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There’s nowhere in the world quite like Israel: it’s a vibrant cultural melting pot oozing religion from every pore. So if you’ve always wanted to party in pulsating Tel Aviv and brush up on your theology then this trip is perfect for you. Think ancient cities and archaeological ruins mixed with hip bars and cafes that’ll have your head spinning. One of a kind.
tel aviv: old and new
the port at caesaria
Touch down in Israel’s party town Tel Aviv, where there’s hip partying and shopping to boot. You’ll be staying in the White City, at the super stylish hotel Montefiore. From here you’ll have ample time to explore the hip hang-outs and art galleries of Tel Aviv as well as Jaffa and the old city where you can stroll through the alleyways and peruse the galleries of Gordon Street at your own pace. Take in Caesarea and the remnants of the ancient city and port built by Herod the Great or jumping ahead a couple of thousand years and visit the Knights’ Halls and the crusaders’ underground city for a truly authentic medieval experience.
spectacular views from mount carmel
high time in haifa
Next stop Haifa, draped over the slopes of Mount Carmel, and one of Israel’s most picturesque cities. Head straight to the summit of Mount Carmel for a breathtaking panorama of the Haifa Bay and Western Galilee. In town, you’ll be staying at the Villa Carmel, at the foot of Mount Carmel and surrounded by the exotic Persian Gardens. Don’t miss the golden domed Bahai Shrine and the cave of Elijah for a cultural boost. Talk about steeped in history.
take a dip in the dead sea
ancient jerusalem
Stop off at Mt. Scopus on the way to Israel’s capital for an unforgettable view of the city before heading to your designer bolthole, the Mamilla Hotel which effortlessly fuses modern design with the luxury and grandeur of old Jerusalem.
Just a short drive south of Jerusalem you’ll find the Dead Sea, perfect for a dip to refresh your body and soul and an excellent day trip. Here you can float on the surface of the lowest lake on earth at 1,385 feet (422 meters) below sea level and bathe in the mud which has special healing properties. Ooh lush.
No trip to Jerusalem would be complete without a walk around the Old City, taking in the tomb of King David and the room of the Last Supper on Mt. Zion. Enter the walled city and walk through the newly restored Jewish Quarter, the Roman Cardo, the Herodian Quarter and the Western Wall. If that doesn’t have your head in a spin, then a trip to the Mount of Olives will give you a magnificent panoramic view of the Old City. What a way to top off the day and the perfect end to your bespoke tour of Israel.
