Itinerary

Day 1 Jerusalem

Jerusalem for Christians, Jews and Muslims, is one of the most revered cities on earth. Attractions range from religious emblems and relics of antiquity to modern items of interest. Religious tours are available from West Jerusalem and include Mount Zion and the Tomb of David. Other sites are the Tomb of Judges; Yad Vashem, the memorial to the six million Jews who died in the Holocaust; and Mea Shearim (‘the hundred gates’). Visitors in East Jerusalem may follow the Way of the Cross, enter the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and see the Wailing Wall, the Dome of the Rock and the Jaffa and Damascus gates. The Israel Museum in Jerusalem houses the Dead Sea Scrolls and is worth visiting.

Transfer between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem with private vehicle and driver.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

The King David, a Jerusalem landmark placed within the center of the city, is historically recognized as Israel’s most magnificent and lavish hotel. Playing host to the world’s movers and shakers and entertaining the likes of princesses and emperors, it boasts 237 rooms. Restaurants are daring and unique, presenting Israel’s ethnic diversity at its best. The phenomenon that is Jerusalem is blessed by the infinite activities in the area, from museums to ancient stomping grounds and bazaars fraught with bargainers. For those who prefer spending time at the hotel, check out the fitness areas and personal care services where treatment is comparable to the ancient times when Jerusalem was the centre of a small world. Today, travelers still leave this wondrous city in a state of awe.

Overnight at King David Hotel.

Day 2 Jerusalem

This tour begins with visits to the Western Wall and it's last remnants of an ancient Temple.  Continuing onward, enjoy a visit to Temple Mount, which today holds the gold Dome of the Rock, followed by a stop at Al Aksa Mosque. Walk through the meandering streets towards the reconstructed Cardo shopping arcade of ancient times. You will then follow the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, for a short photo stop. Enjoy some shopping at the most atmospheric market of the Old city, offering  a variety handicrafts, clothes, foods, spices and local delicacies.  You will end your tour at David’s Citadel and Museum by the Jaffa Gate.

Overnight at King David Hotel.

Day 3 Jerusalem

This tour combines the earth’s lowest point, the Dead Sea, with one of the most famous sites in Jewish history, Massada. In the early morning hours, enjoy a sunrise climb up snake trail, or the same panoramic experience aboard a mountain cable car.  Perched high atop a cliff overlooking the Dead Sea is the ruins of the well-appointed fortress of Massada, which was built by King Herod, and was used as a refuge for a Jewish faction resisting Roman rule. Visit Qumran - best known as the settlement nearest to the hiding place of the Dead Sea Scrolls in the caves of the sheer desert cliffs. Finish at a Dead Sea spa with a float in the famous and buoyant Dead Sea, renowned for its mineral content and rich black mud.

Overnight at King David Hotel.

Day 4 Galilee

Galilee and the North - Lake Tiberias (the Sea of Galilee) itself, Nazareth, the Bet She’arim Catacombs, Megiddo, Tiberias and the Mount of Beatitudes. Bethlehem - located 10km (6.2 miles) south of Jerusalem, it is most famous for being the birthplace of Christ, although it is also well known for olive woodcarving and mother-of-pearl jewelry, which, today, has developed into a modern industry. Jericho - dates back more than 10,000 years and is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited sites. Known as the ‘City of Palms’, the walls and towers of Jericho are 4000 years older than the pyramids of Egypt, and the domestication of animals took place 1000 years earlier in Jericho than in Mesopotamia and Egypt.

Take in stunning scenery and ancient religious sites around the Sea of Galilee. Visit ancient Churches and town such as Capernaum, the one-time home of Jesus. Visit ruins of the ancient synagogue, the still standing Church of St. Joseph and the site of the miracle of the Loaves and the Fish before arriving at Yardenit, the site where the lake empties into the Jordan River.

Mitzpe Hayamim Spa Resort lies on the eastern slopes of Mount Canaan, isolated from the concrete jungle and thriving on fresh air and tranquility. Overlooking the Golan Heights and the Sea of Galilee, each room has a natural, woody effect for those who require some grounding and subtle earthy tones. The resort and restaurants have been approved by Relais & Chateaux, an exclusive organization based on the principles of excellent French lifestyle and cuisine. Mitzpe Hayamim meets and surpasses these standards with its organic kitchens stocked with farm grown fresh fruit and vegetables. Nothing beats the sweetness of a tomato from the mountains. Detoxifying spa treatments prove the Mitzpe Hayamim is an all-around cleansing experience.

Overnight at Mitzpe Hayamim.

Day 5 Galilee

This tour begins with a drive to Safed, the center of the Kaballa movement.  Visit the Joseph Caro and the Ha'Ari synagogues, which are the most important religious meeting places within the city.  Enjoy a stroll around the Artist's quarter before continuing on towards the Golan heights.  Here, take in the spectacular view from the observation point of the city of Kuneitra and the neighbouring Syrian territory.  Make a brief stop at the former Syrian army camp at Tel Facher, before visiting the Banias springs, which is one of the main sources of the Jordan river, also known as Casarea Philippi. A visit to Tel-Hai allows you to see the "Roaring Lion" monument, which describes the heroic battle of Josef Trumpeldor and his comrades in 1920.  The tour concludes in Galilee.

Overnight at Mitzpe Hayamim.

Day 6 Galilee

Choose between varieties of activities offered in the hotel, starting from the workout room, overlooking the Golan Heights, the tennis court or the swimming pool, where large glass windows present the serene Galilee scenery. Water exercises, Tai Chi, yoga, meditation, aerobic or Oriental dance are also available. All year round morning walk along the paths of the farm, among its terraces, mysterious groves and spectacular gardens, to the quiet sound of the miniature waterfalls. The spa offers a range of health and cosmetic treatments using ethereal oils, herbs and hydrotherapy, some in the hotel building and others in a building set in a herb garden, surrounded by the scent of jasmine and lavender blossoms. The combination of a hotel, spa, organic garden, and art workshops offers a uniquely rich experience. Choose between numerous massage methods from all over the world. Enquire at hotel's reception for details.

Overnight at Mitzpe Hayamim.

Day 7 Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv is an exciting city offering commerce, culture, nightlife and sandy beaches. The Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra draws audiences from all over the world. The Museum of the Diaspora is internationally famous. The bustling Carmel Market is a popular place to visit. In 1950, Jaffa was united with Tel Aviv; situated a mile from the city, this is one of the oldest ports in the world. It has archaeological finds reaching back to the third century BC, a beach, lively nightlife in Old Jaffa and a flea market.

This tour takes you on a drive north along the coastline of the Mediterranean Sea for a visit to the ancient city of Caesarea, where the multimedia show explains about the Roman amphitheatre and ruins. Enjoy the promenade of Caesarea. Continue north to Haifa, and visit the Baha'i Gardens. Further north is Akko, the ancient port city, famous for Napoleon's visit. Explore the Knights Museum, Okashi Museum and the Templers Caves. Return to your Tel Aviv hotel late afternoon.

Lounging on the coast of the Mediterranean, the Dan Tel Aviv encompasses all things central yet reserved. Located within walking distance of lively bars, restaurants, and pubs, it allows the inquisitive traveler to scope out the city and later to find refuge on the promenade over a tranquil stroll. With 280 rooms and suites, this 7-storey building gently beckons the sea breeze into its rooms and lounging areas. The breakfast buffet is mouth-watering, with juicy fruits, vegetables, and pastries that meet your every fancy. The Gan Dan Patio Café seats guests in a refreshing atmosphere, to be served light snacks and dairy. Sunbathe on the giant deck above the beachfront, and take a dip to cool off from the Tel Aviv sun.

Overnight at Dan Tel Aviv Hotel.

Day 8 Tel Aviv

Tel-Aviv is the bustling business centre of Israel. It also boasts modern architecture, alongside classic examples of the Bauhaus school of the 1930’s and 1940’s brought to Israel by new immigrant architects at that time. Begin the tour with a visit to Old Jaffa - some 4,000 years ago, the port city of Jaffa served Egyptian and Phoenician sailors. Christian legend has it that Jaffa was named after Noah’s son Japhet, building it after the flood. Razed and rebuilt dozens of times, with Napoleon being one of many invaders, Jaffa’s history is marked by turbulence. Bargaining still takes place in Old Jaffa, a draw for tourists. See the Clock Tower in the central square, the Jaffa Museum (first constructed during the Crusades and exhibiting artifacts from area digs), Kikar Kedumin (formerly Tel Aviv’s red light district, but now an artsy place with restaurants and gift shops), and the port marina with its abundance of houseboats and restaurants. Next we’ll enjoy a walking tour of Neve Tzedek. These beautifully restored houses and streets preserve the romance of the early days of Jewish urban settlement. The neighborhood was nicknamed "Little Paris" because of its eye-opening architectural innovations. Today, the most outstanding site is the Suzanne Delal Centre, a bustling dance and theater complex. In July, 2003, UNESCO proclaimed the "White City," the unique urban and historical fabric of Tel Aviv, as a World Cultural Heritage site. Walk along Rothschild Boulevard, one of the White City's main concentrations, and view the architectural styles of the 1930s – most notably the International, or Bauhaus, style, telling the story of Tel Aviv from its early years till today. This is a wonderful opportunity to savor the experience of life, past and present, in the first Hebrew city.Afterwards we will visit Rabin Square, where Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated. Walk in his final footsteps and discuss the impact of this event on the State of Israel.

Overnight at Dan Tel Aviv Hotel.

Day 9 Tel Aviv

Airport meet and assist/transfer with private vehicle and driver.

Depart from Tel Aviv international airport - end of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart.

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