Israel Explorer

Arrive at any time. There will be the chance to head out for an optional dinner with the group.

Included Experiences

• Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

This morning explore vibrant Tel Aviv. Enjoy an orientation walk in historic Jaffa before driving up the coast to a Druze community for a local lunch. After, continue to Haifa, beautifully set on the slopes of Mount Carmel facing the Mediterranean Sea.

Included Experiences

• Tel Aviv Orientation Drive and Jaffa Port Tour: Enjoy a quick driving tour of Tel Aviv before continuing to historic Jaffa, where we take a walking tour to visit the Old Markets, Simon's House, and the ancient port of the city of Jaffa, out of which modern day Tel Aviv has grown. The port is thought to be one of the oldest ports in the world and, myth has it, this was the point from which Jonah set off in the Biblical story of Jonah and the Whale.
• Druze Village Visit and Traditional Lunch : Visit a Druze town and enjoy a lunch of local specialties. The Druze community in Israel is recognized as a separate religious entity with its own courts and spiritual leadership. The culture and language is Arabic but they opted against mainstream Arab nationalism over 60 years ago.

Visit Akko and explore its colourful markets and old city. After, travel to Nazareth where we visit the Basilica of the Annunciation, one of the largest churches in the Middle East. Continue to the Sea of Galilee for the evening.

Included Experiences

• Nazareth Tour: Visit Nazareth, a city of religious importance and spirituality. Delve into its rich historic and biblical significance, but also admire its modern culture and Middle Eastern charm.​ Visit the Basilica of the Annunciation, one of the largest churches in the Middle East.
• Akko City Tour: Traced back to Pharaoh Thutmose III, Akko is thought to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Following the labyrinthine of alleys, explore the traces of the Crusader, Muslim, and Ottoman conquerors. While here, visit the Old Markets, Aljazar Mosque, and the unique underground Crusader castle .

Tour the Sea of Galilee area, including the Church of Transfiguration and the ruins of Capernaum. Also visit a local Kibbutz to learn about this interesting communal lifestyle. Continue to Jericho for the night.

Included Experiences

• Sea of Galilee Area Tour: Tour the Sea of Galilee, including sites such as the Church of Transfiguration and Capernaum. Capernaum is home to one of the earliest churches in the world, as well as a monumental ancient synagogue. We also visit Tabgha, with its ancient mosaic of the Loaves and Fishes dating back to the original Byzantine church.
• Kibbutz Tour: Visit a Kibbutz Community and learn about this interesting communal way of life.

Visit the fortress of Masada, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After, relax at the Dead Sea with time to swim before continuing to Jerusalem for the night. Travel to Masada, and visit the famous rock fortress on a guided tour with our CEO. Opt to hike (or ride) to the top and learn more about this ancient place. Continue on to the fascinating Dead Sea. Cover yourself in the healing mud, bob like a cork in very salty water, or enjoy a little sunbathing on the shore.

Included Experiences

• Dead Sea Visit (Israel): The Dead Sea is actually a lake, without any from of life whatsoever in its waters, hence its name. The water is so dense that it is practically impossible to sink and its five to ten times as salty as regular sea water. While swimming, cover yourself with the sea's mud, which is reputed to have special healing powers, and don't forget to take a photo of yourself reading a book while floating! You will notice that the salt penetrates any cuts on your body and has an unusual smell, but there are showers to wash off under after swimming.
• Masada Guided Tour: Take a tour of Masada, a UNESCO World Heritage site and stunning rock fortress that was the last stronghold of the Jewish in their war against the Romans. The story of the site reveals the courage of the defenders of Massada and their battle against the conquering Romans. Visit Herod’s palace, the mikveh, storerooms, watchtowers, and the synagogue.

Take a guided walk through the Old City starting at the Dome of the Rock and Al Aqsa mosque courtyard. After, walk along the Stations of the Cross to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Explore the winding alleyways and quarters and continue on to the western wall. This afternoon is free to explore on your own, or opt to visit the Israel museum then stroll through the Yehuds Market walk with beer tasting. Note the minimum age for the beer tasting is 21.

Included Experiences

• Old Jerusalem Walking Tour - Classic: Take a walking tour through the Old City of Jerusalem and view the Temple Mount and western wall, before walking the 14 Stations of the Via Dolorosa, ending at the Holy Sepulchre Church. Later, visit the 4 quarters of the Old City: Christian, Jewish, Armenian, and Muslim quarters.
• Free Time: Explore this ancient city.

Optional Experiences

• Israel museum, Yehuda Market walk & beer tasting: Visit the famed Israel Museum and view the Dead Sea Scrolls housed in the Shrine of the Book. Continue on to the Mahane Yehuda Market, often referred to as "The Shuk," a vibrant local market full of the sights, sounds, and flavours of the Middle East. Yehuda Market is a popular spot for locals and visitors, as Jerusalem's largest market, it features fruits, vegetables, speciality food stalls, and numerous spots to try food and drink. Wander through the maze of laneways as you sample some local favourites. End the market visit at a local brewery for a tasting of craft beers.

Visit Bethlehem, the Church of the Nativity and the Duhaishe Camp for Palestinian refugees. Return to Jerusalem and visit the Domari Society of Gypsies for lunch and time to get to know the non profit working toward higher literacy rates and employment for women in the community. Then, opt to visit museums or explore on your own. Travel to biblical Bethlehem and visit the Church of the Nativity before heading to Duhaishe Camp for Palestinian refugees. What started as a camp has become a thriving town and here we learn more about the situation of the Palestinians in Israel and what daily life here is all about. Feel like experiencing more today? Pre-book a tour of the Israel museum, with a visit to the Yehuda Market, and an included craft beer tasting.

Included Experiences

• Duhaishe Palestinian Refugee Camp: Visit the Duhaishe Palestinian Refugee Camp. The camp has been around for so long it's more of a permanent city. Visit it to learn more about what life is like for Palestinians in the area.
• Bethlehem Visit: Explore ancient Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus and King David, and visit the Nativity Church. The city is an important site to all three major religions of Israel: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
• Domari Society Visit: The Domari Society of Gypsies is a nonprofit organization serving the Domari Gypsy population in Jerusalem. With lower literacy and employment rates amongst the community, the society focuses on tutoring children and job skills training for women. Stop for lunch at the Domari Society of Gypsies to enjoy Domari hospitality as you learn about the unique culture, spices, and handicrafts. This lunch program is creating jobs and training opportunities for women.

Optional Experiences

• Israel museum, Yehuda Market walk & beer tasting: Visit the famed Israel Museum and view the Dead Sea Scrolls housed in the Shrine of the Book. Continue on to the Mahane Yehuda Market, often referred to as "The Shuk," a vibrant local market full of the sights, sounds, and flavours of the Middle East. Yehuda Market is a popular spot for locals and visitors, as Jerusalem's largest market, it features fruits, vegetables, speciality food stalls, and numerous spots to try food and drink. Wander through the maze of laneways as you sample some local favourites. End the market visit at a local brewery for a tasting of craft beers.

Depart at any time.