Day 1: Arrival
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport. Meet and greet by the Holiday Travel representative and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Tel Aviv.
Day 2: Tel Aviv Jaffa – Caesarea – Zichron Yaakov – Haifa
After breakfast, meet your guide, check out of your hotel with your luggage, and drive for a short visit to the city of Jaffa. Drive north along the coast to the archaeological ruins of Caesarea, built by Herod the Great. Continue to Zichron Yaakov, a picturesque community built in the late 19th century, home to the first wineries of modern Israel. Before driving to our hotel, we shall have a short hike through the Israel National Trail. Overnight in Haifa (4.5 km – 2 hours).
Day 3: Carmel Mountain – Muhraka Monastery – Akko
After breakfast, check out of your hotel with your luggage and drive to Carmel Mountain. We will hike through Wadi Rakefet and the Muhraka Monastery (Elijah the Prophet). Drive through the Druze village and continue to Akko to visit the old, famous Crusader stronghold and medieval fortifications. Overnight in Galilee (8 km – about 3 hours).
Day 4: Jesus Trail – Horns of Hittin – Nabi Shu’ayb
After breakfast, we will embark on the Jesus Trail: an unforgettable walk through history, culture, and spirituality. We will start at Kibbutz Lavi and hike through Wadi Hamam at the foot of the Arbel cliffs. A beautiful descent leads to the Sea of Galilee. We will pass through the Horns of Hittin, the scene of the historic battle between Saladin and the Crusaders, and visit the Shrine of Nabi Shu’ayb, venerated by the Druze. Overnight in Galilee (16 km – 5 hours).
Day 5: Golan Heights – Jordan Valley
After breakfast, check out of your hotel with your luggage. Hike along the Jordan River sources: Banias and Tel Dan. At the sources of Banias, formerly called Paneas or Caesarea Philippi, Jesus professed himself for the first time as the Son of God. The sources Dan, Banias, and Hasbani spring in the north of Israel and form the Jordan River. Travel by bus through the Jordan Valley to a kibbutz. Overnight in Dead Sea (7 km, 2.5 hours).
Day 6: Wadi Og – Sugar Road – Jerusalem
After breakfast, hike from Kibbutz Almog along Wadi Og, which was, in Crusader times, the “Sugar Road” from Jericho through the Judean Desert towards the Mediterranean coast. In the past, it was called the “Sugar Road” because, in Jericho, the Crusaders grew sugarcane, and through this way, they brought the product to Jerusalem. Continue to Jerusalem to the Mount of Olives. Descend along the Palm Sunday trail to the Garden of Gethsemane and through the Kidron Valley to the Old City. Walk through the Old City. Overnight in Jerusalem (14 km – 5 hours).
Day 7: Old City of Jerusalem
Drive to Mount Zion in Jerusalem. Walk through the Jewish Quarter to the Western Wall and then through the Via Dolorosa. We dedicate a full day to this historic city: a religious melting pot and culturally unparalleled, Jerusalem is a true highlight of the journey. Overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 8: Departure
Transfer to Ben Gurion International Airport for your flight back home.
