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Israel: Holy Land Highlights From R42 775
Israel: Holy Land Highlights 8 Nights From R42 775
Run your hands over the Holy Lands on this historic adventure.
A journey through the Holy Land is way more than just a pilgrimage. Entrenched in the ancient but emphatically modern in outlook, nominally Jewish but with lots of Muslim and Christian influence, the complexities of Israel and the Palestinian Territories keeps even the most seasoned history buff intrigued. Eat Israeli street food in Tel Aviv, check out the terraced Bahai Gardens in Haifa, run your hands over the Western Wall, stroll around Manger Square and head out graffiti-spotting in Bethlehem, take a dip in the salty Dead Sea and journey into the Negev Desert to spend a night under the stars. Israel and the Palestinian Territories have more than a bit of history, they are brimming with life.
Why you'll love this trip
Explore the Negev Desert, spotting constellations unimpeded by light pollution and spending a night under the stars.
Walk the way of sorrows – the biblical path Jesus took to the crucifixion, and see the empty tomb He is said to have risen from.
Stop by a social organisation and enjoy a drink of their local drop at responsible boutique winery that employs adults with disabilities.
Wash off the dust of the desert with a float in the salty waters of the Dead Sea – a surreal experience that has to be felt to be believed.
Devour classic Israeli staples like hummus and falafel in the bustling metropolis of Tel Aviv or in the lively Machane Yedhua markets in Jerusalem.
Is this trip right for you?
As the days get warmer, temperatures can start to soar in this region. From April to October, to avoid the midday heat, we start some days very early (ie 5 am). Though we try to make things as comfortable for you as possible, please be prepared for these conditions.
Sites can get congested during peak travel periods with coaches of large pilgrim groups. We do our best to plan our visits around these times but sometimes it is unavoidable. There may be delays, queues and private services that prevent us from entering the site. Your trip leader will manage this as best as they can on the day.
Some of the sites we visit involve walking on rocky and/or steep hillsides, where there is often little or no shade. Comfortable walking shoes and a hat will make it easier to explore the sights.
Known as 'baksheesh' in the Middle East, tipping is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry. If you are satisfied with the services provided a tip is appropriate and always appreciated. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels.
With so much to see and do, Israel and the Palestinian Territories can sometimes be expensive. Expect to pay more than you would in other Middle Eastern countries for a lot of things. It might be a good idea to do some research about places to eat, for example, before you arrive.
Itinerary
Day 1: Tel Aviv
Your journey through the Holy Lands begins in Tel Aviv, a modern city that truly does not stop. With its lively cafe culture, relaxed Mediterranean beach scene, and renowned diverse nightlife, Tel Aviv is a great place to start your exploration of the Holy Lands. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm.
Some of the best beaches can be found a fifteen minute walk from your hotel, you may want to check out Gordon Beach.
Lots of cafes and bars in this area of the city, for this reason the hotel does not offer breakfast on the premises but it is still included so make you sure you confirm with your Leader which cafe breakfast will be served in tomorrow. What a great way to support more local business.
Head out tonight and get to know your travel buddies your Leader will have some recommendations and maybe join you.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, maybe fly in a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Day 2: Nazareth
Today, make like a wise man for Nazareth, stopping at a few significant ports along the way. First up is Jaffa, now a vision of modernity but reputed to be one of the oldest ports in the world. According to the Bible, it’s also where Jonah set off in defiance of God’s wishes before being tossed into the sea and swallowed by a whale. You’ll continue on to Lewinsky Market – a very popular spot for locals and full personality and colour, take a stroll through its aisles and perhaps stop to sample some burekas (traditional pastries) as you walk around. You’ll then head up the coast to Haifa and enjoy the view of the renowned Bahai Gardens, which are a series of 19 terraced gardens that overlook the city. Afterwards, drive to Nazareth, arriving in the afternoon. An orientation walk will help you get your bearings so that you can make the most of your free evening in this holy city.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
Haifa - Baha'i Gardens
Tel Aviv - Lewinsky Market Visit
Jaffa - Tour of Old Jaffa
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 3: Nazareth
Start the morning with a visit to the Church of the Annunciation. This is the site of where Mary received the news of the Immaculate Conception, along with the well where she drew water every day.
Get on the road again and head a short while north to the port city of Acre, known for its well-preserved old city a crumbling remains of its fortress. Explore the excavated hall, dungeon, dining room and crypt of an ancient Gothic church, once occupied by the Knights of St John.
Before heading back to your hotel, stop by a local winery for a glass (or two) of their delicious drop.
Spend the evening in Nazareth.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
Nazareth - Winery Visit
Akko - Knights Fortress Visit
Nazareth - Visit to Church of Annuniciation & Mary's Well
Nazareth - Walking Tour
Meals Included
Breakfast
Special Information
Your winery visit may be one of several in the region depending upon your departure day.
Day 4: Ramon Crater
Head out of Nazareth this morning, on your way to the Negev desert region . Its main city is Be’er Sheva.
Today a special lunch at the Lakiya Negev Bedouin Weaving. This initiative, founded in 1991, is all about empowering Bedouin women in this region to apply their traditional weaving skills in manufacturing and sale of their products, and earn an income. Spend some time with the women, joining them for a cup of tea and a local lunch.
Stop en route to Ramon Crater at Be’er Sheva – the only city built by Ottoman Turks during the rule over this land. In the afternoon, arrive at Mitzpe Ramon, perched on the edge of the Ramon Crater.
Check in to your hotel and grab some free time before sunset when we hop in the back of a 4WD vehicle and head on a desert safari into the crater. Ramon Crater has been recognised as an ‘International Dark Sky Park’ – the first in the Middle East – to promote the preservation of ecological, astronomical and cultural benefits of having a clear night sky, unimpeded by light pollution.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
Beersheba Tour
Ramon Crater Jeep Safari
Negev - Lakiya Bedouin Weaving
Beersheba - Anzac Memorial
Meals Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Day 5: Masada - Jerusalem
Take in a spectacular sunrise then visit Masada, a spectacular cliff-top fortress built by King Herod around 35 BC that is now reached by cable car. The fortress is seen as a symbol of the bravery and self-sacrifice of the Jewish people. Travel on to Ein Gedi, where you’ll have time to wash off during a swim like no other. The Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth, sits at 420 metres below sea level and is so salty that you'll easily float on the surface. Perhaps rub the nutrient-rich mud on your body and later on, as the sun cools, the group will slip into the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve visit the natural spring and wanter falls. Take a short walk on one of the gentle hiking trails before continuing to the Mount of Olives for your first view of the Holy City – Jerusalem. Visit the Garden of Gethsemane, most famous as the place where Jesus prayed and his disciples slept the night before his crucifixion. Also, take a visit to the Church of All Nations (Basilica of the Agony), which is said to hold inside a section of the bedrock Jesus used to pray before his arrest.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
Masada - Masada visit
Dead Sea - Dead Sea visit
Ein Gedi - Nature Reserve
Jerusalem - Mount of Olives
Jerusalem - Garden of Gethsemane
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 6: Jerusalem
Explore Jerusalem’s Old City this morning on foot. Start with the Courtyard of the Dome and the Western Wall – the remains of the Temple Mount, which acts as an outdoor synagogue, where written prayers are slid into the cracks between stones. Then continue along the Via Dolorosa starting at St Stephen’s Gate, passing the crusader church of St Anne and the Pool of Bethesda. Now located in the Muslim Quarter of Jerusalem, this pool was mentioned in the Gospel of John and associated with healing. Continue along the Way of the Cross (Via Dolorosa) – the ‘way of sorrows’ which follows Jesus’ path to crucifixion – and stop by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built where Jesus is believed to have been crucified, died, buried, and rose again.
The afternoon is free for you to continue exploring, so perhaps have more of a wander around the Old City or check out the Israeli Museum.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
Jerusalem - Guided tour of Old City
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 7: Jerusalem
This morning, cross into Bethlehem to visit the Church of the Nativity as well as Manger Square, which was, of course, around where little baby Jesus was said to have been born. Afterwards, discover a different side to Bethlehem on a graffiti tour at the Separation Barrier. It’s said that even Banksy has contributed to these murals, so get your best artistic critique face on.
Continue to Shepherds Field Chapel a Roman Catholic religious building. The chapel is said to mark the place where, according to Catholic tradition, angels first announced the birth of Christ.
Later on, head back to Jerusalem for some time to yourself. This afternoon, why not get a couple of your travel crew together and sit back with a cold beer at one of the many laneway bars near Machane Yedhua Market. There’s a heap of great eating spots around there too.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
Bethlehem - Church of the Nativity & Shepherds' Field
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 8: Jerusalem
Your journey through the Holy Lands comes to an end after breakfast today and there are no activities planned, so you are free to check out at any time.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Inclusions
Meals
7 breakfasts, 1 lunch
Transport
Private vehicle
Accommodation
Hotel (7 nights)
Included activities
Haifa - Baha'i Gardens
Tel Aviv - Lewinsky Market Visit
Jaffa - Tour of Old Jaffa
Nazareth - Winery Visit
Akko - Knights Fortress Visit
Nazareth - Visit to Church of Annuniciation & Mary's Well
Nazareth - Walking Tour
Beersheba Tour
Ramon Crater Jeep Safari
Negev - Lakiya Bedouin Weaving
Beersheba - Anzac Memorial
Masada - Masada visit
Dead Sea - Dead Sea visit
Ein Gedi - Nature Reserve
Jerusalem - Mount of Olives
Jerusalem - Garden of Gethsemane
Jerusalem - Guided tour of Old City
Bethlehem - Church of the Nativity & Shepherds' Field
Terms and Conditions Apply
Ref: IN11003
PLease contact us for more information
luzelle@atravelagent.co.za