Biblical Lands

Monday. Welcome to Israel and the start of your Biblical adventure. We’ll be there to meet you at Ben Gurion Airport and transfer you to our hotel in greater Jerusalem (West Bank). The remainder of today is at your leisure.

Visit Yad Vashem, the official memorial to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust, established in 1953 and located at the foot of Mt. Herzl. Scattered across the slopes of the Mount of Remembrance, this moving complex includes a museum and memorials dedicated to honouring the six million Jews who lost their lives during the Holocaust.

Continue to the picturesque village of Ein Karem, located on the southwestern outskirts of Jerusalem. This charming village holds great significance in Christian tradition, as it is believed to be the birthplace of John the Baptist.

Spend the afternoon in Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, where we visit the Church of the Nativity and Manger Square.

Later, visit the Israel Museum’s Shrine of the Book, home to the famous Dead Sea Scrolls, and explore the beautifully renovated Model of the Herodian City of Jerusalem, which depicts the city during the time of the Second Temple.

Enter the Old City of Jerusalem, where we visit the Western Wall and the Temple Mount, the historic site of the Second Temple. Walk along the Via Dolorosa, the Way of the Cross, following the route Jesus is believed to have taken on his journey to Calvary, and visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which houses the traditional sites of the Crucifixion and the Tomb of the Resurrection.

Continue to Mount Zion, located just outside the Old City, where we visit the traditional tomb of King David and the Room of the Last Supper. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Jerusalem, the holy city of Christianity, Judaism and Islam, from atop the Mount of Olives. Visit the Garden of Gethsemane, where Judas is believed to have betrayed Jesus.

Later, explore Mahane Yehuda, Jerusalem’s largest open market, located in the heart of the city. Experience the vibrant flavours, aromas and colours of the market while taking in the lively atmosphere created by local traders and visitors.

Jerusalem - Nazareth - Tiberias. Leave Jerusalem behind and travel north through the Jordan Valley, passing by Jericho, considered one of the oldest cities in the world. Continue to Beit She’an, where we visit the impressive archaeological excavations of this beautifully preserved Roman city, once one of the most important cities of the ancient Decapolis.

Continue onwards to the Golan Heights, Israel’s renowned wine-growing region, where we enjoy a wine country experience including a tour, wine tasting and an insight into the traditional wine production process.

Travel through the dramatic landscapes of the Golan Heights, passing Druze villages, former Syrian fortifications and enjoying panoramic views towards Mount Hermon and into Syria. Descend through the Hula Valley before arriving in Tiberias, located on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Considered one of Judaism’s four holy cities, Tiberias is where the Jewish Talmud, a key source of Jewish religious law, was compiled, and is home to the tombs of several prominent rabbis.

Tiberius - Galilee - Nazareth - Tiberius. After breakfast, follow the shores of the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum, where we explore the ruins of the ancient synagogue. Continue to the Mount of Beatitudes, traditionally regarded as the site of the Sermon on the Mount, before visiting Tabgha, the traditional location of the miracle of the loaves and fishes.

There is also the opportunity to join an optional boat trip across the Sea of Galilee (subject to weather conditions and additional cost), offering a peaceful journey across waters that have changed little in over 2,000 years.

Later, travel to Nazareth to visit the Church of the Annunciation and other significant Christian holy sites before returning to Tiberias.

Tiberias - Tel Aviv. After breakfast, travel west through the rolling hills of the Galilee to Acre (Akko), where we explore the famous Crusader stronghold and its impressive medieval fortifications. Continue to Haifa and ascend Mount Carmel for panoramic views across the city, including the Bahá'í Shrine, the beautifully terraced Persian Gardens and Haifa Bay.

Journey south along the Mediterranean coast to Caesarea, where we visit the remarkable Roman Theatre and the Crusader fortress, part of the magnificent ancient city built by Herod the Great.

Later, continue to Tel Aviv for a short city tour before exploring the ancient port of Jaffa, one of the world's oldest port cities.

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).

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.