SUNDAY ARRIVAL - 10 NIGHTS WITH EILAT
Arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Tel Aviv.
Today’s journey takes us to Caesarea, the old Roman regional capital, where the Apostle Paul was imprisoned before his journey to Rome. Explore the Roman Theatre and aqueduct, reflecting the grandeur of the once-mighty Roman Empire. Next, visit Muhraka, where Prophet Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal at Mount Carmel in a pivotal biblical moment. Continuing, we reach Megiddo, an ancient city recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site, believed to be the location of the final battle of Armageddon. Our final stop is Acre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former Crusader capital. Walk through the Old City, visit the local market, and enjoy the historic harbour. Explore the underground Crusader City and crypt, offering insights into this era.
Drive through the coastal town of Tiberias to visit Magdala, birthplace of Mary Magdalene. Enjoy a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus performed many of his miracles, including walking on water. Next, visit the Yigal Alon Centre where the “Jesus’ boat,” an ancient fishing boat from the 1st century is displayed. Continue to Capernaum, the town of Jesus and home of St. Peter. Here, you can marvel at the ruins of the ancient synagogue and the beautiful octagonal Church of St. Peter. Stop at Tabgha, the site of the Miracle of Fish and Loaves, and visit the Church of Multiplication with its beautiful 4th-century mosaic floor. Proceed to the Mount of Beatitudes, the place where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Finally, visit Yardenit, a baptismal site on the Jordan River, where pilgrims from around the world gather to be baptized, following the tradition of Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist.
Drive to Cana to visit the Wedding Church, where Jesus performed his first miracle of turning water into wine. Continue to Nazareth, the hometown of Jesus, and visit the Church of the Annunciation, a stunning basilica marking the site where the Angel Gabriel announced the Virgin Mary’s divine pregnancy. Explore Joseph’s Workshop, where Saint Joseph practiced carpentry, now part of the Church of Saint Joseph. Nearby, Mary’s Well, venerated for its association with Mary drawing water, offers a serene spot for reflection. Drive along the Jordan Valley to Beit She ‘an, an important Roman-era city. Explore its well- preserved ruins, including a theatre, bathhouse, and colonnaded streets, highlighting the grandeur of this ancient site.
Today, we delve into Jerusalem, the city of peace, where Jesus was crucified, resurrected and ascended to the heavens. Our day begins with a visit to Mount of Olives, offering a magnificent panoramic view of Jerusalem and marking the place where Jesus ascended into heaven. Heading to the bottom of the mountain to visit the Church of All Nations where Jesus prayed before his arrest. Next, we visit King David’s Tomb and the Room of the Last Supper on Mt. Zion. We then journey to the Old City, exploring the ancient Roman Cardo, the Jewish and Christian quarters. Highlights include the Wailing Wall, the Via Dolorosa, and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the revered site of Jesus’s crucifixion, burial and resurrection.
Head out to the Ein Karem neighbourhood, the birthplace of John the Baptist, and visit the Church of Visitation, where Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth, while pregnant with Jesus. Also, visit the Church of Saint John the Baptist, which marks the site where John the Baptist was born. This church, with its beautiful interior and serene surroundings, commemorates the life and ministry of John the Baptist, offering a place for reflection and prayer. Onto the Israel Museum and the Shrine of the Book, where the Dead Sea scrolls are housed, and the miniature model of Jerusalem as it was during the Second Temple period. Proceed to *Bethlehem, birthplace of Jesus; view Shepherds’ Field, where angels announced the birth of Jesus to shepherds. Then, stroll through Bethlehem’s Manger Square to reach the remarkable Church of Nativity; Dating back to the 4th century, this ancient basilica stands over the site of Jesus’ birth.
Drive through the 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, where the famed Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. This archaeological site is believed to have once housed John the Baptist. Drive along the shores of the Dead Sea to reach Masada, the last refuge of Jews after the destruction of the Second Temple. Ascend by cable car and tour the mountain fortress built by King Herod the Great. Descend by cable car and continue to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth; enjoy the opportunity to float on the unsinkable water and cover yourself with the mineral rich mud, believed to have therapeutic effects.
Leave Jerusalem and enjoy a captivating southbound journey through the Negev Desert. Make a stop at Timna, a vast geological and archaeological park, where you will be enchanted by the breathtaking multi-coloured rock formations and fascinating copper mines. Do not miss the chance to witness the impressive Solomon’s Pillars, adding a touch of historical wonder to your experience. See the Methuselah Tree in Ktura, a date palm grown from a 2,000-year-old seed found at Masada, symbolizing ancient life revived. Continue your expedition to the vibrant city of Eilat, nestled on the northern shores of the Red Sea. Discover the remarkable Underwater Observatory Marine Park, ingeniously built into a coral reef, offering you an up-close and immersive encounter with the vibrant marine life of the Gulf of Eilat, leaving you with unforgettable memories of the wonders that lie beneath the Red Sea’s surface.
After assistance with border formalities, drive straight to Petra, a UNESCO world Heritage site, the astonishing rose-red city built by the Nabateans (an early Arab tribe). Petra is renowned for its massive architecture, pools, dams and water channels. The visit begins with the possibility of a short horseback riding for about 700m until the entrance of the Siq, which is about 1.2 km long (walking distance). Petra is famous for its huge monuments such as the treasury, royal tombs, the court, Roman theatre, Roman street, Qasr al-Bint (Palace of Pharaoh’s daughter) and many other smaller fascinating monuments. The city itself is almost 45 km2 and is the second wonder of the world. After the visit, time for lunch in a nearby restaurant. After lunch, drive back to the border. On the way, a short visit to Aqaba with the possibility to stop and take a walk around. Transfer to the border at around 18:00 and cross back to Eilat. Overnight Eilat.
*Visa is required in advance.
Leave Eilat behind and head to Mitzpe Ramon. Take a captivating pause to marvel at the geological wonder of the Ramon Crater; visit the remarkable visitors’ centre, which offers unique insights into this extraordinary natural formation. Drive to Sde Boker, and stop at David Ben Gurion’s, Israel’s first prime minister, hut and grave. Enjoy a breathtaking view overlooking the magnificent Zin Valley. Conclude your tour at an authentic Bedouin tent to learn about the rich culture of these desert nomadic tribes and enjoy a delightful light lunch.
After breakfast, transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for departure.
• Transfers on arrival and departure (from/to Ben Gurion Airport).
• Assistance at the airport upon arrival.
• 10 nights accommodation on Half Board basis.
• 8 touring days as per itinerary, with English speaking guide.
• Entrance fees to the sites visited as per itinerary.
International airfares
Optional activities
Other meals, drinks, tips and other personal expenses or services not specified on the program
Travel insurance
Gratuities
Voluntary tips for guides or drivers
Travel and medical insurance
Any items not mentioned as included
Hotels used or similar
Plan A Hotels
Tel Aviv - Dan Panorama
Galilee - Lavi - Eden room
Jerusalem - Dan Panorama
Eilat - Neptune
Plan B Hotels
Tel Aviv - Grand Beach
Galilee - Lavi - Eden room
Jerusalem - Grand Court
Eilat - Neptune
Plan C Hotels
Tel Aviv - Grand Beach
Galilee - Lavi - Eden room
Jerusalem - Prima Park
Eilat - Prima Music
The hotels appearing in the table might be replaced with similar ones.
Child price on request
** Program sequence is subject to change without advance notice.
NOTE: Tours are being operated on the dates mentioned.
Sunday Departure