Day One
Friday – Tel Aviv, VIP Arrival and Airport Transfer (On Own)
Welcome to Israel
Welcome home! A representative of the tour company will meet you as you disembark from the plane and streamline your visa and customs processing. You will be brought to a waiting VIP van which will bring you to your hotel.
Shuk HaCarmel – The Carmel Market & Nachalat Binyamin – Optional
There is no better place to get in touch with the real Tel Aviv than in its most famous and vibrant market. There is never a dull moment when wandering through this dizzying array of fruits and spices, clothing and tchotchkes, with local Tel Avivians just out for a snack. On Tuesdays & Fridays Nachalat Binyamin Pedestrian Street becomes a must see artists’ market with craftsmen and artists from all over Israel setting up booths and selling their crafts
Sleep Dan Panorama Tel Aviv
Day Two
Saturday – Tel Aviv, (On Own)
Rest and Relaxation
No better way to get over jet lag than a lazy morning. Make sure not to sleep too late and miss the world famous Israeli hotel breakfast buffet, afterwards spend your day by the pool, or perhaps take a walk nearby your hotel. Rest up because Israel has a lot in store for you!
Old City of Jaffa- Optional
Tradition tells us that Jaffa, or Yafo as it’s called in Hebrew, was founded by Jefeth the Son of Noah many, many years ago. Throughout history it’s known as one of the most famous Middle Eastern ports and the one from which Jonah set forth on his famous voyage. Today its artists colony, alleyways, and views sets it apart as one of the most beautiful places in Tel Aviv. It’s for this very reason that one can spot brides and grooms having their photoshoots almost everyday of the week in Yafo. The highlight of course will be seeing the traditional home of Simon the Tanner who hosted Peter in Jaffa when he came to resurrect Tabitha.
Sleep Dan Panorama Tel Aviv
Day Three
Sunday – Mediterranean Coast & Galilee
Guide will meet you in the Dan Panorama Tel Aviv lobby – 8:30am
Caesarea National Park
This picturesque 2,000 year old port city was a dream of King Herod. The Caesarea port was an unparalleled feat of engineering and instrumental in solidifying trade agreements with the Roman Empire. It was at the time, one of the largest cities in the Roman Empire and the capital of Rome in Israel.
Caesarea played an important role in early Chrisitan history, being both the seat of the early church fathers as well as the baptism of Cornelius the centurion and being the port and later prison of Paul. Once a symbol of Roman power, today Caesarea is a testament to the eventual victory of the Jews over Rome.
Haifa Bahai Lookout
Over half a million visitors from around the world flock to Haifa to see the UNESCO World Heritage Site Bahai Gardens covering some 200,000 square meters cascading down 19 different terraces.
Besides being a holy place for the Bahai, it is also the burial site for the Bab, the founder of the Baha’i faith. It offers one of the most stunning views of Haifa from the Carmel Mountains.
Akko Old City and Knights Halls
On a small peninsula jutting out of Israel’s northern coast, lies a walled port city that has almost 4,000 years of continual use. Although Akko has seen the Phonecians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, besides numerous other conquerors, its golden age was in the 12th century when it became one of the most important and wealthiest cities of the Crusaders.
We will explore the walls and moats of Akko, as well as the newly uncovered Hospitallers fortress. We will go underground through tunnels and crypts going back in time 800 years to the age of knights and maidens.
If we have time we can explore the market and port and perhaps even walk on her ramparts!
Nazareth – Church of the Annunciation
Nazareth was just a sleepy little town 2,000 years ago, but today is known around the world as the hometown of Jesus. At the center of Nazareth is the Basilica of the Annunciation built over the traditional home of Mary. It is here where tradition says the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she will give birth to a son that will change the world.For centuries pilgrims and seekers alike have come to pray in this spot and to seek out the spirit.
Mount Precipice
Just south of Nazareth in the cliffs of Mount Kedumim is Mount Precipice, the site of the cliff that an angry mob attempted to throw Jesus off of after his bold proclamation in the Nazareth synagogue. We will soak up this majestic site as well as meditate on our own acceptance of the Lord.
Sleep Ramot Resort
Day Four
Monday – Sea of Galilee
Capernaum
At this major crossroads of the ancient world, on the Northern banks of the Sea of Galilee, sits one of the most famous villages in the world – Capernaum. In the Christian Bible it’s the most mentioned town besides Jerusalem, and is even described as Jesus’s town! We will see the Byzantine era synagogue built directly on top of a 2,000 year old synagogue, the one in which Jesus preached. Perhaps the most amazing site is the modern day church built on the remains of two ancient churches, which were built directly over a 2,000 year old house…. Many scholars believe that this home is none other than the house of Simon Peter, where Jesus lived in Capernaum.
Mount of Beatitudes
In this natural amphitheater overlooking the Galilee was the site of one of the most famous sermons ever given…the Sermon on the Mount. The philosophical messages transmitted in the Sermon of the Mount provide the theological underpinnings of Christianity and have shaped the ethics of Western Civilization as a whole. We will take in an inspiring view of the Sea of Galilee and have a chance to meditate on the overall majesty of this land.
Tzfat Old City & Artist Quarter
In Judaism’s most mystical book, the Zohar, Tzfat is described as having the purest air in all of Israel and that’s not only because Tzfat is almost 3,000 feet in elevation. Of Judaism’s four Holy Cities, Tzfat is the one described as mystical and connected to the element of air, that which is intangible… hidden.
It is for this reason that 500 years ago Tzfat attracted mystics and rabbis and built breathtaking synagogues which we will explore. In recent years Tzfat’s beauty has attracted artists from all over who have opened their galleries to the public, making Tzfat a highlight of any trip to Israel.
Sleep Ramot Resort
Day Five
Tuesday – Golan Height
Banias Waterfall National Park
In the third century before the common era, here at one of the most important crossroads of the ancient world was built a temple to the greek god Pan and his nymphs, Zeus, and Augustus Caesar when its name was changed to Caesarea Philippi, besides being mentioned in the gospels as the place where Peter is given the keys to the church by Jesus. This cultic site sat at headwaters of the Banias river, one of the three sources of the Jordan river. We will stroll along the spring’s pleasant water, culminating at the largest and most impressive waterfall in all of Israel.
Tel Dan – the Biblical City of Dan
Surrounded by running streams bursting forth from one of the Middle East’s largest underground springs, we will visit the northern border of the Kingdom of Israel. Here was the royal city of Jeroboam, where he built a walled city, a Temple complex complete with a golden calf, all of which have been discovered in the excavations (except for the golden calf.) The 3,000 year old city walls and 3,800 year old city gate has led UNESCO to deem Tel Dan a “World Heritage Site”. We will stroll through this picturesque national park and touch the biblical history buried beneath.
Har Bental Viewpoint and IDF Bunkers
We will climb up a dormant volcano to a height of 1,260 feet above sea level to take in a breathtaking 360 degree view of the Golan Heights. From this former Israeli defensive position we can look down into Syria and on a clear day even see the approaches to Damascus only 45 miles away. We can also climb through the decommissioned bunker and trenches of the IDF.
Sleep Ramot Resort
Day Six
Wednesday – Jordan Valley
Magdala
Magdala is a 2,000 year old fishing village which was the hometown of Mary Magdalene, an enigmatic woman revered by christians worldwide. Not only was she one of the few people mentioned in the gospels as being present at the crucifixion, she was also the first recorded witness of his resurrection. These newly excavated ruins show the remains of this vibrant city on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Not only do we find the remains of a bustling industrial zone, we will also see one of the oldest excavated Synagogues in the world…perhaps where Jesus himself preached.
Beit Shean National Park
In the book of Samuel we are told of King Saul’s last battle against the Philistines on Mount Gilboa. The captured body of Israel’s first king is desecrated and hung on the walls of Beit Shean. After 800 years of conquest, destruction, rebuilding, destruction etc, Beit Shean is rebuilt by the Greeks who rename it Scythopolis, conquered by the Romans, and finally it becomes a major city for the Byzantines. When it was finally destroyed in the earthquake of 749 CE it was never rebuilt.
Highlights of the park include the Tel with its 20 layers of civilization, the Theater, bathhouse, Cardo, Decamonis.
Kasr al Yahud – Jordan River
Nearly 3,400 years ago in this very place, the Children of Israel crossed over from the desert into the Land of Israel. 2,000 years ago Jesus met his cousin John the Baptist who was using these holy waters of the Jordan for the purposes of baptizing the masses with the Holy Spirit. It was in this very place where Jesus was baptized setting him off on a journey that would change the world.
Though the Jordan River is no longer split, only a few dozen feet away lies the modern country of Jordan. Kasr al Yahud was opened to the public in 2011 just across from Jericho on the lush banks of Israel’s longest river, the Jordan.
We will have the opportunity for a once in a lifetime rejuvenation of the spirit and rebirth in the holy waters of the Jordan river
Welcome to Jerusalem – Mount Scopus viewpoint
Halleluyah! Welcome to the holiest place on Earth. We will Take in the View that Jesus had upon his ascent from Bethany. The spiritual plateau of the world is here in this most famous and yearned after city. As we enter Jerusalem we will breathe in her beauty from the Mount Scopus Viewpoint and recall the words of the Sages that one “doesn’t come to Jerusalem, rather they return to Jerusalem.”
Sleep Dan Panorama Jerusalem
Day Seven
Thursday – Jerusalem
The Kotel – Western Wall
If Jerusalem is the heart of the Jewish People then the Temple Mount and its western retaining wall are its soul. After the Temple’s destruction 2,000 years ago, the Western Wall or Kotel is one of its last remaining walls. Although we only see a fraction of it exposed, it spans over a quarter of a mile and once stood 20 stories high! Although made of limestone, local tradition holds that it is made up of the tears and prayers of 2,000 years of Jews yearning for “Next year in Jerusalem.” According to Jewish thought the Temple Mount is the holiest place on earth and the entryway to the spiritual world.
Western Wall Tunnels
The Kotel Plaza today has an exposed section of 57 meters out of 488 meters of wall! Underneath the Muslim Quarter of today is the excavated sections of the Western Wall which were once open to the sky. Although the average stone in the wall is only 2-3 tons, we will see the largest stone that weighed a whopping 570 tons, making it one of the largest hewn stones in the world.
City of David
Just outside of the Old City we will explore the ancient city where King David held his capital. Ir David, or the “City of David” as it is known in English, is the actual location of the biblical city of Jerusalem captured by King David over 3,000 years ago. Highlights include entering the secret tunnel
leading to the Gihon Spring, walking through Hezekiah’s water tunnel, the PilgrimsAscent from the Shiloach Pool up to “Wall Street” the ancient financial district and shopping area.
Southern Wall Excavations
At the Southwest corner of the Temple Mount lies the excavated ruins of the Second Temple Period, downtown Jerusalem from 2,000 years ago! From here we will be able to recreate in our mind’s eye the sites and sounds of a bustling marketplace filled with priests and prophets, rabbis and pilgrims. The archeological gardens are littered with the treasures of the Jewel in the Crown of Jerusalem…the Second Temple. we will walk in the footsteps of Jesus and the disciples on the very streets that they once knew.
Sleep Dan Panorama Jerusalem
Day Eight
Friday – Jerusalem New City
Yad Vashem – Israel’s Holocaust Memorial
Yad Vashem was founded in 1953 as Israel’s central holocaust memorial and museum. It’s for this reason that, after the Kotel, it is Israel’s most visited site. It is here where visitors will hear the story and the meaning of the holocaust within the greater story of the people of Israel and the Land of Israel. All political delegations that come to Israel must come to Yad Vashem to see for themselves what can happen when the Jews don’t have a place to call home.
Israel Museum & Dead Sea Scrolls
Covering an area of over half a million square feet, and strategically situated next to the Knesset, sits Israel’s foremost cultural institution…the Israel Museum. This museum houses the largest comprehensive collection of biblical artifacts in its archeological section, as well as the world’s largest collection of Judaica, Jewish art and manuscripts. Besides the famous “ahava” statue and the 20 acre model of the Second Temple and Jerusalem, the biggest highlight on the premises is the Shrine of the Book, which displays the Dead Sea Scrolls; the oldest biblical manuscripts in the world!
Machane Yehuda Shuk – Jerusalem Market
There are no words to accurately describe the “shuk”…one must immerse themselves in the sights, smells, and above all, tastes of Jerusalem’s largest outdoor food market. It teems with locals and tourists alike, and is a meeting place for Jerusalemites from all over. Make sure to taste the chalva, techina, the famous marzipan rugelach, and get a fresh Juice from Uzi.
Evening Walk – Shabbat at the Western Wall
Friday night is a special time to be in Jerusalem. As the day ends a new day begins – Shabbat, the Jewish sabbath. The Western wall in Jerusalem becomes a unifying place for the Jews as holiness of time and place intertwine. Soldiers and Hassids, tourists and locals, dance arm in arm to welcome the Jewish Sabbath with song and joy. This celebration has no parallel in the world and should not be missed.
Sleep Dan Panorama Jerusalem
Day Nine
Saturday – Jerusalem Old City
Four Quarters Walking Tour
From the Hotel we will ascend on foot to the Old City Via the Jaffa Gate, passing through Jerusalem’s oldest and most picturesque neighborhood outside the Old City’s walls, Yemin Moshe. Besides being Judaism’s holiest city, it is a holy city to both Christianity and Islam. Today Jerusalem has four distinct areas colloquially called “the four quarters, the Jewish Quarter, Christian Quarter, Muslim Quarter, and Armenian Quarter. Together we will explore the hidden gems of this holy city, climbing her rooftops, wandering her alleys, and unlocking her secrets.
Christian Quarter
Situated within the narrow alleyways of this ancient city, not only do we have a residential area home to over 5,600 christians and over 40 christian holy sites, but we also have the world’s holiest place for Christians! One can explore the Christian Quarter for their entire life and never unlock all of her mysteries.
Church of the Holy Sepulcher
No visit to Jerusalem can be complete without a visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Counted amongst the oldest churches in the world, it’s one of Jerusalem’s most visited spots and for Christians a place of deep religious significance. Although relatively small compared to Europe’s churches it houses the spot of the crucifixion, burial, and according to Chirstian tradition, the resurrection of Jesus. For Christian believers this is the most holy spot on Earth.
Jewish Quarter
The Jewish Quarter has had a Jewish presence almost continuously for 2,700 years! Home to nearly 3,300 residents, it combines history, religion, and archeology as well as shops and restaurants, yeshivas and synagogues. Although there is a modern neighborhood on top of these ancient ruins, the stones come to life and whisper the prophecy of Zachariah that “there will once again sit old men and women in the squares of Jerusalem, and the streets will be filled with playing children.”
King David’s Tomb
How can we visit David’s City without paying homage to the King himself? On Mount Zion we will find the traditional burial place of King David. At this holy site it is traditional to recite Psalms which were written by King David
Room of the Last Supper
We are told that the night before the arrest of Jesus, he and his disciples celebrated the Passover holiday in a rented upper room in Jerusalem. It is during this meal that Jesus compares the salvation that he offers with the redemption of the Hebrews from Egyptian bondage. Tradition holds that 50 days later on Pentecost Jesus will reveal himself to his disciples in this room
Garden Of Gethsemane
On the base of the Mount of Olives sits the Garden of Gethsemane church where on the Night of Passover Jesus was arrested, later to be crucified. Although the current basilica was built in 1924, it sits over two previous churches from the 4th and 12th centuries. At its center is a section of bedrock considered to be the place where Jesus prayed the night of his arrest.
Evening Activity – Tower of David Night Spectacular
4,000 years of Jerusalem come alive as they are projected on the walls of the Tower of David. In this citadel, where once the palace of King Herod and the Maccabees stood, the history of the city will be projected in a beautiful swirl of sounds and images which will bring the stones almost literally to life.
Sleep Dan Panorama Jerusalem
Day Ten
Sunday – Dead Sea
Masada
In the year 30 BCE King Herod built here his desert fortress par excellence. Perched on a mesa 450 meters above the Dead Sea yet only 58 meters above sea level, surrounded by a four meter high double wall and steep cliffs, it was thought to be impregnable. Nearly 100 years after it was built the drama unfolded as the most famous battle in Israel; the last stand of the Jews in their Great Revolt against the Romans.
Dead Sea float & Lunch
Have you ever wondered what it feels like to be weightless? Here in the lowest place on earth we have the saltiest lake in the world. The water is so dense that it’s impossible to sink. The waters of the Dead Sea have been known throughout antiquity to have healing qualities, and a day at the Dead Sea has the power to rejuvenate the skin. The hypersalinity and high mineral content have been shown to be therapeutic for arthritis, psoriasis, eczema,and much much more.
Mitzpe Yericho
Meaning literally, “a viewpoint to Jericho” Mitzpe yericho is a small west bank settlement sitting on a cliff. It is perched more than a thousand feet above one of the oldest cities in the world and the entrance to the Land of Israel from the East. Over 500 families live in this small desert town, but thousands come here to see its amazing views and Abandoned Israeli Army bunker.
Sleep Dan Panorama Jerusalem
Day Eleven
Monday – West Bank (Judea)
Bethlehem
Just south of Jerusalem is the little town of Bethlehem, a thriving metropolis in the Jerusalem Hills. Most famous for being the birthplace of Jesus, it is also the birthplace and hometown of King David and Benjamin the son of Rachel and Jacob.
The highlight for Christians who visit Bethlehem is the Church of Nativity…the original nativity scene. Since being built by Helene the mother of Constantine in 333 CE, pilgrims have been coming to the Basilica for prayer and contemplation.
Hebron
3,800 years ago the biblical patriarch Abraham made the first Jewish acquisition of land in the Land of Israel for his descendants. Ever since then, Mea’arat HaMachpela or the Tomb of the Patriarchs has been a site of pilgrimage and prayer for the children of Avraham and Sara and the city of Hebron is waiting with open arms. At the tombs of the matriarchs and patriarchs of Judaism we will be embraced with holiness and awed by the beauty of this thousands year old shrine.
Sleep Dan Panorama Jerusalem
Day Twelve
Tuesday – L’hitraot, VIP Departure and Airport Transfer, VIP Transfer and Departure
In Israel we dont say goodbye we say l’hitraot…that means “see you later”
A representative of our company will bring you to Ben Gurion Airport and streamline your flight check-in and departure. Looking forward to next time!
