Galilee to The Dead Sea - 8 days
Galilee to The Dead Sea - 8 days
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:
Tour code:
1026/GDS
Group Type:
Private
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
Not recommended for under 5yrs.
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
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
Itinerary
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
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Breakfast daily and 6 dinners
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7 nights SUPERIOR hotels. Other hotel options may also be available upon request. Accommodation rating – See Trip Notes for details
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Touring - Masada, Dead Sea, Jerusalem, Ein Karem, Beit Shean, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Sea of Galilee, Acre, Haifa, Caesarea, Jaffa and Tel Aviv
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Entrance fees for all included sightseeing
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Vineyard tour and wine tasting in Israel's wine region
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Escorted by an English speaking driver guide
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An airport arrival transfer on day 1 and a departure transfer on day 8
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All transfers and transportation in modern air-conditioned vehicles
What's Not Included
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International flights and visa
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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
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
An airport arrival transfer on day 1 and a departure transfer on day 8
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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
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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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.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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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+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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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.
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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.
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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.