Tour Details
DEPARTURE INFORMATION
Tel Aviv
This thriving city, the second largest economy in the Middle East after Dubai, welcomes us to its beautiful Mediterranean setting. After a first night cocktail party and Welcome dinner, we’ll spend the next day visiting the site of Old Jaffa, the world’s oldest port. We’ll tour the compelling Diaspora Museum, an account of the 2,000- year displacement of the Jews.
Caesarea & Haifa
A beautiful shoreline drive takes us to the archaeological site of the ancient port city of Caesarea, once a model Roman city boasting the most advanced technology of its time. A visit to the golden dome and impressive gardens of the Baha’i Shrine are a highlight of any visit to this ancient land.
Tiberias (Acre, Nazareth, Safed & the Sea of Galilee)
We stop on our way in the ancient port of Acre. We also stop in Nazareth to visit the Church of the Annunciation, believed in Christian tradition to be the site where the angel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary. In the morning, we travel from Tiberias to the artist colony of Safed, famous since the Middle Ages as a center of Jewish mysticism. While here, we will meet with a Cabalist to learn about the Kabbalah tradition and philosophy. After lunch, we continue to Galilee where we will go to the Mount of Beatitudes, said to be the site of Jesus’ famous ‘Sermon on the Mount.’
The Dead Sea (Beit She’an, Qumran, & the Negev)
Today, we go to the Yardenit on the Jordan River, a site visited by Christian pilgrims for generations. At Beit She’an, the ‘House of Rest and Quiet,’ we find Israel’s equal to Pompeii. In Qumran, we view the caves where the intriguing Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in 1946. At the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, we go into the salty, buoyant waters and walk along the shore. Morning takes us to the Negev, where we will visit a traditional Bedouin camp for lunch before our jeep safari.
Jerusalem (Masada & Bethlehem)
Our path to Jerusalem stops first in Masada, the fabled site where Jewish zealots held fast before the Romans destroyed them, and their Temple, in 73 A.D. After lunch in Jerusalem, we continue to Bethlehem, revered by Jews as the home of King David and by Christians as the birthplace of Jesus. We close this first day by entering the 3,000-year-old city of Jerusalem – a place like no other. Holy to three major religions, its historical, cultural, and religious significance is incomparable. Our time here includes extraordinary highlights – the Mount of Olives, an archaeologic project sifting through materials from the Temple Mount, the Garden of Gethsemane, and Mount Zion. Our third full day here is filled with treasures of the Old City. We will view the Dome of the Rock, the greatest monumental building from early Islamic history. We will walk along the Via Dolorosa and to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and the Resurrection Tomb. We close the day with a visit to Judaism’s holiest site, the Western Wall. Our final day in this unmatchable city takes us to the moving memorial complex of Yad Vashem, the Holocaust History Museum and the Israel Museum where we view the Dead Sea Scrolls. We gather this evening for our Farewell Dinner.
Jerusalem & Home
Depart Jerusalem for your flight home or to your next destination.
The Dan Tel Aviv, Tel Aviv
The Dan Tel Aviv Hotel reflects Tel Aviv’s dynamic lifestyle. The first luxury Tel Aviv hotel in Israel’s first Jewish city, the Dan Tel Aviv has always been a prime venue for statesmen, politicians and artists who gathered here from the earliest years of the State of Israel. Considered the Tel Aviv hotel of choice, the Dan Tel Aviv is justly renowned for its prime location overlooking the Mediterranean and splendid beaches edged by the city’s famous seafront promenade bustling with happy strollers. Designer stores, commercial centers and the city’s famed after-dark attractions are all at the doorstep.
The Dan Carmel Hotel Haifa, Haifa
An idyllic setting for exploring the area, your classically elegant hotel commands unforgettable panoramic views of the bay and the city of Haifa. Its private gardens, verdant hillsides and endless coastline provide you with an unmatched location on the crest of Mount Carmel. Gracious service and an atmosphere both luxurious and soothing, provide an extraordinary setting for enjoying the beauty of Haifa and the Galilee. The hotel features a swimming pool, health club, sauna, fitness and massage and nearby tennis and squash courts. There are also gift shops, laundry/dry cleaning services, a beauty salon and a wine gallery. Your Deluxe room includes a mini-bar, in-room safe, cable TV, wireless internet access (for a fee), luxurious linens and toiletries and other fine amenities.
The Scots Hotel, Tiberias
The hotel is situated in the center of Tiberias, with views of the Sea of Galilee or of the surrounding mountains. The Scots Hotel, combining peace and tranquility with history and unrivalled service, will ensure your visit is the ultimate retreat for body, mind and spirit. This boutique hotel complex, owned by the Church of Scotland, comprises several sensitively refurbished 19th century basalt stone buildings together a with newly built section. Redesigned and planned with the clear intention of preserving the original character of the property, the outcome is a unique harmony of old and new, combining the original architectural style with the modern amenities you would expect of a five-star hotel.
Isrotel Dead Sea Hotel & Spa, Ein Bokek
This resort is a green oasis of tranquility with dramatic views of desert mountains and elevated cliffs. Features and facilities at this resort include a private beach, an indoor and an outdoor swimming pool, business center and boutique shop. There is also a full-service Esprit Spa offering treatments, healthy mineral mud baths and yoga workshops. There are two dining venues, one serving American style cuisine. Travcoa has reserved Dead Sea-view rooms on the Moab Floors. Rooms are air conditioned and include an electronic safe, cable TV and wireless internet (for a fee), coffee/tea maker, mini-fridge and a hairdryer.
King David Jerusalem Hotel, Jerusalem
The King David Jerusalem Hotel is Israel's most famous hotel and stands majestic, overlooking the Old City of Jerusalem. This landmark hotel is situated at the point where old fuses with new; it is steeped in history and is the preferred choice of world leaders and celebrities alike. This regal and outstanding member of The Leading Hotels of the World is superbly located within walking distance of both the major historic sites of the Old City, and modern Jerusalem's lively center. The King David Jerusalem Hotel is renowned for its warm welcome, its luxurious and tastefully appointed guestrooms, suites and function halls. The King David Jerusalem Hotel's elegance and tranquility make it the perfect choice for the discerning vacationer or for the business traveler. In this King David Jerusalem Hotel, the dedicated staff and teams of professionals will ensure that every occasion reflects the King David's singular style and world-famous hospitality. A 2015 Travel+Leisure World's Best Hotel