Galilee to The Dead Sea - 8 days

Galilee to The Dead Sea - 8 days

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Galilee to The Dead Sea - 8 days

8 Days Starting and ending in Tel Aviv

Visiting: Tel Aviv, Dead Sea, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Galilee, Haifa

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Tour code:

1026/GDS

Group Type:

Private

Specialist Group:

Family/Kids

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

Not recommended for under 5yrs.

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

PRIVATE TOUR: Starting in Tel Aviv, spend 8 days taking in the highlights of Israel, from the famously buoyant Dead Sea and the holy cities of Jerusalem and Nazareth, to the Sea of Galilee and Mount Carmel in Haifa and Caesarea on the Mediterranean coast. All this and much more will be discovered on this once in a lifetime journey.

Highlights

  • Tel Aviv - Explore this cosmopolitan city and the ancient port of Jaffa

  • Masada – Take a cable car up to the ancient fortification of Masada and enjoy unrivalled views over the Dead Sea

  • The Dead Sea – Float in the famously buoyant, mineral-rich waters

  • Jerusalem New City (West Bank) - Admire incredible views of the Old City from Mount Scopus, see the Dead Sea Scrolls in the Israel Museum and visit the World Holocaust Remembrance Centre

  • Jerusalem Old City (West Bank) - Explore the sacred sites of the Old City including the Wailing Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and Via Dolorosa

  • Bethlehem (West Bank) - Visit Shepherd’s Field, the Church of the Nativity and Manger Square

  • Beit Shean - Take in the excavations of this beautifully preserved Roman city

  • Nazareth - See the Church of the Annunciation and other holy sites

  • Safed - Visit a synagogue and the beautiful streets of the artists’ colony in the city of the Kabbalah

  • The wine region - Learn about wine production on a tour of a vineyard and sample fine wine

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Itinerary

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Day 1: Tel Aviv

Location: Tel Aviv

Upon arrival at the Ben Gurion Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Tel Aviv. The rest of the day is at your leisure to independently explore or simply relax. To coincide with sites being open to visit each day, this private tour can start on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

Day 2: Dead Sea

Location: Dead Sea

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Tel Aviv - Beer Sheba - Masada - Dead Sea - Jerusalem (West Bank). Set off from Tel Aviv and drive south past the cities of Ashdod and Ashkelon to the Negev capital of Beer Sheba. After a short visit, we continue via Arad to the Masada Fortress which sits atop an isolated rock cliff and was the last stronghold of the Jewish Zealots in their war against the Romans. Ascending by cable car to the fortress offers incredible views of the Dead Sea and at the top we’ll explore the excavations of Herod’s Palaces, the synagogue and the bathhouse. Later, we descend to the lowest place on Earth to float in the famously buoyant, salt-laden water of the Dead Sea. From the Dead Sea we journey to Jerusalem, passing the oasis of Ein Gedi and the Judean Desert en route. Spend the evening at leisure.

Day 3: Jerusalem

Location: Jerusalem

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today's sightseeing tour of Jerusalem New City starts with a drive to Mt Scopus for a wonderful panoramic view of Old City, before continuing to the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations at the foot of the Mount of Olives. Next stop, is the Israel Museum which houses The Dead Sea Scrolls in the Shrine of the Book. Then, we visit the beautifully renovated Model of the Herodian city of Jerusalem, which dates back to the time of the Second Temple. The next stop on our tour of the New City is Yad Vashem, The World Holocaust Remembrance Centre.





This afternoon, we visit the picturesque village of Ein Karem, which is the birth place of John the Baptist. Then, we travel to Downtown Jerusalem to explore bustling Mahane Yehuda, which is Israel's largest open market.

Day 4: Bethlehem

Location: Bethlehem

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Step back in time on a tour of Jerusalem's revered Old City today. Enter through one of the gates to the walled Old City, to visit the renewed Jewish Quarter, the Western Wall (Wailing Wall), the Temple Mount and the colourful souk. Then we’ll walk along the Via Dolorosa, stopping at the Stations of the Cross en route to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is one of the world's holiest Christian shrines and the site of Jesus' crucifixion and burial. Continuing our sightseeing, we visit Mt Zion and the tomb of King David, the Room of the Last Supper and Dormition Abbey.





This afternoon, we drive to Bethlehem to visit the birthplace of Jesus at the Church of the Nativity before returning to Jerusalem for the night.

Day 5: Nazareth

Location: Nazareth

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Beit Shean - Nazareth - Safed - Galilee. Bid farewell to Jerusalem and drive north past Jericho, which is considered to be the world's oldest city. Travelling through the Jordan Valley and the new settlements to Beit Shean and see the excavations of this beautiful preserved Roman city before continuing on to Nazareth to visit the Church of Annunciation and other Christian holy sites. Our final stop of the day is Safed, the city of the Kabbalah and centre of Jewish mysticism, where you'll visit a synagogue and explore the beautiful streets of the artists’ colony. Your home for the next two nights is a Kibbutz Hotel in Galilee.

Day 6: Galilee

Location: Galilee

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Driving to the Golan Heights today, we will visit the former Syrian fortifications and the Druze villages, passing Banias, the source of the Jordan River. Then, enjoy a tour of the Israeli wine country, visiting picturesque vineyards where you can take in the wonderful views, learn about wine production and sample fine wines.





Descending to the shore of the Sea of Galilee, take a tour of the Miracle Sites. In Capernaum, we’ll visit the ruins of the ancient synagogue, the Mount of Beatitudes - site of the ‘Sermon on the Mount’ and Tabgha - site of the miracle of the loaves and the fish. Then travel to Tiberias, the old centre of Jewish learning. This afternoon there is also an optional sailing trip across the Sea of Galilee to experience the tranquillity and beautiful scenery which has hardly changed in the past 2000 years (book and pay locally). Then return to your Kibbutz Hotel for the night.

Day 7: Haifa

Location: Haifa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Galilee - Acre - Haifa - Caesarea - Tel Aviv. After breakfast, we drive through the hills of Galilee, westwards to Acre, where you'll explore this old Crusader stronghold and its medieval fortifications. Continue to Haifa, the largest city in northern Israel which dates back over 3000 years. Sightseeing here includes the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Bahai Shrine and the magnificent gardens on the slopes of Mount Carmel, which are spread over 19 terraces, the highest of which is the Persian Gardens where you can enjoy the wonderful panoramic view of the city and Haifa Bay.





Travelling down the coast to reach Caesarea, to visit the Roman Theatre and Crusader fortress at what is known as the “masterpiece of Herod the Great”. Then, we continue our journey to Tel Aviv and end the day with a short city tour of Tel Aviv and the ancient port of Jaffa.

Day 8: Tel Aviv

Location: Tel Aviv

Meals Included: Breakfast

Arrangements come to an end after breakfast and onward transfer to Ben Gurion Airport. Alternatively, extend your stay to enjoy more time in cosmopolitan Tel Aviv, please enquire.

What's Included

  • Breakfast daily and 6 dinners

  • 7 nights SUPERIOR hotels. Other hotel options may also be available upon request. Accommodation rating – See Trip Notes for details

  • Touring - Masada, Dead Sea, Jerusalem, Ein Karem, Beit Shean, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Sea of Galilee, Acre, Haifa, Caesarea, Jaffa and Tel Aviv

  • Entrance fees for all included sightseeing

  • Vineyard tour and wine tasting in Israel's wine region

  • Escorted by an English speaking driver guide

  • An airport arrival transfer on day 1 and a departure transfer on day 8

  • All transfers and transportation in modern air-conditioned vehicles

What's Not Included

  • International flights and visa

  • Tip for your tour guide and driver. We recommend you allow USD$5-7 per day, per traveller for your guide and USD$2 per day, per traveller for your driver. Tipping your guide and driver is an entirely personal gesture

Accommodation

Hotel Metropolitan



Within easy walking distance from major city attractions, Hotel Metropolitan is a modern hotel with excellent amenities. Guest rooms are designed in a contemporary style with soft furnishings and stylish en suite bathrooms. The hotel also has an onsite bar and cafe serving food throughout the day. In the summer head to the outdoor pool with sundecks - the perfect way to start the day!



Perfectly located in the centre and very heart of Tel Aviv.





Grand Beach Hotel



Located just a few minutes walk from Tel Aviv's golden beaches, the Hotel Grand Beach offers a comfortable and luxurious atmosphere. Guest rooms are modernly furnished and include free Wi-Fi. With a number of excellent eating options including a lavish buffet in the 'Jerusalem' dining room. The roof top pool is another highlight affording stunning views of the seafront and the city and is a great place to cool off!



Perfectly located close to the sea front and the bustling city centre with lots of restaurants and cafes nearby.





Hotel Grand Court



Centrally located. the Hotel Grand Court is a very modern hotel and an excellent base for exploring the holy city. Guest rooms are bright and well furnished with free Wi-Fi throughout. The Garden Court is the perfect spot to enjoy breakfast al-fresco. There is also a refreshing outdoor pool to relax in or by (open April - September).



Perfectly located just a short walk from the Old City.





Ramada by Wyndham Jerusalem



Conveniently located near the entrance to the city with plenty of museums and shopping close by and the Old City just a short 15-minute taxi drive away. This comfortable hotel offers spacious and bright guest rooms and has a wide range of amenities including free WIFI and a hearty Israeli buffet breakfast. During your spare time unwind in the saunas or go for a swim in the indoor or seasonal outdoor pools.





Kibbutz Kfar Giladi



Founded in 1916, the Kibbutz Kfar Giladi is a recently renovated hotel in a former Kibbutz. All of the guest rooms are well furnished and include breathtaking views across the dramatic Golan Heights. Internet access is available and the hotel also offers a sauna and massage service for guests who fancy a bit of pampering. Delicious kosher food is served for breakfast; and lunch and dinner can be ordered upon request.



The accommodation is located in Upper Galilee offering stunning views of the Hula Valley and Mount Hermon.

Age Policy

Not recommended for under 5yrs.

Check out our Q&As

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    An airport arrival transfer on day 1 and a departure transfer on day 8

  • What is the tipping policy?

    SuperiorTip for your tour guide and driver. We recommend you allow USD$5-7 per day, per traveller for your guide and USD$2 per day, per traveller for your driver. Tipping your guide and driver is an entirely personal gesture

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Paul Kelly (Google Reviewer)  

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9...

26-Feb-2023

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9 day tour of Morocco visiting many main cities and places of interest. The coach was very comfortable and we felt safe with the driver Suliman. The guide was Hicham Touraouine and he was fantastic. He spoke perfect English as well as French, Arabic and Berber. He was so kind and considerate and made a good tour great. We particularly enjoyed ‘glamming in the Sahara Desert. So much to see and do and great food and company. We would definitely use On The Go Tours again, especially if Hicham was the guide. Paul & Penny

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    On The Go Tours allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform on the go tours, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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