Jerusalem, Galilee & The Holy Land

Save up to 15%. Book up until midnight on 15 March 2024, T&Cs apply. No discount code is required.

Discover one of the World's most extraordinary, timeless - and time-weathered - corner, a sacred land forged over centuries. Beginning in Mediterranean resort-city Tel Aviv, this enthralling, fully escorted tour takes in Roman Caesarea and bustling port-city Haifa, before moving inland to Crusader fortress Acre, then on to the shores of Galilee. A tour of places associated with Christ's life and ministry is followed by a journey, via the mysterious Dead Sea and haunting Masada, up to Jerusalem, one of the most absorbing cities on Earth. The final highlight of your remarkable tour is a visit to Bethlehem and the Church of the Nativity.

Highlights

Bethlehem and the Church of the Nativity
Modern Tel Aviv and nearby restored Jaffa
Two nights on Lake Galilee
Roman Caesarea, once King Herod's most important port-city
Visiting modern Haifa and take in the spectacular view from Mount Carmel
The Crusader fortress-city of Acre
Journey past ancient Jericho
Take the cable car to the fortress summit of legendary Masada
Enjoy the unique sensation of floating in the Dead Sea
A four-night stay in Jerusalem brings the chance to explore one of the world's most fascinating locations
View the city skyline from the Mount of Olives, and visit poignant Gethsemane
Walk the Way of the Cross to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and visit the Garden Tomb
See the Western Wall and the Dome of the Rock
Visit Jerusalem's Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial and see the Dead Sea Scrolls at the Shrine of the Book

Inclusions

Seven nights' half board accommodation in excellent quality hotels in Tel Aviv (1 night), Migdal (2) and Jerusalem (4)
Return flights from the UK to Tel Aviv
Air-conditioned coach travel and transfers
Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

Day 1

Fly to Tel Aviv, on Israel's Mediterranean coast, meet your Tour Manager and transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay. Rest and relax after your journey, stroll along the seafront promenade or perhaps visit nearby bustling Jaffa.

Day 2

Board the coach this morning for your first fascinating day exploring. See the old port of Jaffa and take in some of the sites of Tel Aviv, modern Israel's hub of commercial and cultural activity. You'll then head north to the ruins of the great Roman port of Caesarea, which flourished during the time of Jesus. You'll also pay a short visit to the modern port-city of Haifa before driving to the summit of Mount Carmel for a stunning panoramic view of Northern Israel and beyond.Your explorations finish with a visit to the remarkably preserved remains of the Crusader city of Acre (or Akko) one-time fortress of Richard the Lionheart, before you drive to Tiberias, on Galilee's peaceful shore, for a two-night stay.

Day 3

Today we'll head through a land familiar to Bible readers everywhere, beginning with a 45-minute boat journey across the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum, where Jesus recruited his first disciples. Our next stop will be Tabgha, site of the Feeding of the 5000, beneath the Mount of the Beatitudes, from which the Sermon on the Mount was preached. Journey inland via Cana, where Jesus is said to have performed his first miracle (turning water into wine), to bustling Nazareth. Here the monumental Church of the Annunciation dominates the skyline while St Joseph's Grotto offers a humble contrast. After a fascinating day, you'll return to your beachfront hotel for dinner.

Day 4

Another extraordinary day begins with a journey south, past the site where John the Baptist anointed Jesus and the ancient town of Jericho, to the Dead Sea, the lowest place on Earth. En route you'll visit the UNESCO-listed fortress-citadel of Masada, where Jewish zealots held out against the Romans for three years following the fall of Jerusalem. There's an extraordinary view of the rift valley and the waters of the Dead Sea from this mountaintop site. This afternoon, why not take the opportunity to enjoy the unique sensation of 'floating' in the Dead Sea before you continue your tour, climbing up to Jerusalem for the first of four nights in this iconic, historic city?

Day 5

A guided introductory tour reveals some of the many secrets of one of the world's most fascinating cities, today. You'll begin with a drive to the Mount of Olives for a panoramic view of the city skyline, much changed since Jesus stood atop the Mount but still a mesmerising, stirring sight.Entering the city through the ancient Lion's Gate, you'll walk the Via Dolorosa, past the Stations of the Cross, to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, site of the Crucifixion. Visits to the Western Wall (or Wailing Wall) beneath the Dome of the Rock, and to the Garden Tomb that was found empty on the first Easter morning, complete your fascinating day.

Day 6

Board the coach this morning for a short drive out of the city to Bethlehem to visit Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity. One of the Holy Land's oldest churches, the church and its underground grotto boast several relics and centuries-old fragments of mosaics.Returning to Jerusalem via the Shepherds' Fields where the angels are said to have announced Christ's birth, you'll pay visits to the moving Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial and the Shrine of the Book, housing the historically priceless Dead Sea Scrolls recovered from a cave near Masada.

Day 7

Today you're free to relax in Jerusalem. Take the opportunity to wander the colourful souks of the Arab market, to explore the Old City once again, or perhaps to visit the excellent Tower of David Museum, all at your own pace. Later, a last dinner at the hotel offers the chance to look back on a thoroughly absorbing and enthralling week.

Day 8

Drive back down through the scenic Judean Hills to the Mediterranean, making your way to Tel Aviv where you'll board the flight back to the UK, at the end of a marvellous holiday.

Further Information

Hotel transfer times

The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately 30 minutes. On your return journey, it is approximately 90 minutes from the hotel to the airport.

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.

Disabled access

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair or electric scooter, please let us know as soon as possible so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Travel vaccinations

Requirements and advice can vary over time, and from person to person, so please contact your GP about eight weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or any other preventive measures.

Passports and visas

British citizens require passports when travelling overseas. If you are not a British citizen, you may need a visa for the country/countries you are visiting (please contact the respective embassies to check and to apply).

Terms and conditions

Save up to 15% discount applies to specific holidays and tours only. All other holidays and tours will have a 10% discount applied. This 'Discover Newmarket Holidays' offer applies to new bookings only booked between 26 December and 15 March 2024 inclusive. This offer does not apply to holidays with late availability pricing and excludes Ocean Cruise, River Cruise, Andre Rieu events, Lapland and Wimbledon. This offer cannot be combined or used in conjunction with any other discount, promotion or concession. When booking a holiday as described above, prices shown will automatically have the 15% or 10% applied. The discount applies to your final holiday price (excluding holiday insurance) at the time of booking. This offer is subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Newmarket Holidays reserves the right to cancel, change or amend any tour. Holidays booked with Newmarket Holidays, are financially protected in accordance with ABTA, ATOL & ABTOT regulations. Newmarket Holidays Limited is a company registered in England and Wales. Registered number: 02238316.