COACH TOUR: From the vibrant coastal city of Tel Aviv, spend 8 days exploring the incredible highlights of Israel. Travelling inland and head for the centuries old city of Jerusalem, where you can see, smell and touch the history that has shaped it, as well as the birth place of Jesus, Bethlehem. Look out across the Sea of Galilee and rise to the top of Mount Carmel in Haifa. Visit the Crusader Castle at Caesarea and end the tour back in Tel Aviv.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Vibrant Tel Aviv
Sunday. Upon arrival at the Ben Gurion Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Tel Aviv. The rest of the evening is at your leisure.
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
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 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 by the oasis of Ein Gedi and the Judean Desert enroute. Spend the evening at leisure.
Overnight: Jerusalem | Breakfast, Dinner
Jerusalem New City & Bethlehem
Today's sightseeing tour of Jerusalem New City starts at the Israel Museum which houses The Dead Sea Scrolls in the Shrine of the Book. Continue to 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. Founded in 1953, Yad Vashem started as an organization committed to documenting the memory of Holocaust victims. The new museum was opened in 2005 and has 9 galleries of interactive historical displays, all of which are informative, moving and vital to a continued commemoration of those that lost their lives during one of history's darkest periods.
This afternoon we visit the picturesque village of Ein Karem, which was the birthplace of John the Baptist. Next, 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 | Breakfast, Dinner
Jerusalem Old City
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 walk along the Via Dolorosa, stopping at the Stations of the Cross enroute 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 your tour, we visit Mt Zion and the tomb of King David, the Room of the Last Supper and Dormition Abbey. Continuing to the Mount of Olives you'll have a spectacular view of this holiest of cities, a place where the three religions of Islam, Judaism and Christianity have tussled for power of the city for centuries.
Next, we visit the Garden of Gethsemane, where Judas betrayed Jesus, before travelling to Downtown Jerusalem to explore bustling Mahane Yehuda, which is Israel's largest open market.
Overnight: Jerusalem | Breakfast, Dinner
Beit Shean, Nazareth & Safed
Beit Shean - Nazareth - Safed - Tiberias. 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, see the excavations of this beautiful preserved Roman city before continuing to Nazareth to visit the Church of Annunciation and other Christian holy sites. Our final stop of the day is Safed, city of the Kabbalah and Centre of Jewish Mysticism, where you'll visit a synagogue and explore the beautiful streets of the artists’ colony.
Overnight: Tiberias | Breakfast, Dinner
Golan Heights & the Sea of Galilee
Driving to the Golan Heights, we explore the former Syrian fortifications and the Druze villages, passing Banias, the source of the Jordan River. 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. Then, we 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 we take a tour of the Miracle Sites. In Capernaum, we 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).
Overnight: Tiberias | Breakfast, Dinner
Acre, Haifa, Caesarea & Tel Aviv
Galilee - Acre - Haifa - Caesarea - Tel Aviv. After breakfast, we drive through the hills of the 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, we’ll see the Roman Theatre and Crusader Fortress at what is known as the “masterpiece of Herod the Great”. Then, 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 | Breakfast, Dinner
Tel Aviv
Sunday. Arrangements come to an end after breakfast and onward transfer to the Ben Gurion Airport. Alternatively extend your stay to enjoy more time in cosmopolitan Tel Aviv, please enquire.
For information about visas, top travel tips and much more, take a look through our travel guide.
Breakfast
Considering heading to Jordan?
Journey through Israel and Jordan on our epic Highlights of Israel & Jordan - 11 day tour, featuring the biblical sights of Jerusalem, cosmopolitan city of Tel Aviv and beautiful Rose City of Petra. Float in the Dead Sea, admire the ancient fortress of Masada and soak up the views from Mount Nebo, where Moses once viewed the Promised Land!
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. 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.
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 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.