Though Israel only officially became a country in 1948, its culture and history date back thousands of years. Come explore a land where different faiths, politics and cultures coexist to create a truly complex and captivating whole.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Tel Aviv

Your trip begins with a regularly scheduled overnight flight to Tel Aviv aboard an internationally recognized airline.

Day 2 - Tel Aviv

Welcome to Tel Aviv, Israel’s cosmopolitan city by the sea. A Go Ahead representative greets you at the airport after you clear customs and then escorts you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or begin acquainting yourself with Tel Aviv. At an included dinner this evening, meet your fellow travelers. (B in flight, D)

Day 3 - Haifa

Embark on a walking tour in the Old Town of Jaffa, an ancient port city, this morning. As the story has it, this was where the prophet Jonah started the journey that left him in the belly of a whale and where Andromeda was tied to a rock as a sacrifice to a sea monster, before later being saved by Perseus. Your tour director then introduces you to Tel Aviv, the first Hebrew city. Take in the city’s trademark Bauhaus architecture, with stops at Rabin Square, Independence Hall and Rothschild Boulevard, one of Tel Aviv’s most picturesque avenues. Your next stop is the White City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so named for its 4,000 buildings built in the Bauhaus or International style. Finally, wander through the colorful Carmel Market and Sheinkin Street. This afternoon brings you to Haifa, with a stop in Caesarea to see its ancient theater and Hippodrome. Enjoy a true Israeli meal at tonight’s included dinner. (B, D)

Day 4 - Haifa

Today, your tour director leads you on a tour through Haifa. Begin with stellar views of Haifa Bay and Mount Carmel before reveling in the Hanging Baha'i Gardens. You’ll next explore the German Colony and Muslim Quarter, to witness the peaceful cohabitation of six different religious groups. Next, make your way to Rosh Hanikra and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Acre, to see the Crusaders' Hall and Al Jazar Mosque. This evening, indulge in an optional dinner and wine tasting. (B)

$69 USD

Vineyard Dinner Travel to one of the most renowned wineries in Israel to sample its fine wines. After your tasting, enjoy a sumptuous meal.

Day 5 - Haifa

Travel to Cana and Nazareth to see the Church of the Annunciation, a holy Christian site and the location where Mary was visited by the Archangel Gabriel and told that God had selected her to be the mother of Jesus. Then pay a visit to a Druze village to encounter a mystical faith and unique way of life before stopping at Tel Megiddo, an ancient city that, according to Revelations, is said to be the site of the final battle between good and evil. This evening, enjoy an optional cruise around beautiful Haifa Bay followed by dinner. (B)

$55 USD

Acre Cruise and Dinner A short drive from Haifa, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Acre is a beautiful city to behold. The ancient city of Acre has significant ties to biblical times, Greek mythology, Roman history and the Crusades. Enjoy the tremendous view of the famous city walls from the water as you cruise around Haifa Bay. Your cruise is followed by an Israeli feast at a local restaurant.

Day 6 - Lake Tiberius

Drive up the Mount of Beatitudes this morning, stopping in Tabgha and Capernaum to find out more about Israel. Next, explore Tel Hazor and the Golan Heights, taking a moment to see Bania Springs. Arrive tonight at Kibbutz Lavi to learn more about Israeli culture. Dinner included this evening. (B, D)

Day 7 - Jerusalem

Today brings you to the holy city of Jerusalem, by way of Belvoir and Jericho. Later this afternoon, embark on a bus tour of the city's most famous sites, including Temple Mount, one of the holiest sites for Jews and Muslims, Mt. Olive and the Garden of Gethsemane. Tonight, join your group for an included dinner. (B, D)

Day 8 - Jerusalem

Spend the morning at Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Memorial Museum. Containing the world’s largest repository of information on the Holocaust, Yad Vashem is the leader in Shoah education, commemoration, research and documentation. Later today, opt to visit Bethlehem and the Church of the Nativity with a stop at a diamond factory. (B)

$39 USD

Bethlehem & the Church of the Nativity A Palestinian city located in the West Bank, about 10 km (6 mi) south of Jerusalem, Bethlehem is revered as the birthplace of Jesus. On your tour, you’ll stop at the Church of the Nativity, which Christians believe marks the spot where Mary gave birth to Jesus.

Day 9 - Jerusalem

Discover Jerusalem at your own pace today. Or take the day to investigate the Fortress of Masada, swim in the Dead Sea and meet the locals at Kfar Hanokdom Bedouin Camp. Included in this excursion are a cable car ride in Masada, lunch and a relaxing spa visit on the Dead Sea. At Kfar Hanokdom, you’ll ride a camel to an unforgettable evening of Bedouin hospitality with dinner. (B) 

$135 USD

Masada, the Dead Sea & Kfar Hanokdom Bedouin Camp Journey up to the Fortress of Masada by cable car, venture to the Dead Sea for a seaside lunch and a spa treatment, and ride a camel to the Bedouin village of Kfar Hanokdom for a traditional dinner and an evening of music and hospitality.

Day 10 - Jerusalem

King David’s Tomb awaits you on Mt. Zion, as does the Upper Room, where Jesus held the Last Supper. Back in the city, walk through the Jewish Quarter to the Western Wall, where you can place a written prayer in the wall. The follow the Via Dolorosa to the Church of Holy Sepulcher. Finally, venture into the Muslim, Christian and Armenian quarters of Jerusalem before indulging in the many wonders to be found at the Oriental Bazaar. Continue exploring on your own or opt to visit Ein Karem, birthplace of John the Baptist. Tonight, rejoin your group to relive your journey over tonight's Farewell Dinner. (B, D) 

$59 USD

Ein Karem Located in southwest Jerusalem, Ein Karem is the village where John the Baptist was born. During your excursion, you’ll visit Ein Karem’s two most important churches and holy sites.

Day 11 - Jerusalem

Transfer to Tel Aviv airport for your flight home, or extend your stay and continue on to Jordan. (B)