Highlights of Israel & Palestine

Day 1: Arrive Tel Aviv and transfer to hotel

You will be met on arrival at Ben Gurion airport, Tel Aviv and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure until a welcome buffet dinner in the hotel. 

Two nights at Ruth Daniel Residence

Meals included: Dinner

Day 2: Explore Tel Aviv and the old city of Jaffa and evening dinner cruise.  

After breakfast, meet your guide for a full day exploring Tel Aviv - Israel’s second largest city and one of the most vibrant cities in the world. This fascinating, modern city is home to UNESCO recognised architecture and sandy beaches, mouthwatering food and a thriving cultural scene. 

Start the day, in true local style, with a coffee and fresh fruit juice at one of the many cafes in the city centre. Then head to Dizengoff Square which is well-known for the colourful 'Fire and Water' fountain that sits in the centre of the square. This area of the city is home to the iconic Bauhaus architecture which has given Tel Aviv the nickname, the White City.

For an insight into the everyday life of local Israelis your tour continues through the flea market and the cosmopolitan, bohemian King George Street where the Middle Eastern market atmosphere combines with western trends. Right next to King George Street you can enjoy a breather in the beautiful Meir Park. 

Now it’s time to experience the historical vibe of the city with a stroll around Jaffa - the ancient port out of which Tel Aviv has now grown. As you wander around Jaffa’s winding narrow alleyways that are crowded with art galleries, ancient buildings, mosques and churches your guide will explain about the rich history of this area. End your tour with a sunset view from Jaffa Port, the oldest port in Israel. 

Return to your hotel where there will be time to freshen up before a BBQ dinner while cruising in the Mediterranean.

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 3: Drive to Jerusalem. Jerusalem city tour

After breakfast check out of your hotel and depart for the miraculous city of Jerusalem. Jerusalem is a unique city with strong traditions and deep religious roots, however you may be surprised to also notice a modern side to the city.

On arrival, begin a walking tour. A morning in the alleys of Jerusalem isn’t complete without tasting the famous traditional plate of hummus and falafel. While walking in the narrow paths of the old city you will pass folkloric shops that are packed with goods that reflect the country’s heritage.

Proceed through the four distinct quarters of the Old City: Muslim, Christian, Jewish and Armenian. Visit two of the city’s most famous monuments - the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Dome of the Rock - and marvel at the historical, architectural and religious aspects of these holy sites.

Before heading back to your hotel you will have the chance to sip on an Arabian cup of coffee. 

Two nights at Holyland Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 4: Shvil Hamaayanot hike with picnic lunch. Mahane Yehuda market visit and tour of Bethlehem.

After breakfast, put on your walking shoes in preparation for a beautiful hike in Shvil Hamaayanot - a popular hiking trail close to Jerusalem. Shvil Hamaayanot (The Springs Trail) gets its name from the many springs along its way and there will be the opportunity for a refreshing dip in some if you wish. Stunning views of the Judean mountains can be enjoyed throughout the walk as the trail proceeds through pine, oak, carob and olive trees. A break will be made for a picnic lunch at a shaded picnic spot close to Yad Kennedy, a memorial dedicated to former US president John F Kennedy, before heading back. 

In the afternoon, visit Mahane Yehuda market. Also known as The Shuk, this is the largest market in Jerusalem with over 250 vendors selling everything from fruit and vegetables, and specialty foods, to clothing and Judaica. There will be the opportunity to sample some delicious street food while shopping for souvenirs to bring back home. 

Later you will head to the beautiful, historical city of Bethlehem, and visit the iconic Church of the Nativity. Whether you're a religious person or not you can't help but feel an immense sense of peace and spirituality at the church. The church is of course famous for its religious importance but it is also appreciated for its architecture. Before leaving Bethlehem you will have a chance to walk around the Arabic market in the old alleys surrounding the church.

Meals included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Drive to Hebron. Historical Hebron tour. Drive to Jericho. Jericho visit and Mt Temptation Cable Car.

After breakfast check out of the hotel and depart Jerusalem, heading south to Hebron, the largest city in the West Bank and the oldest city in Palestine. On arrival enjoy a guided tour. The tour begins with a visit to one of the most famous sites in the city - the Tomb of the Patriarchs. This holy site is the burial place of three biblical couples: Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, and Jacob and Leah. The tour continues with visits to Tel Rumeida, an archaeological site believed to be the first ever inhabited site in the world, and the Monastery of the Holy Trinity, in front of which stands the ancient Oak of Ibrahim.

Hebron is famous for its beautiful pottery, so today you will visit one of the oldest pottery shops in the city which is owned by Mr. Wahid the potter, who inherited it from his father and grandfather. You will learn about the process of making fine pottery and get the chance to make a piece for yourself.

Hebron is called Al-Khalil in Arabic, which means ‘close loving friend’, and as you walk through the old city and its market you will feel welcomed by the locals as a friend. 

After some free time roaming the market, drive to the iconic city of Jericho. Located in the West Bank, Jericho is believed to be the oldest city in the world. Take a cable car ride to the top of the Mount of Temptation, believed to be the mountain where Jesus was tempted by the devil for 40 days and 40 nights. At the top of the mountain stop for a drink and enjoy spectacular views of the green landscapes beneath you. Then drive to your hotel in Jericho in time for dinner. 

Two nights at Jericho Resort Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner 

Day 6: Explore Ramallah.

Today you will visit the famous city of Ramallah: a Palestinian city that is rich in culture and heritage. Upon arrival, begin walking through the vibrant streets to reach Al-Manara Square, one of the city’s most famous and iconic landmarks. Over the course of the modern history of Ramallah, Al-Manara Square was a symbol and the main place for national, religious and social gatherings. In the year 2000, after the establishment of the Palestinian National Authority, a new monument was built. The new monument features a stone pillar topped with a lamp. Around the pillar are stone sculptures of four lions representing bravery, pride, and power. Spend some free time exploring independently, shopping and sampling Arabic snacks before lunch at one of the local restaurants.

After lunch, drive to Dar Zahran Heritage Building, an attractive, historic building with a unique history. Built 250 years ago and once a family home, Dar Zahran offers a fascinating insight into family life in 19th-century Ramallah. The building houses photographs dating from as far back as 1850 and exhibitions of contemporary Palestinian art.

Final stop of the day is the Mahmoud Darwish museum, which has been established to celebrate the life of the late Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish. The museum is surrounded by a beautiful garden and offers views over Ramallah city.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.  

Day 7: Return to Tel Aviv for flights back to the UK.

Transfer to Tel Aviv in time for your departure flight. 

Meals included: Breakfast

Tel Aviv: Ruth Daniel Residence

Jerusalem: Holyland Hotel

Jericho: Jericho Resort Hotel

We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at:

http://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets/

Provisional Flight Information

07/10/2023 London Luton to Tel Aviv Dep: 0720 Arr: 1415

13/10/2023 Tel Aviv to London Luton Dep: 1515 Arr: 1840

07/10/2023 Manchester to Tel Aviv Dep: 0615 Arr: 1625

13/10/2023 Tel Aviv to Manchester Dep: 1710 Arr: 2300

NB - Manchester flight is indirect

Passport validity

For UK passport holders your passport must be:

• Issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
• valid for at least 6 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

You must check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.

Travel Insurance

Please ensure that you have adequate personal travel insurance to suit your requirements in place before you travel. Spice Escapes have arranged a scheme with Staysure who are fully authorised and regulated by the FCA (firm reference number 663617) full details of which can be found on the FCA website www.fca.org.uk. For an instant online quotation please click here.

Passport and visas

You don’t need a visa to enter Israel as a tourist. On entry, visitors are granted permission to stay for a period of up to 3 months.

No proof of vaccination is required to enter Israel.

All travellers must have a health insurance policy with coverage for the treatment of COVID-19. The insurance policy is mandatory to enter Israel.

You are required to fill out an entry statement form within 48 hours before your flight to Israel.

For full entry requirements regarding visiting Israel please see

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/israel/entry-requirements