Israel

Why Israel

From ancient sites and vibrant markets to stunning coastlines and desert vistas, Israel offers rich history and diverse experiences for groups of all kinds.

Top Highlights by Theme

• Sea of Galilee boat ride: quiet water, open views, and a sweeping look at the region’s landscapes.
• Mount of Beatitudes & Capernaum: interpret sites tied to the Sermon on the Mount and early narratives.
• Jerusalem Old City & Western Wall: layered history across quarters; quiet moments at one of the city’s most iconic places.
• Bethlehem & Shepherds’ Field: nativity associations and space for guided readings.
• Garden of Gethsemane & Garden Tomb: time for personal reflection in simple, meaningful settings.

Sub-Regions & Routes

Galilee

• Base in Tiberias for short drives to Capernaum, Mount of Beatitudes, and the boat ride.
• Lakeside mornings for reflection; afternoon museum/site stops to keep a steady pace.
• Optional Magdala and Nazareth Village for context and archaeology.

Jerusalem & Bethlehem

• Old City walk including Jaffa Gate, Christian/Arab/Jewish quarters, and the Western Wall plaza.
• Garden Tomb or similar space for reflection.
• Bethlehem visit for Church of the Nativity area and Shepherds’ Field (timed to crowds).

Judean Desert & Dead Sea

• Masada, Ein Gedi, and Qumran with time to float in the Dead Sea.
• Desert day balances teaching and rest; scenic coach routes with photo stops.

Trip Length & Pacing

7 Days

• Arrive Tel Aviv; coastal Jaffa walk and welcome dinner.
• Galilee: boat ride, Mount of Beatitudes, Capernaum.
• Galilee: Nazareth area and Magdala; evening on the lake.
• Jerusalem: Mount of Olives view, Old City walk.
• Jerusalem: Western Wall area; Garden Tomb reflection.
• Judean Desert: Masada, Qumran, Dead Sea float.
• Depart via TLV.

9 Days

• Adds a fuller Jerusalem day: Yad Vashem or Israel Museum + free time near Jaffa/Ben Yehuda streets.
• Bethlehem and Shepherds’ Field scheduled in quieter windows.
• Optional Jordan day trip (Bethany-beyond-the-Jordan, Mount Nebo) if border conditions and time allow.

12 Days

• Slower pacing across Galilee and Jerusalem with additional teaching stops.
• Add Jordan (Mount Nebo, Madaba, Bethany-beyond-the-Jordan) and/or Egypt (Cairo & Giza) extensions.
• Flex day for rest, shopping, or additional reflection moments.

Best Time to Go

Spring and fall offer comfortable temps and balanced crowds. Summer can be hot (especially desert days) and busier at marquee sites; winter is cooler with shorter daylight. Major holidays and pilgrimage seasons affect availability and pricing—plan early for preferred dates.

Group Logistics

• Airports: TLV (Ben Gurion) is the primary international gateway; group coach throughout.
• Typical drives: TLV ↔ Jerusalem ~1 hr; Jerusalem ↔ Galilee ~2–3 hrs depending on routing and traffic.
• Lodging: lakefront bases in Tiberias; walkable hotels near Jerusalem’s Old City when available.
• Meals: hotel breakfasts/dinners with local lunches; dietary needs accommodated with notice.
• Walking level: moderate with steps and cobblestones; many sites have uneven surfaces—accessible alternatives can be planned.

Extensions & Combos

• Jordan: Mount Nebo, Madaba mosaics, and Bethany-beyond-the-Jordan. See: Jordan.
• Egypt: Cairo, Giza, and Coptic heritage; optional Sinai traditions. See: Egypt.
• Journeys of Paul combos are common via Greece/Turkey in separate trips. See: Greece, Turkey.

Safety & Stewardship Notes

FAQs

• How much walking is involved? Moderate daily walking with steps and cobblestones; we can adjust pacing and provide coach access points.
• What should we wear at holy sites? Modest attire is recommended (shoulders/knees covered in some locations); hats may be requested to remove in certain spaces.
• Is the water safe to drink? Bottled water is widely available; hotels and restaurants use safe sources for food prep.
• What about mobility needs? Many sites include stairs and uneven ground; we can propose alternatives and build in rest windows.
• When should we book? Spring/fall dates book early; reserve 9–12 months out for best selection.

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