Compare Israel: Modern Life & Ancient History by Sky Vacations

DAY 1: WELCOME

Welcome to Israel!  Upon arrival you’ll be met by our Sky Vacations ambassador who will meet you and will take you to your hotel in Tel Aviv. After a welcome drink, you’ll enjoy delicious dinner at one of the trendy Tel Aviv restaurants followed by a gentle stroll along Tel Aviv beach boardwalk.

DAY 2: TEL AVIV / JAFFA

The streets of Tel Aviv are full of both history, and modern culture, architecture, art, restaurants and bars. We’ll begin the tour from the Clocktower in Jaffa, and walk to the Neve Tzedek neighborhood which was the first Jewish community established outside of Jaffa, and eventually became part of the city of Tel Aviv in the early 20th century. With a stunning range of architectural styles, every alleyway and street has something to offer, and many cafes, restaurants and bars fill the old Bauhaus style buildings which have survived the recent gentrification of the neighborhood.

Our evening, after dinner visit the world’s most ancient port cities in old Jaffa, where stone buildings, narrow passages, and picturesque courtyards recall the rich past of this charming city.  Hear about those who left their mark on the city such as Jonah and the Whale, Andromeda, Simon the Tanner, Napoleon and more.

Day 3: Rehovot / Tel Aviv

Today we’ll take a short journey south of Tel Aviv to Rehovot, and visit the world renowned Weitzmann Institute for meetings. If time permits, we can visit the Ayalon Institute, a secret underground ammunition plant, used to produce ammunition during the British Mandate. You can’t leave the desert before trying out a camel ride or partaking in a Bedouin feast together with an interesting presentation about new products made from camel and alpaca milk at the Desert Ship Khan (Sfinat Hamidbar).  We will return to Tel Aviv in the late evening.

Day 4: Tel Aviv

Meander the streets of  Rothschild Boulevard and learn more about the White City of Tel Aviv – a UNESCO World Heritage city. It is home to many artists, poets, and intellectuals. This area of Tel Aviv is named the ‘White City’ due to the large number of buildings built in the unique form of the Bauhaus architecture.

Day 5: Jerusalem

Today we will drive to Jerusalem via the scenic Jerusalem Hills. Our first stop will be Mount Zion to see King David’s Tomb and what is accepted as the site where the Last Supper took place known as The Upper Room. From here we’ll enter the Jewish Quarter via Zion Gate, just as Jewish warriors did through the ages, and visit the ancient Roman Cardo, a 1,800-year-old shopping street still active today and the Broad Wall, dating back to the First Temple Period. Our tour then takes us the spiritual heart of the old city, the Western Wall, where you can also see the Temple Mount and the famous Dome of the Rock. Next, we will carry on to the Muslim and Christian Quarters and walk through part of the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. On the way enjoy the delights of the oriental bazaar – admire the wares, taste the delicacies, and smell the spices.

In the early afternoon, we’ll take you to Machne Yehuda Market. Here you will find many opportunities to taste local delicacies. It is both a regular fruit/veg market and culinary center with specialty stalls and restaurants. Here you can try a delicious falafel or shawarma, chocolate rogalach, bureka, halva, boutique cheeses, and more. If we are there on a Friday you can smell the freshly baked Challa bread being baked for Shabbat.

Day 6: Masada & The Dead Sea

Our day trip begins with an early start today as we travel to Masada and the Dead Sea. Masada is known as the last independent Jewish territory from the destruction of the Second Temple to the rebirth of the modern State of Israel.  Here we will explore the ruins of this ancient fortress built by King Herod and listen to stories of determination and heroism whilst enjoying the breathtaking views of the desert.  We’ll go down via the winding snake path or by cable car and then take a short drive to a private beach in Ein Bokek.

After a tasty lunch, you will have time to experience floating on your back on the lowest, saltiest body of water on earth. It is an incredible natural phenomenon and “swimming” in the Dead Sea is one of those experiences that cannot be put in words – you just have to try.

Make sure you relax on the drive back to Jerusalem because we have a special treat in store for the evening! The Tower of David Sound and Light Show. This magical experience combines the past and the present with bringing to life the Biblical stories of King David and Jerusalem using the most powerful modern technologies available.

Day 7: Herzliya

We leave Jerusalem today and head to the Mediterranean coastal city of Herzliya and enjoy the beaches and sunset by the Marina bay.

Day 8: Mount Carmel

The Druze are well-known for their hospitality and today we enjoy an authentic home-cooked lunch including all traditional Druze dishes. After lunch, we will drive further up Mount Carmel to for panoramic views of the magnificent Baha’i Gardens and the Haifa Harbor. On our way back to Herzliya we will stop at Caesarea – the magnificent ruins of Herod’s showcase port city. This magical place will transport us back to the ancient Roman, Byzantine, and Crusader eras. We will visit the extensive excavations of the site including the harbor, the Crusader City, the theater, Hippodrome and the Roman aqueduct. Back in Herzliya in the evening for a farewell dinner at one of the popular beach restaurants.

Day 9: Farewell

Today you’ll be transferred to Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport for your flight and onward journey.