Compare Discover Israel & the Palestinian Territories by Intrepid Travel vs Israel Escape by Globus
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| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 2,850 | $ 2,059 |
| Price Per Day | $ 356 | $ 257 |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | No |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Get a kaleidoscopic perspective on Israel and the Palestinian Territories on this eight-day tour. Entrenched in the ancient but emphatically modern in outlook, nominally Jewish but with oodles of Muslim and Christian influence, this region is endlessly fascinating and rewarding to travel in. Stroll the Old City’s ramparts in Jerusalem, visit Jesus' biblical birthplace in Bethlehem and see Masada’s rugged outcrop. Break bread with Palestinians and Israelis, walk the graffitied separation wall in Bethlehem, go for a float in the Dead Sea and form your own impressions of this captivating part of the world. |
Begin your Israel Escape in Tel Aviv and enjoy a welcome dinner together with your Tour Director and traveling companions. In Jaffa walk around the beautifully restored port—starting point for medieval pilgrimages to Jerusalem. Continue your guided tour of Israel through the Holy Land to Caesarea, and journey to Nazareth in Galilee to visit the Church of the Annunciation. Stop in Cana—site of Jesus’ wedding miracle turning water into wine—on your way to historical Haifa. A wealth of fascinating visits await you: the Baha’i Shrine; the Mount of Beatitudes, and Capernaum—all sites where the story of Jesus unfolded, the Valley of Elah where David slew Goliath, the Valley of Ayalon to hear the story of Samson and Delilah, and a serene cruise on the Sea of Galilee. You’ll also visit the birthplace of Jesus in Bethlehem.Stay four nights in Jerusalem to discover this symbolic city. Embark on a moving excursion to Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial. Visit the Israel Museum containing the Shrine of the Book, and the Dead Sea Scrolls—the oldest biblical manuscripts in the world. Visit the Old City, the Garden Tomb, and take in the view from the Mount of Olives. See the Garden of Gethsemane, follow the Stations of the Cross along the Via Dolorosa, and visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre at the site of the crucifixion. View the Temple Mount and the Dome of the Rock mosque, and visit the Western Wall, the most holy shrine in the Jewish religion. Also visit the fortress of Masada—a historic site for Jewish faith. The experience of floating in the buoyant salt waters of the Dead Sea enriches the wonderful memories already collected during your inspirational Israel Escape! |
Day 1 Jerusalem
Welcome to Jerusalem, a city steeped in spirituality and legend that is called home by Palestinian Muslims and Christians, Sephardic Jews, Ashkenazi Jews, Armenian Christians, Ethiopian Copts and Greek Orthodox monks, among others. If you arrive with some time to spare before your tour, perhaps drop by the Israel Museum and browse its superb collection of art and history. Your adventure kicks off at 6 pm today, when you meet your leader in the hotel lobby for an introduction to your tour and to your fellow travellers. Later, perhaps venture out for a local meal or head to the hotel's rooftop restaurant and relax for the evening before a big day of sightseeing tomorrow.
Day 2 Jerusalem
Explore the Old City this morning on foot. Start with the Courtyard of the Dome and the Western Wall, then continue to St Stephen’s Gate, passing the crusader church of St Anne and the Pool of Bethesda. Continue along the Way of the Cross (Via Dolorosa) and stop by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built where Jesus is believed to have been crucified, buried and resurrected. Perhaps stop and recharge and sip on sweek tea or sample fresh local bread and then walk through the Christian Quarter up to Jaffa Gate. In the afternoon use your free time to explore more of the city.
Day 3 Jerusalem
Start the day off with a panoramic view of the city. Drive out to the Mount of Olives that looks over Jerusalem’s Old City and visit the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus is said to have prayed the night before his crucifixion. See the Church of All Nations (also known as the Basilica of the Agony), then drive the short distance out to Bethlehem and take a graffiti walking tour along the barrier wall. Graffiti by many artists has graced the wall over the years, including famous ones like Banksy. Visit the Church of the Nativity, marking the spot of the stable where Mary is said to have given birth to Jesus, then head back to Jerusalem. In the afternoon,visit the holocaust museum Yad Vashem. You may hire an audio guide for the museum. Then enjoy some free time to explore this fascinating city. This evening meet up with your leader and enjoy a home-cooked meal of chicken maqloubeh (an upside-down layered dish) with a Palestinian family. With a full belly, enjoy a traditional oud performance from a local musician.
Day 4 Jericho
This morning drive out to the cliff-top fortress of Masada. On the way your leader will make a few stops; each leader has their favourite photo spots and stories to tell so we leave it up to them to share what they love. Arrive in Masada and take a cable car to the fortress built by King Herod around 35 BC. This UNESCO site is very important to the Jewish people as a symbol of their exile from the Holy Land and of bravery and self-sacrifice. Spend some time visiting the site, then drive around 30 minutes to the shores of the Dead Sea, where the dense and super-salty water means you’ll go for a float, not a swim. Spend some time relaxing here and soaking in the mud, which is supposed to have healing properties. In the afternoon travel to Jericho, the oldest city in the world for a well deserved rest.
Day 5 Haifa
Travel to the western shores of the Sea of Galilee and historic Tiberias, established all the way back in AD20. Visit the ancient fishing village of Capernaum. See the site of two ancient synagogues and a church said to have been the home of St Peter. Continue to Nazareth to take a stroll through the Old City and visit the Church of the Annunciation, where Mary is said to have received the news of the Immaculate Conception. Hit the road again and arrive in Haifa for the evening.
Day 6 Haifa
This morning travel to Rosh Hanikra (1 hour's drive) where white cliffs meet the blue sea. This little beauty of natural geography is tucked away on the border with Lebanon and is usually a highlight for everyone. Take the cable car up the cliff to view the spectacular grottoes. Continue to the ancient crusader port of Acre (Akko in Hebrew), where you’ll visit the vast complex of buildings occupied by the Knights of St John (Knights Hospitaller), excavated to uncover rooms including a large hall, a dungeon, a dining room and the crypt of an ancient Gothic church. Perhaps a good place to have lunch and relax before returning to Haifa. In the afternoon, enjoy some free time. You may want to visit the Baha’i Gardens, where the elaborate terraces and a golden shrine sit overlooking the city. There are some great produce markets and excellent restaurants nearby, just ask your leader for recommendations.
Day 7 Tel Aviv
After breakfast, journey to Tel Aviv via the coast and tour the ancient port of Caesarea (approximately 1 hour), which served as the capital of Israel during the Roman and Byzantine eras. Built in 25 BC, the city was eventually abandoned and lost under the desert sands. Thanks to archaeological excavations since, its splendour is on show once again. Continue along the coast to Tel Aviv. Take a stroll through the Old City of Jaffa, then drop your luggage at tonight’s accommodation. Head out on an orientation walk with your leader, taking in Rabin Square. Finish up your walk at the promenade, the perfect place to find a restaurant for dinner this evening, or enjoy a farewell drink at your hotel with your leader and fellow travellers and try the local boutique beer.
Day 8 Tel Aviv
This trip comes to an end today. There are no activities planned and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time after you check out. Getting to the airport is very simple and easy by public transport with buses nearby taking you to the train station and connecting to the airport. Private transfers are available to pre-book with Intrepid.
Day 1: ARRIVE IN TEL AVIV, ISRAEL
Welcome to Tel Aviv! This evening, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner. (Dinner)
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Day 2: TEL AVIV–JAFFA–CAESAREA–NAZARETH–CANA–HAIFA
Miraculous Sites & Ancient Wonders JAFFA Take a walking tour of the ancient port.CAESAREA Visit the Roman Amphitheater and the Crusader fortress. NAZARETH Visit the Church of the Annunciation.CANA Visit the site of Jesus’ first recorded miracle. (Breakfast,Dinner) 124 mi/200 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORY & 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.
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Day 3: HAIFA. EXCURSION TO THE MOUNT OF BEATITUDES–CAPERNAUM–SEA OF GALILEE
Holy Water & Wondrous Miracles HAIFA Visit the Baha’i Shrine. MOUNT OF BEATITUDES Explore the site where Jesus delivered his iconic Sermon on the Mount.CAPERNAUM Visit the site where Jesus recruited his followers.RIVER JORDAN Visit a baptismal site.SEA OF GALILEE Take pictures of Lake Tiberias from the panoramic point before embarking on a [LF] scenic cruise. (Breakfast,Dinner) 66 mi/107 km
LOCAL FAVORITE EPIC RIDE The Sea of Galilee (Lake Tiberias) is the background to many biblical events and miracles, it is where Jesus walked on water. Take a cruise on the historic waters of the lowest freshwater lake in the world, just over 200 meters below sea-level, and enjoy the panoramic views.
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Day 4: HAIFA–VALLEY OF ELAH–LATRUN–BETHLEHEM–JERUSALEM
Giant Victories LATRUN AREA Take pictures at the site of David’s victory over Goliath, and visit the Monastery of the Trappist Monks. BETHLEHEM Take an orientation tour and visit the Church of Nativity. (Breakfast) 140 mi/ 225 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SITE The Emperor Constantine and his mother St Helena commissioned the first Church of the Nativity in the 4th Century, it was built over a grotto widely recognized to be the birthplace of Jesus. In the following centuries the church was rebuilt and renovated. Today the guardianship of the Church is shared by three Church Authorities – Armenian Apostolic, Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic.
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Day 5: JERUSALEM. EXCURSION TO THE ISRAEL MUSEUM, YAD VASHEM, AND MOUNT ZION
Moving History JERUSALEM Visit the Israel Museum and Yad Vashem Memorial. Guided walking tour of Mount Zion, visit the Upper Room and the Tomb of King David. (Breakfast,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTIN MEMORIUM Yad Vashem (the World Holocaust Remembrance Center) 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.
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Day 6: JERUSALEM. EXCURSION TO THE OLD CITY
Prayerful Places JERUSALEM Guided walking tour of the Old City includes Mount of Olives and the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed. Visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Stop at the Western Wall. (Breakfast)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTICONIC FOOTSTEPSJerusalem 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.”
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Day 7: JERUSALEM. EXCURSION TO MASADA AND THE DEAD SEA
Uplifting Waters & Unforgettable Wonders MASADA Take a cable-car ride to visit the cliff-top fortress . DEAD SEA Experience the buoyancy of floating on the waters of the Dead Sea. Farewell dinner at your hotel. (Breakfast,Dinner) 64 mi/103 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT 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.
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Day 8: JERUSALEM
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (The nearest airport is Tel Aviv.) (Breakfast)
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