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Israel Uncovered Tour
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Israel Uncovered OVERVIEW

TOUR SUMMARY

8 days

Tel Aviv to Jerusalem

On Request

Country(ies): Israel

Tour type: Private

Group size: Min: 1 | Max: 0

Accommodation:4-star hotels

Meals: Breakfasts - 7, Lunches - 0, Dinners - 0

Transport: A/C car/minibus

Highlights:Modern Tel Aviv, old streets of Jaffa, Roman ruins at Caesarea, port city of Haifa, Acre's crusader castle, Biblical sites at the Sea of Galilee, Nazareth, float in the Dead Sea, old Jerusalem, Bethlehem birth place of Jesus

This 8-day journey across the magnificent country of Israel is crafted specifically for travellers with a deep faith who wish to discover the Holy Land. However, it also offers a remarkable adventure for those keen to explore this captivating nation.

The itinerary allows for a brief exploration of the vibrant city and beaches of Tel Aviv before proceeding to Tiberias. It includes tours of Jerusalem and Nazareth, along with visits to many significant religious and historical landmarks. The journey also incorporates a trip to the Dead Sea, where you can float effortlessly on its incredibly salty waters, the lowest point on Earth. Additionally, the tour explores the renowned Sea of Galilee.

While this itinerary focuses on religious highlights, we can also offer a more balanced experience that includes Israel's stunning landscapes, local food producers or wineries, day walks or multi-day hikes, overnight stays in Bedouin camps, excursions in the Negev Desert, or time to unwind by the Red Sea in Eilat.

ITINERARY

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Upon your arrival, one of our representatives will greet you at the airport and arrange your transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free for you to unwind, explore the area on your own, and acclimatise after your flight, before joining the group and commencing the first sightseeing tours the following morning.

OVERNIGHT:

Tel Aviv hotel

MEALS:

None

EXTRAS:

None


After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and embark on a tour of the lively city of Tel Aviv. We then make our way to Jaffa for a visit to the Old City and the historic Old Port. Our journey continues with a stop at Caesarea to explore its aqueduct, Roman Theatre, Hippodrome, and the Crusader Fortress. Next, we discover Haifa and its surrounding areas before heading to the renowned Crusader city of Acre. After a full day of sightseeing, we enjoy a brief drive to Galilee, where we have dinner and spend the night.

OVERNIGHT:

Galilee Kibbutz

MEALS:

Breakfast

EXTRAS:

None


This morning, we journey to Tiberias and explore the areas surrounding the Sea of Galilee, including Capernaum, where Jesus and several of his apostles lived and preached. We will also visit other significant Christian sites associated with miracles, such as the Feeding of the 5000, the Sermon on the Mount, and the Wedding at Cana. Our day continues as we travel to Nazareth, the birthplace of Jesus, where we will visit the Church of the Annunciation.

OVERNIGHT:

Galilee Kibbutz

MEALS:

Breakfast

EXTRAS:

None


This morning, our journey begins at the River Jordan, the site where Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist. We will then head to the historic city of Beith Shean, where we can explore remarkable Roman ruins. Afterward, we will cross into the West Bank and travel south to Jericho. We'll take a refreshing swim in the Dead Sea before continuing our journey to Jerusalem.

OVERNIGHT:

Jerusalem hotel

MEALS:

Breakfast

EXTRAS:

None


We begin our day with a visit to the Mount of Olives, a significant location in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Our journey continues with visits to several key churches, including the Garden of Gethsemane. The Holocaust Museum and the Israeli Museum will provide moments of reflection and contemplation. We then make our way to Ein Karem to explore St John the Baptist Church and the Church of the Visitation. Our day concludes in Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, where we will stay overnight.

OVERNIGHT:

Jerusalem hotel

MEALS:

Breakfast

EXTRAS:

None


This morning, we begin with a guided walk through the historic Old City of Jerusalem, which includes stops at the Church of St Anne, the Pool of Bethesda, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and Mount Calvary. We will also visit the Empty Tomb of Jesus, followed by a tour of the Jewish Quarter and the Western Wall. Afterward, we will enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views from the Dome of the Rock, with a visit to the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

OVERNIGHT:

Jerusalem hotel

MEALS:

Breakfast

EXTRAS:

None


A day at leisure to explore this fascinating city further, or simply browse through the shops.

OVERNIGHT:

Jerusalem hotel

MEALS:

Breakfast

EXTRAS:

None


After breakfast, you have free time until we collect you from your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your departure.

OVERNIGHT:

N/A

MEALS:

Breakfast

EXTRAS:

None


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Included:

 

  • All lodging specified in the itinerary
  • All transportation and transfers
  • 24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer service
  • English-speaking guide throughout touring days
  • All national park and entry fees
  • Meals as mentioned in the itinerary

 

Excluded:

 

  • Overseas Flights
  • Visa Charges
  • Travel Insurance (mandatory)
  • Meals not specified in the travel plan
  • Beverages, snacks, gratuities, and other personal costs (e.g. laundry)
  • Gratuities for the tour guide
  • Any other items not listed above

 

Dates and Prices

The prices for this tour vary by season and are listed below. We also offer the option to tailor the itinerary to suit your specific needs. Please get in touch with us for further information and pricing.

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End Date
Price (P/P)
Offer Price
Note

Accommodation

The hotels and accommodations listed below are the ones we most often use on this tour. From time to time we may exchange these for similar properties at the same level. In general, specific hotels cannot be guaranteed on our group tours, but you may select your preferred options if you are booking a tailor-made trip.

Kibbutz Lavi

Tiberias

Tiberias

Local rating

Our rating

Kibbutz Lavi Kibbutz Lavi

Perched atop a mountain, this Glatt-Kosher hotel is primarily designed for Jewish religious guests. Set in a tranquil location just a short drive from Tiberias, it provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

The hotel offers a variety of room options to suit different preferences and budgets. On-site facilities include a full-service restaurant, a tennis court, an indoor swimming pool (separate swimming for men and women), and a children's playground.

Complimentary wireless internet is available throughout the hotel.

Grand Beach Hotel

Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv

Local rating

Our rating

Grand Beach Hotel Grand Beach Hotel

Just a 3-minute walk from the beach, the Grand Beach Hotel offers 212 modern rooms with free Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy a traditional Israeli buffet breakfast and relax by the rooftop pool, which provides stunning views of Tel Aviv.

All rooms have been recently refurbished and feature a contemporary design. They include air conditioning, an LCD TV, a mini fridge, and a safe.

The hotel’s business centre operates 24/7, and the bar serves drinks and light snacks throughout the day.

Grand Beach Hotel is ideally located close to popular beaches and waterfront restaurants, with Tel Aviv Marina just a 10-minute walk away. The surrounding area is home to cafes, shops, and parks, while Carmel Market and Jaffa Old Town are within easy reach.

The 24-hour front desk can assist with organising tours and day trips.

Grand Court Hotel

Jerusalem

Jerusalem

Local rating

Our rating

Grand Court Hotel Grand Court Hotel

A 10-minute walk from Jerusalem's Old City, the Grand Court Hotel features a rooftop pool with panoramic views, complimentary Wi-Fi, and generously sized rooms. Amenities include free underground parking, a fitness centre, and an iPad rental service.

The hotel’s rooms and suites come with air conditioning and a comfortable seating area. Each private bathroom is equipped with complimentary toiletries and a hairdryer.

Guests can savour a traditional Israeli breakfast buffet, offering a variety of fresh dishes and drinks, served in a bright dining room overlooking the garden.

The new Jerusalem light rail stops right outside the hotel, providing convenient access to the city’s attractions. Jewish holy sites, bustling markets, shops, and restaurants are all within walking distance. The staff are available to assist with tours and sightseeing arrangements.

Options

Our tours are designed to include all that you need to enjoy a really special time in the destination you're visiting. However, we do also offer some extra options to complement the tour and add some additional sightseeing or activities, or some extra time at either end of the tour.

TOUR NOTES

The detailed Tour Notes below have been written to give you some more detailed information about how the tour runs, what to expect, and how to prepare for your holiday. We recommend downloading an up to date copy of these shortly before you travel in case of any changes.

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On this tour, we select high-quality 4-star hotels. Accommodation is provided in twin, triple, or double en-suite rooms, all featuring air conditioning. For examples of the hotels typically used on this tour, please refer to the accommodation tab. Should you have any particular accommodation requests, feel free to contact us, and we will be delighted to offer a personalised quotation.


As we do not provide guaranteed group departures for this tour, we can accommodate any number of travellers, starting from a minimum of 1 person. The prices listed for this tour are based on at least 2 passengers travelling together. If your group consists of a different number of people, please get in touch with us for a personalised quote.

In Israel, we offer fully trained, local English-speaking guides who will lead any sightseeing tours included in your itinerary. At Egypt Uncovered, we exclusively work with local guides and representatives. We believe this enhances your experience of the country and the sites you visit. For further information, including profiles of some of our renowned guides, please visit our website.


The tour cost covers the entrance fees for all the tourist attractions listed in the itinerary. Should you choose to visit any sites not included in the itinerary, you will be responsible for paying the entrance fees.


This itinerary is created as a sample for a personalised tour. As a result, we do not provide fixed group departure dates for you to join. Instead, the tour is available to be taken privately, starting on any day of the year. Below are the indicative seasonal prices, based on two people travelling. Should you wish to modify the tour itinerary or have a different number of travellers, please get in touch with us, and we will tailor a price specifically for you.


Sockets in the area have two round prongs and operate at 220 volts (Type C). Universal adaptors can usually be found in airport shops if you don't already have one. Standard European adapters will work, though they might occasionally fit a bit loosely in the sockets. Every hotel room is equipped with electrical sockets, so you can easily recharge devices such as phones and cameras. If a hair dryer isn’t already in your room, you can request one from the hotel reception.

If you're bringing US appliances (110 volts), you'll need both a voltage converter and a plug adapter.


Our tours combine various transport options to ensure you fully immerse yourself in the country you're exploring. At the same time, we aim for you to arrive at each destination feeling rested and ready for the next part of your journey. In Israel, the short distances between locations allow us to use private vehicles for the entire tour.


Your airport transfers are included only on the first and last day of the scheduled tour itinerary, as well as on any extra days if you book your accommodation with us. If you choose to organise your own accommodation at the start or end of the tour, you will be responsible for arranging your own airport transfers on those days.


We aim to provide you with as much flexibility as possible when it comes to booking your holiday with us. In order to accommodate various travel plans, we do not include international flights in the main tour price. However, we are more than happy to recommend flights that suit your tour. Simply let us know your preferred dates and departure airport, and we’ll provide you with a range of airlines, timings, and fares to choose from.

Transfers to and from the airport are included on the first and last days of your tour. All our group tours in Israel start and end at Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv (TLV), while private and tailor-made tours may start at either Tel Aviv or Eilat.

Occasionally, we offer flight-inclusive packages from selected airports. Where these packages appear on our website, the prices are accurate at the time of quoting but may be subject to availability. Prices will be reconfirmed when you make your booking, and we will provide you with flight details, including timings and the airline, before your tickets are issued.

Flight-inclusive prices are based on the cheapest available Economy ticket, which is generally non-refundable and non-changeable, unless the flight is cancelled due to reasons such as Covid-19, in which case the airlines tend to offer more flexibility. More flexible ticket options, along with Premium Economy and Business Class tickets, are available upon request for an additional fee. Any changes to flight-inclusive bookings will be governed by the rules of the airline’s ticket.

Flight CO2 Emissions:

Flying is a fantastic way to explore the world, but it also contributes to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions that affect the environment. When you choose your flight, we encourage you to consider the airline's CO2 emissions to help reduce your environmental impact.

When selecting your international flights, we recommend taking the flight’s CO2 emissions into account. Some airlines and flight search platforms (such as Google Flights or Skyscanner) provide this information, allowing you to compare your options and make a more informed decision. Many airlines are working towards more sustainable practices, so by opting for a greener choice, you can make a positive impact while still enjoying your remarkable journey.


Tipping is a common practice in Israel, serving as a way to show gratitude for services received. As such, you may want to tip your guide and driver at the conclusion of your tour. There's no obligation to give a specific amount; it should align with your personal budget. However, we are frequently asked for guidance on this, and would recommend approximately GBP 5 / USD 8 per person per day as a reasonable amount.


Make sure you have comprehensive insurance that covers medical emergencies, including emergency evacuation and repatriation.

For the latest health advice and vaccination requirements for Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, it’s best to consult your GP, medical practitioner, or a travel clinic. You can also find useful information here:

www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations/middle-east/israel.aspx

Common vaccinations recommended for Israel are Tetanus, Typhoid, Polio, and Hepatitis A.


Passports must remain valid for at least six months beyond your scheduled departure from the country. Avoid carrying passports that are nearly full or about to expire. It is the traveller’s responsibility to handle visa arrangements, and requirements may change based on local regulations.

Starting from 1st January 2025, all travellers to Israel must have a pre-approved visa or ETA-IL. Many nationals, including those from the UK, EU, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, do not need a visa for stays of less than three months. However, an ETA-IL approval is mandatory even for those exempt from requiring a visa. Travellers from other countries should consult their local consulate.

From 1st January 2025 onwards, all travellers to Israel must apply for ETA-IL approval online at https://israel-entry.piba.gov.il/visa-option/. A fee of 25 shekels (approximately GBP 5 or USD 7) will be charged during the application process. If you are travelling before January 2025, ETA-IL approval is not required.

Many of our tours to Israel also visit the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT). No special visas are necessary, but please be aware that checkpoints and border posts are managed by Israeli authorities, and access may occasionally be restricted or limited.


The time zones for Egypt, Jordan, Israel, and Lebanon are GMT plus 2 hours, while the UAE operates on GMT plus 3 hours. Daylight saving time has been used intermittently over the years, though the situation can change. As of now, it seems there will be no daylight saving time adjustments in Egypt after 2016, but this could change unexpectedly, affecting flight schedules and timings. In Jordan and Israel, daylight saving is typically observed from late March to late October, shifting the time to GMT plus 3 hours. However, the specific dates for these changes can vary annually, and occasionally, the adjustments might be cancelled altogether.


The currency used in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories is the Israeli Shekel (ILS). There’s no need to bring Shekels with you, as currency exchange services are available at international airports, most hotels, banks, and exchange offices in major cities. It’s a good idea to carry small denominations of notes or coins during your trip, as these will come in handy for items such as toilets, tips, and minor purchases. ATMs are widespread in larger towns, and many local stores accept VISA, Mastercard, or American Express, although they may apply fees of up to 10%, so it’s wise to check beforehand. Traveller’s cheques are no longer widely accepted and can incur high fees.

While visiting Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, you will need enough funds for meals not included in your itinerary, drinks, snacks, souvenirs, and other personal expenses such as laundry. These should generally be paid in local currency, though tips for guides and drivers may be given in foreign currencies (GBP, USD, EUR).

It’s hard to suggest an exact amount of spending money as it varies depending on individual preferences, but as a general guide, we recommend budgeting around USD 25-35 per person per day. You may need more if you plan on shopping extensively or purchasing a lot of alcoholic drinks.


Luggage: Suitcases, rucksacks, or fabric holdalls are all acceptable to bring with you to Israel and Jordan. Additionally, it's a good idea to bring a small daypack or bag for daily use. Your main luggage will typically be stored in the hotel during sightseeing trips, so you won't need to carry it around much. Hotels generally provide porters to assist with luggage when needed.

Luggage Limits: There is no specific luggage limit for this tour. However, most airlines typically allow between 20kg and 25kg for checked luggage and between 5kg and 10kg for hand luggage. It’s best to check your airline’s luggage policy before heading to the airport.

Clothing: The climate in Israel and Jordan can vary greatly, ranging from hot summer days to cooler and sometimes wet winter months. Nights, especially in the deserts, can be quite chilly. Therefore, you should pack for cooler conditions. Formal attire (such as suits and ties) is not necessary. Modesty is highly valued in Jordan and some parts of Israel, especially for women, so please wear loose-fitting, non-revealing clothing to respect local customs. While shorts (not hot pants) and T-shirts are acceptable at tourist sites, avoid showing too much bare skin (it’s best to keep your shoulders covered). When visiting mosques, legs and arms should be covered.

Other Items: Bedding is provided at the Bedouin camp, but we suggest bringing a light sleeping sheet or sleeping bag liner for added comfort throughout the year (sand tends to get everywhere). In winter or if you prefer to sleep under the stars instead of in your tent, consider bringing a sleeping bag as it can get very cold at night. Other recommended items include a sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, a basic first aid kit, toiletries, a money belt, a small torch, a camera, and a charger.


This tour includes a meet-and-greet service and airport transfer on the first day. Our representative will be waiting with an Egypt Uncovered signboard or your name clearly displayed for easy identification. If you are unable to locate our representative, emergency contact numbers will be provided on your tour confirmation voucher.

A transfer to the airport is also included at the end of the tour. Please review the tour itinerary and your flight times carefully. Most international flights departing from Khartoum are scheduled in the early hours of the morning. If you have upgraded to a 4 or 5-star hotel in Khartoum, only a day-use room is typically included for your final day. A full night's stay is provided at the standard 3-star hotel. If you require a full night’s accommodation in an upgraded hotel, an additional charge may apply.

Refunds are not available for missed transfers or parts of your trip due to incorrect flight details or delayed arrivals. Any additional expenses incurred to join the group will be your responsibility.

If your flights are scheduled to arrive before the tour starts or depart after the tour ends, we can arrange extra accommodation and airport transfers. We will strive to book these at the same hotel as the main tour, subject to availability (upgraded hotels can also be arranged upon request). Please note that if you do not book additional accommodation through us, arrival and departure transfer services will not be included, and you will need to organise your own transport.

Arrival Procedure

Be prepared for potential delays at immigration, especially if you are obtaining a “visa on arrival” (refer to the Passports and Visas section). After passport control, proceed to baggage reclaim, where further waiting times are common. Once you collect your luggage, you will need to show your baggage receipts (typically attached to your boarding pass), and your bags may be manually inspected by airport staff. This is standard procedure to ensure no prohibited items, such as alcohol or inappropriate materials, are brought into Sudan. Be aware that some magazines with certain images might also be considered inappropriate and could be confiscated without return.

After completing these formalities, you will find our representative waiting just outside the glass doors with an Egypt Uncovered signboard or your name clearly displayed.

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