Day 1 Thursday (VIP Welcome)

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: The Inbal Hotel, Jerusalem*****

Day 2 Friday

THE CITY OF KING DAVID – THE ETERNAL CAPITAL

City of King David Excavations

In 1004 BCE, King David conquered this city and secured the place where the Holy Temple would eventually be built by his son, King Solomon. Remaining structures such as Warren’s Shaft and the Tunnel of Siloam exhibit the intricate workings of this ancient capital city.

Jerusalem Archaeological Park

Experience Second Temple-era Jerusalem on the eve of its destruction by the Romans. See a virtual reconstruction of the Temple, visit the stores and walkways of the surrounding city and see the remnants of the staircase that led to the Temple Mount and the Holy of Holies.

Machne Yehuda “Shuk” (Market)

With more than 250 vendors, this bustling outdoor marketplace is considered the heartbeat of central Jerusalem. Whatever you are looking for, the shuk has it: clothing, Judaica, fresh produce, meats, diamonds, restaurants – and an array of colorful characters throughout.

Friday Night Tour to the Western Wall

On the eve of Shabbat, Jerusalem transforms; stores shut down, and streets and alleyways fall silent, as all begin to anticipate the weekly Shabbat. Our 2000-year-old tour will pass through Jaffa gate and the Golden Menorah, and end at the Wall right as Shabbat begins.

Shabbat Dinner & Overnight: The Inbal Hotel, Jerusalem*****

Day 3 Shabbat

SHABBAT IN JERUSALEM – HOLY CITY OF FIRE

Shabbat Morning at Leisure & Lunch at your Hotel

Enjoy breakfast and a morning of leisure at your hotel. After breakfast enjoy spirited prayers and singing at the Mayanot Shul in Rechavia, or the ornamented Great Synagogue. Following a lavish lunch at the hotel, we’ll explore fascinating neighborhoods of Jerusalem.

Unique Shabbat Afternoon Tour

In the late afternoon we’ll explore the Old City’s Four Quarters: the Jewish Quarter, Christian Quarter, Muslim Quarter and Armenian Quarter. Each stone has a remarkable story to tell, and we’ll uncover the history of this amazing city during the walking tour.

Night Spectacular at the Tower of David

In the evening you’ll head back to the Tower of David’s rooftop to view an epic nighttime extravaganza of sight and sound, depicting the conquests of the Greeks, Romans, Crusaders, Turks and others, as they tried to overtake Jerusalem. This show is simply “Spectacular.”

Overnight: The Inbal Hotel, Jerusalem*****

Day 4 Sunday

THE JUDEAN DESERT – KING HERODS FORTRESS

Qasr Al Yahud Jordan River Crossing

We’ll stop at the point where the Nation of Israel crossed the Jordan River and entered the Land of Israel after their 40 years of wandering in the desert. This is also the site of Elijah the Prophets ascension to heaven in a fiery chariot after he and Elisha crossed the Jordan.

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.

Ein Gedi National Park

In the biblical period, David hid from Saul amongst the streams and canyons of Ein Gedi. Today, Ein Gedi serves as a refuge from city life and from the arid desert. Enjoy a nature walk amongst date trees, waterfalls, caves and ibex. On a hot day, cool off in the water.

Overnight: The Inbal Hotel, Jerusalem*****

Day 5 Monday

UNITED JERUSALEM – THE NEW CITY

Israel Museum & Dead Sea Scrolls

Founded in 1965, this is the largest cultural institution in the State of Israel and one of the world’s leading art and archaeology museums. Here you will find the oldest existing biblical manuscripts in the world, the Dead Sea Scrolls, which are housed in the Shrine of the Book.

Mount Herzl National Cemetery

A burial place for prominent Zionist figures such as Theodore Herzl, Golda Meir and Yitzhak Rabin, here you will also find an expansive military cemetery; one quite full for a country so young. The loss of the soldiers who fought for the land of Israel is palpable.

Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum

In 1963, the Yad Vashem Museum was established as the world center for Holocaust research, education and commemoration. With survivor testimonies, powerful displays, artifacts and memorial gardens, this museum embodies one crucial message: Never again.

Hadassah Chagall Windows

Renowned artist Marc Chagall brought his artistic talent to Israel by creating twelve stained glass windows that explore the Biblical symbolism of the 12 tribes of Israel. The sun filtering through the stained glass creates a brilliantly radiant depiction of famous Jewish imagery.

1967 Six Day War – Ammunition Hill

On the night of June 6^th, 1967, a four-hour battle took place here at Ammunition Hill in which 36 men lost their lives. Today you can view the trenches and reconstructed bunker that serves as a museum and tells the story of the liberation and reunification of Jerusalem.

Overnight: The Inbal Hotel, Jerusalem*****

Day 6 Tuesday

ISRAEL’S COAST – ANCIENT PORTS

Ancient City of Caesarea Ruins

The Caesarea National Park contains the remains of a prestigious city established by King Herod the Great. Prepare to be amazed when you visit the mighty Roman Amphitheatre, the Hippodrome, a 20,000 seat horse racing arena, as well as the impressive Roman Aqueducts!

Tishbi Wine Taste & Chocolate Tasting

Enjoy a wine and chocolate tasting in the Tishbi Winery Visitors’ Center outside Binyamina. Wine and chocolate naturally go together, and Tishbi Winery specializes in of both. The winery’s recently redesigned visitors’ center is designed to assault all the senses at once.

Atlit Museum of Illegal Immigration

This museum captures the lives of “illegal immigrants” to Palestine during the British Mandate. Jews who fled from Nazi persecution and survived the Holocaust found themselves incarcerated by the British in camps similar to those they had fled in Europe.

Dinner & Overnight: The Ramot Resort, Golan Heights*****

Day 7 Wednesday

THE GOLAN HEIGHTS – BATTLEFIELDS & ADVENTURE

Golan Heights Jeeping

Take an exhilarating ride through the Golan Heights. With the sun on your face and the wind in your hair, you’ll venture up, down and all around the luscious green hills of the North. Keep an eye out for bright and blooming fields of flowers and wild animals grazing.

Ancient Katzrin Park

The ancient village of Katzrin highlights daily life in the Talmudic period. Visit an early synagogue, reconstructed homes and an olive press. View an immersive film across six screens and learn about the tools and kitchen implements mentioned in ancient Jewish law.

Golan Magic Welcome Center

Here the Golan comes alive. View a state-of-the-art model, complete with light and sound effects, and a film documenting its history on a 180 degree panoramic screen. This is a great way to deepen your knowledge about the Golan Heights in a relaxing and fun atmosphere.

Mount Bental IDF Bunker

Enjoy views of Syria from a key mountaintop location on Israel’s northern border. From the top of this dormant volcano, you will see the majestic Mount Hermon, the picturesque Druze villages of the Golan and bunkers and trenches left over from the Yom Kippur War.

Dinner & Overnight: The Ramot Resort, Golan Heights*****

Day 8 Thursday

THE GALILEE & TZFAT – CITY OF KABALLAH

Tel Dan National Park

Tour the historical site built and conquered by the Tribe of Dan. In the center of the park, there is a fascinating archeological site with the remains of the biblical city of Laish. Get your feet tickled by fish as you wade through the Dan River, one of the Jordan’s sources.

The Famous Banias Spring

Paneas (Banias) was first settled in the Hellenistic period following Alexander the Great’s conquest of the east. Later King Herrod built a temple here; the ancient remains still stand in front of the cave. After Herod’s death, his son Philip founded his capital near the Banias.

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: The Ramot Resort, Golan Heights*****

Day 9 Friday

OLD JAFFA & TEL AVIV – ISRAEL’S MODERN JOURNEY

Arrive in Tel Aviv

Stretching along a beautiful beach strip of the Mediterranean Sea for 100 years, Tel Aviv is considered the face of modern Israel. Nicknamed “The White City” for its abundance of Bauhaus style architecture, Tel Aviv was declared a UNESCO World Heritage City in 2003.

The Palmach Museum

Founded in 1941, the Palmach became a fully trained underground military force made up of volunteer men and women who fought to rid Palestine of the British – later merging with the IDF for Israel’s War of Independence. The Palmach’s story comes to life at this museum.

Independence Hall

On May 14^th, 1948, David Ben-Gurion proclaimed the founding of the State of Israel, establishing the first Jewish state in 2,000 years. Today, the space where this occasion took place serves as a museum that tells the story of Israel’s Declaration of Independence.

Nachlat Binyamin Arts & Crafts Fair

The first and biggest of its kind in Israel, this average street comes alive every Friday. Displaying Israeli-made crafts, jewelry, home décor and art, all goods on display are hand made and sold by the artists, making a visit to this market a memorable experience.

Overnight: The David Intercontinental Hotel, Tel Aviv*****

Day 10 Shabbat (Free Day)

DAY AT LEISURE IN TEL AVIV

Day at Leisure in Tel Aviv

Visit the “Soho” of Tel Aviv and stroll Dizengoff St., Shenken St. & Rothschild Blvd. Filled with funky street vendors, boutiques and coffee shops alongside simple kiosks and local fast food stalls, Tel Aviv brings out the urban hipster in anyone who walks down these streets.

Tel Aviv – Jaffa Promenade

On a beautiful day, nothing beats a walk along the beach. The Promenade runs the length of the city, from southern Jaffa to the northern Tel Aviv Port. Enjoy the cool sea breeze, the views of the Mediterranean Sea and Tel Aviv skyline and soak up the local atmosphere.

Old Jaffa Port & Market

Built 4,000 years ago, the Jaffa Port is the oldest in the world. The prophet Jonah embarked on his ill-fated journey from this port, and building materials for the First and Second Temples were delivered to Jaffa. The metropolis of Tel Aviv is largely an extension of Jaffa.

Farewell Transfer…We’ll Miss you!

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