Go on a pilgrimage to Israel and explore Jewish heritage by visiting holy sites, historic landmarks and museums. Experience thousands of years of Jewish history and culture while traveling to many cities throughout Israel, including the holy cities of Jerusalem, Safed and Tiberias. Immerse in local cultures with walking tours of Jewish neighborhoods and historic districts. Spend time at a kibbutz, interacting with the members and learning about the collective community settlement. Throughout the trip, explore excavation sites and ruins with tours of Beit Guvrin-Maresha National Park, Caesarea National Park, Bet Alfa Synagogue National Park, Masada and more. Receive the traditional Shehecheyanu blessing at Mount Scopus and witness bar or bat mitzvah ceremonies at the Kotel in Jerusalem. Discover Jerusalem's story, from the Old City and the Western Wall to the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial and Israel’s national cemetery, Mount Herzl.
Gain insight into the development of the State of Israel with visits to Independence Hall, the Ayalon Institute and the Atlit Detainee Camp Museum. Take time to relax while walking through the beautiful landscaped terraces of the Bahá'í Gardens in Haifa. Visit the Rosh HaNikra grottoes and ride a cable car down a cliff face to see firsthand the vibrant blue waters of the sea-level caves. At Gan HaShlosha National Park, swim in the warm springwater pools and admire the natural beauty of the scenic area. Float weightless in the salty waters of the Dead Sea and unwind with an afternoon at a nearby spa. From Galilee and the Jordan Valley to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, discover Israel’s history and participate in new cultural experiences.
Depart from home and fly overnight to Tel Aviv.
Upon arrival in Tel Aviv, meet up with the Tour Director at the airport. Transfer to the hotel for check-in and dinner in the evening.
In the morning, visit Independence Hall, the place where the Israeli Declaration of Independence was signed and the State of Israel was born. Continue on to the Museum of the Jewish People at Beit Hatfutsot to learn about thousands of years of Jewish history and culture. See an excavation site of 3,000-year-old ruins and collections of anthropological artifacts at the Eretz Israel Museum. End the day with a walking tour of Neve Tzedek, Tel Aviv’s first Jewish neighborhood and one of the oldest districts. Discover the many unique boutiques and perhaps listen to live street music before going to a local restaurant for dinner.
Travel by motorcoach to Beit Guvrin-Maresha National Park for a guided tour of the ancient Tel Maresha ruins and the Beit Guvrin Caves. Once back in Tel Aviv, visit the Ayalon Institute and gain insight into the struggle for the establishment of the State of Israel. Go on a walking tour through Jaffa’s Old City. While strolling through the winding alleys, see historic landmarks and learn about the history of the ancient port city.
Begin the journey to Haifa today, stopping in Caesarea and Atlit along the way. Go on a guided tour of Caesarea National Park, an archaeological site that features ruins, a Roman theater, reconstructed monumental structures and a museum. Continue to the Atlit Detainee Camp Museum and discover the significant role the camp played in Israel’s history after being established in the 1930s. Arrive in Haifa, a culturally rich city set between the Mediterranean Sea and Mount Carmel. Spend time at the Bahá'í Gardens, exploring the beautiful landscaped terraces. Get acquainted with the city and its many famous attractions with a guided motorcoach sightseeing tour.
Before heading inland to Tiberias, travel up the coast to visit Acre, a city that has been consistently inhabited since the Middle Bronze Age, and the Rosh HaNikra grottoes. Take a walking tour of Acre’s Old City, a designated World Heritage Site, and see the many landmarks that represent the city’s history, including the city walls, Hamam al-Basha Turkish Bath and Crusader buildings. After, travel to the northwestern tip of Israel to Rosh HaNikra. Ride a cable car down the cliff face to explore the grottoes and experience the brilliant blue waters. Upon arrival in Tiberias, spend the afternoon at a kibbutz, a collective community settlement that’s unique to Israel, and interact with the members. In the evening, check in to the local kibbutz accommodations* and enjoy dinner.
*Kibbutz accommodations are subject to space and availability. Alternative accommodations are provided if the kibbutz is full.
Spend the day on a voyage through Galilee, visiting holy places and historic regions by motorcoach. First, stop at Mount Meron, a religious site that’s frequented during the celebration of the Jewish holiday Lag BaOmer. Next, venture to the holy city of Safed and discover the Old Jewish Quarter with a walking tour that includes visits to the Yosef Caro Synagogue and Ari Ashkenazi Synagogue. Take some time to explore Safed’s Artists’ Quarter, admiring the stone buildings, art galleries and studios that line the streets. Travel west of Safed to Golan Heights and go on a guided Jeep tour of the region’s significant archaeological sites and scenic landscape. The last stop of the day will be Kfar Giladi to visit Tel Hai, the Beit Hashomer Museum and the Roaring Lion Monument. Return to the kibbutz in time for dinner.
Visit the tombs of renowned figures in Jewish history at the Graves of Holy Sages before beginning the journey to Jerusalem. Drive through the Jordan Valley to Beit She’an to explore excavation sites, along with the Roman and Byzantine ruins. Continue the archaeological journey through time at Bet Alfa Synagogue National Park and visit a sixth-century synagogue. Afterwards, relax in the natural beauty of Gan HaShlosha National Park and swim in the warm springwater pools. En route to Jerusalem, stop at Mount Scopus to receive the traditional Shehecheyanu blessing. Dine in Jerusalem this evening and check in to a local hotel.
Discover the holy city of Jerusalem. Take in panoramic views of Jerusalem’s Old City from the Mount of Olives before viewing ancient Jewish tombs in Kidron Valley, including the Tomb of Absalom, the Tomb of Zechariah and the Tomb of Benei Hezir. Continue to King David’s Tomb on Mount Zion, a sacred site and place of worship for multiple religions. After, discover the Jewish Quarter in Jerusalem’s Old City with a guided walking tour that highlights the Four Sephardi Synagogues and the Byzantine Cardo. At the Western Wall, observe the religious significance of the site, go on a guided tour of the Western Wall Tunnel and visit the nearby Davidson Center archaeological park. The walking tour continues to the Tower of David Museum of the History of Jerusalem. Housed in a medieval citadel, the museum presents Jerusalem’s story through educational exhibits.
Return to the Western Wall this morning to witness bar or bat mitzvah ceremonies at the Kotel. Walk through Mea She’arim, one of the oldest Jewish neighborhoods in Jerusalem, and take note of the cultural practices of Haredi Judaism. Transfer to Israel’s national cemetery, Mount Herzl, to view famous memorials and burial sites. Take time to reflect at the nearby Yad Vashem, a memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. Visit the museum there and learn about the Holocaust through multimedia exhibits that incorporate personal stories from survivors. At the Hadassah Medical Center Abbell Synagogue, view the iconic Chagall Windows, 12 stained-glass windows that depict Jacob’s and Moses’ blessings. After, take a guided tour of the Israel Museum to view the Dead Sea Scrolls and many other artifacts.
Journey to the Dead Sea for a day of archaeological exploration and relaxation. First, visit Qumran, the site where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Listen to an audio presentation about the area at the Qumran Visitors Center and go on a tour of the site’s excavations. After, ride a cable car up a cliff to Masada, an ancient fortification built by King Herod, and go on a guided tour of the fortress ruins. Spend the rest of the afternoon at the Dead Sea, swimming in the salty lake waters, visiting a nearby hotel spa and enjoying lunch. Return to Jerusalem in time for dinner.
Travel from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv and depart for the flight home.
Note: Activities are subject to change based on availability.
On this 12-day journey through Israel, explore the history of the Jewish people in the Promised Land and learn how the State of Israel developed. Visit a multitude of significant sites, such as Caesarea National Park, the Western Wall, Bet Alfa Synagogue National Park and Qumran to learn about past civilizations and holy places. Explore the Yad Vashem memorial and museum to connect with the victims and survivors of the Holocaust. Experience traditional Israeli communities and observe cultural practices while on walking tours of historic neighborhoods as well as visiting a kibbutz.
At Experience, we make sure everything is covered – from housing to technology and beyond – to provide the best experience for our students.
Quality, safe hotels with twin or triple occupancy corresponding to the destination.
All transportation is provided throughout the program.
Airfare covers round-trip flights from major airports.
All meals are provided daily, featuring local cuisine.
Interactive learning experiences designed to expand global and cultural awareness.
Scheduled activities, experiences and guided tours are all included.
Tailored educational experiences, tours and site visits.
Customized experiences developed by travel experts to promote learning and engagement.
Full-time Tour Directors are on site for the duration of the trip, for an all-inclusive experience.
Tips for bus drivers, guides, Tour Directors and meals.
International travel insurance is provided for protection in case of accidents, illness, flight interruptions or baggage loss.
Advanced group travel software that integrates geofencing, logistics, communication and more optimized safety features.
Dedicated 24/7 staff availability, supporting travelers every step of the way.
