The Holy Land

On arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted and assisted through baggage claim and arrival formalities, and then escorted to the Drisco Hotel. Established in 1866 and now a member of the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World, our luxury heritage hotel is set in two historic landmarks built by American settlers in the 19th century. We gather for a welcome dinner at the hotel this evening. Meals D

This morning’s sightseeing begins in Jaffa, or Joppa, an ancient waterfront in Tel Aviv from which Jonah embarked for his confrontation with a whale. An important seaport since early times, Jaffa’s lively streets still offer a palpable sense of the ancient traders who came here  by sea and caravan in biblical eras. Continue along Rothschild Boulevard to see the distinctive White City of Tel Aviv. Founded in 1909 and developed under the British Mandate in Palestine, this outstanding example of innovative, early 20th-century town planning is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site - recognized as a fine architectural ensemble of the European Modern Movement in a new cultural context. From Tel Aviv, you’ll journey northward along the coast to the ancient city of Caesarea. Built by Herod the Great and once the seat of Roman rule, its excavated highlights include an impressive theater and an ancient aqueduct that brought water to the city. Enjoy learning about ancient Megiddo before continuing to Cana to see the Wedding Church where it’s said that Jesus performed his first miracle, turning water into wine. In Nazareth, you’ll visit the Basilica of the Annunciation. The current 60-year-old landmark you’ll admire today is the fifth church built on the same site. The first was likely a simple 4th-century alter set in the grotto that was believed to be the site of Mary’s house. Many historians maintain that the first actual Church of the Annunciation was commissioned by Emperor Constantine and completed in 470 AD. Continue to the Upper Galilee and check in to the luxury Mitzpe Hayamim Hotel overlooking the Sea. Meals B+D *Note: Stays at Scots Hotel Galilee in 2025

After breakfast, you’ll proceed to Tabgha to admire the fine mosaics at the Church of the Multiplication, the site of Christ’s feeding loaves and fishes to an audience of 5,000 pilgrims and the site of the third resurrection appearance of Jesus.  We’ll drive on to the Golan Heights and continue touring the archaeological site of Caesarea Philippi at the foot of Mt. Hermon. Built around a spring, one of the main sources of the Jordan River, this Greco-Roman city was in ancient times associated with the Greek God Pan before its ancient reconstruction by Philip, the son of King Herod.  It was here that Saint Peter proclaimed his faith in Jesus and declared him ‘the rock’ on which he would build his church.  You’ll ascend the Golan Heights for sweeping views over Syria before visiting a Druze family for a Galilean cooking class featuring local olive oil, lemons and hand-picked grape leaves.  We’ll enjoy the resulting lunch together before continuing on to Tiberias.  There you’ll board a small boat for a ride across the calm waters of the Sea of Galilee, the same waters Jesus crossed with his disciples 2,000 years ago. Meals B+L+D *Note: Stays at Scots Hotel Galilee in 2025

After breakfast at the Mitzpe Hayamim Hotel, you’ll drive to picturesque Safed/Tzfat, an ancient and renowned center of Jewish mysticism, one of Judaism’s four sacred cities. The highest hilltop city in the Galilee and all of Israel, you’ll walk the winding cobblestone streets of the Old Town and its Artist’s Colony before exploring the underground tunnels discovered during excavations. Continue on to a local winery for a tour and tasting before traveling south through the Jordan Valley to Jerusalem. At arrival, take in spectacular views of the city from atop the Mount of Olives before we move on to Mt. Zion and visit both King David’s tomb and the Cenacle, the Upper Room traditionally thought to be the site of the Last Supper. You’ll then check-in to the 5-star Inbal Hotel overlooking the Old City of Jerusalem for the next four nights. Tonight, gather with a local accomplished chef for dinner.  Meals B+D

A Holy City for three of the world’s great religions – Judaism, Christianity and Islam – Jerusalem occupies a unique place in humanity. Enter the Old City and stand before the Temple Mount and the Western Wall - the holiest of Jerusalem’s Jewish sites, sacred because it is a surviving remnant of the Herodian retaining wall that once enclosed and supported the Second Temple. (Subject to approval of authorities at the time of travel, visit Temple Mount revered by Jews, Muslims and Christians.  Originally, it was the site of the two great Temples of Jerusalem and now the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque.)  Continue along the winding streets of the ancient Jewish Quarter to visit the historic Hurva Synagogue. Destroyed in 1948 during the Arab-Israeli War, it was rebuilt and dedicated in 2010 according to its original 19th-century style. Walk along the Via Dolorosa to visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on what was called the Hill of Golgotha, recognized as the site of the crucifixion, and then continue to the lively Arab Bazaar.  You’ll end at the colorful Mahane Yehuda Market; established nearly a century ago, it’s still the largest openair market in Israel. Engage with friendly vendors and mingle with the city’s rich mosaic of residents as our guide shares insight into Israel’s modern food scene and enduring traditions. And with a provided Bites Card, you’ll be able to sample exotic Middle Eastern delicacies from the shopkeepers’ daily specials. After free time, this evening we’ll take you to the Tower of David, an ancient citadel near the Jaffa Gate entrance to Jerusalem’s Old City. As darkness envelops the site, a spectacular Sound and Light Show unfolds with breathtaking virtual reality images and sophisticated trompe l’oeil technology to tell the story of Jerusalem. Meals B+L

Following breakfast, you’ll visit Yad Vashem – The World Holocaust Remembrance Center. Founded in 1953 as the international center for the documentation, research, education and commemoration of the Holocaust, Yad Vashem remains a dynamic and vital place dedicated to safeguarding the memory of the past and imparting its meaning to future generations.  Continuing, you’ll also visit the recently renovated Israel Museum where the dead Sea Scrolls are exhibited, as well as a large model of Jerusalem during the Second Temple period under the occupation of Rome.  Established in 1965, the Israel Museum is the largest cultural institution in the country and is ranked as one of the leading archeological museums in the world. Then travel to Bethlehem where we’ve arranged for you to have lunch in the home of a Palestinian Christian family. With a tempting variety of Middle Eastern salads and appetizers and a main course, this congenial lunch is enhanced by lively conversation with your hosts – and a chance to gain genuine insight into their lives. Then visit the Nativity Church, the oldest standing church in the Holy Land. Originally built in the 4th century by St. Helen, the mother of Emperor Constantine, the present 6th-century structure was erected by Justinian.. Meals B+L

After breakfast, you’ll embark on a full day excursion to explore the region of the Dead Sea; at nearly 1,400 feet below sea level, it’s the lowest point on Earth. Leaving the city behind you, you’ll drive past the site of the Qumran Caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Visit the Kibbutz Ein Gedi and its noteworthy garden, located on the edge of the Judean Desert and along the west coast of the Dead Sea.  This picturesque place is the only inhabited botanical garden in the world. Continue to Masada, where you ascend by cable car to visit the hilltop ruins and hear the thrilling tale of its brave inhabitants. Overlooking the Judean Desert and Dead Sea, Masada is a natural fortress of rugged beauty. Atop this strategic site, Herod the Great built a palace complex in the classic style of the early Roman Empire. In 73 A.D., it was the site of a violent clash where Jewish patriots made their heroic last stand in the face of an overwhelming Roman army. Today, the fortifications and attack ramp that encircle the monument are the most complete Roman siege works surviving to the present day. Your next stop is the Dead Sea.  Be sure to bring your swimsuit as you’ll enjoy lunch and time for a swim – or maybe just a relaxing float in the buoyant therapeutic waters. On your return journey to Jerusalem, you’ll stop to see Wadi Qelt and its 5th-century Monastery of St. George, still inhabited by monks and built into the side of a cliff. Back in Jerusalem, our farewell dinner is this evening.  Meals B+L+D

You’ll be escorted to the airport today for your onward flight. Meals B