With its unsurpassed historical and religious backdrops, Israel is a
country like no other. From the Old City of Jerusalem and ancient towns of
the mountainous north to the world famous Dead Sea, this eight day journey
is steeped in history and rich heritage. and encompasses the vibrant and
bustling Tel Aviv on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Accompanied by
your expert guide, you will leave Israel with a deep understanding and
appreciation of this unique country. All journeys are individually tailored
to suit your requirements. Days may be added or removed to this example
itinerary according to your interests and timetable, or you may like to add
on a few extra days to explore more of Tel Aviv.
There is much to see during your Israel holiday, from the impressive
Crusader city of Akko to Herod's Massad, from the beauty of the Golan
Heights to the unique Dead Sea. For shortly holidays to Israel then we
recommend you centre your stay around Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
Few places have aroused such far reaching religious and political fervour
as Jerusalem. Its streets are steeped in history, from the emotive Via
Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, from the Wailing Wall to the
Holocaust Museum. Tel Aviv, on the other hand, is one of Israel's best kept
secrets: life is relaxed and there is a cheerful hedonism which makes Israel
luxury holidays a favourite of ours.
Israel can be visited throughout the year although the ideal time is in
the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The climate is
cooler and temperatures are mild in these months making it the perfect time
to explore the country.
Day 1 - London/Tel Aviv/Jerusalem
Begin your journey to the Holy Land with a flight from Heathrow to the
city of Tel Aviv on the Mediterranean Coast. A short drive takes you to
the American Colony Hotel in nearby Jerusalem for a four night stay. This
luxury boutique hotel is an oasis in the centre of Jerusalem, with its
Arabian architecture and elegant furnishings and only minutes away from
the sights of the Old City.
Day 2 - Jerusalem
This morning explore the new city of Jerusalem, driving past Israel’s
Parliament, the ‘Knesset’, to the Israel Museum, where the famous Dead
Sea Scrolls discovered between 1947 and 1956 in 11 caves in Qumran are
kept in the Shrine of The Book wing. A highlight is the spectacular scale
model of Jerusalem as it was in the days of the late Second Temple period.
(Please note that, with much of the Israel Museum currently closed to the
public for renovations, viewing is restricted to the above exhibits.)
Visit ‘Yad Vashem’, the Museum of the Holocaust, before continuing
after lunch to Bethlehem to see the Church of Nativity, built inside a
cave and one of the oldest churches in the world, and the Shepherd’s
Fields in the nearby town of Beit Sahour.
Day 3 - Jerusalem
Set off this morning with a drive to the Mount of Olives for a
wonderful view of Jerusalem, stopping at the foot of the hill to see the
Garden of Gethsemane with its ancient olive trees. Enter the Jewish
Quarter of the Old City through the Dung Gate to visit the Western Wall,
also known as the ‘Wailing Wall’ from the Jewish tradition of mourning
the destruction of the Temple, to experience the rich history represented
in its many renovated synagogues. Behind the Wall lies the Temple Mount,
religious centre of the Old City with the Al-Aksa Mosque and Dome of the
Rock, and from here walk through the Cardo to Burnt House, the remnant of
a house dating from the Second Temple which survived the destruction of
Jerusalem in AD70. Later pass the 14 Stations of the Cross, depictions of
the final hours of Jesus’ life along the Via Dolorosa, to the Church of
the Holy Sepulchre in the Christian Quarter and the Convent of the Sisters
of Zion with its Roman flagstones of the Lithostrotos. Leave the Old City
through the bazaars surrounding Jaffa Gate and drive to Mount Zion to see
St. Peter in Gallicantu built over the palace of the High Priest Caiaphas.
End your historical day at the Tomb of King David and the room of the last
supper.
Day 4 - Jerusalem
Drive past the Good Samaritan Inn and along the expansive Dead Sea,
which forms the border of Israel and Jordan to Massada, taking the
cable-car up to the last stronghold of the Zealots to see Herod’s
palaces. Ein Gedi National Park lies on the coast of the Dead Sea with
spectacular caves, springs and flowing waterfalls. Take some time to float
in the Dead Sea before visiting the site of the Dead Sea Scrolls in the
caves of Qumran.
Day 5 - Jerusalem /Tiberias
This morning drive north of the Jordan River Valley to the biblical
town of Scythopolis (now Beit Shean) to visit the Roman theatre and
spectacular archaeological excavations, before heading to nearby Beit
Alpha, home to the Byzantine-era Synagogue and mosaic with its ancient
inscriptions. This afternoon continue to the Church of Annunciation, Mary’s
well and the Church of St. Joseph in Nazareth, the boyhood town of Jesus.
Finish your day at Cana, the town where the first miracle of turning water
into wine took place, before driving on to your hotel in Tiberias. The
Scots Hotel is full of old world charm, refurbished to keep its distinct
original character and with magnificent views onto the Sea of
Galilee.
Day 6 - Tiberias
Spend today discovering the treasures on the shores of the Sea of
Galilee. Visit the ancient synagogue and the converted church of St. Peter’s
house in Capernaum and continue to Tabgha, traditional site of the
multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes, to see the mosaic depicting the
miracle and the Church of Peter’s Primacy. Follow in the steps of the
disciples to the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus delivered his famous
Sermon on the Mount, before taking a short boat ride on the picturesque
Sea of Galilee. After lunch drive up to the mountainous region of Golan
Heights on the Syrian border where you will see the scenic area of the
Banias springs. The mystical city of Safed is your last stop of the day,
where the ancient synagogues and Artists’ Quarter are waiting to be
discovered before you return to your hotel in Tiberias.
Day 7 - Tiberias/Tel Aviv
Travel to Haifa this morning, the city on the Carmel mountain range
with a lovely view of the Bay, visiting the Bahai Shrine and Gardens. Take
a scenic drive down the coast to Caesarea, the capital of the Roman
province to see Roman and Crusader remains and the harbour from which St.
Paul was taken prisoner to Rome. This afternoon, you will be driven to Tel
Aviv to enjoy a final night in this vibrant city. Stretched along the
beautiful beach strip of the Mediterranean, Tel-Aviv is Israel’s largest
city and biggest commercial centre; a busy metropolis that inspires its
visitors with a unique and energetic atmosphere. Visit the cultural sites
of the city: the Habima National Theatre; the Frederic Mann Auditorium,
home to the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra; Dizengoff Street, named after
the first Mayor and known as the ‘Champs- Elysées of Tel Aviv’; and
the historic Rothschild Boulevard and Carmel market. Visit the ancient
port of Jaffa and its artists’ quarter before checking into the
InterContinental David Hotel. Located on the beachfront promenade with
excellent Mediterranean views, it is only a short walk from the Museum of
Art, the cultural Suzanne Dellal Centre and the famous Nahalat Binyamin
Market.
Day 8 - Tel Aviv/London
Your journey ends today as you transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for your
flight home.
All journeys are individually tailored to suit your interests and
timescale. Please bear in mind this is not a prescriptive itinerary but a
suggestion to give you a taste of what is possible with the very highest
level of comfort, service and convenience.
For further information and quotes, please contact Cecelia at the Egypt
& Beyond office on tel : 011 678 6165 or 011 678 4777. Fax: 0866 920
305/6. Email : Cecelia@egyptandbeyond.co.za
