Depart Tel Aviv via 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.
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.
Visit some of the most historically and religiously significant landmarks in the beautiful city of Jerusalem. Marvel over memorable places from the bible, take in the precious views and engage with the various cultures.
HIGHLIGHTS:
* Visit the Old City and New 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.
Proceeding on to the new city we’ll visit Yad Vashem, Isreal’s official Holocaust memorial. Walk through a cold part of history, paying respect to all the victims celebrating their lives through the museum, the art, sculptures and their mighty Hall of Remembrance. Next we’ll visit Ein Kerem, a serene village surrounded by lush green mountains and precious churches. Lastly we’ll stop at the notorious Mary’s spring followed by the Church of Saint John the Baptist, distinctively recognizable by its silver dome.
As we depart from Jerusalem, admire the views of the Judean hills to the dead sea, the lowest place on earth; Roadside view of Qumeran caves (visit not included) where the dead sea scrolls were found; Visit a dead sea cosmetic products shop. Drive along the shores of the Dead Sea to Massada, where you will learn about the heroic story of the Jewish fighters.
Ascend by cable car and tour the mountain fortress built by King Herod, where the zealots of the first century made their last stand against the Romans. Visit the remains of the walls, palace, synagogue, water cisterns, mosaic floors, roman baths and other findings. Descend by cable car.
Continue to the Dead Sea and enjoy the unique opportunity to float in the Dead Sea and cover yourself with the mineral rich mud, that many believe has its therapeutic effects. Return to point of departure.
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.
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.
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.
Drive to Mount of Olives for a panoramic view of the city. Stop at Mount Zion to visit king David's tomb, the room of last supper and the dormition abbey; Enter the old city and walk through the Armenian and Jewish quarters to the recently excavated and restored Cardo, the Roman road. See the Jewish wailing wall, the Kotel, and continue to the Christian quarter. Walk along the Via Dolorosa and visit the church of holy Sepulchre. Drive through the Judean desert to the dead sea. Stop for relaxation at one of the resorts on the shores of the dead sea; Enjoy the opportunity to float in the dead sea and cover yourself with the mineral rich, therapeutic dead sea mud. Return to point of departure.
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.
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.
Drive to Safed, one of the four holy cities in Israel, center of Kabbalah (Jewish mysticism) movement; Visit the Caro and Ari synagogues; Stroll through the narrow alleyways and visit the picturesque Artists' Quarter.
Continue to the Golan Heights; Stop at Gadot overlook (Mitzpe Gadot), the memorial site for the fallen of the Golan, located over former Syrian bunkers and see the monument built on site in honor of the Alexandroni brigade. Enjoy a panoramic view of the Hula valley. Return to point of departure.
It took guts for people to build outside the Old City back in the 19th century, and those who did were considered brave souls. At sundown, all seven gates would close, offering extra security for those inside — but leaving those beyond the walls on their own. But the original inhabitants of Jerusalem — Jews, Christians, and Muslims — were growing in numbers, and space was limited, so they had to look beyond the walls while staying close to the Old City.
Then you have all those who came with the Crusaders for the Holy Grail, and the Arabs who came with Salah Eddin, many of whom stayed and grew the communities even further. Jerusalem became a hub for British, French, Italians, Russians, Germans, Spaniards, Ethiopians, and so many others. For a brief moment in history, everyone was living together with a certain degree of peace and harmony. This is where your Jerusalem tour will take you: to see how communities grew beyond the city walls, and cultures and religions collided. As we explore the edges of the city, you’ll see great monuments built to withstand earthquakes, bullets, and bombs; a Russian compound housing a church, police station, and prison; an Ethiopian church and community next to a building erected by a German protestant architect; and much more.
We’ll head to the famous Machane Yehuda market, which began back in the 19th century as a place for peasants to sell their produce. Today, it’s a major market selling fish, poultry, meat, fruits, and vegetables, along with spices, nuts, and even household appliances. You’ll get to taste of mix sweet and savoury delights from different vendors all over the market.
The Old City of Jerusalem is chock-full of surprises! With four different quarters “assigned” to the Jews, Christians, Muslims, and Armenians, the city is a mix of cultures and traditions from all around the world.
No tourist comes to Jerusalem without going to the Old City at least once. For many who have extra time, they go over and over again, but many don’t venture through the alleyways that lead to the various communities that make the Old City what it is today. That’s what we’re going to do on this tour!
Your Jerusalem tour will go through all four quarters, exploring local life. We’ll learn about their cultures and traditions, and try a mix of sweet and savory delights inspired by the different cultures.
In the Muslim Quarter, we’ll visit the Small Western Wall, where you can pray privately without the crowds of the larger and more famous Western Wall. We’ll also visit a Sa’aleek coffee shop for a nice breakfast of hummus, ka’ek and tea. (Sa’aleek was basically tramps who wandered from city to city, and were mostly poets and authors.) From there, we’ll head to the market and try a traditional Arabic dessert, washed down, of course, with strong Arabic coffee.
Next up, our Jerusalem tour will lead us to the Christian Quarter, going through the Coptic community and down to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where you’ll get a glimpse of the various protocols governing the Church by the different Christian sects.
In the Jewish Quarter, we’ll walk through archways, passing through residential areas housing Christian Assyrians and Armenians. If we’re lucky on a Monday or Thursday, we might even witness a Bar/Bat Mitzvah and visit the Four Sephardic Synagogues.
And just when you thought you won’t be able to eat any more, we’ll head to the Armenian Quarter and sit in a restaurant for a well-deserved rest, and dig into authentic Armenian pizza, called lahmajoun.
Lastly, with a trip through the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, our tour will end at the New Gate.
Descubre el increíble Israel en siete días llenos de historia. Empieza en Jerusalén y acaba en Tel Aviv, camina sobre los pasos de Jesucristo y sus discípulos y visita los lugares de los grandes acontecimientos de la Biblia.
El tour te brinda la oportunidad de viajar al pasado y contemplar algunos de los centros religiosos y arqueológicos más impactantes de Israel mientras disfrutas del deslumbrante paisaje y de la cultura de esta tierra antigua.
• Jerusalén: Es la capital de Israel y es una ciudad de tradiciones, religión, historia, cultura y patrimonio.
• Beit She’an: Una de las ciudades más antiguas de Israel, hogar de más de 20 capas de restos de civilizaciones antiguas escondidas dentro de su gran montículo.
• Nazaret: Ubicada en la región del mar de Galilea, no solo tiene más de una docena de zonas cristianas, sino que, debido a que es la ciudad árabe más grande de Israel, cuenta con multitud de lugares y experiencias interesantes.
• Galilea: Una de las regiones más bonitas de Israel, se distingue por sus paisajes, sus formaciones naturales, sus lugares históricos y sus pueblos encantadores.
• Acre: La ciudad antigua de Acre es Patrimonio de la Humanidad de la Unesco y representa la agitada historia de Israel mejor que cualquier otra ciudad del país.
• Haifa: Es la tercera ciudad más grande de Israel y gracias su fantástica ubicación en las laderas del monte Carmelo se ha ganado el apodo de “San Francisco de Israel)
• Caesarea: Originalmente fue una antigua ciudad portuaria herodiana, por lo que acoge unas impresionantes ruinas del puerto, preciosas playas y multitud de residencias modernas.
• Tel Aviv: La ciudad que nunca duerme mezcla playa de arenas y vida nocturna de primera. Es un animado escenario cultural, gastronómico, arquitectónico e internacional.