Itinerary Details
Israel Escape
Day 1ARRIVE IN TEL AVIV, ISRAELWelcome to Tel Aviv! This evening, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner. (D)
Day 2TEL AVIV–JAFFA–CAESAREA–NAZARETH–CANA–HAIFAMiraculous Sites & Ancient Wonders Start your journey of discovery as you depart Tel Aviv to reach Jaffa to join a guided walking tour of the ancient port city. Travel to Caesarea for a guided sightseeing tour that includes the Roman Amphitheater and Crusader fortress. Later, travel to Nazareth, the city where Jesus lived and worked as a carpenter, visit the Church of the Annunciation, before continuing to Cana to visit the site of Jesus’s first recorded miracle, when he attended a wedding and changed water into wine. This evening enjoy dinner in your Haifa hotel. (B,D)
124 mi/200 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORY & MYSTERY Explore the ancient port of Jaffa, where biblical stories of Jonah, Solomon, and St. Peter took place. The Israeli city traces its roots to 1800 BC, with mythological tales of Andromeda and Perseus. Today Jaffa features picturesque alleys, art galleries, unique boutiques, ancient buildings, and wonderful landmarks.
Day 3HAIFA. EXCURSION TO THE MOUNT OF BEATITUDES–CAPERNAUM–SEA OF GALILEEHoly Water & Wondrous Miracles This morning, visit the UNESCO-listed site of extraordinary beauty - the Baha’i Shrine. Then a multitude of biblical locations await you. Visit the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered his Sermon on the Mount. Continue to Capernaum to visit the site where Jesus recruited his first followers before arriving at the Jordan River to visit a Baptismal site. Later, at the Sea of Galilee (Lake Tiberias) enjoy a [LF] scenic cruise and enjoy a photo opportunity to snap pictures of Lake Tiberias from a panoramic point. (B,D)
66 mi/107 km
LOCAL FAVORITE
EPIC RIDE The Sea of Galilee (Lake Tiberias) is the background to many biblical events and miracles, including the site where Jesus walked on water. Take a cruise on the historic waters of the lowest freshwater lake in the world, just over 200 meters below sea-level, and enjoy the panoramic views.
Day 4HAIFA–VALLEY OF ELAH–LATRUN–BETHLEHEM–JERUSALEMGiant Victories Start your journey of discovery with a visit to the Latrun Area to see the site where David was victorious over Goliath and visit the Monastery of the Trappist Monks. Later, drive to Bethlehem and visit the Church of the Nativity, built on the site where Jesus was born. This evening, enjoy an evening at leisure in Jerusalem. (B) 140 mi/ 225 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SITE The Emperor Constantine and his mother St Helena commissioned the first Church of the Nativity in the 4th century, it was built over a grotto widely recognized to be the birthplace of Jesus. In the following centuries, the church was rebuilt and renovated. Today the guardianship of the Church is shared by three Church Authorities – Armenian Apostolic, Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic.
Day 5JERUSALEM. EXCURSION TO THE ISRAEL MUSEUM, YAD VASHEM, AND MOUNT ZIONMoving History This morning, participate in a moving visit to Yad Vashem, Israel’s National Holocaust Museum. Continue to the Israel Museum, a cultural institution featuring art and archaeology. Later, follow your Local Guide on a walking tour to Mount Zion, visit the Upper Room, and the Tomb of King David. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
IN MEMORIUM Yad Vashem (the World Holocaust Remembrance Center) takes its name from the biblical verse, ?And to them will I give in my house and within my walls a memorial and a name (a yad vashem)” – (Isaiah, 56; 5). Here, roughly one million visitors come to remember the millions who were persecuted during WWII. Housing a remarkable collection of historic and personal artifacts, stories, and memorials to the Jewish people who suffered at the hands of the Nazi regime, Yad Vashem leaves a deeply profound impression of remembrance and conviction in the souls of all who visit.
Day 6JERUSALEM. EXCURSION TO THE OLD CITYPrayerful Places Today is dedicated to Jerusalem. Follow your Local Guide for a guided walking tour of the Old City featuring the Mount of Olives, Via Dolorosa, and the Garden of Gethsemane. Visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and see the Western Wall. Enjoy free time this evening to discover more of the city. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ICONIC FOOTSTEPS Jerusalem is totally unique; there is no place like it. A city of tradition, religion, and history, but also increasingly of modern culture and heritage. Take in all this while you wander around the maze of streets listening to the story that made it so special even astronaut Neil Armstrong when visiting said, “I am more excited stepping on these stones than stepping on the moon.”
Day 7JERUSALEM. EXCURSION TO MASADA AND THE DEAD SEAUplifting Waters & Unforgettable Wonders Today, travel through the Judean wilderness towards the Dead Sea. Admire the views as you ascend by cable car to the spectacular clifftop fortress of Masada. Continue to a Dead Sea resort and float in the saltwater of the Dead Sea. Later, return to Jerusalem and enjoy a farewell dinner at your hotel.
(B,D)
64 mi/103 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Feel weightless as you float effortlessly on the waters of the Dead Sea. This legendary salt lake in the Jordan Rift Valley is fed by the Jordan River, with its salty surface lying 430.5m below sea level – the lowest land-based shores on Earth.
Day 8JERUSALEMSafe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (The nearest airport is Tel Aviv.) (B)
