Tales of Israel

Prepare to discover tales both ancient and modern on this insightful journey through Israel. Float like a cork in the Dead Sea, cast your eyes over Jerusalem’s holy sites, clink glasses on an included brewery tour and flex your culinary skills at an optional hummus class. And did we mention Tel Aviv’s nightlife? It’s calling your name…

Itinerary

Day 1: Tel Aviv, Israel
Ready to discover Israel’s inside story? Kick off your own Israel tale and say shalom to Tel Aviv. This cosmopolitan city is a sparkling mix of restaurants, bars, skyscrapers and beaches – not to mention a party atmosphere that refuses to be ignored. Drop your bags and get excited for this evening’s welcome meeting, where you’ll meet your new Topdecker BFFs. This is going to be one for the books.

Day 2: Tel Aviv
Rise and shine! This morning, it’s up and at ‘em as you take to two wheels on a bike tour of the city. Later, soak up the hipster vibes in the Florentin neighbourhood as you check out some incredible street art, and swing by one of the city’s most ancient (and most enchanting) areas, Old Jaffa, on a walking tour. Expect winding alleys, fountains and archways for days. Feeling peckish? You could always hop on an optional market tasting tour and scope out the city’s ridonculous hummus game (it’s legit).

Day 3: Tel Aviv to Jerusalem via Bethleham and Ramallah, Palestine
Jerusalem, here we come! But not before we make a few unmissable pit stops along the way. First up, we’ll make like the Magi and set a course for the little town of Bethlehem. Jesus’ birthplace packs a whole bunch of holy sites, churches and bazaars. Then, it’s onwards to a local refugee camp to get an insight of into the life of the Palestinian people who call the area home. One more stop at Ramallah (‘God’s Hills’ in Arabic), then it’s off to a Palestinian brewery we go for a drop of the good stuff.

Day 4: Jerusalem
First up, a free morning to do Jerusalem your way. Want to see beyond those city walls? An optional Judean desert tour will take things well off the beaten track. Then, it’s cameras at the ready as we hit the streets on a history-laden walking tour of this spiritual powerhouse. From the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to the Western Wall, the city teems with pilgrims who’ve come to worship at Jerusalem’s holiest sites. This afternoon, foodies can go gourmet with an optional market tour or hummus making class. Chickpeas for the win.

Day 5: Jerusalem to Nazareth via Dead Sea and Sea of Galilee
At 427 m below sea level, the Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth and roughly 8.6 times saltier than the ocean. True story. Today you’ll get to tick off another #lifegoal as you float around in it. Then, it’s on to a local kibbutz to get the lay of the land and a real sense of community. Later, we’ll make tracks to the tranquility of the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus is said to have walked on water. This evening’s accommodation? A 200 year-old Arab mansion, of course. That’s just how we roll.

Day 6: Nazareth to Tel Aviv via Acre and Haifa
Get your daily fact fix and then some on included tours of Nazareth, Acre and Haifa today. As you make your way around, tick off fascinating historical sites such as Templar and Crusader ruins, and keep your eye out for the postcard-perfect Bahá’í Gardens. Later on, there’s a winery visit on the cards, so get your raised pinkies at the ready and prepare for all the pretentious chat you can handle.

Day 7: Tel Aviv
Back in the buzzing metropolis of Tel Aviv, you won’t be short of things to do. Whether you choose to pull up a sun lounger, hunt down some local delicacies or simply meander the streets on a Snapchat spree, today is yours to do as you please. If you’re an aspiring surf god(dess), you can even take to the water on an optional surf lesson. Hear that Tel Aviv nightlife calling? We wouldn’t be surprised. Tel Aviv is ranked as one of the top ten party cities in the world. Round off your final evening with your trip mates in style with an optional nightlife tour. Cue allll of the emotional hugs.

Day 8: Tel Aviv
Today marks the final chapter of your journey – we’re off after breakfast. Israel, it’s been one heck of a trip. Too soon to start planning the next adventure?

What is Included

Bike tour of Tel Aviv
Entrance fees to all sights in the itinerary
Guided visit of Palestine including an insight into life in a refugee camp
Visit a Palestinian brewery
Guided tours of Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Tel Aviv & Ramallah
Visit the Dead Sea & Sea of Galilee
Visit a local kibbutz
Tours of Nazareth, Acre & Haifa
7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinner
6 nights in private hostel accommodation (twin or double share), 1 night in an Arab mansion
Arrival transfer from the airport to the hostel
Transport in an air-conditioned minibus
Awesome English-speaking Trip Leader + Local Guides