Desert Escape

Day 1: Arrival & Jerusalem Introduction

  • Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport and drive to your hotel in Tel Aviv

  • Afternoon/Evening: Relax, explore the city on your own, or enjoy the vibrant nightlife.

Day 2: Jerusalem - Old & New City

  • Start your day with a visit to the Mount of Olives for panoramic views of Jerusalem.

  • Stop by Dominus Flevit Church, also known as the Church of Tears, offering a beautiful vista of the Old City. (Open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)

  • Descend the Mount of Olives and visit the Garden of Gethsemane, a traditional site of Jesus' prayer before his crucifixion.

  • Visit Yad Vashem, the Holocaust museum, to learn about the history of the Holocaust and honor the memory of its victims. (Open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM)

  • Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Mahane Yehuda Market, the largest open-air market in Jerusalem. (Open daily except Saturdays)

  • Explore the maze of stalls overflowing with fresh produce, spices, local delicacies, and crafts.

Day 3: Bethlehem & Judean Desert

  • Take a day trip to Bethlehem, the traditional birthplace of Jesus.

  • Visit the Church of the Nativity, a UNESCO World Heritage Site believed to be built over the grotto where Jesus was born. (Open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM)

  • Explore Manger Square, the central square in Bethlehem.

  • Depart Bethlehem and descend through the Judean Desert.

  • Make a brief stop at the Good Samaritan National Park, a parable referenced in the New Testament.

  • Descend to Jericho, the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. (Open daily. Entrance fees may apply to some sites)

  • Explore the archaeological ruins of Tel Jericho, offering insights into the city's long history.

  • Continue your journey south to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth at approximately 400 meters below sea level.

Overnight: Stay in a hotel at the Dead Sea.

  • A valid passport is required to enter Bethlehem as it is located in the Palestinian West Bank.

Day 4: Masada & Dead Sea Relaxation

  • Take a morning trip to Masada, a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated on an isolated cliff in the Judean Desert. (Open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Entrance fees apply)

  • Ascend to the fortress by cable car and explore the remains of this ancient palace complex, the last stronghold of the Jewish Zealots in their war against the Romans.

  • Visit the excavations, including King Herod's palace, the synagogue, and the bathhouse.

  • Take in the breathtaking views of the Dead Sea and the surrounding Roman camps.

  • Take a dip in the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth, famed for its high salt content that allows you to float effortlessly.

  • Relax on the beach, soak up the sun, and pamper yourself at the hotel's spa facilities (if available).

Overnight: Stay in a hotel at the Dead Sea.

Day 5: Ramon Crater Jeep Tour

  • Travel to Mitzpe Ramon, a town located on the edge of the Ramon Crater.

  • Visit the Mitzpe Ramon Visitors Center, which offers exhibits about the crater's geology, wildlife, and Israeli astronaut Ilan Ramon. (Open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM)

  • Learn about the unique environment of the crater and its formation.

  • Optional: embark on a thrilling 2-hour jeep tour through the Ramon Crater, the world's largest erosion crater.

  • Explore the crater's diverse landscape, including canyons, ridges, and colorful rock formations.

Overnight: Stay in a hotel in Mitzpe Ramon.

Day 6: Negev Desert & Be'er Sheva

  • Travel to Ein Avdat National Park, known for its breathtaking desert scenery and hiking trails. (Open daily. Entrance fees apply)

  • Explore the park's canyons, waterfalls, and natural springs.

  • Enjoy panoramic views of the Zin Valley.

  • Continue your journey to Sde Boker, the former home of Israel's first Prime Minister, David Ben-Gurion.

  • Visit Ben-Gurion's desert hut and grave overlooking the Zin Valley. (Open daily)

  • Learn about Ben-Gurion's vision of settling and developing the Negev desert.

  • Head to Be'er Sheva, the capital city of the Negev desert.

  • Take a short city tour to see the modern architectural buildings of Ben-Gurion University and Soroka Hospital.

  • Drive back to Tel Aviv .

Overnight: Stay in a hotel in Tel Aviv.

Day 7: Unveiling Tel Aviv & Jaffa's Charm

  • Take a morning city tour to explore Tel Aviv, the vibrant and modern center of Israel.

  • Drive through the main streets of the "White City," a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Bauhaus architecture.

  • Stop at Rabin Square, a central plaza named after assassinated Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin.

  • In the afternoon, head to Jaffa, Tel Aviv's ancient port city with over 4,000 years of history.

  • Explore the winding alleys and discover archaeological ruins, including remnants of Crusader and Ottoman periods.

  • Visit Neve Tzedek, Tel Aviv's first neighborhood established in 1887.

  • Admire the charming restored Ottoman-era houses and trendy boutiques.

  • Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Carmel Market, Tel Aviv's largest open-air market.

  • Explore the maze of stalls overflowing with fresh produce, spices, local delicacies like Jachnun (a traditional Yemeni dish), and handcrafted souvenirs.

Overnight: Stay in a hotel in Tel Aviv.

Day 8 : Departure

  • Arrange your airport transfer or drive to Ben Gurion Airport for your flight home.

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