North to South…East to West… We’re covering it all on Israel 360° By Private Car
This Exclusive Tour by Private Car emphasizes the most significant sites which helped shape the country into what it is today – dynamic, progressive, intriguing and forever memorable. With unmatched natural beauty, Israel is like no other place on earth. Join us on this iconic journey.
Includes the fabulous Beresheet Hotel (Mitzpe Ramon) Plus Petra (Jordan).
Wednesday Departures 15 Days • 13 Nights
Tour Includes:
20 Meals:
Hotels
Tel Aviv: 3 nights – Carlton (Premium Sea View Room/Exec. Lounge Access)
Haifa: 1 night – Dan Carmel (Deluxe Bay View)
Tiberias: 1 night – U Boutique or Similar (U Deluxe Room)
Jerusalem: 5 nights – Orient (Orient Room/Exec. Lounge Access)
Petra: 1 night – Movenpick (Standard)
Mitzpe Ramon: 2 nights – Beresheet (Standard Desert View)
* Touring Revised due to Holidays in Israel
Please inquire for supplement for touring in Mercedes V Class (seats up to 5 passengers). Prices for 5 Passengers and over plus 3rd bed Adult & Child rates available upon request.
Jordan Visa and Fee are included in above prices (USA & Canadian Passport Holders).
Border Crossing Fees to/from Jordan are not included and must be paid locally (approx. $50 per person)
Wednesday: En route
Depart the USA on your flight to Israel.
Thursday: Tel Aviv
Welcome to Israel! Arrive Ben Gurion Airport where you will be met at the Sleeve/Jetway of the aircraft for a VIP and swift transport through customs and baggage claim procedure. Transfer to your hotel on the Mediterranean Shore. Enjoy light snacks in the exclusive Executive VIP Lounge of the hotel. The balance of the day is
at leisure. Overnight Tel Aviv.
Friday: Tel Aviv
Begin with an elaborate buffet breakfast at your hotel. You will then meet your expert private guide and begin a great discovery of Tel Aviv known as the “White City” for its splendid Bauhaus Architecture from the 1930’s, the largest number of buildings in this unique style of
any city in the world. Drive on to Machon Ayalon (Ayalon Institute), the reconstructed underground bullet factory located under the kibbutz bakery. Built and operated during the years 1946-1948, this special clandestine factory was prepared
secretly in less than a month. Continue to the old port city of Jaffa to explore the reconstructed Artists’ Quarter with its galleries and boutiques. We’ll head to Tel Aviv’s popular Nachalat Binyamin, an open pedestrian Arts and Craft Fair where you will find a variety of handmade products as well as performance artists making this a lively event and definitely the place to be on Friday afternoon in Tel Aviv. You’ll visit the Carmel Market, a bustling open air bazaar and the lively Sheinkin Street with the latest in fashionable boutiques, trendy cafes and restaurants. A delightful afternoon. On your return to your hotel, your guide will point out and suggest to you a few more popular areas of Tel Aviv—Neve Tzedek (Tel Aviv’s “Soho”), and one of the first neighborhoods in Tel Aviv built outside Jaffa. Or stroll through the “Tachana”, an open pedestrian area converted from an old railway station also with shops, cafes and pubs. You may wish to visit these areas during your leisure time in Tel Aviv. Return to your hotel for the balance of the evening. Tonight, you may wish to dine at the hotel enjoying a traditional Friday night dinner (optional). (B)
Saturday: Tel Aviv
A full day at leisure taking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant cosmopolitan city. Explorations are endless. Overnight in Tel Aviv. (B)
Sunday: Haifa
Our day will begin with a visit to the extraordinary Israeli Museum at the Yitzhak Rabin Center chronicling the life of the late Prime Minister and the development of the State of Israel. We’ll then continue to the ancient Roman port of Caesarea. See the huge theatre and ancient aqueduct which brought fresh water from the Carmel Mountains. On to the timeless crusader city of Acre (Akko), with its Middle Age fortress, subterranean city and bazaars. The old city of Acre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on to the seaport city of Haifa draped on the sides of Mount Carmel. Stop at the Observation Point and view the Persian Gardens at the Bahai Center. We’ll overnight at the lovely hotel in Haifa tonight. (B)
Monday: Tiberias
Depart Haifa heading to the very northern tip bordering Lebanon to visit Rosh Hanikra: The grottos here are cavernous tunnels formed by sea action on the soft chalk rock. Drive to Safed a picturesque city of spiritual people and artists, wrapped in mysticism and mystery, and steeped
in a sacred atmosphere. Visitors to Safed, the spiritual center of the Kabbala, sense the city’s warm embrace as they wander through its alleyways past charming stone houses with their artists’ studios and workshops.
Then, ascend the Golan Heights on a Jeep Ride for a greater understanding of the fierce battles that took place during the 1967 Six-Day War and the 1973 Yom Kippur War and learn about the strategic importance of the area. Continue through the valleys and ranges where you will take in a breathtaking panoramic view of the area. Drive to wondrous Mt. Ben Tal for a magnificent view beyond the border into Syria. Visit an army bunker and hear the fascinating story of the war fought in the Golan. Visit the
Golan Winery, where, besides enjoying the elaborate presentation of the Golan area you will have the opportunity to taste some of Israel’s excellent wines with appetizers. Overnight at your hotel in Tiberias. (B)
Tuesday: Jerusalem
Drive to Bet Shean, an ancient city from the time of King Saul to see the excavated remains of a Roman city. Continue to Kibbutz Sde Eliyahu for a private tour throughout this very unusual kibbutz. You’ll see how everyday living is merged with nature as a way of life. The combination of a Jewish Orthodox lifestyle with organic farming, in a vibrant, versatile and cooperative community, is something worth seeing and experiencing. Drive South and rise through the mountains to “golden” Jerusalem stopping first at Mt.
Scopus for a spectacular view of Jerusalem where we’ll toast and bless our arrival to the holiest of cities. Overnight at your lovely hotel in the heart of Jerusalem. (B)
Wednesday: Jerusalem
Today, we enter the Old City and walk to the Western Wall, the last remnant of the Second Temple and holiest site of Judaism. Proceed to the Southern Wall Excavations and to the original steps that lead to the Temple Mount. Visit the Davidson Center and explore the Herodian Temples displayed in this modern Visitors Center with its multimedia presentation. Within the Jewish Quarter, we’ll visit the Cardo, once the main Byzantine shopping street. Walk through the extraordinary Hasmonean Tunnel, an underground tunnel excavated to expose the full length of the Western Wall (tunnel schedule permitting). Exiting the Tunnel, you’ll follow the steps of the Via Dolorosa through narrow alleys and souks to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Enjoy shopping in the exotic bazaar. Time to visit Bethlehem and the Church of the Nativity (optional; operated by the Palestinian Authority). OR, visit the
Friends of Zion Heritage Center (included), celebrating the Christian Heroes who have contributed to the Jewish people and the State of Israel. These heroes come alive through cutting edge, high-tech imaging, audio-visual presentations, holograms and much more. This evening, enjoy the “Night Spectacular” Sound & Light Show at the Citadel Museum. In this 45-minute state-of-the-art show, the walls of the museum come to life with a spectacular laser technology presentation about the History of the city.
Overnight Jerusalem. (B)
Thursday: Jerusalem
This morning, visit Yad Vashem, Israel’s National Memorial and Museum of the Holocaust where you will spend time touring the complex including the Children’s Pavilion. Walk along the Avenue of the Righteous where trees have been planted in honor of those who risked their safety saving Jewish lives. Continue to the Israel Museum the largest cultural institution in the State
of Israel. Visit the Scale Model of ancient Jerusalem which reconstructs the topography and architectural character of the city as it was during the Second Temple period. Enter the Shrine of the Book housing the Dead Sea Scrolls, the oldest biblical manuscripts in the world. You’ll have time to walk through the Israel Museum and the Billy Rose Sculpture Garden. Afterward, visit Machane Yehuda Market, The market is conveniently located just minutes away from the city center and is a microcosm of everything Jerusalem has to offer. At the market, Israel’s most sprawling and buzzing network of alleys and vending stalls, you’ll enjoy the “Shuk Bites” experience; meet with the colorful vendors who will captivate you with their personal stories while you taste their Israeli grown vegetables, spices, freshly baked breads, meat delicacies, pastries and so much more! A culinary delight! Afterward, your guide will take you on a panoramic drive and walking tour through the popular neighborhoods where you’ll enjoy the vibrancy of Jerusalem as the locals prepare for the start of their weekend. Drive through the ultra-orthodox neighborhood of Mea Shearim; see the very popular German colony area and stroll through the “Tachana”, yet another open pedestrian area converted from a former railway station; stroll through Ben Yehuda Street (the Midrechov) and Nachalat Shiva. At today’s end, you’ll feel like you’re really familiar with this energetic city so venture out on your own tonight as everything is open late, and enjoy the many shops and eateries. Overnight in Jerusalem. (B.LL)
Friday: Jerusalem
This morning travel south to Masada as you drive to the Dead Sea region, the lowest place on earth. Ascend by cable car up the mountain to this last stronghold of the Zealots in their struggle against the Romans. Masada was declared a “World Heritage site”. Tour Herod’s Palace, the synagogue and the bathhouse. Descend and drive to one of the hotels on the shores of the Dead Sea for Lunch. You’ll be able to use the spa facilities and enjoy an unsinkable swim in the buoyant, mineral-rich, salty waters of the Dead Sea. Drive to Ein Gedi National Park where a steady stream of water runs through this national reserve year round giving life to a narrow band of desert. A large number of Ibex and other desert mammals call Ein Gedi home and can nearly
always be found along the water’s edge. This short hike contains plenty of opportunities to swim and is especially relaxing and refreshing (stop at Ein Gedi is subject to time permitting due to the early closure of the park in winter). Return to Jerusalem where you may wish to join the throngs of worshipers at the Western Wall welcoming the Sabbath followed by a traditional Sabbath Dinner at your hotel (optional and not included). Overnight in Jerusalem. (B.L)
Saturday: Jerusalem
A wonderful day to relax and enjoy on your own explorations of the many areas of Jerusalem. Overnight at your hotel. (B)
Sunday: Jerusalem – Petra
Transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for your flight to Eilat. Arrive, meet our representative and transfer to the Arava border for crossing with special assistance to Jordan. Arrive in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan where our Jordanian Guide and Driver will meet you to begin this exciting adventure. Drive to Wadi Rum, a journey to another world. Board your 4X4 jeep, driven by a professional Bed-
ouin driver into an area almost surreal in its distinctive beauty. Cross red sand dunes and explore the beautifully eroded pillars of sand-stone rock. Amongst the natural attractions is what has become known as ‘The Seven Pillars’. It was this area of Wadi Rum that so inspired TE Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia). Enjoy lunch hosted in an authentic Bedouin tent. Continue to your hotel in Petra. This evening, get ready to learn how to prepare a traditional Middle Eastern meal at the lively “Petra Kitchen”, a relaxed atmosphere where you’ll work alongside local women under the supervision of a chef. The meal will include soup, cod, hot mezza & salads, plus a main course and take home recipes. You won’t forget this experience. Overnight at your lovely hotel at the foot of the “Hidden City” in Petra (B.L.D)
Monday: Petra– Mitzpe Ramon
Early rise, breakfast and then meet your private guide for a tour into the “rose-red city” of Petra. Start the visit with a horse ride, or, if you prefer, an exhilarating walk from the main gate to the Siq’s entrance. Walk along with the color rich canyons and at the end of the passage you’ll see Petra’s most beautiful monument – The Treasury (Khazneh), carved out of a single piece of rock. You’ll continue to discover soaring temples, elaborate royal tombs, a theatre, burial chambers and water channels, covering an area of about 100sq km, with over 800 monuments. After lunch in Petra, drive back to the Arava Border for re-entry into Israel. You will be met on the Israeli side by our driver for your transfer to Mitzpe Ramon and the spectacular Beresheet hotel situated on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Ramon Crater with breathtaking views of this unique geological phenomenon that can only be found in the Negev. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. (B.L.D)
Tuesday: Mitzpe Ramon
Today is a full day of relaxation and after this incredible journey. Enjoy all the very special facilities at this hotel including optional spa treatments as this is one of the best spas in the country. Be sure to reserve ahead of time. Or, you may participate in some of the following optional activities available from your hotel:
Tonight, a wonderful dinner at the hotel. (B.D)
Wednesday: Mitzpe Ramon- En Route
Enjoy the morning at leisure. Check out by noontime. Shortly thereafter, in the early afternoon, embark on a memorable jeep tour guided by a Desert Wilderness Specialist. Descend into the Crater (Machtesh) and cross most of its width climbing to the summit of Mt. Gvanim. After descending from our viewpoint we will head West over the Ra’af Hills and then along the seasonal river bed that drains them to Wadi Ramon and the lonely Acacia that grows there. In the soft river sand we will show you how a Crater is formed and explain why they are so rare and special and then continue along the dry river. Return to your hotel to collect your luggage and meet your transfer service for the transfer to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. Enjoy our Expedited check-in service at the airport. (B)
Thursday: Arrival USA