Experience the best of Israel's history and culture with Ayala Travel and Tour's comprehensive tour package.
From Tel Aviv to Galilee, Roman ruins to mystical synagogues, this tour offers the perfect opportunity for those looking to spend more time exploring the splendor of Israel.
Day 1: Arrival
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by our staff members. After a short ride to Tel Aviv, you will have some time to freshen up before dinner. Overnight stay in Tel Aviv.
Day 2: Jaffa and Tel Aviv
We will make our way to Old Jaffa, where we will explore the picturesque streets and take a leisurely walk through the city. Afterward, we walk in the street of Tel Aviv and swing by ``Yitzchak Rabin Square``, an important plaza in the city, named after an Israeli prime minister who was murdered in the very square. The tour`s destination is the boardwalk at the beach, a perfect location to admire the busy life of Tel Aviv. Enjoy it, as our next activity for the day, is a visit to the museum of Diaspora – where you can enrich your knowledge of Jewish history.
Day 3: Caesarea, Mt, Carmel and Haifa, Acre
This day is all about cultural diversity and coexistence, you will visit the majestic ruins in Caesarea, from the Roman period of the land. Then, we will drive up Carmel Mountain, to visit some villages of the Druze population of Israel. Time seems to stand still there - due to the tranquil way of life of the Druze culture and its ancient unique beliefs and customs. Then we will drop by the Bahai Garden in Haifa – a magnificent place, that presents stunning views of terraces, architecture, and gardens. The Gardens are sacred for the Bahai religion, and a site for pilgrimage and prayer. We will be driving north, to the ancient city of Acre – one of the oldest in Israel. There, you will have the opportunity to go down to the ``tunnels`` – the remains of the crusaders building from the Middle Ages, hidden under (and above) the modern city.
Day 4: Between Amphitheatre and Mysticism
After breakfast, we will spend a little while in the ancient city of Beit Shean. The city has revealed some of the best-preserved ruins in the Middle East, including an Amphitheatre and a Roman Basilica. We will proceed to Safed, a city known since the 16th century as a major center of Jewish mysticism – ``Kabala``. We will explore its old synagogues and artists' colony. Subsequently, we will head to the Jordan Valley, to visit the archaeological site of Tel Dan and the beautiful Golan Heights. We will then go to the Sea of Galilee for a cruise, where we have an overnight stay on the lake.
Day 5: Going Down South
We will be driving south through the Jordan valley to the Dead Sea. With a surface 400 meters below sea level, it is the lowest water point on earth, and it is also known for its therapeutic and medicinal properties. After having a look at the Qumran cave – where an ancient biblical manuscript has been discovered – we will proceed to Ein Gedi, and take a swim in the Dead Sea. Next, we will ascend by cable car to Masada – an impressive citadel located atop a plateau in the Judean Desert. We will then drive to ``Chan Hashayarot`` and stay overnight at a Bedouin Camp.
Day 6: The Negev Desert
Waking up in the camp is an excellent way to begin a day in the desert. Our first stop is Tel Sheva, where you can find ruins from the biblical period. Next, we stop at Beit Govrin national park, home to bell-shaped caves. From the park, we drive back to Jerusalem, where we have dinner and spend the night.
Day 7: The Old City of Jerusalem
Right after breakfast, we will be warming up on the way to the picturesque Mt. Scopus, to soak in the breathtaking view of the historic Old City of Jerusalem. We will then explore the heart of the Old City, crossing the Jewish Quarter and the ``Cardo`` – a labyrinth of narrow passageways packed with tiny shops. We will come across the ``Broad Wall``, a formidable fortification constructed in preparation for Judah's rebellion. The next stop is the ``Israelite Tower``, a site and museum where evidence of ancient battles has been uncovered. We will then traverse through the Jewish quarter, making our way to the sacred Jewish ruins of the Holy Temple – the Western Wall. If conditions permit, we will proceed to the Temple Mount, a revered holy site for multiple world religions. Next, we will make our way to Mt. Zion, where the reputed tomb of King David is located.
Day 8: Jerusalem All-Around
We will begin with a visit to the Synagogue at the ``Hadassah Medical Center``, to view the windows designed by renowned Jewish artist Marc Chagall. The work presents twelve windows, each signifying one of the 12 tribes of Israel. We will then continue to ``Yad Vashem``, the national memorial to the victims of the Holocaust, and Mt. Herzl, the Israeli military cemetery. From there we will travel to the Israel Museum, home of the ``Shrine of the Book``, where the ``Dead Sea Scrolls`` are being kept, and the model of Jerusalem from the Second Temple period. After an illuminated evening tour of Jerusalem, we finish the day with dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 9: Exploring Jerusalem in Depth
We will visit the Museum of the History of Jerusalem at ``David`s Citadel`` (``Tower of David``) – an ancient citadel located next to the Jaffa Gate of the old city. Then, you will have the afternoon off to explore the city and relax. the city is big and busy, so you will have a lot to discover on your own.
Day 10: Departure
We will transfer you to the airport for your return flight back home.
