Arrival to Ben Gurion airport
Overnight in Tel-Aviv.
Depart Tel Aviv and drive along the coastal plain to Caesarea, once the Roman capital of the region; visit the excavations of the ancient city, the Roman Theater and aqueduct. Proceed to Muhraka, the site of confrontation between Elijah and the prophets of Baal; enjoy the spectacular view of the Jezreel valley and the lower Galilee. Continue to Megiddo, identified as the site of Armageddon; learn the impressive history of this battle field as you visit the archaeological excavations, including the well-preserved water supply system. Onto Acre to visit the remarkable underground Crusader City and crypt; walk through the Old City, recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site, and visit the local market and harbor.
Continue to Kibbutz Lavi guesthouse for overnight.
After a short tour of Tiberias, enjoy a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee; visit the Yigal Allon Center where the “Jesus boat,” an ancient fishing boat from the 1st century, is displayed. Continue to Capernaum to visit the remains of the 2nd century synagogue. Stop at Tabgha, the site of the Miracle of Fish and Loaves, and visit the Church of Multiplication with its 4th century mosaic floor. Proceed to Mount of Beatitudes, the place where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Drive to the Banias springs and tour the Golan Heights.
Return to Kibbutz Lavi guesthouse for overnight.
Drive to Cana to visit the Wedding Church where Jesus performed his first miracle of turning water into wine. Continue to Nazareth to visit the Church of Annunciation, Joseph’s workshop and Mary’s well. Proceed to Yardenit, the baptismal site on the Jordan river, followed by a stop at Beit Shean to visit the newly excavated Roman city and amphitheater. Drive along the Jordan valley to Jerusalem for overnight.
Drive to Mount of Olives for a panoramic view of the city; visit the Church of All Nations, King David’s Tomb and Room of Last Supper on Mt. Zion. Enter the Old City; walk through the Cardo, the ancient roman road. Visit the Jewish and Christian quarters; see the Jewish Wailing Wall; view the Temple Mount; walk along the Via Dolorosa and the oriental Bazaar to visit the Church of Holy Sepulchre. Next, drive to the Garden Tomb and enjoy the beautiful gardens and peaceful ambiance.
Overnight Jerusalem.
Drive to Ein Karem to visit the Church of Visitation; proceed to Yad Vashem, Israel’s official memorial to the Holocaust. Visit the Israel Museum and the Shrine of the Book, where the Dead Sea scrolls are housed, and the miniature model of Jerusalem as it was during the Second Temple period. Proceed to *Bethlehem, birthplace of Jesus; visit Shepherds’ Field; walk through Manger Square to visit the remarkable Church of Nativity. Return to Jerusalem.
Overnight in Jerusalem.
Drive through the Judean Hills to Qumran Caves, where the Dead Sea scrolls were found; continue along the shores of the Dead Sea to Masada, the last stronghold of the Jews after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD; ascend Masada by cable car and tour the mountain fortress built by King Herod; visit the remains of the walls, the water cistern and Herod’s Palace; descend by cable car. Continue to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth; enjoy the opportunity to float in the unsinkable water and cover yourself with the mineral rich mud, believed to have therapeutic effects.
Return to Jerusalem for overnight.
Travel south through the Negev desert; stop at Timna, a large geological and archaeological park; marvel at the multi-colored rock formations and copper mines; view the outstanding Solomon’s Pillars. Continue to Eilat, the southernmost resort city on the shores of the Red Sea; visit the Underwater Observatory Marine Park, built into a coral reef, and enjoy the opportunity for a close up look at the rich life of the Gulf of Eilat.
Overnight Eilat.
After assistance with border formalities, drive straight to Petra, the astonishing rose-red city built by the Nabataeans (an early Arab tribe). Petra is renowned for its massive architecture, pools, dams and water channels. The visit begins with the possibility of a short horseback ride for about 700m, until the entrance of the Siq, which is about 1.2 km long (walking distance). Petra is famous for its huge monuments such as the treasury, royal tombs, the court, Roman theatre, Roman street, Qasr al-Bint (Palace of Pharaoh’s daughter), and many other smaller fascinating monuments. The city itself is almost 45km² and is considered to be the second wonder of the world. After the visit, it’s time for lunch in a nearby restaurant. After lunch, drive back to border. On the way, a short visit to Aqaba with the possibility to stop and take a walk around. Transfer to the border at around 18:00 and cross back to Eilat.
Overnight Eilat.
*Visa is required.
Depart Eilat via Mitzpe Ramon; stop to gaze at the Ramon crater, a geological wonder; proceed to Sde Boker and see Ben Gurion’s hut and grave, which overlooks the magnificent Zin Valley. Stop for a camel ride and visit an authentic Bedouin tent; learn about the Bedouin hospitality and enjoy a light lunch. Continue to Hatzerim and visit Israel’s Airforce Museum to view the planes and equipment and to hear the story of this brave fighting force.
Overnight Tel Aviv.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Ben Gurion airport for your final departure.
