Israel with Kids

Written By Alex M

Day 1: Arrival & Tel Aviv 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: Jaffa, Shuk HaCarmel & Safari

  • Morning drive to Old Jaffa, a charming port city with ancient ruins, artists' quarters, and stunning sea views.

  • Continue to Tel Aviv explore Shuk HaCarmel (Carmel Market) - Tel Aviv's largest market - for a taste of local life and diverse products (open Sundays-Thursdays 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Fridays 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM, closed Saturdays).

  • Afternoon visit Ramat Gan Safari for a drive-thru safari experience.


Day 3: Caesarea, Haifa & Acre

  • Morning drive north along the coast to Caesarea National Park (open daily 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM), a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing the archaeological ruins of the Roman city built by Herod the Great.

  • Continue to Haifa enjoy a panoramic city tour, including the Baha'i Gardens (open Sundays-Thursdays 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, closed Fridays & Saturdays), Persian Garden (generally open daily 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, timings may vary), and Mount Carmel for breathtaking views.

  • Afternoon take a scenic boat trip from Haifa to Acre (Akko) (check ferry schedules and prices online). Explore the old Crusader city of Acre with its medieval fortifications (Acre Old City open daily 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM, tickets recommended).


Day 4: Sea of Galilee & Golan Heights

  • Morning explore the Sea of Galilee, a significant site in Christianity and take boat tour on the Sea of Galil

  • Continue to Capernaum Visit the ancient village house of Peter, believed to be Jesus' center of ministry (Capernaum National Park open daily 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, tickets recommended).

  • Continue to Tabgha see the Church of the Multiplication, featuring a mosaic floor depicting the miracle of the loaves and fishes (generally open daily 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, timings may vary).

  • Afternoon embark on a jeep tour in the Golan Heights for stunning landscapes and off-road adventure.

  • Continue to Agmon Hula enjoy a guided tour at the Agamon Hula Ornithology Park to observe birds and wildlife in their natural habitat.


Day 5: Nazareth & Nazareth Village

  • Morning drive to Nazareth, the childhood home of Jesus. Visit the Church of the Annunciation, built on the site where the Archangel Gabriel appeared to Mary (generally open daily 8:00 AM - noon & 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM, timings may vary).

  • Continue to Nazareth Village: Experience a recreated village portraying daily life in Jesus' time (Nazareth Village open Sundays-Thursdays 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Fridays 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM, closed Saturdays).

  • Explore Sachne National Park (Gan Hashlosha) - a beautiful natural park with waterfalls and pools (open Sundays-Thursdays 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Fridays and Saturdays 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, closed Jewish holidays).


Day 6: Masada, Dead Sea & Jerusalem

  • Morning drive through the scenic Judean Desert towards Masada, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (open daily 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, last entry 1 hour before closing). Ascend by cable car (ticket purchase required) to explore the ancient fortress, the last stronghold of the Jewish Zealots in their war against the Romans.

  • Continue to the Dead Sea the lowest point on Earth (nearly 1,300 feet below sea level).

  • Visit the Qumran Caves (Qumran Nature Reserve) where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered (open daily 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, tickets recommended).

  • Enjoy the Dead Sea relax and float in the buoyant, mineral-rich waters. Remember to bring a swimsuit and towel. Be aware that the Dead Sea water can sting the eyes, so avoid splashing.


Day 7: Exploring Jerusalem

  • Morning drive to the Mount of Olives for a panoramic view of Jerusalem.

  • Continue to Mount Zion visit King David's Tomb (generally open daily 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, timings may vary) and the Dormition Abbey (open daily 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM).

  • Both sites have modest dress codes (shoulders and knees covered).

  • Enter the Old City explore the Armenian and Jewish Quarters. Walk along the recently excavated and restored Cardo, the Roman Road (open daily).

  • Continue to the Western Wall the holiest site for Judaism (open daily 24/7).

  • Visit the Western Wall Tunnels.

  • Continue to the Christian Quarter walk along the Via Dolorosa, the path Jesus is said to have walked while carrying the cross (stations of the cross marked along the way).

  • Continue to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre the holiest Christian shrine in Jerusalem (generally open daily 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, timings may vary).

  • Afternoon drive to the Biblical Zoo (open daily 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, tickets required). See a variety of animals mentioned in the Bible.

  • Evening enjoy the Night Spectacular at the Tower of David Museum (showtimes and ticket information available online). Witness a sound and light show depicting Jerusalem's history projected onto the ancient city walls.


Day 8: Mini Israel & Tel Aviv

  • Drive to Mini Israel, a park showcasing miniature replicas of Israeli landmarks (open daily 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, tickets required).

  • Afternoon/Evening: Explore Tel Aviv at your own pace. Relax on the beach, wander around the trendy Neve Tzedek neighborhood, visit the bustling Carmel Market, or enjoy the vibrant nightlife.

  • Explore the Sarona Templers' Colony, a restored area with restaurants, boutiques, and cafes (open daily). This is a great spot for last-minute souvenir shopping.

Day 9 : Departure

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

Alex M
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