Ben Gurion Airport | Tel Aviv
Your ITC Tour Representative will meet you upon arrival at the Ben Gurion Airport and accompany you to your hotel.
Overnight in Tel Aviv.
SaturdayAt leisure
Overnight in Tel Aviv.
Sunday Caesarea, Megiddo & Druze Villages
Your day begins with a drive along the coastal plains to Caesarea, the Roman capital of Judea. Here you will visit the excavations of the Crusader city, Roman Port, aqueduct and the recently restored amphitheater now used as a concert venue. Next you'll head to Megiddo, reputed as being the site of the Armageddon, and see the archaeological excavations including the well-preserved water system. From there you're next stop is the Druze village of Daliat El Carmel to enjoy a late lunch at a local restaurant and then it's off to Haifa, via Mount Carmel, for a panoramic view of the Haifa Bay and Golden domed Bahai Shrine and Gardens.
Overnight in a Kibbutz guesthouse.
MondaySafed, Golan Heights & Winery
Today you'll drive to Safed, the center of Jewish mysticism, to visit the ancient synagogues and artists' colony. After that, continue to the Golan Heights to see the former Syrian bunkers, Kuneitra and the new Israeli town of Katzrin. Stop at the Golan Winery for a tour and wine tasting and then continue on to Kessem Hagolan for a multimedia presentation of the area and its history.
Overnight in a Kibbutz guesthouse.
Tuesday
Sea of Galilee & Nazareth
Your day begins with a visit to Nazareth and a visit to the Church of the Annunciation. From there, you'll continue on to Tiberias to see the ruins of the synagogue and octagonal Church of St. Peter in Capernaum and to visit the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. After that, your drive continues to Beit Alpha, via Beit Shean, where you will get to see the remains of the mosaic floor of an ancient synagogue depicting the zodiac.
Overnight in Jerusalem.
Wednesday
Jerusalem: The Old City
Begin the day with a spectacular panoramic view from the Mount of Olives and then a drive to the Old City. Here you'll visit the tomb of King David and the room of The Last Supper on Mt. Zion. Next, enter the walled city and walk through the newly restored Jewish Quarter to the Roman Cardo, the Herodian Quarter and then to the Western Wall. Walk along the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and then continue on to Bethlehem* to view Rachel's Tomb, followed by a visit to the Church of the Nativity and Manger's Square.
Overnight in Jerusalem.
Thursday
Jerusalem: The New City
First on the itinerary this morning is a drive to the Israel Museum to visit the Shrine of the Book where the Dead Sea Scrolls are housed, and to see the miniature model of Jerusalem as it was during the second temple period. After that is a tour of Israel's Parliament, the Knesset and then it's off to Mount Hertzel Cemetery and Yad Vashem to see the memorial to the Holocaust. While in the New City, you'll visit the ultra orthodox neighborhood of Mea Shearim to learn about their unique lifestyle. In the evening, enjoy a middle eastern dinner followed by a spectacular “sound & light” show* at the Tower of David Museum (if weather conditions are permitting).
Overnight in Jerusalem.
Friday
Qumran, Masada & Dead Sea
Enjoy a drive through the Judean Desert to the lowest point on earth – the Dead Sea which is almost 1300 feet (400 meters) below sea level. Stop at Qumran to visit the site where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found and then drive along the shores of the Dead Sea to Massada, the ancient mountaintop fortress. Ascend to the top by cable car to tour the fortress where the Zealots made their last stand against the Romans before committing mass suicide in 73 A.D. After the tour, descend by cable car and continue on to the Dead Sea. Here you will have the chance to cover yourself with the mineral rich mud of the Dead Sea and then take a swim in the waters that many believe has therapeutic effects (weather permitting).
Overnight in Jerusalem.
SaturdayAt leisure
Overnight in
Jerusalem.
Sunday: Timna/Underwater Observatory/ Eilat
Today you will travel south through the Negev Desert to visit Timna. Here you will see the copper mines, King Solomon's Pillars and marvel at the huge multi-colored rock formations. Next you will continue to Eilat to visit the underwater observatory, built into a coral reef, at one of the largest seaquariums in the world.
Overnight in Eilat.
Monday At leisure or tour to Petra (additional charge applies)
After visa assistance at the Jordanian Border, you will drive through the desert highways to the astonishing rose-red city of Petra that was built nearly two-thousand years ago by the early Arab tribe, the Nabateans. Your visit begins with the possibility of a short horseback ride (about 700 m.) to the entrance of the Siq, which is about 1.2 km long (walking distance). You may also have the chance to rent a chariot (extra charge applies) to get inside Petra and then back to the gate. Petra is famous for its huge monuments such as the Treasury, Royal Tombs, The Court, Roman Theatre, Roman Street, Qassier El-Bint (Palace of Pharoah's daughter) and many smaller monuments in addition to its pools, dams and water channels. The city itself is almost 45 square km and is considered to be the second wonder of the world. After your visit, you will enjoy lunch at a nice restaurant and then the drive back to the border. En-route, you will stop for a short visit at Aqaba and may have the chance for a short walk. The day ends with your crossing at the border at approximately 6:00 pm (18:00) into Eilat.
Overnight in Eilat.
Tuesday
Eilat / Mitzpe Ramon / Sde Boker / Tel Aviv
You'll leave Eilat via Mitzpe Ramon to view the geological wonder, the Ramon Crater. After that you'll head to Sde Boker and visit Ben Gurion's hut and grave that overlooks the magnificent Zin Valley, followed by a Camel ride and visit to an authentic Bedouin tent. Here you'll learn about the Bedouin hospitality and enjoy a light lunch. Next you'll continue to Hatzerim to visit the Israel Air Force Museum and view the planes and equipment and hear the story of this braze fighting force.
Overnight in Tel Aviv.
Wednesday
Tel Aviv / Ben Gurion Airport
After breakfast, transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for departure.
Note that the above program can be extended and also customized for groups.
* visit subject to availability
Itinerary Subject to Change |
2013 Tour Dates