DAY 2: Tel Aviv & Old Jaffa, ISRAEL
This morning explore the sites of vibrant Tel Aviv, including Beth
Hatefutsoth, the Museum of the Jewish People to gain insights on
Jewish history starting from 6th- century BC. This afternoon, in the
old port and artist-mecca of Old Jaffa, explore the cobblestone
streets and visit the galleries, the Jaffa Flea Market and Carmel
Market. ►For Tel Aviv hotel suggestions, see above.
DAY 3: Tel Aviv to Haifa, ISRAEL
En route to Haifa, drive along the Mediterranean coastline to the
ancient Roman city of Caesarea. Explore the Roman Amphitheatre and
the ruins of this Crusader stronghold, built in 30 BC yet very
technologically advanced for its time. Continue to Acre, to visit
Djezzar Pasha Mosque, the crypt of St. John, and the colorful bazaar
of this ancient seaport. Arriving in Haifa, you ascend to Mount
Carmel for breathtaking views. Visit the prominent Ba'hai Shrine,
with its gleaming golden dome and impressive levels of gardens, and
the peaceful Stella Maris Convent. ►Suggested hotel: Dan Carmel Haifa Hotel
Gardens, Haifa
DAY 4: Haifa, Nazareth & Tiberias, ISRAEL
This morning drive to picturesque Nazareth, to visit the Church of
the Annunciation, Joseph’s Workshop and Mary's Well, with waters
believed to heal all ailments. Stroll through the lively Arab
markets before continuing on to Tiberias. This afternoon drive out
to historic Safed to explore the Citadel, the old synagogues and
artist colony. Stay the next two nights in Tiberias, overlooking the
Sea of Galilee. ►Suggested hotel: Scots Hotel, Tiberias
DAY 5: Tiberias, ISRAEL
Today’s touring starts with a boat ride across the Sea of Galilee,
to Kibbutz Ginosar and a visit to learn about Israel’s unique form of
communal living. The kibbutz, museum houses the 2,000-year-old
“Jesus boat.” Continuing to Capernaum, view the remains of a 2nd
century synagogue, then drive up to the Mount of the Beatitudes.
Taste local wines in the Golen Heights before driving to Tabgha,
site of the New Testament’s Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes. ►Suggested hotel: Scots Hotel, Tiberias
DAY 6: Tiberias to Jerusalem, ISRAEL
Drive the winding mountain roads through the scenic Jordan Valley to
Bet She’an, an ancient Roman city called Israel’s Pompeii. Next,
visit Qumran, a settlement from 103 BC, to explore the caves where
the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Late afternoon arrive in Jerusalem,
a 3,000-year-old thriving modern metropolis and the cradle of three
major religions. ►Some suggested Jerusalem hotels (in alphabetical order): King David Hotel (V) Mamilla Hotel (V) The Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem ►Together, we will find the best choice for you!
DAY 7: Jerusalem – Masada & Bethlehem, ISRAEL
A full day of sightseeing starts with a drive to Masada, at the edge
of the Judean Desert. Ascend the steep slope by cable car, and visit
the ruins of fortifications and the palaces of Herod. Continue
traveling along the Dead Sea to Bethany to visit the Tomb of
Lazarus. Next stop is Bethlehem, the cradle of Christianity. Visit
the Church of the Nativity, Manger Square and Shepherd’s Field,
before passing Rachel’s Tomb en route back to Jerusalem. ►For Jerusalem hotel suggestions, see above.
DAY 8: Jerusalem, ISRAEL
Travel to the Mount of Olives – with two peaks, one with Christian
churches, the second with the oldest and largest Jewish cemetery.
Visit the Church of Ascension, Garden of Gethsemane, and the holy
Islamic pilgrimage site, the Dome of the Rock. Experience the
Western Wall or “Wailing Wall,” Judaism's holiest site. Continue to
Mt. Zion, visiting the Tomb of King David and the Room of the Last
Supper. ►For Jerusalem hotel suggestions, see above.
DAY 9: Jerusalem, ISRAEL
This morning visit the Knesset (Israel’s Parliament), to see a model
of how Jerusalem looked 2,000 years ago. Visit the Shrine of the
Book and see the Dead Sea Scrolls, then tour the Hadassah Medical
Center with its Chagall stained glass windows depicting the 12
Tribes of Israel. Next, explore the Yad Vashem memorial complex and
the moving presentations at its Holocaust History Museum. This
afternoon walk through the exotic Arab bazaar and Way of the Cross;
visit the Church of St. Anne and the Pool of Bethesda. At the
Stations of the Cross, you can walk in the footsteps of Jesus as
described in the New Testament. Explore the Flagellation Church the
Calvary and the Holy Sepulchre. ►For Jerusalem hotel suggestions, see above.
DAY 10: Depart Jerusalem, ISRAEL
Bid farewell to this holy land before you are taken to the airport
for your flight home or on to your next destination.