Dig into the past and relish modern thrills during your customizable family friendly tour of Israel. The turquoise hues of the Mediterranean Sea spread across the western horizon. Secret tunnels and narrow alleys contain insight into the Roman occupation and Byzantine chapels. Desert fortresses provide unparalleled views of orchards and vineyards sprouting from the oases. Feel buoyant in the waters of the Dead Sea and enjoy the grainy sand at your fingertips during an archaeological excavation....
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Tel Aviv – A Family Awakening
The beaches of Tel Aviv glisten in the sunlight. Turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea lap against the shoreline. Locals walk along the aisles of the Carmel Market in search of fresh produce, from radishes to raspberries. The scent of the sea drifts through the streets and blends with the strong aroma of coffee emanating from the chic cafes. Your flight lands at Ben Gurion International Airport, where your private transfer meets the family upon arrival. The city bustles with contemporary style and enticing ambiance.
Beachgoers play matkot, a popular paddle ball game often referred to as the Israeli national sport, on the sand. The creamy antique stones of Jaffa, one of the oldest existing ports in the world, shimmer with hints of gold. After settling into the luxuries of your hotel, the family steps out with your guide for an introductory walking tour of the city. You make your way to the promenade to experience the life around the wooden decks of the Tel Aviv Port. Locals ride bikes, stroll, and jog along the walkways overlooking the cobalt hues of the Mediterranean.
Seagulls perch on the edges of the bordering buildings. Restaurants fill their outdoor decks with couples and friends eager to enjoy the view and a sampling of tomato and cucumber salad. The promenade extends for nine miles, connecting Tel Aviv’s Hatzuk Beach in the north to Jaffa in the south. Men cast their fishing lines into the water and relax as they wait for the fish to bite. The kids watch with awe as they point out a world of similarities and differences, wrapping their minds around the culture to which they are being introduced.
What's Included:
Day 2
Tel Aviv – In with the Old and New
Day 3
Rosh Hanikra – Reconstructing History
Day 4
Rosh Hanikra – On the Creative Trail
Day 5
Jerusalem – Along for the Thrilling Ride
Day 6
Jerusalem – Adventures in the Old City
Day 7
Jerusalem – Taking to the New Roads
Day 8
Jerusalem – Dipping into the Dead Sea
Day 9
Jerusalem – The Mountains of Judea
Day 10
Jerusalem – A Glance at Israel
Trip Highlights
- Visit the Wailing Wall and place the family’s handwritten prayers between the cracks of the ancient stone
- Relish the opportunity to partake in a live archaeological dig under the guidance of local archeologists in search of history in the region
- Explore the four quarters of Jerusalem to view the captivating churches, gorgeous synagogues, and lively markets of the Holy City
- Wander along Tel Aviv’s seaside promenade for insight into the city’s charm spreading across the contemporary lifestyle and fabulous beaches
- Indulge in a four-wheel-drive excursion across the Golan Heights to view the fascinating landscape and mountaintop walls of medieval Nimrod Fortress
- Discover the stunning turquoise and sapphire Mediterranean waters through the subterranean tunnels connecting the grottoes of Rosh Hanikra
- Float in the refreshing waters of the Dead Sea and immerse yourself in the healing properties of its mud
- Witness the unique secret bullet factory at the Ayalon Institute, offering insight into life in Israel between 1945 and 1948
- Explore the fascinating streets of the Roman city of Caesarea, located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea
Detailed Description
Israel is a country brimming with history and luxury, excitement and an inviting ambiance. Your 10-day family friendly tour encompasses the wonder of ancient sites and the pleasure of discovering captivating landscapes. From the Mediterranean shores in the west to the Syrian border to the east, the family will have the adventure of a lifetime exploring Roman cities and Byzantine churches, Jewish history and contemporary culture, beginning with your arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport. Your private transfer meets the family upon your arrival and escorts you to the comforts of a hotel overlooking the golden shoreline. After settling in, you step out into the unique ambiance of the city to wander along the seaside promenade, immersing the family in the outdoor splendor of Tel Aviv.
The following day, your guide leads the family to Independence Hall and the Palmach Museum. Wander along the chic bohemian shops of Shenkin Street and the lively aisles of the Carmel Market. In the afternoon, you stroll through the renovated ancient streets of Old Jaffa. Then, you venture north to the coastal plains finding the Roman ruins of Caesarea and the Crusader City. Visit the Pioneer Museum at Zikhron Ya’akov before enjoying the remarkable Baha’i Gardens in Haifa. The kids revel in the unique grottos of Rosh Hanikra before dinner. Discover the artist colony and inviting historic streets of the Kabbalah city of Safed. Continue to Manara Cliff to ride the slides and take a scenic cable car ride over Banias Nature Reserve.
The family boards a four-wheel-drive jeep to traverse the Golan Heights and the edges of the Sea of Galilee. Visit Nimrod Fortress and the fascinating landscape en route to visiting the ancient synagogue at Beit Alpha. Enjoy your first archaeological site at Beit She’an before arriving Jerusalem in the evening. The next day, your guide takes you on an encompassing introductory tour of Jerusalem, beginning at the Hass Promenade. Traverse the streets of the Jewish Quarter, including the Cardo and Burnt House, before visiting the Western Wall. In the afternoon, the family can walk through the underground tunnels of the city.
Your discovery of Jerusalem continues with a tour of the New City. Visit the Herzl Exhibit and Yad Vashem before meandering through the Mahane Yehuda Market. You venture to the Dead Sea to visit the hilltop fortress of Masada and float in the embracing waters of the Dead Sea at a luxurious resort and spa. In the evening, the family can take a camel ride through the desert landscape before relishing a celebratory meal beneath the stars.
The following day takes you to the Judean Mountains to visit the underground bullet factory of the Ayalon Institute. Delight in a family adventure of an actual archaeological dig before returning to Jerusalem. On the final day, you have a half-day guided tour of the Israel Museum and the Christian Quarter. Visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and vibrant Arab markets before you make your way to Ben Gurion Airport for your flight home. Extend your family getaway by venturing to Eilat to enjoy the Red Sea and perhaps a full day excursion to Petra, Jordan.
Starting Price
$6,500 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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