Israel Old and New

Arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, where you will meet a representative and be transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Tel Aviv.

Free day to explore the city and overnight in Tel Aviv.

Travel along the coastal plain to Caesarea, the ancient capital city of Judea under the Romans. You will have the chance to see the excavations of the Crusader city, the Roman port, the aqueduct and the amphitheatre that has been restored to its former glory as a concert venue.

Continue to Megiddo, identified as the site of the Armageddon; you'll visit the archaeological excavations including the well preserved water supply system.  Proceed to Daliat El Carmel, a Druze village and then enjoy a late lunch at a local restaurant.  Then it's on to Haifa via Mount Carmel for a panoramic view of the Haifa Bay and golden domed Bahai shrine and gardens.

Overnight in a Kibbutz guesthouse.

Today you'll enjoy some free time at the kibbutz or go on an optional tour to Safed and Golan Heights (not included). Safed is the center of the Jewish mysticism and you will visit the ancient synagogues and artists’ colony.

Continue to the Golan Heights to see the former Syrian bunkers, Kuneitra and the new Israeli town of Katzrin. Stop at the Golan Winery for a tour and wine tasting.Then it's on to Kessem Hagolan, for a multimedia presentation of the area and its history.

Overnight in a Kibbutz guesthouse.

Begin the day with a visit to Nazareth and the Church of the Annunciation. Continue to Tiberias; visit Capernaum to see the ruins of the synagogue and octagonal Church of St. Peter.

You'll visit the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount.  Drive via Beit Shean to Beit Alpha to see the remains of the mosaic floor of an ancient synagogue depicting the zodiac.

Overnight in Jerusalem.

You'll start the day with a magnificent panoramic view from Mount of Olives and then travel to the Old City. Visit the tomb of King David and the room of Last Supper on Mt. Zion. You'll also enter the walled city and stroll through the newly restored Jewish quarter.  Explore the Roman Cardo, the Herodian quarter and continue to the Western Wall. Walk along  Via Dolorosa to the church of the Holy Sepulchre.

There's the opportunity to go on an optional half day tour to Bethlehem (not included). The visit of Bethlehem is subject to availability. Once there you may view Rachel's Tomb and proceed to visit the Church of Nativity and Manger's Square.

Overnight in Jerusalem.

Today you'll enjoy a free day in Jerusalem or go on an optional tour Jerusalem New City (not included).

You will reach Israel Museum and visit the Shrine of the Book where the Dead Sea Scrolls are kept together with the miniature model of Jerusalem as it was during the second temple period. You'll then proceed for a tour at the Knesset, Israel's parliament. Continue to visit Mount Hertzel cemetery and Yad Vashem, the memorial to the Holocaust. Visit Mea Shearim, the ultra orthodox neighbourhood in Jerusalem and learn about its unique lifestyle.

In the evening you can take part to an optional dinner and "Sound and Light" show (not included) at the Tower of David museum (weather permitting).

Today you can either explore Jerusalem at your own leisure or go on an optional tour to Massada and Dead Sea (not included).

Drive through the Judean Desert to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, almost 1300 feet (400 meters) below sea level. Stop at Qumran to visit the site where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Drive along the shores of the Dead Sea to Massada. Ascend by cable car and tour the ancient fortress where the Zealots made their last stand against the Romans before committing mass suicide in 73 A.D. Descend by cable car.

Continue to the Dead Sea: cover yourself with the mineral rich mud and experience a swim in the Dead Sea that many believe has therapeutic effects (weather permitting).

Overnight in Jerusalem.

Free day and overnight in Jerusalem.

After breakfast, transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for departure.