Essence of Israel

(11 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Jerusalem & Dead Sea, Galilee, Tel Aviv

Perfect for travelers wanting an in-depth tour of Israel, this private tour focuses on Israel's most important historic, cultural, culinary, artistic, natural and religious attractions. Accommodation is at Israel's leading luxury properties.

Upon arrival, enjoy VIP airport assistance before being transferred to Jerusalem. Built entirely from white stone, Jerusalem glows and changes from white to pink to rose to gold with the changing of the light. Your expert private guide will bring the beautiful city and its incredible, multi-layered history alive. Of immeasurable religious, historic and archaeological importance, the entire Old City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Temple Mount, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Via Dolorosa and the Western Wall, including the excavation tunnels under the Western Wall. Explore the narrow streets, twisting alleyways and airy plazas, ancient synagogues and churches, and bazaars and boutiques of the Old City's Jewish, Christian, Muslim and Armenian quarters. See the Mount of Olives, Mount Zion and walk upon the old city ramparts. Visit Jerusalem's most important museums, such as the Yad Vashem Holocaust History Museum and the Israel Museum to see the Dead Sea Scrolls. Perhaps also see the Chagall Windows at Hadassah Hospital.

One day, enjoy a tour of the Machane Yehuda Market with a culinary expert guide. Sample local culinary specialties such as burekas (flaky filled pastries), chocolate rugelach and halvah and shop for regional staples such as tahini, za'atar, dried fruits and nuts. Alternatively, with an expert Palestinian guide, enjoy a private excursion to Bethlehem to tour the Church of the Nativity or to Jericho, considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world. Perhaps also visit Ein Kerem, a charming village outside Jerusalem regarded as the birthplace of John the Baptist.

Another day, enjoy a private excursion to the Dead Sea. En route, visit Masada, a historic mountaintop fortress. Visit a beach on the Dead Sea and, if desired, relax in the salt and mineral-laden water, famous for its buoyancy and therapeutic qualities. Also enjoy spa access and a buffet lunch at a nearby hotel. If desired, you might also like to opt for a hike in the lush Ein Gedi oasis or perhaps visit Qumran, an archaeological site surrounding the caves in which the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered.

If desired, we can arrange many special interest activities around Jerusalem, such as a cooking class with a local chef, touring the ancient City of David, joining an archaeological dig, walking through the city's ancient underground water tunnels, specialized shopping or exclusive meetings with local religious experts, geo-political experts, chefs, artists, fashion designers, winery owners or even former Israeli operatives.

Continue to the Galilee region. Enjoy flexible private touring around the Sea of Galilee (also known as Lake Tiberias and Lake Kinneret), an area renowned for its beautiful landscapes and proximity to important historical and biblical sites. Visit important historical and biblical sites such as Capernaum, Mount of the Beatitudes, Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and the Fishes and Kibbutz Ginosar and the Yigal Alon Museum. You may choose to visit a local kibbutz or the ruins at Beit Shean, first settled 7,000 years ago. Or, perhaps enjoy active pursuits such as hiking in one of the region’s many nature reserves or a four-wheel drive excursion in the demilitarized zone along the Syrian border. Other options include browsing art galleries in Rosh Pina, sampling wines at local vineyards, geo-political touring, kayaking on the Jordan River or having lunch at a local Druze home.

Next, enjoy flexible touring en route to Tel Aviv. Choose to explore Jewish history and spirituality in Safed, visit the ancient city of Akko (Acre), tour the ancient ruins at Megiddo and Caesarea, tour Haifa and the Baha’i Gardens, or stop in Nazareth to see the Basilica of the Annunciation.

Conclude in Tel Aviv, a vibrant city on the Mediterranean Sea coast. During private touring, experience the best of Israel's largest city: the Neve Tzedek neighborhood, UNESCO-listed Bauhaus architecture, Old Jaffa, the Carmel Market, and museums such as the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, the Design Museum Holon and Beit Hatfutsot: Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv. If desired, we can also arrange an excursion to the fascinating Ayalon Institute, a kibbutz that hid a secret underground ammunition factory. Additional options in Tel Aviv include specialized shopping or strolling the port district or fashionable HaTachana. During free time, perhaps spend time on the beach, shop in the city's markets and leisure districts and enjoy the city's excellent restaurants.

Booking Information >

All Artisans of Leisure tours are private and depart daily.

Please Contact Us for more information regarding the above tour, or to begin customizing your own itinerary.

The Artisans of Leisure Style of Travel:

• Private touring with your own personal guides and drivers
• Preferred rooms in the very best luxury hotels
• Firsthand, sophisticated destination knowledge and recommendations from our travel specialists
• Itineraries that are customized according to your interests and schedule
• Artisans of Leisure upgrades and amenities
• A seamless travel experience, including all logistics, skipping lines during touring whenever possible, restaurant and spa reservations, performance tickets, private airport transfers, internal transportation, VIP and fast-track airport assistance in many destinations
• Around-the-clock support in each destination during your trip
• Unique, insider travel experiences and access to the Artisans of Leisure network of experts around the world