Classic Israel & Palestine
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
Israel’s diminutive size (barely one-sixth the size of New York State) belies an historical, religious, strategic and political significance which few other countries even come close to matching. Often referred to as ‘The Holy Land’ it has been attracting pilgrims and tourists for centuries and on this rich introductory tour, we will delve deeper into the psyche of this fascinating and controversial country visiting some of the world’s most revered religious sites and ...
Israel’s diminutive size (barely one-sixth the size of New York State) belies an historical, religious, strategic and political significance which few other countries even come close to matching. Often referred to as ‘The Holy Land’ it has been attracting pilgrims and tourists for centuries and on this rich introductory tour, we will delve deeper into the psyche of this fascinating and controversial country visiting some of the world’s most revered religious sites and culinary delights. Starting in Tel Aviv, explore the oldest seaport in the world, before travelling north along the Mediterranean coast to Akko, home to vast crusader halls and hidden tunnels. Discover some of the sites of Tiberias and Nazareth, where you can also enjoy time at the non-profit collective ‘Sindyanna of Galilee’ run by Jewish and Arab women who will teach you about their mission 'business of peace'. Spend your final nights in Jerusalem, one of the world’s most compelling cities, and enjoy day trips out to discover the archaeological treasures of Jericho, the shores of the Dead Sea, the iconic desert fortress of Masada, and of course to Bethlehem, home to the Nativity Church, believed to be the birthplace of Jesus of Nazarath.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
DAY 1: ARRIVE TEL AVIV
DAY 1: ARRIVE TEL AVIV
Arrive into Tel Aviv airport, where you will be met by a Wild Frontiers representative and transferred to your hotel.
DAY 2: TEL AVIV - CAESAREA - HAIFA - AKKO - NAZARETH
DAY 2: TEL AVIV - CAESAREA - HAIFA - AKKO - NAZARETH
Start your morning with a visit to Jaffa, the oldest seaport in the world and home to some fascinating history. From here you then set off north to Caesarea, the capital of Israel during the Roman and Byzantine eras. Once a great port town built by King Herod around 25BC, this is a treasure trove of archaeological finds including an impressive network of aqueducts. Continue on to Haifa where you can then enjoy the beautiful Bahai Gardens on Mount Carmel Mountains with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. From here move on to the ancient crusader port and capital of Akko, where you can spend some time exploring the old city and the vast crusader halls and the secret tunnel connecting them. The final leg of the journey takes you to Nazareth where you can check into your hotel.
DAY 3: NAZARETH - TIBERIAS - JERUSALEM
DAY 3: NAZARETH - TIBERIAS - JERUSALEM
Start this morning with a visit to the Church of the Annunciation, believed to be built on the home of the Virgin Mary, before moving on to visit a very special non-profit collective ‘Sindyanna of Galilee’ run by Jewish and Arab women. They will explain their mission 'business of peace' and show you around the project which mainly concentrates on fair trade produce such as olive oil. Continue on to Tiberias where you can spend some time exploring Capernaum (House of St. Peter) and Tabgha (Church of the Miracle of the Fish and Loaves), before reaching today’s final destination of Jerusalem.
DAY 4: JERUSALEM CITY TOUR
DAY 4: JERUSALEM CITY TOUR
Today you'll experience just some of what makes Jerusalem not only the cultural and spiritual centre of the Jewish people but also indisputably significant to both Islam and Christianity. One of the oldest cities in the world, the ‘City of Gold’ is a fascinatingly unique place where the first century rubs shoulders with the twenty-first century. Start the morning with a visit to the 'Dome of the Rock' to walk around the courtyard before exploring the Old City on foot, discovering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Jewish Quarter and the Western Wall. This afternoon you will then get the chance to delve deeper into this region’s history with a visit to either the Israel Museum or the famed Yad Vishem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Centre.
DAY 5: JERUSALEM: BETHLEHEM EXCURSION
DAY 5: JERUSALEM: BETHLEHEM EXCURSION
After a panoramic view of the city from the Mount of Olives, drive down to the Garden of Gethsemane (Church of All Nations), and from here continue on to Bethlehem where you will delve into the old city’s history and culinary delights. Follow in the footsteps of the Holy family and the Three Wise Men from 2000 years ago as you then explore Bethlehem on foot and walk down Star Street, visiting the Nativity Church, believed to be the birthplace of Jesus of Nazarath. From here you will then visit the separation wall, one of the most famous sections of the wall that divides Israel and the West Bank and has been made famous for its murals. Adjacent to the wall is the 'Walled off Hotel', a Banksy hotel/art installation that comes with the tag line 'the best hotel with the worst view'. The hotel contains a small but good museum on the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. Return to Jerusalem for an evening at leisure.
DAY 6: JERUSALEM: MASADA, JERICHO & DEAD SEA EXCURSION
DAY 6: JERUSALEM: MASADA, JERICHO & DEAD SEA EXCURSION
Today you will be collected and driven to Masada, where the remains of a Herod’s magnificent palace sit atop a lofty plateau overlooking the Dead Sea and Judaean Desert. The history of the fortress here is incredibly moving and hugely significant in the history of the Jewish people. From Masada you'll drive to the Dead Sea where you enjoy some down time floating in the sea, before continuing on to Jericho, one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world. Here you will have an opportunity to visit sights such as the Mount of Temptations, Hisham’s Palace, Tel Al-Sultan or Tel Jericho archaeological site, before returning to Jerusalem for the evening.
DAY 7: JERUSALEM – TEL AVIV
DAY 7: JERUSALEM – TEL AVIV
You will be collected from your hotel today and drive to Tel Aviv airport in time to catch your onward flight.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Al-Hakim Boutique Hotel, Nazareth
This wonderfully historic boutique hotel is a hidden gem in the heart of Nazareth's Old City backstreets. Al-Hakim Boutique Hotel is housed in a 200-year-old building and was once the home of the family-run Al-Hakim Carpentry Workshop, founded in the 1930s, as well as being the home of numerous different families who lived here together. Still run by the Al-Hakim family, in 2015 the building was remodelled into a boutique hotel which now offers a truly unique stay. A home-away-from-home, settle into your intimate surroundings and enjoy exceptional hospitality from your hosts, a fascinating family with endless stories of Nazareth, past and present. Each of the ten rooms comes with its own character, named after different family members, with en suite bathrooms and a range of amenities. Soak up the smells and flavours of the region as you enjoy a home-cooked breakfast and their traditional Nazarene Cardamom infused coffee.
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT’S INCLUDED
MEALS
TRANSPORT
ENTRANCE FEES
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
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EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
We use experienced local guides to help bring the sights to life, introduce you to local characters and ensure you get under the skin of your destination.
HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the expert, Dan
Dan is our Middle East expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Daniel by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258