Gastronomy and Culture 10-Day Israel Tour

Home to a diverse mix of cultures and religions, Israel is a true melting pot in the heart of the Middle East. Arrive at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport and you will meet your private driver at baggage claim to begin your adventure in the age-old city of Jerusalem. You will be dropped off at your luxurious hotel that overlooks the beautiful Old City, and once you have had time to settle in, you will meet your private tour guide in the hotel lobby for your introduction to this marvelous city and country.

Your guide will transfer you to the illustrious Mount of Olives, where you will delight in a panoramic view of the entire city of Jerusalem. You can gaze out over the vast city and notice the shimmering gold Dome of the Rock that will be visible in the distance. From here, you will be transferred to Jerusalem’s lively New City for a chance to experience the Israel of modern-day. More than just a biblical reference, Jerusalem is a living, breathing, and contemporary city, which will become abundantly clear as you step onto the famed Ben Yehuda Street. This street is the main drag of the New City district. You can appreciate the bustling street, which will be alive with street music performers, charming shops, restaurants. If you desire, you can even wander into one of the charming cafes for your first taste of Israeli falafel.

This morning, you will wake up to a light breakfast at your hotel before meeting your private guide in the lobby to begin the day’s activities. Today, you will indulge in a privately guided, culinary tour of Jerusalem’s Old City, which will have you visiting some of the holiest sites of the world’s most prominent religions. During your tour, you will uncover the secrets of all four of the Old City’s’ religious quarters while delighting in many of the region’s delicious and traditional cuisines.

Your tour will begin with a visit to the Christian Quarter, where you will have the opportunity to explore the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which is one of the most important religious sites in Christianity. Afterward, you will move to the Muslim Quarter and meander through the market that will be teeming with booths of locally crafted artifacts. You can stop at one of the many bakery shops for a taste of baklava, which is a sweet, phyllo pastry that is filled with honey and chopped nuts. From there, you will venture toward the Jewish Quarter, where you will enjoy the opportunity to visit the world-renowned Wailing Wall, which is one of the last remaining remnants of the Jewish Second Temple. As you approach the wall, you can feel its spiritual aura envelop you as you reach out to stick your handwritten note between its crumbling cracks. After you have experienced all that you desire on your tour, your guide will return you to your luxurious accommodation for the evening.

Today, you will wake up to a luxurious breakfast of traditional Israeli fare, including fresh cheeses, fruits, vegetables, and breads of the region. After breakfast, you will meet your expert guide in the hotel lobby for your transfer to the ultra-religious Jewish neighborhood of Mea She’arim, where you will indulge in a world-class, culinary tour of the area.

Upon arriving in Mea She’arim dressed in your most conservative clothing, you will be led through the neighborhood’s best local bakeries, shops, and restaurants to uncover the delicious Jewish delicacies the area has become known for over the course of the last few centuries. You can stop in to sample a loaf of freshly-baked challah bread, which is a traditional, Jewish egg bread that is typically crafted into a braid and then baked in an ancient oven. You will then discover some of the fascinating history of this area firsthand, as the neighborhood remains virtually unchanged and uninfluenced by the outside world. After your food tour has concluded, you will be transferred to Jerusalem’s spectacular Shuk, which is also known as the Mahane Yehuda Market. Here, you can sample the traditional flavors of Israel from the gooey chocolate rugelach to the fresh, ripe pomegranates. You can then discover the hidden restaurants and food booths that have been tucked within the forgotten corners of the city and delight in tasting phenomenal shakshuka, which is a traditional Israeli dish of poached eggs that are cooked in a rich tomato sauce that is full of regional spices and vegetables.

Today, you will wake up before dawn and meet your guide in the hotel lobby. You will begin your journey to the illustrious Masada Fortress, which you will ascend via cable car and arrive just in time to watch the magnificent sunrise over the Dead Sea. Here, you will learn the history of the fortress and discover why it has become such an important symbol of Israeli strength and resilience, then you will descend Masada once again by cable car and be transferred to the Dead Sea. Here, you can bathe in the briny waters of the sea while you cover yourself with the natural mineral mud for which the area is famous. The mud also contains natural, healing properties.

After your salty dip in the Dead Sea, you will continue to the vast Negev desert, where you will be provided with the wonderful opportunity to ride a camel and admire the views of the stunning desert terrain. After your ride, you will connect with the region’s nomadic Bedouin tribe that calls the Negev their home. During this experience, hear their wonderful stories and learn about their fascinating culture. You will even be provided with a superb cultural and culinary experience in the form of a traditional Bedouin dinner that will be accompanied by an exciting spectacle of song and dance. You will be able to notice the wide range of cultures and religious groups that all live in this eclectic region before being thankful for being able to experience it all firsthand. To culminate your evening, you will return to your luxurious desert “glampsite,” where you will spend the night of glamping in complete comfort under the stars.

Today you will wake up to enjoy your final meal in the Negev before boarding your private transfer to the gleaming seaside city of Haifa. You will arrive at your opulent hotel that overlooks the city and take a moment to settle into your deluxe accommodation. Once you are settled, you will meet your guide in the hotel lobby to begin a wonderful day of touring. In Haifa, you will discover the beauty of the serene Baha’i gardens and learn of the fascinating faith that imbues them. At the gardens’ entrance, you can admire the views over the whole of the city against the magnificent Mediterranean Sea. At the base of the gardens, you will have the opportunity to explore the quaint streets of the German Colony at your leisure, stopping into the various shops and charming restaurants that are recommended to you by your knowledgeable guide. You may enjoy a classic Israeli snack of pita and hummus or tahini before continuing through the German Colony.

Your next stop of the day will be to the enchanting Druze town of Isfiya, where you will discover even more cultures that coexist in this fascinating country. Here, you will join a lovely Druze family in their home for a traditional meal that will be crafted with local ingredients. You can bask in their genuine, warm hospitality and learn about their intriguing culture and traditions. After you have filled up on delectable, local cuisine, you will be returned to your hotel for the remainder of the evening.

This morning, you will wake up to a delicious breakfast in your hotel before meeting your expert guide in the hotel lobby. Today, you will be provided with a day’s tour to explore the interesting and beautiful Golan Heights. Your first stop will be at distinguished Mount Bental, which overlooks Israel’s border with Syria. As you gaze across the luscious pastures, your knowledgeable guide will discuss the intricate politics of the region and the many complexities that abound from it. From there, you will continue to one of the Golan Height’s most renowned boutique wineries, where you will delight in a privately guided tour that will be accompanied by a specially curated wine tasting.

During your tour, you can admire the gorgeous views of the Golan while viewing the vineyards, rivers, and mountains. Everywhere you go, you can sip on the country’s finest wines. As you raise your glass to your lips to take a sip, you can savor the warm sun on your face and realize that this is a truly unique experience. After your tour, you will continue to the glittering Sea of Galilee, which is also known as the Kineret and where you will spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing and swimming in its refreshing waters. Your guide will offer intriguing commentary on the region’s religious relevance and history as you appreciate the magnificent views of Israel’s Galilee.

Today you will awaken once again to a hearty breakfast. After you are finished with your delicious breakfast spread, you will meet your tour guide in the lobby to begin your day’s adventures. First, you will transfer to the mystical city of Safed, which is also referred to as Tzfat and the “Blue City.” The birthplace of Kabbalah, this city is located on top of a beautiful mountain in the heart of the Galilee.

As you walk through the charming streets, you can admire the lovely, blue buildings in addition to feeling the spiritual aura of the city all around you. You will be provided with a tour of the alluring town, stopping into several of the most highly-regarded art galleries and boutiques and meeting with the local artists. You can then partake in a discussion about the sacred study of Kabbalah with one of Safed’s top rabbis, and then, in the evening, you will have the opportunity to share a traditional Shabbat dinner with a local Jewish family. The Sabbath meal is a classic Jewish and Israeli experience and is central to Israeli culture. You will indulge in delicious, homemade challah bread and other traditional, Jewish dishes while being surrounded by the warmth of a loving family. This occasion will only be amplified by the mystical air of Safed, which will offer you a memorable experience in an incredibly special place. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and you will be delighted by the cuisine, hospitality, and new friends that you will make this evening.

Today will be your final morning in Haifa. After breakfast, you will meet your guide in the lobby for your transfer to the fast-paced, cosmopolitan city of Tel Aviv. You will arrive at your exceptional beachfront hotel that overlooks the Mediterranean Sea, and once you have had the chance to freshen up, you will meet your guide for a phenomenal gastronomic tour of this tasty city. On this tour, you will explore the best of Tel Aviv’s trendy neighborhoods, from the stylish Neve Tzedek area to the artistic design district of Florentin. After the first leg of your tour, you will delight in an afternoon cocktail that will be made with Arak, which is a strong Israeli spirit with the flavor of anise.

After your indulgent culinary tour concludes, you will spend the rest of your afternoon, luxuriating in relaxation at Tel Aviv’s infamous beach. You can stroll along the sunny promenade or sit with a cold beverage at one of the lively beach bars and restaurants along the sand. You can even indulge in a game of paddle ball along the gorgeous stretch of the Mediterranean Sea. As you admire the stunning views of the magnificent city against the shining sea, you can glance over at your travel companion and reminisce on your wonderful trip thus far.

This morning, you will delight in a wonderful breakfast at your hotel before meeting your tour guide in the lobby. Your day will begin with a riveting tour of Tel Aviv’s bustling Shuk, which is also known as the Carmel Market. Your guide will offer facts about the market’s history and will direct you towards some of the best booths to sample before leaving you at the mouth of the market to meander at your leisure. As you walk through the bustling Shuk, all of your senses will come alive as you are immersed in the sights, sounds, and fantastic aromas of the market. You can stop to admire the vibrant colors of the local spice booths and indulge in mouthwatering falafel and fresh-squeezed orange juice.

From the market, your guide will transfer you to the Jaffa neighborhood. Here, you will discover how old-world meets new at the infamous Jaffa Flea Market, where you will discover both modern and vintage treasures. Here, you can traverse through the cobblestoned streets of Jaffa as you pass by the stunning clock tower. Your tour guide will be with you along the way and will regale you with interesting facts. Your tour will conclude at the Jaffa Port, where you will have the opportunity to explore the trendy, upscale bars, restaurants, and shops that have sprung up in this area.

Today will be your final morning in Israel, and you can delight in a final breakfast at your hotel before spending your remaining hours of walking along the beach or visiting Tel Aviv’s Shuk for the last time. Afterward, you will return to your hotel to collect your things and meet your private driver in the lobby for your airport transfer.