COACH TOUR: Join us on a Biblical adventure through Israel’s most holy sites - explore Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Nazareth before heading to the gorgeous region of Galilee. End with fun and sun in the lively city of Tel Aviv.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
New Jerusalem & Bethlehem
Begin the day with a trip to the Mount of Olives for impressive views of Jerusalem. See some of the world’s oldest olives trees at the Garden of Gethsemane and discover the glistening mosaics of the nearby Church of Agony.
Continue to the Israel Museum’s, Shrine of the Book to see the famous Dead Sea Scrolls and the beautifully renovated Model of the Herodian City of Jerusalem, dating back to the time of the Second Temple (515 BCE – 70 CE). Scattered over 45 acres of the Mount of Remembrance is Yad Vashem, a vast, landscaped complex with a fascinating museum and a dozen memorials built to honour the six million Jews who died during the Holocaust. We pay our respects and learn more about how this tragedy shaped the modern State of Israel. Later, we visit the picturesque village of Ein Karem, the birthplace of John the Baptist. Spend the rest of the day in Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus. We'll be visiting the Church of the Nativity and enjoying the views of Shepherds’ Fields.
Overnight: Jerusalem | Breakfast, Dinner
Old Jerusalem
After breakfast today we head to the spectacular Old City through one of the fabled gates. Within its mighty walls we explore the renewed Jewish Quarter, the 2,000-year-old Western Wall, Via Dolorosa – the route that Jesus is believed to have taken as he carried his cross to Calvary, and the Stations of the Cross ending at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the holiest Christian site in the Old City. We’ll also have time to wander the colourful bazaars and pick up some souvenirs.
Later, we make our way to Mount Zion to visit the tomb of King David, the Room of the Last Supper and Dormition Abbey. This afternoon we visit Mahane Yehuda, this bustling market showcases incredible flavours, aromas and colours and is fantastically noisy and exciting place to explore.
Overnight: Jerusalem | Breakfast, Dinner
Beit Shean, Nazareth & Safed
Jerusalem - Nazareth - Tiberias. Leaving Jerusalem, we drive north via Jericho, the oldest city in the world. Continuing via the Jordan Valley we reach Beit Shean and explore the excavations of this beautiful Roman city. Afterwards we proceed to Nazareth and the Church of the Annunciation that dominates the city’s skyline. It’s the largest church in the Middle East and one of the Christian world’s most holy shrines. We’ll also visit Mary’s Well and then continue to Safed, the city of the Kabala in the northern district of Galilee, for a walk through the mystic alleys and the artists’ colony.
Overnight: Tiberias, Nazareth or Haifa | Breakfast, Dinner
Viticulture, Golan & Galilee
This morning we drive to the Golan Heights, where we see the former fortifications and the Druze villages. The Golan Heights is a disputed territory, and our guides will be politically neutral for the duration of our touring in this part of Israel. Afterwards, we visit an Israeli vineyard for wine tasting. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, we'll learn about wine production and sample a collection of fine wines.
We continue past Banias, the source of the Jordan River, to the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Here, we’ll see Peter’s House and the ruins of the ancient synagogue in Capernaum, Mount Beatitudes, and Tabgha where the miracle of the Fish & Bread took place. After learning a little about the importance of Israel's diamond industry at a famed emporium, our day continues with a short tour of Tiberias, an ancient centre of Jewish learning. This afternoon an optional sailing trip across the Sea of Galilee is offered (book & pay locally).
Overnight: Tiberias, Nazareth or Haifa | Breakfast, Dinner
Acre & Haifa
Tiberias - Tel Aviv. Driving west, we explore the medieval fortifications of Acre, a famous Crusader stronghold. In Haifa we’ll enjoy a tour of the Bahai Shrine, Persian Gardens and Mount Carmel for panoramic views of the city. Heading southwards to Caesarea we visit the Roman Theatre and Crusader Fortress before arriving in Tel Aviv, Israel’s dynamic party centre on the Mediterranean Coast.
Overnight: Tel Aviv | Breakfast, Dinner
Tel Aviv - your way
Tel Aviv. Today offers free time for you to enjoy Tel Aviv your way. Alternatively, you could opt to take a day trip to the Dead Sea to swim in the buoyant waters (book and pay locally).
Overnight: Tel Aviv | Dinner
Tel Aviv
Monday. Our tour concludes today after breakfast. Included departure transfer to Ben Gurion Airport. If you would like to stay on and further explore, we can arrange post accommodation, please enquire.
For information about visas, top travel tips and much more, take a look through our travel guide.
Prices & Dates
Departure dates noted with a 'G' are guaranteed to operate. All other departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 persons. The 'Twin Share' price is per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. The 'Solo Room' price is applicable to all solo travellers or if your booking party cannot reach the minimum of 2 persons in a room. Solo Rooms can also be booked by any other person wanting the comfort and privacy of their own room.
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Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour when booking 4 star. For the frequently used 5 star hotels, please refer to the 5 star Trip Notes. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Hotel Grand Court , Jerusalem
Centrally located. the Hotel Grand Court is a very modern hotel and an excellent base for exploring the holy city. Guest rooms are bright and well furnished with free Wi-Fi throughout. The Garden Court is the perfect spot to enjoy breakfast al-fresco. There is also a refreshing outdoor pool to relax in or by (open April - September). Perfectly located just a short walk from the Old City.
Ramada by Wyndham Jerusalem, Jerusalem
Conveniently located near the entrance to the city with plenty of museums and shopping close by and the Old City just a short 15-minute taxi drive away. This comfortable hotel offers spacious and bright guest rooms and has a wide range of amenities including free WIFI and a hearty Israeli buffet breakfast. During your spare time unwind in the saunas or go for a swim in the indoor or seasonal outdoor pools.
Lake House Hotel, Tiberias
The Lake House Hotel is located near to the historic centre of Tiberias and the majestic Golan Heights, set on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Guest rooms are contemporary in design equipped with air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi. The hotel features a large collection of facilities, including an outdoor swimming pool overlooking the exciting view of the Sea of Galiee. Lake House hotel has a fantastic variety of dining options. The Lobby Bar and restaurant offer fine dining with rich and varied menus.
The Hotel Royal Plaza, Tiberias
Located on the outskirts of Tiberias, the Hotel Royal Plaza is a modern hotel offering a tranquil atmosphere in an unbeatable location. Guest rooms are warm, inviting and tastefully furnished. Meals are served in the bright and airy dining room and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The onsite Royal Spa Health Club is a great place to relax and get some pampering. The outdoor pool offers a cooling respite form the Israeli heat. The property is located opposite a well-maintained public beach, situated just outside of Tiberias.
Grand Beach Hotel, Tel Aviv
Located just a few minutes walk from Tel Aviv's golden beaches, the Hotel Grand Beach offers a comfortable and luxurious atmosphere. Guest rooms are modernly furnished and include free Wi-Fi. With a number of excellent eating options including a lavish buffet in the 'Jerusalem' dining room. The roof top pool is another highlight affording stunning views of the seafront and the city and is a great place to cool off! Perfectly located close to the sea front and the bustling city centre with lots of restaurants and cafes nearby.
Hotel Metropolitan, Tel Aviv
Within easy walking distance from major city attractions, Hotel Metropolitan is a modern hotel with excellent amenities. Guest rooms are designed in a contemporary style with soft furnishings and stylish en suite bathrooms. The hotel also has an onsite bar and cafe serving food throughout the day. In the summer head to the outdoor pool with sundecks - the perfect way to start the day! Perfectly located in the centre and very heart of Tel Aviv.
Reviews
Travellers have rated this tour as 5 out of 5 based on 4 recent reviews
Excellent ”
Fantastic ! Well organised and arranged. Topics of interest met all my needs. Great group of people. Areas for improvement. I arrived two days too early because I was on my own was stuck in a hotel for two days because I wasn't sure of dress code etc to venture out. I had to get my own transport from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. I could have started the tour on the day which meant I had to visit the Dead Sea separately and pay an extra fee for it. Overall great experience! ”
Fantastic guide. Fantastic tour - tough to make it better ”
Brilliant tour . Hotels first class. Best tour guide ever. Pauly's love of his country shone through. He explained everything in detail. He's a very knowledgable man. Entertained us & looked after us like we were good friends. Felt like we saw ever part of Israel & can't thank Pauly enough for the excellent tour.”
The tour guides Paul and Ezra were extremely knowledgeable and made the tour very interesting.
The knowledge they imparted have made a huge impact on our lives. I will highly recommend this tour to our friends and family and will advise an extra free day in the Old City to see the sites at leisure. Paul made it even more meaningful by having the sculptures read aloud by fellow tour members at various sites. I will never forget this experience. Thank you Paul & Ezra & on the go tours! ”
Prices & Dates
Departure dates noted with a 'G' are guaranteed to operate. All other departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 persons. The 'Twin Share' price is per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. The 'Solo Room' price is applicable to all solo travellers or if your booking party cannot reach the minimum of 2 persons in a room. Solo Rooms can also be booked by any other person wanting the comfort and privacy of their own room.
Extra Prices
At a Glance
Excellent ”
