13-Day Jewish Heritage Private Tour to Israel

The Ultimate Israel Tour

This is Israel’s most extensive tour package we offer, with an in-depth review of its Jewish history and Heritage. Our 13-day Jewish heritage tour of Israel covers many sites and activities, unfolding Israel’s history and culture in an exciting and engaging way. From the Golan Heights to the Red Sea, Tel-Aviv to the Ramon Crater. Our handcrafted tour proposal combines outdoor activities, enchanting landscapes, cultural experiences, and culinary delights, among other attractions.

Day 4 – Jewish Spirituality in Safed

Travel to Safed, the mystical city of Kabbalah, now also known for its Jewish artists’ colony. Stroll along its main street, discover the art galleries, and visit the Ha’ari Hakadosh Synagogue and where Rabbi Yosef Karo compiled the “Shulchan Aruch.” Nearby, at Meiron, lies the tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai (the Rashbi), Israel’s most visited rabbinical tomb. Continue along Israel’s northern border and explore the ancient synagogue of Bar’am, one of the best preserved from antiquity.

Overnight: Tiberias

Day 5 – Explore the Golan Heights

Ascend the Golan Heights and reach the summit of Mount Bental, where panoramic views stretch across Israel and into Syria. Explore an abandoned IDF bunker and then visit the Valley of Tears, the heroic 1973 Yom Kippur War battle site. For a change of pace, ride ATVs along the Syrian border to experience the Golan’s unique landscape and geopolitical setting. Enjoy Druze hospitality and lunch in a village before continuing to Gamla. This dramatic site was known for the Jewish revolt against Rome 2,000 years ago, and now is within a nature reserve that also shelters nesting eagles.

Overnight: Tiberias

Day 6 – Greet Jerusalem

Start the day with an optional boat ride across the Sea of Galilee to Kibbutz Ginosar. Nearby, visit Magdala, where a first-century synagogue was uncovered with its mysterious decorated stone, and combine this with a stop at Capernaum. In Tiberias, pay respects at the tomb of Maimonides and see other rabbinical sites, along with archaeological remains possibly linked to the Sanhedrin. Heading south, pass the Kinneret Farm and Cemetery to learn about the first Jewish pioneers who founded the earliest kibbutz. After a barbecue lunch in Beit She’an, explore its rich Roman ruins from Late antiquity. Arrive in Jerusalem by sunset and recite the “Shehecheyanu” blessing overlooking the city from the Mount of Olives.

Overnight: Jerusalem

Day 7 – Unfolding Biblical Jerusalem

Begin at the City of David, the oldest part of Jerusalem, with a 3D introduction before exploring its ancient water systems. Walk through Hezekiah’s Tunnel to the Pool of Siloam, then ascend via the Herodian drainage channel to the Southern Wall Archaeological Park. Continue into the Davidson Center for an engaging presentation and a break for lunch in the Jewish Quarter. Spend the afternoon exploring sites such as the Burnt House or the Hurvah Synagogue, while also enjoying Judaica shopping in the Cardo.

Overnight: Jerusalem

Day 8 – The Temple Mount and the Western Wall

Ascend the Temple Mount to see its Islamic monuments and assess archaeological elements that may connect to the Second Temple. Then join a guided tour of the Western Wall Tunnels, where the foundations of the Temple are revealed. Return to the Western Wall itself, with the option of joining the virtual Second Temple tour (“Look into the Past“). In the afternoon, drive to Gush Etzion for an anti-terror training session, practicing Krav Maga and live shooting exercises. Continue to Herodium, where Herod built his palace and fortress and where the Bar-Kokhba rebels later took refuge.

Overnight: Jerusalem

Day 9 – Masada and the Dead Sea

Travel towards the Dead Sea, pausing for photos and a short camel ride at the Sea Level marker. Ascend Masada to explore its dramatic history of rebellion and tragedy, while also admiring its impressive remains. For lunch, enjoy kibbutz hospitality at Ein Gedi and stroll through its lush botanical gardens, or head to a Dead Sea hotel for lunch and a float in the mineral-rich waters. On the return journey, stop at Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, and if time allows, visit the Tekhelet Factory to learn how biblical fringes were dyed.

Overnight: Jerusalem

Day 10 – Track Goliath and Samson in the Shephela

Drive to the rolling countryside of the Shephelah. At Tel Azekah, consider the historical reality of David’s battle with Goliath. Continue to Tel Lachish, where the Assyrian king Sennacherib crushed the Judean stronghold in 701 BCE. Journey along the 1948 Burma Road, the lifeline to besieged Jerusalem during the War of Independence, and, if time permits, explore the 1948 Ayalon Bullet Factory, a secret munitions plant hidden beneath a kibbutz setting.

Overnight: Tel Aviv

Day 11 –  Adventures in the Ramon Crater

Head south to the Negev Desert and the Ramon Crater, a geological marvel. Stop at the Mitzpe Ramon Visitor Center, where you’ll learn about the crater’s formation and the story of astronaut Ilan Ramon. Venture into the crater on a short hike to Ein Saharonim or the “Carpentry,” or take a jeep tour through its colorful sands, cliffs, and hidden springs. After dark, enjoy a stargazing session under some of Israel’s clearest skies.

Overnight: Mitzpe Ramon

Day 12 – Gaza Envelope Tour

Travel northwest to the Gaza Envelope, beginning with a visit of Kibbutz Be’eri, where October 7th left deep scars, seen from a respectful lookout. Continue to the Nova Music Festival site, now a powerful memorial to those murdered in the attack. Afterward, stop for lunch at the Shuva Brothers, a volunteer-led center supporting IDF soldiers, before visiting the moving Burnt Cars Display, a stark reminder of the atrocities. Conclude in Sderot, where you will see the memorial to the police station battle of October 7th, explore its reinforced playgrounds, and end with a lookout over the Gaza Strip.

Overnight: Tel Aviv

Day 13 – Fun in Tel-Aviv

Spend your final day discovering modern Israel’s energy. Begin at Independence Hall on Rothschild Boulevard, where the State of Israel was declared, and continue along the boulevard to trace the city’s founding story. Explore Jaffa, with its historic port, winding alleys, and vibrant art galleries, then pause for lunch in the Flea Market. Visit the site of Yitzhak Rabin’s assassination and reflect on its impact on Israel’s peace process. Time permitting, conclude with a choice of the Palmach Museum, the ANU Museum, or even an exhilarating IAF fighter jet simulator at “The Squadron”.

Overnight: Tel Aviv