Biblical Israel tour

Biblical Israel tour

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8 Days From

$2050

Biblical Israel tour

8 Days Starting in Tel Aviv, Israel and ending in Jerusalem, Israel

Visiting: Tel Aviv, Tiberias, Sea of Galilee, Galilee, Dead Sea, Jerusalem

Tour operator:

Encounters Travel

Tour code:

44

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 45

Physical rating:

All Ages / Not applicable

Age range:

8-95

Special diets catered:

Request dietary needs

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $2050

NB: Prices correct on 22-Oct-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating Biblical Israel tour, exploring the rich spiritual and historical tapestry of this ancient land. Journey through iconic sites such as Tel Aviv, Caesarea, Haifa, and the serene landscapes of Galilee and Tiberias. Discover the profound significance of Nazareth, Qumran, and Masada, and immerse yourself in the spiritual heart of Jerusalem, both old and new. This small group adventure, ideal for singles and those seeking a religious and spiritual experience, offers comfortable accommodation in 3 to 4-star hotels and travel in an air-conditioned minibus or coach. With an English-speaking guide, all site entry fees, and 24-hour airport transfers included, this tour promises an enriching exploration of Israel's sacred sites, from the shores of the Dead Sea to the vibrant streets of Bethlehem.

Highlights

  • Tel Aviv exploration and Jaffa walking tour

  • Visit the archaeological ruins of Caesarea

  • Explore the ancient city of Megiddo, known as Armageddon

  • Tour the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, and Mount of Beatitudes

  • Ascend to the Golan Heights for panoramic views

  • Experience the Dead Sea and visit Masada, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

  • Discover Jerusalem's Old City, including the Western Wall and Church of the Holy Sepulchre

  • Visit Bethlehem and the Church of the Nativity

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive Into Tel Aviv

Location: Tel Aviv

Accommodation Name: Tel Aviv hotel

After you've arrived at Ben Gurion Airport, one of our representatives will meet you after passport control for assistance and transfer to your hotel in Tel Aviv. The rest of the day is yours either to explore or relax from your long flight.

Day 2 : Jaffa – Caesarea – Megiddo - Tiberias

Location: Tiberias

Accommodation Name: Tiberias hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

We officially kick off the Israel tour with a visit of the port city of Jaffa (Joppa), where we will take a short walking tour in alleys of the old, fortified town. We'll also pass by the house of Simon the Tanner and marvel at the views from the hilltop.

Next, we head north along the coastal road - Via Maris - to the archaeological ruins of Caesarea, built by Herod the Great in honour of Augustus Caesar. From here we go on to visit Megiddo where the book of Revelations mentions a great battle at the place called "Armageddon", an ancient city inhabited continuously for more than five millennia (6000-500 B.C.).

We end our day with a drive toward the Sea of Galilee, descending to Tiberias, known as one of the Holy cities in Judaism.

Day 3 : Sea Of Galilee – Capernaum – Tabgha – Mount Of Beatitudes – Golan Heights

Location: Sea of Galilee

Accommodation Name: Tiberias hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, we visit the sites on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee, the stage for many of the events in Jesus' life.

We will also take a drive along the shore of the sea to Capernaum, known as 'His Town', the centre of Jesus ministry where he spent much time healing the sick and performing miracles. Next, we visit Tabgha, the site of Christ's miracle of feeding the 5,000, visiting the Church of Multiplication, and the Church of the Primacy of St Peter.

We continue to the Mount of Beatitudes overlooking the sea, where Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount and it is believed that he picked his 12 Apostles. We then ascend to the Golan Heights to view the panoramic view of the peaks of Mt. Hermon and the rugged Golan plateau.

We also get the chance to visit Banias (Caesarea Philippi), one of the sources of the River Jordan, and drive to the southern part of the Sea of Galilee to visit the Yardenit Baptismal Site.

Day 4 : Galilee - Nazareth - Cana - Beit Alpha

Location: Galilee

Accommodation Name: Jerusalem hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

We set sail on a boat on the Sea of Galilee and subject to conditions and fee. We journey through the Galilee to Nazareth, where Jesus spent his childhood, and the Church of Annunciation, built on the site where archaeologists believe the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary and this is where you'll see Mary's Well and Joseph's Church.

We make a stop at Cana, the site of where Jesus performed his first miracle, turning water in to wine. We also visit the ancient synagogue at Beit Alpha, located at the foot of the northern slopes of the Gilboa Mountains which has one of most preserved and beautiful mosaics in Israel, and we end the day with a drive through the Jordan Valley, passing by Jericho, before ascending through the Judean Mountains to Jerusalem.

Day 5 : Masada - Qumran - Dead Sea

Location: Dead Sea

Accommodation Name: Jerusalem hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

We start the day bright and early with a drive towards the remarkable scenery of the Dead Sea and nearly 1,300 feet below sea level, the lowest point on the earth's surface.

We make our first stop at Masada that is situated right on an isolated cliff in the Judean Desert. This site has been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001.

We then make our way to fortress known to be the last stronghold of the Jewish Zealots in their war against the Romans. While here, we will visit excavations, King Herod's palace, the synagogue, bathhouse, and more.

Our next stop will be at the Qumran Caves site where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. A highlight of today is having the opportunity to 'float' in the Dead Sea and if the weather permits.

Day 6 : Israel Museum - Yad Vashem – Ein Karem - Bethlehem

Location: Jerusalem

Accommodation Name: Jerusalem hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Start the day at the Israel Museum's Shrine of the Book with the famous Dead Sea scrolls, then a visit to the beautifully renovated model of the Herodian city of Jerusalem, dating back to the time of the Second Temple.

We'll also have the opportunity to enjoy Ein Karem; a picturesque village in the south western outskirts of Jerusalem. This small village has great significance in Christian traditions, since this is where according to tradition John the Baptist was born.

We then visit Yad Vashem the official memorial to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust, established in 1953, located at the foot of Mt. Hertzl, and a not forgetting we visit Bethlehem today; the birthplace of Jesus at the Church of the Nativity and Manger Square.

Day 7 : Jerusalem

Location: Jerusalem

Accommodation Name: Jerusalem hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Did you know that Jerusalem is the holy city for each of the world's three great religions, Christianity, Judaism and Islam. Today we head to Jerusalem where our tour will begin at Mt. Scopus for a panoramic view of the city.

The next stop will be at the Mount of Olives, the site where Jesus first gave the Lord's Prayer, followed by a visit to the Garden of Gethsemane where Judas betrayed Jesus.

While in the Old City we will stop at the Western Wall, a holy place for Judaism. We will also visit the actual site of the Second Temple, the Temple Mount. We visit other famous monuments such as Walk the Way of the Cross, the Via Dolorosa to Calvary and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, housing both the traditional site of Crucifixion and the Tomb of the Resurrection.

We then head just outside the Old City to Mount Zion where we'll stop at the traditional tomb of King David and the Room of the Last Supper.

Day 8 : Departure Airport Transfer

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our Israel tour has officially come to an end. Today you'll be taken back to the airport to head home. If you'd like to further your stay, please don't hesitate to contact us.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    All accommodation in 3 and 4-star hotels with upgrades available.

  • Transport

    All transport and transfers are included.

  • Airport Transfers

    24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer service is provided.

  • Guided Tours

    An English speaking guide is available during touring days.

  • Entry Fees

    All site entry fees are included.

  • Meals

    Meals as indicated in the itinerary are included.

What's Not Included

  • International Flights

    International flights are not included.

  • Visa Fees

    Visa fees are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is compulsory but not included.

  • Single Room Supplements

    Single room supplements are chargeable if a same-sex room share is not available.

  • Additional Meals

    Meals not indicated in the itinerary are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Drinks, snacks, tips, and other personal expenses such as laundry are not included.

  • Tips for Tour Leader

    Tips for the tour leader are not included.

  • Unmentioned Items

    Any other items not mentioned above are not included.

Mode of Transport

Travel in comfort with air-conditioned minibus or coach transportation, ensuring a pleasant journey between destinations.

Accommodation

Stay in comfortable 3 to 4-star hotels throughout your journey, with the option for upgrades to enhance your experience.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of transportation is used during the Biblical Israel tour?

    The tour uses an air-conditioned minibus or coach for transportation.

  • What kind of accommodation is provided on the tour?

    Accommodation is provided in 3 to 4-star hotels, with upgrades available.

  • Is there an airport transfer service included in the tour?

    Yes, a 24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer service is included.

  • Are site entry fees included in the tour package?

    Yes, all site entry fees are included in the tour package.

  • Will there be a guide during the tour?

    Yes, an English-speaking guide will be present during the touring days.

  • Are meals included in the tour?

    Meals are included as indicated in the itinerary, primarily breakfast.

  • What is the starting point of the tour?

    The tour starts in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel.

  • Where does the tour end?

    The tour ends in Jerusalem, Israel.

  • What are some of the key sites visited on the tour?

    Key sites include Tel Aviv, Caesarea, Haifa, Acre, Galilee, Tiberias, Golan Heights, Nazareth, Qumran, Masada, Megiddo, Beith Shean, Bethlehem, the Dead Sea, and both old and new Jerusalem.

  • Is travel insurance compulsory?

    Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    You are always able to change your travel date. However, some charges may apply depending on how long before your departure you make the change. Our flexible booking conditions and reduced charges will apply if you are changing date because of a Covid-19 reason or because your government is advising against travel to your destination. Please check our detailed booking conditions for full details.

  • When is my balance payment due?

    60 days prior to departure

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    On most of our group tours, solo travellers may choose to form a temporary 'tour bubble' and share a room with another traveller of the same sex in the group. If a room share is not available then a single room supplement may be payable, with the costs for these kept as low as possible. We have also removed compulsory single supplements from many of our tours, and are reducing the cost by 50% on s

  • Can I transfer my booking to someone else?

    Customers may transfer their booking or any Credit on File to another person who satisfies all the relevant conditions to the tour, provided that we are notified not less than 7 days before departure, and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. The Client and new booker are jointly and severally responsible for any outstanding payments and a transfer administration fee of GBP50 / USD75 / CAD100 / AUD100 / NZD100 / EUR75 / ZAR1000 / INR5000 or GBP100 / USD150 / CAD200 / AUD200 / NZD200 / EUR150 / ZAR2000 / INR10,000 if the transfer is made less than 60 days before departure. Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended or transferred after they have been confirmed (for example flight tickets, Gorilla Permits) and any alteration could incur a cancellation and rebooking charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Soleil R  

Family trip to Israel, amazing!

December 2013

We worked with Anthony Horribin on planning our trip, which was for my husband, our two young kids and my parents. He listened to every detail about what we wanted, and what we didn't. Everything went smoothly from when we landed I. tel Avov, until we went home. Our guides were not only well informed, and kind to us, but also amazing to our two children. The guides went out of their way to find special treats for our kids, from finding local desserts, and candies, to letting them help give the tours. We had such an amazing time, and I know it would not have been as amazing without Anthony's planning. I am so thankful to him, for giving our family this amazing time together.

Susanne Hultman  

A fabulous discovery of Israel and it's Holy sites.

May 2017

My friend and I looked for package tours to Israel online, but I am not very confident booking anything online unless I have a local phone number to call and speak to a person. We finally found our tour with a travel agent who had a number for me to be able to speak to a person and in this way feel assured that the company was legitimized. I spoke to Mariska at Encounters Travel and she was very helpful so I booked the 8 day package tour called Fantastic Israel with Encounters Travel only 2 weeks before I was due to travel with my friend. The tour itself was perfect. We When we arrived at the airport a lot of flights had arrived at the same so we got stuck for almost 2 hours in the passport control, but the person picking us up at the airport was very understanding. We arrived at our first hotel and we were checked in straight away. The food at all the different hotels was very nice, buffets for breakfast and dinner all inclusive. We were 9 people in the small group, all friendly and fun loving people each with their own personality and our Jewish guide Meir, who knew a lot about all the sites we saw. He was neutral in his comments and gave us good sound facts about Israel in general. All of us agreed that we felt like a big family closely bonded even with our tour guide who did not feel like a tour guide but like a friend. I highly recommend Encounters Travel and their 8 day Fantastic Israel tour as a small group tour. Thumps up from Me. Susanne Hultman, London, UK

Mary B  

y exprience to the holyland tour

February 2014

it was my first trip to Israel with travel Encouters. I was anxious of traveling alone but I was connected to a wonderful group of 24 tourists. The tour guide was amazing. The hotels were fantastic. We visited so many places including historical sites. We had a wonderful time. I will definately book my next trip with Travel Encounters.

1 Select your preferred date

Thursday - Thursday

Nov 14, 2024 - Nov 21, 2024
$2050

Thursday - Thursday

Nov 28, 2024 - Dec 05, 2024
$2050

Thursday - Thursday

Dec 19, 2024 - Dec 26, 2024
$2175

Thursday - Thursday

Jan 09, 2025 - Jan 16, 2025
$2050

Thursday - Thursday

Jan 30, 2025 - Feb 06, 2025
$2050

Thursday - Thursday

Feb 13, 2025 - Feb 20, 2025
$2050

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Encounters Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform encounters travel, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Encounters Travel requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of encounters travel charges.

    Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.

    At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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