Israel Discovery Summer 2017
DAY 1 YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS
Board your overnight flight to Europe (please ask about our great deals).
DAY 2 WELCOME TO TEL AVIV
You are met at Ben Gurion Airport and transferred to your hotel in Tel Aviv. Share a drink with your fellow guests during a short introduction to your trip. Hotel: Sheraton Tel Aviv & Towers Welcome Reception
DAY 3 EXPLORING VIBRANT TEL AVIV
(Relaxed Start) Morning sightseeing shows you the highlights of this vibrant city – the Habimah National Theatre, Rabin Square and Carmel Market. Drive along the seashore to the ancient city of Jaffa – see the famous clock tower and view the old harbour. Visit the artists' quarter with its galleries, boutiques and picturesque narrow lanes. At night, enjoy a traditional Shabbat dinner at your hotel.
Hotel: Sheraton Tel Aviv & Towers Buffet Breakfast, Signature Evening
DAY 4 TO CAESAREA, ACRE, NAZARETH AND GALILEE
Leaving Tel Aviv, drive along the coastal road to Caesarea to explore the ancient Roman and Crusader ruins, including the huge amphitheatre. Travel via Haifa to Acre, fought over for centuries and captured in turn by Saracens and Crusaders, including Richard the Lionheart. See the fortress, the old harbour area and Crusader crypt before continuing to Nazareth. Visit one of Christianity's most sacred places, the Church of Annunciation, on the site where the angel is said to have appeared to Mary. Head on to your welcoming hotel in Tiberias, on the Sea of Galilee. The day concludes with a brief introduction to life on a Kibbutz.
Hotel: Leonardo Plaza, Tiberias Buffet Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5 ALONG THE JORDAN VALLEY TO THE DEAD SEA
Visit the ancient wooden boat which dates back to the times of Jesus and enjoy a cruise on the Sea of Galilee. Visit Capernaum, where Jesus is said to have entered the Synagogue and taught, and then head to the Mount of Beatitudes, where he preached the Sermon on the Mount. Next, journey through ever-changing landscapes along the Jordan Valley, past ancient Jericho to take a dip in the buoyant salt waters of the Dead Sea. Hotel: Hod Hotel, Dead Sea Buffet Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6 MASADA & THE HOLY CITY OF JERUSALEM
Take a cable car ride up to the fortress of Masada, where Jewish Zealots held out for three years against Herod's armies. Pass the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found at Qumran, before driving through the Judean Hills to Jerusalem. Continue up to Mount Scopus for breathtaking views of Jerusalem. Afterwards, visit King David's Tomb on Mount Zion and the Room of the Last Supper before entering the Old City. Here, walk along winding cobbled alleyways to the magnificent Wailing Wall – the most sacred monument in Judaism. Then check into your hotel for three fabulous nights.
Hotel: Leonardo Plaza, Jerusalem Buffet Breakfast
DAY 7 EXPLORING JERUSALEM
Visit Yad Vashem, the memorial in tribute to those who perished in the Holocaust, and the Shrine of the Book, a wing of the Israel Museum, housing the Dead Sea Scrolls. Hotel: Leonardo Plaza, Jerusalem Buffet Breakfast
DAY 8 OPTIONAL BETHLEHEM EXPERIENCE AND EXPLORING JERUSALEM
(Relaxed Start) In the morning, perhaps take an option to meet your Local Expert at the West Bank border and continue to the Holy city of Bethlehem. Visit the Church of the Nativity, one of the oldest continuously operating churches in the world. The structure is built over the cave that tradition marks as the birthplace of Christ, and it is considered sacred by followers of both Christianity and Islam. Return to Jerusalem, where you'll also visit the Garden of Gethsemene and walk through the Old City to see the Temple Mount, one of Islam's holiest sites. Continue along the Via Dolorosa past the Stations of the Cross, Ecce Homo Arch, Pool of Bethesda to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. At night, enjoy a hearty end-of-tour Celebration Dinner with wine. Hotel: Leonardo Plaza, Jerusalem Buffet Breakfast, Celebration Dinner
DAY 9 DEPART JERUSALEM
Your journey comes to an end with transfers to Ben Gurion airport.
Buffet Breakfast
What’s Included
Caesarea: Explore the Roman and Crusader ruins of Caesarea, formerly one of the splendid cities in Palestine.
Sea of Galilee: Enjoy a morning boat ride at the very place where Jesus is said to have walked on water.
Dead Sea: It's nearly impossible to sink so be sure to take a dip in the mineral-rich waters.
Dead Sea: Ascend by cable car to the ancient fortress of Masada where Jewish Zealots held out for three years against Herod's armies, before committing mass suicide.
Jerusalem: Visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum and Shrine of the Book.
Jerusalem: Walk the Stations of the Cross to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, site of the Crucifixion.
More
Tel Aviv: See Habimah National Theatre, Rabin Square and Carmel market.
Jaffa: Visit the ancient port and artists' quarter.
Acre: See the fortress, the old harbour area and Crusader crypt.
Nazareth: Visit the Church of the Annunciation.
Galilee: A brief talk on the history and contemporary life on a Kibbutz. Visit Capernaum and the Mount of the Beatitudes. View the ancient wooden boat, which is said to date back to the times of Jesus.
Qumran: See the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found.
Jerusalem: Walk the Garden of Gethsemene, Room of the Last Supper, Pool of Bethesda, Ecce Homo Arch. See the Temple Mount. Visit the Jewish sites of King David's Tomb and the Western Wall.
Tel Aviv: Partake in a Friday night Shabbat dinner.
Jerusalem: Toast the culmination of your tour with a lively Celebration Dinner.
Stay
Tel Aviv: Sheraton Towers Hotel. Considered one of Tel Aviv’s more sophisticated hotels, located on the waterfront providing guests with luxury accommodation.
Tiberias: The Leonardo Plaza Tiberias Hotel is centrally located close to the Old Town. Offering beautifully decorated rooms and a wide range of facilities.
Dead Sea: The magnificent Hod Hamidbar hotel on the shore of the Dead Sea, offers you serenity, relaxation and the perfect pampering experience in their modern spa.
Jerusalem: Leonardo Plaza Hotel Jerusalem. The Leonardo Plaza graces the Jerusalem skyline in the heart of the city and offers panoramic views. It has many top facilities and is a good base from which to explore the Old and New Cities.
ADDITIONAL FIVE STAR SERVICES
An expert multilingual Tour Director, at the pinnacles of their careers, will smooth your way throughout your journey. They are your ‘travelling concierges', expert guides, consummate organisers and friends in a foreign land.
Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxury air-conditioned coach. Smaller coaches without toilet facilities and 40 seats may be used.
Personal radio headsets, gives you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights without missing any of your local expert's fascinating insights and commentaries.
Baggage handling everywhere, with seamless and prompt delivery to your door at every hotel.
Hotel and restaurant tips included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. Plus we include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
Included airport transfers at scheduled times on arrival and departure days.
PRICES AND AVAILABILITY
Departure date Return date
Price per person: Twin room
Wednesday 21 June 2017-Thursday 29 June 2017 US$3050 per person
Wednesday 16 August 2017-Thursday 24 August 2017 US$3250 per person
Wednesday 20 September 2017-Thursday 28 September 2017 US$3125 per person
Wednesday 25 October 2017-Thursday 02 November 2017 US$3250 per person
Board your overnight flight to Europe (please ask about our great deals).
DAY 2 WELCOME TO TEL AVIV
You are met at Ben Gurion Airport and transferred to your hotel in Tel Aviv. Share a drink with your fellow guests during a short introduction to your trip. Hotel: Sheraton Tel Aviv & Towers Welcome Reception
DAY 3 EXPLORING VIBRANT TEL AVIV
(Relaxed Start) Morning sightseeing shows you the highlights of this vibrant city – the Habimah National Theatre, Rabin Square and Carmel Market. Drive along the seashore to the ancient city of Jaffa – see the famous clock tower and view the old harbour. Visit the artists' quarter with its galleries, boutiques and picturesque narrow lanes. At night, enjoy a traditional Shabbat dinner at your hotel.
Hotel: Sheraton Tel Aviv & Towers Buffet Breakfast, Signature Evening
DAY 4 TO CAESAREA, ACRE, NAZARETH AND GALILEE
Leaving Tel Aviv, drive along the coastal road to Caesarea to explore the ancient Roman and Crusader ruins, including the huge amphitheatre. Travel via Haifa to Acre, fought over for centuries and captured in turn by Saracens and Crusaders, including Richard the Lionheart. See the fortress, the old harbour area and Crusader crypt before continuing to Nazareth. Visit one of Christianity's most sacred places, the Church of Annunciation, on the site where the angel is said to have appeared to Mary. Head on to your welcoming hotel in Tiberias, on the Sea of Galilee. The day concludes with a brief introduction to life on a Kibbutz.
Hotel: Leonardo Plaza, Tiberias Buffet Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5 ALONG THE JORDAN VALLEY TO THE DEAD SEA
Visit the ancient wooden boat which dates back to the times of Jesus and enjoy a cruise on the Sea of Galilee. Visit Capernaum, where Jesus is said to have entered the Synagogue and taught, and then head to the Mount of Beatitudes, where he preached the Sermon on the Mount. Next, journey through ever-changing landscapes along the Jordan Valley, past ancient Jericho to take a dip in the buoyant salt waters of the Dead Sea. Hotel: Hod Hotel, Dead Sea Buffet Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6 MASADA & THE HOLY CITY OF JERUSALEM
Take a cable car ride up to the fortress of Masada, where Jewish Zealots held out for three years against Herod's armies. Pass the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found at Qumran, before driving through the Judean Hills to Jerusalem. Continue up to Mount Scopus for breathtaking views of Jerusalem. Afterwards, visit King David's Tomb on Mount Zion and the Room of the Last Supper before entering the Old City. Here, walk along winding cobbled alleyways to the magnificent Wailing Wall – the most sacred monument in Judaism. Then check into your hotel for three fabulous nights.
Hotel: Leonardo Plaza, Jerusalem Buffet Breakfast
DAY 7 EXPLORING JERUSALEM
Visit Yad Vashem, the memorial in tribute to those who perished in the Holocaust, and the Shrine of the Book, a wing of the Israel Museum, housing the Dead Sea Scrolls. Hotel: Leonardo Plaza, Jerusalem Buffet Breakfast
DAY 8 OPTIONAL BETHLEHEM EXPERIENCE AND EXPLORING JERUSALEM
(Relaxed Start) In the morning, perhaps take an option to meet your Local Expert at the West Bank border and continue to the Holy city of Bethlehem. Visit the Church of the Nativity, one of the oldest continuously operating churches in the world. The structure is built over the cave that tradition marks as the birthplace of Christ, and it is considered sacred by followers of both Christianity and Islam. Return to Jerusalem, where you'll also visit the Garden of Gethsemene and walk through the Old City to see the Temple Mount, one of Islam's holiest sites. Continue along the Via Dolorosa past the Stations of the Cross, Ecce Homo Arch, Pool of Bethesda to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. At night, enjoy a hearty end-of-tour Celebration Dinner with wine. Hotel: Leonardo Plaza, Jerusalem Buffet Breakfast, Celebration Dinner
DAY 9 DEPART JERUSALEM
Your journey comes to an end with transfers to Ben Gurion airport.
Buffet Breakfast
What’s Included
Caesarea: Explore the Roman and Crusader ruins of Caesarea, formerly one of the splendid cities in Palestine.
Sea of Galilee: Enjoy a morning boat ride at the very place where Jesus is said to have walked on water.
Dead Sea: It's nearly impossible to sink so be sure to take a dip in the mineral-rich waters.
Dead Sea: Ascend by cable car to the ancient fortress of Masada where Jewish Zealots held out for three years against Herod's armies, before committing mass suicide.
Jerusalem: Visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum and Shrine of the Book.
Jerusalem: Walk the Stations of the Cross to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, site of the Crucifixion.
More
Tel Aviv: See Habimah National Theatre, Rabin Square and Carmel market.
Jaffa: Visit the ancient port and artists' quarter.
Acre: See the fortress, the old harbour area and Crusader crypt.
Nazareth: Visit the Church of the Annunciation.
Galilee: A brief talk on the history and contemporary life on a Kibbutz. Visit Capernaum and the Mount of the Beatitudes. View the ancient wooden boat, which is said to date back to the times of Jesus.
Qumran: See the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found.
Jerusalem: Walk the Garden of Gethsemene, Room of the Last Supper, Pool of Bethesda, Ecce Homo Arch. See the Temple Mount. Visit the Jewish sites of King David's Tomb and the Western Wall.
Tel Aviv: Partake in a Friday night Shabbat dinner.
Jerusalem: Toast the culmination of your tour with a lively Celebration Dinner.
Stay
Tel Aviv: Sheraton Towers Hotel. Considered one of Tel Aviv’s more sophisticated hotels, located on the waterfront providing guests with luxury accommodation.
Tiberias: The Leonardo Plaza Tiberias Hotel is centrally located close to the Old Town. Offering beautifully decorated rooms and a wide range of facilities.
Dead Sea: The magnificent Hod Hamidbar hotel on the shore of the Dead Sea, offers you serenity, relaxation and the perfect pampering experience in their modern spa.
Jerusalem: Leonardo Plaza Hotel Jerusalem. The Leonardo Plaza graces the Jerusalem skyline in the heart of the city and offers panoramic views. It has many top facilities and is a good base from which to explore the Old and New Cities.
ADDITIONAL FIVE STAR SERVICES
An expert multilingual Tour Director, at the pinnacles of their careers, will smooth your way throughout your journey. They are your ‘travelling concierges', expert guides, consummate organisers and friends in a foreign land.
Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxury air-conditioned coach. Smaller coaches without toilet facilities and 40 seats may be used.
Personal radio headsets, gives you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights without missing any of your local expert's fascinating insights and commentaries.
Baggage handling everywhere, with seamless and prompt delivery to your door at every hotel.
Hotel and restaurant tips included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. Plus we include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
Included airport transfers at scheduled times on arrival and departure days.
PRICES AND AVAILABILITY
Departure date Return date
Price per person: Twin room
Wednesday 21 June 2017-Thursday 29 June 2017 US$3050 per person
Wednesday 16 August 2017-Thursday 24 August 2017 US$3250 per person
Wednesday 20 September 2017-Thursday 28 September 2017 US$3125 per person
Wednesday 25 October 2017-Thursday 02 November 2017 US$3250 per person
Notes: Seasonal adjustments and/or black out dates apply. Smaller coaches without toilet facilities and 40 seats may be used. Due to religious festivals some departures will operate in reverse and/or a modified itinerary. The order of sightseeing may change at short notice.
Call today to book! 1 800 422 3727
Call today to book! 1 800 422 3727
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Israel Holy Land 8 Day Tour
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Day 3 : Tiberias – Capernaum – Banias – Golan Heights
After a short tour of Tiberias, enjoy a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. Visit the Yigal Alon center where the "Jesus Boat", an ancient fishing boat from the 1st century, is displayed. Continue to Capernaum to visit the remains of the 2nd century synagogue. Proceed to Tabgha, the site of the "Miracle of Fish and Loaves" and visit the Church of Multiplication with its 4th century mosaic floor. Continue to the Mount of Beatitudes, the place where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Drive to the Banias Springs and waterfalls and tour the Golan Heights. Return to Kibbutz Lavi for overnight. (B,D)
Day 4 : Cana – Nazareth – Beit Shean – Jerusalem
Drive to Cana to visit the Wedding Church, where Jesus performed his first miracle turning water into wine. Continue to Nazareth to visit the Church of Annunciation, Joseph’s workshop, and Mary’s well. Drive to Yardenit, the baptismal site on the Jordan River. Continue to Beit Shean to visit the newly excavated Roman city and amphitheater. Drive along the Jordan Valley to Jerusalem. (B,D)
Day 5 : Explore Jerusalem's old city
Drive to the Mount of Olives for a panoramic view of the city. Visit the Church of All Nations, King David’s Tomb, and the Room of the Last Supper on Mount Zion. Enter the old city and walk along the Cardo, the ancient Roman road. Visit the Jewish and Christian quarters, view the Temple Mount, and walk along Via Dolorosa and the oriental bazaar to visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Next, drive to the Garden Tomb and enjoy the beautiful gardens and peaceful ambiance. (B,D)
Day 6 : Explore Jerusalem's new city
Drive to Ein Karem to visit the Church of Visitation. Proceed to Yad Vashem, the memorial to the Holocaust. Visit the Israel Museum, the Shrine of the Book, where the Dead Sea Scrolls are housed, and the miniature model of Jerusalem as it was during the Second Temple period. Proceed to Bethlehem, birthplace of Jesus. Visit Shepherd's Field and walk through Manger Square to visit the remarkable Church of Nativity. (B,D) The visit of Bethlehem is subject to security conditions.
Day 7 : Qumran – Massada – Dead Sea
Drive through the Judean Hills to the Qumeran Caves, where the Dead Sea scrolls were found. Continue along the shores of the Dead Sea to Massada, the last stronghold of the Jews after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 A.D.. Ascend Massada by cable car and tour the mountain fortress built by King Herod. Visit the remains of the walls, the water cistern, and Herod’s Palace. Continue to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth. Take the opportunity to float in the unsinkable water and cover yourself with the mineral rich mud, believed to have therapeutic effects. Return to Jerusalem. (B,D)
Day 8 : Jerusalem – Return
You will be transferred to the Tel Aviv airport for your return flight home. (Your departure transfer is included only if you depart on the actual day the tour concludes. For customers departing later an individual transfer can be organized at an additional cost.) (B)
Price per person based on double occupancy, land only
June 4, 11, 18, 25, July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 $1645 pp
August 6, 13, 20 $1745 pp
August 27, Sept. 3, 10 $1695 pp
Oct. 15, 22, 29 & $1645 pp
Nov. 5, 12, 19, 26 Dec. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Jan 7, 14, 21, 28
Price Includes
Transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
Taxes and service charges
Hotels mentioned in the itinerary or similar
Meals as indicated in the itinerary by the code letters (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner
Sightseeing as described in the itinerary
ASTA TOP Tour operator travel funds protection program
Touring by modern air-conditioned motor coach
Entrance fees
After a short tour of Tiberias, enjoy a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. Visit the Yigal Alon center where the "Jesus Boat", an ancient fishing boat from the 1st century, is displayed. Continue to Capernaum to visit the remains of the 2nd century synagogue. Proceed to Tabgha, the site of the "Miracle of Fish and Loaves" and visit the Church of Multiplication with its 4th century mosaic floor. Continue to the Mount of Beatitudes, the place where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Drive to the Banias Springs and waterfalls and tour the Golan Heights. Return to Kibbutz Lavi for overnight. (B,D)
Day 4 : Cana – Nazareth – Beit Shean – Jerusalem
Drive to Cana to visit the Wedding Church, where Jesus performed his first miracle turning water into wine. Continue to Nazareth to visit the Church of Annunciation, Joseph’s workshop, and Mary’s well. Drive to Yardenit, the baptismal site on the Jordan River. Continue to Beit Shean to visit the newly excavated Roman city and amphitheater. Drive along the Jordan Valley to Jerusalem. (B,D)
Day 5 : Explore Jerusalem's old city
Drive to the Mount of Olives for a panoramic view of the city. Visit the Church of All Nations, King David’s Tomb, and the Room of the Last Supper on Mount Zion. Enter the old city and walk along the Cardo, the ancient Roman road. Visit the Jewish and Christian quarters, view the Temple Mount, and walk along Via Dolorosa and the oriental bazaar to visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Next, drive to the Garden Tomb and enjoy the beautiful gardens and peaceful ambiance. (B,D)
Day 6 : Explore Jerusalem's new city
Drive to Ein Karem to visit the Church of Visitation. Proceed to Yad Vashem, the memorial to the Holocaust. Visit the Israel Museum, the Shrine of the Book, where the Dead Sea Scrolls are housed, and the miniature model of Jerusalem as it was during the Second Temple period. Proceed to Bethlehem, birthplace of Jesus. Visit Shepherd's Field and walk through Manger Square to visit the remarkable Church of Nativity. (B,D) The visit of Bethlehem is subject to security conditions.
Day 7 : Qumran – Massada – Dead Sea
Drive through the Judean Hills to the Qumeran Caves, where the Dead Sea scrolls were found. Continue along the shores of the Dead Sea to Massada, the last stronghold of the Jews after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 A.D.. Ascend Massada by cable car and tour the mountain fortress built by King Herod. Visit the remains of the walls, the water cistern, and Herod’s Palace. Continue to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth. Take the opportunity to float in the unsinkable water and cover yourself with the mineral rich mud, believed to have therapeutic effects. Return to Jerusalem. (B,D)
Day 8 : Jerusalem – Return
You will be transferred to the Tel Aviv airport for your return flight home. (Your departure transfer is included only if you depart on the actual day the tour concludes. For customers departing later an individual transfer can be organized at an additional cost.) (B)
Price per person based on double occupancy, land only
June 4, 11, 18, 25, July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 $1645 pp
August 6, 13, 20 $1745 pp
August 27, Sept. 3, 10 $1695 pp
Oct. 15, 22, 29 & $1645 pp
Nov. 5, 12, 19, 26 Dec. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Jan 7, 14, 21, 28
Price Includes
Transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
Taxes and service charges
Hotels mentioned in the itinerary or similar
Meals as indicated in the itinerary by the code letters (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner
Sightseeing as described in the itinerary
ASTA TOP Tour operator travel funds protection program
Touring by modern air-conditioned motor coach
Entrance fees
Price Excludes
Porterage
Personal expenses
Optional tours
Customary tips to your drivers, guides and escorts
Flights
Porterage
Personal expenses
Optional tours
Customary tips to your drivers, guides and escorts
Flights
Eilat and Petra Extension
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Departs daily - 2 days/1 night package visiting Eilat and Petra. Includes accommodation with breakfast, transfers as indicated in the itinerary, roundtrip domestic flights between Tel Aviv and Eilat and a full-day tour of Petra with lunch.
Package Includes
• Transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
• Taxes and service charges
• Hotels mentioned in the itinerary or similar
• Sightseeing as described in the itinerary
• Airport taxes
• ASTA TOP Tour operator travel funds protection program
• Continental or buffet breakfast
• Domestic flights
Package Excludes
• Personal expenses
• Optional tours
• Customary tips to your drivers, guides and escorts
Package Includes
• Transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
• Taxes and service charges
• Hotels mentioned in the itinerary or similar
• Sightseeing as described in the itinerary
• Airport taxes
• ASTA TOP Tour operator travel funds protection program
• Continental or buffet breakfast
• Domestic flights
Package Excludes
• Personal expenses
• Optional tours
• Customary tips to your drivers, guides and escorts
