Explore Israel & Petra - 6 Days
Highlights
- Explore Jerusalem's Old City and bohemian neighborhoods
- Tour the Judean Desert and the ancient hilltop fortress of Masada
- Relax on the shores of the Dead Sea
- Experience the wonders of Petra, one of the world's most incredible cities
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Welcome to Israel! | Tel Aviv |
| Day 2 | Tel-Aviv to Jerusalem | Jerusalem |
| Day 3 | Jerusalem New City | Jerusalem |
| Day 4 | Dead Sea / Masada | Eilat |
| Day 5 | Petra Day Visit | Tel Aviv |
| Day 6 | Goodbye and Farewell! |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Israel!
Welcome to Tel Aviv! You'll arrive at Ben Gurion Airport, then transfer to the hotel. The evening is free to settle in and relax, or head out to start exploring! The beachside promenade is particularly lovely in the evening, as the sun begins to set.
If there's enough time, explore the ancient port city of Jaffa and browse the flea market, or discover the complexity and beauty of Hebrew graffiti art in the bohemian neighborhood of Florentine.
Day 2: Tel-Aviv to Jerusalem
Start your morning with a transfer to Jerusalem, then explore the city on a full-day tour. Start at the Mount of Olives and take in the spectacular view of the old city from this mountain top, then continue to Mount Zion and King David's Tomb to see the room of the Last Supper. Visit the building believed to be the king's final resting place, then continue from here to meander through the Old City.
From here make your way to the Jewish Quarter to explore thousands of years of history. Walk along the Cardo, the ancient Roman road, and see the four synagogues restored in 1967. Tour the Hurva Synagogue, the Old City's largest temple.
Stop at the Western Wall to visit the holiest site for Jewish People. Visitors come from around the world to pray at the wall and place notes into the stones.
Continue along the Via Dolorosa in the footsteps of Jesus, ending at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre where the Crucifixion occurred.
Please Note: Part of the day will be spent touring holy sites, so modest dress will be required. Women should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees, men should have their shoulders and heads covered.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 3: Jerusalem New City
In the morning head to the Museum Yad Vashem (World Holocaust Remembrance Center), Israel's official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. The museum aims to honor the dead and research the phenomenon of genocides with the aim of avoiding such events in the future.
Continue to Mount Herzl National Cemetery, Israel's national military cemetery. It's named after Theodor Herzl, the father of political Zionism, who is also buried here. The cemetery is home to the graves of soldiers who have fallen in the line of duty, as well as Israeli leaders, including Golda Meir and Yitzhak Rabin.
The next stop is the open-air street market Mahane Yehuda, a colorful and bustling array of vendors and everyday shoppers. Make your way to the Israel Museum to see the Dead Sea Scrolls and other artifacts, then head out for dinner at your own at the First Station, a vibrant cultural center on the site of Jerusalem's original train station.
In the evening visit the Tower of David to see a spectacular sound and light show in the Old City.
Day 4: Dead Sea / Masada
Depart Jerusalem in the morning and drive through the Judean Desert to the Dead Sea, which at almost 1,300 ft (400 m) below sea level is the world's lowest point. Your first stop is the Ein Gedi Nature Park to go for a short hike and see a stunning waterfall.
From here the tour continues along the shores of the Dead Sea to the ancient hilltop fortress of Masada. Ascend to the top by cable car and tour the archaeological site where the Zealots made their last stand against the Romans before committing mass suicide in 73 CE. You'll see different buildings, including the bathhouse and synagogue, as well as restored buildings and modern displays. Return back to the ground by cable car, then continue to the Dead Sea.
Cover yourself in mineral-rich muds and float in the Dead Sea to experience its therapeutic properties, then drive to Eilat for the night.
Day 5: Petra Day Visit
In the morning a local guide will escort you to the ancient stone city of Petra, a spectacular display of architecture and archaeology. Petra is known as the Rose Red city for the pink sandstone that the buildings are carved into. Enter the city through the Siq to be rewarded with one of Jordan's most famous monuments: the impressive Treasury building.
Tour the city, including the theater, the tombs, colonnaded streets and more, then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Day 6: Goodbye and Farewell!
Transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for your flight home.
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