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Israel The Holy Land
Israel The Holy Land
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Tour Overview
Biblical sites lie next to ancient synagogues and the sacred Islamic Dome of the Rock in Israel, a country where the most spiritually significant sites of Judaism, Islam and Christianity converge. Take in the most sacred of these areas and structures as you visit the Virgin Mary's home in Nazareth, cross the waters of the Sea of Galilee, ascend the Mount of Beatitudes and travel the path Christ took to his crucifixion on this riveting eight-day tour.
Highlights
- Two days touring Jerusalem's historic sites
- See the Dead Sea Scrolls
- Visit Temple Mount & the Wailing Wall
- Sail across the Sea of Galilee
- Explore Tel Aviv and the nearby ancient port city of Jaffa
- Visit the Church of Annunciation in Nazareth
Itinerary
Depart London on your scheduled flight to Tel Aviv, located on Israel's glittering Mediterranean coastline. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Day 2 - Tel Aviv to Galilee
Embark on a morning tour of Israel's second city Tel Aviv, home to the unique Bauhaus-style buildings of its UNESCO-listed White City and glorious stretches of beach. Reflecting Israel's long and rich past, the city is also dotted with numerous historical sites and a visit to Jaffa, located on the outskirts of the city, allows you to explore this centuries-old city which has been conquered and re-conquered countless times throughout its history. Wander the cobbled alleyways of the area, taking in the historic port which has been in continuous use for over 4,000 years. Travel north to Caesarea to explore the harbour ruins and pillared amphitheatre of this ancient beachfront archaeological site. Next, a journey to the UNESCO listed, walled city of Akko (also known as Acre) teeming with fortifications, underground crypts and Ottoman-era structures. Join Marco Polo, the Knights of the Secret Order of the Templars and the Crusaders, who have all passed through the walls of this city, as you explore its landmarks before you make your way to your hotel in Galilee.
Day 3 - Galilee
A morning tour of a local kibbutz gives you a chance to witness this unique, communal style of living and learn more about the values of social equality and shared ownership that underpin these communities. Travel onward to the Sea of Galilee, home to some of Christianity and Judaism's most important sites; the area around this lake also offers rolling hills, valleys and quaint, small towns. Enjoy a full day exploring the biblical sites of this region, set against this picturesque backdrop. Sail the Sea of Galilee as you cross these waters by boat to the ruins of the former fishing village of Capernaum, once home to the apostles Simon, Peter, Andrew, James and John. Continue onward to the secluded site of the feeding of the 5,000 before visiting the Mount of the Beatitudes, where Christ gave his Sermon on the Mount. Today, the site is a tranquil garden with a Byzantine church featuring stained glass depictions of the eight beatitudes and sweeping views over the lake and countryside.
Day 4 - Galilee to Jerusalem
After breakfast, depart Galilee for Jerusalem, stopping en route in Nazareth where you can wander the cavernous interior of the Church of Annunciation, believed to be the home of the Virgin Mary. Continue north to the extensive archaeological ruins of Bet Shean, best known as the site where King Saul was killed by the Philistines. Explore the fascinating excavations peppered throughout the area, which include amphitheatres, bathing houses and pagan temples. Continue on to Jerusalem, passing through the fertile plains of the Jordan Valley, dotted with palm-filled date farms, before checking into your hotel in time for your first dinner in Israel's age-old city.
Day 5 - Jerusalem
Explore Jerusalem's recent and ancient history on today's full-day city tour. The morning starts with amoving visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum where you will gain insight into the grim experiences of the Jewish people during World War 2. The nine galleries of the museum display photographs, films, documents, letters, works of art, and personal items found in the camps and ghettos of Nazi Germany. After this poignant experience, visit the seat of the Israeli government at the Knesset before stopping in at the Israel Museum, home to almost 500,000 objects and artefacts. Witness the aged parchment of the Dead Sea Scrolls, which contain the oldest known biblical manuscripts, and marvel at the amazing reconstruction of Jerusalem as it was before its destruction by the Romans in 66CE. Next, wander the stall-lined alleyways in a spice-scented souk before walking through the sacred hallways of the UNESCO recognised Church of Nativity in Bethlehem, where it is believed Christ was born.
Day 6 - Jerusalem
Churches, mosques and synagogues lie side by side in Jerusalem, a site of spiritual significance for three of the world's major religions. On today's tour, follow the path Jesus took to his crucifixion as you walk the Via Dolorosa, a winding street that leads to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. A visit to this church gives you access to two of Christianity's holiest sites - the hill of crucifixion and the tomb where Christ was buried and resurrected. Journey through Kidron Valley along the route of Jesus' flight to the Mount of Olives, as you make your way to the centuries-old religious monuments of Temple Mount, including the gleaming, golden Dome of the Rock - an Islamic shrine and important pilgrimage site. Continue onward and join the pilgrims fervently praying at the Wailing (or Western) Wall before visiting the Antonia Fortress where Jesus was tried for his crimes.
Day 7 - Jerusalem
Enjoy today at leisure, with the chance to explore Jerusalem at your own pace. Those wishing to delve further into the city's history might wish to take in the gnarled olive trees and colourful church of the Garden of Gethsemane or examine 6,000 years of artefacts on exhibit at the Bible Lands Museum. For those wanting a less history-focused experience, a walk down Ben-Yehuda Street gives you access to the city's best shopping and cafes and the chance to enjoy creamy hummus or fragrant falafel in one of its eateries. Alternatively, take an optional excursion (at a fee) to the Dead Sea for the chance to float on its salt-filled waters, then explore the caves at Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered and visit the imposing natural rock fortress at Masada, the site of the battle between the Jewish people and their Roman occupiers.
Day 8 - Jerusalem to the UK
After breakfast, depart Jerusalem for Tel Aviv where you'll board your return flight to the UK, or continue on to your chosen extension.
What's Included
- Fully Escorted Tour with local English Speaking Guides throughout
- Scheduled Flights from the UK
- All internal travel including air-conditioned/heated transportation
- Accommodation, meals as specified and entry fees to all sights
- All airport taxes and security charges
Check out our Q&As
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Can I book airport assistance?
If you need assistance at the airport and haven't made these arrangements at the time of booking, you'll need to let us know before you travel. Please message to arrange this.
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I have particular special requirements - can these be arranged?
We are happy to welcome travellers with disabilities on many of our holidays but regret that in some cases we are unable to do so, due to the travel arrangements and/or the hotels which are featured. The suitability of any holiday will depend on the nature of a disability and in some cases whether the person with the disability is accompanied by an able-bodied companion. In order to ensure the comfort, safety and enjoyment of your holiday if you or any member of your party has any medical problem or disability which may affect your holiday, please tell us before you confirm your booking so that we can advise as to the suitability of the chosen arrangements & where necessary, instruct our representatives accordingly.
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Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24 hour emergency contact number once you have confirmed your trip. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.
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Low Deposit
Mercury Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 295 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 84 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of mercury holidays charges.
Up to 84 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 43 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 0 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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