Sample itineraries for multi-day trips in Israel
10 day cultural-historical tour
Day 1
From Jaffa to Tel-Aviv
We will start the day by taking a walk through the Old City of Jaffa, located by the ancient and famous harbor. Jaffa is famous for its association with the biblical stories of Jonah and Solomon, as well as the mythological story of Andromeda and Perseus. As we walk the winding streets, we will reach an amazing lookout over the seashore of Tel Aviv, stroll the galleries and visit the impressive churches, synagogues and mosques. Finally, we will arrive at the ancient Jaffa port. After lunch at Jaffa's flea market, we will walk through the gorgeous Neve-Tzedek district and Rothchild Blvd. to Rabin Square, where Israel’s Prime Minister, Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated during a peace rally in 1995.
Overnight: Tel-Aviv
Day 2
Drive along the coast
Like the Mediterranean tides, Israel's coastal plain has played host to the ebb and flow of great civilizations. Situated along the seemingly endless coastline are a series of cities that hold great significance both for ancient Israel and modern-day Israel. The remains of the impressive hippodrome and theater, as well as the waves crashing over the remains of its sunken palace, only hint at the former glory of Caesarea, which served as the capital of the country for hundreds of years.
Like a thumb, Haifa juts out from the coast, a city known for the beauty and symmetry of the Bahá'í Gardens, as well as its example as a beacon of religious pluralism.
Further north still, Acre sprawls out by the shore, its bustling bazaar swirling with the smells of spices and freshly caught fish. This beautiful city was built atop the former Crusader stronghold that centuries later would be the last barrier in the way of Napoleon's conquest of Israel.
If time will allow, we will visit Rosh Hanikra - a white chalk cliff face which opens up into spectacular grottos. These grottos are cavernous tunnels formed by the touch of the waves on the soft chalk rock, and they branch off in various directions with some interconnecting segments.
Overnight: Galilee
Day 3
Explore Zfat and the Galilee
We start the day by visiting the ancient city of Tzfat. Tzfat is one of the holy spiritual centers of Judaism, filled with winding cobblestone lanes, bright blue walls, medieval synagogues, and art galleries. In Tzfat, we will learn about Kabbalah, the movement of Jewish mysticism that sprang up precisely here and had an impact on bug parts of the Jewish (and non-Jewish, hey Madonna) world.
After lunch in a local restaurant, we will visit the Tel-Dan nature reserve, where will discover some fascinating Biblical ruins (Dan used to be the capital city of the Biblical kingdom of Israel) and enjoy the freshwater of the Dan River, one of three rivers flowing into the Jordan River.
At last, we will cool ourselves off by Kayaking in the River Jordan
a magical experience that is great fun for all ages.
Overnight: Galilee
Day 4
Explore the Golan
This exciting day begins with an unforgettable 4X4 jeep tour On which you will get a broad understanding of the region's border, its history and the different challenges Israel faces.
After the tour, we will visit one of the Golan’s Druze villages for lunch and exceptional hospitality. We will also visit the breathtaking rebuilt ancient ‘Umm-El-Qanatir’ synagogue, and take the opportunity to discuss the ‘Talmudic Era’.
To conclude the day, we will visit one of the famous wineries of the Golan for some tastings and an intro to Israel’s wine scene.
Overnight: Galilee
Day 5
Heading to Jerusalem through the Jordan Valley
Start your day with a Kibbutz tour - where you'll get to know and explore one of the most unique ways of living that there is in Israel and around the world. The kibbutz ideology started as a social experiment in collective living that challenges traditional economic theories.
From there, we will continue to Bio-Bee, where we will learn about how Israel is changing people's lives around the world. After lunch, we will drive along the famous Route 90 and along the Jordanian border and the Great Rift Valley. We will enjoy the dramatic scenery and learn about the relations between Israel and Jordan. Just before arriving in Jerusalem, we will stop by the magnificent St. George monastery.
Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 6
Holy City of Jerusalem
On this day we will visit the must-see sites such as the Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, but we will also discover the modern, small moments of humanity that represent the Old City in the present day, such as the small coffee shops only locals would know.
The tour will include visits to all four quarters of the Old City: Muslim, Christian, Jewish, and Armenian, each unique from the other in its content and feel.
Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 7
The Modern City of Jerusalem
Over the 150 years of its modern history, Jerusalem has been developed and ruled over by a variety of different groups; the Ottoman Empire, the colonial British Mandate, the Palestinian elite, the modern Israeli government, and more. Each competing force desired to leave its own stamp on the appearance and atmosphere of modern Jerusalem.
We will visit the Israel Museum, home to the shrine that protects the Dead Sea Scrolls as well as a treasure trove of other archaeological, anthropological, and cultural art and relics. After the Israel Museum tour will visit the Yad- Vashem Holocaust museum for an in-depth tour. Of course, no visit would be complete without experiencing first hand the beautiful frenzy of spices, foods, and characters in the pulsating Mahane Yehuda Market.
Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 8
Heading to the desert
We begin the day with a drive to the Dead Sea area where we will explore Masada. The tour with a lookout over the Judean Desert and the Dead Sea- the lowest place on earth! We will tour the ancient archaeological site and learn how King Herod built this amazing fortress compound on top of the steep mountain and how Masada became a symbol of ancient Israel. We will hear the stories of its violent destruction and of the last stand of Jewish patriots in the face of the Roman army.
Then we'll go down to Float at the Dead Sea beach and enjoy the extremely salty, and healing waters, lather your skin with natural mud filled with minerals.
Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 9
Geopolitical tour
While Jerusalem is Israel’s spiritual center, it also remains an undeniable source of heavy political tension. Jerusalem is a flintstone that serves as a microcosm of the conflict between the Israeli and Palestinian inhabitants of the land. Just about every cause of the conflict, as well as its effects, can be witnessed in this one place. On this tour, we will delve deeper into the role Jerusalem plays in the conflict and how it moves and informs it. We will try to understand the social, economic, and political issues that impact the lives of Jerusalem’s residents.
This will include visiting the Security Wall in East Jerusalem, as well as several Palestinian neighborhoods and other key sites that will shed more light on the complexities of Jerusalem. After lunch, you will cross into Bethlehem, a Palestinian city in the West Bank, where you will meet your Palestinian guide for a tour of this unique city.
Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 10
Goodbye Tel-Aviv
Before you head home, enjoy some of Tel Aviv's greatest gems. Learn about the social and political history of Israel at the Rabin Center in North Tel Aviv and then test your flying skills at The 'Squadron'.
Have a culinary tour at Hacramel market for lunch and then see Tel-Aviv's art scene from another perspective by experiencing a fascinating graffiti tour at the vibrant Florentin neighborhood.
