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

Enjoy a light breakfast as we start our day at the Mount of Olives for breakfast. Jerusalem has a history that goes back more than 3,000 years, known for its epochal ramparts, iconic structures, unique buildings and narrow alleys.

Take in the rich history as you walk through the bustling souk of the Old City. We’ll stop by local street vendors to try various delectable delights such as fresh ka’ak Al Quds (Jerusalem bread), organic tahina, halava, Arabic coffee and homemade sesame sweets. We’ll head to Al-Dkedek Restaurant, one of the most delicious and beloved food shops in Jerusalem. They make classic dishes including hummas, msabaha and ful made with the freshest ingredients. 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’ll visit the Western Wall, believed to be the remnants of the Second Temple, which was built by Herod the Great in the 20th century BCE. Then we’ll head to the Christian quarter to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the holiest site for Christians in the Old City. Afterwards, we’ll have lunch at Costa Restaurant known for their specialty of stuffed pigeon, a local delicacy served alongside salad, rice and other condiments. The restaurant also offers many other fresh and delicious dining options. Next, we’ll head to Jaffar Sweets; a family owned pastry shop located in the Old City that’s been open since 1951. You’ll enjoy hot and fresh homemade sweets such as different kinds of kenefah and baklava along with other sweet pastries.

Overnight: Jerusalem

Enjoy an early morning picnic breakfast of traditional food including ka’ak Al Quds (Jerusalem bread), olive oil, za’atar, falafel, hummus, goat cheese and oven-baked eggs.

Afterwards we’ll head towards New Gate, built in the late 1880’s in order to provide direct access to the Old City for the members of the neighboring Christian institutions such as the Notre Dame, St. Louis Hospital and the Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Cathedral. We’ll tour the Notre Dame, located just across New Gate, originally built as a church complex to house French pilgrims, the Notre Dame is an enormous towering French Cathedral that serves as a guesthouse for pilgrims and non-pilgrims alike offering rooms, facilities, training programs, pilgrimage services and splendid dining options. Not far from the Notre Dame is the Russian Compound which was acquired and built to serve Russian pilgrims in the 1860’s. Within the center of the compound is the Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church, one of Jerusalem’s most distinct Churches with its green domes and magnificent Byzantine style architecture. We’ll visit the Ethiopian Orthodox Church established in the 19th century. The church is unlike any in the Holy Land, a beautiful and unique complex with a round domed church and monastery, it‘s the largest and most distinctive Ethiopian religious site within the Holy Land. You’ll learn about Ethiopian Christian traditions and practices as well as their connection to King Solomon.

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

Enjoy a traditional early breakfast at the hotel before we head towards Bethlehem. On our way, we’ll first visit in the small village of Battir, a gorgeous and lush green valley located northwest of Bethlehem. The village is a mountainous landscape, known for preserving a very traditional way of life with its man-made terraces and water system that uses one of the oldest farming methods known to mankind. Enjoy hot tea as you take in the beautiful view of the surrounding terraces featuring olive groves, vineyards and vegetation.

Once in Bethlehem see the famous street art along the separation wall, particularly the Banksy pieces that are scattered throughout the city. We’ll visit the Walled Off Hotel and Banksy shop where you can enjoy the museum, gallery and café. (Banksy is an anonymous and international iconic street artist.) Next, we’ll visit the Church of Nativity, the oldest church in the Holy Land. Located in the center of Bethlehem, the basilica is built over an intimate cave that enshrines the Alter of the Nativity. The Alter, marked with a silver star, is believed to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ. View the bell towers and beautiful gardens as we make our way out of Manger Square to Bethlehem’s Old City. Stroll down the cobblestoned paved streets and explore the market place as we indulge in falafel tasting. See the Old City and various shops where you can find handcrafted olivewood and jewelry that Bethlehem is famous for. For a late lunch we’ll have the most delicious kebab in Bethlehem at the Al Karawan Restaurant.

Overnight: Jerusalem

After a traditional early breakfast at the hotel, we’ll head out to the northeastern Negev village, Talmei Yosef, for an agricultural tour. In this ‘Salad Trail’ tour you will learn about the innovative and technological advancements in agricultural development in the Negev. You’ll also visit the different greenhouses, fields, and orchards and encounter a wide variety of delicious seasonal fruits and vegetables. You’ll get to pick and taste everything from edible flowers and delicious oranges to several different varieties of cherry tomatoes, carrots and mint leaves.

Next, we’ll visit Rahat the largest Bedouin city in the world. The city is comprised of different tribes that maintain their Bedouin traditions including the famed tradition of Bedouin hospitality. Enjoy a guided tour through the gorgeous desert landscape and experience a very hospitable hands-on desert setting. Learn about the history of the people and the surrounding area, experience the life and culture of the Bedouins as well as their traditions in the desert wilderness. Enjoy the quiet and tranquil aura of the desert from a handwoven Bedouin tent as you enjoy gentle traditional music, drink Arabic coffee, and taste a rich variety of appetizing desert meals. For lunch you will be served with Mansaf, a layered dish of shrak bread (flat bread), hot fermented yogurt, rice, lamb and pine nuts.

Overnight: Mitzpe Ramon

The Negev Desert extends over the country’s southern region and covers more than half of the land area. Take in the magnificent view of the moonshaped landscape of the Judean Desert as we head to the Ramon Nature Reserve to visit Mitzpe Ramon, a natural and unique phenomenon as it is the world’s largest erosion crater. A geological formation created more than 200 million years ago when the land was covered by ocean. At the visitors center you will learn about the spectacular and vast hilly landscape along with its historical and geological sites.

Next, we’ll head to a family run goat farm in Naot. The farm, among others, is located along the ancient Nabatean Incense Route which was a hugely profitable trade route of luxury goods that goes back to the 3rd century BCE. The route now serves as a cheese wine and hospitality route known as the Negev Wine Route. For dinner, enjoy a person chef experience at Sde Boker Winery.

Overnight: Jerusalem

Enjoy a traditional early breakfast at the hotel before we head to Nablus. Nablus is a city with a deeply layered and rich history located in the northern West Bank. See the incredible architecture, stone clad buildings and old urban spaces as you wander down the winding streets and make your way to the mesmerizing Old City (Al Qasaba), a huge ancient market brimming with different shops selling everything from spices and sweets to olive oil and pottery. Nablus is known for its friendly locals, delicious sweets, olive oil products and handmade goods. You’ll be introduced to several culinary staples including kanafeh, a sweet pastry layered with cheese and drenched in rosewater syrup; it’s a delicious local delicacy. You’ll also visit several handmade leather and pottery workshops and learn about the local olive oil soap production as you visit the ancient soap factories.

We’ll visit the Samaritan community on Mount Gerazim, located on one of the mountain tops that form the Nablus valley. Next we’ll visit Bait Al Karama, a Women’s Centre located in the Old City of Nablus. It’s a social-cultural establishment that provides social, cultural and educational training and activities for the local community. The centre offers a culinary tour where you’ll experience the tastes and flavors of Nablus in a guided tour throughout the city that includes tasting local delicacies such as kenefeh (sweet cheese pastry) and arayes (a sandwich of spiced beef in crunchy pita bread, served hot). The tour will also take you to visit the Souk, food and spice shops, local producers and factories.

Overnight: Jerusalem

After a traditional early breakfast at the hotel, we’ll head out to visit the ancient city of Jericho, the oldest city on earth. It is a lush green oasis located in the Jordan Valley. We’ll head up the Mount of Temptation, where according to tradition is the place where the devil tried to tempt Jesus into forsaking God. The monastery is positioned halfway up the mountain and has an incredible view of Jericho and the Jordan Valley. You’ll be treated to refreshments and Medjoul dates, which are grown and harvested in Jericho and considered one of the most delicious and rich tasting dates in the world. For lunch you’ll be introduced to musakhan, a traditional Palestinian dish comprised of roasted chicken and baked onions covered in sumac, olive oil and pine nuts served over taboon bread. You’ll also be served with freekeh soup made with cracked green wheat, which is traditionally served alongside musakhan.

Next we’ll head to Qumran, located in the Judean Desert, known as the place where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. The scrolls were a major archaeological discovery of the 20th century and were revealed to be the earliest biblical manuscripts to ever be found, providing invaluable historical information on Judaism and the early roots of Christianity.

Our next stop is the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth. At 1412 feet below sea level it’s the deepest sea in the world and is one of the world’s saltiest bodies of water. The water doesn’t 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.

Overnight: Jerusalem

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.

Tabgha is located on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. According to tradition, Tabgha is the site where Jesus performed two miracles. The first is the event of the multiplication of loaves and fish, where Jesus fed 5,000 people with five loaves of bread and 2 fish. Capernaum, located just north of the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum was a fishing market inhabited between the 2nd century BCE and 11th century CE. Today, it’s an archeological site owned and commemorated by two churches that Pilgrims can visit: the Franciscan Monastery and the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Apostles.

Mount Bental is located 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.

One of today’s highlights is a scenic boat ride across the Sea of Galilee.

Overnight: Jerusalem

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. You’ll 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. While touring you’ll try many delicious delicacies as you visit various food kiosks including lahuhe, a traditional Yemenite pan-fried flatbread stuffed with cheese vegetables and herbs.

Next we’ll make our way to Nazareth is located in the lower Galilee and known as the hometown of Jesus Christ. We’ll visit the Catholic Church of Annunciation. It is located in the heart of Nazareth and 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 have lunch at Bayat Restaurant. The menu offers a variety of options and classic dishes including Sheik El Mahshi a mouthwatering eggplant dish made with mini eggplants stuffed with spiced beef, cooked in rich tomato sauce and served over fragrant rice. Mahroum Sweet Shop is famous throughout Nazareth as having the most delectable homemade sweets and pastries; they serve different varieties of fresh baklava, kanafeh, Turkish delights and much more.

Overnight: Jerusalem

View the magnificent coastline of the Mediterranean as we visit the white cliffs of Rosh Hanikra, located in Western Galilee. It’s a remarkable natural geological rock formation of grottos into the white chalk cliffs. Cable cars are available to take visitors down the steep cliffs to the grottos below. You’ll not only see the turquoise sea caves, but you’ll also get to walk through the underground network of tunnels, which was a former railroad line built by the British in the 1960’s. You’ll also get to walk along the white beach trails and a magnificent view of the Mediterranean Sea along with the spectacular sea cliff formations.

We’ll then head south 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. It has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site due to the well preserved remains of the medieval Crusader town that has made it a plethora for excavation. You will learn about the rich historical periods and experience archeology, the fishing port market, local museums and galleries. Experience the aroma of fresh spices as we navigate through the colorful food market and taste the delicious local delights such as falafel, hummus, halava, kenefeh and fresh roasted coffee. For lunch we’ll head to El Marsa restaurant in the fisherman’s harbor. Enjoy a gorgeous view of the sea harbor as you choose from the varied menu with fish, meat, chicken and vegetable options. The fish and seafood dishes are particularly spectacular; they are prepared with the freshest ingredients including freshly caught fish and other sea food by the local fisherman.

Overnight: Tel Aviv

The Bahai Gardens, also known as the Hanging Gardens of Haifa, is one of the most beautifully designed gardens in the country that commemorates the Bahai faith. 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. We’ll head to Abu Shkara Butchery. A butcher shop with a variety of local organic produced meats and artisan designed platters.

We then head south to Tel Aviv for a city tour of towering skyscrapers, sandy beaches and wide open boulevards. For lunch we’ll head over to Sulica, a traditional Jewish food kitchen that serves mouth watering slow cooked meals using only the freshest ingredients. Their menu includes a variety of traditional and contemporary cuisines such as lamb stew and smoked salmon; it also includes vegetarian and gluten-free options. Well explore Carmel Market, Tel Aviv’s largest and most popular traditional market places. A market place filled with hustle and bustle that sells everything from spices and fresh produce to clothes and electronics. It’s a place of unique shops and restaurants with an array of flavors, smells and tastes you can’t find anywhere else. Participate in a tasting tour as you sample various delicacies from different food stalls. The market has a vibrant multicultural food scene with delicious fusion dishes from some of the world best chef’s.

Overnight: Tel Aviv

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.