Sea for a relaxing respite atop the mineral-rich hypersaline water at the lowest spot on Earth. In the afternoon, meet locals in a beautiful Bedouin village in southern Israel to uncover the captivating history and culture of the Bedouin people over a steaming cup of traditional tea or coffee.

Immerse yourself in Israel's vibrant history at the Israel Museum. Visit the world-famous Dead Sea Scrolls and peruse the most extensive collection of biblical archaeology in the world. Before lunch, you'll make a stop at Domaine du Castel Winery, where tantalizing aromas of sweet red wine will entice you. In the afternoon, discover the perfect pairing at the Shai Zeltzer Goat Cheese Farm. Meet Shai, an award-winning goat cheese artisan, and sink your teeth into a delectable sampling of the finest cheese in all of Israel. In the evening you'll return to your hotel in Jerusalem for a lavish dinner amongst the whirl and whimsy of city life.

Take in Jerusalem from a new vista when you arrive in the City of David. Alongside your guide, walk the stoic ancient ruins as you travel back in time to the First and Second Temple periods. At the Western Wall, visit the holiest of sites for the Jewish people. Write a prayer on a slip of paper and leave it in the cracks of the wall before you get lost in the bustle of Mahane Yehuda's open-air market. Barter for fresh ingredients ahead of a private culinary workshop alongside a professional chef to sample the local flavors of the city.

Enjoy your final morning in Israel at your leisure. Spend the early hours relaxing with a milky cup of coffee in the hotel lobby or venture into the city for souvenirs. Take a few last photos downtown that you can share with family and friends back home. You will meet your private airport transfer at the hotel, from where you'll be whisked off to Ben Gurion International Airport. Crack the window for just one more opportunity to breathe in the warm aromas of fresh falafel frying in the markets nearby and the intoxicating scents of olive oil lingering in the distance.