Israel Escorted Coach Holidays
 
 

Journey through the Holy Land

Experience some of the world's most sacred sights as you travel deep into the Holy Land, visiting historic Nazareth, the extraordinary Dead Sea and ancient Jerusalem.

Journey through the Holy Land

DAY 1: UK - Tel Aviv.
Fly to Tel Aviv where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for two nights. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with your travelling companions and Tour Director. (D)

DAY 2: Tel Aviv - Valley of Elah - Latrun - Jaffa - Tel Aviv.
This morning, drive into the ancient land of the Philistines and picturesque Valley of Elah. Passing by lush fields and vineyards, you'll come to the place where David is said to have conquered the mighty Philistine, Goliath. Learn more about this battle and the tale of Samson and Delilah as we continue to the Ayalon Valley, and Latrun. Here visit a Trappist Monastery before taking the coastal road to Jaffa, where there's time to stroll through this beautiful old port before continuing back to Tel Aviv. (B, D)

DAY 3: Tel Aviv - Caesarea - Haifa.
Your day starts with a visit to Caesarea, the hub of the ancient Roman and Crusader empires in the Holy Land. Built by King Herod in the 1st century BC to honour Roman Emperor Augustus, this bustling port boasts numerous archaeological treasures. Marvel at the Roman amphitheatre, Herod's stadium and crumbled Crusader castle before driving to the coastal town of Haifa. Flanking a beautiful bay, this historic town is home to the splendid, gold-domed Baha'i Shrine, the second holiest site in the Baha'i faith, which overlooks gorgeous ornamental gardens. (B, D)

DAY 4: Haifa - Acre - Nazareth - Cana - Kibbutz.
Leaving Haifa behind, travel to nearby Acre this morning. This 4,000-year old city is UNESCO protected and the former Crusader capital, having been conquered by Richard the Lionheart in 1191. Tour the Ottoman fortress and descend into the recently excavated Crusader's Halls and Templar Tunnel - part of the original Crusader quarter. It's then on to Nazareth in Galilee, Jesus' childhood home, where you'll see the modern Church of the Annunciation, built where the Angel Gabriel is said to have visited Mary. Afterwards drive to Cana and its wedding church, constructed in the 19th century, it stands where Jesus is said to have performed his first miracle - changing water into wine at a wedding feast. Later, see a fisherman's boat said to date from Jesus' time before heading for a Kibbutz, one of Israel's collective farms. Here, relax or take a swim before enjoying dinner and learning about Kibbutz life at an informal talk. (B, D)

DAY 5: Kibbutz - Mount of Beatitudes - Capernaum - Sea of Galilee - Bet She' an - Jerusalem.
Keep your camera ready as we drive towards the Sea of Galilee, stopping first at the Mount of Beatitudes in Tabhga, where a hilltop chapel marks where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Later, move on to Capernaum, where he performed many healings and recruited disciples from local fishermen. Your next port of call is the Sea of Galilee, where you'll enjoy a 45-minute cruise, sailing the waters that Jesus is said to have walked on. From here, it's on to a baptismal site on the River Jordan, before admiring the Roman and Byzantine relics in the ancient city of Bet She'an, a city located at the foot of Mount Gilboa, where King Saul and his son died in battle with the Philistines. Lastly, we make our way to Jerusalem for four nights, stopping at a viewpoint near the city to snap fabulous views over its rooftops. (B, D)

DAY 6: Jerusalem. Excursion to Yad Vasham & Israel Museum.
Enjoy a day getting to know one of the world's oldest cities - packed with religious sites revered by Jews, Christians and Muslims alike. Your morning tour covers some of its most fascinating places, including the Yad Vashem Memorial, commemorating the victims of the Holocaust and Israel Museum, home to the Shrine of the Book, housing the Dead Sea Scrolls. Then it is on to Bethlehem to visit the church of the Nativity which stands over Jesus's birthplace. On the way back to Jerusalem, visit the Garden Tomb where you can marvel at the beautiful garden. This evening, grab the opportunity to watch an Israeli folklore show over dinner. (B)

DAY 7: Jerusalem. Excursion to the old city.
This morning starts with a drive to the Mount of Olives, where you'll be treated to panoramic views over Jerusalem. Then, set off on foot with your guide to the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed after the Last Supper and was betrayed by Judas. From here, you'll pass the Stations of the Cross in Jerusalem's old city, walking along the Via Dolorosa where Jesus carried his cross to Calvary. At the end is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built over the site of the crucifixion. Next, walk past the Temple Mount where you'll catch sight of the gleaming Dome of the Rock and Wailing Wall, the holiest site in Judaism. Next comes Mount Zion, Jerusalem's highest point and crowned with Christian, Jewish and Muslim shrines. Peek inside the Upper Room, where the Last Supper took place, see the Tomb of King David and visit the House of Caiaphas, where Jesus was arrested. (B)

DAY 8: Jerusalem - Masada - Dead Sea - Jerusalem.
Sit back as we drive through the Judean Hills to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on the earth's surface. On the way, you'll get glimpses of the Qumran caves, where, in 1947, the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Afterwards, ride a cable car up to the Fortress of Masada. Perched on a massive rock, this citadel was built by King Herod and defended by Jewish zealots who, faced with massed Roman forces, committed mass suicide here in 73 BC. After exploring the ruins, it's on to a resort at the Dead Sea, where you'll have ample time to float in the mineral- and salt-packed waters before returning to Jerusalem. This evening, join your fellow guests for a farewell dinner marking the end of your Holy Land adventure. (B, D)

DAY 9: Jerusalem - Tel Aviv.
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)


Accommodation

Tel Aviv: Leonardo Plaza (5*); Haifa: Dan Panorama (5*); Kibbutz: Lavi (4*); Jerusalem: Dan Panorama (4*).

All this included

Tel Aviv
Latrun Area Visit
Jaffa Walking tour of the ancient port
Cesarea Amphitheatre and Crusader Fortress
Haifa Visit
Acre Visit
Nazareth Visit
Cana Visit
Kibbutz Visit
Sea of Galilee Cruise
Bet She'an Roman and Byzantine relics
Jerusalem Visit
Masada Cable car ride
Dead Sea

Flights UK - Tel Aviv - UK
Accommodation on tour in a twin room with private facilities
Meals on tour - 8 breakfasts and 6 dinners
Services of a tour director on tour
Porterage (for one suitcase per person)

Prices are per person, based on two people sharing.

TOUR REF: QCG9T
9 Days
Apr 08 2011 £2205
Apr 15 2011 £2309
Apr 22 2011 £2235
Apr 29 2011 £2205
May 06, 13, 20 2011 £2205
May 27 2011 £2235
Jun 03, 10, 17, 24 2011 £2169
Jul 1, 8 2011 £2169
Jul 15, 22 2011 £2225
Jul 29 2011 £2325
Aug 05, 12, 19 2011 £2325
Aug 26 2011 £2259
Sep 02, 09, 16 2011 £2235
Sep 23, 30 2011 £2319
Oct 07, 14 2011 £2319
Oct 21 2011 £2195
Oct 28 2011 £2205
Nov 18 2011 £2205
Dec 02 2011 £2205


RESERVATION ENQUIRIES

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Prices are per person, based on two sharing. Named accommodation may be changed if necessary by the tour operator. If this is the case you will be advised of all new details at time of enquiry. All holidays and prices are subject to availability, change and possible fuel surcharges

 

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