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You don’t need to be a history buff to appreciate the incredibly unique and globally significant history behind the small country of Israel. This experience gives you just the right amount of expert guiding and relaxation in luxury hotels to enjoy a week in our new favourite Middle Eastern gem. Our VIP guides are experts in archaeology and will give you fascinating renditions of Israel’s history.
tel aviv at night
independence and boho life
Arriving in Tel Aviv, settle in to the atmospheric Montefiore hotel and head off for your first historical foray. Sarona was the site of the first Christian colony in Israel, and is home to the Independence Hall, where the independence of the country was read out in 1948. Explore the area before heading to the artistic neighbourhood of Neve Tzedek for some bohemian education.
Over the next two day’s you’ll discover truly inspiring sights during this luxury historical holiday through Israel, which bring the country’s history to life.
see incredibly well-preserved mosaics
See the fortress of Apollonia, where flags stand today in memory of the crusader battle in 1191 BC, as well as an original 3000 seat Roman theatre in Caesarea, admire views from Haifa’s mount Carmel and stroll the Persian gardens surrounding the Bahai shrine.
mosaics and markets
Haggle to your heart’s content at the White market in Akko, so named because of its white limestone walls. See stunning mosaic floors of 6th century Byzantine churches, visit the village of Peki’in to learn about the fascinating Druze culture, and witness the guard city of Megiddo, where the battle of Armageddon is said to have taken place, according to religious scripts. All this, while staying in fabulous luxury properties, such as Villa Carmel.
white walls in akko
luxury hotels and ancient artefacts
On to Jerusalem and into the old city. You’ll stay in the chic Mamilla hotel for three nights, where the pool and spa will be welcome after a busy day exploring. Burrow into the Kotel tunnels by the Western Wall and continue to the Wohl museum of archaeology: a six-house compound where the mosaic floors, colourful frescoes, glassware, stone objects, and ceramics provide a peek into domestic life at the top in the days of Herod and Jesus. We love the energy in the bazaars here too: Bedouin rugs and wall hangings are piled up beside fruit and sandals.
city of david
On your last day, see the Dead Sea scrolls on display at the Israel Museum, before being escorted to the City of David at the heart of town, where you’ll see the most ancient artefacts of so far. Here we recommend meeting up with our expert archaeologist who can take you into the narrow Hezakia Tunnel to see the inscriptions dating back to 701 BC, and can still be seen today. Simply fascinating.
After soaking up all this significant history (and a healthy dose of sunshine), you’ll head home with a head full of stories which you’re friends won’t believe.
