Tuesday departure
Israel is a melting pot of different cultures and faiths. This coach tour seeks to discover these wonders and provide an insight into the rich and diverse patrimony of the Holy Land - the birthplace of the world's three major religions. Trace the areas' holy heritage from Jerusalem and Nazareth through to Galilee, visiting the renowned historic and Biblical sites, and experiencing local culture and hospitality including lunch in a Druze village. Overnight in a kibbutz and a wine tasting on the Golan heights .
Meals and Sightseeing as per itinerary
Guaranteed departure (min 2 pax) coach tour
No touring on 27 3 April; 4, 11 ,18, 25 September 2018
Itinerary
Day 1: Jerusalem
Welcome to Israel. On arrival you will be met by a representative of our local agent (look out for your name on a sign) and then transferred to your Jerusalem hotel where accommodation is reserved for three nights. Remainder of day at leisure.
Day 2: Jerusalem – Old City & Bethlehem (B)
Visit the tomb of King David and the room of the Last Supper on Mt. Zion. Enter the walled city and walk through the newly restored Jewish Quarter. Visit the Roman Cardo, the Herodian Quarter, and continue to the Western Wall. Walk along the Via Dolorosa to the church of the Holy Sepulchre proceed to Mount Scopus and then to the Mount of Olives for a magnificent panoramic view of the Old City. Continue to Bethlehem (subject to security clearance), stopping at Rachel’s Tomb, to visit the Church of the Nativity.
Day 3: Jerusalem – New City (B D)
Start your day with a visit to the Israel Museum - Tour the Shrine of the Book where the Dead Sea Scrolls are housed and see the miniature model of Jerusalem as it was during the second temple period. Later tour the New City including viewing the Knesset, Israel’s Parliament. Continue for a moving visit to Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum. Visit Meah Shearim the ultra-orthodox neighborhood in Jerusalem and learn about their unique lifestyle. In the evening partake in a Middle Eastern dinner followed by the spectacular sound and light show at the Tower of David museum (weather conditions permitting).
Day 4: Dead Sea (B)
Depart Jerusalem via the Judean Mountains and descend to the lowest place on earth. Visit the ancient city of Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Continue along the shores of the Dead Sea to the magnificent cliff top fortress of Masada. Ascend via cable car to explore the remains of King Herod’s luxurious palace and hear about the zealots who defied the Roman Empire from this location. Take the chance to enjoy a float in the salty waters. Continue onto Tel Aviv where two nights accommodation have been reserved.
Day 5: Tel Aviv (B)
Have a day at leisure. Take a walk along Tel Aviv’s famous beaches.
Day 6: Coastal Plain (B L D)
Depart Tel Aviv along the coastal plain to Caesarea, capital of Judea under the Romans. Visit the excavations of the ancient city, the Roman theatre, and aqueduct. Proceed to Megiddo, identified as the site of Armageddon. Here visit the archaeological excavations including the well preserved water supply system. Continue to the Druze village at Daliat El Carmel to partake in lunch and famous Druze hospitality at a local restaurant. Continue on via Mount Carmel to Haifa for a panoramic view of the Haifa bay and the Golden domed Bahai shrine and gardens. Overnight in a kibbutz guesthouse.
Day 7: Upper Galilee (B D)
Proceed to Safed, the center of Jewish mysticism, to visit the ancient synagogues and the artists’ colony. Continue to the Golan Heights to see the former Syrian bunkers, Kuneitra, and the new Israeli town of Katzrin. Stop at a Golan winery for a tour and wine tasting. Onto Kessem Hagolan for a multimedia presentation of the area and its history. Overnight in a kibbutz guesthouse.
Day 8: Sea of Galilee – Jerusalem (B)
Start the day with a tour of Tiberias. Explore the centre of Jesus’ ministry at Capernaum to see the remains of the synagogue where he preached and the octagonal church of St. Peter. Onto Nazareth to visit the church of the Annunciation. Drive via Beit Shean to Beit Alpha to see the remains of the mosaic floor of an ancient synagogue depicting the zodiac. Continue onto Jerusalem for your overnight accommodation which has been reserved.
Day 9: Jerusalem (B)
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
Modest dress is required for entrance to holy sites - Men: Long Pants; Women: Skirt or long pants and shoulders covered
Order of sightseeing may be amended depending on local travel restrictions and security clearance.
The hotel selection may change – please use this as a guideline only
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
- Transfers as specified in itinerary
- Transportation in air-conditioned vehicle
- Tourist Class hotels with private facilities
- Breakfasts
- Druze lunch 2 dinners at the Kibbutz and Middle Eastern dinner.
- Sightseeing as per itinerary
- Professional English speaking driver/guides
- Entrance fees
- Israel Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel
TOUR EXCLUSIONS:
- International airfares
- Optional tours and excursions
- Port Taxes and fuel surcharges
- Porterage
- Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
- Personal Expenses
- Departure taxes
- Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
- Visas (unless specified)
- Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above
Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. Note prices usually display available discounted rates if any, (eg. Early Bird Deals if applicable). All featured tour itineraries and offers maybe subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are valid for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.