Ancient Israel

Overview

Visit Roman ruins and mountain villages en route to the Sea of Galilee. Learn of the mystery surrounding the Dead Sea Scrolls before a cable car journey to Masada Fortress for panoramic views across the land. Stop in Bethlehem, in Palestinian Territory, before a triumphant end to your tour in illustrious Jerusalem.

Group Tour includes:

DAY 1: FLY TO TEL AVIV

Fly to Tel Aviv. You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

DAY 2: TRAVEL TO GALILEE

The day begins with exploring Jaffa, the world’s oldest active harbour. Continue to Caesarea to view the fascinating Roman ruins. Visit the Druze Villages on the slopes of Mount Carmel before a stop at the street bazaars to interact with the local community, then drive to Mukhraga for a view of the Holy Land. Finish the day in Tiberias, on the shores of the famous Sea of Galilee

DAY 3: GALILEE

Visit Kibbutz Degania B to learn about its development, before continuing to Tabgha, the site of the miracle of the Loaves and Fishes. Head to Capernaum to visit the Ancient Synagogue and House of St Peter. Mount of Beatitudes is where the Sermon on the Mount took place and visit a hilltop town with a rich heritage of Jewish mysticism before returning to Tiberias this afternoon.

DAY 4: THE DEAD SEA

Drive through the scenic Jordan Valley, into Palestinian Territory, to Qasr El Yahud, and then in Jericho take a cable car journey to the Quarental Monastery on the Mount of Temptations. A drive to the Dead Sea to float in the mineral-rich waters is the perfect end to this day.

DAY 5: BETHLEHEM

Drive to Masada this morning where you will take a cable car to the top of Masada Fortress, where as well as the wonderful view, you will learn of the last stand by Jewish rebels against the Romans. Drive to Qumran for lunch and a visit to where the Dead Sea scrolls were discovered. You will continue your journey to Bethlehem, in Palestinian Territory, for a one night stay. Enjoy a Palestinian dancing show during dinner this evening

DAY 6: GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE

Visit the Church of Nativity before driving to Mount Zion where you will visit the Cenacle, King David’s Tomb and Dormition Abbey. After lunch continue to Mount of Olives to visit Pater Noster Church and the Church of Ascension. Visit the garden of Gethsemane before venturing into Western Jerusalem to see the Hebrew University, Parliament House and the Supreme Court.

DAY 7: JERUSALEM

Explore Jerusalem today by driving to Dung Gate to visit Temple Mount, the famous building of the Dome of the Rock and the Al Aksa Mosque. Continue to the Western Wall, the holiest place of Judaism, and Tunnel, taking a journey back in time walking the Stations of the Cross to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. End the day with a Shabbat dinner prepared by a local Rabbi.

Day 8: Fly Jerusalem to UK

Transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for your onward arrangements.