Day 1 Monday

WELCOME TO HOLY ISRAEL!

VIP Welcome at Ben Gurion Airport

After landing, a Shalom Israel Tours representative will be waiting to welcome you as you exit the plane. Your party will be transported in a private vehicle to the flight staff passport control, continue to luggage identification and transfer to your luxury chauffeured vehicle.

Ascend to Holy Jerusalem

Welcome to the holiest city in the world! Here you will touch the Western Wall, walk through the diverse and beautiful streets of “new” Jerusalem, and enjoy the city’s sounds, smells, and tastes; experience the people of Jerusalem, their diversity and vibrant culture.

Overnight: Tel Aviv Hotel Options

Day 2 Tuesday

ISRAEL’S COAST – ANCIENT PORTS

Ancient City of Caesarea Ruins

The ruins of Roman and Crusader structures in Caesarea tell the story of this once Christian port town. Highlights include the ruins of a Hippodrome, Roman theater, shop-lined Byzantine Street, Greek mosaic inscription, and Crusader cathedral dedicated to St. Paul.

Zichron Yaakov & Baron de Rothschild

Founded in 1882 by Baron Edmond de Rothschild and the first moshava (town) built in Israel, Zichron Yaakov is known for its wine and picturesque qualities. Enjoy corner cafés, restaurants, shopping, and walk along the city’s famous promenade.

Haifa Bahai Gardens Lookout

Also known as the Hanging Gardens of Haifa, the Bahai Gardens here were built on 19 cascading terraces that rise more than half a mile up the slope of Mount Carmel. From the beautifully landscaped gardens, visitors can take in spectacular views of Haifa and its bay.

Megiddo Ancient Ruins

According to the Book of Revelation, Megiddo (Armageddon) will be the site for the End of Days battle. Megiddo was a major hub on the ancient trade route and was the site of many battles. The site boasts exceptional archaeological remnants from the First Temple period.

Dinner & Overnight: Northern Israel Hotel Options

Day 3 Wednesday

SEA OF GALILEE HOLY SITES & TZFAT

Capernaum National Park

Visit the remains of a Second Temple period fishing village and its synagogue, and imagine the lives of those who dwelled there. We’ll learn about the location where Jesus selected his Apostles and the modern day church that stands where the house of Peter once stood.

Mount of Beatitudes

The Mount of Beatitudes sits on a hilltop at the northern point of the Sea of Galilee, this is where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount.  A Byzantine church was erected near the current site in the 4th century, and it was used until the 7th century.

Banias Spring Caesarea Philipi

A peaceful spot for prayer and reflection, Caesarea Philipi is home to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Israel. See where Jesus cured the woman from Paneas and asked the disciples who they thought he was. Visit the Crusader tower and a still-active water mill.

Tzfat Old City & Artist Quarter

Tzfat is one of the four holy cities in Israel. It has served as a spiritual center since the 1600s, when famous Kabbalists roamed here. Tzfat awaits art lovers, soul-seekers and historians to cobblestone alleys, medieval synagogues, galleries and mystical atmosphere.

Dinner & Overnight: Northern Israel Hotel Options

Day 4 Thursday

THE JORDAN VALLEY – HIGHWAY OF KINGS

Beit She’an National Park

The fully excavated theater and town of Beit Shean tell the story of daily life in the time of Jesus. See the remains of the town, with its colonnaded streets and elaborate bathhouses. Learn about the history of the city, inhabited over the years by pagans, Jews and Christians.

Qasr el Yahud Jordan River Baptizing

One of only two organized outdoor baptismal sites in Israel, this is a must-see for pilgrims. Purify yourself in the water where the Israelites crossed the Jordan, Elijah ascended to heaven and Jesus himself was baptized. Dedicated areas are set up here for prayer sessions.

Jericho Observation Deck

The community of Mitzpe Jericho is located on the edge of the Judean desert and offers stunning panoramic views of the Dead Sea, Jordan River, the ancient city of Jericho and the surrounding hills. The observation deck here is shaded and surrounded by a lush garden.

Jerusalem Promenade Lookout

Arrive in Jerusalem and ascend to the Haas Promenade. In a single view, you will perceive both the Old City and the expanse of modern Jerusalem. This site helps us understand why the Talmud says that of the ten measures of beauty in the world, nine reside in Jerusalem.

Overnight: Jerusalem Hotel Options

Day 5 Friday

JERUSALEM – THE ETERNAL CAPITAL

Israel Museum and Shrine of the Book

Tour Israel’s foremost museum, home to impressive collections of art and archaeology from ancient and modern Israel and the Jewish Diaspora. View some of the original Dead Sea Scrolls, which shed light on the milieu in which Jesus and John the Baptist lived and taught.

Jerusalem Mount of Olives

This historic and deeply religious site near the Holy Temple holds a power and significance which will take your breath away. Look upon the walled Old City of Jerusalem, the Golden Gate, the Kidron and Hinnom valleys, the City of David, Mount Zion and the Temple Mount.

Garden of Gethsemane

Pray at the garden where Jesus prayed before he was arrested. According to Orthodox tradition, this is also the site of Mary’s burial and ascension. Paths winding among ancient olive trees and lush flowerbeds create a peaceful atmosphere for meditation and reflection.

Church of All Nations

Also known as the Basilica of the Agony, the decorative Church of All Nations is built atop one of the most important sites in the New Testament. Enclosing a part of the stone at the Garden of Gethsemane, you will see the spot where Jesus prayed in agony after the betrayal.

Shabbat Dinner & Overnight: Jerusalem Hotel Options

Day 6 Shabbat

OLD CITY HOLY SITES & BETHLEHEM

Via Dolorosa and Stations of the Cross

Walk in the final path of Jesus, starting at the location where Pontius Pilate sentenced Jesus. There are fourteen Stations of the Cross that line the Via Dolorosa, ending with the final station – the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where the crucifixion took place.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Located in the Old City’s Christian Quarter, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the holiest site in Christian faith. It is here that Jesus was crucified and later buried. At the center of the church is the Stone of Unction, the location where Jesus’ body was prepared for burial.

Bethlehem & Church of the Nativity

It is at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem where we will learn about the birth of Jesus. It is one of the world’s oldest churches and houses the Grotto of the Nativity, the spot where the birth took place, marked by a 14-point silver star flanked by majestic silver lamps.

Overnight: Jerusalem Hotel Options

Day 7 Sunday

THE JUDEAN DESERT – KING HERODS FORTRESS

Qumran National Park

See the archaeological site where a Judean sect lived in relative isolation, copying and composing texts to be uncovered 2,000 years later. Hear the story of the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls and their significance for the study of both Judaism and Christianity.

Masada Mountain & Cable Car

Ride via cable car to the top of Masada and explore what remains of King Herod’s palace. See what it was like to live there as you view the preserved baths, cisterns and barracks. It was here that leader Eleazer Ben Yair kept the Roman Legion’s siege at bay for three years.

Dead Sea Float Experience

Yam Hamelach, literally meaning “Sea of Salt,” is 417 meters below sea level, making it the lowest place on earth. Its salty water contains unique healing properties, which, combined with the nutrient-filled mud found on its shores, creates one luxurious and healthy day.

Overnight: Jerusalem Hotel Options

Day 8 Monday

FAREWELL FOR NOW… WE’LL MISS YOU!

Relax in Jerusalem

Filled with marvelous boutique shops, cafes, Judaica and souvenir stores, Jerusalem is the best place to relax, shop and indulge. Explore the store-lined streets of King George and Jaffa Street or head to the German Colony to the chic and fabulous Emek Refaim Street.

Ben Yehuda Street

Here you’ll find all the restaurants, shops, street vendors and street performances you could ever ask for. Sip a latte at one of Ben Yehuda’s many sidewalk cafes, grab a delicious frozen treat, invest in some Judaica, purchase souvenirs, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.

The Old Train Station

Jerusalem’s first train station has been transformed into a beautiful venue for culture and cuisine. Choose from 7 different eateries including cafés, specialty restaurants & ice cream.  Live musicians & artists present throughout, the train station is a great venue to explore!

Farewell Transfer…We’ll Miss you!

Transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for your temporary departure from Israel…Bye for now!