Run your hands over the Holy Lands on this historic adventure.
A journey through the Holy Land is way more than just a pilgrimage. Entrenched in the ancient but emphatically modern in outlook, nominally Jewish but with lots of Muslim and Christian influence, the complexities of Israel and the Palestinian Territories keeps even the most seasoned history buff intrigued. Eat Israeli street food in Tel Aviv, check out the terraced Bahai Gardens in Haifa, run your hands over the Western Wall, stroll around Manger Square and head out graffiti-spotting in Bethlehem, take a dip in the salty Dead Sea and journey into the Negev Desert to spend a night under the stars. Israel and the Palestinian Territories have more than a bit of history, they are brimming with life.
Explore the Negev Desert, spotting constellations unimpeded by light pollution, and spending a night under the stars.
Walk the Way of Sorrows – the path Jesus took to the crucifixion, according to the Bible, and see the empty tomb he is said to have risen from.
Stop by a social organisation and enjoy a drink of their local drop at responsible boutique winery that employs adults with disabilities.
Wash off the dust of the desert with a float in the salty waters of the Dead Sea – a surreal experience that has to be felt to be believed.
Devour classic Israeli staples like hummus and falafel in the bustling metropolis of Tel Aviv or in the lively Machane Yedhua markets in Jerusalem.
As the days get warmer, temperatures can start to soar in this region. From April to October, to avoid the midday heat, we start some days very early (i.e. 5 am). Though we try to make things as comfortable for you as possible, please be prepared for these conditions.
Sites can get congested during peak travel periods with coaches of large pilgrim groups. We do our best to plan our visits around these times but sometimes it is unavoidable. There may be delays, queues and private services that prevent us from entering the site. Your trip leader will manage this as best as they can on the day.
Some of the sites we visit involve walking on rocky and/or steep hillsides, where there is often little or no shade. Comfortable walking shoes and a hat will make it easier to explore the sights.
Known as 'baksheesh' in the Middle East, tipping is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry. If you are satisfied with the services provided a tip is appropriate and always appreciated. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels.
With so much to see and do, Israel and the Palestinian Territories can sometimes be expensive. Expect to pay more than you would in other Middle Eastern countries for a lot of things. It might be a good idea to do some research about places to eat, for example, before you arrive.
Trip departures are unavailable.
There are currently no scheduled departures on our Holy Land Highlights trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
ARRIVAL TRANSFER
A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
TRIP START AND FINISH
The trips starts in Tel Aviv and finishes in Jerusalem. I you would like to spend extra time in Jerusalem, additional accommodation is available for pre-booking with Intrepid or your booking agent.
SPECIAL INFORMATION – DEPARTURES MARCH, APRIL AND MAY 2020
Due to the closure of the border to the West Bank as a result of COVID-19 virus concerns and decisions implemented by the Ministry of Health, your departure may not be able to visit Bethlehem, the Church of the Nativity and Manger Square and Shepherds Field.
Alternative Itinerary:
DAY 7 – We have included a visit to the Herodion National Park, an impressive fortress built by Herod the Great, also the place where he was buried; from here you have a great view of the West Bank and Jerusalem. Later in the afternoon, take a tour of the Machane Yehudi Market with your leader.
These changes will remain in place until the Palestinian Territories Authority reopens it borders. Please consult a booking agent for further information.
We have links to prominent government travel advisories and regular updates on issues affecting this trip on our Travel Alerts page: www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts
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