JERUSALEM AND SURROUNDINGS

TUESDAY ARRIVAL 5 NIGHTS

Tuesday

Ben Gurion Airport / Jerusalem

Arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, where you will be met by an Israel Tour representative and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight in Jerusalem.

Wednesday

of Olives / Old City / Bethlehem*

Start the day with a magnificent panoramic view from the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. Drive to the Old City; visit the Tomb of King David and the Room of Last Supper on Mt. Zion. Enter the walled city and walk through the newly restored Jewish quarter. Visit the Roman Cardo, the Herodian Quarter and continue to the Western Wall. Walk along the Via Dolorosa to the Church of Holy Sepulchre. Continue to Bethlehem*; view Rachel’s Tomb and proceed to the Church of Nativity and Manger’s Square.

Overnight Jerusalem.

Thursday

Israel Museum / Knesset / Mt. Herzl / Yad Vashem

Drive to the Israel Museum and visit the Shrine of the Book where the Dead Sea scrolls are housed; see the miniature model of Jerusalem as it was during the Second Temple period; proceed for a tour at the Knesset, Israel’s parliament. Continue to visit Mount Herzl Cemetery and Yad Vashem, Israel’s official memorial to the Holocaust. Drive through Mea Shearim, the ultra orthodox neighborhood in Jerusalem, and learn about the residents’ unique lifestyle. In the evening, enjoy a middle eastern dinner followed by the Night Spectacular “Sound and Light” show** at the Tower of David Museum.

Overnight Jerusalem.

Friday

Qumran / Masada / Dead Sea

Drive through the Judaean Desert to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth at almost 1300 feet (400 meters) below sea level. Stop at Qumran to visit the site where the Dead Sea scrolls were found.  Drive along the shores of the Dead Sea to Masada. Ascend by cable car and tour the ancient fortress where the Zealots made their last stand against the Romans before committing mass suicide in 73 AD. Descend by cable car.

Continue to the Dead Sea; cover yourself with the mineral rich mud and experience a swim in the Dead Sea**, which many believe offers therapeutic effects.

Overnight Jerusalem.

Saturday

At leisure

Overnight Jerusalem.

Sunday

Jerusalem / Ben Gurion Airport

After breakfast, transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for departure.

* Site under the Palestinian Authority Jurisdiction. Visit subject to situation.

** Weather conditions permitting

*** Program sequence is subject to change without advance notice.