Rhone River Cruise
Our Israel tour is available as a “stand alone” tour OR as an extension from our Egypt & Jordan Tour.
Israel Tour alone:
Day 1 Tues Feb 25 Jerusalem
Arrive at our tour hotel in Jerusalem. Meet our Israeli guide Mahdi at 18:00 for a short briefing.
Accommodation: Hotel Golden Walls (1N)
Day 2 Wed Feb 26 Eilat
An early departure and a morning’s drive brings you to Eilat, Israel’s “fun in the sun” Red Sea vacation destination, to join those who have continued from Jordan. Our afternoon activity is a hike in nearby Red Canyon. Or, engage in any of the many leisure activities available in Eilat (Underwater Observatory, Dolphin Reef, Coral Beach Nature Preserve, snorkeling, or scuba diving in the Red Sea).
Accommodation: Royal Resort (1N)
Connecting from Jordan:
Day 1 Tues Feb 25 Eilat
Eilat is Israel’s “fun in the sun” Red Sea vacation destination and an ideal place for us to unwind. In the morning we’ll be transported to the Aqaba/Eilat border crossing and then transferred to our hotel. After checking in we’ll enjoy a free afternoon and evening of relaxation.
Accommodation: Royal Resort (2N)
Day 2 Wed Feb 26 Eilat
We have a free morning today. Optional activities include the Underwater Observatory, Dolphin Reef, Coral Beach Nature Preserve, snorkeling, or scuba diving in the Red Sea. In the afternoon, for those who wish to explore and hike, we’ll visit nearby Red Canyon.
Day 3 Thurs Feb 27 Jerusalem
This is an action packed day. We have a busy sight-seeing schedule en route to Jerusalem. First stop is Timna National Park with its majestic rock formations. In the afternoon our goal is mighty Masada. A cable car sweeps us to the top of the fortress archaeology site where our guide Mahdi will give us a historical overview. If time allows, we will visit the Jordan River (Jesus’ baptismal site) and a photo stop for St George’s Monastery in Wadi Qelt before concluding in Jerusalem. Dinner together.
Accommodation: Hotel Golden Walls (4N)
Day 4 Fri Feb 28 Jerusalem
Today is free for you to explore Jerusalem on your own. There is no shortage of museums, sights, and activities to keep you busy. You might consider the Holocaust Museum (Yad Vashem), hike the Ramparts of the Old City, explore the Western Wall tunnels, City of David archeological site with Hezikiah’s Tunnel (open till 14:00), or Mea She'arim ultra Orthodox neighborhood. Whatever you do during the day, we strongly suggest you join us at the Western Wall at the end of the day. The Sabat celebrations there are not to be missed.
Day 5 Sat Feb 29 Jerusalem
This morning we drive to Bethlehem to visit the Church of the Nativity. Then we continue to the Mount of Olives to view the Old City from the viewpoint. In the afternoon we’ll visit the Israel Museum.
Day 6 Sun Mar 1 Jerusalem
This morning we will explore the Dome of the Rock compound (closed to visitors on Fridays and Saturdays). Afterward, we’ll have a fascinating walking tour of Old Jerusalem, including the Via della Rosa and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.
Day 7 Mon Mar 2 Tiberias
Departing Jerusalem, we drive north to visit the Samaritans on Mount Gerazim, learning about their culture and traditions and visiting their Tahini factory. Then its on to the Palestinian city Nablus for lunch and a sample of the famous Knafeh dessert followed by Nazareth to visit the Church of the Annunciation. At the end of the day we’ll settle in at Ron Beach overlooking the Lake of Galilee.
Accommodation: Ron Beach Hotel (2N)
Day 8 Tues Mar 3 Tiberias
Today is our day to walk in the steps of Jesus, with visits to the Biblical sights around the lake. Stops include Capernaum, Tabgha (Miracle of Loaves and Fish), Mount of Beatitudes, and Mount Tabor (site of the Transfiguration).
Day 9 Wed Mar 4 Tel Aviv
This morning we will drive to Akko to visit the Crusader fort and underground Templar Tunnels. On our drive south to Tel Aviv we’ll stop at Caesarea, Israel’s best Roman archaeological site. We’ll enjoy a last dinner together at famous Dr. Shakshukas restaurant.
Accommodation: Metropolitan Hotel
Day 10 Thurs Mar 5
Tour over after breakfast. Imprint will assist with airport transfers.
What’s Included:
Full time services of an Imprint Tours’ tour director; Local guides for sight-seeing activities; All entrances (Timna NP, Masada, Jerusalem Museum, Crusader fort and tunnels, Caesarea), sites (Church of the Nativity, Mount of Olives, Dome of the Rock, Church of the Annunciation, Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Via della Rosa, Capernaum, Tabgha, Mount of Beatitudes, Mount Tabor), and excursions (Red Canyon, tour Old Jerusalem, Samaritan visit), and more; 9 nights hotels; All breakfasts, 4 Dinners, and 1 Lunch; All transportation during the tour; All tips; VOX audio units
Not Included:
Free time sightseeing and meals; Drinks at group meals; Flights/transport to/from the tour; Travel insurance; Arrangements, items, & activities not specifically mentioned in the itinerary