Classical Israel

Day 1 - FRI TEL AVIV

Arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Tel Aviv.

Day 2 - SAT  TEL AVIV

Free day at leisure in Tel Aviv. Overnight in Tel Aviv. (B)

Day 3 - SUN  TEL AVIV I CAESAREA I MEGIDDO I DRUZE VILLAGE I HAIFA I GALILEE

Drive along the coastal plain to Caesarea, once the Roman capital of the region. See the excavations of the Crusaders' city, the Roman port, aqueduct and the amphitheater that has been restored to its former glory as a concert venue. Proceed to Megiddo, identified as the site of Armageddon. Visit the archaeological excavations including the well-preserved water supply system. Continue to Daliatel- Carmel, a Druze village and enjoy a late lunch at a local restaurant. Head on via Mount Carmel to Haifa for a panoramic view of the Haifa bay and the Golden domed Baha’i Shrine and gardens. Overnight at a kibbutz guesthouse. (B)

Day 4 - MON GALILEE I SAFED I KATZRIN I GOLAN WINERY I GALILEE

Drive to Safed, the center of Jewish mysticism. Here you will visit the ancient synagogues and the Artists’ colony. Continue to the Golan Heights to see the former Syrian bunkers, Kuneitra and the new Israeli town of Katzrin. Stop at the Golan Winery for a tour and wine tasting. Then head to "Golan Magic," for a multimedia presentation of the area and its history. Overnight at a kibbutz guesthouse. (B)

Day 5 - TUE I GALILEE I NAZARETHI TIBERIASI CAPERNAUMI BEIT ALPHAI JERUSALEM

Start the day with a visit to Nazareth and explore the Church of Annunciation. Next, it’s on to Tiberias and then Capernaum to see the ruins of the synagogue and octagonal Church of St. Peter. Visit Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Then, drive via Beit Shean to Beit Alpha to see the remains of the mosaic floor of an ancient synagogue depicting the zodiac. Overnight in Jerusalem. (B)

Day 6 - WEDI JERUSALEM – OLD CITY & BETHLEHEM

The day’s adventures begin with a magnificent panoramic view from Mount of Olives. Head to the Old City where you will visit the Tomb of King David and the Room of Last Supper on Mt. Zion. Enter the walled city and walk through the newly restored Jewish quarter. Visit the Roman Cardo, the Herodian quarter, and continue to the Western Wall. Walk along the Via Dolorosa to the Church of Holy Sepulchre. Continue to Bethlehem*, view Rachel's Tomb, and then visit the Church of Nativity and Manger's Square. Overnight in Jerusalem. (B)

Day 7 - THUI JERUSALEM

Drive to the Israel Museum. Visit the Shrine of the Book where the Dead Sea scrolls are housed, and see the miniature model of Jerusalem as it was during the Second Temple period. Next, enjoy a tour at the Knesset, Israel's parliament. Continue to visit Mount Herzl cemetery and Yad Vashem, the memorial to the Holocaust. Drive through Mea Shearim, the ultra-orthodox neighborhood in Jerusalem, and learn about their unique lifestyle. In the evening enjoy a Middle Eastern dinner followed by the spectacular "Sound & Light" show* at the Tower of David Museum. Overnight in Jerusalem. (B,D)

Day 8 - FRI I JERUSALEM I QUMRAN I MASADA I DEAD SEA I JERUSALEM

Drive through the Judean desert to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, almost 1300 feet (400 meters) below sea level. Stop at Qumran Caves to visit the site where the Dead Sea scrolls were found. Drive along the shores of the Dead Sea to Masada. Ascend by cable car and tour the ancient fortress where the Zealots made their last stand against the Romans before committing mass suicide in 73 AD. Descend by cable car. Continue to the Dead Sea and take this special opportunity to cover yourself with the mineral rich mud and time to float in the Dead Sea** that many believe has therapeutic effects. Overnight in Jerusalem. (B)

Day 9 - SAT I JERUSALEM

Day at leisure in Jerusalem. Overnight in Jerusalem. (B)

Day 10 - SUNI JERUSALEMI TEL AVIV TO USA (OR EXTEND YOUR STAY)

Transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for your flight home. (B)