7 Days: Tel Aviv, Galilee, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Masada, Dead Sea

Tour overview:

A bit larger than New Jersey the state of Israel is a technological and economic powerhouse. It is part of the Middle East. Its climate and landscapes are Mediterranean. This week-long tour touches many of the cultural and historic highlights this vibrant, multi-cultural country has to offer.

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Day 1 - Arrive Tel Aviv

Upon arrival to Tel Aviv, Israel, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.(B)

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Day 2 - Tel Aviv – City Sightseeing

Visit the historic train station 'Park HaTachana ' a restored complex from the 1892 Jaffa- Jerusalem railway. Continue to Old Jaffa, one of the oldest port cities in the world; Visit the ancient ruins and walk along the Artist's Quarter. Head to Neve Tzedek, the first neighborh od of Tel Aviv, built in 1887 and Nahalat Benyamin, the pedestrian mall of the city where you can enjoy live street music, arts, crafts and handmade jewelry.

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Day 3 - Tel Aviv – Galilee

Depart Tel Aviv via the coastal road and the landscape of the lower Galilee to Nazareth, the town where Jesus spent his childhood. Visit the Basilica of Annunciation and the Church of St. Joseph. Continue, via Kana, to Tiberius, the lively resort town on the Sea of Galilee. Drive along the Kineret lake to Capernaum and view the ruins of the ancient synagogue where Jesus taught; Continue to Tabgha and visit the Church of Multiplication of the Fish and Loaves with the beautiful mosaic floor. Proceed to Yardenit, the famous baptismal site located where the Jordan River flows out from the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea; enjoy the peaceful and natural surrounding on site. Return to point of departure.(B)

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Day 4 - Tel Aviv / Jerusalem & Bethlehem Sightseeing

Drive to Mount of Olives for a panoramic view of the city. Stop at Mount Zion to visit King David's Tomb, Room of Last Supper and the Dormition Abbey. Enter the Old City and walk through the Armenian and Jewish quarters to the recently excavated and restored Cardo, the Roman road. See the Jewish Wailing Wall, the Kotel, and continue to the Christian quarter. Walk along the Via Dolorosa and visit the Church of Holy Sepulchre. Continue to Bethlehem where Jesus was born; Walk through the Manger square to visit the Church of Nativity; View the Shepherds'field. Return to point of departure.(B)

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Day 5 - Jerusalem – Masada & Dead Sea

Depart Jerusalem via the Judean hills to the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth; Visit a Dead Sea cosmetic products shop. Drive along the shores of the Dead Sea to Masada and learn about the heroic story of the Jewish fighters. Ascend by cable car and tour the mountain fortress built by King Herod, where the Zealots of the first century made their last stand against the Romans. Visit the remains of the walls, palace, synagogue, water cisterns, mosaic floors, roman baths and other findings. Descend by cable car. Continue to the Dead Sea; Enjoy the unique opportunity to float in the Dead Sea and cover yourself with the mineral rich mud that many believe has its therapeutic effects. Return to point of departure. (B)

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Day 6 - Jerusalem

Enjoy a day at leisure in Jerusalem. (B)

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Day 7 - Jerusalem / Depart Tel Aviv

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. (B)

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