Classic 8 Days Israel
Day 1: Tel Aviv - Unveiling the Modern City
Arrive at Ben Gurion International Airport and pick up your rental car.
Check into your hotel in Tel Aviv.
(Optional) Visit the Ben-Gurion House, the former residence of Israel's first Prime Minister.
Take a stroll along Rothschild Boulevard and admire the Bauhaus architecture.
Explore the vibrant Carmel Market and Nachalat Binyamin for unique souvenirs and local snacks.
Day 2: Unveiling Ancient Jaffa & Bustling Markets
Drive to Jaffa, Tel Aviv's ancient port city. Explore the charming alleyways and enjoy panoramic views of the modern city.
(Optional) Have lunch at Dr. Shakshuka for a taste of North African Jewish cuisine.
Continue to Neve Tzedek, a trendy neighborhood with art galleries and cafes.
Spend the afternoon exploring the beaches of Tel Aviv.
Day 3: Unveiling Caesarea, Haifa & Crusader Legacy (North)
Head north to Caesarea National Park. Explore the Roman ruins, synagogue, and recent excavations.
Continue to Haifa. Take a scenic drive up Mount Carmel for breathtaking views and visit the Bahai Gardens (closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays).
Drive through the Druze village of Usafiya to learn about this unique community.
Explore the historic port city of Akko, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk through the Crusader tunnels and discover the city's rich history.
Day 4: Unveiling Golan Heights & Sea of Galilee Treasures (North)
Drive to Katzrin, a reconstructed biblical village showcasing ancient Israelite life.
Enjoy a wine tasting tour at a Golan Winery.
Continue to the Golan Heights for a strategic overlook the northern border.
Visit Mount of Beatitudes and admire the panoramic views of the Sea of Galilee.
Explore Tabgha, the site of the miracle of the loaves and fishes.
Continue to Capernaum and see the remains of a 2nd-century synagogue.
Day 5: Unveiling Kibbutz Life, Dead Sea & Ancient Secrets (South)
Visit Kibbutz Degania(optional) to learn about the kibbutz movement and its social values.
Drive to Quasr El Yehud, the traditional baptism site on the Jordan River.
Descend to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. Float in the buoyant waters or pamper yourself with the mineral-rich mud ( bring swimsuits and towels!).
Continue to the Qumran Caves, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered.
Day 6: Unveiling Jerusalem's Sacred Sites (Jerusalem)
Drive to the Mount of Olives for breathtaking panoramic views of Jerusalem's Old City.
Visit the Garden of Gethsemane, a place of significance in Christian tradition.
Explore the Western Wall, the holiest site in Judaism.
Walk along the Cardo, an ancient Roman street lined with shops.
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Arab Bazaar.
Follow the Via Dolorosa, believed to be the path walked by Jesus during his crucifixion, leading to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.
Visit the Davidson Center archaeological park to explore the Herodian Street and the original steps of the Hulda Gates.
Day 7: Unveiling Yad Vashem & Bethlehem (Jerusalem & Bethlehem)
Pay your respects at Yad Vashem, the Holocaust memorial and museum.
Immerse yourself in the sights and smells of Jerusalem's largest food market, Machane Yehuda.
Drive to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, and visit the Church of the Nativity.
Day 8: Farewell to Israel
Drive back to Ben Gurion International Airport and catch your departure flight home.
Tips for Self-Driving:
Purchase an Israeli SIM card for mobile data and navigation apps like Waze or Google Maps.
Be aware of traffic regulations and parking restrictions, especially in Jerusalem.
Allow extra time for travel, as navigating unfamiliar roads and finding parking can take longer than expected.
Many attractions offer paid parking lots. Street parking can be limited, especially in city centers.
