Israel

:: days 1 — 2 ::

If Jerusalem is the center of the Holy Land, Tel Aviv is its secular, sophisticated counterpart. You’ll spend the first two days of your journey exploring chic, dynamic Tel Aviv with its 24-hour buzz, as well as Jaffa, the ancient port city out of which Tel Aviv grew starting in the early 20th Century.

Ancient meets modern

You'll start your day in the present, on a Segway tour of Tel Aviv's dramatic oceanfront promenade and into the heart of the city's historic district, the White City. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the White City contains more than 5,000 buildings inspired by the Bauhaus school, Le Corbusier, and Art Deco style. You'll also visit the museum at Independence Hall to see exhibits on the signing of the Israeli Declaration of Independence and the history of the Tel Aviv-Jaffa area.

Your Segway tour ends in Jaffa, where you'll have a truly one-of-a-kind experience at the Nalaga’at Centre, a cultural center for the deaf and blind that includes a café, restaurant, and theatre. First, you'll have lunch at the center's Café Kapish, where you'll need to communicate via signs with the deaf staff members. Afterwards, you'll have your choice of two seminars—a wine tasting or a clay workshop. The twist is that both take place in total darkness at the BlackOut restaurant. The experience will awaken your senses and your awareness of life without sight.

You'll venture on to the Ilana Goor Museum, one of Israel's most famous modern art galleries, where you'll get a private tour followed by a drink on the terrace overlooking the Mediterranean. Dinner is at the private home of an Israeli family, where you'll enjoy great conversation and a delicious fusion of Arabic and Israeli cuisine.

:: days 3 — 4 ::

The town of Tiberias, situated inland on the Sea of Galilee, is your home base for exploring the holy sites and ancient ruins of the area, as well as the Golan Heights rising from the opposite shore of the sea. Founded by the Roman Empire in the 2nd Century, the area has been controlled by Crusaders, Persians, Arabs, Turks, a veritable who's-who of the Middle East. The result is a fascinating mix of cultures and architecture.

Roman ruins to Crusader halls

Your trip from Tel Aviv to Tiberias follows a scenic coastal route through Haifa and Acre. You'll stop in Caesarea to check out the remains of Roman and Crusader structures and see the contrast between "old" and "new." In Haifa, you'll visit the beautiful terraces of the Baha’i Gardens extending up the northern slope of Mt. Carmel. The gold-domed shrine of the Bab on the central terrace and contains the resting place of the Prophet-Herald of the Baha'i faith.

In Acre, you'll visit the Crusader Knights' Halls, the rest stop for Crusaders on their way to Jerusalem. You’ll also get a chance to browse the covered markets in Acre before you continue on to Tiberias and your accommodations, where you'll enjoy a private dinner on the garden terrace.

From The Sermon on the Mount to the Golan Heights

You'll start your day in Tiberias with a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, stopping at Capernaum, the ancient synagogue where Jesus once taught. The Capernaum also includes sacra insula, a section of ruins where St. Peter's house once stood. You'll continue on to the Mount of Beatitudes, where Christ issued his Sermon on the Mount.

You'll travel to the Golan Heights in the afternoon, where you'll first visit Tel Dan, the archaeological site that was once home to the Tribe of Dan, one of the 12 tribes of the Israelites. Then you'll take a Jeep ride across the rugged plateau of the Golan Heights, where you'll find Jewish settlements, nature reserves, Crusader castles, Druze villages, and the site of the massive tank battle during the Yom Kippur War of 1973. Back in Tiberias for the evening, you'll enjoy a talk on Israeli wines and get a private tasting in the Scots Wine Cellar, followed by a grand dinner.

:: days 5 — 9 ::

Jerusalem needs no introduction. It's one of the oldest cities in the world, and also Israel's capital and largest city. It's been destroyed, besieged, attacked, and captured many times over, and still stands today as a center of three major religions—Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Jerusalem brims with life and with dynamic tension. From the quarters of the Old City to the heights of Masada, you'll spend five days drinking in the essence of one of the world's holiest sites.

Jesus' homeland and Jerusalem in lights

On your way from Tiberias to Jerusalem, you'll stop in Nazareth, where Jesus Christ spent much of his life. You'll get a private tour of the Convent of the Sisters of Nazareth and see the archaeological findings from the 1st and 2nd centuries that were discovered beneath the convent, including an ancient church altar, a great hall, catacombs, water pits, and mosaics. You'll also visit the nearby Church of the Annunciation and the House of Joseph and the Holy Family. Also see the remains of Sepphoris, once a great center of trade, culture, Jewish learning, and early Christianity.

When you arrive in Jerusalem, you'll enjoy a welcome drink in the hotel bar before taking a stroll to the Tower of David after sunset, just in time to catch the Sound and Light show on the stone walls of the Citadel.

The Old City—From the Temple Mount to the Western Wall

You'll start your day with sweeping views of the city from the Mount of Olives, and then walk through the Garden of Gethsemane, at the base of the mount, with its paths lined with stately olive trees. From there, you'll travel to the Old City, where a private guide will show you around all Four Quarters. You’ll enter at the Dung Gate and start at the Temple Mount, a revered holy site in Islam, Judaism, and Christianity and the location of the gleaming Dome of the Rock. Walk along the Way of the Cross, through the markets of the Christian and Muslim quarters, and end up at the Christian Church of the Holy Sepulcher. The church is thought to be the site where Christ was crucified and buried, and you’ll likely find Christians of all denominations in intense prayer and devotion.

After lunch, you’ll walk through the Armenian and Jewish quarters to the Western Wall, where worshippers pray toward the Holy of Holies and place written prayers in the seams of the wall. You’ll get a special look at the wall via a private tour of the Western Wall Tunnels, which run beneath parts of the Jewish and Muslim quarters of the Old City. And you'll get an impressive full view of the 485-meter wall that King Herod had built in around 20 BC. After an intense day in the Old City, you’ll dine at the excellent La Regence back at the hotel.

The New City, Bethlehem, and a special Sabbath

In the morning, you’ll explore the New City, starting with Yad Vashem—the Jewish people’s memorial to the six million individuals who perished in the Holocaust. You’ll visit the Israel Museum, home to many historical treasures, including the Model of Jerusalem at the time of the Second Temple, the world-class Bronfman Archaeological Wing, and the Shrine of the Book, home to the Dead Sea Scrolls.

In the afternoon, you can choose between two amazing activities. You can travel to Bethlehem to visit the Church of the Nativity, which rests over the cave where Jesus was born. Or you can return to the Western Wall to witness the joyous crowds ushering in the Sabbath, a magical experience. Everyone will reconvene that evening for wine and cheese on a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city.

The Journey to Masada

On your third day in Jerusalem, you’ll travel to the lowest place on earth—the Jordan Valley along the Dead Sea—to begin your trek to Masada, the last stronghold of the Zealots. You can rise early for a sunrise walk up the Snake Path to Masada, a steep hike up the mountain. Or, if you’d rather sleep in, you can opt for a three-minute cable car ride to the top instead. At the top, you’ll have a celebratory drink and explore Herod’s palaces, baths, and other excavations that tell the story of the dramatic siege.

From Masada, you’ll drive to Qumran, a national park that was once home of the Essenes, the secluded desert sect that produced the Dead Sea Scrolls. After a leisurely afternoon in Jerusalem, you’ll join your fellow travelers for a special farewell dinner at Spoons, located in the historic private home of noted Jerusalem chef and designer Hila Solomon.

A first look at an archaeological discovery

Before departing Jerusalem, you’ll drive down to the Elah Valley to visit an excavation of the Elah Fortress, a discovery so new that it’s still not open to the public. You’ll get a fascinating look into the process of archeological discovery from a leading archaeologist who will guide you around the site and join you for lunch at a local winery. You’ll meet the winemaker to discuss how wine is grown in the region, as well as the symbolism of the vine in Biblical Times.

Return to Jerusalem in the afternoon to taste the wares of the Mahane Yehuda market and learn more about Israeli food and culinary traditions. Then return to your hotel to prepare for your trip home and say farewell to this amazing land. Kol Tuv.

We invite you to discover Israel’s distinctive history and cultural traditions on a captivating journey. You’ll find yourself out exploring the region’s most notable cultural landmarks and historic sites by day, and relaxing in the area’s finest accommodations each evening.

Accommodations

:: Tel Aviv ::

With gorgeous views of the Mediterranean, this modern luxury hotel is located in one of Tel Aviv’s most fashionable districts. The Club Rooms have panoramic sea views, large beds and bathrooms, and complimentary access to the exclusive Club Lounge on the 24th floor. You’re just minutes away from the sights of both Tel Aviv and Jaffa.

:: Tiberias ::

An Israeli hotel run by the Scottish Church? It’s true. The luxurious Scots Hotel was established by the church in 1999 in the beautiful and historic compound of the old Scottish Hospital, with its 19th century Basalt buildings and unrivalled views of the Sea of Galilee. Relax by the half-Olympic-sized pool on beautifully landscaped grounds that lead directly to a seaside beach. Eight Antique Lake View Rooms, in the original building, feature high ceilings, basalt stone walls, and magnificent sea views.

:: Jerusalem ::

The King David Jerusalem Hotel is a six-story landmark in the heart of Jerusalem, home to visiting world leaders and celebrities. A dignified pink quartz structure straight out of the 1920s with extensive manicured lawns, it's situated ideally between the Old and New Cities. Your room, on one of the top two floors, features views of the Old City and the beautiful hotel gardens. Take a dip in the pool, one of the grandest in the city, or relax in the spa. The hotel's main dining room, La Regence, is one of the finest dining experiences in Jerusalem.

Notable Inclusions

• Services of a dedicated Tour Director and two guides throughout the experience
• All accommodations
• Ground transportation throughout the experience, including a private airport transfer with VIP service at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv upon arrival
• All meals included in the itinerary
• Local beer, wine, and soft drinks with included lunches and dinners
• All sightseeing costs for the itinerary, including associated entrance fees
• All taxes and gratuities for hotel and restaurant staff, guides, Tour Director, transfers

For the complete list of inclusions, visit the Israel page on ER Compass.