Our Holy Land Highlights tour of Israel is specifically designed for the visitors who wish to see as much as possible of this fascinating country on a single trip.

The concept is not only to see as much of the country as possible in a week, but also to gain an insight into unique historical and Biblical sites as well as modern Israel.

You will be met at the airport, taken by air-conditioned vehicle and accompanied by one of our highly knowledgeable, English speaking tour guides who will endeavour to show you some of the many exciting and truly unforgettable highlights of Israel, the Holy Land.

Itinerary

Departures from 3 Nov 2008 to 17 May 2009 will fly from Stansted to Ovda (Eilat). Departures from 8 Jun to 19 Oct 2009 will fly from Heathrow to Tel Aviv, and this will alter the itinerary slightly on the first and last days.

Monday (Ovda arrivals) Depart from the UK for your flight to Ovda. On arrival, we drive north via the Ramon Crater to Mitzpe Ramon. After dinner, you'll have an introductory meeting with your guide and learn the basics about customs and culture in Israel, and your itinerary. Overnight and dinner at the Isrotel Ramon Inn (or similar).

Monday (Tel Aviv arrivals) Depart from the UK for Ben Gurion (Tel Aviv) and transfer to hotel in Beer Sheva on arrival. After dinner, you'll have an introductory meeting with your guide and learn the basics about customs and culture in Israel, and your itinerary. Overnight and dinner at the Golden Tulip (or similar).

Tuesday We drive through the Negev Desert (Ovda arrivals; Tel Aviv arrivals come via the Beer Sheva Valley) towards the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. Travel along the shoreline, stopping at Massada, Israel's foremost Archaeological 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. Next is the Dead Sea, where you can experience floating in the therapeutic waters and indulge in the mineral-rich black mud. We then journey north, passing the Qumran caves, site of discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Continuing north alongside the Jordan River, we reach the Nof Ginosar Kibbutz Hotel (or similar) for dinner and overnight on the shores of the Sea of Galilee.

Wednesday After departing the hotel, we 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 the Primacy and Capernaum. We sail across the Sea of Galilee and experience tranquility and scenery little changed during the last 2000 years (sailing dependent on weather conditions). We then drive towards the scenic northern Golan Heights and on to Emek Ha Bacha, one of the major battlegrounds of the Yom Kippur War. Proceeding throughout the Druze villages, we descend to the Hula Valley via Banias (Caesarea Philippi) and on to the Biblical and Canaanite town of Tel Dan (time permitting). Towards evening, we travel to the Upper Galilee to visit Safed, centre of Jewish mysticism, before returning to your Kibbutz hotel in Tiberias for dinner and overnight.

Thursday 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. We continue to Megiddo, one of the key archaeological sites in understanding the history of the Holy Land. We then travel west to the shores of the Mediterranean for a visit to Caesarea Maritima, Herod the Great's masterpiece, famous for it's Roman remains. Proceeding south towards the outskirts of Tel Aviv and then east up through the Judean mountains, we come to Jerusalem, the City of Gold. Overnight at the Dan Boutique (or similar).

Friday We start the morning with a visit to Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Memorial Institute, with its historical museum. Then on to the Israel Museum and Shrine of the Book which houses the Dead Sea Scrolls. We drive to Bethlehem, the origin of Christian inspiration (subject to local conditions) to visit the Church of the Nativity and Manger Square. 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.

Saturday A complete day of leisure in Jerusalem.

Sunday Today we drive via Mount Scopus, passing the WW1 British cemetery, Hassadah Hospital and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. We 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 we walk to the Garden of Gethsemane and continue downward through the Kidron Valley with its Biblical monuments and then on the walled city. We stop at the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest site, before continuing along the Via Dolorosa (Road of Suffering) to Golgotha and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. We visit the Tower of David Museum to discover the history of Jerusalem and walk along the Roman Cardo. After exiting the walled city, we 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.

Monday (Ovda arrivals) After breakfast, we leave Jerusalem and drive via Emek HaEla, location of the battle between David and Goliath. We then journey on to Kibbutz Sde Boker, home & burial site of David Ben Gurion, Israel's first Prime Minister. Afterwards, continue to Ovda Airport for your flight home, or transfer to Eilat for a week's relaxation by the Red Sea.

Monday (Tel Aviv arrivals) We return to Ben Gurion airport for your flight home.

Itinerary subject to change.

Tour & Stay

Extend your holiday with a week in the sun!
After a week's sightseeing, a week relaxing on the beach makes a welcome change of pace. You can extend your holiday with a week in Eilat, the original Red Sea resort, or Tel Aviv, the city that never sleeps.

Weather

Average daily temperatures in degrees celsius.

Itinerary
Prices
Tour & Stay
Kibbutz Fly-Drive
Israel tours home
Weather
Map of tour

Eilat

Prices

Prices are per person, including taxes & surcharges. Flights depart from London Stansted (3 Nov 2008 - 17 May 2009) or London Heathrow (8 Jun - 19 Oct 2009).
Supplements: Single room £219 (from 1 Mar 2009 onwards £275)
Reductions: Third adult sharing a room £55
*Child prices relate to one child aged 10-11 sharing a room with 2 full-fare paying passengers (children under 10 years of age are not accepted on this tour).

Note: As so many fascinating sites are visited, this tour may not be suitable for the very elderly or people with walking difficulties. In the event of any unforeseen circumstances in Israel, or at the tour guide's discretion, the tour itinerary may be altered accordingly.