Duration: 9 Days
From the seemingly miraculous waters of the Dead Sea to Cana of Galilee where Jesus is said to have performed his first miracle of turning water into wine—this fascinating tour of Israel is full of incredible sights, scenery, and stories. The historical and biblical tales begin in Tel Aviv, the “Mediterranean Manhattan,” continue to the Mount of Beatitudes where it is believed Jesus delivered his Sermon on the Mount and culminate at the lowest (yet most uplifting) point on the surface of the Earth—the Dead Sea where you’ll effortlessly float at 430 metres below sea level. Discover the fascinating city of Jerusalem and dive into numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites—including the golden-domed Baha’i Shrine in Haifa and the ancient clifftop fortress of Masada—not to mention some of the most delectable dishes of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine.
Traveller Notes
We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect holiday—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites!
Please note: Itinerary is based on 2024, and is subject to change. Full details will be confirmed in 2024.
Welcome to Tel Aviv!
This evening, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Giant Victories
LATRUN AREA See the site of David's victory over Goliath and visit the Monastery of the Trappist Monks.
JAFFA Take a walking tour of the ancient port. (B) 82mi/ 132km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORY & MYSTERY Explore the ancient port of Jaffa, where biblical stories of Jonah, Solomon, and St. Peter took place. The Israeli city traces its roots to 1800 BC, with mythological tales of Andromeda and Perseus. Today Jaffa features picturesque alleys, art galleries, unique boutiques, ancient buildings, and wonderful landmarks.
Crusaders & Legendary Leaders
CAESAREA Visit the Roman Theatre and the Crusader Fortress.
ACRE Visit the Underground Crusader City.
HAIFA Explore the Baha'i Shrine. (B,D) 62mi/ 100km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDARY LIVES Born Sayyed ?Ali Muhammad Shirazi, "The Bab" was the founder of Babism, and endures as the central figures of the Baha?i Faith. He was executed in 1850 along with thousands of his followers by the Persian government which opposed this new movement. The magnificent shrine and ethereal gardens of Baha'i stand as a testament to the revered religious leader where his remains are laid to rest - a UNESCO World Heritage Site of extraordinary beauty.
Faithful Sites & Service
MOUNT OF BEATITUDES Explore the site where Jesus delivered his iconic Sermon on the Mount.
CAPERNAUM Visit the site where Jesus recruited his first followers.
JORDAN RIVER Visit a baptismal site.
SEA OF GALILEE See Lake Tiberias before a [LF] scenic cruise. Hear a [LF] lecture on Kibbutz life. (B,D) 107mi/ 173km
LOCAL FAVOURITE
EPIC RIDE Cruise on the historic waters of Lake Tiberias (Sea of Galilee) with panoramic views of the area. Later hear about the traditions of the Kibbutz. Hebrew for 'gathering,' Kibbutz life dates back thousands of years with quiet and collabourative communities of volunteers from around the world who work to enhance industry or agriculture in a peaceful and harmonious setting.
Miraculous Sites & Ancient Wonders
NAZARETH Visit the Church of the Annunciation.
CANA Visit the site of Jesus' first recorded miracle.
BET SHE'AN Explore the ancient city including the Roman and Byzantine relics. Stop for a panoramic view of Jerusalem. (B,D) 147 mi / 235 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ARCHAEOLOGICAL WONDERS Bet She'an is one of the best-preserved archaeological sites of this region and well worth some time to wander around. Ongoing excavations at this UNESCO World Heritage site reveal time-worn colonnade-style streets, bathhouses, and an auditorium with perfect acoustics.
Uplifting Waters & Wonders
JERUSALEM Take a scenic drive through the Judean wilderness en route to the Dead Sea.
MASADA Take a cable-car ride to visit the cliff-top fortress.
DEAD SEA [LF] Float in the saltwater of the Dead Sea and receive a salt scrub gift. Return to Jerusalem. (B) 64 mi / 103 km
LOCAL FAVOURITE
NATURAL WONDERS Feel weightless as you float effortlessly on the waters of the Dead Sea. This legendary salt lake in the Jordan Rift Valley is fed by the Jordan River, with its salty surface lying 430.5m below sea level - the lowest land-based shores on Earth.
Moving History
JERUSALEM Visit Yad Vashem and the Israel Museum.
BETHLEHEM Take an orientation tour and visit the Church of Nativity. (B,D) 6 mi / 10 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
IN MEMORIUM Yad Vashem (the World Holocaust Remembrance centre) takes its name from the biblical verse, ?And to them will I give in my house and within my walls a memorial and a name (a yad vashem)" - (Isaiah, 56; 5). Here, roughly one million visitors come to remember the millions who were persecuted during WWII. Housing a remarkable collection of historic and personal artifacts, stories, and memorials to the Jewish people who suffered at the hands of the Nazi regime, Yad Vashem leaves a deeply profound impression of remembrance and conviction in the souls of all who visit.
History & Mystery
JERUSALEM Take a guided walking tour of the Old City. Includes the Garden Tomb, Mount of Olives, and the Garden of Gethsemane. Follow the Via Dolorosa and visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Stop at the Western Wall. Walk to Mount Zion and visit the Upper Room where Jesus and his disciples had the last supper. Visit the tomb of King David. Farewell dinner at your hotel. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ICONIC FOOTSTEPS Jerusalem is totally unique; there is no place like it. A city of tradition, religion, and history, but also increasingly of modern culture and heritage. Take in all this while you wander around the maze of streets listening to the story that made it so special even astronaut Neil Armstrong when visiting said, "I am more excited stepping on these stones than stepping on the moon."
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning (the nearest airport is Tel Aviv). (B)
