Israel is an exceptional country, known by millions around the world as ‘the Holy Land’. The first five books of the Bible itself are about the origins and cosmology of the ‘people of Israel’, the Jews, from around 2000BC. Many visitors experience overwhelming emotions at the significance of this city that is so special to three of the world's religions. Group tours will take you through Jerusalem and its temples and churches. Bethlehem is considered the birthplace of Jesus and a visit is momorable for many. Finish with a swim in the Dead Sea in the famously saline waters, and explore nearby Masada fortress. Includes private transfers to/from Tel Aviv international airport. Relax with the comfort of 24/7 local support from the Kensington office.

Day 1
Tel Aviv - Jerusalem
Transfer between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem with private vehicle and driver. Kensington Tours donates a portion of our proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Stylish Dan Boutique Hotel Jerusalem is located opposite Mt Zion and the Old City of Jerusalem, within easy reach of many tourist attractions, both ancient and new. A short walk away is the charming German Colony, with its lively caf's and restaurants and, in the other direction, is the picturesque Yemin Moshe neighborhood, and an array of fashionable cultural and entertainment venues. The guest rooms boast stunning views of Jerusalem?s cityscape, whilst most studio suites, suitable for families, face westwards, towards the leafy residential streets of the German Colony. Superior rooms offer spectacular views of the Old City and Mount Zion. Tel Aviv is an exciting city offering commerce, culture, nightlife and sandy beaches. The Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra draws audiences from all over the world. The Museum of the Diaspora is internationally famous. The bustling Carmel Market is a popular place to visit. In 1950, Jaffa was united with Tel Aviv; situated a mile from the city, this is one of the oldest ports in the world. It has archaeological finds reaching back to the third century BC, a beach, lively nightlife in Old Jaffa and a flea market.

Day 2
Jerusalem
Drive to the Mount of Olives for a panoramic view of the city. Enter the Old City and walk through the Armenian and Jewish quarters to the recently excavated and restored Cardo, the Roman road. See the Jewish Wailing Wall, the Kotel, and continue to the Christian quarter. Walk along the Via Dolorosa and visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Continue to Bethlehem for an overview of Shepherd’s field. Drive through Rachel’s tomb to visit Church of Nativity and Manger’s square. Return to meeting point. NOTE: Passports and modest dress required. (Business Class - up to 15 passengers)
Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Overnight at Dan Boutique Jerusalem. Jerusalem for Christians, Jews and Muslims, is one of the most revered cities on earth. Attractions range from religious emblems and relics of antiquity to modern items of interest. Religious tours are available from West Jerusalem and include Mount Zion and the Tomb of David. Other sites are the Tomb of Judges; Yad Vashem, the memorial to the six million Jews who died in the Holocaust; and Mea Shearim (‘the hundred gates’). Visitors in East Jerusalem may follow the Way of the Cross, enter the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, see the Wailing Wall, the Dome of the Rock and the Jaffa and Damascus gates. The Israel Museum in Jerusalem houses the Dead Sea Scrolls and is worth visiting.

Day 3
Jerusalem
Enjoy a lovely day traveling at the outstanding landscape of the lower Galilee. Depart Jerusalem to via the coastal road and the landscape of lower Galilee, to Nazareth, the town where Jesus spent his childhood. Visit the Church of Annunciation and the Church of St. Josef. Continue via Kana, and proceed to Tiberias, the lovely resort town. Drive along lake Kinneret to visit Capernaum and view the ruins of the ancient synagogue. Continue to Tabgha, site of the Fish and Loaves miracle, located at the foots of the Golan Heights. Continue to Yardenit, the famous site where the Jordan River exits the Sea of Galilee towards the Dead Sea, before returning to point of departure. NOTE: modest dress (no shorts or sleeveless shirts) and head covering are required for visiting the holy places. (Tourist Class only - 30+ group size) Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Overnight at Dan Boutique Jerusalem.

Day 4
Jerusalem
Today you will learn about Massada and the heroic story of the fighters and you will visit the resort area of the lowest place on earth, the Dead Sea. Depart Jerusalem via the Judean Hills to the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth; drive along the shores of the Dead Sea to Massada. Ascend by cable car and tour the mountain fortress built by King Herod, where the Zealots made their last stand against the Romans. Visit the remains of the walls, palaces, the synagogue, water cisterns, mosaic floors roman bath etc. Descend by cable car. Travel along the sea and you will have free time to swim and float in the Dead Sea, which many believe has its curative effects. NOTE: comfortable walking shoes, head covering, sun protection, swimsuit and towel are recommended. (Business Class Group Tour - up to 15 passengers)
Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Overnight at Dan Boutique Jerusalem.

Day 5
Jerusalem - Tel Aviv
Airport transfer with private vehicle and driver. Depart from Tel Aviv international airport - end of itinerary.