israel Tours Holy Land Highlights

Itinerary:

Day 1  Tel Aviv
Arrive in Tel Aviv and transfer to your hotel. Later meet with your tour leader and fellow travellers at a welcome meeting. The evening is free for you to explore this vibrant city.

Day 2  Tel Aviv to Nazareth
Head to the holy city of Nazareth, stopping at a few significant ports along the way. First stop is Jaffa, an ancient port city, wander the winding alleyways of this Old City, then onto Lewinsky Market, a very popular spot with the locals, stroll around the aisles and maybe sample some burekas (traditional pastries). Continue along the coast to Haifa and visit the Baha'i Gardens, a series of terraced gardens overlooking the city. Later drive to Nazareth, arrive in the afternoon and take an orientation walk to help get your bearings to make the most of your free evening in this holy city.

Day 3  Nazareth
Start the day with a visit to the Church of the Annunciation, the site of where Mary received the news of the Immaculate Conception, along with the well where she drew water every day. Drive north to the port city of Acre and take a tour of the Templar Tunnel. Before returning back to your hotel, stop by a winery and sample a glass or two.

Day 4  Nazareth to Negev Desert
Leave Nazareth behind and journey into the Negev Desert, stopping at Lakiya Negev Bedouin Weaving, an income generation project created for Bedouin women to apply their traditional weaving skills. Spend some time here and enjoy a cup of tea and lunch. Continue onto Ramon Crater at Be’er Sheva the world's largest erosion crater. Set off on a desert safari into the crater in a 4WD for a night of star gazing.  

Day 5  Negev Desert to Jerusalem
Enjoy a wonderful sunrise before heading to Masada, a spectacular hill-top fortress built by King Herod. Next stop is the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth, sitting at 420 metres below sea level, float in the salty waters or rub the nutrient rich mud on your body. As the sun goes down head into the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve and explore the botanical gardens. Take a short walk on one of the gentle hiking trails before continuing to the Mount of Olives for your first view of the Holy City – Jerusalem.  

Day 6  Jerusalem
Take a guided tour of the Old City, starting with the Courtyard of the Dome and the Western Wall. After, continue along the Via Dolorosa starting at St Stephen’s Gate, passing the crusader church of St Anne and the Pool of Bethesda, now located in the Muslim Quarter of Jerusalem. Catch up for an informal chat with a local organisation, Hands of Peace specialising in conflict resolution and the peace process. The afternoon is free to spend at leisure, perhaps wander around the Old City and visit the Islamic Museum.

Day 7  Jerusalem
After breakfast, cross into Bethlehem to visit the Church of the Nativity and Manger Square before discovering a different side of Bethlehem on a graffiti tour at the Separation Barrier. Head back to Jerusalem for some free time, perhaps sit back with a cold beer at one of the many laneway bars near Machane Yehuda Market, there are some great eating spots around the area.

Day 8  Jerusalem  
Your tour comes to an end after breakfast.

Departs: