Jewish Heritage Tour — Wednesday arrival, 14 nights with Eilat

Arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, where you will be met by a Diesenhaus Unitours representative and transferred to your hotel.

Begin the day in Old Jaffa, one of the world’s oldest port cities. Walk through its winding alleys and stone archways, where history, legend, and faith converge above the shimmering Mediterranean Sea. Continue to Neve Tzedek, the first Jewish neighborhood built outside of Jaffa’s walls. Today, its restored 19th-century homes, tree-lined streets, and boutique shops tell the story of Tel Aviv’s beginnings — a meeting point of tradition and creativity.Proceed to the bustling Carmel Market, where sounds, scents, and flavors fill the air. This vibrant open-air market offers a taste of Tel Aviv's cultural diversity and daily life, from fresh produce and street food to spices and sweets. Visit the ANU Museum of the Jewish People, a dynamic and inclusive institution celebrating Jewish heritage, identity, and global culture. Through engaging exhibits and multimedia displays, explore the journey of the Jewish people across continents and generations.

Begin the day at Beit Guvrin-Maresha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its incredible ancient underground city, bell caves, and olive presses. Continue to the Gaza Envelope, where the events of October 7, 2023 left a deep and lasting impact. Visit a lookout over the Gaza border to understand the proximity and vulnerability of the communities living here. Then stop at a roadside shelter along Route 232, where Aner Shapira displayed remarkable heroism while saving others. Visit the Nova Festival site near Re’im, where a peaceful gathering was transformed into a scene of unimaginable tragedy. Pay respects and hear the story of the young lives lost and the resilience shown in its aftermath. In Sderot, visit the site of the city’s former police station, one of the first places targeted during the assault and a symbol of the fierce battles that took place.

A free day. Overnight in Tel Aviv.

Travel north along the coast to Caesarea, the ancient port city built by Herod the Great. Walk through the remains of the Roman theater, Herodian palace, and the impressive aqueduct that once brought water to the city. Continue to Haifa for a panoramic view of the Baha’i Gardens and Haifa Bay. In Acre (Akko), explore the massive underground Crusader Halls, a hidden city beneath the streets, and wander the Old City’s market, alive with color, scent, and centuries of history.

Begin the day with a jeep adventure at the foot of the Golan Heights, where off-road trails lead through dramatic landscapes, offering a fun and thrilling way to experience the region’s natural beauty up close. Ascend to the Golan Heights and go to a commanding observation point overlooking Quneitra and the Syrian border—a striking location that highlights the region’s strategic and historical importance. Visit Tzfat (Safed), one of Judaism’s Four Holy Cities. Walk its winding alleyways, explore the artists' quarter, and encounter the mystical tradition of Kabbalah that shaped its unique spiritual atmosphere.

Begin the day in Tiberias, nestled along the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Walk along the beautiful lakeside promenade and hear stories of the city's development during the Ottoman era, including some of the historic buildings that still stand today. Continue south to the remarkable archaeological site of Beit She’an, once a major Roman and Byzantine city. Walk its ancient streets, stand in the grand Roman theater, and take in the scale and preservation of a city that flourished for centuries and witnessed both glory and destruction. From there, journey to Qasr al Yahud, the traditional site where the Israelites crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land. As the day draws to a close, arrive in Jerusalem, pausing at Mount Scopus for a blessing at this breathtaking panoramic view of the city that has drawn hearts and prayers for millennia.

Step into the heart of Jewish history on Mount Zion, beginning with a visit to King David’s Tomb, a site of reverence and tradition for generations. Enter the Old City and make your way through the Jewish Quarter. Walk along the Cardo, the once-bustling Roman thoroughfare, now lined with modern life and layered with centuries of history. Continue to the Jerusalem Archaeological Park at the Davidson Center, where remnants of the First and Second Temple periods reveal Jerusalem’s sacred past in powerful, tangible ways. Then descend into the Western Wall Tunnels, where massive Herodian stones and hidden passageways bring you face to face with the enduring strength and spirit of Jerusalem through the ages.

Begin the day at the Israel Museum, where the Shrine of the Book houses the Dead Sea Scrolls—ancient manuscripts that bridge scripture, archaeology, and faith. Continue to Mount Herzl, Israel’s national cemetery and the final resting place of the country’s leaders, soldiers, and visionaries. Walk through the beautifully kept grounds where memory, sacrifice, and statehood converge. Conclude the day with a powerful and moving visit to Yad Vashem, Israel’s official Holocaust Remembrance Center. Through exhibits, testimonies, and memorials, bear witness to the six million who perished and the legacy of resilience they left behind.

Venture into the stark beauty of the Judean Desert to the legendary fortress of Masada, where you will ascend by cable car to Herod’s ancient stronghold perched atop a towering plateau. Walk the ramparts where the Jewish Zealots made their final, defiant stand against the Roman Empire — a site steeped in courage, sacrifice, and enduring spirit. From the heights of Masada, descend to the shores of the Dead Sea. At a nearby hotel, enjoy lunch and access to the spa facilities, including pools, showers, and changing areas. Take the opportunity to float effortlessly in the Dead Sea’s salty, mineral-rich waters, and soak in the unique atmosphere of the lowest place on Earth.

A free day. Overnight in Jerusalem.

Leave Jerusalem and enjoy a captivating southbound journey through the Negev Desert. Make a stop at Timna, a vast geological and archaeological park, where you will be enchanted by the breathtaking multi-colored rock formations and fascinating copper mines. Do not miss the chance to witness the impressive Solomon's Pillars, adding a touch of historical wonder to your experience. See the Methuselah Tree in Ktura, a date palm grown from a 2,000-year-old seed found at Masada, symbolizing ancient life revived. Continue your expedition to the vibrant city of Eilat, nestled on the northern shores of the Red Sea. Discover the remarkable Underwater Observatory Marine Park, ingeniously built into a coral reef, offering you an up-close and immersive encounter with the vibrant marine life of the Gulf of Eilat, leaving you with unforgettable memories of the wonders that lie beneath the Red Sea's surface

After crossing the border into Jordan, continue to Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and voted as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Carved into vibrant sandstone cliffs by the Nabateans over two millennia ago, Petra was once a flourishing desert city and key hub on ancient trade routes. Spread across a vast area, it offers a unique blend of dramatic landscapes, intricate rock-cut architecture, and rich history that continues to captivate visitors from around the world.

Leave Eilat behind and head to Mitzpe Ramon. Take a captivating pause to marvel at the geological wonder of the Ramon Crater, while also visiting the remarkable Mitzpe Ramon visitors’ center, which offers unique insights into this extraordinary natural formation. Continue your adventure to Sde Boker, where you can witness both Ben Gurion's hut and grave, offering a breathtaking view overlooking the magnificent Zin Valley

After breakfast, transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for departure.