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One of the first nations in history to document wine production, Israel’s rich past is literally drenched in wine-filled stories. If you ask us, this means that it would almost be rude not to indulge in a little vino-focused activity while you’re visiting.
On this seven-day trip, our expert guide will show you the best boutique vineyards, take you on fascinating walks through cities and mountains and explain the history behind some of the iconic structures and places which make this country so unique.
jaffa harbour
jaffa and tel aviv
Start in the old city of Jaffa, a pretty sun-bleached port full of atmosphere and restaurants with sea views. Celebrate your first night at an exclusive wine bar for your first taste of Israeli wine. Your holiday may have just started, but try not to over-do it, there is plenty more to come. Your first night will be spent at the super stylish Montefiore, from who’s central location, the city is your oyster.
The next day you’ll be guided to Carmel market, where a spot of haggling is in order, followed by more local wine tasting. Stop for lunch at the Biniamina winery, and walk it off in the picturesque streets of Zichron Yaacov, overlooking the Med. Tonight’s bolthole is the luxurious Villa Carmel in the city if Haifa.
the bahai gardens
night fishing on the sea of galilee
glorious galilee
After exploring the city, including the UNESCO gardens of Bahai, and the artistic Arab neighbourhood of Wadi Nisnas, it’s time to escape the city and head north. The scenic northern province of Galilee is home to many vineyards and stunning views which have been compared to Tuscany. Check in to the super-luxurious Bayit Bagalil for two nights and spend this time exploring the Sea of Galillee by boat, visiting olive mills, and topping off each day sipping the region’s finest vintages at boutique wineries where the owners will welcome you for dinner.
jerusalem's western wall and dome of the rock
jerusalem days
In Jerusalem, Israel’s capital and largest city, you’ll find pockets of stunning cobbled streets with white washed buildings and stone archways: stroll along these and you’ll feel like you’re back in biblical times. Stay at the Mamilla hotel by night, and by day you’ll see the lot. Climb Mount Scopus and look out over the city from the botanical garden, get lost in the old city and visit markets to indulge in traditonal baked food with spices. Another must is a cable car ride up to the Masada plateau on the edge of the Jordanian desert: the views over the Dead Sea are simply jaw-dropping.
visit wine cellars in jerusalem
For a more serious delve into the past, your guide will show you the Yad VeShem (Israel’s National Memorial and Holocaust museum) and even a walk around the government buildings if you wish. Then, hop on a jeep around the Yoav Yehuda area, stopping at monasteries, cheese farms and continuing your luxury tour of boutique wineries on your Israeli wine tasting experience, in between resting by your pool and admiring the lush views.
You’ll return home with knowledge of a country mysterious to most, and a few bottles of local wine in tow which, we guarantee, won’t last long once you’re back in the daily grind.
