The Highlights of the Jewish State and Petra Tour

When you arrive at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, you will be greeted by a representative following passport control. They will help you as you collect your luggage and are transported to the hotel.

Overnight: Tel Aviv

Following breakfast, we will begin a beautiful walking tour of Tel Aviv and Jaffa. Beginning on Rothschild Boulevard, we will witness Tel Aviv’s unique Bauhaus-style architecture, which is designated as a UNESCO world heritage site for its significance in the Modern Movement of architecture. One of the buildings we will see is Independence Hall, which is newly-renovated and commemorates the declaration which founded the State of Israel on May 14th, 1948. We will then tour Neve Tzedek, which was Tel Aviv’s first neighborhood. Next, we’ll visit the ancient port city of Jaffa, where we’ll take in a view of the old city and its well-known artist colony. You’ll end the day with some free time at the bustling Nahalat Binyamin Crafts Fair and Carmel Outdoor Market. Here, you’ll be able to do some shopping and take in all of the wonderful sights, sounds, and smells!

Overnight: Tel Aviv

The beach may be the major tourist attraction, but Tel Aviv has more points of interest than its famous strip of sand. “The City That Never Sleeps” All over the city, flowers blossom, new restaurants open, and there’s always a party going on somewhere. this is a 24 hour city with a unique pulse, combining sandy Mediterranean beaches with a world-class nightlife, a buzzing cultural scene, attractions and museums, shopping children’s activities, incredible food, UNESCO recognized architecture, and an international outlook.

Overnight: Tel Aviv

Following breakfast and hotel check-out, we’ll begin our drive to Rehovot.

Our first stop: the Weizmann Institute of Science. This university played an important role in the development of the State of Israel. We’ll experience a high-tech presentation and see the mansion home where Chaim Weizmann, the first president of Israel, lived.

Next, we will stop in Caesarea. This ancient port town was built more than 2000 years ago by King Herod the Great. For hundreds of years, it was a key port along the Mediterranean. Here, we’ll learn about the role of Caesarea in Jewish history through its importance, for example, during the Great Revolt of AD66.

Our next stop along the Mediterranean coast will be the Atlit Detainee Camp, which was established by authorities during the British Mandate in the 1930s. We will learn about the hardships which faced the Jewish immigrants who were held at this detention center.

We will continue to Mount Carmel and into Haifa, which is the major port city of Israel. We’ll make a quick stop at the Louis Promenade to see the beautiful Haifa Bay and Baha’i Gardens.

Overnight: Haifa

We’ll enjoy an Israeli breakfast at the hotel. Following the hotel check-out, we’ll begin our drive through the mountains and valleys that extend east to west in Galilee.

When we arrive in Safed (Tzfat), we’ll tour ancient sectors within this city and learn about the Kabbalists and the synagogues that they built. We’ll complete our tour of Tzfat by visiting the well-known artist colony.

We will continue travelling to Rosh Pina. This small town began as one of Israel’s earliest colonies, established by a community of ultra-orthodox Jews who wished to become farmers. It was overseen by Baron Edmund de Rothschild. Today, Rosh Pina is known for its excellent restaurants, quaint cafés, and interesting art galleries.

We’ll spend the afternoon visiting the gorgeous Hula Valley. This was Israel’s first nature reserve, and today it is one of the best destinations in the world for ornithologists and bird-watchers.

Overnight: Kibbutz Hotel

Today’s tour will provide a unique opportunity to experience northern Israel. The day will begin with a drive to Golan Heights, where we’ll visit Tel Faher, a former Syrian outpost. This was occupied by Israel as the result of an intense battle during the Six-Day War.

Next, we’ll visit Mount Bental, where you’ll have the opportunity to experience a breathtaking panoramic view that includes the upper portion of the Galilee, Golan Heights, Mount Hermon, and Syria.

At Golan Magic, we will enjoy a 3D multisensory experience viewed on Israel’s only 180-degree screen. Following the film, we’ll take a walk through the impressively large model of the Golan Heights, which is complete with narration, sound effects, and light effects. Next, we’ll take a tour of the Golan Olive Oil Mill and Visitor Center, where a guide will teach about the history and process of olive oil production.

The tour will end by visiting the Golan Height Winery. Here, we’ll be treated to a tasting tour of Israeli wines, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at the wine production process.

You’ll enjoy some free time for the rest of the day. We recommend taking in the serene rural surroundings found in the kibbutz! Several activity options are available to you, including biking, hiking, rappelling, or kayaking.

In the evening, depending on the time of year, you may have the option to take a lantern tour through the Valley of the Lost River or the Nimrod Fortress.

Overnight: Kibbutz Hotel

We’ll begin another day of touring following check out from the hotel.

First, we will visit Tel Hai Museum. This memorial site honors heroes lost during an intense battle which occurred in 1920, including Joseph Trumpeldor, who led the Jewish defensive against Arab attack during this battle. He is known as a national hero for his loyalty to the state of Israel.

Then, we will head towards the shores of the Sea of Galilee, specifically Lake Kinneret, to make a quick stop at Tiberias. This was an important spiritual destination during the Mishnah and Talmudic periods of history.

Next, we’ll travel southward along the Jordan Valley. Our next stop will be the “Naharayim Experience at Gesher.” This unique show uses various light and sound effects to model the dam and running water systems, and demonstrates the way in which Jewish immigration and industrial growth became a possibility among the desert lands that make up much of Israel.

We will continue driving through the Jordan Valley towards our next destination: Jerusalem. When we arrive, we will visit Mt. Scopus for a stunning view of the city. We’ll also receive a short lesson on the capital city’s history and future.

Overnight: Jerusalem

We will begin the day with breakfast followed by a tour of the Old City of Jerusalem. We’ll walk through one of the numerous gates into the walled city. Upon entry, the sights will include the restored Jewish Quarter, the Western Wall (Ha Kotel), Cardo, and colorful bazaars.

Continuing our walking tour, we’ll head to the city of David, where we’ll enjoy a virtual reality film about this historically significant city founded by King David. Next, we’ll tour the ancient water system which connects Warren’s Shaft and the Shiloah tunnels. Then, we’ll see the Archaeological Garden, the new Southern Wall excavations at the Davidson Center.

*On this day, many Bar Mitzvahs will be happening at the Western Wall. At this location on the tour, we’ll have the chance to wish them “Mazal Tov!”.

Overnight: Jerusalem

On today’s tour, we’ll pay a visit to Mount Herzl Military Cemetery, where the graves of the former prime ministers of Israel, as well as those of fallen soldiers, are located.

Then, we will go to the museum at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial, which includes the Valley of the Communities. Some things we will pass along our route include the Knesset (the Israeli Parliament Building), the Menorah, and the location of the Israeli Supreme Court.

Next, we’ll visit the Israel Museum. Here, we will see the Shrine of the Book, a display of the Dead Sea Scrolls, Jerusalem during the Second Temple historical period.

We will take a tour of the neighborhood surrounding Mahane Yehuda Market. Here, we will have the chance to do a tasting of various cultural foods from several ethnic groups in the area.

To end the day, as the Jewish Sabbath begins in Jerusalem, we’ll return to the Western Wall to take part in the solemn ceremonies of Kabbalat Shabbat.

Overnight: Jerusalem

Enjoy a free day in Jerusalem.

An optional evening activity is to attend a magnificent light and sound show in the Old City of Jerusalem, held at the Tower of David. Accompanied by a projection of 3D slides onto the great wall, the show is a unique depiction of the various historical periods throughout Jerusalem’s past.

(Time Length: Approx. 1 hour, may be subject to additional fee).

Overnight: Jerusalem

Today, we will leave Jerusalem and travel southward through the Judean hills along the shore of the Dead Sea. We will take an easy hike at Ein Gedi Nature Reserve.

We will then continue travelling along the Dead Sea shore. Our next destination is Masada – we will take a cable car to visit this location where a siege by Roman Troops ended the Jewish-Roman war in AD73.

When we arrive at our hotel on the Dead Sea, you can enjoy time at the hotel spa, or have a chance to float on the salty water of the sea.

Overnight: Dead Sea

Following breakfast, we will check out of the hotel and travel along the “Peace Road,” – a captivating drive along the border of Israel and Jordan. Along our drive, you’ll be able to take in views of the fertile fields in Idan, Hatzeva and Ein Yahav. There will also be views overlooking the Arava streambed at various observation points, and you’ll also see the mountains of Edom, and the reservoirs used for irrigation of desert fields.

We will take a tour of Timna Park, where we’ll see ancient copper mines, King Solomon’s Pillars, and impressive multicolor rock formations.

Our drive will end in Eilat, a port city, and the southernmost city in Israel. Our last activity of the day will be a Desert Jeep Safari in the Eilat Mountains.

Overnight: Eilat

Today, enjoy some free time with a wide variety of activity choices. You could take a swim with dolphins at Dolphin Reef, visit the Underwater Observatory, or go to the Ice Mall.

You also have the option to tour one of the new 7 Wonders of the World – Petra, Jordan. This city is well known for rock-cut architecture.

Overnight: Eilat

Enjoy more free time in Eilat. You again have the option to tour the city of Petra, Jordan.

You have the option to tour one of the new 7 Wonders of the World – Petra, Jordan. This city is well known for rock-cut architecture.

You will be transported to Ramon Airport in Eilat and take a flight to Tel Aviv, where you will be transported to your hotel.

Check out of the hotel following breakfast.

Transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for the flight home.

Goodbye to Israel! Hope to see you again on your next visit.