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Cultural and historical

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Muslim Heritage Experience

Explore the depths of the ancient Islamic landmarks and locations in the Holy Land with our expert guide. From the beautiful Al-Aqsa Mosque in the Old City of Jerusalem to the healing waters of the Dead Sea, the Holy Land offers the most beautiful natural landscapes as well as some of the most important Islamic sites in the world. This tour is designed to offer you a unique experience. The signature format combines the most valued features of the travel experience by offering the freedom of the independent tour with the expertise and cost efficiency of the group tour.


  • Cultural/Historical

  • Private Tour

  • Duration: 9 days / 8 nights

  • Difficulty Level: Low /Medium

Detailed Itinerary

1

Day 1: Arrival

Arrive to Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv: 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: Jerusalem

2

Day 2: Jerusalem - Old City:

We start out our day by heading out to visit Al-Aqsa Mosque for Maghreb/ Isha Prayers. Al-Aqsa is in 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. Atop a central platform is the Dome of the Rock (Qubbet Al-Sakhra), the most iconic landmark in Jerusalem and can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. The elegant golden dome was built in the 7th century and is one of the oldest surviving works of Islamic architecture. The exterior is adorned with multicolored tiles and inscriptions of Quranic verses, while the interior is covered in lush carpets, mosaic art, inscriptions, and intricate red and gold designs. At the center is the sacred rock of ascension, an ancient rock believed to be the place that the Nebi Mohammad (PBUH) ascended into heaven during Al-Isra wal Miraj (Night Journey). It is also believed to be the place that the Nebi Abraham (PBUH) attempted to sacrifice his son.

Adjacent to the Dome of the Rock is the silver domed Al-Aqsa Mosque, a structure that dates back to the 8th century, decorated with intricately patterned ceilings, arched columns and beautiful Arabic inscriptions. It’s considered the first direction of prayer in Islam and is believed to be the spot that the Nebi Mohammad (PBUH) led the past Prophets in prayer during Al-Isra wal Miraj (Night Journey). The sanctuary’s Western Wall holds great significance to Muslims and Jews. According to Islamic tradition, it’s known as Al-Buraq Wall, the place where the Nebi Muhammad (PBUH) tethered the heavenly creature Buraq during Al-Isra wal Miraj (Night Journey). Afterward, enjoy a pleasant evening of dining back at the hotel.

Overnight: Jerusalem

3

Day 3: Jerusalem - Mount of Olives:

After breakfast, you’ll be transported to the Mount of Olives where you can enjoy an incredible panoramic view of the Holy City. We’ll visit the Mosque of the Ascension, a place that is sacred to both Muslims and Christians. The Romanesque style chapel dates back to the 4th century AD and according to both Muslim and Christian tradition, it is the place from which the Nebi Issa (PBUH) ascended to Heaven.

Adjacent to the Mosque of the Ascension is an underground burial crypt with the Maqam of Rabia Al Adawiyeh, a well known 8th century Sufi mystic and saint who was one of the earliest figures to teach Sufism. We’ll then make our way to the Maqam of Salman Al-Farisi. Salman AlFarisi is known as one of the most loyal and prominent companions of the Nebi Mohammad (PBUH). He helped defend the city of Medina during a siege by advising the Nebi Mohammad (PBUH) to dig a trench across the city.

At the foot of the Mount of Olives is the Church of Gethsemane also known as the Church of all Nations. Many countries contributed to the building of this Church, hence the name. The basilica dates back to the 4th century AD, it’s a beautiful and uniquely designed structure featuring Neo-Byzantine architecture. In the afternoon, we’ll enter the Old City for noon prayers Al-Aqsa Mosque. Afterwards, enjoy a walking tour in the Old City of Jerusalem. Jerusalem has a history that goes back more than 3,000 years. It is one of the oldest, holiest and fought over cities in the world. The city is encased by four great walls built by the Ottomans during the 16th century and is divided into four unique quarters, each of which have its own history, distinct atmosphere and several sites that are of great religious significance.

Overnight: Jerusalem

4

Day 4: Hebron - Bethlehem - Jerusalem:

Today, you will be transported to the ancient city of Hebron, the largest city in the West Bank with a rich history spanning over more than 6,000 years. Through the centuries the city has seen its share of great events and various civilizations that left it with a tremendous cultural and historical legacy. Within the heart of the Old City of Hebron is the Tomb of the Patriarchs or Ibrahimi Mosque, the main holy site of the city and the burial place for the Nebi Abraham (PBUH) and his family. We’ll visit the market place, Old City and various shops where you can find brilliantly handcrafted pottery, ceramics, olivewood and glass products.

Next, we’ll head to Bethlehem. As we make our way north you’ll be able to view the legendary pools of Solomon, an ancient complex system of water reservoirs that once supplied spring water to Jerusalem and Bethlehem. It is a unique cultural landscape that many scholars claim go as far back as the 1st or 2nd century BC. Upon arriving in Bethlehem we’ll visit the Church of Nativity, the oldest church in the Holy Land believed to be the birthplace of the Nebi Issa (PBUH) in the 2nd century AD. The Grotto is found deep within the church, it’s an intimate cave that enshrines the Alter of the Nativity. We then head back to Jerusalem to Jabal Sahyoun (Mount Zion) a revered landmark of great significance to Muslims, Christians and Jews. We’ll visit the Maqam of the Nebi Daud (PBUH), located in a grand architectural complex outside the walls of the Old City. It’s a multilevel complex that accommodates several buildings and structures along with the tomb itself, including several Synagogues, Benedictine Monastery and the Nabi Daud Mosque.
In the evening, we’ll head back to the hotel for dinner.

Overnight: Jerusalem

5

Day 5: Al Nabi Samuil - Ramla - Jaffa - Tel Aviv:

Today we’ll drive to the outskirts of Jerusalem to the village of Al-Nabi Samuil to visit Al-Nabi Samuil Mosque. The site is a prominent landmark within the village and holds significance to Muslims, Christians and Jews as it’s the burial site of the Nebi Samuil (PBUH). The 18th century Mosque, which also serves as a Synagogue, sits atop a steep hill overlooking western Jerusalem and Judean Hills. Archeological excavations revealed well preserved findings that go back to the Hasmonean era as well as the Crusader era. Next, we head to the city of Ramla. An Umayyad city built around the period 705-715 CE by Caliph Sulayman, son of Abd Al Malik. It was a very prosperous city and was even established as the capital of the country. We’ll visit the incredibly well preserved Great Mosque also known as Al Omari Mosque, which once served as a 12th century Church. You’ll see the Tower of Ramla or the White Tower, according to Islamic tradition it’s the burial place of Forty Companions of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).

We then make our way to the ancient port-city of Jaffa, one of the oldest cities in the world with a history that goes back more than 5,000 years. Enjoy a magnificent view of the sea as we explore the city. You’ll visit several significant landmarks throughout the city including the Jaffa clock tower built in honor of the Turkish Sultan Abdul Hamid II; and the beautiful Al-Mahmoudiya Mosque (the Great Mosque), the largest and most significant mosque in Jaffa. It’s located near the sea with a minaret that can be seen from anywhere in the city. We then head north to Tel Aviv.

Enjoy a panoramic tour of the city of towering skyscrapers, sandy beaches and wide open boulevards.

Afterwards, we’ll head back to Jerusalem for dinner.

Overnight: Jerusalem

6

Day 6: Jericho - Dead Sea - Nazareth:

After a traditional early breakfast at the hotel, we’ll head out to visit the ancient city of Jericho, the oldest city on earth with over twenty ancient settlements dating back to 9000 BCE. We’ll trek up the Mount of Temptation (Mount Qarantal) and visit The Greek Orthodox Monastery; it is positioned halfway up the mountain and has a breathtaking view of the Jordan Valley. We’ll also visit Qasr Hisham (Hisham’s Palace), the palace is incredibly well preserved with ruins go all the way back to the Umayyad period around 724-743 CE.
Next we’ll visit Maqam Al Nebi Musa (PBUH) situated between Jerusalem and Jericho, a medieval Islamic architectural site built in the 13th century. It is a large complex sanctuary composed of several structures including the maqam, mosque, minaret, courtyard and several rooms that are often used for accommodating Pilgrims.
We then head to the Dead Sea, 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. The water 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 hear about the history of the surrounding settlements, the story of the Nebi Lut (PBUH).
Enjoy a scenic view of the Jordan Valley and Beit Shean as we make our way northwest to Nazareth for dinner and an overnight stay.
Transfer to Nazareth where you will check into your new accommodations.
Overnight: Nazareth

7

Day 7: Nazareth - Acre - Haifa:

Today we tour Nazareth, located in the lower Galilee and known as the home town of the Nebi Issa (PBUH). 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 Sitna Miriam (PBUH), the basilica commemorates the “Annunciation” made by the Archangel Gabriel to Sitna Miriam (PBUH), 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 continue on through the Horns of Hittin, known as the battleground that Salahdin was victorious over the Crusaders in 1187, to Tiberias where you’ll get to enjoy a scenic boat ride across the Sea of Galilee. We’ll visit the Carmelite Monastery of Mukhraka, the church commemorates the victory of the Prophet Elias (PBUH) after he challenged the prophets of Baal. Nearby is the cave of El Khader, a small grotto said to be the place that the Prophet Elias (PBUH) stayed during this battle. Located further up the Carmel Mountains is the Stella Maris Monastery, where you’ll have an amazing panoramic view of Haifa.
We then head towards Caesarea Maritima National Park, an impressive archeological site of ancient Roman ruins built by Herod the Great; you’ll see the ancient Roman city, crusader fortress and sea port.
We then head back to Jerusalem for Dinner.
Transfer from Nazareth to Jerusalem where you will check into your new accommodations.
Overnight: Jerusalem

8

Day 8: Jerusalem:

After breakfast we’ll head into the Old City of Jerusalem to Al-Aqsa compound to visit the Islamic Museum of Art. Founded in the 1960’s, the Museum is known for preserving important works of Islamic art that had been collected through the centuries including archeological artifacts as well as antique time pieces. The Museum exhibits collections that showcase Islamic history and civilization encompassing over several regions. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure in Jerusalem. This is an excellent opportunity to explore the city and discover Jerusalem’s culinary staples and stock up on souvenirs and gifts that you may want to take home to friends and family.

Overnight: Jerusalem

9

Day 9: Departure:

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.

Included

  • Private airport transfers for arrival and departure.
  • Accommodations on bed and breakfast at the selected hotels (or similar).
  • An air-conditioned private vehicle with WiFi.
  • A licensed English speaking guide for all excursions (other languages may apply).
  • Entrance fees to all visiting sites.

Not Included

  • Flight bookings.
  • Lunches, dinners and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Tips.
  • Personal travel and trip insurance.
  • Anything not mentioned.

Optional Extras

This trip includes the following types of accommodation:

  • Home stay
  • Christian guesthouse
  • 3 star hotel
  • 3 Star hotel premium
  • 4 star hotel
  • 4 star hotel premium
  • 5 star hotel
  • 5 star premium
  • Boutique hotel

By making a booking each participant agrees to our terms and conditions in their entirety. Please read our Terms & Conditions carefully when making a booking.

Prices indicated on our website are listed in USD. Tour confirmation is immediate upon full payment of the tour.

PAYMENTS AND PRICING:

To issue payment for your booking you can use the following methods:

  • Bank Transfer: We cover all Bank Transfer fees.
  • Credit Card Payments: You can pay via MasterCard, Visa and Diner’s Club. There is a 5% transaction fee for payments via credit card. 
  • PayPal: There is a 5% transaction fee for payments via PayPal.

CANCELLATION POLICY:

Private Tours:

Cancellations for private 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:

  • 30 days or more prior to arrival: $200 USD cancellation fee.
  • 14 to 29 days prior to arrival: 30% of the full trip cost is non refundable.
  • 7 to 13 days prior to arrival: 40% of the full trip cost is non refundable.
  • 3 to 6 days prior to arrival: 70% of the full trip cost is non refundable.
  • The tour is non-refundable 2 days or less from the arrival date.

To avoid cancellation fees, trips may be transferred to other travelers at no charge. Transfer requests must be made no less than one week before the tour’s start date.

Aeolus Tours reserves the right to cancel or postpone any trip due to force majeur, natural disasters, political instability, or other external events; if the trip cannot be completed as planned or with full guarantee of your safety. In that event, you may choose either to transfer your amounts paid to an alternate departure date or receive a full refund.  In circumstances where the cancellation is due to external events outside our reasonable control, refunds will be less at any unrecoverable costs.  We are not responsible for any incidental expenses that you may have incurred as a result of your booking including but not limited to visas, vaccinations, travel insurance or non-refundable flights.

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. 

VISA

As a tour operator based under Israeli jurisdiction, Aeolus Tours can facilitate and work with group members for visa application through the Israel Ministry of the Interior. Aeolus Tours is not able to affect or influence the visa process in any way. All decisions regarding such authorizations go back to the Israeli Ministry of Interior who as a body is solely responsible for any authorizations and rejections of visas.   

DIETARY RESTRICTIONS AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS

Aeolus Tours will make every attempt to honor dietary restrictions and preferences. The Client is solely responsible to inform Aeolus Tours and any other third parties of any dietary restrictions, allergies or medical conditions. 

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

The Client is responsible to inform Aeolus Tours of inbound and outbound flight information so that airport transfers can be coordinated appropriately.

IN CASE OF COMPLAINT

Aeolus Tours is committed to maintaining a high level of service. In the event that the Client feels that the services are subpar, the Client may inform the tour guide or Aeolus Tours of the situation immediately so that steps can be taken to rectify any concerns.

 PRIVACY POLICY

Any personal information shared by the client is considered confidential and shall remain private and will not be made publicly available by either party.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

The AEOLUS TOURS and Services are provided on an as-is and as-available basis. You agree that your use of the Site and/or Services will be at your sole risk except as expressly set out in these Terms and Conditions. All warranties, terms, conditions and undertakings, express or implied (including by statute, custom or usage, a course of dealing, or common law) in connection with the Site and Services and your use thereof including, without limitation, the implied warranties of satisfactory quality, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement are excluded to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.

We make no warranties or representations about the accuracy or completeness of the AEOLUS TOURS content and are not liable for any (1) errors or omissions in content: (2) any unauthorized access to or use of our servers and/or any and all personal information and/or financial information stored on our server; (3) any interruption or cessation of transmission to or from the site or services; and/or (4) any bugs, viruses, trojan horses, or the like which may be transmitted to or through the site by any third party. We will not be responsible for any delay or failure to comply with our obligations under these Terms and Conditions if such delay or failure is caused by an event beyond our reasonable control.

Aeolus Tours, in providing services pursuant to these Terms and Conditions, shall not be responsible or liable for any acts, errors, omissions, delays, missed connections, accidents, losses, injuries, deaths, property damage, or any indirect or consequential damages resulting there from, which may be the result of action, inaction, default or insolvency of any airline, hotel, car supplier, other third party goods or service suppliers except in the case of negligence or misconduct by Aeolus Tours.

RESPONSIBILITY OF AEOLUS TOURS

Aeolus Tours will always provide clients with the appropriate assistance without undue delay in any situation. This will include providing thorough communications pertaining to a client’s booking. Clients will be assisted in matters regarding information on health services, local authorities, consular assistance, immigration, customs and helping to find alternative travel arrangements. We may charge you a reasonable fee for such assistance if the difficulty is caused intentionally by you or through your negligence.

JURISDICTION

Aeolus Tours is obligated to follow Israeli law and is subject to the jurisdiction of the Israeli courts.

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