Itinerary Overview

Days 1–3: Jerusalem → Day 4: Dead Sea & Masada → Day 5: Galilee & Nazareth → Day 6: Haifa & Acre → Day 7: Depart from Tel Aviv. The journey connects via trains, intercity buses, and car rentals, with a high-speed rail link between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

Day 1: Arrival in Jerusalem

Take a direct train from Ben Gurion Airport to Jerusalem (around 30 minutes). After check-in, explore the area around Jaffa Gate and Mamilla Street on foot. In the evening, experience the nightlife and market atmosphere on Ben Yehuda Street in the city center.

Day 2: Old City of Jerusalem

• Start early with a climb up the Mount of Olives for a panoramic view of the Old City, then descend through the Garden of Gethsemane.
• Enter the Old City and follow the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Have lunch at the Muslim Quarter market.
• In the afternoon, visit the Western Wall and soak in the pre-Shabbat prayer atmosphere (particularly lively on Friday evenings).

Day 3: Attractions Near Jerusalem

Visit the Israel Museum in the morning to see the Dead Sea Scrolls and the model of Second Temple-period Jerusalem. Head to Mount Zion and the City of David ruins in the afternoon, or opt for the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Museum. Spend the day exploring the city’s religious and historical legacy.

Day 4: Dead Sea & Masada

Drive to Masada Fortress early in the morning. Take the cable car to the top for sunrise views and the ancient fortress ruins. Spend the afternoon floating in the Dead Sea and applying mineral-rich mud (avoid open wounds and limit soaking time). Overnight near the Dead Sea or return to Jerusalem.

Day 5: Galilee & Nazareth

Head north to the Galilee region. Visit the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth, the Church of the Beatitudes and Capernaum by the Sea of Galilee, and explore the mystical Jewish town of Safed in the evening. Stay overnight in Tiberias or Safed.

Day 6: Haifa & Acre

Visit the Bahá'í Gardens in Haifa in the morning (free guided tours available by reservation) for views over the Mediterranean. Head to the ancient city of Acre in the afternoon to explore the Crusader tunnels and the old port. Return to Tel Aviv along the coast in the evening.

Day 7: Departure from Tel Aviv

Explore the White City and Bauhaus architectural district in the morning. Shop for souvenirs at Carmel Market in the afternoon. Head to the airport in the evening for departure. If your flight is late, consider visiting the ancient port of Jaffa or taking a stroll along the beach.

Tips

• Public transport largely shuts down on Shabbat. Avoid cross-city travel between Friday afternoon and Saturday evening.
• For Masada and the Dead Sea, renting a car or joining a day tour is recommended due to limited public transport options.
• The northern leg of the trip is suitable for self-driving, with good road conditions. However, most signs are in Hebrew, so familiarize yourself with the route in advance.