ITINERARY TO ISRAEL

During the travel planning process we will converse with you at length to best understand your desires, religious traditions and   expectations.  Now, we can custom-design a trip to Israel just for you!  Remember, as always, each of our custom vacations is uniquely is tailored to meet your interests, energy level and budget!!

Day 1USA Departure
Early check-in for your overnight flight to Ben Gurion (TLV)

Day 2Tel Aviv
Transfer on arrival to your Hotel TBA - Time to relax and adjust to the time change!
Since you’re only a minute or two from the beach, head down to bask in the ambience of the Mediterraneansea.  Or,  go for a dip in the pool, and of course -don’t forget the spa!  How about dinner tonight in Jaffa, the old seaside harbor town?


Day 3Tel Aviv - Caeseria - Haifa - Safed - Tiberias
Daily breakfasts in each of your hotels.  Meet up  today with your guide and begin your exploration of Israel.  There will be lots to see and do in the upcoming days, we suggest a quick look around Tel Aviv before heading off.  Your first stop will be Caesarea.  This arid region, called Palestine, was inhabited by numerous tribes including the 12 Tribes of Israel and came under Roman dominion.  It was the Romans who dedicated this important port city to Caesar. 

And you’ll find lots more history here! Cleopatra was in charge at one point and with the advent of Islam, this became the prevalent religion.  Medieval Crusaders came along and upon their demise, Palestine came under Ottoman control for about 800 years.  After WWI, Palestine became a British protectorate, and subsequent to WWII and the War of Independence, became Israel in 1948.  What a history!

Day 4Tiberias - Galilee - Tiberias
Reunite with your guide to start where you left off yesterday.  After a little sightseeing in Tiberias, make your way around the Sea of Galilee, where much of the New Testament took place.  Visit the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus preached and performed the miracle of the Loaves and Fishes, plus Capernaum, where Jesus lived and preached in the synagogue.  By visiting the Roman Boat Museum and crossing the Sea of Galilee you will have the true sense of what life was like for the fishermen of 2,000 years ago!  The Jordan River, site of Jesus’ baptism and so much more will round out this day devoted to the New Testament.

Day 5Tiberias - Golan - Tiberias
In Golan, Jesus once sought serenity during his time of reflection.  Not only was Golan important to Christians, it was also an essential part of Judaism in that it was a spiritual center and site of the compilation of the Talmud. In current times, the area has strategic importance, since this contested territory is on the border with Syria.  Wrap up the region with a possible visit to Mount Tabor, where the Transfiguration took place and possibly Nazareth or another place of interest to you.

Day 6Tiberias - Nazareth - Bet Shean - Jerusalem
Finish up any last minute sightseeing today around Tiberias before hopping back in the car and riding to Jerusalem.  On the way, if you missed it yesterday, plan a stop at Nazareth, where the Holy Family lived and the archaeological site at Bet She’an to see the Roman theater and unique tel or ancient tiered city.  Onwards to Jerusalem this afternoon where you will check into your Hotel TBA
Day 7/9Jerusalem
Welcome to Jerusalem, the focal point for three great religions.  The next two days will be completely dedicated to visiting the Old City as well as the New City.  In the Old City, some sights to look for include the Temple Mount, the Western Wall, David's Tower, Caiphas’ house (where the Last Supper took place), Gethsemanie, the Via Dolorosa -which culminates at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Mary’s House at Bethesda, as well as the downtown area, including the Jewish Quarter, the Souk and so much more.  A visit to nearby Bethlehem is in order and in the New City, you will visit The Knesset Menorah, Mount Herzl and Yad Vashem commemorating the lives and sacrifice of over six million Jews who lost their lives during the Holocaust as well as the heroism of Oskar Schindler, Raoul Wallenberg and many others. 


Day 10Jerusalem - Jericho - Qumran - Massada - Dead Sea - Jerusalem
Final full day in Israel.  Today’s adventures will include Jericho, where you will visit the Mount of Temptation and a Byzantine Monastery, plus Qumran, an ancient town near the cave where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered.  Spend the rest of the day exploring the Dead Sea and climbing the hill to reach the fortress of Massada, one of the greatest symbols of Judaism.  Return to Jerusalem this evening.


Day 11Jerusalem - Tel Aviv - USA
Transfer today to the airport for your USA–bound flight


If you have extra time, please consider a day-trip to Bet Guvrin-Maresha, which will give you the opportunity to visit the elaborate network of caves, houses, towers and more occupying this national the park.  Nearby is the crusader’s church of Abu Gosh with spectacular frescoes from the middle ages.  Or maybe a trip to Jordan is in the offing?  It’s just a quick flight to Amman, from where you can visit Jerash, Abu Rhum Desert and the UNESCO site at Petra, all it takes is a passport and a quick call or email to Bethesda Travel & you’ll be on your way