COACH TOUR: From vibrant Tel Aviv we trace Israel’s holy heritage through the Sea of Galilee, Nazareth and Jerusalem with time to float in the Dead Sea and explore ancient Roman archaeological sites and impressive cliff-top fortresses. All this and more in 8 incredible days.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Tel Aviv
Thursday. Arrival Ben Gurion Airport and included transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy the dynamic city of Tel Aviv on the Mediterranean your way.
Renowned for its hedonistic nightlife, this dynamic city also offers beautiful beaches, art galleries and markets. And with a variety of trendy bistros, high-end restaurants and delicious street food stalls, there's plenty to choose from, for dinner.
Overnight: Tel Aviv
Jaffa & Tiberias
Tel Aviv - Jaffa - Tiberias. A short drive brings us to Jaffa, an ancient port where we enjoy a walking tour of the picturesque fortified town, see the House of Simon, the Tanner and marvel at the hilltop views. Continuing north along the coast we visit Caesarea, one of the great cities of antiquity and Megiddo, the location of many ancient battles, and the city referred to in the book of Revelation as ‘Armageddon’. Here we explore the archaeological ruins before continuing to the Sea of Galilee and historic Tiberias, where Jesus lived and preached.
Overnight: Tiberias, Nazareth or Haifa | Breakfast, Dinner
Sea of Galilee & miracle sites
Tiberias. Today we visit Capernaum, an ancient fishing village and the centre of Jesus’ ministry. In Tabgha, the site where Christ miraculously fed the 5,000, we see the wonderful mosaic floor of the Church of Multiplication before continuing to the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus preached the ‘Sermon on the Mount’. Ascending to the rocky plateau of the Golan Heights we enjoy panoramic views of the rugged peaks of Mount Hermon with the green pastoral Huleh Valley stretching out below. 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.
This afternoon, we will continue to the source of the river Jordan, Banias, where Jesus took his disciples to reveal his true purpose. We'll then make our way to the southern part of the Sea of Galilee and to the Yardenit Baptismal Site, before we return to Tiberias for our overnight stay.
Overnight: Tiberias, Nazareth or Haifa | Breakfast, Dinner
Cana & Nazareth
Tiberias - Jerusalem. First stop today is Cana to visit the Wedding Church where Jesus performed his first miracle, turning water into wine. We continue on to Nazareth, the city where Jesus spent his childhood, where we visit the Church of Annunciation, Mary’s Well and Joseph’s Church. Passing through the Jordan Valley we reach the ancient synagogue of Beit Alpha, located at the foot of the northern slopes of the Gilboa Mountains, it has one of the most well preserved and beautiful mosaics in Israel. We end the day in Jerusalem.
Overnight: Jerusalem | Breakfast, Dinner
The Dead Sea
Jerusalem - Dead Sea (West Bank) - Jerusalem. An excursion today takes us to the remarkable scenery of the Dead Sea and Masada, a UNESCO-listed fortress situated on an isolated cliff in the Judean Desert. We ascend by cable car to the last stronghold of the Jewish Zealots in their war against the Romans. Here, we visit the excavations of King Herod’s Palace, the synagogue and bathhouse. The site also offers spectacular views of the Roman camps and the Dead Sea. We’ll also see the Qumran Caves located in the West Bank where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered and enjoy floating in the salty, mineral-rich waters (weather permitting) before heading back to Jerusalem.
Overnight: Jerusalem | Breakfast, Dinner
Jerusalem & Bethlehem
We discover new Jerusalem on day 6, starting with the official memorial site of Yad Vashem, a sprawling complex dedicated to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust. After paying our respects we head to Ein Karem, a picturesque village where John the Baptist was born. Spend some time in the Israel Museum visiting the Shrine of the Book, which houses the Dead Sea Scrolls, and a detailed model of Jerusalem from the time of the Second Temple. Passing the Knesset (House of Parliament) and the campus of the Hebrew University we make our way to Bethlehem in the West Bank where we visit Rachel’s Tomb and the Church of the Nativity. Then, we return to Jerusalem for the night. Travel today and tomorrow is within the West Bank.
On day 7 we start with the spectacular panoramic views from Mt. Scopus before a stop is made at the Mount of Olives, the site where Jesus first gave the Lord’s Prayer. We explore the Garden of Gethsemane before heading to the Old City where we see the Western Wall, the Temple Mount, Via Dolorosa and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Just outside of the Old City is Mount Zion with the traditional tomb of King David and the Room of the Last Supper.
Overnight: Jerusalem | Breakfast x 2, Dinner x 2
Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport
Thursday. Jerusalem - breakfast. Today marks the end of our tour. After hotel check out, transfer to the Ben Gurion Airport to meet your onward flight. 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.
Breakfast
Head to Jordan & join our 8 day Totally Jordan tour
Just a short flight away, continue your journey of discovery and join our 8 day Totally Jordan tour, taking in the vast red desert landscape with rolling dunes and dramatic rock formations with deluxe camping under a blanket of stars in Wadi Rum. Discover the lost city of Petra and explore a Crusader Castle, as well as the ancient Roman city of Jerash and Jordan's finest Byzantine mosaics in Madaba.
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.
Read MoreExtra Prices
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 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.
BY 14 Hotel, Tel Aviv
Well-located on one of Tel Aviv’s central streets, this boutique hotel is just minutes from the Carmel Market, Diezengoff Square and the lively cafes and restaurants of Sheinkein Street. Its guestrooms are spacious and comfortable, featuring modern décor and free high-speed WiFi. An extensive sweet and savoury breakfast is served daily in the hotel’s café, and guests can also take advantage of the free gym and bike rental. Although as the beach is just footsteps away, you'll most likely be spending your time soaking up the sun on the sands.
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.
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.
Interesting and enjoyable trip
Well organised, good hotels, tour guides had good knowledge. ”
Tour: The tour was fantastic! We managed to pack so much in and see so many sights that it was amazing! Each day was jam packed and at the end when we returned to the hotel I really felt like that I'd had a brilliant, worthwhile day. Not only did we see a lot but some of the sights we saw were world class - The Dead Sea, Church of the Nativity, Sea of Galliee, Masada, The Western Wall and so on...It was also great seeing so much of the country.
I'm glad we added on the extra day at the start as that gave us time to see some of Tel Aviv. I'm also pleased that we added on the day at the end as it was nice just having a full day to wander around Jerusalem.
Coach driver (Emil): What a great, talented a driver and a lovely person. Everyone on the tour really liked him.
Tour guide (Eyal): I thought Eyal was excellent. His knowledge of politics, history and religion was really good and he answered every question. He also mixed in some personal stories along with the history and explanations. He also managed to arrange and time the visits so that we missed most of the crowds and queuing.
Hotels: The hotels were all fine. Maybe the only (very minor) negative point was the hotel in Tel Aviv (BY14). It was in a great location but wasn't one of those listed in the tour notes, although it was very clean, efficient and friendly. Maybe it could be added to the tour notes? But this is a very minor point and overall they were all good. The hotel in Jerusalem was also in an excellent location and the food was fantastic.
Tour group: We were in a really mixed, nice group. I think everyone thought highly of the driver and the guide. Overall I would say that this was an excellent tour with a wonderful guide!”
We enjoyed the tour a great deal and considered it gave us an excellent feel for the country. Our guide was knowledgeable and provided many insights for all of our visits. Our group were fun and very good company. Our hotels in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem were good, providing nice accommodation, service and food.”
Guide was brilliant - very knowledgeable. Hotels were large noisy ones that provided more disturbances to sleep than would be expected.
I think it should be stated Half-Board means eating at hotels - last hotel for example you had quite a few hundred people at the buffet dinner/breakfast every day. The tour itself was good. Liked the fact the guide took into account traffic at destinations and would mix up the itinerary to make sure we spent the least amount of time queuing. ”
I was impressed with Oreon the Israeli Guide how he was so informative, took care of us as a group. Made sure we were delivered to our hotels in tiberius, Jerusalem. Also with losing my mobile phone Oreon came with me to the Police Station and was very supportive.
He worked really long hours I was impressed with his going the extra mile.
Best guide I have had on a trip I only had one exploring holiday in Egypt with Louis Verne.It would be helpful if there was a small coach as the group grew in Jerusalem.”
Great tour covering the highlights of Israel. Itinerary worked well and didnt feel rushed as we were a small group of 16 people. The guides Patrick and Ditza were both very knowledgeable, friendly and patient with the group. Would recommend staying an extra 2 days in Jerusalem after the group tour finishes to spend more time in the Old City as there is so much to see.”
Boaz was great, knowledgeable, caring and interesting. He had lots of local contacts which helped to maximise our tour. We saw the historical places and got a feel for the political situation.
The tour was very good and we saw everything we wanted plus some extras. It was a bit too full on really, with early mornings and finishing late due to traffic and having to pick up people from 5 different hotels. We really enjoyed it though, despite catching a cold probably due to lack of sleep. We learnt a lot and met many interesting people. ”
Udi was fantastic, an amazing knowledgable guide. Went out of his way to make sure the tour was fantastic for everyone.”
Great tour, covers a lot of the essentials in Israel, definitely for open minded people. Loved the Hotel with dinner included.
Maher did a great job. He's very proud of his Country and knowledgeable. He also helped us plan our free time in Israel after the tour, worked great! ”
Thanks for a very well organized trip.”
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
Interesting and enjoyable trip
Well organised, good hotels, tour guides had good knowledge. ”
