Classic Tour of Israel (Friday)

9 Nights / 10 Days

2N Tel Aviv / 2N Galilee / 5N Jerusalem

ITINERARY

DAY 1: BEN GURION AIRPORT / TEL AVIV

Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport and you will then be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight in Tel Aviv.

DAY 2: AT LEISURE

Today the day will be at leisure. You can explore places on your own. (B)

Overnight in Tel Aviv.

DAY 3: CAESAREA / MEGIDDO / DRUZE VILLAGE / HAIFA

Today you will drive along the coastal plain to Caesarea to see the excavations of the Crusaders’ city, the Roman port, aqueduct and the amphitheater that has been restored to its former glory as a concert venue. Later proceed to Megiddo which is identified as the site of Armageddon. Then visit the archaeological excavations including the well-preserved water supply system and continue to Daliat-el-Carmel, a Druze village and enjoy a late lunch at a local restaurant. Proceed via Mount Carmel to Haifa for a panoramic view of the Haifa bay and the golden domed Bahai shrine and gardens. (BLD)

Overnight in Kibbutz guesthouse.

DAY 4: SAFED / GOLAN HEIGHTS / WINERY

Today you will drive to Safed, the center of Jewish mysticism and visit the ancient synagogues and the artists’ colony. You continue to the Golan Heights to see the former Syrian bunkers, Kuneitra and the new Israeli town of Katzrin. Later stop at the Golan Winery for a tour and wine tasting after which you proceed to “Golan Magic”,  for a multimedia presentation of the area and its history. (BD)

Overnight in Kibbutz guesthouse.

DAY 5: SEA OF GALILEE / NAZARETH

Start your day with a visit to Nazareth. Visit the Church of Annunciation and then continue to Tiberias. Visit Capernaum to see the ruins of the synagogue and octagonal Church of St. Peter. Later visit Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered the sermon on the mount. You will then drive via Beit Shean to Beit Alpha to see the remains of the mosaic floor of an ancient synagogue depicting the zodiac. (B)

Overnight in Jerusalem.

DAY 6: JERUSALEM (OLD CITY)

Start your day with a magnificent panoramic view from Mount of Olives. Drive to the Old City and visit the Tomb of King David and the Room of Last Supper on Mt. Zion. You then 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. You will walk along the Via Dolorosa to the Church of Holy Sepulchre. Later continue to Bethlehem*; view Rachel’s tomb and proceed to visit the Church of  Nativity and Manger’s Square. (B)

Overnight in Jerusalem.

DAY 7: JERUSALEM (NEW CITY)

Today you drive to the Israel Museum; visit the Shrine of the Book, where the Dead Sea scrolls are housed, and the miniature model of Jerusalem as it was during the Second Temple period. Proceed for a tour at the Knesset, Israel’s parliament and then continue to visit Mount Hertzel cemetery and Yad Vashem, the memorial to the Holocaust. You then drive through Mea Shearim, the ultra orthodox neighbourhood in Jerusalem where you learn about their unique lifestyle. In the evening you enjoy a middle eastern dinner followed by the spectacular “Sound & Light” show** at the Tower of David Museum. (BD)

Overnight in Jerusalem.

DAY 8: QUMRAN / MASADA / DEAD SEA

Today you will be driving through the Judean desert to the Dead Sea which is the lowest point on earth, almost 1300 feet (400 meters) below sea level. You will stop at Qumran to visit the site where the Dead Sea scrolls were found. You then drive along the shores of the Dead Sea to Masada. Here you ascend by cable car and tour the ancient fortress where the Zealots made their last stand against the Romans before committing mass suicide in 73 AD and then descend by cable car and continue to the Dead Sea. On reaching there, cover yourself with the mineral rich mud and experience a  swim in the Dead Sea** that many believe has its therapeutic effects. (B)

Overnight in Jerusalem.

DAY 9: AT LEISURE

Today the day will be at leisure. You can explore places on your own. (B)

Overnight in Jerusalem.

DAY 10: DEPARTURE

After breakfast, transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for departure. (B)

* Site under the Palestinian Authority Jurisdiction. Visit subject to situation.
** Visit subject to weather conditions.

INFORMATION

INCLUSIONS:

• 3 / 4 / 5 – star accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary.
• Includes 9B, 1L, 3D, meals as per itinerary (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner)
• Sharing transfer on arrival and departure (from/to Ben Gurion Airport)
• English speaking guide
• Dinners at Kibbutz on Days 3 & 4 and in Jerusalem on Day 7 followed by a Sound and Light show at David Citadel
• Lunch at a Druze village on Day 3
• Entrance fees to the sites visited as per itinerary

Highlights:

1. Visit excavations of Crusaders’ city in Caesarea, site of Armageddon in Megiddo and Haifa.
2. Golan Winery tour and wine tasting.
3. Church of Annunciation, Church of St. Peter and Mount of Beatitudes.
4. Jerusalem old and new city tour.
5. Experience a swim in the Dead Sea.

COST: From USD 1920 onwards Per Person on double occupancy in standard rooms

SINGLE: From USD 2715

EXCHANGE RATE: Exchange rate as on the day of payment applicable

VALIDITY: March 1, 2019 to February 28, 2020

DEPARTURES: 2019-2020:  Oct 25; Nov: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Dec: 6, 13, 20, 27, Jan: 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, Feb: 7, 14, 21 28

At times there may be special deals- enquire at the time of booking.

EXCLUSIONS:

• All international flights, excess baggage fees, airport departure taxes and other relevant taxes
• Optional activities and excursions
• Drinks, tips, laundry, bottled drinking water and other personal expenses
• Medical, Travel and Baggage Insurance
• Holiday Surcharge
• Items of a personal nature including alcoholic beverages, laundry and telephone calls;
• Tips and gratuities.
• Passport and Visa fees
• Anything not specifically quoted in the inclusions
• Personal expenses
• GST extra as applicable

NOTES:

• All prices are correct at the time of printing and subject to availability.
• All prices are subject to change without notice. Though care has been taken to put appropriate prices, our suppliers may increase their price depending on the availability and season. We therefore request you to allow for changes to occur before the confirmation of the final price. We will inform you about the increase or decrease in prices at the time of booking
• No reservations have been made and accommodation is subject to availability. In case of non-availability, alternate accommodation will be recommended.
• All outdoor activities are weather permitting.
• Smoking is not allowed in the vehicles and most hotel rooms around the world.
• All distances and travelling times are approximate
• Surcharges will be applicable for peak seasons and holidays.
• For reasons beyond our control, we may alter the above itinerary if deemed necessary. Changes to the itinerary will be duly informed to you.
• Namaste Tourism Terms & Conditions Apply.
• All Payments to be made in INR, USD or EUR as per rate of exchange at the time of booking.
• Any payments automatically mean adherence to the terms & conditions of Namaste Tourism.