Day 1: Tel Aviv Arrival
Arrival Ben Gurion Airport and transfer on own to your hotel by the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Evening at leisure to discover the exciting nightlife of Tel Aviv and Old Jaffa just minutes from your hotel. Overnight Tel Aviv.
Day 2: Tel Aviv/Caesarea/Haifa/Rosh Hanikra/ Acre/ Tel Aviv
Drive to Caesarea, ancient Roman city; walking tour of the theatre, archaeological ruins and excavations. Continue to Haifa for a scenic view of the city, port and the spectacular Bahai Gardens. Proceed to Rosh Hanikra to see the magnificent underwater grottos. On to Acre; the Old City is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Walk through the market, the Mosque and the old port; visit the Crusader and Turkish Underground City and crypt learning about their fascinating history and Culture. Return to Tel Aviv for overnight. (B)
This tour operates Sundays, Tuesdays and Friday.
Day 3: Tel Aviv/Masada/Dead Sea/Jerusalem
Following Breakfast, check out of your hotel and depart on this group tour driving via the Judean Hills to the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth; en route, you’ll have the opportunity to shop for some popular Dead Sea mineral products. Reach Masada. Ascend by cable car and tour the mountain fortress built by King Herod, where the Zealots made their last stand against the Romans. Visit the remains of the walls, palace, synagogue, water cisterns, mosaic floors, roman baths and other findings. Descend and continue for a “float” in the Dead Sea covering yourself with the mineral rich mud that many believe has its therapeutic effects. Continue to Jerusalem for check in and overnight at your hotel. (B)
This tour operates daily.
Day 4: Jerusalem Old City & Yad Vashem OR Bethlehem
Drive to the Mount of Olives for a panoramic view of the city. Stop at Mt. Zion to see the Tomb of King David, the room of the Last Supper and Dormition Abbey. (Modest dress, no shorts or sleeveless shirts and head covering are required for visiting the holy sites.) Enter the Old City and walk through the Armenian and Jewish quarters to the Cardo, the Roman road. Visit the Western Wall, sacred to Judaism. Then continue to the Christian quarter. Walk along the Via Dolorosa and visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Afternoon Program option A:
Proceed to the New City and visit Yad Vashem, memorial to the Holocaust. Return to your hotel in Jerusalem for overnight. (B)
Afternoon Program option B (Supplement of $45 per person applies):
Proceed to Bethlehem where Jesus was born; walk through Manger Square to visit the Church of the Nativity; View Shepherds’ Field. (Tour operated by the Palestinian Authority. Passports required). Return to your hotel in Jerusalem for overnight. (B)
Note, Option A operates Daily except Saturday and Jewish Holidays when Yad Vashem visit will be substituted for Ein Karem (Christian interest).Option B Operates Daily except on Dec 24 (visit to Bethlehem not available)
Day 5: Jerusalem – Leisure
Full day at leisure for on-your-own exploration of this glorious city. Additional optional excursions available upon request. Overnight in Jerusalem . (B)
Day 6: En Route
Continue to your next destination or extend with more hotel stays and touring services (including extensions to Jordan, Egypt and Dubai. Pre and post extra nights on the above itinerary may be requested. (B)
