Israel Splendours

Sunday: Arrival

Upon arrival to airport meet our representative and transfer to Tel Aviv.

Overnight: Tel Aviv

Monday: Masada and the Dead Sea

Depart Tel Aviv and descend to the lowest place on earth. Drive along the shores of the Dead Sea to the rock fortress of Masada. Visit Herod’s palaces, dating back 2000 years. Then hear about the zealots who defied the Roman Empire from this location. Enjoy a chance to swim in the Dead Sea (weather permitting). The water is so rich in salts and minerals that you float! Ascend the mountains to Jerusalem.

Overnight: Jerusalem

Tuesday: Jerusalem New City and Bethlehem

Start with a spectacular view of Jerusalem from Mount of Olives, and then onto the Garden of Gethsemane. Visit the tomb of King David and the Room of the Last Supper on Mount Zion. See the famous Dead Sea Scrolls at the Shrine of the Book. Experience a moving visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial. Afternoon drive to Ein Karem where John the Baptist was born. Continue to Bethlehem (subject to security clearance) – the birthplace of Jesus at the Church of the Nativity and Manger Square.

Overnight: Jerusalem

Wednesday: Jerusalem Old City

Enter through one of the gates to the walled Old City to visit the renewed Jewish Quarter, the Western Wall, and the Temple area. Explore the colourful bazaars, and walk the Via Dolorosa (Stations of the Cross) until the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. In the heart of a neighborhood in downtown Jerusalem, visit Mahane Yehuda to experience the flavors, aromas, colours and the traders’ interaction with the crowds, at the largest open market in Israel.

Overnight: Jerusalem

Thursday: Sea of Galilee

Depart Jerusalem via Jericho (subject to security clearance), the oldest city in the world. Explore the excavations of the beautiful Roman City of Beit Shean. Proceed to Nazareth to visit the Church of the  Annunciation and the carpentry workshop of Joseph. On to Safed, city of the Kabala, for a walk through the mystic alleys, a visit to a synagogue and the artists’ colony.

Overnight: Galilee Kibbutz Hotel

Friday: Upper Galilee

Drive to the Golan Heights, passing by the Druze villages. Visit a former Syrian fortification on the heights. Pass by Banias, source of the Jordan River. Enjoy an Israeli wine country experience, with vineyards surrounded by breathtaking views. Become acquainted with the collection of fine and rare wines enjoying a tour, wine tasting and understanding of the wine production process. Descending to the shores of the Sea of Galilee, visit the Mount of Beatitudes and the ruins of the ancient synagogue and Peter’s house at Capernaum. Visit Tabgha, where the miracle of the fish and bread took place. Continue to Tiberias for a short tour of the old center of Jewish learning. Optional sailing in a boat across the Sea of Galilee to experience the tranquility and scenery that little has changed during the past 2000 years (subject to conditions and fee).

Overnight: Galilee Kibbutz Hotel

Saturday: Coastal Plain

Depart for Akko (Acre) to explore the Knights’ Halls and the secret Crusader tunnels, then to Haifa to view the magnificent Bahai gardens from atop Mount Carmel.

Stop at Caesarea, to visit the Roman Theatre and the Crusader Fortress.

Continue to Tel Aviv and Jaffa for a short city tour.

Overnight: Tel Aviv

Sunday: Departure

Transfer to the airport for departure.

OPTIONAL JORDAN EXTENSION TOUR:

Sunday: Jerash

Drive to Sheik Hussein Bridge for border crossing procedures to enter Jordan. Explore Jerash, the ancient Roman city of the Decapolis. Visit the Citadel and Roman Amphitheater on a panoramic city tour of Amman.

Overnight: Amman, Jordan

Monday: Petra

After an early breakfast, leave the hotel and travel along the Desert Highway on the road to Petra. Enjoy a spectacular full day tour exploring the rose-red city of Petra. Enjoy a short horse ride, and then travel on foot through the awesome 'SIQ' valley. Visit the Treasury, and explore hundreds of buildings, tombs, temples, and a 3,000-seat theater from the first-century AD. After the visit depart for Amman.

Tuesday: Kings Way

See the intricate ancient Mosaic map of the Holy Land at Madaba. Visit Mt. Nebo where Moses viewed the Promised Land before his passing. Explore the remains of the Byzantine Church with a mosaic floor, and from a platform in front of the church enjoy a breathtaking view across the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. In the afternoon transfer to Amman airport or over the border and onto Jerusalem or Tel Aviv Airport.

Overnight: Amman, Jordan

The above tour packages include the following:

1. English Speaking guide for all touring
2. A/C coach for touring in a group
3. Twin room accommodation in chosen class of hotels on BB basis (HB where indicated)
4. Entrance fees for the above mentioned sites

The above mentioned does not include:

1. Any extra meals or beverages or hotel extras
2. Tips for guides & drivers
3. Any personal expenses
4. Passport, visa and border crossing fees
5. Travel insurance
6. Anything not mentioned in inclusions

Optional Jordan Extension Tour not included in Israel Splendours Tour and at extra cost.