Itinerary

Introduction

Tel Aviv, a city on Israel’s Mediterranean coast, is marked by stark 1930s Bauhaus buildings, thousands of which are clustered in the White City architectural area. Museums include Beit Hatfutsot, whose multimedia exhibits illustrate the history of Jewish communities worldwide. The Eretz Israel Museum covers the country’s archaeology, folklore and crafts, and features an on-site excavation of 12th-century-B.C. ruins.

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Day 1

Ben Gurion Airport / Tel Aviv

Arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, where you will be met by a Diesenhaus Unitours representative and transferred to your hotel.
Overnight in Tel Aviv.

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Day 2

Caesarea / Muhraka / Megiddo / Acre

Depart Tel-Aviv and drive along the coastal plain to Caesarea, once the Roman capital of the region; visitthe excavations of the ancient city, the Roman theatre and aqueduct.

Proceed to Muhraka, the site of confrontation between Elijah and the prophets of Baal; enjoy the spectacular view of the Jezreel valley and the lower Galilee . Continue to Megiddo, identified as the site of Armageddon; learn the impressive history of this battle field as you visit the archaeological excavations including the well-preserved water supply system. Onto Acre to visit the remarkable underground Crusader City and crypt; walk through the Old City recognized by UNESCO as world heritage site , the local market and harbor .

Overnight in Kibbutz.

 

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Day 3

Tiberias / Capernaum / Banias

After a short tour of Tiberias, enjoy a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee; visit the Yigal Alon center where the "Jesus boat", an ancient fishing boat from the 1^st century, is displayed. Continue to Capernaum to visit the remains of the 2^nd century synagogue.  Stop at Tabgha, the site of the Miracle of Fish and Loaves, and visit the Church of Multiplication with its 4^th century mosaic floor. Proceed to Mount of Beatitudes, the place where Jesus delivered the sermon on the mount. Drive to the Banias Springs and tour the Golan heights.

Overnight in Kibbutz.

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Day 4

Cana / Nazareth / Beit Shean

Drive to Cana to visit the Wedding Church, where Jesus performed his first miracle turning water into wine. Continue to Nazareth to visit the Church of  Annunciation, Joseph’s workshop and Mary’s well. Proceed to Yardenit, the baptismal site on the Jordan river; next, stop at Beit Shean to visit the newly excavated Roman city and amphitheatre . Drive along the Jordan valley to Jerusalem.

Overnight in Jerusalem.

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Day 5

Jerusalem (Old City)

Drive to Mount of Olives for a panoramic view of the city; visit the Church of All Nations, King David’s Tomb and Room of Last Supper on Mt. Zion.  Enter the Old City ; walk through the Cardo, the ancient roman road; visit the Jewish and Christian quarters; view the Temple Mount; walk along the Via Dolorosa and the oriental Bazaar to visit the Church of Holy Sepulchre. Next, drive to the Garden Tomb and enjoy the beautiful gardens and peaceful ambiance.

Overnight in Jerusalem.

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Day 6

Jerusalem (New City) / Bethlehem

Drive to Ein Karem to visit the Church of Visitation;proceed to Yad Vashem, the memorial to the Holocaust. Visit Israel Museum, 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; visit Shepherds' field; walk through Manger Square to visit the remarkable Church of Nativity. Return to Jeruslaem.

Overnight in Jerusalem.

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Day 7

Qumeran / Massada / Dead Sea

Drive through the Judean hills to Qumeran caves, where the Dead Sea scrolls were found; Continue along  the shores of the Dead Sea to Massada, the last stronghold of the Jews after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 A.D; ascend Massada by cable car and tour the mountain fortress built by King Herod; visit the remains of the walls,  water cistern and Herod’s Palace; descend by cable car. Continue to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth; enjoy the opportunity to float in the unsinkable water and cover yourself with the mineral rich mud, believed to have therapeutic effects.

Overnight in Jerusalem.

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Day 8

Jerusalem / Ben Gurion Airport

Transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for departure.