Drive through the Judean desert to the dead sea. Roadside view of Qumeran caves (visit not included) where the dead sea scrolls were found; Visit a dead sea cosmetic products shop. Stop for relaxation at one of the resorts on the shores of the dead sea; Enjoy the opportunity to float in the unsinkable dead sea and cover yourself with the mineral rich, therapeutic dead sea mud. Return to point of departure.
Drive along the coastal road to Caesarea, the ancient Roman capital and port. Enjoy a walking tour of the theatre and the archaeological ruins and excavations. Continue to Megiddo national park, also known as Armageddon. Learn the impressive history of the site that served as a battle field from Egyptian through Assyrian and Israeli times. Admire the fascinating view of Jezreel Valley.
Onto Haifa for a scenic view of the City, the Port and the magnificent Bahai Gardens and Shrine. Drive to Acre, the Old City recognized by UNESCO as world heritage site. Walk through the market, the mosque and the old port. Visit the remarkable underground Crusader City and crypt and learn about their fascinating history and culture.
We look out across the city of Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives then drive passed the Garden of Gethsemane and around the Old City walls. We enter the Old City on foot to visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher then take a drive through the new city of Jerusalem passed the Israeli parliament, the Israel Museum and the Valley of the Cross.
On route to Bethlehem we pause at the Hill of Evil Counsel for a view of the city lights. On entering Bethlehem we see the Christmas decorations and stop at a local store for refreshments. At Manger Square we enjoy a festive dinner. There may be a possibility to enter the Church of the Nativity for Mass. At midnight we watch the Church of the Nativity Midnight Mass on large outdoor screens in Manger Square before heading back to your hotel.
Visit the Diaspora museum ; Drive around the main streets of Tel Aviv, center of business and entertainment of Israel, also known as the "White City" and declared by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage site . Stop at Rabin's square, place of assassination of prime minister Itzhak Rabin. Continue to Old Jaffa, an 8000 year old port city; Visit the ancient ruins and walk along the restored artists' quarter.
Visit Neve Tzedek, the first neighborhood of Tel Aviv, built in 1887 and Nahalat Benyamin, the pedestrian street of the city with its musicians, handmade jewellery and artifacts. Next, stop at Sheinkin, the lively and colorful street specially known with the unique shops, café life and youthful ambiance. Return to point of departure.
We start with an overview of Jerusalem and then walk along the Byzantine Cardo, in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City. From the Western Wall (Kotel), we will follow the Via Dolorosa, the Stations of the Cross, ending at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. After enjoying the bazaar of the Christian and Moslem quarters we continue to Bethlehem. In Bethlehem visit the Church of Nativity and overlook the Shepherd's Field.
Start with a view of Jerusalem and then visit King David's tomb and the Room of the Last Supper. Enter the Old City through the Zion Gate and visit the restored Sephardi synagogues, the Byzantine Cardo and the Herodian mansion, all in the Jewish Quarter. Proceed to the Western Wall (Kotel), and then exit the old City through the Dung Gate and tour the excavations of the City of David.
Visit some of the most historically and religiously significant landmarks in the beautiful Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Marvel over memorable places from the bible, take in the precious views and engage with the various cultures.
HIGHLIGHTS:
* Visit the Old City of Jerusalem
* Learn about the various religions and cultures that live together
* Walk up to the Western Wall
Starting at the Mount of Olives, rising over 800 metres boasting impressive views of the Old City and the surrounding neighborhoods. Historically named due to the fact it was once covered in olive trees and is known for appearing in the Old Testament. Moving on from here we’ll visit Mount Zion, the highest point in ancient Jerusalem, the place that was once used as a metaphoric symbol for “the Promised Land.” It is also believed to be the site where the “Last Supper” took place.
Enter the Old City and roam the fascinating streets of the Jewish Quarter, filled with narrow alley ways and unique architecture. See the Western Wall, where everybody is welcome to go up to it and traditionally leave a piece of paper with a prayer or wish on it, in a crack in the wall. Continuing onto the Christian Quarter, you’ll see the streets are full of priests and pilgrims from around the world to visit the over 40 holy sites. Walk along the Via Dolorosa, a winding route leading to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where Jesus was crucified and has been an important pilgrimage destination since the 4th century.
In Bethlehem we’ll see a lovely overview of Shepherds’ Field, a historically important location and bears breathtaking landscapes. From here we’ll find our way to the Church of Nativity and Manger’s square. Admire the ancient architecture and firsthand learn the local culture.
LAUFER VIP SERVICES
Avoid the queues at Ben Gurion airport and treat yourself to a stress free service that will make your arrival and/or departure at Ben Gurion Airport smoother and easier. VIP services at Ben Gurion Airport are the way to insure a smooth, pleasant, and expedited process when entering and departing Israel.
The VIP Club staff is there to serve customers from the moment of their arrival at the meeting point in the airport. We take care of collecting luggage, security screening, baggage inspection, and passport control, up to the point of boarding the flight or reaching the arrivals hall, depending on the services included in the VIP package. Just imagine no trekking through the beautiful (but very large) new terminal, no schlepping your luggage and no endless standing on lines!
VIP Service Upon Arrival:
Incoming flight: The service includes escorting from the airplane to the arrivals hall and quick procedure at the airport, meeting the passengers at the finger where the plane is connected. Passengers are driven by a private VIP vehicle to a fast track exclusive priority lane access through security checks and passport control.
Priority & assistance through customs and passport control, security inspection process, baggage collection, collections of items from duty free (if needed). A steward/stewardess will accompany the passengers up to the arrivals hall to the waiting driver.
Enjoy this special pack: runs through the main attractions of Jerusalem and relax in hot springs with multitude of properties.
Jerusalem Old and New
Tour begins with a panoramic view of Jerusalem. Continue for a walking tour of the Old City which includes Mount Zion, the Cardo, Via Dolorosa (The Stations of the Cross), the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and the Western (Wailing) Wall. In the afternoon, visit Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum.
Excursion to the Dead Sea and Ein Gedi spa
Drive via the Judean Desert to the Dead Sea area (the lowest point on earth). Arrive at Ein Gedi Spa for a day of fun and relaxation. Enjoy the rich mineral hot springs, cover yourself with the mineral rich, therapeutic mud and enjoy the unique experience of floating in the Dead Sea.
Depart from Jerusalem along the coastal road and the landscape of the lower Galilee to Nazareth, the town where Jesus spent his childhood. Visit the church of Annunciation and the church of St. Joseph. Continue, via Kana, to Tiberias, the lovely resort town on the Sea of Galilee. Drive along the Kineret Lake to visit Capernaum and view the ruins of the ancient synagogue where Jesus taught. Continue to Tabgha, the site of the miracle of fish and loaves located at the foot of the Golan Heights. < Proceed to Yardenit, the famous baptismal site where the Jordan River flows out of the sea of Galilee towards the dead sea. Return to point of departure.