Highlights of Israel and Petra

Meet your tour guide in the morning and set off from Tel Aviv to Masada, Israel’s foremost archaeological park. Ascend via cable-car for a thorough visit that gives insight into the rituals, politics, and culture of the people who inhabited this desert fortress, which was the last stronghold of the Jewish zealots in their war against the Romans. Visit the excavations, Herod’s palaces, the synagogue, bathhouse, and cisterns, and enjoy the breathtaking view of the Roman camps and the Dead Sea. Descend to the lowest place on earth – the Dead Sea, to experience the mineral-rich black mud and to float on its salty waters. Passing by the oasis of Ein Gedi, proceed through the Judean Desert, ascending to Jerusalem.
Overnight in Jerusalem.

Visit Yad Vashem, the official memorial to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust, established in 1953, located at the foot of Mt. Herzl. Enjoy Ein Karem, a picturesque village in the southwestern outskirts of Jerusalem. This small village holds great significance in Christian traditions, as it is where, according to tradition, John the Baptist was born. Visit Bethlehem – the birthplace of Jesus at the Church of the Nativity and Manger Square. End the day at the Israel Museum’s Shrine of the Book with the famous Dead Sea scrolls, then a visit to the beautifully renovated model of the Herodian city of Jerusalem, dating back to the time of the Second Temple.
Overnight in Jerusalem.

Enter the Old City of Jerusalem, where you will see the Western Wall and the actual site of the Second Temple, the Temple Mount. Walk the Way of the Cross, the Via Dolorosa, to Calvary and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, housing both the traditional site of the Crucifixion and the Tomb of the Resurrection. To the southwest, just outside the Old City, is Mount Zion, with the traditional tomb of King David and the Room of the Last Supper. Enjoy the spectacular panoramic view of Jerusalem - the holy city for each of the world’s three great religions - Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, from atop the Mount of Olives. Visit the Garden of Gethsemane, where Judas betrayed Jesus. In the heart of a neighbourhood in downtown Jerusalem, visit Mahane Yehuda to experience the flavours, aromas, colours, and the traders' interaction with the crowds at the largest open market in Israel.
Overnight in Jerusalem.

Leave Jerusalem and drive north, passing by Jericho, the oldest city in the world. Travel through the Jordan Valley and the new settlements to Beit She’an to visit the excavations of this beautifully preserved Roman city. Ascend to the Golan Heights, an area of rolling vineyards and dramatic landscapes. Visit a local winery for a tasting, learning how this region has become one of Israel’s most exciting wine producers.  Travel through the Golan, with its Druze villages, former Syrian fortifications, and panoramic views of Mount Hermon and into Syria. Descend to the Hula Valley and drive to Tiberias on the shores of the Sea of Galilee - regarded as one of the four Holy cities in Judaism- where the Jewish Talmud - the primary source of Jewish religious law - was compiled, with tombs of Rabbis scattered across the city.
Overnight in Tiberias.

Along the shoreline of the Sea of Galilee, proceed to Capernaum to visit the ruins of the ancient synagogue, the Mount of Beatitudes, the traditional site of the ‘Sermon on the Mount’, and Tabgha, the traditional site of the ‘miracle of the loaves and the fish’. 
Optional sailing on a boat across the Sea of Galilee to experience the tranquillity and scenery, little changed during the past 2000 years (subject to conditions and an extra fee if available). On to Nazareth to visit the Church of the Annunciation and Christian holy sites.
Overnight in Tiberias.

After breakfast, drive through the hills of the Galilee, westwards to Acre (Akko) for a visit to the old, famous Crusader stronghold and medieval fortifications. Continue to Haifa, ascending Mount Carmel for a panoramic view of the city, including the Baha'i Shrine, Persian Garden, and Haifa Bay. Proceed along the Mediterranean coast to Caesarea to visit the Roman Theater and the Crusader fortress at what is known as the “masterpiece of Herod the Great”. Continue to Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv, for a short flight to Ramon Airport, Eilat, and transfer to Eilat, the Red Sea resort. 
Overnight in Eilat.

After breakfast, leave Eilat, Israel, and cross into Jordan at the Arava border.
Drive to Petra through the scenic Jordanian desert, passing by the Wadi Rum area. 
Enter the Rose City of Petra through the Siq, a narrow passage through the mountains that has inspired people for centuries. Up to the Treasury, which suddenly appears at the end of the gorge, leaving visitors breath taken by its size, color, and beauty. 
Continue into the heart of this ancient city carved into the mountains, passing hundreds of tombs and monuments and a spectacular Amphitheatre, which once held 3,000 spectators. Exit the city and stop for a sit-down lunch in Wadi Musa - the new town of Petra, followed by a visit to Moses Spring before leaving. Drive to Aqaba for a short city tour, before returning to the Arava border and back to Ramon Airport, Eilat, for return flight to Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv.
Overnight in Tel Aviv.

Departure to Ben Gurion Airport for international flight.