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Come for the history, and stay for the culture.
Ancient and historic. Energetic and eclectic. For a nation steeped in thousands of years of tradition, Israel feels surprisingly contemporary. Step back in time at famous sites that span stunning landscapes on this small group Adventure Tour. Plus, after trying off-the-charts good food, you’ll discover why this small corner of the world makes such a big impression.
Your tour package includes
8 nights in handpicked hotels
8 breakfasts
2 lunches
3 dinners with beer or wine
1 wine tasting
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Included highlights
Jaffa's Old Town
Crusaders fortress in Acre
Kibbutz visit
Olive oil farm
Golan Heights Jeep tour
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Start planning today
An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.
Welcome to Israel! Gather with your Tour Director and fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.
Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Jaffa & Tel Aviv
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting
Join your Tour Director for a sightseeing tour of Tel Aviv, a modern metropolis located on the Mediterranean Sea.
Walk through the Old Town of Jaffa
Stroll along the cobblestone streets to admire the many shops, restaurants, and cafes located in this historic port city
Step inside an Arab Israeli family’s home, meet the homeowners, and enjoy a cup of coffee paired with a traditional sweet
Discover the UNESCO-listed White City, named for its 4,000 buildings built in the Bauhaus and International styles
Stop at Rabin Square to see the Holocaust Monument designed by Israeli sculptor Igael Tumarkin
Enjoy free time in Tel Aviv or add an excursion.
Carmel Market & Israeli Cooking Class with Dinner
From $145 per person
Galilee2 nights
Day 4: Galilee via Isfiya, Haifa & Acre
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting
Discover some of Israel’s legendary sites and living traditions as you make your way to Galilee, a fertile, mountainous region in northern Israel..
Visit Isfiya, home to many members of the Druze faith
Learn about their religion, culture, and history on a walk through the village with a local guide
Hear how the traditions of this ethnoreligious group make up part of Israel’s modern-day culture
Head to Haifa and admire the views of Mount Carmel and the hanging Bahá'í Gardens
Continue on to Acre and taste local foods at Acre Market
Step inside the Knights’ Halls in the Crusaders fortress with your Tour Director
Day 5: Olive oil farm, kibbutz visit & Golan Heights
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting, Lunch, Wine tasting
Stop by a female-run, non-profit Israeli olive oil farm this morning.
Tour the visitor’s center and factory store with a local guide
Hear about the work the Arab and Jewish employees do to promote Fair Trade in Israel
Sample olive oil during a tasting
Then, join a local guide on a visit to an Israeli kibbutz.
Learn about this communal way of living, established in 1909
Hear how community members work together on agricultural, technological, and industrial enterprises
Enjoy an included lunch with the locals
Set off on a Jeep tour and adventure through the Golan Heights later this afternoon.
Meet a local guide for a Jeep tour of the region
See old military outposts as you learn about the Syrian-Israeli disputes over the land in the Golan Heights
Try wines at a boutique winery and learn how the vintners make these varietals
Dead Sea Region1 night
Day 6: Dead Sea Region via Beit She'an
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting, Dinner
En route to the Dead Sea region, stop to visit Beit She’an National Park, one of the oldest cities in Israel.
Learn how the city was settled around 6,000 years ago and has continuously remained inhabited
Take time to explore the impressive archaeological remains of Canaanite, Egyptian, and Roman cities
This afternoon, relax in the famously salty waters of the Dead Sea. This body of water is located at the lowest point on Earth, and you’ll have free time to hang out on the beach or take a swim.
This evening, sit down for an included dinner.
Jerusalem3 nights
Day 7: Jerusalem via Kfar Hanokdim Bedouin camp
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Enjoy a free morning in the Dead Sea region or add an optional excursion.
Travel to Jerusalem this afternoon, making stops along the way.
Visit the Kfar Hanokdim Bedouin camp and learn about the Bedouin culture and lifestyle
Enjoy an opportunity to ride a camel in the Judean Desert
Experience Bedouin hospitality during an included lunch in a tent
Arrive in Jerusalem and join your Tour Director on a walking tour of the Mount of Olives at sunset.
See the Church of the Pater Noster and the Garden of Gethsemane where, according to the Gospels of the New Testament, Jesus was arrested before his crucifixion
Enjoy panoramic views of the Old City
Masada National Park Hike
From $89 per person
Day 8: Yad Vashem
Included meal: Breakfast
Spend time at Yad Vashem, the Holocaust History Museum. This museum is a world leader in Holocaust education, commemoration, and research.
Spend a free afternoon and evening in Jerusalem or add an excursion.
Jerusalem Home-Hosted Shabbat Dinner
From $125 per person
Day 9: Walking tour of Jerusalem
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting, Farewell dinner
Take a walking tour of Jerusalem’s Old City with your Tour Director. You’ll see the city’s historic sites and learn about the artisans practicing traditional trades.
Venture into the Muslim, Christian, Armenian, and Jewish quarters
Step inside local shops to see tradespeople creating their craftwork
Visit Jebrini Tahini, the only tahini producer in Jerusalem still using the traditional stone-grinding method to make the product
Try various types of the sesame-based condiment
Pay a visit to the Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall
Follow the Via Dolorosa to the Church of Holy Sepulchre
Head to Mount Zion to view King David’s Tomb and the Upper Room, where Christians believe Jesus held the Last Supper
Tonight, celebrate your trip with your group at a farewell dinner.
Flight Home
Day 10: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
Transfer to the airport for your flight home or continue your tour in Jordan.
Extension to Jordan
Jordan is one of the most welcoming countries in the world. The striking landscapes are only rivaled by the UNESCO sites (both outmatched by local hospitality). Continue your adventure to tour the lost city of Petra, take a desert safari through the Wadi Rum sand dunes, and visit a local women's collective.
Petra2 nights
Day 10: Petra via Jerash
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel along the Jordan Valley, crossing into the Kingdom of Jordan, and stop to visit Jerash—one of the world’s largest and best-preserved Roman ruins.
Then, continue on to Petra and sit down for an included dinner.
Day 11: Sightseeing tour of Petra
Included meal: Breakfast
Head to the city of Petra, carved into the red rocks of Mount Hor, and embark on a guided tour.
Learn about Petra’s unique architecture, one of the reasons it’s on the list of modern world wonders
Walk through the UNESCO World Heritage Site to the famous Al-Khazneh temple
See the intricately carved pillars and columns that make up the Palace Tomb
Stroll through the winding gorge known as the Siq
Please note: In order to enter Petra, customers should be able to walk two miles round-trip in hot weather over uneven terrain. Other modes of transportation may be available for you to book upon your arrival at an additional cost.
Spend a free evening in Petra or add an excursion.
Levantine Cooking Class & Dinner
From $75 per person
Amman1 night
Day 12: Amman via Wadi Rum
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive to Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon, and marvel at the region’s landscapes and petroglyphs on a desert safari.
Hop in a Jeep and ride to a red sand dune
Set off on an optional walk to view ancient rock carvings
Stop at a Bedouin tent to learn about the traditions of this ethnic group, largely regarded as Jordan’s first inhabitants, and enjoy Arabic coffee
Sit down for a buffet lunch in an air-conditioned, desert bubble camp
Later, continue on to Amman. You’ll join a local family for a home-hosted dinner. Enjoy traditional Jordanian cuisine as you learn more about your host’s daily lives.
Overnight Flight1 night
Day 13: Iraq Al Amir women’s cooperative, sightseeing tour of Amman & departure
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Head outside of Amman to visit the Iraq Al Amir women’s cooperative.
Learn how working at the cooperative empowers women to achieve financial independence and raise their standard of living
Watch the employees make soap from olive oil and greeting cards from recycled paper
Make paper or pottery during a hands-on workshop
Share a meal prepared by the women at the collective
Travel back to Amman for a guided tour of the capital city this afternoon.
Explore the ruins of the citadel and Roman Theater
Walk through the Old City
Then, relax in a dayroom before boarding your flight home.
That's all it takes to secure your spot on tour with AutoPay. Then, pay for your trip in interest-free, monthly installments.†
Reviews
4.8 star rating
Overall rating 4.8 out of 5
Based on 5 authentic traveler reviews
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Featured
5.0 star rating
Amazing tour!
3/24/23 by 11th-time traveler Anonymous
I choose to travel with Go Ahead because it understands that its travelers want to visit and understand what they are seeing and how it connects/relates.
Because of the thoughtful selection of the tour’s locations and activities, we were offered an understanding of ancient and current Israel, visi...
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EF Go Ahead Tours replied on 4/13/23
Thank you for your review! We are so glad that you...
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5.0 star rating
Israel, Jordan extension
3/24/23 by 2nd-time traveler Donna
What a delightful experience! This trip surpassed all my expectations and has become my favorite destination. It was an action packed walk through time and brought the pages of the Bible up and alive and in 3-D, thanks to our wonderful guide Miky. This beautiful country with its diversity of people ...
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5.0 star rating
Wonderful trip!
3/24/23 by 2nd-time traveler Harriet
Overall my trip to Israel was wonderful. Our tour guide was fun and knowledgeable. The sites were exactly what I wanted and expected to see; but, there were surprises as well. Our hotels were outstanding and transportation perfect. I felt well taken care of and have already signed on for two more t...
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Hotels, flights & FAQ
Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.
Hotels
We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.
Dan Panorama Tel Aviv
This elegant hotel is located in the Neve Tzedek neighborhood. Guests enjoy a pool, fitness center, and Wi-Fi. Nearby, you'll find beaches along the M...
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Ruth Zefet Hotel
This luxurious hotel is located in the heart of the Old City of Zefat. Guests enjoy a large outdoor pool, spacious rooms, and an on-site restaurant fe...
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Daniel Dead Sea Hotel
This beachfront hotel is located in Tamar on the shores of the Dead Sea. Guests enjoy the private beach area, large spa complex, and outdoor pool area...
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Dan Jerusalem Hotel
This contemporary hotel is located in Jerusalem. Guests enjoy indoor and outdoor pools, Wi-Fi, and a spa. Nearby, you'll find the Old City, the Dead S...
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The Old Village Hotel & Resort
This unique, rustic-chic hotel is located in the town of Wadi Musa, Jordan. Guests enjoy a swimming pool, sauna, restaurant, and bar. Nearby, you’ll f...
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Intercontinental Amman
This contemporary hotel is located in Amman's Diplomatic Area. Guests enjoy the outdoor and indoor pools, homemade morning cakes and pastries, and spa...
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Flights
Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.
Add our airfare package and you'll get:
Round-trip flight for your tour
Airport transfers at your destination
A great price locked in today
24/7 support from our dedicated service team
Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
In order to enter Israel (and Jordan on the tour extension), U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
We recommend having at least two blank passport pages for entry stamps.
There is no visa required for U.S. and Canadian citizens to enter Israel.
A group visa for entry into Jordan (on the tour extension) will be provided for all travelers whose flights have been arranged through Go Ahead Tours, as well as for travelers who book their own flights and provide Go Ahead Tours with their full passport and flight details.
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code ISL.
You will walk for at least 4 hours daily across uneven terrain, including paved roads, cobblestone streets, and dirt paths, with some steep hills.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times.
Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
You will have a different Tour Director in Jordan on the tour extension.
When crossing into Jordan on the tour extension, the Tour Director for the Israel portion of your tour will leave while you’re on the Israeli side of the border and will not cross into Jordan with your group. The bus and driver will drive your group five minutes to the Jordanian side of the border, where you’ll meet the Tour Director for the Jordan portion of your tour who will assist with the groups Visas.
Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in and depart from Tel Aviv (or from Amman on tour extension). A Go Ahead Tours representative will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered, as well as a light jacket or rainwear. Please note that temperatures will dip with changes in elevation throughout your tour.
A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
A sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen is recommended for outdoor activities.
You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
It is preferable not to visit churches, temples, or other religious sites with bare legs or shoulders (entrance may be denied on this basis).
At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
Please be sure to take proper care with sun exposure, the sun can be especially strong in some of the areas you are visiting.
If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to goaheadtours.com and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.
You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code ISL.
Israeli food is invariably fresh and very carefully prepared. A typical breakfast may consist of sourdough bread with sheep’s-milk cheese and olives, as well as jam or honey. You’ll find everything from Kosher meals to dishes with Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences, as well as the international choices available in any major city. On the coast, fish is an excellent choice.
On the tour extension, Jordanian cuisine resembles that of the rest of the Middle East. Olives, hummus, sesame seeds, and herbs are typical in many meals. Falafel is the main street food and many meals are served with rice. Hummus and salad are also popular and available at many restaurants.You'll find plenty of opportunities to sip mint tea or Turkish coffee.
Israel (and Jordan on the tour extension) operates on 220 volts and historically uses a Type H plug, with three flat pins. As the Type H plug is being phased out, you will mostly encounter a new socket that fits both a newer, round-pinned version of the Type H plug as well as the European standard Type C plug with two round pins.
We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
The strength of the air conditioning in Middle Eastern hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what one might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.
You will use the Israeli new shekel in Israel (and the Jordanian dinar in Jordan on the tour extension).
Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
We recommend tipping the equivalent of $8USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
