IDEAL LENGTH 8 nights
Price From £4,830 pp
When to Go Apr, May, Sep, Oct

Classic Israel

This itinerary will ensure you make the most of your time in what is arguably one of the most complex countries on earth. From the hottest nightlife spots in Tel Aviv, to some of the world’s holiest sites and understanding its turbulent recent past, you’ll leave with a thousand more questions about Israel than when you arrived – I certainly did!

Day 1
1 Desert in Israel

Day 1
Arrival Tel Aviv

Upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, you’ll be greeted by a VIP airport service and escorted by car to your accommodation in Tel Aviv.

The remainder of your day will be spent at leisure. 

Day 2
2 Desert in Israel

Day 2
Tel Aviv – Jaffa

Enjoy a full-day private guided tour of Tel Aviv and Jaffa.

The tour starts in the ancient port city of Jaffa, where you’ll discover its fascinating history and witness superb views over Tel Aviv. 

You'll continue to modern Tel Aviv, where you’ll explore the pretty Neve Tzedek neighbourhood, wander through the colourful Carmel Market, and witness the stunning Bauhaus buildings that earned the city its UNESCO status. 

Enjoy your final stop at the Ayalon Institute, also known as Mahon Ayalon, an underground bullet factory that houses an interactive museum.

Day 3
3 Desert in Israel

Day 3
Tel Aviv – Caesarea – Haifa – Acre – Galilee

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and head north with your private guide to Golan Heights and Galilee.

En route, you’ll visit King Herod’s imposing port town, Caesarea and stop at Haifa to see the spectacular Bahai Gardens. You'll also get the chance to visit the UNESCO-listed Old City of Acre (Akko) where you’ll see Crusader ruins, an exotic Arab market, and visit Israel’s second most holy mosque.

Afterwards, you'll be escorted to your accommodation for the night. 

Day 4
4 Desert in Israel

Day 4
Galilee – Golan Heights

Today’s tour starts at the base of Mount Hermon, where you’ll walk along a canyon to the impressive Banias Waterfall and explore the archaeological remains of Caesarea Philippi, built by King Herod’s son, Philip. 

Your tour continues at an award-winning winery where you’ll sample local wine and nibbles, before a thrilling two-hour, off-the-beaten-track jeep tour. You’ll visit a working kibbutz and drive along the Syrian border, where you’ll learn about the current geo-political situation. 

Day 5
5 Desert in Israel

Day 5
Sea of Galilee – Nazareth – Jerusalem

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and head south to Jerusalem.

En route, your private guide will take you to the Sea of Galilee to see important Christian sites, including the locations for the Sermon on the Mount and multiplication of loaves and fishes. 

Your tour continues in Nazareth, where you’ll visit the Church of the Annunciation and Grotto of the Annunciation, and try authentic Arab food. 

You’ll also stop at a viewpoint over Jerusalem for an introduction to one of the holiest cities on earth, before checking into your hotel. 

Day 6
6 Desert in Israel

Day 6
Jerusalem

Today you’ll enjoy a full-day private guided tour of Jerusalem.

Your tour begins in the Old City, where you’ll visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Western Wall, and Dome of the Rock – the three most important sites for the three great monotheistic religions. 

You’ll explore the Jerusalem Archaeological Park and walk sections of the Via Dolorosa before visiting the Garden of Gethsemane and Mount of Olives, where you’ll enjoy wonderful views over Jerusalem.

Day 7
7 Desert in Israel

Day 7
Jerusalem – Masada – Dead Sea

Enjoy a full-day excursion to the Judean Desert. You’ll visit the mountaintop ruins of Masada, one of Israel’s most dramatic sites, before descending to the Dead Sea for lunch and a float in its salty waters. 

On your return to Jerusalem you’ll stop at Qasr al-Yahud, where, according to tradition, Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist. 
 

Day 8
8 Desert in Israel

Day 8
Jerusalem

This morning, you’ll be escorted to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus. Here your Palestinian guide will escort you around the city including the Church of the Nativity and Shepherds’ Fields. 

On your return to Jerusalem, you'll explore the vibrant Mahane Yehuda Market with your private guide where you’ll sample lots of traditional Israeli cuisine.

Complete your tour at the Israel Museum, home of the Dead Sea Scrolls. 

 

Day 9
9 Desert in Israel

Day 9
Departure

Today you’ll be escorted to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv for your onward journey.

HOTELS IN Tel Aviv & Jaffa

HOTELS IN Jerusalem

HOTELS IN Galilee

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itinerary highlights
  • Experience the juxtaposition of old and new with a tour of Tel Aviv and the ancient port city of Jaffa
  • Explore important sites in Jesus’s life at the Sea of Galilee, Nazareth and Bethlehem
  • Discover Christian, Islamic and Jewish religious sites in the Old City of Jerusalem
  • Marvel at the dramatic mountaintops ruins of Masada and float in the Dead Sea while visiting the Judean Desert
  • Enjoy a guided food tour of Mahane Yehuda Market in Jerusalem
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