Israeli Expedition - Tour Package to Israel

You are met upon arrival and taken to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to relax or explore.

This morning explore the sites of vibrant Tel Aviv, including Beth Hatefutsoth, the Museum of the Jewish People to gain insights on Jewish history starting from 6th- century BC. This afternoon, in the old port and artist-mecca of Old Jaffa, explore the cobblestone streets and visit the galleries, the Jaffa Flea Market and Carmel Market.

En route to Haifa, drive along the Mediterranean coastline to the ancient Roman city of Caesarea. Explore the Roman Amphitheatre and the ruins of this Crusader stronghold, built in 30 BC yet very technologically advanced for its time. Continue to Acre, to visit Djezzar Pasha Mosque, the crypt of St. John, and the colorful bazaar of this ancient seaport. Arriving in Haifa, you ascend to Mount Carmel for breathtaking views. Visit the prominent Ba'hai Shrine, with its gleaming golden dome and impressive levels of gardens, and the peaceful Stella Maris Convent.

This morning drive to picturesque Nazareth, to visit the Church of the Annunciation, Joseph’s Workshop and Mary's Well, with waters believed to heal all ailments. Stroll through the lively Arab markets before continuing on to Tiberias. This afternoon drive out to historic Safed to explore the Citadel, the old synagogues and artist colony. Stay the next two nights in Tiberias, overlooking the Sea of Galilee.

Today’s touring starts with a boat ride across the Sea of Galilee, to Kibbutz Ginosar and a visit to learn about Israel’s unique form of communal living. The kibbutz, museum houses the 2,000-year-old “Jesus boat.” Continuing to Capernaum, view the remains of a 2nd century synagogue, then drive up to the Mount of the Beatitudes. Taste local wines in the Golen Heights before driving to Tabgha, site of the New Testament’s Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes.

Drive the winding mountain roads through the scenic Jordan Valley to Bet She’an, an ancient Roman city called Israel’s Pompeii. Next, visit Qumran, a settlement from 103 BC, to explore the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Late afternoon arrive in Jerusalem, a 3,000-year-old thriving modern metropolis and the cradle of three major religions.

 full day of sightseeing starts with a drive to Masada, at the edge of the Judean Desert. Ascend the steep slope by cable car, and visit the ruins of fortifications and the palaces of Herod. Continue traveling along the Dead Sea to Bethany to visit the Tomb of Lazarus. Next stop is Bethlehem, the cradle of Christianity. Visit the Church of the Nativity, Manger Square and Shepherd’s Field, before passing Rachel’s Tomb en route back to Jerusalem.

Travel to the Mount of Olives – with two peaks, one with Christian churches, the second with the oldest and largest Jewish cemetery. Visit the Church of Ascension, Garden of Gethsemane, and the holy Islamic pilgrimage site, the Dome of the Rock. Experience the Western Wall or “Wailing Wall,” Judaism's holiest site. Continue to Mt. Zion, visiting the Tomb of King David and the Room of the Last Supper.

This morning visit the Knesset (Israel’s Parliament), to see a model of how Jerusalem looked 2,000 years ago. Visit the Shrine of the Book and see the Dead Sea Scrolls, then tour the Hadassah Medical Center with its Chagall stained glass windows depicting the 12 Tribes of Israel. Next, explore the Yad Vashem memorial complex and the moving presentations at its Holocaust History Museum. This afternoon walk through the exotic Arab bazaar and Way of the Cross; visit the Church of St. Anne and the Pool of Bethesda. At the Stations of the Cross, you can walk in the footsteps of Jesus as described in the New Testament. Explore the Flagellation Church the Calvary and the Holy Sepulchre.

Bid farewell to this holy land before you are taken to the airport for your flight home or on to your next destination.