Country(ies): Israel
Tour type: Shoestring
Group size: Min: 2 | Max: 30
Accommodation: No Accommodation
Meals: Breakfasts - 6, Lunches - 0, Dinners - 1
Transport: A/C minibus/coach
Highlights: Tel Aviv, Caesarea Roman ruins, Nazareth, Sea of Galilee, Nativity Church in Bethlehem, Old Jerusalem, Dead Sea Swim, Bedouin camp, Masada fortress, Ein Gedi reserve, Qumran Caves
This 7-day tour offers a fantastic introduction to Israel, seamlessly blending the country's most iconic landmarks with lesser-known treasures, such as the Kfar Hanokadim Bedouin camp and the breathtaking Ein Gedi nature reserve.
Our journey commences in modern Tel Aviv, from where we venture up the coast, exploring the Roman ruins at Caesarea and picturesque Haifa, before delving inland to the Sea of Galilee, with a visit to the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth along the way. We take our time to discover the Sea of Galilee region, including Roman Tiberias and St Peter's Church in Caparnaum, before journeying south to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus. Here, we visit the Church of the Nativity and Manger Square, and then continue to Jerusalem.
Following a tour of the old city, encompassing the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, we head into the desert to our Bedouin encampment at Kfar Hanokadim. Here, we spend the night in traditional communal black goat's hair Bedouin tents and savour an authentic Bedouin meal before enjoying an evening gathered around a campfire. The next day, you have the option of ascending to the awe-inspiring Jewish stronghold of Masada, before experiencing the beauty of the Ein Gedi nature reserve. We also visit the Qumran Caves, where the renowned Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, and take a dip in the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea, before returning to Jerusalem.
The tour concludes with some free time to further explore the city at your leisure before your departure home.
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Our team will be waiting to greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel, conveniently located near Tel Aviv's renowned beach, where your adventure begins. Should your flight arrive early, you have the option of exploring the town or relaxing on the beach.
OVERNIGHT:
Tel Aviv hotel
MEALS:
Breakfasts - 0, Lunches - 0, Dinners - 0
EXTRAS:
None
Our journey commences with a scenic drive through the coastal plain to Caesarea, once the capital of Judea under Roman rule. Here, we'll explore the fascinating excavations of the Crusader city, the ancient Roman port and aqueduct, and visit the impressive amphitheatre, meticulously restored and now a vibrant concert venue.
Continuing to Haifa, we pause at Mount Carmel to savour breathtaking panoramic views of Haifa Bay and the magnificent golden-domed Bahai Shrine and its tranquil gardens, nestled at the edge of the city centre.
Finally, we reach the historic town of Nazareth, where Jesus spent his childhood. We'll visit the revered Church of the Annunciation before continuing to our hotel in Tiberias for the night.
OVERNIGHT:
Tiberias hotel
MEALS:
Breakfasts - 1, Lunches - 0, Dinners - 0
EXTRAS:
None
Following breakfast, we'll depart the hotel and journey to the ancient city of Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee, constructed by Herod Antipas. Our exploration continues to the Mount of Beatitudes, followed by a picturesque drive along the shores of the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum. Here, we'll visit the distinctive octagonal Church of St. Peter and the remnants of the ancient synagogue.
This afternoon, we'll make our way to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ. We'll visit the revered Church of the Nativity, marking the very spot where Jesus was born, and experience the atmosphere of Manger Square. Our hotel for the night enjoys a prime location right on Manger Square.
OVERNIGHT:
Bethlehem hotel
MEALS:
Breakfasts - 1, Lunches - 0, Dinners - 0
EXTRAS:
None
After breakfast, we journey to Jerusalem, located just a short distance away. Our day begins with a visit to the Mount of Olives, offering a panoramic view of the ancient city of Jerusalem. We then proceed to the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus was apprehended by the Romans following his betrayal by Judas. Our next stop is the Western 'Wailing' Wall of the Temple Mount, the holiest site in Judaism, before we embark on a walking tour through the old city. Meandering through its vibrant narrow streets and bustling markets, we discover the key historical and religious landmarks that are sacred to the three major world religions, tracing the city’s history back to the time of King David. We will also visit the walled area of the Dome of the Rock on Mount Moriah, followed by a walk along the Via Dolorosa, stopping at the 14 stations that lead to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the most sacred Christian site believed to be the location of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and resurrection.
At the end of the day, we depart Jerusalem for Arad, where we are welcomed with traditional Bedouin hospitality at Kfar Hanokadim. Here, we spend the night in communal Bedouin tents made of black goats' hair (sleeping bags and mattresses are provided). A hearty Bedouin meal is served, and we relax around a campfire in the evening. For those seeking additional comfort, there is an option to upgrade to private twin or double en-suite cabins.
OVERNIGHT:
Kfar Hankodim - Bedouin tents
MEALS:
Breakfasts - 1, Lunches - 0, Dinners - 1
EXTRAS:
None
You have the option today to either hike up to the Masada fortress early enough to catch the famous sunrise from its summit, or to visit later in the morning via cable car. The hike along the Snake Path takes between 45 minutes and 2 hours, depending on your fitness level. The remarkable Masada fortress was the final Jewish stronghold against the Romans. The cost of your entrance ticket ranges from USD 7.50 to USD 25, depending on whether you choose to walk both ways or take the cable car both ways. Before departing Kfar Hankodim, you'll also enjoy a delightful camel or donkey ride through the scenic surrounding area.
Our next destinations today include the Ein Gedi nature reserve, one of the most stunning spots in Israel (USD 10 entry fee). We will then proceed to the Qumran Caves, where the renowned Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered (USD 10 entry fee). The tour concludes with an unforgettable experience: a relaxing dip and float in the salty waters of the Dead Sea. Afterwards, we'll return to Jerusalem for the evening.
OVERNIGHT:
Jerusalem hotel
MEALS:
Breakfasts - 1, Lunches - 0, Dinners - 0
EXTRAS:
None
We’ve kept today open for you to explore Jerusalem at your own pace. This remarkable, historic, and lively city offers an abundance of experiences for people of all backgrounds or none, making it a fascinating place to discover. Optional guided tours (lasting approximately 2-3 hours) are available, taking you to the City of David or the Western Wall Tunnels, or you can choose to venture out independently. Alternatively, you may want to visit the renowned Machne Yehuda market, brimming with fresh produce, cheeses, and much more. Here, you can enjoy a delightful self-guided tour of the market, and the exclusive “SHUK BITES” card gives you the opportunity to sample a variety of local delicacies from different stalls.
OVERNIGHT:
Jerusalem hotel
MEALS:
Breakfasts - 1, Lunches - 0, Dinners - 0
EXTRAS:
None
Your day in Jerusalem is yours to enjoy, with free time until you are transferred to Ben Gurion airport, ensuring you have ample time for your departure and flight back home.
OVERNIGHT:
N/A
MEALS:
Breakfasts - 1, Lunches - 0, Dinners - 0
EXTRAS:
None
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We organise seasonal group departures for this tour, which begin on Saturdays at various times throughout the year. All departures are confirmed to go ahead with a minimum of 5 participants. Departure dates and prices can be found on our website, as well as on a separate dates and prices sheet available upon request.
The hotels and accommodations listed below are the ones we most often use on this tour. From time to time we may exchange these for similar properties at the same level. In general, specific hotels cannot be guaranteed on our group tours, but you may select your preferred options if you are booking a tailor-made trip.
Our tours are designed to include all that you need to enjoy a really special time in the destination you're visiting. However, we do also offer some extra options to complement the tour and add some additional sightseeing or activities, or some extra time at either end of the tour.
The detailed Tour Notes below have been written to give you some more detailed information about how the tour runs, what to expect, and how to prepare for your holiday. We recommend downloading an up to date copy of these shortly before you travel in case of any changes.
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