Israel Journey to Meet the Highlights of the Israeli State – 11 Days

Highlights

• Walk through Tel Aviv and Jaffa – Rothschild Boulevard's UNESCO-recognized Bauhaus architecture, Neve Tzedek, the Nahalat Binyamin Crafts Fair and Jaffa's old city and artist colony
• Enjoy a full free day in Tel Aviv to explore the beaches, museums, markets and nightlife at your own pace
• Visit the Weizmann Institute in Rehovot and explore Caesarea, the ancient Roman port city built by King Herod
• Tour Zichron Yaacov and the Atlit Detainee Camp, then take in views of Haifa Bay from the Louis Promenade and the Baha'i Gardens
• Taste Israeli wine in the Galilee and walk the ancient streets of Tzfat (Safed), home to the Kabbalists and a historic artists' colony
• Go bird watching in the Hula Valley, Israel's first nature reserve
• Drive through the Golan Heights to Mount Bental for panoramic views of Mount Hermon and Syria, with stops at a Golan winery and olive oil mill
• Visit the Sea of Galilee and the lakeside town of Tiberias
• Explore Jerusalem's Old City – the City of David, Warren's Shaft and the Siloam Tunnel, the Western Wall, the Cardo and the Jewish Quarter
• Visit Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial and the Israel Museum's Shrine of the Book, home of the Dead Sea Scrolls
• Join the Western Wall for Kabbalat Shabbat as the Jewish Sabbath begins, and browse the stalls of Mahane Yehuda Market
• 10 nights hotel accommodation – choose from 4-star to 5-star hotels in Tel Aviv, Haifa, the Galilee and Jerusalem

11-Day Israel Highlights Tour Itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1

   Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv

   A representative meets you after passport control at Ben Gurion Airport and helps with your luggage. You transfer to your Tel Aviv hotel to check in. The evening is free.

2. 2

   Day 2

   Tel Aviv

   This morning a walking tour takes you through Tel Aviv and Jaffa. You'll walk along Rothschild Boulevard to see the UNESCO-listed Bauhaus architecture and the renovated Independence Hall, then continue to Neve Tzedek, the city's first neighborhood. In the afternoon take some free time at the Nahalat Binyamin Crafts Fair and the Carmel Market (Friday only), finishing in Jaffa's old city and artist colony.

3. 3

   Day 3

   Tel Aviv

   Today is at leisure in Tel Aviv. Take some free time to explore the beaches, museums, shops or UNESCO-listed architecture, or relax along the Mediterranean coast.

4. 4

   Day 4

   Rehovot – Caesarea – Zichron Yaacov – Haifa

   After breakfast you drive south to Rehovot to visit the Weizmann Institute and the home of Israel's first president, Haim Weizmann. You continue to Caesarea, the ancient port city built by King Herod, then stop in Zichron Yaacov and visit the Atlit Detainee Camp. The coach reaches Haifa in the evening for views from the Louis Promenade and the Baha'i Gardens.

5. 5

   Day 5

   Galilee – Tzfat – Rosh Pina – Hula Valley

   After breakfast you drive through the mountains and valleys of the Galilee, stopping at a local winery for an Israeli wine tasting. You continue to Rosh Pina, founded in 1878, then to Tzfat to walk its ancient streets and visit the artists' colony. In the afternoon you visit the Hula Valley, Israel's first nature reserve, for bird watching.

6. 6

   Day 6

   Golan Heights – Mount Bental – Tiberias – Sea of Galilee

   A scenic drive takes you to the Golan Heights, starting at Tel Faher, a former Syrian military position from the Six-Day War, then on to Mount Bental for views of Mount Hermon and Syria. You visit a Golan olive oil mill and a local winery for a tasting, then head down to Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee. Return to your kibbutz hotel with the rest of the afternoon free.

7. 7

   Day 7

   Galilee – Jezreel Valley – Jerusalem

   After checkout you visit the Tel Hai Museum, honoring the 1920 battle led by Joseph Trumpeldor. You drive south through the Jezreel Valley, passing Afula, and stop at Khan Sha'ar HaGai, a restored Ottoman-era structure from the War of Independence. You arrive in Jerusalem with a stop at Mount Scopus for a panoramic view of the city.

8. 8

   Day 8

   Jerusalem

   You start at the City of David with a virtual reality presentation on King David's ancient city, followed by a wet walking tour through the water system from Warren's Shaft to the Siloam Tunnel. In the Old City you visit the Davidson Center, the Western Wall, the Cardo and the Jewish Quarter. On Thursdays you may see Bar Mitzvah ceremonies at the Western Wall.

9. 9

   Day 9

   Jerusalem

   The day starts at Mount Herzl Military Cemetery, then continues to Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial and the Valley of the Communities. You pass the Knesset and its Menorah, then visit the Israel Museum's Shrine of the Book and the Second Temple model of Jerusalem. The tour continues to Mahane Yehuda Market, ending at the Western Wall for Kabbalat Shabbat as the Sabbath begins.

10. 10

    Day 10

    Jerusalem

    Today is at leisure to explore Jerusalem as you wish. An optional tour to Masada and the Dead Sea is available at extra cost — not included. In the evening, the sound and light show at the Tower of David is recommended for an overview of the city's history.

11. 11

    Day 11

    Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport

    Breakfast at the hotel and check out. Transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for your flight home.

What's Included

Not Included

• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Porterage at airport
• Tipping for guide, driver and hotel staff
• Pre & post tour accommodation
• Optional experiences — Optional Masada & Dead Sea tour (extra cost)
• Other activities and services not listed under Included

Additional Information

• This tour operates year-round, subject to availability.
• A government-licensed guide is provided for all touring days.
• An optional Masada & Dead Sea tour is available on your free day in Jerusalem (Day 10) at additional cost.
• Tour reference code: 126810

Dates & Availability

Frequently Asked Questions