Map of Five Days in Israel & the Palestinian Territories including Israel

Get a taste of the Middle East on an eye-opening trip through Israel.

As one of the holiest – and most contested – regions on earth, Israel and the Palestinian Territories has a long and complex history. But here's one simple truth: there’s nowhere quite like it.

Kick off your five-day adventure by eating your way around Jerusalem's lively Machane Yehuda Market, then survey the Old City from different perspectives (literal and figurative) on a walking tour. Hike through enchanting desertscapes and soak in the Dead Sea. Visit Bethlehem and discover thought-provoking street art along the West Bank Barrier. Finally, arrive in the seaside party town of Tel Aviv for a night to remember.

This trip is for 18 to 29-year-olds

Some of our under-30 travellers prefer to get around with people their own age. If that’s you, you’re in the right place!

Over 29? We’ve got over 900 other great adventures to choose from for solo travellers, friends, families, food lovers, hiking enthusiasts, and more.


Start
Jerusalem, Israel
Finish
Tel Aviv, Israel
Destination
Israel
Style
Basix
Theme
18 to 29s
Code
ENYI
Physical rating
Ages
Min 18, Max 29
Group size
Min 1, Max 16

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Why you'll love this trip

  • Visit ancient sites that have underpinned the religious beliefs of billions for millennia and see today’s political tensions writ large upon the West Bank Barrier in the form of street art in Bethlehem.

  • Linger at iconic locations such as the sacred Western Wall and stations of the cross in Jerusalem and bathe in the briny (but rapidly shrinking) Dead Sea.

  • Tuck into silky-smooth hummus, stuffed pita sandwiches and traditional dumpling soups with a Bite Card – your passport to Machane Yehuda Market’s tastiest local dishes.

  • Rise early to beat the heat and hike the Masada Snake Path, which winds its way up to a World Heritage-listed clifftop fortress infused with Jewish history.

  • Travel with a local leader who will share valuable insights into the complexities of the region’s past, present and future – and introduce you to characters and communities otherwise out of reach.

Is this trip right for you?

  • Just one of the great things about this trip is that it gives you the power. There’s free time to do whatever you want, or optional tours to show you the way. Maybe budget a little extra cash for activities that aren’t included. Israel & The Palestinian Territories is by no means a cheap destination and you should budget accordingly. The good news is that your expert local leader is on hand to help you uncover the best deals!

  • Accommodation on this trip is in dorm rooms with up to 12 travellers. They may not all be fellow Intrepid travellers and your group could be split across different rooms. Where possible (and unless requested otherwise) we will accommodate you in same gender rooms.

  • There is a 1-1.5hr hike up the Masada Snake Path on this trip. If you're not up for it, you can always purchase a cable car ticket instead.

  • You’re probably pro at packing light and smart, but just in case you’re tempted to bring a big, heavy bag, remember you’ll have to carry it to and from hotels, bus stops, train stations etc.

  • It’s not all hot desert days in Israel, as the winter months (December through to February) can be quite cold. Temperatures in northern parts of the country can drop to freezing overnight. Snowfall around these areas is also common. Be sure to pack clothes that will prepare you for varying temperatures especially during these months.

  • 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.

Itinerary

Shalom! Welcome to Jerusalem. Your adventure begins with this afternoon’s important welcome meeting at 4.30 pm. If you arrive early, you could grab a coffee or a cold one from the many bars, cafes and restaurants near your hostel.

Once you've made your introductions, head out on an orientation walk with the group. You'll stop at Machane Yehuda Market, where you can sample tasty local cuisine using a Bite Card – your ticket to tasting the likes of sabich (pita stuffed with fried aubergine and boiled egg) and authentic kubbeh soup (veggie broth topped with meat-filled dumplings). Your leader will leave you here to spend the evening as you wish – we recommend checking out the laneway bars with your new-found friends as the market comes to life, or wandering nearby streets to check out the shop-shutter graffiti only visible at night.
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Jerusalem - Machane Yehuda Market & Bite Card
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
This morning you’ll take in some of Jerusalem’s cultural wonders on a walking tour of the Old City. Follow the stations of the cross along the Via Dolorosa, which represents the route Jesus took before his crucifixion; witness locals and pilgrims rocking in prayer at the Western Wall, Judaism’s holiest site; and get fabulous views of the golden Dome of the Rock – and the city's countless other spires and towers – from the rooftop terrace at the Austrian Hospice, a historic Catholic guesthouse.

The rest of the afternoon is free to explore. You could try a flight of boutique Israeli brews at the Beer Bazaar, hunt down the perfect hummus in the Old City (ask your leader for tips) or grab some snacks and find the perfect picnic spot at Sacher Park – saving time to wander the winding paths of the nearby Wohl Rose Garden.
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Jerusalem - Walk on the Ramparts of the Old City
  • Jerusalem - Western Wall (Wailing Wall)
  • Jerusalem - Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Optional Activities
  • Jerusalem - Israel Museum - USD12
  • Jerusalem - Yad Vashem Museum - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Rise and shine nice and early (approximately 3am) to drive out to the spectacular cliff-top desert fortress of Masada, near the Dead Sea. Kick off the day with a morning hike up the Masada Snake Path, which meanders up approximately 400 metres from the lowest point on earth (the Dead Sea) to the peak. This World Heritage site is important to the Jewish people; it’s seen as a symbol of their exile from the Holy Land as well as bravery and self-sacrifice.

Catch the cable car back down and drive to the Dead Sea for a float in the oh-so-salty waters. Apparently, Cleopatra used products from the area as part of her beauty regime, which is also said to have included almond extract and goat's milk. After soaking in the briny sea, transfer back to your hostel in Jerusalem for a free evening.
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Dead Sea - Visit and float
  • Masada - Entrance & Cable Car one-way
  • Masada - Snake Path Hike
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s travel time is approximately 4.5 hours.

The Masada Snake Path takes between an hour to 90 minutes to climb. If you're not up for the hike, you can always opt to purchase a Cable Car ticket both ways.

Due to the early morning departure, only a basic breakfast is provided this morning.
This morning, check out of your hostel and head to the Mount of Olives for panoramic views of the Old City. From there, you’ll drive to Bethlehem. Visit the Church of the Nativity, built on the spot where Jesus is said to have been born, and head to the Shepherd’s Fields, where angels allegedly appeared to bring the good news.

You’ll also have time to explore the street art that emblazons much of the contentious West Bank Barrier – including pieces by famed British artist Banksy – and learn the personal stories and political implications behind some of the more prominent pieces. Afterwards, continue to Tel Aviv via the ancient port city of Jaffa. This afternoon, enjoy some free time in this relaxed city. An optional sunset bike ride (approximately 2 hours) is a great way to get your bearings. Tonight, why not get the gang together and hit the town? Tel Aviv is known for its happening nightlife.
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Jaffa - Town Visit
  • Jerusalem - Mount of Olives
  • Bethlehem - Separation Barrier Graffiti Tour
  • Bethlehem - Church of the Nativity & Shepherds' Field
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s travel time is approximately 2 hours.
There aren’t any activities planned for today, so you’re free to leave the hostel at any time. That doesn’t mean your Middle Eastern adventure has to come to an end! If you’re looking at spending more time in Tel Aviv, we don’t blame you. Let us know in advance and we’ll happily organise additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

4 breakfasts, 1 dinner

Transport

Private Bus

Accommodation

Hostels (4 nights)

Included activities

  • Jerusalem - Machane Yehuda Market & Bite Card
  • Jerusalem - Walk on the Ramparts of the Old City
  • Jerusalem - Western Wall (Wailing Wall)
  • Jerusalem - Church of the Holy Sepulchre
  • Dead Sea - Visit and float
  • Masada - Entrance & Cable Car one-way
  • Masada - Snake Path Hike
  • Jaffa - Town Visit
  • Jerusalem - Mount of Olives
  • Bethlehem - Separation Barrier Graffiti Tour
  • Bethlehem - Church of the Nativity & Shepherds' Field

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Five Days in Israel & the Palestinian Territories trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1.A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

2.This trip starts with a welcome meeting at 4.30pm on Day 1 in Jerusalem. This allows time after the joining meeting to explore the Machane Yehuda Market & take advantage of your included Bite Card.

3.Accommodation on this trip is in dorm rooms with up to 12 travellers. They may not all be fellow Intrepid travellers and your group could be split across different rooms. Where possible (and unless requested otherwise) we will accommodate you in same gender rooms. People travelling together may occasionally be separated due to rooming configurations.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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