Israel Classic Tour

Begin your journey at Latrun, a historical site from the Crusader period, known for its strategic hilltop location. Explore Yad La Shiryon, Israel’s Armoured Corps Memorial and Museum, with its vast collection of tanks and exhibits on Israel’s Defence Forces. Enjoy the panoramic view of Ayalon Valley where the Bible states Joshua said “Sun, stand still over Gibeon, and you, moon, over the Valley of Ayalon.” (Joshua 10, 12). Continue to Modiin, home of the ‘Maccabees,’ and visit the ancient synagogue at Um El Umdan, revealing Jewish religious life from 2000 years ago. Proceed to the ‘Maccabees’ graves, an archaeological site connecting visitors to the heroes of the Hanukkah story and the Hasmonean dynasty. End your day at the ANU Museum of Jewish people with interactive exhibits celebrating Jewish history and culture. Overnight Tel Aviv.

Start the tour of Tel Aviv at the historic train station ‘Park Hata Chana’, a restored complex from the 1892 Jaffa-Jerusalem railway. Explore the renovated buildings, now housing boutiques, cafes, and cultural spaces, while learning about its role in Tel Aviv’s development. Continue to the ancient Jaffa Port, a 4,000-year-old harbour, and marvel at the Andromeda Stone and panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. Stroll through the narrow alleys of the Old City, steeped in history and culture, from biblical tales and ancient trade routes to Ottoman rule and stories of Napoleon’s conquest. Head to Neve Tzedek, one of the first neighbourhoods built outside Jaffa’s walls, and enjoy the restored architecture, chic boutiques, and cozy cafes. Conclude your journey at Nachal at Binyamin, experiencing its vibrant Friday artists’ fair with local artisans, handmade crafts, and live performances. Overnight Tel Aviv.

Overnight Tel-Aviv

Embark on a captivating coastal drive to Caesarea, a former Roman capital built by Herod the Great in honour of Augustus. Explore the fascinating excavations of the Roman port and aqueduct, and marvel at the restored theatre overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Proceed to Megiddo, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This ancient city, strategically located on the crossroads of ancient trade routes, offers insights into thousands of years of civilization. Discover the well-preserved water system that sustained the city through centuries of conquest and settlement. Continue through the scenic Druze Villages nestled in the lush hills of Mount Carmel, where you will experience a vibrant community known for its rich cultural heritage and spiritual traditions. Arrive in Haifa and enjoy breathtaking views from Mount Carmel, overlooking Haifa’s Bay. Gaze at the iconic Bahai Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its golden dome and beautifully landscaped gardens. Overnight in a Kibbutz hotel.

Set off on an enriching journey to Safed, the renowned centre of Jewish mysticism, known as Kabala. Immerse yourself in the history of its ancient synagogues and soak in the vibrant, creative atmosphere of the Artists’ Colony. Here, galleries and studios display the work of talented local artists, blending spirituality and art against the backdrop of a picturesque, pastoral town. Continue to Tel Faher, a former Syrian outpost with significant importance for the upcoming days before the Six-Day War. Enjoy the panoramic vistas from Mount Bentel, a dormant volcanic mountain with strategic significance and a vantage point overlooking the Syrian border on the one side, and the beautiful Golan Heights on the other. Before concluding your expedition, make a stop at the Golan Winery, where a wonderful wine tasting awaits you. Overnight in a Kibbutz hotel.

Head out on a captivating day, starting with a visit to the sacred city of Nazareth. Explore the revered Church of the Annunciation, where the Angel Gabriel announced to Mary of her divine pregnancy with Jesus. Continue your journey to the Sea of Galilee, delving into the history of Capernaum, the town where Jesus gathered his disciples, and home to St. Peter. Here, you can marvel at the ruins of the ancient synagogue and the beautiful octagonal Church of St. Peter. Ascend the serene Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Then, drive south to the Jordan Valley and stop at Beit Alpha, an ancient Jewish town from Talmudic times. Admire the remarkable mosaic floor of the ancient synagogue, depicting the captivating zodiac. Overnight Jerusalem.

Begin your day with a breathtaking panoramic view from Mount of Olives, offering a stunning overlook of Jerusalem’s historic skyline, including the Dome of the Rock and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Next, head to the magnificent Old City to explore the Tomb of King David and the sacred Room of the Last Supper on Mount Zion. Enter the walled city and stroll through the newly restored Jewish Quarter, discovering the remnants of the Roman Cardo, an ancient Roman road. Make your way to the Western Wall, the last remains of the Jewish Temple, and follow the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, believed to be the site of Jesus’ crucifixion and tomb. Conclude your day with a visit to Bethlehem*, birthplace of Jesus. Walk through Manger Square to visit the Church of Nativity, one of the oldest operating churches in the world. Overnight Jerusalem.

Drive to the Israel Museum and explore the remarkable Shrine of the Book, where the ancient Dead Sea Scrolls are displayed. Marvel at the intricate miniature model of Jerusalem during the Second Temple period. Pass by the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, and proceed to Mount Herzl, Israel’s national and military cemetery named after Theodor Herzl, burial place to many of the nation’s leaders and heroes. Pay respects at Yad Vashem, the official memorial to the Holocaust. Dive deeper into Jerusalem’s history with a tour of its vibrant New City neighbourhoods. Wander through narrow alleys, listen to captivating tales, and uncover the rich tapestry of the city’s past that shaped its foundations. Overnight Jerusalem.

Drive through the awe-inspiring Judean Desert, leading you to the extraordinary Dead Sea, the Earth’s lowest point, and situated approx. 1300 feet (400 meters) below sea level. Stop at Qumran, visiting the historic site where the famed Dead Sea scrolls were discovered, and hear about the unique Jewish community living here at those times. Continue your journey and drive south along the beautiful shores of the Dead Sea to the historic site of Masada, where you will ascend to the mountain fortress built by King Herod, via cable car. Explore the remarkable remains of walls, palaces, a synagogue, and a bathhouse witnessing the heroic last stand of the Zealots against the Romans at the end of the Great Rebellion. Descend from Masada via cable car and continue your adventure to the Dead Sea. Immerse yourself in its mineral-rich mud and indulge in a therapeutic float on its waters, believed by many to offer revitalizing effects. Overnight Jerusalem.

Overnight in Jerusalem

After breakfast, transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for departure.