Israel Classic Package Tour

Our day begins with a stroll around the Temple Mount Plaza — we’ll indulge in its magnitude and wonderful
past while immersing ourselves in the unique spiritual atmosphere created by visitors and worshipers alike.

Leaving the Temple Mount, we directly reach the Muslim Quarter.
Here, we will better understand the population and glimpse the architecture and beautification of
the area’s domiciles. Take time to taste and smell the local food, including the bakeries’ fresh pastries.

Taking a small break at the Austrian Guesthouse, we will stop at the roof to appreciate the best
observation point of the city. We will go through the Arab Market, arriving at the most beautiful
gate of the Old City – the Damascus Gate/Nablus Gate/Column Gate.

The next adventure of the day is a special tour of the City of David. It is thrilling to read the biblical names which appear on the 2,700-year-old stones, visit David’s Palace and to walk the awe-inspiring Hezekiah’s Tunnel.

Lastly, we will visit the Davidson Garden, an archeological park otherwise known as “Ophel,”
and deepen our comprehension of the importance of the compound.

Our first stop today, is the Emek Zurim, in which you get a different insight of the Temple Mount. You have here an option of sifting archaeological materials from the Temple Mount. Indeed, in previous experiences touring this place, someone found a 2,000-year-old coin between the dust.

For a bit of relaxation, we will continue our day by having a driven tour around the different neighborhoods, including “Mea Shearim”, and full circle the walls of the Old City, as well as the Prime Minister’s house, the President’s mansion area, and more.

To wrap this day, you have the Israel Museum, that features the Dead Sea Scrolls and an incredible model of Jerusalem during the Second Temple period.

Our last visit to today is Yad Vashem.

The Dead Sea, known as the lowest place on Earth (more than 400 meters below sea level), is also known to absorb the lowest sun radiation on Earth.

This place truly is like nothing you have ever seen before. Perhaps you have seen photos but being there is a completely different experience. Floating in the water and witnessing this wonder with your very eyes is one of Israel’s most impressive features.

On the way, we will pass by the Qumran caves where the first Dead Sea Scrolls were found. While driving by Ein Gedi, we will learn about the confrontation that took place there between David and Saul.

The highlight in our tour is Masada, known as the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site and built by King Herod. As you visit the site, you will hear about the terrible events that took place there 2,000 years ago and understand the dilemma that they went through on that tragic night, and find the connection between this heritage and the modern State of Israel.

The Dead Sea is our next stop for some fun and relaxation. You will enjoy the beautiful scenery, and the medicinal properties of the mud found there (which has been used for cosmetic purposes for decades).

We will drive to the Judean Lowlands, pass through Samson’s homeland, between Tzora and Eshta’ol, and track his actions there. In Bet Shemesh, we will see the large valley where the Ark of the Covenant had been returned back to Israel by the Philistines and observe the area where the famous battle between David and Goliath took place.

Afterwards, we will continue to the National park of Beit Govrin, to tour the land of a thousand caves that will expose an amazing hidden world. For those travelling with family and children, there is a great adventurous excavation activity in the area that you are bound to love.

Driving to the north, we will pass through the Jordan Valley. Passing by Jericho, along the Jordan River, and observing the agriculture on both sides of the Jordan and  the modern Israeli developments in the area is simply a marvelous sight.

A visit to Bet Sean, which is one of the ten Roman Decapolis, and was used as a big city, serves as an example of the prosperous Roman world. Driving up to Mount Gilboa will lead us to a breathtaking observation of the Jezreel Valley. Once there, you can practically see how the battle between Gideon and the Midianites took place exactly in front of you.

Moreover, we will also talk about the last war of King Saul as we explore the Bible for more details.
Next, you seek out the site where Queen Jezebel took over Naboth’s vineyard at Tel Jezreel and executed him.

Driving to Tel Megiddo, the prophetic site of Armageddon (according to the Christian Revelation book), we discuss the daily life during biblical times, and talk about some important geopolitical facts while enjoying the beautiful view.

On our drive to Mount Carmel, we stop at the Muhraka, where Elisha performed the famous competition between God and the 450 prophets of Baal. Finally, we will have a traditional Druze meal, courtesy of the hospitality of one of the Druze families in the area and stay the night at Haifa.

Our first stop on our way to the north is the Jewish City Zefat. This city is known to be the World’s Kabbalah Center and includes the Haari Synagogue. We will also observe the religious modern life in Zefat, side by side to the traditional religious one while strolling the shopping bazaars, art galleries, and all-around area.

Continuing our drive, we are heading to the Dan Natural Reservation, where one of Israel’s most important springs flows through. The Dan river is one of the largest water sources of Israel, used wisely at all times, and contains one of the most amazing archaeological findings of the ancient town of Dan.

This 2,700-year-old site is linked to the Bible’s written word, and it inspires the feeling that you are witnessing how your forefathers lived there.

Moving onwards, we have the Golan Heights, where we inspect an ancient synagogue, as well as the flora, fauna and people of this zone. On the one hand, observing the area of Syria gives you a deeper understanding of the political forces over the border. On the other hand, observing the west of the Golan Heights will also give you a better understanding of the existence issues of the people who live there.

If time permits, we will visit a winery in the area for a more practical cultural experience. In addition, we will try to have a meeting with a member of a Kibbutz to learn more about the settlement, and the life in the area.

On our way back, we will pass by the Sea of Galilee and stop to appreciate the area.

Our day starts with a drive to the north, stopping by the city of Akko. Here, we pay a visit to the Knight Halls, known also as the UNESCO world heritage site. By descending one floor of steps, we will meet the 900-year-old Crusader Halls’ remains, the tunnels, the halls, the quarter and more. The contemporary city was constructed about 250 years ago.

Strolling the Oriental market, observing the domes of the mosque, and heading to the Old Port will give us some a more Turkish/Arabic taste of this city. You will be surprised by the incredible Tunisian Synagogue, marvelous and unique in the world.

In Rosh Hanikra we will encounter the breathtaking limestone grottos, on the border with Lebanon and along the coastline of the Mediterranean Sea. Moreover, you will have a gorgeous observation of the city of Haifa on top of Mount Carmel, providing a view of the Baha’i Gardens, Haifa’s bay and the Western Galilee.

The drive today is to the south of Haifa, starting with Caesarea, the city that was built by Herod the Great 2,000 years ago. This ancient city provided the citizens with wonders such as connection to a sewage system, and flowing tap water to the citizens, with the most incredible formidable port.

In addition to the impressive ruins and the beautiful Roman Theater, Caesarea contains great Jewish and Christian history. We also stop by the romantic aqueduct at the beach that lead the water to the city.

You continue to one of the oldest cities in the world, 4,000-year-old Jaffa, where we walk among the picturesque and beautifully decorated alleys while enjoying the sight of the art galleries all around. You can follow the ancient history by puzzling its ruins to the other places you have visited.

Adjacent to Jaffa, and sharing the same city hall authorities, is Tel Aviv. Tel Aviv is known as the first Hebrew city in the World and has been called the “City of Gardens”, “The city that never sleeps”, and “The Wight City”.

Driving through the streets of Tel Aviv, you will understand the variety of people and cultures that intertwine here and make for the vibrant energy of this city. You also have several architectural styles displayed in its many streets, including the Bauhaus that gave the city its “White City” name (also a UNESCO World Heritage site).

On Tuesdays and Fridays, you can enjoy the Nahalat Binyamin Art Bazar pedestrian walkway. There are also many interesting museums around and the Independence Hall is another great place for some historical taste of the city.

Once we have arrived at the Rabin Square, we will talk about Itzhak Rabin and his Dream of Peace! After that, you can enjoy your free days in Tel Aviv for relaxation, leisure, shopping, and embracing the city that truly never sleeps.

For those staying longer, other points of interest include the Negev, including the Ramon Crater, and other attractions in the region.