16 Day Israel, From Sea to Sea

Featured Hotels

Israel, From Sea to Sea
Harmony Hotel		Jerusalem
Nevo Isrotel Dead Sea Hotel & Spa		Dead Sea
Isrotel Yam Suf		Eilat
Isrotel Kedma		Sde Boker
Hotel Bay Club		Haifa
Pastoral Kfar Blum Hotel		Upper Galilee
65 Hotel		Tel Aviv

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Book By Sep 22, 2022 & Save!

2023 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $1900
Hotel	Dates	Embark	Tour Starts	Ship	Land Only	Air & Land
	Book By Sep 22	Book After Sep 22	Book By Sep 22	Book After Sep 22
	$5499	$6099	$6429*	$7029*
	$5499	$6099	$6409*	$7009*
	$5499	$6099	$6429*	$7029*
	$5549	$6149	$6459*	$7059*
	$5799	$6399	$6899*	$7499*
	$5799	$6399	$6899*	$7499*
	$5749	$6349	$7049*	$7649*
	$5749	$6349	$7049*	$7649*
	$5699	$6299	$6999*	$7599*
	$5799	$6399	$7099*	$7699*
	$5799	$6399	$7099*	$7699*
	$5799	$6399	$7099*	$7699*
	$5749	$6349	$7049*	$7649*
	$5749	$6349	$7049*	$7649*
	$5749	$6349	$7049*	$7649*
	$5699	$6299	$6999*	$7599*

Previous Season Dates

Not Included:
Optional tours and gratuities.

Additional Information:
Land only prices do not include arrival/departure transfers.

Passengers should select flights that arrive no later than 5 PM on Day 2 in order to attend orientation meeting.

Upon arrival in Israel at Passport Control, you will receive an Israel Border Control / B2 Stay Permit called an "Electronic Gate Pass". Issuance of the pass replaces the need to stamp your passport. The Electronic Gate Pass is your official form of identification in Israel and must be kept in your possession at all times, and will be relinquished once you depart the country. Escorted tour group guests should bring this pass to the Welcome Meeting as your Tour Manager must record information from it to facilitate express hotel check-in during your tour. Failure to provide this pass at check-in will result in mandatory tax.

Entry Requirements:
Passengers traveling abroad require a passport valid for six months beyond their travel dates. All travelers are responsible to check if a visa is required for all countries on their itinerary. For visa information, check our Visas page.

Is This Trip Right for You?

This is an active trip. Our small group covers a lot of ground each day. Expect to spend two to three hours on your feet during tours. The pace is fast. Two days involve long transfers by shuttle bus. Some of the tours require walking over uneven surfaces or up and down steep slopes or steps. There are many early mornings. This tour is not recommended for people who have difficulty walking. This is a Small Group program. For more information, click here.

Accommodation Details

Select Number of Rooms

Room 1

Number of Adults

Number of Children

Preferred Bedding Configuration

Two separate beds

One bed
Requests are not guaranteed and are subject to each hotel's discretion and availability

Additional Nights

Number of pre-nights

Number of post-nights

Flight Details

Include Flight? Yes No

Departure City

Departure and Return Date

Preferred Airline

Class of Service

Nonstop Flights

Number of Adults

Number of Children

Package Includes

Small groups of maximum 22 travelers guaranteed
Round trip flights New York-Tel Aviv, Tel Aviv-New York
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices
Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
14 nights First Class accommodations

4 nights Jerusalem
1 night Dead Sea
2 nights Eilat
2 nights Sde Boker
2 nights Haifa
1 night Galilee Region
2 nights Tel Aviv

Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
Hotel porterage
All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
30 meals: 14 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 10 dinners (including a home hosted dinner)
Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned vehicles
Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
Comprehensive, guided sightseeing and entrance fees per itinerary
Active itinerary with unique cultural features

Tour Highlights

Thanks to our small group size, we can get to the heart of our destination, visit places that other tours miss, and get to know the locals.

Visit Jerusalem's Jewish Quarter, Western Wall, and the astonishing Western Wall Tunnels
In Jerusalem, share a Sabbath Dinner with a family at their private home - a feast of local favorites!
On the fabled mountaintop of Masada, you'll be transported back in time to the days of King Herod
Relax at a spa hotel and swim in the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea
A jeep tour along dramatic Ramon Crater explores the surreal scenery and lunar-like landscape of the area
Tour historic Ben-Gurion Cottage with exhibits reflecting Ben-Gurion's personality and world views
Enjoy wine tasting at Carmey Avdat Winery, along the Negev Wine Route
In Haifa, view the Baha'i Shrine and see the magnificent and serene Baha'i Gardens
Discover timeless Acre (Akko) on a walking tour that takes you into the subterranean city
Descend by cable car to the magical underwater grottos and sea caves at Rosh Hanikra
At the mystical city of Safed, experience a Kabbala session and stroll along the picturesque ancient lanes
View beautiful Byzantine mosaics, including the 'Mona Lisa of the Galilee' at the ancient city of Zippori
Tour the astounding archaeological site of Caesarea, with its Roman and Crusader ruins
Admire the splendid Bauhaus architecture in Tel Aviv, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Walking tour of ancient Jaffa, along the winding cobblestone lanes to the Artists' Quarter

†Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

Is This Trip Right for You?

Book Now!

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DAY 1, Tuesday - Depart for Israel
Depart for Israel

DAY 2, Wednesday - Arrive in Tel Aviv and Transfer to Jerusalem
Welcome to Israel! Arrive in Tel Aviv and transfer to your hotel in Jerusalem. We recommend that you select flights which arrive in your destination no later than 5 PM
Overnight: Jerusalem
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Thursday - City of David, Jewish Quarter, Western Wall Tunnel
Begin the day at the City of David, and visit the Gihon Spring, which was Jerusalem's main water supply. Continue to the restored Jewish Quarter. Arrive at the Western Wall, the only remaining portion of the Second Temple and walk through the Western Wall Tunnels. Stroll along the Cardo, the ancient Roman market street. Conclude with a panoramic view of the Temple Mount where the Temple once stood. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for dinner
Overnight: Jerusalem
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 4, Friday - Israel Museum, Yad Vashem, Home Hosted Shabbat Dinner
Today's exploration begins with a visit to the Israel Museum. View the Scale Model, a miniature replica of ancient Jerusalem from the Second Temple period and the Shrine of the Book, where the Dead Sea Scrolls are housed. Afterward, drive to Yad Vashem, memorial to the Holocaust. Continue to Mishkenot Sha'ananim, a neighborhood dating to the late 1850's, the first building project outside the Old City Walls. Finally, drive by the quarter of Me'a She'arim, to get a glimpse into the ultra-Orthodox Jewish life. On this eve of Shabbat, join the Jerusalemites preparing for the Sabbath at the Western Wall. Tonight, you're invited to a Shabbat dinner with a family at their private home
Overnight: Jerusalem
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5, Saturday - Mt. Scopus Observatory, Mt. Zion, Christian Quarter
This morning, observe panoramic views of Jerusalem from Mt. Scopus. Take a walking tour of the Old City beginning at Mt. Zion. Visit the Room of the Last Supper and the Tomb of King David. Walk the path of Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, one the holiest Christian sites in the world. Visit a fabric store and meet a third-generation fabric merchant who imports hand-woven silk, cotton and gold-threaded cloths from Africa and uses them to create robes for Christian priests, Muslim imams and ultra-Orthodox Jews. Stroll through the bazaars with their wondrous aromas and sights. This afternoon, join the optional Bethlehem* tour to visit the Church of the Nativity, commemorating the birthplace of Jesus Christ
*Bethlehem is under the Palestinian Authority, requiring a brief inspection and local guide
Optional: Half Day Bethlehem (PM)
Overnight: Jerusalem
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6, Sunday - Ein Gedi, Masada Fortress, Dead Sea
Depart from Jerusalem and travel to the lowest spot on Earth, the Dead Sea. Drive pass the Qumran Caves where the world-famous Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered by a Bedouin shepherd. Then, on to Ein Gedi Nature Reserve. Continue to Masada, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ascend by cable car to the top of the ancient fortress. Visit the archaeological sites including the remains of Herod's Great Palace, a synagogue, bath houses, dwellings, and workshops. Descend and proceed to your hotel, on the shores of the Dead Sea. Perhaps float in the buoyant waters or, relax by the beach before dinner at the hotel
Overnight: Dead Sea
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 7, Monday - Agriculture in Arava Desert, Kibbutz Ktura, Timna Park
Travel south, passing by the Dead Sea Works, producers of potash products. Visit the Yair Research & Development in Hazeva promoting agriculture in the desert. After lunch along the way, visit Kibbutz Ktura, a small dwelling originally settled by a group from the USA, where its members maintain the original lifestyle of communal life. Continue to Timna Park, where ancient Egyptians carved and melted copper creating tools and ornaments. Arrive in Eilat, Israel's southernmost city at the northern tip of the Red Sea, surrounded by granite mountains and desert scenery. Gather together for dinner tonight
Overnight: Eilat
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8, Tuesday - Day in Eilat
There's lots to do in Eilat, on your day at leisure. Explore the "Underwater Observatory", and watch turtles and stingrays glide by. Stop at the Rare Fish Aquarium to see an interesting collection of fish, corals and sharks. The "Dolphin Reef" offers a unique opportunity to observe and swim (weather permitting) alongside some of nature's most magnificent sea creatures. Or, participate in the optional Full Day Petra with lunch tour
Optional: Full Day Petra with lunch (AM)
Overnight: Eilat
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 9, Wednesday - Neot Smadar, Ramon Crater Jeep Tour
Bid farewell to the Red Sea and travel north to Kibbutz Neot Smadar. Visit the Arts Center Tower, which took thirteen years to build, housing workshops and galleries. After lunch at their inn, drive further through the Ramon Crater, a large erosion crater created millions of years ago when an ocean covered the area. Board an open-top jeep, for a tour of this crater. Later, continue to Sde Boker for dinner and overnight
Overnight: Sde Boker
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10, Thursday - Ben-Gurion Cottage, Carmey Avdat Winery, Bedouin Experience
In the morning, visit Kibbutz Sde Boker, the final home and self-chosen burial site of Israel's first Prime Minister David Ben Gurion. Next, travel to Avdat a former Nabataean city, once the most important city on the Incense Route. Tour Carmey Avdat Winery, and enjoy lunch along with wine tasting. Afterward, head to the nearby Shanti House, providing refuge and rehabilitation to at-risk youth. Take a camel ride through part of the original Nabatean Incense Route and view landscapes of the Zin Valley. This evening, savor a Madfoona dinner and learn about the Bedouin way of life and desert customs
Overnight: Sde Boker
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 11, Friday - Ashalim Solar Power Station, Zichron Ya'akov, Haifa
On the drive north this morning, you reach the Ashalim Solar Power Station. Take a tour of Israel's solar panel plant. Next, travel along the Trans-Israel Highway to Zichron Ya'akov, located at the southern end of the Carmel Mountain Range. Stroll along the quaint main street of this historical town, lined with cafes and historic buildings. Afterward, travel towards Haifa, passing Druze villages atop Mt. Carmel. View the Baha'i Gardens, and the golden dome of the Baha'i Shrine, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arrive at the hotel in Haifa for dinner and overnight
Overnight: Haifa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 12, Saturday - Acre, Rosh Hanikra, Mi'ilya
Today, travel to the Crusader city of Acre (Akko). Once a thriving Ottoman city, with its bustling fishing port, stunning architecture and monuments recalling the colorful Middle Ages. Descend into the underground city of the Crusaders, and walk through a series of subterranean rooms and tunnels. Acre's Old City is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, take a scenic drive past the rugged terrain of the northernmost tip of Israel to the white cliffs of Rosh Hanikra. Here, descend by cable car (weather permitting) to the astonishing underwater grottoes and sea caves. Afterward, head into the heart of the Galilee region to Mi'ilya, a village inhabited by Melkite Greek Catholics. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. There will time to visit the village, before returning to Haifa
Overnight: Haifa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 13, Sunday - Safed, Golan Heights, Mt. Bental, Katzrin
Morning drive to the Jewish mystical city of Safed, where Kabbalah flourished during the Golden Age. View tiny historic synagogues and galleries & shops in the Artists' Colony. Next, ascend to the peak of the craggy Golan Heights overlooking the serene fertile valleys and tranquil villages below. Reach Mt. Bental at the crossroads of Syria and northern Israel. Later, visit the ancient village of Katzrin, an open-air museum, featuring partially reconstructed remains of a Talmudic-era village dating from the 4th to 6th centuries AD. Descend from the Golan Heights and arrive at your kibbutz in time for dinner
Overnight: Galilee Region
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 14, Monday - Zippori, Home Hosted Lunch, Caesarea
Travel through the verdant Galilee hills to the ancient city of Zippori, which was the administrative capital of the Galilee region in the 1st-century. Next, share a home-cooked lunch at a private family home in Kfar Kara; learn about traditions and challenges of life in Israel. Afterward, travel to Caesarea, built by King Herod. Explore this archaeological site with its Roman and Crusader ruins, including a 1st-century theater still being used today and a hippodrome that once held over 20,000 people for chariot races. Continue with a drive towards the bustling cosmopolitan city of Tel Aviv, nestled on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea
Overnight: Tel Aviv
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 15, Tuesday - Tel Aviv, Carmel Market, Jaffa
The exploration of Tel Aviv begins with a drive along Rothschild Boulevard, highlighting the Bauhaus architecture of this city, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Center for Israeli Innovation, presenting the Israeli Startup Nation. This visitor center features displays of leading Israeli companies, and promising Israeli startups. Continue to Carmel Market, a vibrant marketplace where vendors sell clothing, spices, fruits and food. On to Jaffa (Joppa), the ancient port city eternally linked with biblical stories of Jonah and St. Peter. Stoll along the winding alleyways to the reconstructed Artists' Quarter and view its ancient seaport. From atop the hill, admire panoramic views of the Mediterranean coast and the expanding city of Tel Aviv. Tonight, attend a cooking workshop focusing on Israeli cuisine, followed by dinner
Overnight: Tel Aviv
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 16, Wednesday - Depart Israel
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast

Due to local events and holidays, the order of sightseeing may be changed. Details to be provided locally by Tour Manager.

Book Now!

Discovery Tours itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.

Harmony Hotel, Jerusalem

This first class hotel is located in the heart of Jerusalem at Nahalat Sheva near to Jerusalem old city.

Hotel Details

Nevo Isrotel Dead Sea Hotel & Spa, Dead Sea

This deluxe hotel is situated by the Dead Sea in Ein Bokek.

Hotel Details

Isrotel Yam Suf, Eilat

This first class hotel is located in Eilat, near the beach.

Hotel Details

Isrotel Kedma, Sde Boker

This superior first class hotel is located In Sde Boker in the Negev desert.

Hotel Details

Hotel Bay Club, Haifa

This first class hotel is situated a short ten minute ride away from the Bahai Gardens.

Hotel Details

Pastoral Kfar Blum Hotel, Upper Galilee

This first class kibbutz is located in Upper Galilee, on the Jordan River. It has views of the Golan Heights, Upper Galilee mountains and Mt Hermon.

Hotel Details

65 Hotel, Tel Aviv

This first class hotel is ideally located in the city center of Tel Aviv, at the corner of Rothschild Boulevard and Nachmani Street.

Hotel Details

Book your Optional Tours before you travel. See more, save time, save money.

Tours purchased while travelling may cost an extra 10% or more
Tours often sell out. Avoid disappointment
Save your cash. Credit card processing may not be possible locally

Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure
Book Online or call to book these tours up to 1 week before your departure
The day the optionals operate varies by the day of the week

Half Day Bethlehem

On this excursion, you will leave the State of Israel and cross the border to the Palestinian Authority. You will leave your Israeli guide and driver on the Israeli side, and upon arriving into the West Bank, you will be met by your Palestinian tour guide who will accompany you on this tour to Bethlehem. Large groups will necessarily split into smaller groups utilizing local shuttle buses, which will take you to visit the Church of the Nativity, commemorating the birthplace of Jesus Christ, with many restoration projects instituted throughout the years. The facade of the Church of the Nativity is encircled by the high walls of the three convents: the Franciscan on the northeast side, and the Greek Orthodox and the Armenian Orthodox on the southeast side. A shopping stop for local souvenirs and olive wood handicrafts, a principal source of local income, is included in the tour.

Please note that Bethlehem is located six miles south of Jerusalem in the West Bank and governed by the Palestinian National Authority. Due to the popularity of the Church, long lines are common and wait time may vary.

Approximate tour duration is 3 hours.

Day #5	01 Jan 2020 - 31 Mar 2023	$33.00
	01 Apr 2023 - 31 Mar 2024	$33.00

Full Day Petra with lunch

Petra was first established around the 6th century by the Nabatean Arabs, a nomadic tribe who settled in south Jordan more than 2000 years ago. The tour begins at the Tourist Center at the entrance of the narrow (1 Km) "Siq" with its towering rock walls. At the end of the gorge, view the magnificent and dramatic facade of the most famous monument in Petra -- the Treasury. Various walks and climbs reveal literally hundreds of buildings, facades, baths, funerary halls, soaring temples, royal tombs, markets, paved streets, as well as the 3000 seat theatre from the early 1st century. Lunch will be provided during the tour. After completing border formalities, transfer to your hotel in Eilat.

Approximate tour duration is 11.5 hours.

For those on the One Day Petra optional tour, a fee of approximately US $65, for border taxes and service fees, must be paid locally. In addition, a visa for Jordan costing $60 must be obtained before crossing the border. This visa can be arranged and paid locally if passport information is received by your Israeli tour manager at least 48 hours in advance. This visa is in addition to the border taxes and fees. Alternatively, please contact your local Jordan Embassy. Please note this tour requires approximately 4 miles of walking.

Day #8	01 Jan 2023 - 04 Jan 2024	$288.00

Professional Photos

Israel, Ancient & Modern Culture, September 2019

The trip and Gate 1 were amazing. The hotels, food, guide, transfers, bus driver, just everything couldn’t have been better.

Laurence F. Richmond, VA

Israel, Ancient & Modern Culture, November 2018

Fabulous. We couldn’t ask for anything better!! The tour guide Simon was the best and made us all feel welcome and special. Our bus driver Mottie was great and we felt very safe when he drove. He was very skilled. Simon’s knowledge was over the top. He explained so much to help us understand everything we saw and shared many personal stories with us. We were sorry to end our tour. This was truly a once in a lifetime adventure. Would recommend Gate 1 and Simon in a heartbeat.

Sheila S. Brooklyn, NY

Israel, Ancient & Modern Culture, October 2018

Fabulous!!! Enjoyed it a lot. Ofer, our tour guide/manager was very knowledgeable, fun and very helpful. Learned so many things about Israel. Everything about the trip was wonderful. The smaller Discovery group is so much better and more comfortable. Our driver, Shlomo, was also very good. Another great trip for me!!!

Lourdes K. Encino, CA

Israel, Ancient & Modern Culture, April 2018

The trip was fantastic. Our tour guide Anat was amazing, brilliant, passionate, knowledgeable, enthused. The itinerary was all that I could have expected and more. On top of the Discovery itinerary, Anat made every effort to introduce us to everything Israeli. I would definitely recommend this trip and Gate1 to anyone.

Sue S. Desert Hot Springs, CA

Israel, Ancient & Modern Culture, October 2017

Exceeded all expectations! Five stars! Tour Guide Mati and driver Kobi were outstanding!

Joyce Lynn A. San Diego, CA

Israel, Ancient & Modern Culture , January 2017

Absolutely fantastic--the best ever. Gabi was particularly fabulous and really made the trip. I can't even think to say what part was the best. It was all so great.

Mary S. Tybee Island, GA

Israel, Ancient & Modern Culture, October 2016

My trip was very enjoyable learned lots and I could recommend it to other folks. Thanks.

Kathi D. Surrey, CA

Israel, Ancient & Modern Culture, March 2016

Thank you for the following up on our trip. The trip was fantastic! The itinerary is excellent and well planned. Our tour guide, Rotem was phenomenal. His presentation of the biblical, historical and present day events made this trip extremely memorable. We felt safe in all the places we visited. We liked everything and enjoyed every minute of our trip.

Vladimir M. Baltimore, MD