Classic Israel tour
Classic Israel tour
Classic Israel tour
8 Days Starting and ending in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
Visiting: Tel Aviv-Yafo, Be'er Sheva, Masada National Park, Jerusalem, Yad Vashem, Old City, Jericho, Nazareth, Sea of Galilee, Golan Heights, Acre, Haifa, Caesarea
Tour operator:
Tour code:
176
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 45
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
Over 9s
Special diets catered:
Request dietary needs
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
From:
$2055
$1952 (USD)
The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$103
Tour Overview
This comprehensive 8-day tour to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories explores the Mediterranean coast, Nazareth and the Golan Heights as well as the Dead Sea, Masada and Old Jerusalem and offers a great and balanced introduction to this interesting country. Starting in Tel Aviv we head north along the coast visiting the roman excavations at Caesarea, a Druze Village and the beautiful gardens at Haifa. Heading inland we climb up to the Golan Heights to enjoy a wine tasting session at one of Israel's most well known wineries. Next we visit the holy sites around the Sea of Galilee and the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth. We drive south back to Jerusalem for a tour of the old and new city and if time and border restrictions permit, a chance to visit Bethlehem. We finish off with a trip to the hilltop town of Masada and take a dip in the Dead Sea.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Tel Aviv, Transfer To Hotel
Location: Tel Aviv-Yafo
Accommodation: Hotel, Tel Aviv Hotel
Meals Included: No Meals
Once you've arrived at the airport, one of our representatives will welcome you and transport you to your hotel. The day is yours free to either relax or explore the city on your own.
Day 2 : Masada – Herod's Palaces & The Dead Sea
Location: Be'er Sheva, Masada National Park, Jerusalem
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Jerusalem Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
We officially start the Israel tour today and set off from Tel Aviv, driving south, passing by the cities of Ashdod, Ashkelon and Beersheba, the capital of the Negev Desert.
We continue via Arad to Masada, Israel's foremost archaeological park and ascend via cable-car for a thorough visit that gives insight to the rituals, politics and culture of the people who inhabited this desert fortress.
We visit the excavations, Herod's palaces, the synagogue, bathhouse and cisterns, and enjoy the incredible views of the Roman camps and the Dead Sea.
We later descend to the lowest place on earth and the Dead Sea, to experience the mineral-rich black mud and to float in its salty waters.
We end the day by passing by the oasis of Ein Gedi and proceeding through the Judean Desert to Jerusalem.
Day 3 : Yad Vashem & Mahane Yehuda
Location: Yad Vashem, Jerusalem
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Jerusalem Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, we drive to Mount Scopus, passing the WWI British cemetery, Hadassah Hospital, and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem for a panoramic view of the Old City.
We continue the tour to the Israel Museum, which houses the Dead Sea Scrolls in the Shrine of the Book after which we'll visit the large scale renovated model of the Herodian city of Jerusalem.
We also visit Yad Vashem and the world Holocaust remembrance centre and followed by an afternoon drive to the picturesque village of Ein Karem.
In downtown Jerusalem, we visit Mahane Yehuda to experience the flavours, aromas, colours and the traders' interaction with the crowds and the largest open market in Israel.
Day 4 : Old City Of Jerusalem
Location: Old City
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Jerusalem Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
We go back into time and visit the Old City of Jerusalem and we start the tour by entering through one of the gates to the walled Old City to visit the renewed Jewish Quarter and the colourful Souk.
We also walk along the Via Dolorosa, stopping at the Stations of the Cross, ending at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. We also make a visit to Mt. Zion and the tomb of King David, the Room of the Last Supper and Dormition Abbey.
Later the afternoon, we continue to Bethlehem to visit the traditional birthplace of Jesus at the Church of the Nativity and Manger Square.
Day 5 : Jerusalem To Nazareth
Location: Jericho, Nazareth
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Kibbutz Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
We leave Jerusalem today and drive north passing by Jericho and the oldest city in the world. We'll travel through the Jordan Valley and the new settlements to Beit Shean and visit the excavations of well-preserved Roman City.
Later, we head to Nazareth to visit the Church of the Annunciation and Christian holy sites, and a visit to Safed and the city of the Kabbalah and centre of Jewish mysticism, to visit a synagogue and the beautiful streets of the artists and colony.
Day 6 : Golan Heights & The Sea Of Galilee
Location: Sea of Galilee, Golan Heights
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Kibbutz Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we drive up to the Golan Heights and visit the former Syrian fortifications and the Druze villages, passing by Banias, source of the Jordan River.
We get to experience an Israeli wine country experience and vineyards surrounded by endless views. While here, we become acquainted with the collection of fine and rare wines all while enjoying a tour, wine tasting and understanding of the wine production process.
Later, we descend to the shore of the Sea of Galilee and proceed to Capernaum, to visit the ruins of the ancient synagogue, the Mount of Beatitudes, traditional site of the Sermon on the Mount and Tabgha. We then head onwards to Tiberias, the old center of Jewish learning.
Today, you'll have the option to go sailing on a boat across the Sea of Galilee to experience the scenery little changed during the past 2000 years.
Day 7 : Acre, Haifa & Tel Aviv
Location: Acre, Haifa, Caesarea, Tel Aviv-Yafo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Tel Aviv Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we start the last day of our tour with a drive through the hills of the Galilee, westwards to Acre (Akko) for a visit of the old, famous Crusader stronghold and medieval fortifications.
We then continue to Haifa, for a panoramic sightseeing tour of the city, including the Baha'i Shrine, Persian Garden, Mount Carmel and Haifa bay. We then head along the Mediterranean coast to Caesarea to visit the Roman Theater and the Crusader fortress at what is known as the 'masterpiece of Herod the Great'
We end the day with a short city tour of Tel Aviv and the ancient port of Jaffa.
Day 8 : Your Classic Israel Tour Ends
Location: Tel Aviv-Yafo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, the tour officially comes to an end and you’ll be transferred to the airport for your departure back home. Don't hesitate to contact us if you'd like to extend your tour.
What's Included
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Accommodation
3* -
All accommodation in 3 to 4-star hotels and a Kibbutz Hotel as stated in the itinerary
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All transport and transfers in AC vehicles
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24-hour airport arrival & departure transfer service
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English speaking guide during touring days.
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All site entry fees.
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Meals as indicated in the itinerary (7 breakfasts)
What's Not Included
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International flights (available on request)
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Visa fees (if applied)
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Travel insurance (compulsory, available on request)
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Meals not indicated in the itinerary
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Drinks, snacks, tips and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry)
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Tips for driver & tour leader
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Any other items not mentioned above
Mode of Transport
A/C car/minibus/coach
Accommodation
3 to 4-star hotels
Tel Aviv hotel
Jerusalem hotel
Tiberias hotel
Check out our Q&As
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
You should ensure you are fully insured for medical emergencies including emergency evacuation and repatriation. Recommended vaccinations and other health protection measures vary according to the country you are visiting and where you are travelling from. We recommend you contact your GP/medical practitioner or a travel clinic for current information on vaccinations needed for your destination. You should ensure that you are up to date with vaccines and boosters recommended for your normal life at home, including for example, vaccines required for occupational risk of exposure, lifestyle risks and underlying medical conditions. In addition, additional courses or boosters normally recommended for the countries in this region are: Egypt: Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A Jordan: Tetanus, Hepatitis A Israel: Hepatitis A, Poliomyelitis Lebanon: Dipheria, Hepatitis A Malaria is not generally present unless it has been contracted abroad; you do not need to take malaria prophylactics. More information is available here: Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Lebanon Note: We are aware of some places in Egypt using 'black henna' instead of pure brown henna. Black henna contains a chemical dye PPD (paraphenylenediamine) which can result in severe allergic reactions and resultant scarring. To be safe we recommend avoiding any henna tattoos while in Egypt unless you are certain they are using pure brown henna.
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
Visa arrangements are the responsibility of the traveller, and requirements are subject to change by the local authorities. Many nationalities (including UK, European, USA, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, South African) do not need to obtain a visa to enter Israel as a period as long as your stay is for less than 3 months. Other nationalities should check with their local consulate. Most of our tours visiting Israel also enter the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT). No special visas are required but check points and border posts are operated by the Israeli authorities and access is sometimes limited or restricted.
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What is the tipping policy?
Tipping is common practice in Israel, as a sign of appreciation for services provided. You may therefore wish to tip your guide and driver at the end of the tour. You should not feel obliged to tip any particular amount, and should consider your personal budget. We are often asked to provide a guide however, and can suggest that approx. GBP 5 / USD 8 per person per day would be appropriate.
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
There is no luggage limit for this tour. However, most airlines restrict you to between 20kg and 25kg for your hold luggage and between 5kg and 10kg for hand luggage. Please check with your airline before travelling to the airport.
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What currencies are required for this tour?
The local currency in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories is the Israeli Shekel (ILS). You do not need to arrange to bring any Shekels with you as exchange facilities are available in the international airports and in most hotels, banks and bureau de changes in major towns. You should try to obtain and keep hold of small denomination notes or coins on you during the tour as these are useful for toilets, tips and small purchases. ATMs are readily available in major towns and many local shops will accept VISA/Mastercard or Amex, but may charge fees of up to 10% - check before you pay. Travellers cheques are not recommended as they can not be changed in many places now, and can incur high fees. While in Israel and the OPT you will need sufficient funds to cover meals not included in the itinerary, drinks, snacks, souvenirs and personal expenses such as laundry. These should generally all be paid for in local currency, though tips for guides and drivers may be paid in hard currency (GBP, USD, EUR). It is difficult to recommend a level of personal spending money which will suit everyone as this can differ greatly, but as a guideline, we would suggest allowing USD 25-35 per person per day as a minimum. Allow more if you plan on doing lots of shopping, or buying many alcoholic drinks.
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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).
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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.
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When is my balance payment due?
60 days prior to departure
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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
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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
Dates & Availability
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Sunday - Sunday
May 12, 2024 - May 19, 2024Sunday - Sunday
May 26, 2024 - Jun 02, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Jun 09, 2024 - Jun 16, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Jun 23, 2024 - Jun 30, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Jul 14, 2024 - Jul 21, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Aug 04, 2024 - Aug 11, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Aug 25, 2024 - Sep 01, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Sep 01, 2024 - Sep 08, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Sep 08, 2024 - Sep 15, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Sep 15, 2024 - Sep 22, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Sep 22, 2024 - Sep 29, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Sep 29, 2024 - Oct 06, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Oct 13, 2024 - Oct 20, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Oct 20, 2024 - Oct 27, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Oct 27, 2024 - Nov 03, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Nov 03, 2024 - Nov 10, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Nov 10, 2024 - Nov 17, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Nov 17, 2024 - Nov 24, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Nov 24, 2024 - Dec 01, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Dec 01, 2024 - Dec 08, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Dec 08, 2024 - Dec 15, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Dec 15, 2024 - Dec 22, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Dec 22, 2024 - Dec 29, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Dec 29, 2024 - Jan 05, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Jan 05, 2025 - Jan 12, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Jan 12, 2025 - Jan 19, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Jan 19, 2025 - Jan 26, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Jan 26, 2025 - Feb 02, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Feb 02, 2025 - Feb 09, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Feb 09, 2025 - Feb 16, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Feb 16, 2025 - Feb 23, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Feb 23, 2025 - Mar 02, 2025Book with Confidence
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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.
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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.
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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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