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.
Included meals: breakfast (in flight), dinner

Day 3 - Haifa

Begin your day with a brief walking tour through the Old Town of Jaffa, an ancient port city. 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. Then your tour director will introduce 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. This afternoon brings you to Haifa, with a stop in Caesarea to see its ancient theater, aqueduct and Hippodrome. Enjoy sweeping views of Haifa Bay as you continue to your hotel for an included dinner.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 4 - Haifa

Today, your tour director leads you on a tour through Haifa. Begin with stellar views of Mount Carmel before reveling in the Hanging Bahai Gardens. You’ll next explore the Muslim Quarter before continuing to Rosh Hanikra, where you’ll ride a cable car to view the white cliffs. This afternoon, visit 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.
Included meals: breakfast

$69 USD

Vineyard Dinner Travel along the coast line of the Golan Heights to a quaint countryside winery. Originally built as a perfume factory, the Binyamina winery is now regarded as one of the finest wineries in Israel. Marvel at the lovely gardens, the antique oak barrels and the impressive production plant as your guide walks you through the facilities. Here you will learn about the wine producing process after which you will have a chance to discover the art of fine wine tasting. In an intimate candle-lit dining room you'll sample several Israeli wines over a sumptuous four-course meal of seasonal and freshly baked items selected to compliment your tasting.

Day 5 - Haifa

Begin today with a stop at Tel Megiddo, an ancient city that, according to Revelations, is said to be the site of the final battle between good and evil. Travel to 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. This afternoon, visit Cana to view the wedding church and tour Zippori, known for its mosaics including the “Mona Lisa of Gallilee.”  This evening, travel back in time at our optional Galilean Evening & Dinner excursion.
Included meals: breakfast

$75 USD

Galilean Evening & Dinner Step back into Biblical times on this excursion to the Galilean village of Kfar Kedem. Your hosts will greet you with tea and local dates before you begin to experience the agricultural life of ancient Galilee. You’ll learn how wheat formed a staple of the Jewish diet, how goats and sheep provided milk, meat and wool, and you’ll have the chance to ride a donkey along centuries-old paths. At the end of your excursion, you’ll gather in a traditional shepherd’s tent to savor a variety of regional specialties.

Day 6 - Lake Tiberius

Explore Tel Hazor and the Golan Heights, taking a moment to see Bania Springs. Next, visit Tabagha and Capernaum, villages where Jesus was said to have made local fishermen into “fishers of men” and where he multiplied the loaves and the fish to feed the multitudes. Enjoy views of Gallilee from the Mount of Beatitudes. Arrive later today at Kibbutz Lavi, where you’ll learn more about Israeli culture. Dinner is included this evening.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 7 - Jerusalem

Today brings you to the holy city of Jerusalem, by way of the ancient towns of Belvoir and Jericho. Upon arrival in Jerusalem, visit Mt. Olivet for panoramic views of the Old City. Next, visit the Garden of Gethsemane before arriving at the Western Wall. After this evening’s included dinner, opt for a unique view of Jerusalem by Night.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner

$55 USD

Jerusalem by Night Witness Jerusalem lit up by night and gain a unique view of this historic city. Your tour departs after dinner, making its first stop in Mea Shearim, one of Jerusalem’s oldest neighborhoods. Then you’ll circle the city’s venerable walls before ascending to the top of the Mount of Olives for spectacular views of the twinkling lights of the old city. Your tour concludes with a visit to the Western Wall, a spectacular sound and light show projected onto the ruins of King David’s citadel and a short drive through the new city, including a stop at the Knesset, Israel’s parliament.

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 (the Hebrew word for the Holocaust) education, commemoration, research and documentation. You’ll also visit the Israel Museum, where you might see the Dead Sea Scrolls. The afternoon is free, or you can opt for an excursion to Bethlehem and the Church of the Nativity, said to be the birthplace of Jesus.
Included meals: breakfast

$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. Please note: Travelers on this excursion should be sure to carry their passport for security checkpoint at the Israeli-Palestinian border crossing.

Day 9 - Jerusalem

Discover Jerusalem at your own pace. Or take the day to explore 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 (Please note: spa treatments are not included and may be purchased at the Dead Sea). At Kfar Hanokdom, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable evening of Bedouin hospitality with dinner.
Included meals: breakfast

$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 visit 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 this morning, as does the Upper Room, where Jesus held the Last Supper. The follow the Via Dolorosa to the Church of Holy Sepulcher. Finally, venture into the Muslim and Jewish quarters of Jerusalem. This afternoon is free for you to explore. Perhaps you’ll indulge in the many wonders of the Oriental Bazaar. Relive memories of your journey at tonight’s Farewell Dinner.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Included entrances: King David’s Tomb, the Upper Room, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher

Day 11 - Jerusalem

Transfer to Tel Aviv Airport for your flight home, or extend your stay and continue on to Jordan.
Included meals: breakfast

Protect your investment with affordable travel protection

Basic Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage
Protect yourself in the event you need to cancel your trip or leave your tour unexpectedly due to an emergency. Or choose one of the comprehensive packages below, and receive a discounted rate!

TravelSafe Plus — For one low price, you’ll receive:

• Trip cancellation & interruption protection
• Medical & accident protection
• Baggage & property protection

TravelSafe Gold with Flight Cancellation Protection
Take advantage of the best possible deal for your investment dollar. For $60 USD more, you’ll get all of the above plus additional coverage (up to $1,000 USD) if the flight to your tour is cancelled due to reasons beyond your control.

Purchase your travel protection package early and receive an added benefit!
Purchase one of the above TravelSafe packages within 14 days of reserving your tour, and you’ll automatically receive AnyTime Travel Protection at no additional charge. This means you can cancel for any reason up to 72 hours prior to the departure of your initial flight and still protect your investment. You will be provided with a credit voucher towards your next Go Ahead tour.

What’s unique about these protection plans?

• Most primary travel protection companies don’t cover international travel.
• Under the AnyTime Travel Protection Plan, you can cancel for any reason and your investment is protected in the form of a credit voucher.
• Efekta travel protection covers lost or stolen cash while on tour.
• Efekta travel protection covers the cost towards replacement of valuable documents—such as passports, airline tickets and visas while on tour.
• In the event that your roommate cancels for a reason covered under the policy, you will be reimbursed for the single supplement fee, should you still choose to travel.
• The following policies are also available to be purchased separately:
  • Medical & Accident: $70 USD
  • Baggage & Property: $60 USD

Extended Protection Plan
The Extended Protection Plan allows you to purchase extended coverage for any travel you do before or after meeting up with your Go Ahead Tours tour group (with flights arranged by Go Ahead Tours).

For more detailed descriptions of the benefits available under Efekta Insurance International LTD's Travel Protection Plans please call 1-800-597-0350 or download a PDF copy of the Efekta Travel Protection booklet here.

Passport & Visa

Clothing & Packing Tips

Light, loose-fitting clothing that provides comfort when exploring the sights is essential for your tour. A sun hat, sunglasses and a sturdy pair of walking shoes are recommended for sightseeing. It’s always a good idea to be ready for any eventuality— a lightweight sports jacket and emergency
rainwear are advised. If you plan to visit an especially elegant restaurant or attend the opera or theater, you will probably feel more comfortable
in something moreformal. Also, rememberthat it is preferable not to visit synangogues, mosques, churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).

Be sure to visit www.travelsmith.com, official outfitters for Go Ahead Tours. Please enter JY9220 in the field for Catalog Key Code when creating your account!

Tipping