Welcome to spectacular Israel! Upon arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport, we’ll proceed through immigration, collect our luggage and transfer to our hotel in Jerusalem. After check-in at our hotel, we have some free time to relax or explore the beautiful city of Jerusalem.
In the evening we will meet for a welcome drink and dinner at our hotel.
Overnight Jerusalem
After breakfast we will catch a glimpse of the Shrine of the Book, part of Israel Museum, home to the famous Dead Sea Scrolls. Later we will visit the beautifully renovated model of the Herodian city of Jerusalem, dating back to the time of the Second Temple. In the afternoon, we will drive to the picturesque ancient village of Ein Karem, considered the traditional birthplace of John the Baptist.
Later we will see Yad Vashem, the memorial to the six million Jews who were killed in the Holocaust before continuing our tour to Bethlehem - the birthplace of Jesus at the Church of the Nativity and Manger Square.
Today we will enter the Old City of Jerusalem where we will see the Western Wall and the actual site of the Second Temple, the Temple Mount. We will walk the Way of the Cross, the Via Dolorosa, to Calvary and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, housing both the traditional site of Crucifixion and the Tomb of the Resurrection. Later we will enjoy the spectacular panoramic view of Jerusalem from atop the Mount of Olives. Jerusalem is the holy city for each of the world’s three great religions – Christianity, Judaism and Islam. We will continue our tour and visit the Garden of Gethsemane where Judas betrayed Jesus before visiting Mahane Yehuda Market - a must see in Jerusalem. Tonight we will experience an authentic Shabbat dinner in the heart of Jerusalem.
Today we will leave Jerusalem and drive north passing by Jericho, the oldest city in the world. We will travel through the Jordan Valley to Beit She’an and visit the excavations of this beautifully preserved Roman City. Later we will proceed to Nazareth and visit the Church of the Annunciation. Then we will continue to Safed, the city of the Kabala also known as centre of Jewish mysticism and visit its beautiful streets.
Overnight Galilee
After breakfast, we will drive to the area of Golan Heights, passing by the Druze villages. Later we will enjoy an Israeli wine country experience, surrounded by breath-taking views. We will become acquainted with the collection of fine and rare wines and get a chance to taste some. Later we will proceed to Capernaum and visit the ruins of the ancient synagogue, the Mount of Beatitudes. Then we will stop by Tabgha, where the miracle of the fish and bread took place before continuing to Tiberias for a short tour of the old centre of Jewish learning.
We can join an optional tour and sail across the Sea of Galilee to experience the tranquillity and scenery little changed during the past 2,000 years (subject to weather conditions and supplement).
Today we will drive west to the coastal city of Acre for a visit of the old, famous Crusader stronghold and medieval fortifications. Later we will continue to Haifa, for a panoramic sightseeing tour of the city, including the Baha'i Shrine, Persian Garden and Haifa Bay. Next, we will proceed southwards to Caesarea and visit Roman Theatre and the Crusader Fortress which is known as the masterpiece of Herod the Great. Later we will continue to Tel Aviv for a short city tour and the ancient port of Jaffa.
Overnight Tel Aviv.
Today we can spend day exploring beautiful Tel Aviv on our own or go on an optional tour to Masada and the Dead Sea.
Overnight Tel Aviv
After breakfast we will have some free time before transfer to Ben Gurion International Airport for our flight back to the UK.
GMT + 3 hours
5 hours
Average Daily in September:Jerusalem 23°C, Galilee 29°C, Tel Aviv 26°C
VisaBritish Citizen don’t need a visa to enter Israel as a tourist. On entry, visitors are granted leave to enter for a period of up to 3 months. Visitors entering via Ben Gurion airport are given an entry card instead of an entry stamp in their passport. While this practice is in place at other ports of entry, there have been instances where passports have been stamped for entry purposes. You should keep your entry card with your passport until you leave. This is evidence of your legal entry into Israel and may be required.
It is for the Israeli authorities to determine the right of entry into Israel, if you have any particular concerns about visas or entry into Israel, you should contact the Israeli Embassy in London.
If you are not a British citizen and do not hold a British passport, you must make your own enquiries as to the applicable requirements. Alternatively, you can apply for your Visa with our preferred partner the Travel Visa company by selecting the following link; Travel Visa Company.
Passport validityYour passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
Previous travel to other countriesEvidence of a previous visit to another country in the region like an entry/exit stamp in your passport does not normally prevent entry into Israel, although it may lead to additional questioning at the border. It is for the Israeli authorities to determine the right of entry into Israel, so if you have any particular concerns about previous travel to another country, you should contact the Israeli Embassy in London.
Customs and ImmigrationYou should expect lengthy personal questioning and baggage searches by security officials on arrival and departure from Israel. Electrical items, including laptops, may be taken from departing passengers for security inspection and either stored in the aircraft baggage hold, or returned to you in the UK. Damage may occur.
If you arrive with valuable personal items (computers, camcorders etc.) you may be required to pay a deposit that is refundable on or after departure.
Israeli security officials have on occasion requested access to travellers’ personal e-mail accounts or other social media accounts as a condition of entry.
British nationals of Palestinian originIf you’re a British national of Palestinian origin (on the Palestinian Population Register or holding a Palestinian ID number), you will need a Palestinian passport or travel document in order to leave. If you are a British national with a Palestinian name or place of birth but without a Palestinian ID number, you may face problems. A number of British nationals of Palestinian origin or British nationals married to Palestinians have been refused entry to the country.
Transfer TimeThe transfer time from Ben Gurion Airport to your hotel in Jerusalem is approximately 1 hour, depending on the traffic.
GratuitiesWe suggest a Group Collection to cover guides, transfer drivers, and hotel staff of 320.00 Israel New Shekel per person. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, or taxi fares, your Tour Leader can advise of an appropriate % to add on.
Included ProgrammeA sightseeing programme is included in your touring package.
Optional excursionsFull details of all the excursions available will be advised at the Information meeting. Prices may vary, depending on numbers etc and are only a guideline. Your Tour Leader will be happy to arrange these for you but may not necessarily accompany you. Please also note that prices are dependent on minimum numbers and may cost more if the minimum is not reached.
Optional tour from Tel Aviv to Masada and the Dead Sea. Price is 350 Israeli New Shekel per person (with min 10 people)
Dress CodeIn general, Israel is a progressive and relaxed country and casual clothing is suitable for almost all settings. Jeans, T-shirts, shorts and comfortable walking shoes are ideal for most situations and sites within the country. When visiting religious sites such as churches, mosques, and the Western Wall, it is advisable to avoid short skirts, short shorts, and sleeveless shirts. Women are not meant to show off their shoulders, knees, and chest when visiting these sites. When visiting Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, it is best to bring long, lightweight layers to cover up and adjust comfort level based on the temperature. When visiting Jewish religious sites, men should cover their heads with a kippah. It is usually marked with a sign when men must cover their heads, most notably at the Western Wall.
Tel Aviv is famous for its beaches, so pack light breathable fabrics, hats, sunscreen, comfortable shoes and of course – a bathing suit. Also be sure to pack sunscreen, bugspray (for the mosquitoes at night) and a water bottle for staying cool.
ShoppingIsrael is known for its art, culture and design, making it an ideal place to shop while traveling. From small, intimate boutiques to market vendors and large-scale shops, there are plenty of items to purchase in Israel such as olive oil, Israel wine, Dead Sea Products, jewellery, ceramics, diamonds etc.
Please noteA reasonable level of fitness/mobility is required as we include plenty of sightseeing/travelling, some with early starts.The order of the itinerary and events may be subject to change
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