From the striking coastline cities on the Mediterranean Sea to the countless ancient ruins sprinkled throughout the country, The Holy Land offers some of the most beautiful natural landscapes as well as the world’s most important cultural and historical sites.
Upon arrival into Ben Gurion Airport – Tel Aviv, you will be greeted by your guide and transported in a private vehicle to your hotel to check in and enjoy a pleasant evening of dining.
Overnight: Tel Aviv
After a traditional breakfast we’ll head to Old Jaffa, a vibrant and ancient port-city on the Mediterranean, one of the oldest cities in the world with a history that goes back more than 5,000 years. Explore the town, the old port, the sea side and several significant landmarks throughout the city.
Next, the White City in Tel Aviv, the world’s largest and greatest collection of unique International or Bauhaus style buildings. With over 4,000 structures, it is an absolute stunning architectural ensemble that is the highlight of the city’s unique architectural styles and structures.
We’ll then drive towards Acre, a coastal city near the Mediterranean Sea and one of the oldest historic port cities in the world. The ancient Old City of Acre is over 4,000 years old, fortified by a great stone wall build by the Ottomans. You will learn about the rich historical periods and experience archaeology, the fishing port market, local museums, galleries and the delicious local food.
Later, we’ll head to over to the Bahai Gardens, also known as the Hanging Gardens of Haifa. One of the most beautifully designed gardens in the country that commemorates the Bahai faith. We will explore the aesthetically striking natural and historic landscape and experience each part of the pristine gardens and structures that have elements of Persian influence as well as other cultures. The site is a place that represents a historic and cultural narrative of the Bahai faith and is specifically designed to give a visual expression of the main values and principles of the religion. The uniquely designed gardens are fine works of art that many find serene, tranquil and uplifting, particularly with the magnificent backdrops of the Haifa Bay and Galilee Hills.
Overnight: Haifa (bed and breakfast)
The Sea of Galilee is located in the northern region of the country, a beautiful mountainous region with a fertile agricultural landscape, forests, vineyards, ancient historic sites and picturesque rural villages.
One of today’s highlights is a scenic boat ride across the Sea of Galilee.
Tabgha is located on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. We’ll visit the Church of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fishes, a Byzantine style structure, built on the ruins of a 4th century church and preserves beautiful 5th century mosaics that are considered the oldest figurative Christian art in the Holy Land.
Located just north of the Sea of Galilee is Capernaum, an ancient fishing market inhabited between the 2nd century BCE and 11th century CE.
Next we visit Mount Bental in the northern part of the Golan Heights, near the Syrian Border. It’s one of the peaks of a range of dormant volcanic mountains in the Golan Heights with a gorgeous view of Syria and the Galilee. We’ll visit Coffee Anan “Coffee of the Clouds” a café situated on the very top where you can enjoy coffee, tea and snacks while admiring the incredible view. You’ll be able to the see the lush valleys below with the binocular machines they have available, learn about the history of the area at the visitor’s center and view the metal sculpture garden created by Dutch artist Joop de Jong.
Surrounded by apple and cherry orchards, Majdal Shams is the largest of the remaining Druze villages in the Golan Heights. It’s a cultural focal point of the Druze community within the area and beloved by tourists as it’s filled with rich tradition and culture.
Overnight: Galilee (half board)
Safad is one of the holiest cities in Judaism located in the mountains of the upper Galilee. Over the centuries many different groups have conquered and fortified the city; today it remains a centre of Jewish mysticism. Learn about the ancient history of this spiritual city as you enjoy a gorgeous panoramic view of the Golan and Lebanon. Make your way through the winding alleyways of the Old City as you visit the vibrant art galleries, medieval synagogues and the Safad Cemetery, a striking cemetery with blue pained tomb stones that goes as far back as the BCE era.
Next, we’ll make our way to Nazareth, known as the hometown of Jesus Christ. We’ll visit the Catholic Church of Annunciation, one of the largest churches in the entire Middle East. It is located in the heart of Nazareth just above Spring Square (Market Plaza). Built over what is considered to be the home of the Virgin Mary, the basilica commemorates the “Annunciation” made by the Archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary, announcing to her that she would conceive a son. We’ll visit the Basilica of the Annunciation starting at the Grotto where the Annunciation took place, the house of the Holy Family under the Church of St. Joseph, Mary’s well and the Synagogue Church. We’ll make our way through the Old City’s colorful markets where you’ll see a number of incredible architectural structures; taste the rich culinary treats; and visit various traditional craft shops that make the most beautiful handmade embroidery.
Overnight: Galilee (half board)
After breakfast at the hotel we’ll drive north to Beit Shean National Park known for its spectacular ruins that date back 5,000 years BCE. Some of the remaining structures go back to the Roman and Byzantine eras and are incredibly well preserved; they include an amphitheater, bathhouse and a Roman seat theater.
Next, we head to Jericho, the oldest inhabited city on earth with over twenty ancient settlements dating back to 9000 BCE. As we hike along the lush green oasis located in the Jordan Valley you’ll have an amazing view of the Mount of Temptation; where according to tradition is the place where the devil tried to tempt Jesus into forsaking God, as well as the Greek Orthodox Monastery that was built to commemorate the event. The monastery, was first established during the Byzantine period while the current building, a stunning and impressive structure carved directly into the cliffs and positioned halfway up the mountain, dates back to the 19th century.
You’ll see Qasr Al Yahud, the baptismal site where Jesus Christ baptized John the Baptist in the Jordan River. Then, we’ll make our way past the breathtaking valley of Wadi El Qelt, a historic path that stretches across the Judean Desert, and head towards the Orthodox St. George Monastery which was founded in the 4th century AD; it’s believed to be the place that the prophet Elijah was fed by ravens.
Afterward, we’ll head back to Jerusalem for dinner.
Overnight: Jerusalem (bed and breakfast)
Our day begins as we head south to Bethlehem to visit the Church of the Nativity, the oldest church in the Holy Land believed to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ in the 2nd century AD. Every year about 2 million pilgrims travel to the basilica to visit the Grotto of the Nativity. Deep within the church is an intimate cave that enshrines the Alter of the Nativity. The Alter, marked with a silver star set in marble stone, is said to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ. We will view the bell towers, beautiful gardens and the Pilgrimage Route, believed to be the road that Joseph and the Virgin Mary followed during their time in Bethlehem during the birth of Christ.
Afterwards, we will travel to the Village of Beit Sahour, southeast of Bethlehem, to visit Shepherd’s Field, a sacred place where it is said that an Angel announced the birth of Jesus Christ to the local shepherds that were keeping nightly watch over their flock.
We’ll head back to Jerusalem to the Mount of Olives, get an amazing panoramic view of Jerusalem and a better understanding of its geography and some of the key sites surrounding the area. We’ll visit the Israel Museum where we will see a 1:50 scale model of the city of Jerusalem at the eve of its destruction by the Romans in the year 70 AD. In addition, we will visit The Shrine of the Book, which tells the story of the important finding of the Dead Sea scrolls in Qumran.
Overnight: Jerusalem (bed and breakfast)
The Old City of Jerusalem is the spiritual center of the world for Christians, Muslims and Jews. This city has a history that goes back more than 3,000 years, known for its epochal ramparts, iconic structures, unique buildings, narrow alleys and bustling market place. The city is encased by four great walls built by the Ottomans during the 16th century and is divided into four unique quarters.
Enjoy a walking tour of the Old City, an endless labyrinth of market stalls that include spice shops, sweet shops, meat markets and much more. We will visit the Temple Mount (Al-Aqsa Compound), a compound that is at the heart of the Old City and sits on the highest point of old Jerusalem. It is a sanctuary that holds more than 200 beautiful religious and historic structures and landmarks including Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock. (Application to go inside the Dome of the Rock). The compound’s Western Wall is the most sacred site in the world for the Jewish people. It is an ancient wall believed to be the remnants of the Second Temple, which was built by Herod the Great in the 20th century BCE and destroyed by the Romans in 70CE during the siege of Jerusalem.
We’ll walk along the Via Dolorosa towards the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the holiest site for Christians in the Old City. Built in the 4th century and recognized as the site of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion, burial and resurrection.
Next, we’ll then make our way to Ben Yehuda Street to explore the Mahane Yehuda market for a tasting tour. Savor the flavors and scents as we visit various food stalls of spices, dried fruits, imported cheeses, beverages, sweets and pastries.
Overnight: Jerusalem (bed and breakfast)
Qumran is located in the Judean Desert south of the Dead Sea, known worldwide as the place where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. It’s considered to be one of the major archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.
Our next stop is the Dead Sea, considered to be the lowest point on earth. At 1412 feet below sea level it is the deepest sea in the world and is one of the world’s saltiest bodies of water. It’s almost 10 times saltier than the ocean and does not allow any marine life to flourish, hence its name, but its mineral rich waters and beach mud are famous for its healing properties and has attracted visitors for centuries. You will experience its beautiful desert landscape, unique beaches and turquoise waters. Also, you will learn the history of the surrounding settlements as well as its biblical history.
We then head to Masada, a steep and remote rock plateau on the edge of the Judean Desert with an incredible view that overlooks the Dead Sea and Negev Desert lands. It is a rugged natural stronghold that Herod the Great used to build a massive palace-fortress between 37 – 31 BCE due to its strategic location. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as the remnants of the fortress and Roman siege camp are incredibly well preserved.
Overnight: Jerusalem (bed and breakfast)
Depart from Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv: Following breakfast at the hotel, a private vehicle will drive you back to Ben Gurion Airport where we will bid you farewell in good time for your flight.
This trip includes the following types of accommodation:
4 star accommodations: 1 night in Tel Aviv, 1 night in Haifa, 2 nights in Galilee and 4 nights Jerusalem.
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Group Tours:
Cancellations for group tours may be requested within 24 hours of the purchase at no penalty. After the first 24-hour period, cancellations will incur varying fees based on the proximity of the request to the tour date:
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In instances where a Client’s itinerary must be changed, Aeolus Tours will make comparable modifications with the Client’s immediate notification.
INSURANCE
The tours do not include any forms of personal travel insurance. The Client will be solely responsible for purchasing comprehensive travel and trip insurance policies to cover any unforeseen situations that may occur before, during and after the trip.
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HOTELS
Hotel check-in is at 3 p.m. on the arrival date and check-out is at 12 p.m. on the departure date. The Client will be responsible to coordinate flight times to coincide with hotel check-in and check-out times as best as possible. Late hotel check-out will incur additional charges, unless arranged with Aeolus Tours otherwise. In the event that accommodation choices have changed, the Client will be notified by email in advance.
Aeolus Tours has taken every measure to work with reputable hotels and tour guides; however standards of hygiene, transportation, timeliness and accommodations in the Middle East are often lower than those in the Western World. As such, Aeolus Tours will consider service levels met, when they meet the same requirements as in the destination country.
FLIGHTS
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RESPONSIBILITY OF AEOLUS TOURS
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JURISDICTION
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