Jerusalem juxtaposes museums and universities with ancient shrines and faithfully maintained Biblical sites. Tel Aviv thrives with modern comforts and a vibrant nightlife. Come experience this rich and varied bouquet of attractions.

Day 1 - Depart USA
Overnight flight to Tel Aviv.

Day 2 - Arrive Tel Aviv – Jerusalem (4 nights)
You are transferred to your hotel in Jerusalem. Enjoy the day at leisure before a Welcome Drink with your Representative and fellow travellers.

Hotel: Dan Panorama Jerusalem

Day 3 - New City of Jerusalem
We make our way to Yad Vashem, the memorial to the six million martyrs of World War II. At the Israel Museum we will visit the Shrine of the Book housing the Dead Sea Scrolls, then we see the Knesset or Parliament and the Givat Ram Campus of Hebrew University. Your evening is free. (Israeli breakfast)

Day 4 - Mount Zion – The Old City of Jerusalem
We visit the Tomb of King David and the room of the Last Supper on Mount Zion before reaching the Old City of Jerusalem. Walk through the newly restored Jewish Quarter to the Western Wall to see the Dome of the Rock. Later, we follow the Stations of the Cross along the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Later we stop at Mount Scopus and the Mount of Olives for a view of the Old City. (Israeli breakfast)

Day 5 - Jerusalem at leisure
A full day at leisure in this fascinating city. (Israeli breakfast)

Day 6 - Jerusalem – Dead Sea – Massada – Ein Gev (2 nights)
Our journey takes us through the Judean Desert to the Dead Sea, the lowest spot on earth, passing Qumran to view the site where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. We drive along the shores of the Dead Sea to Massada where we ascend by cable car to tour the ancient fortress where the Zealots made their last stand against the Romans. Next we explore the excavations of Herod’s Palace. We continue to our Kibbutz in Ein Gev where we spend the next two nights. (Israeli breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Kibbutz Hotel Ein Gev

Day 7 - Ein Gev – Tiberias – Nazareth – Meggido – Ein Gev
We begin the day with views of the Sea of Galilee from the former Syrian bunkers on the Golan Heights. Then continue to Capernaum, the old town of Jesus, and on to lovely Tiberias. Next to Nazareth to visit the Church of the Annunciation and finally to Meggido to see the excavations of Solomon’s Stables. (Israeli breakfast / Dinner)

Day 8 - Ein Gev – Tzfat (Safed) – Acre – Haifa – Caesarea – Tel Aviv (2 nights)
We stop at Tzfat to visit the ancient synagogue and artists’ colony, then to Acre to visit the Crypt of St. John and the underground crusader city. At Haifa we admire the views of the Bahai Shrine and visit the Persian Gardens before heading to Caesarea to view the Roman statues, the aqueduct and the Roman theater. Our day ends in Tel Aviv. (Israeli breakfast)

Hotel: Dan Panorama Tel Aviv

Day 9 - Tel Aviv at leisure
Today is a full day at leisure with time to relax before your return flight or explore the city further. (Israeli breakfast)

Day 10 - Tel Aviv – USA
This morning after breakfast you are transferred to the airport for your return flight home as your memorable tour comes to an end. (Israeli breakfast)

Important notice:
Security is a major concern to all of us and the situation in Israel is constantly changing. Events in Israel coupled with the ‘Travel Advisories’ put out by various governments may at times necessitate changes to the brochured itinerary and accommodations and even tour cancellation. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. You must accept these risks involved in travel to Israel and accept responsibility for your own travel decisions.

Please note:
The order and content of the sightseeing and the optional trips available on these departures will be different due to Jewish holidays.

Free airport transfers
Transfers will be provided for passengers who have advised us of their flight details.

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Highlights:

Jerusalem
Capernaum
Tiberias
Nazareth
Meggido
Golan Heights
Tzfat (Safed)
Acre
Haifia
Caesarea

Sightseeing Highlights

Jerusalem: Sightseeing includes Yad Vashem and the Dead Sea Scrolls in the Israel Museum. Sightseeing of Jerusalem includes views of the Wailing Wall and the Via Dolorosa. Visit the Mount of Olives and Mount Scopus
Mount Zion: Visit the tomb of King David.
Dead Sea: Excursion including a visit to the Fortress of Massada.
Capernaum: See the old synagogue and the Mount of Beatitudes.
Tiberias: Visit this lovely resort town.
Nazareth: Visit the Church of the Annunciation.
Meggido: See the excavating of Solomon's Stables.
Golan Heights: See the former Syrian bunkers, Kunietra and the new Israeli town of Katzin.
Tzfat (Safed): Visit the ancient synagogue and artist colony.
Acre: Visit the Crypt of St. John and the underground Crusader city.
Haifa: Up to the summit of Mount Carmel for breathtaking views of Bahai Shrine and visit the Persian Gardens.
Caesarea: See the Roman amphitheatre and aqueduct.
Ein Gev: Stay two nights in a traditional Israeli Kibbutz.

Dining Highlights

8 Israeli breakfasts with juice
2 three-course dinners
10 meals in total (see-day-by-day itinerary)

First Class Travel Highlights

First Class hotel accommodation includes twin-bedded rooms with private facilities, all hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes.
Touring by air-conditioned coach or minibus.
The services of one of Trafalgar's top professional multi-lingual Tour Directors.
A stylish wallet, tour documents and a Welcome on Tour book.
Airport transfers are provided on Day 2 & Day 10 (conditions apply).

Best of Israel 2010 Optional Excursions

IS2 - JERUSALEM or TEL AVIV. Dead Sea Relaxation
Daily departures. Descend to the Judaean desert via the Inn of the Good Samaritan and views of Jericho. Relax at one of the resorts on the shore of the mineral-rich Dead Sea. Enjoy the unique experience of floating on your back in the water and rubbing therapeutic Dead Sea mud on your body. On the way back, view Qumran where the dead sea scrolls were discovered.
79.00

IS1 - JERUSALEM. Bethlehem Tour
Daily tour beginning from Jerusalem hotels at 09.30 hrs to visit the Church of the Nativity, overlook the Shepherds Fields and return to your hotel. (Please be advised that Bethlehem is not within Israeli territory and the operation of this tour is subject to Palestinian Authority regulations. The visiting time to Bethlehem is approximately one and a half hours.
70 (US$)
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Child Prices: Apply to children under the age of 16.

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Departures:
Year Round