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Grand Tour of Israel

Experience some of the world's most sacred sights as you travel deep into the Holy Land, visiting historic Nazareth, the extraordinary Dead Sea and ancient Jerusalem.

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Itinerary
Map
Optional Excursions

Jerusalem
Caesarea
Cable car ride to the Masada fort
Sea of Galilee

DAY 1: UK - Tel Aviv.

Fly to Tel Aviv where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for one night.

DAY 2: Tel Aviv - Jaffa - Caesarea - Galilee area.

Enjoy a full day exploring some of the ancient, Biblical and modern sights of this fascinating land. Leaving Tel Aviv, drive to the old port of Jaffa. Set around a picturesque harbour, this atmospheric town dates back 4,000 years and is recorded in the Bible as the place from which Jonah set sail on the journey that saw him swallowed by a whale. Your sightseeing then continues at Caesarea, an ancient port turned stunning archaeological zone. Built by Herod the Great in the 1st century BC, the city was one of the most splendid in ancient Palestine and its capital for over 600 years. Admire what remains of Herod's grandiose building works, including the restored 3,500-seater Roman theatre, aqueduct and harbour, together with the crumbled moat and towers of the 12th-century crusader fortress. Next, visit Muhraka on Mount Carmel. Here, a 17th century monastery marks where, according to the Bible, the prophet Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal. Standing 497 metres above sea level, the monastery commands sweeping views over the Jerzeel Valley, with the Mediterranean sparkling in the distance. From here, travel to the archaeological site of Megiddo - an age-old fortified town, and admire the ruins before driving through Galilee's green hills to a Kibbutz hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

DAY 3: Galilee area - Tiberias.

Today begins at Caesarea-Phillippi, home to the relics of a Roman city and one of the largest springs feeding the River Jordan. Set on a mountain terrace, the area was a centre of worship to the god Pan and is scattered with antiquities. See the temple dedicated to Pan and the grotto where offerings were made to him before visiting the springs, which tumble into an idyllic natural pool. From here, drive through the volcanic landscapes of the Golan Heights to Kursi, where a ruined Byzantine Christian monastery stands where Jesus is believed to have healed the sick. After a stop at Capernaum to see its ancient synagogue and House of St Peter, head for Tabgha, where Jesus is said to have fed the 5,000 with two fish and five loaves. View the church commemorating the miracle and pause at the River Jordan before travelling to Tiberias, set on the Sea of Galilee, for one night. Tonight, perhaps enjoy an optional cruise on the Sea, where Jesus is believed to have walked on water. (B, D)

DAY 4: Tiberias - Nazareth - Jerusalem.

Your first port of call today is Cana of Galilee, the reputed site of Jesus' first miracle, where he turned water into wine at a wedding feast. Next, visit Nazareth to admire the Basilica of the Annunciation, where the Angel Gabriel is said to have appeared to Mary. After a stop at Gideon's Spring, visit Beit She'an, one of the world's best-preserved Roman cities. Excavations at this UNESCO World Heritage site are ongoing and have already revealed timeworn colonnaded streets, bathhouses and theatres. Afterwards, drive through the Jordan valley to the palm-lined city of Jericho before arriving in Jerusalem for a three-night stay. (B)

DAY 5: Jerusalem & Bethlehem.

A fascinating day awaits you today as you set off on a walking tour of the old city of Jerusalem. Take in memorable views over the city's domes, walls and rooftops from the Mount of Olives before strolling in the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed on the night before his arrest. Your guide will then lead you into the Jewish quarter, pointing out the Wailing Wall, with its prayer notes tucked between the stones and the Dome of the Rock, the gold-topped mosque on Temple Mount. Next, turn the clock back over 2,000 years as you walk the famous Stations of the Cross, following in the footsteps of Jesus who bore his cross along the Via Dolorosa to where the Church of the Holy Sepulchre now stands. Your walking tour over, your sightseeing then continues at the holy town of Bethlehem, the reputed birthplace of Jesus and King David. Here, visit one of Christianity's holiest places, the Church of the Nativity, built over the cave traditionally regarded as the spot where Jesus was born. Tonight, why not join us for an optional Middle Eastern dinner and folklore show? (B)

DAY 6: Jerusalem. Optional excursion to Masada and the Dead Sea.

Today is free for you to relax or explore more of Jerusalem at leisure. Alternatively, join the exciting optional journey to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth. Travelling through the mountainous Judean desert, pass the Qumran caves, where the Dead Sea scrolls were discovered, before riding the cable car up to the magnificent rock fortress of Masada. Perched high on clifftop plateau above the Dead Sea, these spectacular fortifications were built by Herod the Great and where, in AD 73, 960 Jewish zealots committed mass suicide to evade capture by the Romans. Afterwards, head for the shores of the Dead Sea, where you'll have plenty of time to float in the famously buoyant, salt-filled waters - an unforgettable experience. Later this afternoon, return to Jerusalem. (B, D)

DAY 7: Jerusalem - Tel Aviv.

This morning, enjoy more free time to take in the melting pot of religions, history and cultures that make Jerusalem such a captivating place. Late this afternoon, transfer to Tel Aviv. (B)

DAY 8: Tel Aviv - UK.

After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)

Accommodation on Tour

Tel Aviv: Hotel City (4*); Tiberius: Hotel Golan (4*); Kibbutz: Hotel Kibbutz Maagan or Hagoshrim (3*); Jerusalem: Jerusalem hotel Park or Jerusalem Gold (3*).

Note: There is no official hotel rating in Israel, star ratings above are an indication and may vary.

Your Holiday Map

Grand Tour of Israel

Jerusalem
Caesarea
Cable car ride to the Masada fort
Sea of Galilee

Optional Excursions

To help you plan and make the most of your holiday, below is a list of optional excursions available to you.

MOONLIGHT CRUISE & DRINKS

Cruise on Lake Kinnereth. Cocktails, salties and the rhythmic sounds coupled with folklore (net throwing by fishermen and Israeli music) accompany you as you sail the Sea of Galilee embraced by the surrounding mountains.

€38 (Euro)

FOLKLORE SHOW

A lively show of Arab and Jewish dancing with performers in colorful costumes.

€52 (Euro)

MIDDLE EASTERN DINNER

Drive through illuminated Jerusalem to one of its best-known restaurants to enjoy a typical Middle Eastern dinner. Then on to a folklore show at another venue.

€52 (Euro)

F.D.TO MASADA & THE DEAD SEA

Morning drive through the Judean wilderness. Catch glimpses of the caves of Qumran, where the precious Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Ascend by cable car to the spectacular cliff-top fortress of Masada. Around lunchtime reach one of the Dead Sea resorts with plenty of time to experience an entirely new feeling of buoyancy in the dense salty water. Return to Jerusalem.

€56 (Euro)

Please note that optional excursions and prices are subject to change.

Holiday Availability

Unfortunately we do not currently have any available departure dates for this holiday. For more information about possible future departures or suitable alternative holidays please contact us using the number at the top of the page or view one of the Other Holiday Choices