General Package Tour

This multi-day tour includes most of Israel's highlights including Old and New Jerusalem, Masada and the Dead Sea, Caesarea, Haifa, Acre, Rosh Hanikra, Nazareth, Tiberius and the Sea of Galilee. From ancient historical sites to breathtaking views, this Israel tour has it all. Day 1: Jerusalem - Old and New (Tour 211)

We begin this exciting day with a panoramic overview of both the old and new city from the Mount of Olives. From here you will be able to see the Temple Mount Esplanade, as well as the entire old city and its surroundings. The Mount of Olives offers one of the most breathtaking views of Jerusalem.

We then travel along the Kidron Valley to visit the Garden of Gethsemane, on the sight where Jesus and his disciples prayed the night before his crucifixion. We then proceed to enter the old city via the Armenian Quarter. Our first stop will be the Wailing Wall and the square in front of it.

We will then stroll through the local Bazaar to the Christian Quarter, to follow the Stations of the Cross, otherwise known as the Via Dolorosa, a professional guide explaining and bringing to life every stop along the way to the memorable Church of the Holy Sepulchre, sight of the crucifixion.

From the Chruch of the Holy Sepulchre, we walk along the 1700 year-old Byzantine main street, until we reach the Cardo and the renovated Jewish Quarter. We Ascend to Mount Zion and on Saturdays visit the Hall of the Last Supper and David’s Tomb.

Leaving the Old City we proceed to tour the new city by car en route to the Yad Vashem Holocaust museum.

* Modest dress: Covered shoulders / No shorts required.
** On Fridays, Saturdays & High Holidays - Holocaust Museum is closed. Instead visit Kind
David's Tomb, Hall of the Last Supper & Garden of Gethsemane.

*** For Jerusalem & Bethlehem tour 212 instead of tour 211 - additional charge of $20

Day 2: Masada and The Dead Sea (Tour 231)

We head out from Jerusalem, descending to the Judean Desert via the inn of the Good Samaritan. This 19th century Turkish building now houses one of the world’s largest Mosaic museums. It includes mosaics and archeological artifacts of Jewish, Samaritan and Christian sites throughout Israel.

Arriving at Masada, we ascend the mountain by cable car, to tour the 2000-year old palace built by King Herod. It was on this sight that the Jews who came here to defy the Romans in this remote spot, are reported to have killed each other one by one in defiance of the Romans, after a long and drawn-out siege by the Roman army. We will take you through the important archeological sites, relating both the story of the construction of the palace, as well as of the days of resistance seen on this site.

We leave Masada and head out to the Dead Sea, passing by at Ein Gedi and Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered hidden in the caves.

We will then have the special opportunity to enjoy basking in the sun while floating in the mineral-rich Dead Sea, located at the lowest place on earth, at 400m below sea level. You can also cover yourself from head to toe in the natural Dead Sea mud, which has well known therapeutic qualities, and will leave your skin feeling soft and fresh.

Leaving the desert, we return to Jerusalem with an overview of Jericho and the Old Roman Road.

Recommendations:
Please bring hats, bathing suits, towels and comfortable shoes.

Day 3: Caeserea, Haifa, Acre and Rosh Hanikra (Tour 242)

We begin the day in Caesarea, site of the ancient Roman Capital and port. Named by Herod the Great in honor of Caesar Augustus, Caesarea saw one of the most ambitious port-building enterprises of the Roman world, begun in 22 BCE.

We will take you on a walking tour of the archeological remains, including the port, the city, the hippodrome and the impressive amphitheatre, and help bring this ancient city back to life with it’s tumultuous history.

From Caesarea we continue north to Haifa where we will have a beautiful panoramic view of the impressive Bahai Gardens, the city and the port. Haifa offers some of the most memorable panoramic views in Israel.

We then proceed on our journey towards Rosh Hanikra, where we take the cable car to visit the beautiful limestone grottos on the water front. We will also view Israel’s border with Lebanon, situated right on top of Rosh Hanikra.

Making our way back south, we will stop in the enchanting port city of Acre, to visit the Crusader underground city and the crypt. Acre, sight of Napoleon’s defeat, is rich in history, which is evident everywhere within the old city. We will walk through the old City market, bustling with the fresh finds of the local fishermen, as well as spices, vegetables, and more. The market ends at the scenic harbor, where you can watch local children jump into the ocean from the tall remains of the old city walls.

After walking along the waterfront, we return to the buses in order to return to the hotel.

Day 4: Nazareth, Tiberias & Sea of Galille (Tour 241)

Our day begins with a ride along Israeli’s scenic coastal road, overlooking the deep blue Mediterranean Sea almost the entire distance. We continue via the Plain of Armageddon to the special town of Nazareth.

In Nazareth, we visit the Church of the Annunciation, beautifully constructed in 1969 on the site of a different Byzantine, and then Crusader-era church. According to Catholic tradition, the annunciation was held on this spot, and inside, the Church’s lower level contains the Grotto of the Annunciation, which is believed by Catholics to be the remains of Mary’s childhood home.

In Nazareth we will also visit the Church of St. Joseph’s Carpentry, believed to be the sight of Joseph’s carpentry workshop. Beneath the church lies a cave used by the early Roman dwellers for storage of food and water.

From Nazareth we proceed via Kafer Cana for a view of the Mount of Beatitudes, where, according to tradition, Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Then, at nearby historical Tabgha, located on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, we visit the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fish. The Church stands on the sight of a 4th century church, and preserves a beautiful early Christian mosaic, in addition to the traditional stone where that special meal was had.

Onwards, we visit the ruins of the ancient synagogue of Capernaum and the city of Christ. Overlooking Tiberias, we proceed to the site of baptismal on the Jordan River – the Yardenit, where there is an optional baptismal service.

We end our day, returning back to our hotels via a scenic view of Mt. Tabor, site of the Transfiguraton.

*Modest dress required for holy sites.

Remarks:
*Price includes overnight p/p
> *Single supplement $45 p/p per night
*High season supplement $45 p/p per night