Jewish Tour of Israel

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

This private tour is an in-depth focus on Jewish history and cultural heritage in Israel. Each day, touring is with your own expert private guide and accommodation is in top rooms at Israel's best hotels.

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 Christian, Muslim and Armenian quarters. In addition to touring well-known attractions and areas such as Mount Zion, Yad Vashem, Mount Herzl and the Western Wall, also enjoy in-depth touring of the Old City's Jewish Quarter, see the Knesset Menorah and visit fascinating but lesser-known monuments and neighborhoods, such as Mishkenot Sha’ananim, the first Jewish neighborhood built outside the walls of the Old City.

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.

Another day, enjoy a private excursion to the Dead Sea. En route, visit Masada, a historic mountaintop fortress that is today one of the Jewish people's greatest symbols. 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. Also visit Kibbutz Degania Bet, the first kibbutz established in Israel. Other options include Gamla Nature Reserve to see the ruins of the hill town of Gamla, Zippori archaeological site 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. Visit the mystical town of Safed (Tfzat), one of the four holy cities of the Talmud and the birthplace of Kabbalah. Other options include the ancient city of Akko (Acre), the ancient ruins at Megiddo and Caesarea or Haifa and the Baha’i Gardens

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 or the Design Museum Holon. Also, enjoy a special expert-led tour of Beit Hatfutsot: Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv and 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.