Israel’s Heritage and Religions 6 days tour

"This star which is hanging in the sky - who can get it down?
And a man calling in the empty desert - who will come to him?"

 Bedouin Poem
 

Sea of Galilee: Israel tours
Sea of Galilee: Israel tours

 

Day 1:
We start our tour on Mount of Olives getting a deep insight into this cities dramatic history and political struggles. A leisurely walk takes us through the Jewish cemetery and to the Garden of Gethsemane with its Church of all Nations. We continue to the Western Wall and visit the nearby Temple Mount itself where we can see Jerusalem's famous golden dome - the Muslim Dome of the Rock and the nearby Al Aqsa Mosque. We walk by the colorful market on our way to the Way of the Cross (Via Dolorosa). This leads us to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher where the final five stations are found. Within the walls of this imposing basilica is the hill of Calvary and Jesus' tomb. From here we continue to Mt. Zion with King David's Tomb and the Place of the Last Supper. O/N Jerusalem.

Day 2:
 We explore the New City of Jerusalem. We visit the Model of Jerusalem in the Second Temple Period, when Judaism and Christianity, as we know them today, started to evolve. The model is built from the original materials, and is updated according to the most recent archeological researches. We also visit Yad Vashem, Israel's holocaust memorial. The famous Menorah of the Knesset - Israel's Parliament, and the Shrine of the Book, where the Dead Sea Scrolls are exhibited. In the afternoon we take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque village Ein Karem, where according to local tradition John the Baptist was born. O/N Jerusalem.

Day 3:
We drive down to the Dead Sea and ascend the cliffs of the mighty Masada, Masada was the fortress used by the Jews who bravely resisted the conquering might of the massive Roman army. We explore this incredible site before heading to the nearby Oasis of Ein Gedi. We walk to the main waterfall before heading for the banks the Dead Sea to get caked in the mineral rich mud and enjoy a brief swim, back to Jerusalem by evening.

Day 4:
We drive to Caesarea Maritima, the magnificent port-city built by King Herod. In Caesarea see Israel's finest examples of Roman architecture including an amphitheater where an inscription of Pontius Pilot was uncovered. Along the Mediterranean coast we reach the bay of Haifa and the scenic Mt. Carmel. We ascend to visit the monastery before driving to Akko (Acre), here the Crusaders built their most important port. We visit the Knights Halls which were home to the Templar knights. In the late afternoon we drive through the hills of Galilee to the ancient city of Tzefat (Safed), the center of Jewish Mysticism, Kabbalah. We explore its cobbled streets and ancient synagogues whilst learning of its important role Judaism. Overnight in Galilee


Masada tours: Judean desert
Masada tours: Judean desert



Day 5:
On Mount Beatitudes we find a scenic church and views over the Sea of Galilee. We also visit the archeological excavations of Capernaum, The Town of Jesus preaching, and its Synagogue. We drive to the Golan Heights, and visit the Talmudic village in Katsrin. We also drive to the summit of Mount Bental. From the summit of this mountain we enjoy excellent views of the area and learn of the political and personal strife faced by the citizens of the Golan.

Day 6:
In the morning we drive up to the summit of Mt. Tabor. Mt. Tabor was the site of quite a few historical events. It was here that the Israelite Tribes gathered to battle Yavin, king of mighty Hazor, and it was here according to Christian belief that the transfiguration of Jesus took place. Hence the special basilica on the summit. We visit the Bedouin Heritage Center, located at the foot of Mt. Tabor. Then we drive to Beth Shearim, where we visit the Jewish Catacombs, this is the resting place of Rabbi Yehuda HaNassi, author of the Mishna. Driving through the woods of Mt. Carmel to the Druze village of Daliyat-el-Carmel. We stroll through its colorful market and get familiar with their unique religion and culture. Here we complete our tour and commence our return journey.

 

Ben Gurion grave in the Negev
Ben Gurion grave in the Negev

 

 

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