While two weeks is not enough to fully explore most countries, your 14 days in Israel will be more than enough to visit the highlights of this historic land. With a length of only about 420 kilometers, it is fairly quick to travel through the whole country by car. Having a diverse population, you will embark on exploration of modern cities to ancient ruins, historic and religious sites, to beautiful beaches of four bodies of water!
Jerusalem
Day 1:
After landing, we suggest taking a rental car as it will be easiest to get around the country, though be warned, parking in certain areas is a bit difficult, so we will recommend at times leaving your car and using public transit or cabs. Make your way to your accommodation, (we suggest asking them about parking in advance) about an hour drive from Ben Gurion International Airport.
The Israel Museum
Situated just across from the Knesset, Israel’s parliament building, the Israel Museum holds a vast collection of biblical & archaeological artifacts that speak to history lovers and individuals from a variety of religious backgrounds, this is the largest museum in Israel. Whether you go on a self guided tour or with a guide, available in several languages, be sure to stop and see the famed Dead Sea Scrolls from almost two millennia ago, that are housed in a Shrine that is modeled after the pots in which the scrolls were discovered.
Mahane Yehuda Market
Also known as the shuk, this is the largest market in Jerusalem. Part indoors and part outdoors, there are more than 250 vendors that sell fresh produce, cheese, meat, fish, spices, prepared foods, baked goods, as well as houseware, clothing, shoes, and much more. Be sure to spend some time here walking around and tasting some of the delicious foods during the day, but be sure to hang around (or return) after dark, when the vendors close, and the nightlife begins – bars & restaurants.
Day 2:
The Old City
The Old City of Jerusalem is a holy place for the world’s three most predominant religions. The Western Wall is the holiest place in the world for Jews is the remnants of the outer courtyard of the Second Temple, destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE. For Muslims, the Temple Mount is the third holiest place, as it is where Mohammed traveled to from Mecca in a single night, leading other prophets in prayers at the Temple Mount. For Christians, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher is the most sacred site being the location of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and resurrection.
We recommend signing up for a walking tour of the Old City including these three sites to allow for an enhanced experience with explanations and expeditious walking. (Consider checking out Sandeman’s Holy City Tour or one from various other providers with good recommendations).
To know:
1) Unless you are Muslim, you will not be permitted inside the Dome of the Rock and Al Aqsa Mosque, however you will be able to stroll the beautiful courtyard outside and be able to see the intricate beauty of the building from close up. Please note opening hours – the Temple Mount is closed on Fridays and Saturdays and open from 08:00 – 11:00 and 14:00 – 16:30 on Sundays through Thursdays.
2) Your arms and legs and midriff must be fully covered for the Dome of the Rock, knees and shoulders and midriff must be covered for the Western Wall and Church of the Holy Sepulcher; depending on the time of time of year, may we suggest bringing a light cotton wrap around skirt and long sleeve top.
3) Western Wall is divided into two sections, male and female and entry into the area is only after going through a security check.
Yad Vashem
This is Israel’s national Holocaust Memorial museum. This museum can be absolutely overwhelming in it’s shear detail, number of exhibits and information. And it is definitely not an easy or fun place to visit, however we believe that it is worth visiting on you trip. This is significant to both world history as well as to the country, and it’s establishment.It is often said that it is important to learn about the atrocities of the past so that we do not allow them to occur again in the future. This still holds true today throughout the world.
HaTachana
Also known as the First Station, this abandoned station was renovated and transformed into a fun area filled with restaurants, a bar, vendor carts, stores and more. This is a good place to wind down and enjoy some dinner.
Bethlehem & Ein Gedi
Day 3:
Bethlehem
Starting Day 3 early in the morning with an organized Bethlehem Tour with pick up and drop off in Jerusalem is the suggested way to go. Though it is possible to visit Bethlehem on your own, there are several organized tours that provide for smooth and enjoyable experiences.
Church of the Nativity
One of the distinct stopping points on your Bethlehem tour will be to see and experience the simple yet beautiful church where Jesus was born.
Old Town
A walk around Bethlehem’s old town is a wonderful experience. You will encounter a beautiful panoramic viewpoint of the city, the Milk Chapel, and much more.
Ein Gedi
Upon returning to Jerusalem, we suggest grabbing a quick bite to eat and making your way to Ein Gedi, about an hour and half drive from Jerusalem. After filling up your water supply at the entrance to the nature reserve Enjoy a nature hike along the Nahal Arugot trail. Approximately four kilometers long, you will pass by a waterfall and reach a beautiful emerald spring to swim in. Once you have enjoyed splashing around in the water and taking some photographs, make your way back to the car and head to your accommodation for the evening.
Enjoy an early dinner and get to bed early as tomorrow is the earliest morning of your trip!
Masada & the Dead Sea
Day 4:
After what was hopefully a good night’s sleep it is time for a very early morning! Morning routines are different for everyone but be sure to be ready to leave the accommodation at least one and a half hours before sunrise.
Masada Fortress
After a short drive from your Ein Gedi accommodation you will arrive at the Masada National Park – entry fee is 29 NIS. Masada is an ancient fortress built on a plateau in the Judean Desert overlooking the Dead Sea. This incredible fortress was built in 30 BCE by King Herod, who ruled Judea under the Romans. The Masada Fortress houses the remains of King Herod’s Palace, and the museum is home to many archaeological exhibits. The “Snake Path,” leading up to the Fortress, so named for its length and switchbacks, opens one hour before sunrise and is a rather steep 45 minute hike to the top (say thank you to those high heart rate WODs). For the non-crossfitters among us or anyone that just isn’t quite up for the hike, there is actually a cable car as an alternative method.
When you witness the sun rising over the Dead Sea, you will understand why you woke up so early and be thankful that you pushed yourself to do it.
After enjoying the view and wandering around the fortress and museum, it is time to head back down (by foot or by cable car) and drive approximately half an hour to the Dead Sea.
Dead Sea
The lowest place on earth, the Dead Sea, known in Hebrew as Yam Hamelach, the salt sea has a unique mineral concentration that allows you to float. With a handful of public beaches equipped with changing and shower facilities, this is a unique place to stop for a few hours. Lather your body with Dead Sea mud and wait for about 20 minutes until it hardens. Enter the warm dead sea water and wash it off for one of nature’s most incredible spa experiences. Be warned, it will burn if you have any cuts or scrapes or open wounds; we also recommend avoiding shaving the day before. Enjoy a float around the Dead Sea. Float around while reading a newspaper, magazine or book, and be sure to snap a few photos.
Once you are done floating, head to the fresh water showers and you will feel immediately rejuvenated.
Get back in the car and head south on street 90 towards the southernmost city of Israel, Eilat, where you will enjoy the next couple of days.
Eilat
The beautiful port town of Eilat sits on the Red Sea and on Israel’s borders with Egypt and Jordan. The crystal clear calm waters of the Red Sea attract visitors from Israel and all over the world for snorkeling, scuba diving, wind and kite surfing. This would be a great place to spend your first Friday & Saturday (weekend) of your trip.
Day 5:
We suggest starting your morning off on the earlier side at the hidden gem of a cafe, Broitman, for a delicious sandwich or baked goods and coffee.
Red Canyon
Tummies happy and water bottles full, head the 25 minute drive to the Red Canyon. The earlier you are here the more likely you will have it to yourself. Keep in mind that it will become very hot very quickly during the summer months, so be warned.
With only a short walk from the parking area to the slot canyon, you will descend a first ladder and it is almost transcendent as the red rocky cliffs that tower above you as walk along the beautifully swirling canyon walls. It is magnificent. With a complete loop coming in at about 5km, the hike does involve ladders and metal rungs to move through. Simply put an amazing adventure for the morning.
The Dolphin Reef
This unique place offers so much, a private beach with restaurant, swimming or scuba diving with the dolphins, an adults only cafe, relaxation pools and one-on-one treatments. We recommend booking this in advance and cannot speak highly enough of the relaxation pools and treatments. Enjoy a beverage at the Stalbet Cafe and watch the dolphins swim (and jump and play if you’re lucky enough). Enjoy your hour in the relaxation pools including your one-on-one treatment and spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beach and in the cafe. We recommend staying for sunset as it is really quite unique to watch the mountains of Aqaba across the sea turn vibrant red as the sun sets upon them.
Mamo Restaurant
After a shower at your accommodation, it is time to head out to Mamo Restaurant (note that if you are visiting on a weekend, you’ll want to make reservations in advance). Enjoy delicious cocktails and culinary delights.
Day 6:
Dekel Beach
Throw on that bathing suit and grab the sunscreen, it’s time to make your way to Dekel Beach for a morning swim (or snorkel) and some breakfast and coffee (the pancakes are quite scrumptious). Many accommodations have snorkel sets to lend, but you can also rent or purchase one. The morning hours at Dekel Beach bring out many of the most colorful fish and it is quite nice to swim back and forth along the buoys.
Coral Beach Nature Reserve
This is a great place to spend the rest of your day. Choose between scuba diving and snorkeling, but either way you will get to feast your eyes on some of the most beautiful fish and sea life in the crystal clear Red Sea waters.
Jericho & The Sea of Galilee
Day 7:
We would once again recommend stopping at Broitman to pick up some breakfast to go. It really is just so delicious. Jericho is a place we recommend going with a guide – before you start your drive, determine where you will be meeting your guide.
Jericho
Enjoy your guided tour of Jericho.
Once you have arrived back at your car, continue your drive north to your accommodation on the southern end of the Sea of Galilee. The Sea of Galilee is the largest fresh water lake in Israel. Depending on your time of arrival, enjoy a swim in the Sea before having dinner.
The Sea of Galilee
Day 8:
There are several sites to see in Tiberias and around the Sea of Galilee that are significant in Judaism and others to Christianity.
- The Tomb of Maimonides
- The Tomb of Rachel
- The Basalt Ruins of Kozarim
- Church of the Primacy of St. Peter
- Church of the Beatitudes
- Capernaum
- Boat remains for the 1st century CE at Kibbutz Ginosar
After a day with several relatively short and nearby stops, it is time to get in the car and make your way to your accommodation near the northernmost point of Israel, in or around Nimrod or the Hermon Mountain.
Golan Brewery Dinner
Need we say more? Delicious food, fabulous beer.
Golan Heights
Day 8:
Mount Hermon
You’ve already been to the lowest point in Israel, so why not stand on the highest as well? Open as a small ski resort during the winter months, Mount Hermon is a great place for hiking, nature, and beautiful views year round.
Nimrod Fortress
The ruins of the biggest Crusade-era castle in Israel sits on a mountain top above the Banias forests with views of much of the Golan.
Valley of Tears Battle Site & Overlook
Sitting in the northern Golan Heights on the border of Israel and Syria, is the battle site where Israeli tank forces successfully held off a large-scale offensive Syrian assault during the 1973 Yom Kippur war. Visit the site, climb on to the remnants of both Israeli and Syrian tanks, and learn about the battle. While looking at the beautiful views, conceptualize the incredible complexity of the region.
Day 9:
Bental Mountain Sunrise
A dormant volcano, the top of Mount Bental offers a beautiful panoramic view overlooking both the Golan Heights and into Syria and Lebanon. Beyond having a breathtaking view at anytime of the day, particularly sunrise and sunset, the cafe offers delicious treats and the mountain offers history and experience. Explore the top of the mountain and listen to the recording to hear about the battle that took place here. Walk through the military outpost and enter the bunker to experience the feel.
Odem Mountain Winery
Tucked into the lush green Odem forest is this winery. Stop by for a unique wine tasting experience with a beautiful ambiance. You may want to enjoy lunch before heading out to your next stop.
Banias National Park
The Hermon Stream (Banyas Stream) sits at the edge of the Golan Heights and Upper Galilee region and is just beautiful. It has the beauty of nature combined with archaeological sites from the Greek period. This is a great place to spend a few hours in the afternoon.
Upper Galilee
Day 10:
Rosh HaNikra
Situated on the Mediterranean at Israel’s northern border is where you will find the Rosh HaNikra National Park. Board the steepest cable car in the world to make your way down to explore the magnificent grottos. Watch as turquoise waves crash against the unique sea caves.
Acre
The beautiful old port city of Acre is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, and visitors are guaranteed a unique experience as they wander around this walled city with structures dating back to the Crusader and Ottoman periods. With more than just historic intrigue, the old city of Acre is a fantastic place to spend the afternoon wandering around, enjoying the views, and of course, eating.
Haifa & Caesarea
Day 11:
Louis Promenade
Sitting atop the Carmel Mountain near to the Carmel Center, is the Louis Promenade. A quiet place for a morning walk to enjoy the view of the bay, on a clear day it is possible to see the coastline all the way north to Rosh Hanikra. Leading to your next stop to view the Bahai Gardens from above.
Bahai Gardens
One of the most distinct views in all of Haifa, the Bahai Gardens, another UNESCO World Heritage site, is the holiest place in the Bahai faith. It is possible to enter a small area of the gardens and enjoy the beauty.
Stella Maris Monastery
This Catholic monastery for the Carmelite monks is also located on the Carmel Mountain range. The main church is intricate and breathtaking, and is said to house the Cave of Elijah, and the view from the courtyard is stunning.
Bat Galim
Housed just outside of the Stella Maris Monastery, the Haifa cable car is a short five minute ride from atop of the mountain range to the beautiful Bat Galim beach promenade. After visiting the monastery, enjoy the ride down. Take a stroll along the the beach boardwalk, and breath in the Mediterranean sea air.
Carmel Forest
The Carmel Forest sits atop the Carmel Mountain range in Haifa. A pleasant place to stop, to take in the beauty and the views and enjoy a short nature walk before continuing to a traditional Druze feast.
Lunch Daliyat el Carmel
Daliyat el Karmel is a Druze village located on the Carmel Mountain. This is a great place to enjoy a tradition Druze meal with a beautiful view. Don’t forget to enjoy Knafe for dessert!
Caesarea
This impressive ancient site of Caesarea includes a beautifully restored harbor, built by King Herod, as well as an amphitheater that even holds concerts during the summer months. Sitting along the Mediterranean sea, the archaeological site provides a unique combination of history and the beauty of nature.
Tel Aviv
Day 12:
Independence Hall
The location where on May 14, 1948 David Ben Gurion declared Independence and established the State of Israel, this is one of the most significant historical sites of the modern nation of Israel.
The Peres Center for Peace & Innovation
A museum dedicated to the forethought and goals of Israeli President Shimon Peres.
Rabin Center
Created to honor the legacy of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, the Rabin Center is an interactive museum that presents everything from the remarkable life to the tragic assassination of Yizthak Rabin. A groundbreaking leader, who’s vision for peace and value of human life are some of the principles that the center presents. Promoting activities and programs that inspire, especially young adults to be engaged and cultured and share open dialogues with peers of different backgrounds that make up the complex melting pot of Israeli society.
Day 13:
Nahalat Binyamin Artist Market
Taking place on only Tuesday and Friday mornings on Nahalat Binyamin street, parallel to the Carmel Market (next on the list) is this art fair. The largest and oldest in Israel, artists pop up their stands to showcase and sell their works of art. All of the artists must undergo an admissions committee and have a permit issued by the municipality. Here you can find everything from paintings to wine stands hand carved of wood, glass stained candle holders, bottles of spirits turned to clocks, and even boutique scented soaps.
Shuk HaCarmel
The Carmel Market, also known as the Shuk, is the largest in Tel Aviv. Vendors sell everything from fresh produce to spices, clothing and more (similar in that to Mahane Yehuda in Jerusalem). However, the hustle and bustle of this mostly single lane market is unique. In recent years, it has also become one of the trendy locations for bars, restaurants, and food stalls run by top chefs.
Bograshov Beach
Just as most Israelis do on Fridays and Saturdays (and pretty much any other day especially during the summer) spend the afternoon at the beach! Be sure to stay until after the magnificent sunset. Beautiful soft sand; warm turquoise Mediterranean waters. Need we say more?
Day 14:
Old Jaffa & Port
Though on Saturday much of Tel Aviv, really Israel in general, closes down, much of Jaffa is open. Exploring the ancient port city of Old Jaffa is a great way to spend the day. The narrow cobblestone walking paths that wind in between the historic sites and sandstone buildings are just a site to be seen. Be sure to make your way to the following stops:
- The Clock Tower
- Jaffa Port
- The Wishing Bridge
- HaPisga Garden
- The Artists Quarter
Shuk Hapishpishim
The “flea market” is filled with shops and restaurants and is a hip place to walk around, do a bit of shopping, and enjoy a delicious meal before getting ready to make your departure.
