Hike & History

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: Journey North - Mount Tabor, Nazareth & Sea of Galilee

  • Embark on a short orientation tour of Tel Aviv to discover its main highlights. (Always accessible)

  • Drive north along the scenic coastal road towards Galilee.

  • Ascend Mount Tabor, a mountain with breathtaking panoramic views. (Always accessible)

  • Visit the Church of the Transfiguration, believed to be the site of Jesus' transfiguration. (Open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Entrance fees apply), Consider an easy 1-hour hike on the peak trail for stunning views and historical insights.

  • Continue your journey to Nazareth, the largest Arab city in Israel.

  • Visit the Church of the Annunciation, a revered Christian pilgrimage site. (Open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Entrance fees apply)

  • Take a stroll through the charming alleys of Nazareth's Old City, discovering hidden gems and local shops.

  • On your way to the Sea of Galilee, consider a brief stop in Cana, the town where Jesus is said to have turned water into wine. (Always accessible)

Overnight: Stay in a hotel at the Sea of Galilee.

Day 3: Exploring the Sea of Galilee

  • Travel to Mount Arbel National Park and enjoy panoramic views of the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights. (Open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Entrance fees apply)

  • Choose a hiking trail suitable for your group's ability, ranging from easy to challenging. Many trails offer historical significance.

  • Visit Capernaum, an ancient city where Jesus lived and ministered for three years. (Open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Entrance fees apply)

  • Explore the remains of the ancient synagogue and the house of Simon Peter.

  • Visit Magdala, the town of Mary Magdalene.

  • Learn about the town's history and archaeological significance. (Open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Entrance fees apply)

Overnight: Stay in a hotel at the Sea of Galilee.

Day 4: Golan Heights & Jordan Valley

  • Travel to the Golan Heights, a plateau offering stunning views of the surrounding region. (Always accessible)

  • Choose a guided hike (around 3 hours) in one of the Golan Heights National Parks, such as Yehudiya, Zavitan, Meshushim, or Gamla. (Entrance fees apply)

  • These hikes offer opportunities to explore canyons, discover unique geological basalt formations, and learn about the Golan's rich history.

  • Enjoy a scenic drive southward through the Jordan Valley, a fertile region bordering the Dead Sea. (Always accessible)

  • If time allows, consider a visit to Kaser Al Yahud, the traditional baptism site of Jesus, located on the Jordan River near the border with Jordan. (Open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Entrance fees apply)

Overnight: Stay in a kibbutz (communal settlement) at the Dead Sea.

Day 5: Dead Sea & Historical Gems

  • Embark on a challenging yet rewarding 4-hour hike in Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, a desert oasis with waterfalls, pools, and stunning scenery. (Open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Entrance fees apply)

  • Explore David's Stream, cascading waterfalls, and ancient archaeological remains.

  • Ascend Masada, a historical mountaintop fortress known for its tragic story of Jewish resistance against the Romans. (Open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Entrance fees apply)

  • Take the cable car for a convenient ride up and down the mountain, or challenge yourself with the Masada Snake Path hike (not included, requires separate planning).

  • Experience the unique sensation of floating in the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. (Public beaches have free access, some resorts charge entrance fees)

  • The Dead Sea's high salt content makes it buoyant, allowing you to effortlessly float on the surface.

Overnight: Stay in a kibbutz at the Dead Sea.

Day 6: Wadi Kelt & Jerusalem Journey

  • Travel to Wadi Kelt, a beautiful desert canyon offering a dramatic landscape. (Always accessible)

  • Embark on a 3-hour hike in Ein Prat National Park within Wadi Kelt.

  • Explore the park's diverse terrain, see a historical monastery, and climb a small hilltop archaeological site. (Open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Entrance fees apply)

  • Enjoy a refreshing swim in the park's natural pool .

  • Take a break on Mount Scopus for breathtaking panoramic views of Jerusalem. (Always accessible)

  • Descend Mount Scopus and follow a path through olive groves, similar to the route Jesus took with his disciples. (Always accessible)

  • Visit the Garden of Gethsemane, a revered site where Jesus prayed before his arrest. (Open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Entrance fees apply)

Overnight: Stay in a Hotel in Jerusalem

Day 7: Unveiling the Enchanting Old City of Jerusalem

  • Explore the captivating Old City of Jerusalem, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a holy city for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

  • Visit the Western Wall, a sacred retaining wall of the Second Temple, a place of deep significance for Jewish people. (Open 24/7, with designated prayer times for men and women)

  • Consider a visit to the Temple Mount, a sacred hilltop platform containing the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock. (Open to non-Muslims for limited hours, specific dress code required)

  • Explore the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a revered Christian pilgrimage site believed to be the location of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. (Open daily from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Entrance fees apply)

  • Wander through the vibrant Old City bazaar, a bustling marketplace filled with shops, stalls, and street vendors. (Open daily during business hours)

  • In the evening, venture outside the Old City walls to explore the modern Western part of Jerusalem. (Always accessible)

  • Discover popular restaurants and cafes, and enjoy a farewell dinner.

Overnight: Stay in a hotel in Jerusalem.

Day 8 : Departure

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

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Desert Escape