Israel: Crossroads of History - Abercrombie & Kent

Israel: Crossroads of History

8 days with Abercrombie & Kent Rating:

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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Tel Aviv, Israel

Arrive in Tel Aviv, where you are met and transferred to your hotel overlooking the Mediterranean.

Day 2: Caesarea & Acre | Capitals & Seaports

Take a scenic coastal drive to the ancient Roman capital, Caesarea, where Herod laid out a classical city and constructed a revolutionary, artificial harbor. Near its amphitheater, view a partial inscription mentioning Pontius Pilate — the only secular reference to his existence. Then, visit the seaport cities of Haifa and Acre, the latter a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to Phoenician and Crusader times. While at Acre, tour the Knights’ Halls, view the El Jazaar Mosque and explore the elaborate covered markets. Later, gather for a welcome dinner. (B L D)

Day 3: Sea of Galilee | Footsteps of Jesus

Cruise the Sea of Galilee by private boat and stop at Capernaum, site of the synagogue where Jesus taught. See St. Peter’s House, now a converted church; Tabgha, where the miracle of the loaves and fishes is said to have occurred; and the commemorative fifth-century mosaic in the Church of Multiplication. Enjoy a view of Golan Heights, and proceed to the Mount of Beatitudes, site of the Sermon on the Mount. (B L)

Day 4: Nazareth | Sites of the New Testament

Visit Nazareth, where Jesus spent much of his life. See the Basilica of the Annunciation, built on the traditional site of Mary and Joseph’s home; the Church of St. Gabriel; Mary’s Well, where an angel is said to have visited; and the basement of the Church of St. Joseph, where a cavern is said to have been the carpentry workshop of Joseph. Continue overland through the Jordan Valley to the Decapolis city of Beit Shean. Arrive in Jerusalem this afternoon. Later, visit Banias, an ancient site associated with the Greek god, Pan, and also mentioned in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark. Its spring is one of the sources of the Jordan River. (B L D)

Day 5: Jerusalem | Spiritual Epicenter

Today, explore the fascinating, history-rich Old City of Jerusalem, built by King David in 1004 BC. Start by driving to the Mount of Olives for a view of the city overlooking Temple Mount (or Al Haram el-Sharif). Visit the Garden of Gethsemane where, according to the Bible, Jesus prayed with his disciples before his crucifixion. Stop first at the Western Wall, one of Judaism’s most sacred sites. View the Temple Mount area (Al Haram el-Sharif) with its Dome of the Rock, El Aksa Mosque and the Davidson Center, where artwork and archaeological finds take you back through the ages. In the Christian Quarter, stroll the Via Dolorosa, where Jesus carried the cross, and stop at the Convent of Zion Sisters (Antonia Fortress), where Pontius Pilate tried Jesus. Passing the Stations of the Cross through bazaars of the Old City, arrive at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, reputed site of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial and resurrection. (B L)

Day 6: Jerusalem | Yad Vashem

Pass the Knesset (Israel’s Parliament) en route to the Israel Museum, which houses a selection of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Then visit Yad Vashem, a Holocaust memorial and institution for Shoah research. Drive to Bethlehem and the Church of the Nativity, the birthplace of Jesus. (B L)

Day 7: Masada | Zealot Stronghold

Drive along the Dead Sea to Masada, and take a cable car to the last stronghold of the Jewish Zealots; here, Israelite fighters held out for three years against the invading Roman army before taking their own lives rather than allowing themselves to be enslaved. Tonight, gather for a special farewell dinner. (B D)

Day 8: Depart Tel Aviv

Transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for your flight home. (B)

Map

All This Included

Discover Biblical and historic sites in Bethlehem, Nazareth and Jerusalem; explore Masada and Yad Veshem; privately cruise the Sea of Galilee in a first-century-style boat; and visit the site of the Sermon on the Mount.

All accommodations
Meals as specified
Arrival and departure transers
Fully-guided sightseeing as noted in the itinerary
Bottled water supplied during sightseeing
Handling of two pieces of baggage per person for international fights
Hotel taxes
Gratuities throughout, except to your Tour Director, and camp staff/driver-guides/rangers/trackers

Highlights

Discover a land held sacred by three faiths, visiting places where events recorded in the Bible unfolded, and learning about life in its iconic cities and towns, from antiquity to today
Stay close to the action in the historic Scots Hotel in Tiberias and the iconic King David hotel in Jerusalem
Explore a vast array of Biblical and historic sites with a local expert, including Masada, stronghold of the Zealots
Gain perspective on Israel's varied cultures with visits to Yad Vashem, Bethlehem and Jerusalem
Privately cruise on the Sea of Galilee in a traditional wood boat similar to the type used in Biblical times
Breeze through customs and immigration with VIP service, which greets you upon arrival and whisks you past long lines at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion International Airport

Accommodations

Tel Aviv: Dan Tel Aviv Hotel
Tiberias: Scots Hotel
Jerusalem: The King David

Notes

This journey contains some active elements.
Minimum age is 10 years.
First group event: welcome briefing at 6:30 p.m. on Day 1.
Last group event: farewell dinner at 7:00 p.m. on Day 7.
Departures are guaranteed to operate with a minimum of 2 guests.
Please ask your Vacations To Go travel counselor for more information.

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* The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land/cruise arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land/cruise prices are guaranteed. Air prices quoted via phone or email are subject to increase and are guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. Also, air prices or air promotions mentioned on this site or on the phone do not include baggage fees imposed by airlines.

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