Israel - Discover the Promised LandEscorted Tour, Israel

Take a moving walk along the Via Dolorosa, see the Dead Sea Scrolls in all their ancient glory and explore inside the atmospheric Church of the Nativity. If you’re interested in religious history, this fascinating tour uses local guides to bring many of Israel’s most important Christian and Jewish sights to life. You’ll experience the buzz of modern day Tel Aviv, before exploring the enormous significance of Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Nazareth, and enjoying a restorative float in the salty Dead Sea.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

7 nights in hotels (accommodation as specified or similar)

International flights. Prices are based on return flights with El Al from London Heathrow. Supplements may apply from other airports

13 meals: 7 breakfasts (days 2-8) 6 dinners (days 2-7)

Portable audio headset system on excursions

VIP door-to-door travel service

Services of a local tour manager

Travel in destination by coach

Porterage

17 excursions and visits

City tour of Tel Aviv with local guide

Jerusalem including Mount of Olives, Western Wall, Via Dolorosa and Jewish Quarter

Visits to Ceasarea amphitheatre; Nazareth; Tabgha; Capernaum; Mount of Beatitudes; Cana; Beit Shean; Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial; Shrine of the Book; Bethlehem; Ein Karem; Qumran Caves; and Dead Sea

Sea of Galilee boat trip

Kibbutz tour

ITINERARY

Day 1 UK - Tel Aviv

VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your flight to Tel Aviv.

Day 2 Tel Aviv - Nazareth - Galilee

Your exploration begins in this Mediterranean resort city, which also represents Israel’s modern and contemporary side. Your tour includes the ancient port of Jaffa, filled with wooden fishing boats and lined with a number of art galleries. On to Caesarea, built by King Herod and once the capital of Judea, to see the amphitheatre and crusader ruins. Then to Nazareth, located in the heart of a valley surrounded by mountains where it is believed the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary. You’ll visit the Church of Annunciation and Mary’s Well.

Day 3 Capernaum - Tabgha

Jesus is said to have walked on water on the Sea of Galilee, and this morning you’ll enjoy a trip across the waters. On to Tabgha, the site of the miracle of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes and then Capernaum, where you’ll see Peter’s house and the many inscriptions left by Christian pilgrims over the centuries. You’ll arrive at Kibbutz Ein Gev where a tour will introduce the communal way of life. Visit the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus preached the ‘Sermon on the Mount’ for lovely views over Galilee.

Day 4 Nazareth - Beit Shean - Jerusalem

You’ll visit the small village of Cana, where Jesus performed his first miracle at the Wedding Church, and Tzippori, the 1st century capital of Galilee and birthplace of Mary. You’ll continue to Beit Shean and see the excavated remains of the magnificent Roman city destroyed by an earthquake in the 8th century, then drive through the mountains to your hotel in the ‘Golden’ city of Jerusalem.

Day 5 Yad Vashem - Bethlehem

Drive to Yad Vashem, the memorial to the Holocaust victims where you’ll see the Museum, the Children’s Pavilion and walk along the Avenue of the Righteous. Continue via the Knesset (Israel’s Parliament) to the Israel Museum. The Shrine of the Book houses a number of exceptional archaeological finds, including the Dead Sea Scrolls. Your day concludes at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, which stands over a cave believed to be the birthplace of Christ.

Day 6 Jerusalem - Ein Karem

You’ll drive the holy site of the Mount of Olives for a panoramic view of the city and then enter the Old City on foot to view the Dome of the Rock and Al Asqa Mosque. You’ll continue to the Western Wall, one of the most sacred spots in Jerusalem, and see the Crusader Church of St Anne and the Pools of Bethesda. For many Christians, a walk along the Via Dolorosa, the route taken by Christ to his crucifixion, will be one of the most poignant and meaningful experiences. The tour concludes at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. You’ll continue to the Jewish Quarter, walking along the excavated Cardo, once a main street of Byzantine Jerusalem. You’ll visit the Davidson Centre, where you’ll see incredible archaeological finds and displays from the First and Second Temple periods, 2,000 years ago. The scenery and atmosphere changes dramatically as you then travel to the terraced hills outside the city to the picturesque village of Ein Karem, birthplace of John the Baptist.

Day 7 Masada - Dead Sea

This morning you’ll descend the Judean hills to the lowest place on earth, the Dead Sea. You’ll first visit the Qumran Caves (where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found) before continuing to Masada, where you’ll take the cable car to the ancient fortress built on the cliff. You’ll also take the opportunity for a dip in the salty, healing waters before returning to Jerusalem.

Day 8 Tel Aviv - UK

You’ll transfer to Tel Aviv airport for your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival, your vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.

Important information about your destination

Please note: This tour includes areas of rough terrain and customers are advised that a significant amount of walking is involved.

Israel - Discover the Promised Land is located in Escorted Tour, Israel. Accommodation rating is the operators own rating and may not be the official rating. Hotel details correct at 04/04/2020