Israel and Rome Journey

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED:  FRIDAY U.S. DEPARTURE/SATURDAY ARRIVAL (EXTRA PRE-TOUR NIGHT)

Due to the length of this journey, we recommend arriving in Tel Aviv 1 day before the tour starts, with a Friday Departure from the US to arrive Saturday. This will allow you to rest and adjust to the time difference so you will be refreshed for the beginning of the tour. We have negotiated an amazing package that includes meet and assist at the Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport, transfer from the Airport to your hotel , extra night at the Tel Aviv hotel including breakfast & dinner.

• Extra Saturday night stay in tour program hotel including VIP Airport Assist, hotel transfer, breakfast and dinner: $325 per person in double room ($580 per single room)

U.S. DEPARTURE

• Our journey begins today as we depart on our flight to the Holy Land!

• Meals: On Board flight
• Accommodation:  On Board Flight

ARRIVAL IN TEL AVIV/FREE TIME IN TEL AVIV / VISIT OLD JAFFA

• Enjoy a free time in Tel Aviv
• Enjoy a welcome dinner and orientation meeting where you will meet your guide and the rest of the travelers in your group.

• Meals: Buffet Dinner   
• Accommodation: Tel Aviv, Herods Hotel
• Arrival Transfer:  Complimentary for flights arriving between 2pm and 6pm Sunday.
• Activity Level: 1.1 to 1.5 miles of walking – might involve uneven surfaces such as cobblestones, stairs, unpaved walkways

EVENING ACTIVITY:

After the welcome dinner, we will meet our tour guide for an evening tour of Jaffa, the oldest port city in the world. Here you will see St. Peter’s Church and enjoy a view of the Tel Aviv Shoreline from Jaffa’s Hilltop.

TEL AVIV / COASTAL PLAINS / CAESAREA / MT. CARMEL / MEGIDDO / NAZARETH / SEA OF GALILEE / TIBERIAS

• Enjoy a relaxing drive along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea.
• Visit Caesarea Maritima, the center of early Christianity.
• Stop at Mount Carmel (Muhraka), where Elijah challenged the false prophets.
• See Tel Megiddo and the Valley of Armageddon, the site where the Battle of Armageddon will be fought according to Revelation 16:16.
• Take in a view of Nazareth from Mt. Precipice, where it is believed to have been the site of the rejection of Jesus.
• Visit Jesus’ boyhood town of Nazareth and the Church of the Annunciation, the traditional location of the angel Gabriel’s appearance to Mary.
• Drive by Cana of Galilee, where Jesus performed the miracle of turning water into wine at a wedding feast.
• Our drive will end at our hotel on the Sea of Galilee in Tiberias.

• Meals: Buffet Breakfast & Dinner
• Accommodation: Sea of Galilee, Leonardo Plaza Tiberias or Magdala Tiberias
• Activity Level: 2.5 to 3.2 miles of walking – might involve uneven surfaces such as cobblestones, stairs, unpaved walkways

SAIL ON THE SEA OF GALILEE / JESUS BOAT / GOLAN HEIGHTS / UPPER GALILEE / CAESAREA PHILIPPI / MOUNT OF BEATITUDES / TABGHA / CAPERNAUM

• Board a wooden boat and sail on the Sea of Galilee before visiting the “Ancient Jesus Boat” – the remains of a 2,000 year old fishing boat that would have been the type used by Jesus’ apostles.
• Visit the Banias Spring in ancient Caesarea Philippi.
• Visit Magdala, best known as the home of Mary Magdalene. Walk through the ruins of a first century Jewish town where a synagogue from the time of Christ’s ministry was found.
• Visit the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount of Matthew 5:8.
• Drive up to the beautiful Golan Heights.
• See Tagbha, where Jesus fed the 5,000 with only five loaves of bread and 2 fish. Here you will visit the Church of Multiplication and enjoy its remarkable 4th century Byzantine mosaic floor.
• End the day by visiting the 2,000 year old remains at Capernaum and stand in the synagogue remains, where Jesus ministered.

• Meals: Buffet Breakfast & Dinner
• Accommodation: Sea of Galilee, Leonardo Plaza Tiberias or Magdala Tiberias
• Activity Level: 3 to 3.4 miles of walking – might involve uneven surfaces such as cobblestones, stairs, unpaved walkways

• Visit the baptismal site of Yardenit. The site on the River Jordan, where it is believed that the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist took place. For those who would like to be baptized today, a white robe can be obtained for $15 per person.
• Enjoy travelling in the Beit She’an Valley and visit the archaeological site of Beit Shean, which is now protected as an Israeli National Park.
• Drive through the Jordanian Valley
• Relax and float in the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth.

• Meals: Buffet Breakfast & Dinner
• Accommodation: Dead Sea, Herods Hotel or Isrotel/Nevo Hotel
• Activity Level: 2.4 to 3 miles of walking – might involve uneven surfaces such as cobblestones, stairs, unpaved walkways

JORDAN RIVER BAPTISM:

Take the opportunity to be baptized in the Jordan River (required donation of $15).

FREE AFTERNOON TO ENJOY THE DEAD SEA:

Optional mud, mineral and spa treatments at our 5 star Herods Hotel, Dead Sea,

• Climb by cable car to the mountaintop stronghold of Masada and explore the ancient sites while learning about the Jewish rebellion against the Romans.
• Enjoy a view of the oasis of Ein Gedi where David wrote many of his Psalms as he hid from Saul.
• Visit the ancient Essene Community of Qumran where the ancient biblical texts known as the Dead Sea Scrolls were found in 1947.
• Ascend to Jerusalem – the holy city if Zion.
• Visit Bethlehem, to see the Church of the Nativity and Shepherd’s Field

• Meals: Buffet Breakfast & Dinner 
• Accommodation: Jerusalem, Leonardo Plaza or Herbert Samuel
• Activity Level:  3 to 3.5 miles of walking – might involve uneven surfaces such as cobblestones, stairs, unpaved walkways

EVENING ACTIVITY:

Optional Sound and Light Spectacular on Jerusalem Old City wall.

NOTE:

* Please be advised that Bethlehem is administered by the Palestinian Authority and it is not part of the State of Israel, therefore a passport is required to enter Bethlehem. Due to an increase in tourists visiting the region, please expect long lines to visit the Grotto. If you wish not to visit Bethlehem and remain in Jerusalem during that time, please advise your tour guide at least 1 day in advance.

• Stand on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem and reflect on the Lord’s ascension into heaven. Pass by Pater Noster Church and Dominus Flevit.
• Take the Palm Sunday Road to the Garden of Gethsemane.
• Explore the Old City of Jerusalem via the Dung Gate.
• Visit The Davidson Center Museum and the Southern Temple Mount archaeological excavations.
• Visit the Western Wall also known as the Wailing Wall and surrounding Plaza in the Jewish quarter, including Robinson’s Arch.
• Visit the Tomb of King David and the Upper Room on Mt. Zion.
• End the day with a visit to St. Peter of Galicantu commemorating Christ’s prophesy that Peter would deny him three times before the cock crows. Galli-cantu means cockcrow in Latin.

• Meals: Buffet Breakfast & Dinner
• Accommodation: Jerusalem, Leonardo Plaza or Herbert Samuel 
• Activity Level:  2.5 to 3 miles of walking – might involve uneven surfaces such as cobblestones, stairs, unpaved walkways

• Enter the Christian Quarter of the Old City via the Lion’s Gate and walk along the Via Dolorosa, also known as the Stations of the Cross, which is the route that Jesus walked from the prison to the crucifixion.
• Along the way you will visit:
  • The Judgment Hall of Pilate.
  • St. Anne’s Church and the Pool of Bethesda.
  • Take time for reflection at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, traditionally marked as the place of Golgotha – the site of the crucifixion.
• Walk through the historic Christian & Jewish quarters of the Old City. Take a break and shop at the bazaars.
• Celebrate the resurrection with prayer and communion at the Garden Tomb.
• Meet together to say goodbye at our conclusion meeting and farewell dinner!

• Meals: Buffet Breakfast & Dinner
• Accommodation: Jerusalem, Leonardo Plaza or Herbert Samuel
• Activity Level: 3 to 3.4 miles of walking – might involve uneven surfaces such as cobblestones, stairs, unpaved walkways

• After breakfast we will tour the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Discover the Palatine hill where Rome was founded at the beginning. Then reach the Colosseum the Amphitheater created to entertain ancient Roman citizens with bloody shows of gladiators, animals and cruel games, is now one of the most fascinating landmark of the City.
• Then, walk on the original path of ancient Rome along the Via Sacra and see the Temples of Vesta, Antonino and Faustina, the ancient Basilica Julia and Aemilia and dream about the glorious past of the Roman Empire.
• Lunch in local restaurant is included.
• Afternoon: explore the Vatican Museums to admire one of the most important art collections in the world.
• Then proceed to the famous Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica.
• The tour ends in the city center; return to the hotel on your own.

• Meals: Buffet Breakfast and Lunch at a local Restaurant
•          Transportation: Transfer After Tour (Cost: €20 per person)
• Accommodation: Rome, Bettoja Hotel Massimo d’Azeglio or Bettoja Hotel Mediterraneo or La Griffe Roma Hotel

• After breakfast enjoy a free day in Rome for personal activities, shopping or optional tours.
• Overnight in hotel. Lunch and dinner are not included.

• Meals: Buffet Breakfast 
• Transportation: Transfer After Tour (Cost: €20 per person)
• Accommodation: Rome, Bettoja Hotel Massimo d’Azeglio or Bettoja Hotel Mediterraneo or La Griffe Roma Hotel

Optional Tours – Operating from April to October

PIZZA BAKING CLASS
It’s said that a pizza slice a day keeps the sadness away, and what better chance than your Italian escape to learn how to make and bake everybody’s favorite food? Join our family-friendly class of no more than 12 people at the That’s Amore restaurant, a few steps away from the Trevi Fountain. We’ll meet there for this hands-on activity. Spoiler: kids will love it! Our local trusted pizza chef will introduce you to the noble art of pizza making, a pretty serious tradition that requires a very precise process. Don’t be scared though: they will show you every technique and follow you through every step. During this afternoon class, you’ll learn what ingredients are needed to make the perfect pizza dough, how to knead it and how to top it properly. And you’ll do it yourself, choosing your own ingredients: you’ll be free to experiment with various recipes and toppings. Bake the pizza in the oven and wait for it to turn into a thin-and-crispy-butstill-fluffy delicacy. While the pizza is in the oven, enjoy your well-earned rest! Relax and immerse yourself in the unique experience of an Italian pizza dinner. Start with a tasty bruschetta and make a toast to the good life: water, wine or a soft drink is included. Taste the pizza you prepared and find out whether you developed the skills of an authentic pizzaiolo (Italian for pizza-chef); then celebrate with a lovely dessert. Tour ends after the dinner at the restaurant, return to the hotel on your own.
Price per person: € 179,00
Tour Includes:

• Dinner (bruschetta, pizza and dessert)
• Water and wine or soft drink

Departures: at 4:45pm
Tour ends: after in the city center, return to the hotel on your own.
Not included:

• Pick up service from the hotel – the tour start from centrally located meeting point

ROME FOOD TOUR
Foodies of the world, unite! Whether you’re a seasoned gour – mand or just a food lover wishing to find out more about Ro – man cuisine and Italian food traditions, reach our meeting point. You’ll join our local food connoisseur guide for a food walk, in a group of no more than 12 people (and yes, you’ll try and taste lots of different treats!). We’ll meet mid-morn – ing and enjoy a lovely walking tour through local food markets, grocery stores and gelato shops in the areas of Campo De’ Fiori, Trastevere, and the Jewish Ghetto. We know that exercise makes one hungry, that’s why we thought you’d appreciate some pit-stops. For instance, you’ll enjoy a slice of freshly baked crispy pizza bianca (Rome’s own version of focaccia) cut in half horizontally and filled with thin slices of freshly cut mortadella: a traditional, more-Ro – man-than-theColosseum easy snack that locals love. And what about trying a supplì? This little ball of deep-fried to – mato sauce risotto with a heart of melted mozzarella cheese is everyone’s favorite street food. Pasta will be on the list too, along with some dishes from the Roman Jewish tradition: the carciofo alla giudia a Jewish style deep-fried artichoke that resembles a tiny sunflower or the fried zucchini flower (according to seasonality). And save some space for dessert, because we won’t skip our portion of artisan gelato ! Tour ends after the dinner at the restaurant, return to the hotel on your own.
Price per person: € 118,00
Tour Includes:

• Local food connoisseur guide
• Food tasting

Departures: at 10am or 04:30pm
Tour ends: after in the city center, return to the hotel on your own.
Tour ends: after in the city center, return to the hotel on your own.

Not included :

• Pick up service from the hotel – the tour start from centrally located meeting point

ROMA BAROCCA, PIAZZAS & FOUNTAINS (3 hours)
A pleasant walk in the artistic heart of the city that will give you the opportunity to visit some of the most famous and symbolic sights of Rome. Piazza Navona, the most elegant of all Roman squares, a cosmopolitan meeting place with many outdoor cafes and buskers, where the famous Bernini’s Four Rivers Fountain stands. Church of San Luigi dei Francesi, that houses the world-renowned Saint Matthews cycle of paintings, one of the greatest works of Caravaggio. The Pantheon, dedicated to all the gods, it is the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome and one of the best preserved of all ancient Roman buildings. Trevi Fountain, the largest baroque fountain in the city and one of the most celebrated fountains in the world, surely one of the icons of Rome. Piazza di Spagna, with the Bernini’s fountain La Barcaccia and the magnificent and celebrated Spanish Steps that lead up to the Church of Trinità dei Monti. In this area are located boutiques of the most famous high-fashion brands. The tour ends in the city center; return to the hotel on your own.
Price per person: € 58,00

Tour Includes:

• Professional licensed guide
• Headsets
• Pick up service from centrally located hotels (when selected)

Departures: at 09.30am
Tour ends: after approximately 3hrs in the city center. Return to the hotel on your own.

POMPEII EXPRESS PRESTIGE TOUR (Full day)
This exclusive excursion is the occasion to visit the Excavations of Pompeii and come back in the early afternoon in time to enjoy the rest of the day in Rome. With a 3 hours visit to the excavations, our local and knowledgeable guide shows you the most famous and important sites of Pompeii that usually are not included in the standard tours: the Villa of the Mysteries, the Amphitheatre, the House of the Faun, and the Garden of the Fugitives, which houses the plaster casts of the victims of the eruption of Vesuvius in A.D. 79. Lunch is not included, but at the end of the visit you have time at your disposal. Traffic permitting, arrival in Rome around 05:00pm. The tour ends in the city center; return to the hotel on your own.
Price per person: € 235,00

Tour Includes:

• Transportation by a/c minivan or minibus
• English speaking driver or tour leader
• Skip the line entrance tickets
• Professional licensed guide in Pompeii
• Pick up service from centrally located hotels

Departures: at 07.00am
Tour ends: after approximately 10hrs in the city center, return to the hotel on your own.

• After breakfast and check out you will be transferred to Athens International Airport for your return flight home. Today you will arrive back and start planning your next trip to the Holy Land

Optional:

* Hotels are subject to availability. If the hotel is not available, we will provide you with a comparable hotel.

** Please note that in the case of Italy holidays, the itinerary may be changed or substituted.