Jewish Heritage Tour

Relax and enjoy the scenery as a privately driven vehicle travels north to Caesarea, for some exploration. Upon arrival into the one time Roman capital, explore the excavations sites of the crusaders' city, and the aqueduct. Admire the ancient amphitheatre which has been recently restored as a concert venue. From here, proceed to Haifa for some panoramic viewing atop Mt. Carmel, before visiting “AF AL PI CHEN”, an old naval museum, created during the time of the British mandate. Next, travel to Acre for a walk along the old harbor area and local market. Finally, stop is at the northernmost point of Israel at Rosh Hanikra for some sightseeing, before descending by cable car into the limestone grottoes. A return transfer to the hotel is provided.

A private vehicle with driver will provide a transfer to the city of Safed, the center of the Kaballa movement.  Here, visit some of the area’s most popular sites including the Joseph Caro, the Ha’Ari synagogues, and the Artist’s quarter.  From Safed, hop into a jeep for a tour around the foot of Golan, before ascending the Golan Heights where the observation point provides visitors with spectacular views of the surrounding area, including the Syrian city of Kuneitra.  The next sightseeing spot is the former Syrian army base at Tel Facher, followed by a visit to the Banias Springs.  The last site visited is the “Roaring Lion” monument at Tai-Hai, which commemorates the heroic battles of Josef Trumpeldor and his comrades in 1920.

In the morning, travel in a privately driven vehicle to the city of Tiberias. Visit Rambam’s grave, also known as the Tombs of Maimonides, before moving onward to Beit Shean. Also known as the Scythopolis, Beit Shean is the largest archaeological park in Israel and boasts excavations dating back to the Roman and Byzantine periods. A stop is planned at Beit Alpha to see the mosaic floors of this ancient Byzantine synagogue. Then, travel to the Gilboa Mountains for an opportunity to enjoy the Gan Hashlosha water springs, which is the believed location where King Saul was killed in battle with the Philistines. Continue through the valley of Jordan en-route to Jerusalem, where a traditional stop at Mount Scopus for a blessing takes place, before entering the city.

In the morning, begin the day with a city tour of Jerusalem, starting with a visit to the tomb of King David on Mt. Zion. This is followed by a walk along the ancient Roman road known as the Cardo, to visit four Sephardic synagogues which were restored after 1967. Next, walk through the Jewish Quarter, which was reconstructed after the city was unified after the Six-Day War in 1967. View the unearthed main Roman roadway and ancient marketplace lined with columns, before heading out to observe the Hurva Synagogue in the middle of the Jewish Quarter. Walk through the Arab Bazaar and see Middle Eastern life with it rich colors, flavors, and smells. Take a photo opportunity as the walk continues through the Jaffa Gate to David’s Tower Museum to view some ancient temple remains.

This tour combines the earth’s lowest point, the Dead Sea, with one of the most famous sites in Jewish history, Masada. In the early morning hours, enjoy a sunrise climb up snake trail, or enjoy 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 Masada, which was built by King Herod, and was used as a refuge for a Jewish faction resisting Roman rule. Next, visit Qumran, best known as the hiding place of the Dead Sea Scrolls, which were found inside the caves located on the sheer desert cliffs. Finish this tour at a Dead Sea spa, with a float in the famous and buoyant Dead Sea, renowned for its mineral content and rich black mud.

Early in the morning, travel via a privately driven vehicle to the Orthodox communities of Mea Shearim, to learn about the unique lifestyles of the locals. From here, travel to Knesset for some sightseeing of the Israeli Parliament buildings, and the biblical emblems of Menorah. Next, visit the Israel Museum, home of the Dead Sea Scrolls, and holy land model which replicates what Jerusalem looked like during the Second Temple period. After, travel to Mount Hertzel, the location of a military cemetery and Yad Vashem, the Holocaust memorial. A visit to the converted national memorial site and museum at the former Jordanian army base at ammunition hill is also planned. A return transfer back to the hotel is provided.

A private vehicle will provide a transfer between Tel Aviv and the airport.