Israel Classical Tour 9 Days

Our journey starts off in the Old City of Jerusalem the Mount of Olives. A mountain ridge beside Jerusalem’s Old City, where in past history it was abundant with Olive groves, but not today, hence its name. The mount has been used as a Jewish cemetery for many centuries, and due to its relationship to Jesus and Mary, it is an important place of worship for Christians. The view from the Mount of Olives is amazing as we see the Old City and the Dome of the Rock situated on the Temple Mount. The Dome of the Rock is a shrine erected by the Muslims in 691 AD and is noticeable due to its gold-plated dome roof. This is not the building Jesus would have seen. In his time he would be looking at Herod’s Temple. The Jews constructed the Temple in 515 BC and during Herod the Great’s reign it was extended and refurbished. The temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. At the bottom of the steep hill, we approach the Garden of Gethsemane. According to the New Testament, Jesus spent his last night praying while his disciples slept. The next day, Jesus of Nazareth was crucified. Let’s move on to the Old city by getting out at the Zion Gate, bypassing the Jewish quarter and finally arriving at the ancient Byzantine Cardo. Much of it was demolished and hardly used for 1,000 years until the Crusaders filled the area with shops. Shopping for tourists continues today, with modern shops surrounded by construction dating back one and a half centuries. Our trip continues at the Western Wall, an ancient limestone wall erected as part of Herod’s extension and refurbishment plans. It is also known as The Kotel or the Wailing Wall, erected by Herod the Great. The Jews have been praying on this holy site since 70 BC. The Via Dolorosa, also known as the Way of the Cross, is a route taken by pilgrims visiting the Holy Sepulchre. This church was built on the site where Jesus was crucified and where his burial tomb lies. Much of the church was burnt down and ruined during the Persian and Muslim conquests. Since then, as a Crusader church, it has been restored and renovated to its former glory. Let's go through the market, out of the Java Gate leaving the Old City behind us. Our next destination is towards the New City. There we can have a look at Yad Vashen, the Holocaust Museum. There is plenty to see here, giving you an understanding of the horrors as to what happened to the Jews who suffered in Europe during the Second World War. Remarks: In Jerusalem, it is strongly advised to dress modestly If for any reason that in any part of our tour, a planned visit to a building is closed, we will make arrangements for you to visit an alternative place Breakfast in Jerusalem hotel. Pickup from Jerusalem hotel. Full transfer during the group tour. Visit Jerusalem Old and New. Government licensed tour guide in English. Entrance fees to all visited sited according to the itinerary. Return transfer to Jerusalem hotel. Overnight in Jerusalem hotel.

From Jerusalem we take a trip southbound to the Dead Sea passing the Inn of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37) and carry on through the Biblical wilderness of the Judean desert, passing Wadi Kelt we can have a look at the 5th-century Monastery of Saint George. Take a glance at the sign indicating the point of ‘sea level’ as we proceed with our travels towards Jericho being 258 meters below sea level. A historical city stated often in the New Testament and the Old Testament, for example, Joshua led his trips around the city walls until they fell(Joshua 6). Jesus entered Jericho, while the tax collector climbed up a sycamore tree so that he could get a better view of Jesus. We can view this ancient tree, as it still exists. Not far from here is Mount Temptation where Jesus spent forty days and forty nights. The devil tried to turn Jesus away from God. Jesus resisted temptation and said, “Man shall not live by bread alone.” (Mathew 4: 1-4) We return back in the direction of Jerusalem past the Judean Mountains to Bethlehem, where lived Jesse, King David’s father and is the birthplace of Jesus. (Mathew 2:1). We approach Manger Square and enter the Church of the Nativity through a small door. Constructed in the 4th century, this church has been through some renovations and restorations from the 6th century up to recently. Situated below it is the grotto where the birth of Jesus took place. Inside the church, we have a star marking the place where Jesus was born. There is also an altar commemorating the three wise men. Our next part of the journey is Crusader Church of Saint Catherine. Here lies the Grotto below where Saint Jerome religiously translated the bible from Hebrew to Latin. Achieving what is known as the Vulgate. Finally, we reach Shepherd’s field in Bethlehem. This is where an Angel of the Lord approached the Shepherds on Christmas eve to inform them of the birth of Jesus Christ, the son of God. Remarks: • Change of vehicle required for transfers of pick up /drop off destinations to save time, avoid traffic and delay! • In Jericho, the guiding language is English only. • Please be at your pick up point on time. There might be some delay (up to 20 minutes) due to traffic or other operational issues. • This tour is subject to Palestinian Authority regulations. • Passport compulsory. • Change of vehicle may be required for entry to Palestinian Authority territory. • Recommended good walking shoes, hat & water. • Modest dress: Covered shoulders/ no shorts are required for the holy sites. Breakfast in Jerusalem hotel. Pickup from Jerusalem hotel. Full transfer during the group tour. Visit Jericho and Bethlehem. Government licensed tour guide in English. Entrance fees to all visited sited according to the itinerary. Return transfer to Jerusalem hotel. Overnight in Jerusalem hotel.

Free day in Jerusalem (no tours). Breakfast in Jerusalem hotel. Overnight in Jerusalem hotel

On leaving Jerusalem on road 90, we travel downwards below sea level on this long winding road towards the Dead Sea and then onto Masada. On the way at a distance, we observe the Ancient City of Jericho. According to the Christian bible, Jesus on his arrival to Jericho healed some blind beggars by returning their sight (Mark 10:46-52), and where the walls were brought down by Joshua’s soldiers (Joshua 6). Also seen on our travels is the Inn of the good Samaritan. This road towards Jericho is linked to the parable of the Good Samaritan of which Jesus told, about a man of this area who was robbed and beaten near to death. A Samaritan passing by who was foreign to the area helped him by taking him to a local inn to heal his wounds, feed and clothe him. As we reach the Dead Sea, famous for its high salt content, we continue along the coastline travelling in the direction towards Masada. Why not climb up the ancient Snake path like the Romans did 2000 years ago to enter Masada? But no, it would be a lot easier to take the cable to the top of this mountain. At the top, you will reach a plateau, which has an excellent view of the Judean desert and the Dead Sea. This is where Herod built palaces and fortified them. According to Flavius Josephus, a Jewish leader and historian, between 73 and 74AD a siege took place with the Roman soldiers attempt to take Masada, leading to a mass suicide of the Jewish people in the fortified Masada. Rather than face capture by the Roman soldiers, the Jews choose to kill themselves instead. We turn back towards the Dead Sea we passed earlier. On our travels, we see the desert oasis Ein Gedi abundant with rich green foliage, a variety of wildlife, rivers and at least six beautiful fountains, situated in a desert close to the salty Dead Sea. This is where David hid in a cave with his men from King Saul. Continuing with our journey we pass by the Qumran. Dead Sea scrolls were discovered in some caves here in the hills. To end our journey, we finally arrive at the Dead Sea, which is the lowest point below sea level and could be chosen as one of the seven wonders of the world. Due to the volume of salt in the Dead Sea, you can’t sink, so enjoy floating with the fear of drowning. People from all over the world come here to enjoy these therapeutic rich salts, minerals and water of the Dead Sea. Remarks: • We recommend you bring with you, hats, bathing suits, towels and comfortable shoes. • Modest dress is required for holy places. Breakfast in Jerusalem hotel. Pickup from Jerusalem hotel. Full transfer during the group tour. Visit Masada and Dead Sea beach. Government licensed tour guide in English. Entrance fees to all visited sited according to the itinerary. Return transfer to Tel-Aviv hotel. Overnight in Tel-Aviv hotel.

You can spend your free time in Tel Aviv or requests a Petra, Jordan one day tour including flights to Eilat and back. In case if you interested in Petra, Jordan tour please follow the link for full details information. Tour must be booked in advance. Petra Jordan Tour from Tel Aviv. Breakfast in Tel-Aviv hotel. Overnight in Tel-Aviv hotel

Our journey begins with scenic view of the sea of Galilee before ascending the Golan heights passing Hamet Gader. We take a visit at the Shalom Observation point and then proceed to Katzrim museum for another visit. As we leave Tel Aviv northbound we traveling along a road with a scenic view of Mediterranean, We pass the cities of Herzliya and Netanya. Traveling away from the sea we travel across the plain of Armageddon which is stated in Revelations. Soon you will be able to view Megiddo, the site of an ancient Biblical city. Reaching the southernmost point of the Sea of Galilee we halt and take a look at the wonderful scenic view of the Sea of Galilee and the Golam Heights. Crossing the Jordan river at the bottom of the Golam Heights we travel downwards cutting through Hamet Gader. Hamet Gader being a popular spa destination same as it was for the Romans 2000 years ago. Our journey continues through the fertile green countryside before a stop at the Shalom Observatory. Experience a wonderful view of the sea of Galilee below us. At a distance you can see the city of Tiberius. As our journey continues onto Katzrin you will see the ruins of a village dating back to the Mishnah and Talmud periods. Thanks to archaeological excavations the village is partially restored which includes houses, a synagogue, and an oil press. With finding of black basalt rock there is also evidence of past volcanic activity in the Golam heights. . Our journey continues approaching the city of Katzin, where some refer it to being the capital. It has been occupied going back as far as the bronze, to the Romans, Mamluks, Ottomans, and the French. We take a visit to the Golan Antiquities Museum where we can view the archaeological discoveries of the Golam area. The museum displays artifacts and has audio visual presentations about the city Gamla, and the historical Second Temple era of the Jewish city nearby. Finally, we go to Mount Bental to view what remains of Syrian fortifications which were captured by the Israelis in 1967, the six day war. Breakfast in Tel Aviv hotel. Pickup from Tel Aviv hotel. Full transfer during the group tour. Visit Caesarea, Haifa, Rosh Hanikra, Akko. Government licensed tour guide in English. Entrance fees to all visited sited according to the itinerary. Return transfer to Tel Aviv hotel after the tour. Overnight in Tel Aviv hotel.

From Tel Aviv we proceed with a trip to the Ancient ruins of Caesarea Maritima, close to the nearby modern town of Caesarea, onto Haifa, a city situated on the slopes of Mount Carmel with a settlement history of over 3,000 years, onto Acre, also spelled as Akko, situated on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Finally, we can enjoy exploring the grottoes (caves) of Rosh Hanikru. Departing from Tel Aviv northbound we begin our journey by going along the coastal road of the Mediterranean Sea passing the cities of Hertzilya and Natanya eventually arriving at the ancient ruins of Caesarrea Maritama. Built by Herod and named after Caesar, the Roman Emperor. From the ruins, we can tell this was a prosperous luxurious city. Results from the archaeological excavations we have a display of gateways, a moat, walls and rooms. Also, explore the Roman amphitheatre which continues to have performances by international artists today thanks to the sea sand that covered and protected the structure for centuries. Beside the amphitheatre are the remains of a Hippodrome and a Roman temple. From here we have a view of the port, wherein the past was busy with merchant ships transporting treasures to and from Rome. After the Roman period, the ancient city became neglected for centuries. Then the Crusaders arrived, but yet again the city was left in neglect. Next, we travel to Haifa, a city located on the hills of Mount Carmel and from there we go to the foot of the mountain to the Baha’i Shrine and gardens. The Gardens begin at the foot of the mountain, extending upward about a kilometre covering an area of 200,000 square metres. Some beautiful flowers bursting with glorious color cover this area. Along with two streams cascading down the mountains through steps, terraces and bridges. A wonder to see. The Gardens display a mixture of nationalities, from the Persian gardens of Shiraz and Iran, gardens of India and Gardens of England. Next, going north, our journey takes us to the city of Haifa, situated on the slopes of Mount Carmel. We visit the amazing network of limestone grottoes (caves) caused by underground earthquake shocks, the crashing of the waves and rain gradually creating what is now a natural phenomenon. As we return Back towards Tel Aviv we stop by at the city of Acre ( also spelt Akko). Situated on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea and benefitting from a natural harbor. It is one of the oldest occupied cities in the world dating back to the Middle Bronze age some 4,000 years ago. There are many historical buildings and finding and reconstruction continues thanks to further excavations from archaeologists. For example, the city walls, an ancient fortification surrounding the city and has been reconstructed for many centuries. The citadel of Acre, where during the 20th century this northern fortification was used as a prison and gallows for activists of Jewish Zionist resistance movements. Some were executed. Breakfast in Tel Aviv hotel. Pickup from Tel Aviv hotel. Full transfer during the group tour. Visit Caesarea, Haifa, Rosh Hanikra, Akko. Government licensed tour guide in English. Entrance fees to all visited sited according to the itinerary. Return transfer to Tel Aviv hotel after the tour. Overnight in Tel Aviv hotel.

On this final day, we will transfer you to the Ben Gurion airport for your journey home. Our driver will pick you up from your hotel 4 hours before the flight, to transfer you to Ben Gurion airport. Having sampled a variety of what Israel, Holy Land has to offer, we are sure that you will keep fond memories of your spiritual adventure with us. If you ever want to repeat the authentic experience and spiritual feelings, we always will be here to assist you. Breakfast in Tel Aviv hotel. Pickup from Tel Aviv hotel. Private transfer to Ben Gurion airport.

You can star your tour any day you want, according to your flight details
Guaranteed availability – Always available to book the tour package
One step booking super easy secure system
Instant payment and booking confirmation will be sent to your email
Detailed confirmation voucher will be provided within 72 hours
Price is per person in double sharing room
Single supplement of 65% will be applied for solo travelers
Lunches not included ( you will have a lunch break during the tours ) you can buy or bring your lunch in advance
Pickup from Jerusalem hotels at 08:30 am – 09.00 am to Jerusalem Bethlehem tour / Return estimated time 18:00 pm
Pickup from Jerusalem hotels at 05:50 am – 6.20 am to Nazareth tour / Return estimated time 18:00 pm
Dinners in Israel are available for extra supplement. Jerusalem and Tel Aviv both have thriving culinary scenes and most of our guests like to take advantage of the city’s many famous restaurants
Return pickup transfer from your hotel will be 4 hours before your flight. 3 hours before the flight guests must be in Ben Gurion airport

Cancellation at any time 10% of total price.
Cancellation less than two months before the arrival day 50% of total price charge
Cancellation less than a month before the arrival day 75% of total price charge
Cancellation less than a week before the arrival day 100% of total price full charge
Cancellation / Reschedule terms are the same
Any unused services fully non refundable