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Overview Itinerary Reviews Hotels, flights & FAQ

The Wonders of Ancient Israel: Christian Heritage

with Jordan extension

Duration: 10 or 14 days
Group size: 15-35
Reviews: 38

Watch as Christianity’s backdrops come to light.

Follow in the footsteps of Jesus of Nazareth and his Apostles as you explore the Christian heritage of Israel. From Jesus’ birthplace in Bethlehem to his crucifixion and resurrection in the Holy City of Jerusalem, explore the stories and scenes that set the foundation for an entire faith.

Your tour package includes

8 nights in handpicked hotels
8 breakfasts
5 dinners with beer or wine
15 guided sightseeing tours
Expert Tour Director & local guides

Included highlights

St. Peter’s Church
Megiddo
Church of the Annunciation
Mount of Beatitudes
Sea of Galilee cruise

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Day-by-day itinerary

Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Tel Aviv today.

Tel Aviv1 night

Day 2: Arrival in Tel Aviv

Included meal: Dinner

Get to know Tel Aviv at your leisure before meeting your Tour Director and fellow travelers at a welcome dinner.

Haifa1 night

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Tel Aviv & transfer to Haifa

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Explore Tel Aviv on a guided tour.

• Walk through the Old Town of Jaffa, an ancient port city

• Pay a visit to St. Peter’s Church, dedicated to the Apostle Peter’s resurrection of the disciple Tabitha

• Take in Tel Aviv’s Bauhaus architecture, including Rabin Square, Independence Hall, and Rothschild Boulevard

• View the White City, named for its 4,000 buildings built in the Bauhaus and International styles

• Enjoy free time to explore Tel Aviv’s Carmel Market

Later, on your way to Haifa, discover some of Israel’s most legendary sites, including the ancient theater and hippodrome of Caesarea and the Knights Halls in the Crusaders fortress of Acre. Then, sit down for an included dinner.

Lake Tiberias2 nights

Day 4: Travel to Lake Tiberias

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Get to know Haifa on a guided tour. Then, delve into Israel’s spiritual history and spectacular scenery as you make your way to the Lake Tiberias region.

• Admire views of Haifa Bay and Stella Maris Monastery from Mount Carmel

• Wander through the hanging Bahá'í Gardens

• Discover Megiddo, the site of the final battle between good and evil

• Journey to Nazareth to visit the Church of the Annunciation and the Church of the Transfiguration

• Enter the Wedding Church, where Jesus turned water into wine

Upon arrival at Lake Tiberias, enjoy an included dinner.

Day 5: Mount of Beatitudes, Capernaum & Tabgha

Included meal: Breakfast

Stroll, cruise, and climb through the backdrops of biblical stories.

• Ascend the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount

• Step inside Tabgha and the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes

• Cruise along the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus walked on water

• See the home thought to have belonged to St. Peter in Capernaum

• Visit Yardenit, a famous baptismal site along the River Jordan

Later, enjoy a free evening in the Lake Tiberius region or add an excursion.

Galilean Evening & Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Jerusalem4 nights

Day 6: Jerusalem via Jericho

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Soak in the region's vibrant spirit as you travel to Jerusalem.

• Ride a cable car to the Quarantal Monastery and snap a photo of the Old Sycamore Tree in Jericho

• Drive past Jerusalem’s most famous sites, including the Temple Mount, Mount of Olives, and the Garden of Gethsemane

• Enter the Church of the Pater Noster, which commemorates the spot where Jesus first taught the Lord’s Prayer

After an included dinner, enjoy a free evening in Jerusalem or add an excursion.

Jerusalem by Night

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 7: Free day in Jerusalem

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend the day exploring Jerusalem at your leisure or add an excursion.

Masada, the Dead Sea & Kfar Hanokdim Bedouin Camp

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 8: Sightseeing tour of Jerusalem & Mount Zion

Included meal: Breakfast

Delve deeper into Jerusalem’s holy landmarks and cultural quarters.

• At the summit of Mount Zion, discover King David’s Tomb and the Upper Room, site of the Last Supper

• Walk through the Jewish Quarter to the Western Wall and place a written prayer in the wall

• Follow the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre

• Venture into the Muslim and Christian quarters of Jerusalem

• Visit the Oriental Bazaar

• See the Church of St. Peter, where Peter repented after denying Jesus three times

Day 9: Sightseeing tour of Bethlehem

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Delve deeper into Bethlehem’s holy landmarks and cultural quarters.

• Visit the Church of the Nativity, built on the spot where Jesus was born

• Explore the Milk Grotto, where the Holy Family sought refuge

• Uncover Ein Karem, the home of John the Baptist and the site of the Visitation of Mary

Later, 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

Since July 1994, when Jordan's King Hussein and the Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Rabin signed a declaration ending the animosity between their two countries, Jordan has opened its doors to the west. Encompassing sweeping verdant and arid landscapes and relics of some of the world's oldest civilizations, Jordan is one of the most warm and welcoming countries on earth. Not to be missed are Petra, the River Jordan, and the Greco-Roman city of Jerash.

Petra2 nights

Day 10: Petra via Jerash

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Continue along the Jordan Valley, crossing into the Kingdom of Jordan. Stop to visit Jerash, one of the world’s largest and best-preserved Roman ruins before continuing on to Petra.

This evening, enjoy a home-hosted dinner with a local Jordanian family.

• Talk with the family to learn about the local culture

• Try local specialties such as a famous rice dish called maqluba, a traditional style of chicken known as musakhan, and mansaf, the national dish of Jordan

Day 11: Petra

Included meal: Breakfast

Discover Petra, a city lost to the outside world for centuries. Carved into the red rocks of Mount Hor, Petra has fascinated visitors since its rediscovery in 1812.

Please note: In order to enter Petra, customers should be able to walk two miles round-trip in hot weather. Other modes of transportation may be available for you to book upon your arrival.

Spend a free evening in Petra or add an excursion.

Traditional Jordan: Bedouin Camp Visit & Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

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. Then, enjoy an included lunch.

Continue on to Amman and sit down for an included dinner tonight.

Overnight Flight1 night

Day 13: Sightseeing tour of Amman & late-night departure

Included meal: Breakfast

Explore Madaba, the city of mosaics, and St. George’s Church. Next, head to Mount Nebo, Moses’ burial place. Return to Amman in the afternoon for a guided tour of the old city featuring the citadel and Roman theater.

Then, relax in a dayroom before boarding your flight home.

Arrive Home

Day 14: Travel day

Arrive home today.

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Reviews

4.7 average

Israel - a journey in history.

07/02/2019 by 4th time traveler Charlotte P.

Have you ever read a book and wanted to experience all of its culture, events, foods and history? That’s what happens when you read you Bible and then travel to Israel. Go ahead never fails to deliver.

04/11/2019 by 2nd time traveler Rita S.

I think the pace of the tour was a little fast. I think I would have enjoyed seeing less places and not felt so hurried. Our last hotel was changed at the last minute. There were some problems with hot water and heating. We were in the middle of the Jewish quarter and arrived at our hotel Saturday t...

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Go Ahead Tours replied on 04/11/2019

Dear Rita, Thank you for your feedback! We always ...

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03/26/2019 by 2nd time traveler Julie A.

There are lots and lots of stairs. Please prepare yourself for lots of uneven walking and stairs. The trip is fantastic though.

Holy Land

03/07/2019 by 2nd time traveler Gilbert M.

A great tour overall! Tour guide was excellent, informed, communicated well information and history. Hotels were good and delicious food too! Booking again with EF Go Ahead Tours to the Holy Land next year and already booked a tour to beautiful Ireland, Scotland and England in the summer!

Go Ahead Tours replied on 03/07/2019

Dear Gilbert, Thank you so much for the glowing re...

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Trip of a lifetime. Go Ahead and our guide provided us with beautiufl memories.

02/19/2019 by 2nd time traveler Glen H.

Great flight, over the top wonderful guide,food good but a bit repetitive, hotels ok-some need updating but staff helpful and nice, bus very comfortable and driver superb. Each day was filled with new adventures, history both cultural and spiritual, fun group of travelers and nice weather. This is...

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Go Ahead Tours replied on 02/19/2019

Dear Glen, We are thrilled to read there are so ma...

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Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

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 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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Caesar Premier Hotel Tiberias

This contemporary hotel is located in Tiberias. Guests enjoy an outdoor pool, sauna, and Wi-Fi. Nearby, you'll find Lake Tiberias, St. Peter’s Church,...

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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

Find out more about flights

FAQ

Passport & visa requirements

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.
On the tour extension, a group visa for entry into Jordan will be provided for all travelers whose flights have been arranged through Go Ahead Tours.
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Tour pace

You will walk for about 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.

Transportation & arrival information

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in and depart from Tel Aviv (or from Amman on tour extension). A representative from Go Ahead Tours 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.

Baggage allowance

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.

Clothing & packing tips

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 are 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).

Health

There are no major health risks associated with traveling to Israel.
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 your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.

Cuisine

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.

Electricity & air conditioning

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.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

Time zones

Israel (and Jordan on the tour extension) is 7 hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
When it's noon in New York City, it's 7pm in Israel.

Currency

You will use the Israeli new shekel in Israel (and the Jordanian dinar 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.

Tipping

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 $7USD 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.
Tips can only be paid in cash.

Purchasing excursions on tour

Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information. International travel is, by its very nature, unpredictable. We must therefore reserve the right to change this itinerary, without advance notice, to meet with local conditions at the time of travel. We appreciate your understanding. Please refer to our website for Terms & Conditions, dates, and prices.