8 Days: Tel Aviv, Tiberias, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Masada, Dead Sea

Tour Overview:
This 8-day tour visits many of the cultural, historic and religious sites in Israel. A powerhouse in economic and technological terms Israel shines with its Mediterranean climate and varied landscapes. Travelers with religious and historical interest as well as those of more secular leanings will find much to admire in this small country, which is defined by ancient history and hyper modernity at the same time.

Day 1 – Arrive Tel Aviv
Arrival at Ben Gurion airport where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. (D)

Day 2 – Caesarea/Muhraka/Megiddo/Acre
Depart Tel Aviv and drive along the coastal plain to Caesarea, once the Roman capital of the region; visit the excavations of the ancient city, the Roman Theater 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 a world heritage site, and visit the local market and harbor. Continue to Kibbutz Lavi guesthouse for overnight. (BD)

Day 3 – Tiberias/Capernaum/Banias
“After a short tour of Tiberias, enjoy a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee; visit the Yigal Allon Center where the “”Jesus boat,”” an ancient fishing boat from the 1st century, is displayed. Continue to Capernaum to visit the remains of the 2nd century synagogue. Stop at Tabgha, the site of the Miracle of Fish and
Loaves, and visit the Church of Multiplication with its 4th 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. Return to Kibbutz Lavi guesthouse for overnight. (BD)”

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, followed by a stop at Beit Shean to visit the  newly excavated Roman city and amphitheater. Drive along the Jordan Valley to Jerusalem for overnight. (BD)”

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; see the Jewish Wailing Wall; view the Temple Mount; walk along the Via Dolorosa and the oriental Bazaar to visit the Church of Holy Sepulcher. Next, drive to the Garden Tomb and enjoy the beautiful gardens and peaceful ambiance. Overnight Jerusalem. (BD)

Day 6 – Jerusalem – New City and Bethlehem
“Drive to Ein Karem to visit the Church of Visitation; proceed to Yad Vashem, Israel’s official memorial to the Holocaust. Visit the Israel Museum and 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 Jerusalem. Overnight Jerusalem. (BD)”

Day 7 – Qumran/Masada/Dead Sea
Drive through the Judaean Hills to Qumran Caves, where the Dead Sea scrolls were found; continue along the shores of the Dead Sea to Masada, the last stronghold of the Jews after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD; ascend Masada by cable car and tour the mountain fortress built by King Herod; visit the remains of the walls, the 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. Return to Jerusalem for overnight. (BD)

Day 8 – Jerusalem / Depart Tel Aviv
Transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for your departure flight. (B)

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