8 Days Highlights of Israel

Highlights
Itinerary

HIGHLIGHTS OF ISRAEL
8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS

TOUR INCLUDES:

2 nights in Tel Aviv.
3 nights in Jerusalem.
2 nights in Tiberias.
Airport arrival and departure transfers at Ben Gurion International Airport.
Transportation by air-conditioned tourist coach throughout the tour.
Professional English-speaking tour guide.
Sightseeing tours and visits as outlined in the itinerary.
Cable car ride to and from Masada.
Entrance fees to scheduled attractions included in the tour program.
Visit to a local winery in the Golan Heights.
Daily breakfast at hotels.

HIGHLIGHTS OF ISRAEL
8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS

DAY 1. ARRIVAL IN TEL AVIV – BEN GURION AIRPORT
Upon arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, you will be welcomed by our local representative and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

DAY 2. MASADA – DEAD SEA – JERUSALEM
Meet your tour guide in the morning and depart Tel Aviv for Masada, one of Israel’s most important archaeological sites. Ascend by cable car to explore this extraordinary desert fortress, the last stronghold of Jewish resistance against the Romans. Discover the archaeological excavations, Herod’s palaces, ancient synagogue, bathhouse, and water cisterns while enjoying breathtaking views of the Roman camps and the Dead Sea. Descend to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. Experience its famous mineral-rich black mud and enjoy the unique sensation of floating in its salty waters. Continue past the beautiful oasis of Ein Gedi and travel through the Judean Desert toward Jerusalem.

DAY 3. JERUSALEM – YAD VASHEM – EIN KAREM – BETHLEHEM
Begin the day with a visit to Yad Vashem, Israel’s official Holocaust memorial, dedicated to preserving the memory of the Jewish victims of the Holocaust. Continue to Ein Karem, a picturesque village on the outskirts of Jerusalem, traditionally recognized as the birthplace of John the Baptist. Proceed to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus. Visit the Church of the Nativity and explore Manger Square, one of Christianity’s most important pilgrimage destinations. Conclude the day at the Israel Museum, visiting the Shrine of the Book, home to the famous Dead Sea Scrolls, and the impressive model of Jerusalem as it appeared during the Second Temple period.

DAY 4. JERUSALEM – OLD CITY – MOUNT ZION – MOUNT OF OLIVES
Discover the historic Old City of Jerusalem, beginning with the Western Wall and the Temple Mount, traditionally associated with the site of the Second Jewish Temple. Walk along the Via Dolorosa, following the traditional route of Jesus’ final journey to Calvary. Visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, traditionally recognized as the site of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. Continue to Mount Zion to visit the traditional Tomb of King David and the Room of the Last Supper. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, overlooking the historic city sacred to Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Visit the Garden of Gethsemane, traditionally associated with Jesus’ final prayers and arrest. Conclude the day at Mahane Yehuda Market, Jerusalem’s largest open-air market, where you can experience the local flavors, aromas, colors, and vibrant atmosphere of Israeli culture.

DAY 5. BEIT SHE’AN – JERICHO – GOLAN HEIGHTS – TIBERIAS
Depart Jerusalem and travel north, passing Jericho, traditionally regarded as one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Continue through the Jordan Valley to Beit She’an, where you will explore the impressive archaeological remains of this beautifully preserved Roman city. Proceed toward the Golan Heights, a region known for its rolling vineyards, dramatic landscapes, and panoramic views. Visit a local winery for a tasting experience and learn about the region’s growing wine industry. Continue through the Golan Heights, passing Druze villages and former Syrian fortifications, with spectacular views toward Mount Hermon and Syria. Descend through the Hula Valley and continue to Tiberias, located along the shores of the Sea of Galilee, one of Judaism’s four holy cities.

DAY 6. SEA OF GALILEE – CAPERNAUM – MOUNT OF BEATITUDES – TABGHA – NAZARETH
Travel along the beautiful shores of the Sea of Galilee. Visit Capernaum, known as the Town of Jesus, and explore the remains of its ancient synagogue. Continue to the Mount of Beatitudes, traditionally recognized as the place where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Proceed to Tabgha, the traditional site of the Miracle of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fish. Optional: Enjoy a boat ride across the Sea of Galilee, experiencing the peaceful scenery and historic surroundings of this sacred lake. Subject to availability, weather conditions, and additional charge. Continue to Nazareth, the hometown of Jesus, and visit the magnificent Church of the Annunciation and other Christian holy sites.

DAY 7. ACRE – HAIFA – CAESAREA – TEL AVIV – JAFFA
After breakfast, depart through the hills of the Galilee toward Acre (Akko), a historic Crusader stronghold. Explore its medieval fortifications and charming Old City. Continue to Haifa and ascend Mount Carmel for breathtaking panoramic views of the city, including the magnificent Baha’i Shrine, Persian Gardens, and Haifa Bay. Proceed south along the Mediterranean coast to Caesarea, the ancient Roman city built by Herod the Great. Visit the impressive Roman Theater and Crusader fortress, showcasing the grandeur of this historic coastal city. Conclude the day with a short city tour of Tel Aviv and a visit to the ancient port of Jaffa.

DAY 8. TEL AVIV – BEN GURION AIRPORT – DEPARTURE
After breakfast, transfer to Ben Gurion International Airport for your departure flight. Take home unforgettable memories of your journey through Israel and the Holy Land. END OF TOUR.