***Longwood Holidays Introduces Holyland Tour***
Egypt, Israel and Jordan destination specialists Longwood Holidays are to launch a new tour of Israel in next year’s 2006-2007 Israel brochure, due for release in January.
The comprehensive ‘Holyland Highlights Tour’ takes in many of the country’s most fascinating attractions, offering an insight into unique historical and Biblical sites as well as vibrant modern Israel. Highlights include the Dead Sea; Massada, Israel’s foremost archaeological park; the Qumran caves, where the Dead Sea scrolls were found; the Sea of Galilee; Caesarea Maritima, Herod the Great’s masterpiece; and Jerusalem.
“Israel a truly diverse destination, with some of the world’s most famous historical and cultural sites, cosmopolitan cities and great beaches on the Mediterranean and at Eilat on the Red Sea.” commented Rafi Caplin, Longwood Holidays MD “We’ve seen renewed interest in Israel over the past year, and from very diverse markets – and this tour, encompassing a range of the key sites will appeal to a broad range of customers, whether their motivation be historical, religious or just simple curiosity.”
The first tour departs in March 2006, with prices starting at £749 for 8 days, including 7 nights’ accommodation in 4* hotels on a half-board basis, flights, transfers and meals where specified. Full itinerary attached.
Sample packages from elsewhere in the brochure include 4 night breaks in Jerusalem from £519, staying at the 5* Dan Panorama on a BB basis; 7 night holidays in Tel Aviv from £559, staying at the 4* Metropolitan on a BB basis; and 7 night spa breaks in the Dead Sea starting at £779 staying at the 4*+ Magic Nirvana Club on an all-inclusive basis, including free admission to the hotel spa.
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Notes to editors: Longwood Holidays has been offering holidays to Israel for over 20 years, and features stand alone Israel and Eilat brochures as well as Egypt & Jordan and Red Sea Diving. The operator currently offers several guided tours in Egypt and Jordan.
Longwood Holidays features offices across Israel as well as permanent in-resort representatives, offering travellers unparalleled levels of service and support, and a wealth of experience.
Reservations: 020 8418 2525
Agency Support: 020 8418 2550
Please contact Tara Bradberry on 020 8418 2550 or tara.bradberry@longwoodholidays.co.uk with all press-related enquiries.
Depart from the UK for your flight to Ovda. On arrival, drive north via the Ramon Crater to Mitzpe Ramon. Stay at the Ramon Inn (or similar), for dinner and overnight.
Drive through the Negev Desert towards the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth. Travel along its shoreline, stopping at Massada, Israel’s foremost Archeological Park. Ascend via cable car to visit the fortress where Jews held out after the destruction of the Second Temple and obtain an insight into their rituals, politics and culture. No visit to the region is complete without experiencing floating on the therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea. Indulge yourself in the mineral-rich black mud known for its rejuvenating qualities, or simply relax at the Spa.
Journey north via the Qumran caves, the site where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Continue north along the Jordan River to the Holiday Inn Tiberias Hotel (or similar) for dinner and overnight.
Depart your hotel and drive along the north shore of the Sea of Galilee, the stage for most of the events in Jesus’ life, to the Mount of Beatitudes, Tabgha, the Church of Primacy and Capernaum.
Sail across the Sea of Galilee to experience tranquillity and scenery little changed during the past 2000 years (sailing depends on weather conditions).
Drive towards the scenic northern Golan Heights and on the Emek Ha Bacha, one of the major battlegrounds of the Yom Kippur War. Proceed through Druze villages, descending to the Hula Valley via Banias and on to the Biblical and Canaanite town of Tel Dan.
Towards evening, time permitting, travel to the Upper Galilee to visit Safed, centre of Jewish mysticism, before returning to your hotel in Tiberias for dinner and overnight.
Drive through the Lower Galilee to visit the village of Kana, the traditional location of the first miracle performed by Jesus and on to Nazareth and the Church of Annunciation. Continue to Megiddo, one of the key archaeological sites in understanding the history of the holy land.
Travel west to the shore of the Mediterranean for a visit to Caesarea Maritima, Herod the Great’s masterpiece, famous for its Roman remains.
Proceed south towards the outskirts of Tel Aviv and east up through the Judean mountains to Jerusalem, the City of Gold. Overnight at the Ariel Hotel Jerusalem (or similar).
Start the morning with a visit to Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Memorial Institute with its new historical museum. Then on to the Israel Museum and Shrine of the Book, which houses the Dead Sea Scrolls. Drive to Bethlehem (subject to local conditions), the origin of Christian inspiration.
Friday is a day of prayer for Moslems as well as the start of the Jewish Sabbath, so you will have an early return to your hotel in Jerusalem.
Free day in Jerusalem
There is so much to see in Jerusalem, the Eternal City. Today you will drive via Mount Scopus, passing the WW1 cemetery, Hadassah Hospital and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Stop atop the Mount of Olives, for a panoramic view of the Old City, where over 3000 years of history unravels before you.
From the Mount of Olives walk to the Garden of Gethsemane and continue downward through the Kidron Valley with its biblical monuments and then on the Walled City.
Stop at the Western Wall, Judaism’s holiest site before continuing along the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Visit the Tower of David Museum to discover the history of Jerusalem and walk along the Roman Cardo. After exiting the Walled Town continue on to Mount Zion for a visit to the Dormition Abbey and the Room of the Last Supper.
Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
After breakfast, leave Jerusalem and drive via Emek HaEla the location of the battle between David and Goliath. Journey on to Kibbutz Sde Boker, home and burial site of David Ben Gurion, Israel’s first Prime Minister.
Continue to Ovda Airport for your flight home, or transfer to Eilat for your holiday extension.