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Galilee to The Dead Sea

8 days

PRIVATE TOUR: Starting in Tel Aviv, spend 8 days taking in the highlights of Israel, from the famously buoyant Dead Sea and the holy cities of Jerusalem and Nazareth, to the Sea of Galilee and Mount Carmel in Haifa and Caesarea on the Mediterranean coast. All this and much more will be discovered on this once in a lifetime journey.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Free cancellation
Free amends
Available on all departures booked at least 40 days in advance. Cancel or change your booking for FREE for up to 7 days after booking

Tour Overview

Duration

8 days

Starts

Tel Aviv

Ends

Tel Aviv

Range

Private

Tour Guide

Yes - for all included sightseeing

Group Size

Minimum age

5 yrs, accompanied by an adult

Departs

Sunday

Hotel Rating

Our rating: Superior

Countries

Israel

Arrival Transfer

Yes

Departure Transfer

Yes

Meals included

Breakfast: 7, Dinner: 6
Per Person From

Tour Highlights

Tel Aviv - Explore this cosmopolitan city and the ancient port of Jaffa
Masada – Take a cable car up to the ancient fortification of Masada and enjoy unrivalled views over the Dead Sea
The Dead Sea – Float in the famously buoyant, mineral-rich waters
Jerusalem New City (West Bank) - Admire incredible views of the Old City from Mount Scopus, see the Dead Sea Scrolls in the Israel Museum and visit the World Holocaust Remembrance Centre
Jerusalem Old City (West Bank) - Explore the sacred sites of the Old City including the Wailing Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and Via Dolorosa
Bethlehem (West Bank) - Visit Shepherd’s Field, the Church of the Nativity and Manger Square
Beit Shean - Take in the excavations of this beautifully preserved Roman city
Nazareth - See the Church of the Annunciation and other holy sites
Safed - Visit a synagogue and the beautiful streets of the artists’ colony in the city of the Kabbalah
The wine region - Learn about wine production on a tour of a vineyard and sample fine wine
Sea of Galilee - Visit the site of the 'Sermon on the Mount' and the 'Miracle of the loaves and fish' in Capernaum and Tabgha
Acre - Roam around the old Crusader stronghold and medieval fortifications
Haifa - Walk through the beautiful terraces of the Bahai Gardens, set on the slopes of Mount Carmel, and see the UNESCO listed Bahai Shrine
Caesarea - Discover Roman and Crusader-era ruins in one of the great cities of antiquity

Included

Breakfast daily and 6 dinners
7 nights SUPERIOR hotels. Other hotel options may also be available upon request. Accommodation rating – See Trip Notes for details
Touring - Masada, Dead Sea, Jerusalem, Ein Karem, Beit Shean, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Sea of Galilee, Acre, Haifa, Caesarea, Jaffa and Tel Aviv
Entrance fees for all included sightseeing
Vineyard tour and wine tasting in Israel's wine region
Escorted by an English speaking driver guide
An airport arrival transfer on day 1 and a departure transfer on day 8
All transfers and transportation in modern air-conditioned vehicles

Not Included

International flights and visa
Tip for your tour guide and driver. We recommend you allow USD$5-7 per day, per traveller for your guide and USD$2 per day, per traveller for your driver. Tipping your guide and driver is an entirely personal gesture

Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome

Upon arrival at the Ben Gurion Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Tel Aviv. The rest of the day is at your leisure to independently explore or simply relax. To coincide with sites being open to visit each day, this private tour can start on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

Overnight: Tel Aviv

Day 2 - Masada Fortress & the Dead Sea

Tel Aviv - Beer Sheba - Masada - Dead Sea - Jerusalem (West Bank). Set off from Tel Aviv and drive south past the cities of Ashdod and Ashkelon to the Negev capital of Beer Sheba. After a short visit, we continue via Arad to the Masada Fortress which sits atop an isolated rock cliff and was the last stronghold of the Jewish Zealots in their war against the Romans. Ascending by cable car to the fortress offers incredible views of the Dead Sea and at the top we’ll explore the excavations of Herod’s Palaces, the synagogue and the bathhouse. Later, we descend to the lowest place on Earth to float in the famously buoyant, salt-laden water of the Dead Sea. From the Dead Sea we journey to Jerusalem, passing the oasis of Ein Gedi and the Judean Desert en route. Spend the evening at leisure.

Overnight: Jerusalem
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 - Jerusalem New City

Today's sightseeing tour of Jerusalem New City starts with a drive to Mt Scopus for a wonderful panoramic view of Old City, before continuing to the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations at the foot of the Mount of Olives. Next stop, is the Israel Museum which houses The Dead Sea Scrolls in the Shrine of the Book. Then, we visit the beautifully renovated Model of the Herodian city of Jerusalem, which dates back to the time of the Second Temple. The next stop on our tour of the New City is Yad Vashem, The World Holocaust Remembrance Centre.

This afternoon, we visit the picturesque village of Ein Karem, which is the birth place of John the Baptist. Then, we travel to Downtown Jerusalem to explore bustling Mahane Yehuda, which is Israel's largest open market.

Overnight: Jerusalem
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 - Jerusalem Old City & Bethlehem

Step back in time on a tour of Jerusalem's revered Old City today. Enter through one of the gates to the walled Old City, to visit the renewed Jewish Quarter, the Western Wall (Wailing Wall), the Temple Mount and the colourful souk. Then we’ll walk along the Via Dolorosa, stopping at the Stations of the Cross en route to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is one of the world's holiest Christian shrines and the site of Jesus' crucifixion and burial. Continuing our sightseeing, we visit Mt Zion and the tomb of King David, the Room of the Last Supper and Dormition Abbey.

This afternoon, we drive to Bethlehem to visit the birthplace of Jesus at the Church of the Nativity before returning to Jerusalem for the night.

Overnight: Jerusalem
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 - Beit Shean, Nazareth & Safed

Beit Shean - Nazareth - Safed - Galilee. Bid farewell to Jerusalem and drive north past Jericho, which is considered to be the world's oldest city. Travelling through the Jordan Valley and the new settlements to Beit Shean and see the excavations of this beautiful preserved Roman city before continuing on to Nazareth to visit the Church of Annunciation and other Christian holy sites. Our final stop of the day is Safed, the city of the Kabbalah and centre of Jewish mysticism, where you'll visit a synagogue and explore the beautiful streets of the artists’ colony. Your home for the next two nights is a Kibbutz Hotel in Galilee.

Overnight: Galilee
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 - Golan Heights & the Sea of Galilee

Driving to the Golan Heights today, we will visit the former Syrian fortifications and the Druze villages, passing Banias, the source of the Jordan River. Then, enjoy a tour of the Israeli wine country, visiting picturesque vineyards where you can take in the wonderful views, learn about wine production and sample fine wines.

Descending to the shore of the Sea of Galilee, take a tour of the Miracle Sites. In Capernaum, we’ll visit the ruins of the ancient synagogue, the Mount of Beatitudes - site of the ‘Sermon on the Mount’ and Tabgha - site of the miracle of the loaves and the fish. Then travel to Tiberias, the old centre of Jewish learning. This afternoon there is also an optional sailing trip across the Sea of Galilee to experience the tranquillity and beautiful scenery which has hardly changed in the past 2000 years (book and pay locally). Then return to your Kibbutz Hotel for the night.

Overnight: Galilee
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 - Acre, Haifa, Caesarea & Tel Aviv

Galilee - Acre - Haifa - Caesarea - Tel Aviv. After breakfast, we drive through the hills of Galilee, westwards to Acre, where you'll explore this old Crusader stronghold and its medieval fortifications. Continue to Haifa, the largest city in northern Israel which dates back over 3000 years. Sightseeing here includes the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Bahai Shrine and the magnificent gardens on the slopes of Mount Carmel, which are spread over 19 terraces, the highest of which is the Persian Gardens where you can enjoy the wonderful panoramic view of the city and Haifa Bay.

Travelling down the coast to reach Caesarea, to visit the Roman Theatre and Crusader fortress at what is known as the “masterpiece of Herod the Great”. Then, we continue our journey to Tel Aviv and end the day with a short city tour of Tel Aviv and the ancient port of Jaffa.

Overnight: Tel Aviv
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8 - Tel Aviv

Arrangements come to an end after breakfast and onward transfer to Ben Gurion Airport. Alternatively, extend your stay to enjoy more time in cosmopolitan Tel Aviv, please enquire.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. 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.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
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.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
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.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
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.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Kibbutz Kfar Giladi
Galilee

Founded in 1916, the Kibbutz Kfar Giladi is a recently renovated hotel in a former Kibbutz. All of the guest rooms are well furnished and include breathtaking views across the dramatic Golan Heights. Internet access is available and the hotel also offers a sauna and massage service for guests who fancy a bit of pampering. Delicious kosher food is served for breakfast; and lunch and dinner can be ordered upon request. The accommodation is located in Upper Galilee offering stunning views of the Hula Valley and Mount Hermon.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel

Prices & Dates

'Twin/Double' prices shown are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. The 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults.

Prices are indicative and will vary depending on your chosen hotels, room availability as well as time of travel. Please bear this in mind if comparing prices as we always aim to deliver exceptional value.

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