israel travel itineraries

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Israel itinerary 7-14 days

If you’re starting to plan your Israel itinerary, then you’re in the right place!

In this post you will find a basic Israel itinerary with some extra links to more detailed itineraries, Christian sites, Jewish sites and tips for travel with or without a car (or, following my personal recommendation, partly with, partly without a car).

The itinerary I present here enables you to gain a good understanding of what Israel has to offer in one very full (perhaps even too full) itinerary.

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Israel Itinerary Day 1 – Jerusalem: The Old City & Mount of Olives

If I had up to 72 hours to spend in Israel, I would stay in  Jerusalem . Although the distances between places in Israel are small, moving from one hotel to the other always takes up considerable time and is more of a hassle than one expects. It’s always better to be relaxed than to rush things, and this is even more true while on vacation.

I would start my first day at the top of the Mount of Olives. From here you have the best morning view of the Old City. The main sites are the Chapel of the Ascension at the top of the Mount of Olives and the Garden of Gethsemane at the bottom. From here it is a 10-minute walk to the Old City. The most important places to see are the Via Dolorosa, Temple Mount, the  Western Wall  and the  Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Unlike the Mount of Olives, the Old City is close to the New City, where you will probably sleep, so you can visit the Old City multiple times.

Additional Christian heritage sites:  Where to start? The Old City of Jerusalem is the square kilometer with the most Christian institutions in the world: Christ Church, Ecco Homo, St. James Cathedral and many more.

Additional Jewish heritage sites:  Burnt House, Hurva Synagogue, Western Wall tunnels, Sephardic Synagogues, Zedekiah’s Cave.

You can read about the most important sites on the Mount of Olives and in the Old City in my Jerusalem booklet.   The booklets  are only sold outside Israel, so order now and come prepared! Or download as a PDF or EPUB (e-book).

Israel Itinerary Day 2 – Jerusalem: The New City

Around the Old City there are some very important sites that can also be visited on the first day, depending where your interest lies. The City of David – the ancient city of Jerusalem (yes, the ancient city is outside of the Old City) and Mount Zion, where you will find the Room of the Last Supper, the Tomb of King David and the Church of the Dormition.

North of Damascus Gate is the Garden Tomb. Some Protestant denominations see this site, rather than the  Church of the Holy Sepulchre , as the site of Jesus’ burial and resurrection. Although most archeologists consider this to be a burial site that dates back to before the time of Jesus, it is nonetheless a quiet spot suitable for prayer and reflection.

The Orthodox neighborhood of Mea Shearim is an interesting area to walk around. Here you can observe how Jews lived in Eastern Europe and how some of their traditions have been maintained. The Mahane Yehuda Market (often referred to as “The Shuk”) is a good place to grab something to eat.

If you plan on visiting just one museum in Israel, make sure it is the Israel Museum. It is by far the most important museum in Israel and, unlike other well-known museums around the world, the archeological artifacts on display here originate only from the Land of Israel, so the exhibits are connected to all the other sites that you will visit on your trip.

The Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum and Memorial is a key site for those who want to learn about the Holocaust and how Israeli society has dealt with and continues to deal with the loss of one third of the Jewish people.

Sits for families:   Biblical Zoo ,  Science Museum Events in Jerusalem:    Event Calendar

Best Accommodation Options  – Cheap:  Post Hostel  Luxury:  King David Related links:   Best Accommodation ,  72 Hours in Jerusalem

If you have time, stay another day in Jerusalem.

Israel Itinerary Day 3 – Tel Aviv

The beach will probably be your first stop once you’ve settled into your hotel. In Tel Aviv you are never too far away from the beach and, although there is a lot of history, Tel Aviv is not Jerusalem and there are no real ‘must-see’ sites.

Most of the tours in Tel Aviv start at Old Jaffa (which is today a part of Tel Aviv). Jaffa was an ancient port city with a long history. The sites here are close to one another – the Visitors Center, St. Peter’s Church, the galleries in the alleyways, and the flea market.

From here it is a short walk to Neve Tzedek and Rothschild Boulevard, where you have the Independence Hall. Carmel Market is also not too far away.

Additional Jewish heritage sites:  The Museum of the Jewish People.

Recommended Museums:  The Rabin Center (the only museum in Israel that deals with the timeline charting the history of the State of Israel), Tel Aviv Art Museum.

Related links:  48 Hours in Tel Aviv ,  Best Hotels & Hostels in Tel Aviv

If you have time, stay another day in Tel Aviv.

Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and the Judaean Desert are in the center of Israel. From here, you can head north to the Galilee or south to the Negev Desert. During the summer, I would suggest spending more time in the north, and in the winter, more time in the south. If you have limited time, travel from Jerusalem to the Judaean Desert – Masada and the Dead Sea (see Day 9).

Israel Itinerary Day 4 – The Northern Coast

The northern coast has sites that are mainly connected to overseas empires: the Romans in Caesarea, the British in Haifa and the Crusaders in Akko.

If you have a car, consider stopping off at Caesarea National Park, where you will find the ruins of the port city that King Herod built. Without a car it is too much of a hassle to get there. As you continue north you can stop for a swim in the sea at HaBonim Beach. On weekends it gets full but on weekdays (in Israel that means Sunday to Thursday) it is beautiful. You can take your time here and sleep in Dor or  Zichron Ya’acov .

If you are traveling without a car, take the train to  Haifa . The main sites are the German Colony and the Baha’i Gardens. In downtown Haifa you will also find some great places to eat. Haifa is a half-day destination for first timers. You can either spend the night there or continue to Akko. Akko, unlike Haifa, is a small city, but it has everything you need.

Akko has the most impressive ruins from the time of the Crusaders, which is one of the most interesting periods in the long history of the Land of Israel.

Israel Itinerary Days 5 & 6 – The Galilee and the Sea of Galilee (Kinneret)

Another good option is to take the train from Tel Aviv strait to Akko, sleep there for a night or two and then go back to Haifa, since from Haifa there are many more bus lines to places in the Galilee, such as  Nazareth , Tiberias, Tzfat, Kiryat Shmona and the Golan Heights.

Nazareth is where Christianity began, and it is also the largest Arabic city in Israel. I would advise against traveling there by car, as the traffic is terrible. Tiberias is on the shore of the Sea of Galilee (or Kinneret, as we say in Hebrew) but despite its potential, it isn’t a particularly nice city.

The good thing about Tiberias (and Kiryat Shmona) is that from there you can rent a car from any of the well-known car rental companies and bring the car back to the airport. The Golan Heights, Judaean Desert and Negev Desert are much more accessible with a car and there is very little traffic.

Check out my new post about  special accommodation in the Galilee

You can check out prices of car rentals in  Tiberias here

Additional Christian heritage sites:  Around the Sea of Galilee you’ll discover many sites connected to the ministry of Jesus: Tabgha, Capernaum, and the Mount of Beatitudes, where the Sermon on the Mount was delivered.

Additional Jewish heritage sites:  Safed has been the “City of Kabbalah” – Jewish mysticism – since the 16th century.

Additional Zionist heritage sites:  Some of the first Zionist settlements are in the Galilee – Kinneret (village), Rosh Pina, Degania and Tel Hai.

Hikes:  Explore the Mount Meron and Amud Wadi National Parks. And if you are looking for a challenge, there is a three-to-four day walking route from Nazareth to the Sea of Galilee called the Jesus Trail. For a  Road trip around the Sea of Galilee check out this site .

Archeological sites:  Megiddo and Zippori (Sepphoris).

Israel Itinerary Days 7 & 8 – The Golan Heights

If you like nature and open spaces, then stay at least two days in the Golan Heights.

In the northern part of the Galilee/Golan are the Banias and Dan National Parks, which are full of water year round, making them perfect for hot summer days.

In the middle of the Golan Heights is Katzrin, the main city, which is also accessible by bus. Close to Katzrin is Yehudia Nature Reserve, which offers further beautiful walking trails.

Several outdoor activities:  Wineries, fruit picking, jeep tours and more.

Israel Itinerary Day 9 – The Judaean Desert

From the Golan Heights, drive down Road 90 (through the West Bank) to the Judaean Desert. Masada and the Dead Sea are sights not to be missed. Other interesting sites are Qaser El Yahud, Ein Gedi National Park, and Qumran, the site that was inhabited by a small but very interesting sect 2,000 years ago, and where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found.

Related links:  48 Hours in the Judean Deset ,  Best accommodation in Masada & Dead Sea

In my  Judaean Desert booklet  I have added a trek that goes around Masada (for experienced hikers only) and affords an amazing view of Masada that only a few people get to see.   The booklets  are only sold outside Israel, so order now and come prepared! Or download as a PDF or EPUB (e-book).

Israel Itinerary Days 10 & 11 – Negev & Eilat

The Negev Desert takes up half of Israel. The biggest city is Beer Sheva, in the northern part of the desert, but you can definitely skip it.

If you’re coming from the Judaean Desert (Road 90), you will reach the Arava, a part of the Negev that runs from the Dead Sea to Eilat. On the way to Eilat are some interesting villages and kibbutzim like Tzukim, Ketura and Lotan. The best-known nature park is Timna but, especially if you come in winter, just take your time and enjoy the desert.

I wouldn’t visit Eilat on Jewish holidays or during the summer vacation (July and August), as Eilat gets expensive and full of tourists, but during the winter it’s great. Eilat is a good place to snorkel and enjoy other water activities. It can also act as a base from which to head to Petra in Jordan or Sinai in Egypt for a day or two. In Eilat, you can lie on the beach in January and enjoy the warm sun.

Check out my new post about  special accommodation in the Negev

Israel Itinerary Day 12 & 13 – Mitzpe Ramon and Sede Boker

On the way back to the center you can stop off at Mitzpe Ramon. The town lies next to the Ramon Crater. If you’re only coming to Israel for a short period of time and want to get a taste of the desert, you can skip the Arava and stay at Mizpe Ramon. It’s a small town but perfect for travelers, with or without a car. Hiking, cycling, jeep tours and hotels and hostels of all kinds. Half an hour north is the area of Sde Boker, where there is also plenty to see and do.

In some touristy places, like the Mount of Olives or the Dead Sea, you can pay to have your photo taken on a camel, but if you want to experience the real deal, you can take a few days out of your itinerary to go on a real Bedouin camel ride from Mitzpe Ramon.

Israel Itinerary Day 14 – Back to Ben Gurion Airport

If your flight is in the morning, it’s better to return the car in Tel Aviv, sleep there and take the train to the airport. But if your flight is in the afternoon, you can drive straight from Sde Boker – Mitzpe Ramon to the airport. It is about a two-hour drive.

This is a basic itinerary. If you have specific interests you might also want to check out the different itineraries laid out on the official  Ministry of Tourism website .

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The perfect israel itinerary – guide & interactive israel map.

If you’re visiting for only a few days, this Israel itinerary will allow you to see as much as possible in the time you have.

What to do in israel in 5 days – israel itinerary for travelers in a hurry.

From the lowest point on Earth in the middle of a vast desert to the lush peaks of the Carmel Mountains, from one of the most ancient cities in the world to a glittering seaside cosmopolitan hub… Israel takes it all and crams it into a tiny strip of land. I’ll tell you all of the best things to do in Israel during your time in this incredible country.

You can’t drive more than four hours in any direction from the airport without leaving the country, yet Israel offers enough to keep visitors’ itineraries jam-packed – whether you’re staying for five days or five weeks.

This five day Israel itinerary is enough to whet your appetite and leave you wanting more. To get a deeper sense of the country and explore more, I encourage you to consider a 10 day trip to Israel – this itinerary has all the details you need to plan your entire trip, and you can even use it as the foundation for a shorter trip by just picking the days you’re most excited about.

Israel Itinerary Map

Day 1: Exploring Tel Aviv – An Israel Must See

Shalom, and welcome to Israel! You’ll start your short visit to Israel in the bustling modern city of Tel Aviv, perched on miles of a gorgeous Mediterranean coastline. It’s a must on your any Israel Itinerary. Tel Aviv is a fascinatingly diverse city of neighborhoods and today you’ll get to explore a few of them.

If you want to know what to do in Israel to relax, Tel Aviv is a great choice. Start off recovering from your flight with a relaxing stroll south along the beachside promenade, the tayelet . You’ll take it all the way to Old Jaffa, which has origins as a port city dating back to the days of Jonah in the Bible!

Start off by wandering up to the lovely Gan HaPisga, one of the most incredible places to see in Tel Aviv, where you’ll enjoy the lovely flowers and great coastal views. Next spend some time exploring the narrow, winding alleys filled with art galleries and studios. You’ll finally make your way down to the port itself, which has recently been revitalized into industrial-style galleries and is one of Tel Aviv’s new hot spots.

For lunch in Jaffa you have two excellent options:

The Old Man and the Sea : If you want a hearty traditional dining experience, head to The Old Man and the Sea. Your meal will start with a course of salatim , small dishes of various types of salad that are typical of Israeli cuisine. Thanks to its location in the Jaffa Port, The Old Man and the Sea is known for excellent, fresh fish entrees – you can’t go wrong with those!

Abu Hassan: If you’re looking for a meal on a budget or you want a different kind of traditional experience, head to nearby Abu Hassan. There’s very little disagreement: Abu Hassan serves up the best hummus in Israel . My personal recommendation is to order the masabacha , a mix of hummus, tehina and whole chickpeas. It’s served warm with a basket of fluffy pita. You may not think of a bowl of hummus as an entire meal, but that’s how it’s treated by Tel Avivians in the know.

The afternoon is a great opportunity to head back north and see some of Tel Aviv’s oldest – and most unique – neighborhoods. To see some fantastic spots with the context of expert explanation, grab this self-guided audio tour . It covers the Levinsky Market – one of the most authentic markets you’ll see when you visit Israel – and the diverse Florentine, where you’ll see fantastic Tel Aviv street art. The fee you pay for the tour includes samples at some of the market’s best shops, so you’ll have plenty of delicious sustenance for your exploration!

Walk just a few more blocks to the lovely, refined neighborhood of Neve Tzedek. This was the first Jewish neighborhood outside of Jaffa, and now it’s home to cafes, art galleries, book stores and more.

When it’s time for sunset, be sure to head back to the coast and find a lovely perch to enjoy it. Mediterranean sunsets can’t be beaten!

For dinner, you’ll head back toward Jaffa but this time to the Flea Market district. At night it comes alive as a vibrant scene for restaurants and bars. Your destination is Onza, one of the city’s best restaurants. It offers a contemporary twist on traditional Turkish cuisine and is one of my personal favorites.

Highlights in Tel Aviv:

• Tayelet- Beach Promenade
• Gan HaPisga
• The Old Man and the Sea
• Levinsky Market
• Neve Tzedek
• Flea Market district

Day 2: Day trip in Coastal Israel

One of the prettiest areas of Israel is its lush northern coastline. The coast is one of the best places to visit in Israel. Today on your Israel itinerary you’ll spend the entire day exploring it! There are two ways you can manage the logistics, each with pros and cons. If you want the flexibility to move at your own pace or you’re traveling with a family, it might be worth renting a car (in downtown Tel Aviv, not at the airport). If you’re visiting solo or you’d rather have everything planned for you, you can hop on a guided day trip to take you up and down the coast.

Regardless of how you opt to handle the logistics, you’ll see beautiful, interesting places. On a longer itinerary, you’d probably want to spend the night in the north to see everything, but with just one day you may need to prioritize just a few of these spots to visit. Here are some of the best places to visit in Israel along the Carmel coast, from south to north:

Caesarea National Park

This ancient Roman settlement was established as a port for the newly-expanded empire around 25 BCE and used as such for over 1500 years. The city is still remarkably well-preserved and includes residential buildings, a commercial area, an amphitheater and a chariot racing arena. The site is very large, so plan to spend about two hours exploring. There are several on-site restaurants to grab a lovely lunch with a view.

Ba’hai Gardens

This is known as one of the most amazing things to see in Israel. The diverse coastal city of Haifa is home to the Ba’hai World Center and its famous gardens. If you have just a few minutes, stop at the top of the garden to sneak a peek from the top level (this is what the day trip options do). With more time, you can take a guided tour all the way down through the garden – just be sure to check the English time slots in advance as they’re limited. If you plan to enter the garden, be sure to wear modest clothing that covers you knees and shoulders.

The ancient city of Akko is a fascinating look at Israel’s layers of history. You can explore the old Ottoman city, the Crusader fort, underground tunnels and more. The traditional market is a fun place to wander and sample delicious traditional food.

Rosh Hanikra

We love the limestone cliffs and grottoes of Rosh Hanikra, right on the border with Lebanon. The world’s steepest cable car takes you from the top to the bottom, where you can wind through the caverns and explore the fascinating nooks and crannies. There’s also an interesting historical movie shown in one of the caves that explains the history of the railway that once ran right next to the grottoes and in to Lebanon.

For dinner nearby, try Michael Local Bistro – famous for its Israeli take on the farm-to-table movement.

At the end of the day, head back to Tel Aviv for the night. If you’ve rented a car, you can either keep it to do more self-guided exploration for days 4 and 5 or return it if you plan to use public transportation and/or guided tours for those days.

Day 3: Jerusalem’s Holy Sites and the Shuk

On day 3 of your Israel itinerary, you’ll visit the famous Holy Sites of Jerusalem. No matter your religious affiliation, visiting Jerusalem’s holy sites is one of the best things to do in Israel and an absolute must. Religion and history are all intertwined and it’s fascinating learning about both in this country, both of which are at the heart of many ancient and modern religions today.

One of the great things about traveling in Israel is just how close much of the country is. This morning you’ll leave early to go from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, which should take about an hour.

If you’ve already returned your rental car you can take either the bus or the newly-completed fast train. If you choose public transportation, you may need to take either a local bus or a taxi to your hotel to drop your bags depending on where you’re staying.

You’ll want to be done dropping your bags in time to arrive at Jaffa Gate for your 11 am tour of Jerusalem’s holy sites in the Old City. This excellent free tour lasts around 2 hours (but could go a bit longer) and visit all four quarters to give a brief introduction to the main sites of the Old City.

When your tour is done, grab lunch at Tala Hummus in the Old City (you’ll even get a discount from your tour guide). Even though it’s a restaurant frequented by tour groups, it’s quite good and hits the spot in a convenient location!

Due to the limited time available on the tour, you won’t go inside the Old City’s various holy sites. After lunch, you can opt to return to the Western Wall or the Church of the Holy Sepulchre if those are of special interest to you. If you choose to go to the Western Wall, you can even take a tour underneath to see various levels of excavation of the original Temple walls!

After you’ve had your fill of the Old City you’ll walk along the modern Jaffa Street to Jerusalem’s famous Machne Yehuda market (also called “the shuk ”). If you’re feeling tired or the heat is extreme, you can also hop aboard the light rail that runs through the middle of the street and stops right outside the market entrance.

Wander the market, take in the sights and smells, ask for samples. It’s an experience you can’t miss! Be sure to stop my favorite bakery, Marzipan, for some of their world-renowned ruggalah . It’s absolutely incredible, so make sure you buy a few extra to send my way.

After you’ve filled up at the market, you can enjoy more strolling time along Jaffa Street and its many off-shoots until it’s time for dinner. You’ll head back to the shuk , which transforms after dark into one of Jerusalem’s evening hot spots! Enjoy dinner at Machneyuda, often regarded as one of the country’s best and most creative restaurants – just be sure to make a reservation in advance (sometimes a month or more).

If you still have energy, head back to the Old City for one of the stunning “sound and light” shows put on by the Tower of David. They project images directly on to the city walls taking you on an amazing journey through history.

Day 4: Day Trip to the Dead Sea

Swimming in the Dead Sea is one of those can’t-miss once-in-a-lifetime experiences on any Israel itinerary, so we’ve gotta make it happen even with a short time in Israel! The good news is that you can be at the most beautiful part of the Dead Sea in just under two hours from Jerusalem.

The better news is that there are some absolutely fantastic places to visit along the way to make a complete day trip. You can either spend this day exploring on your own if you have a rental car or take a guided tour like this one .

I recommend eating breakfast before you leave Jerusalem and bringing a picnic lunch with you, as food options are slim (and generally not great).

Masada is one of the best outdoor attractions in Israel . Visit the mountain-top fortress where 1st-century Jews took refuge from Roman rule. If you arrive early enough in the day (in the summer, often before 8 AM) and you’re in very good shape, you can hike up the “snake path”. It takes 1-1.5 hours as you ascend 1300 feet.

The snake path is the only way to see the sunrise at Masada, which is very popular but requires you to leave from Jerusalem extremely early – potentially around 4 am in summer. Most people choose to ascend and descend via cable car, which you can do at any time of day.

Earth’s lowest point is the Dead Sea, the shrinking extremely salty sea in the middle of the desert. It’s called “Dead” because it’s so salty that nothing can survive. I recommend visiting the southern section near Ein Bokek. It doesn’t have the mud you’ll find in the northern section, but the water is prettier, the floating is better and the beach access is free.

The final stop of the day is one of the best places in Israel, Ein Gedi. This oasis in the desert provides some great easy hiking and lovely freshwater springs perfect for a swim after a hot day of exploring.

After your day in the desert, head back to Jerusalem for dinner and the evening. If it happens to be a Tuesday, this is a great time to head to The Israel Museum while it’s open later (more info on The Israel Museum for day 5 below). Otherwise head to the Jerusalem First Station ( HaTachana ), the old train station that has been converted into a wonderful public space that includes plenty of restaurants, boutiques, arcade games, fun events, and more.

Day 5: Discover Israel your way

On the final day of your Israel itinerary, choose your activities based on your own interests.

If Jewish and Israeli history is your main interest, this is a good day to split between The Israel Museum and Yad Vashem. The Israel Museum has a world-class collection that includes the Dead Sea Scrolls, thousands of years of archeological sites from the region, unique synagogue interiors from around the world and much more. There are also several restaurants on-site where you can grab a delicious lunch.

In the afternoon pay respects to victims of the Holocaust at Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center. There are numerous memorials on the site and you’ll want to take your time to go through them and also process what you’re seeing.

Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land should spend the final day visiting two important sites: Bethlehem and the Mount of Olives. A visit to Bethlehem , located in the West Bank, will take you to the Church of the Nativity, the Franciscan Grotto of Lady Mary and the Shepherd’s fields.

The walking tour will return you to Jerusalem, where you can grab a quick lunch. You’ll continue your spiritual journey in the afternoon with a guided visit to the Mount of Olives. The tour will include churches, the Mosque of Ascension, Mary’s Tomb, the Jewish cemetery, and iconic views of the Old City.

If you are interested in diving deeper into the Israeli-Arab conflict, sign up for the excellent Hebron dual-narrative tour offered by Abraham Tours. The tour includes both an Israeli guide and an Arab guide, each explaining their side’s view of the conflict as you explore the sites of Hebron that are holy to Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

Combining a Trip to Jordan and Israel

Many visitors coming to Israel choose to combine their trip and do a Jordan and Israel combination trip. Crossing from Israel to Jordan on land is fairly easy for most tourists. It might take some time, so be patient. There are three land border crossings between Jordan and Israel:

You may want to consider getting your Israel Passport Entry Stamp on a separate paper instead of on your passport. Having an Israel stamp won’t restrict your entrance to Jordan, it’s quite common, but it may impact your ability to enter other Muslim countries in the future, so it’s better safe than sorry, unless you know you won’t be visiting them.

Jordan Guide

If you decide to combine your Israel itinerary with a trip to Jordan, be sure to check out my Jordan Itinerary . It’s one of my favorite places in the middle east.

Want to Make your Trip Planning Easier?

If you want to make your trip to Israel and/or Jordan memorable, but want to skip the stress of planning, these guides are the perfect open-and-go solution. They provide day-by-day itineraries, interactive maps, tour and accommodation recommendations, and more insider tips!

I hope this Israel itinerary has given you a taste of what you’ll find in Israel! For even more details to plan your entire trip or to extend your visit longer, check out this detailed itinerary and more helpful resources like where to stay in Israel , what to pack and more !

This itinerary was written by Melissa from The Family Voyage , who is my Israel Expert!

Israel Itinerary FAQ

If you’re traveling to Israel, around seven days is usually enough, though it depends on your preference and interests. You could easily spend a week in Jerusalem alone or take a more leisurely approach and spend a couple of days in each of the main cities.

Yup, if you want a jam-packed adventure to Israel, might as well consider going on tours so you can cover more ground. With 7 days in Israel, you’ll be able to explore the country’s key cities and attractions, including Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and the Dead Sea.

Yes, depending on the itinerary you follow, it is possible to cover the main attractions within Israel in a 5-day period. However, if you want to experience as much of the country as possible, it’s best to give yourself a week or two.

It’s best to go here from April to October when the weather is mostly sunny and dry. December to March can be colder and wetter but, depending on your preference, this might still be a great time to visit as the country isn’t as crowded and you can experience Israel’s winter charm.

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One-Week Itinerary

One Week in Israel: The Ultimate Itinerary

There's no way to see everything that Israel has to offer in just one week but it’s still possible cover a lot of ground. This seven-day itinerary includes many key sights and cities in Israel, including Jerusalem’s Old City, Machane Yehuda, the Dead Sea, and Masada. 

Using Tel Aviv and Jerusalem as a base, there are many great locations that can be visited on day trips so that you don’t have to worry about constantly changing hotels. You can use a tour company, or you can do it yourself, which will likely be cheaper. Feeling overwhelmed by planning your trip to Israel? This one-week travel itinerary will make it easy.

Day One: Tel Aviv

Rudy Balasko/Getty Images

After landing at Ben Gurion International Airport, hop on the high-speed train to Tel Aviv. It's the fastest and easiest way to get to the city. Or you can take a bus or sheirut (shared taxi). Israel doesn't have Uber or Lyft, but you can use the app Gett to get a taxi, the most expensive option to get to the city.

Once you drop your bags off at your lodging, you’ll likely be pretty jet-lagged so instead of diving right into touring, spend your first day at the beach. There’s about 9 miles of sparkling Mediterranean coastline in Tel Aviv and the string of beaches are all excellent . Walk along the seaside promenade (tayelet in Hebrew) until you see a spot you like. (Hilton Beach, in front of the rainbow-colored Hilton hotel, is always a good option.) Grab a drink and lunch at one of the many beachfront cafes and bars, sunbathe, or join a beach volleyball game. You can even try your hand at windsurfing—check out The Sea Centre Club for lessons.

In the afternoon, get a feel for Tel Aviv's art scene. Walk along Ben Yehuda Street to Gordon Street, where many of the city's art galleries are located. Pop into the Givon Art Gallery , the Gordon Gallery , and Stern Gallery , ending at Dizengoff Square where you can see the famous, accordian-style fountain by Israeli artist Yaacov Agam.

For dinner, make your way to one of the city’s modern Israeli restaurants like Opa , Dok , or Mashya —make a reservation from home before you leave! If you're not too tired for a nightcap, check out one of the city's fantastic cocktail bars, like Bellboy Bar , Spicehaus , or Imperial Cocktail Bar .

Day Two: Tel Aviv

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

For breakfast, make your way to the lively Shuk HaCarmel outdoor market and get coffee and pastries at Café Yom Tov or one of Israel’s best breakfast dishes at the eponymous Shukshuka. Then stroll through the marketplace, sampling whatever catches your eye—halva, freshly squeezed pomegranate juice, nuts and dried fruit, and a rainbow of herbs and spices. Buy some sumac and za'atar spices to bring home.

Take a short walk to the area called the White City (Rothschild Boulevard and Bialik Street) to see the largest concentration of Bauhaus architecture in the world. Stroll on your own, or take a guided tour of the area ( Eager Tourist offers a good, albeit pricey, one). Stop in the Bauhaus Center to learn more. Get lunch at HaKosem , one of Tel Aviv's best falafel joints.

After lunch, if it’s a Tuesday or Friday, hit up Nachalat Binyamin , a street that closes to traffic on those days for a bi-weekly art fair, a great place for gifts and souvenirs (it closes early on Friday because of Shabbat so check the time carefully). Stop by Levinsky Market in Florentin and get one of the gorgeous fizzy drinks topped with fruit, herbs, spices, and flowers called a gazoz. You can find it at Cafe Levinsky 41, a corner storefront.

For more upscale shopping, stroll through Neve Tzedek, the city's oldest neighborhood. Check out Numero 13, Agas & Tamar, Fine Lab, and the Hatachana Compound , the old train station that's now filled with independent boutiques and cafes. Get an ice cream cone at Anita if you're hungry.

In the evening, take a bus or taxi to Jaffa, the walled Old City of Tel Aviv. Walk through the impressive stone gates, see the Ottoman-era clocktower, and meander over to the old port, which is now filled with bars and restaurants, Pick one ( The Old man and the Sea is a good option) and order the fish—it will be fresh! If you’re not too tired, get a taste of Tel Aviv’s nightlife at one of its bars or clubs.

Day Three: Day Trip to Akko and Haifa

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

Just a little over an hour away, these two cities are well worth a visit and are perfect for a day trip. You can either rent a car, take a train , an inter-city bus , or a sheirut or taxi to Akko.

Akko is an ancient walled city on the Mediterranean with lots of ancient sites to discover. Meander its narrow cobblestone streets, go through the Templar's Tunnels , haggle your way through the old market selling everything from perfumes to T-shirts, and see the panoramic views near the Church of St. John and the lighthouse. Have lunch at the famous Uri Buri fish restaurant—be sure to order the wasabi tuna and keep an eye out for Uri, a friendly man with a long, white beard. If the timing works out, take the ferry from the Old Port to Haifa (it runs at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekdays and on Saturdays at 9:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Otherwise take a bus, sheirut, or taxi if you don't have a car with you.

In Haifa, visit the impressive and beautiful Baha’i Gardens , take a cable car to the stunning Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery, go down to Elijah’s Cave, and if you have kids with you, check out the Madatech science museum.

Before heading back to Tel Aviv, have an early dinner at Abu Marun, known as the best hummuseria in Haifa since 1969—and don't forget to order the spicy French fries.

Day Four: Jerusalem

Gelia / Getty Images

This morning, go to Jerusalem either by train, bus, or sheirut. Jerusalem is a completely different city from Tel Aviv, filled with holy sites and ancient archaeological finds, so be prepared for a totally different experience than Tel Aviv.

First, head to the walled Old City and meander its narrow streets, making your way to the Western Wall , Al-Aqsa mosque, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Walk through the Arab market (don’t be afraid to bargain!), go underground in the Western Wall tunnels , and stroll through the Cardo , an ancient Roman-era shopping arcade with modern stores. If you’re up for it, walk above it all along the ramparts. Have lunch at Rooftop , on the roof of the Mamilla Hotel, just outside the city walls for a sweeping panoramic view.

In the afternoon, stroll around the flower-filled Yemin Moshe neighborhood with its historic windmill outside the Old City or visit the Israel Museum to see amazing archaeologic finds and Israeli and international art. Have dinner at the renowned Machneyuda restaurant (be sure to make a reservation well in advance) and get ready for a lively performance in terms of food and service.

Day Five: Jerusalem

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When you wake up, walk or take a taxi or bus to Cafe Kadosh , a top-quality bakery and cafe with a cozy interior. From there, walk along Jaffa St to Zion Square and stroll down pedestrian-only Ben Yehuda Street to get a taste of downtown Jerusalem life.

Next, take a bus or taxi to Yad Vashem , the national Holocaust museum and memorial. Give yourself a couple hours to see the museum and memorial; it is an intense experience as you learn more about that tragic period in history, but well worth the time spent.

Afterwards, have lunch at Anna Italian Cafe, the restaurant at the Ticho House , a historic home and museum with a gallery you can explore after your meal. If you didn’t make it to the Israel Museum yesterday, head there now, or go to Machne Yehuda, the lively open-air market.

For dinner, dine at Chakra , a Jerusalem institution, or Satya , started by a former chef at Chakra. Both focus on Mediterranean cuisine and fresh ingredients. Turn in early for the big day tomorrow.

Day Six: Day Trip to the Dead Sea and Masada

vvvita / Getty Images

Although it feels like another planet, the Dead Sea is less than two hours from Jerusalem and easy day trip combined with nearby Masada. You can take a tour or go on your own, though in that case you’ll probably need a car.

Spend the morning at the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, smearing mud on yourself and floating in the sea. Ein Bokek is the main area where there are hotels, spas, and restaurants. None are truly amazing, but Taj Mahal makes for a fun experience in a Bedouin tent—belly dancers and hookahs included.

After lunch, drive to Masada and hike up the snake path, or ride a cable car if it’s very hot. At the top, take in the scenic desert landscape and explore the excavated fortresses. Stay for an epic sunset over the desert before driving back to Jerusalem, stopping for a falafel or shawarma at a roadside stand along the way.

Day Seven: Day Trip to the Sea of Galilee

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On your last day in Israel, wake up early and take a bus, taxi or car a couple hours north to the Sea of Galilee, or the Kinneret, as Israelis call it. Once there, you can bike or walk around the freshwater lake, take a swim, go for a boat ride, or just enjoy the scenery. If you want to rent a bike, go to just about any hotel or hostel in the town of Tiberias. The loop around is about 35 miles, but you don't have to go the whole way. There are various beaches and boat rentals around the lake.

Have lunch in Tiberias at Galei Gil, on the promenade overlooking the lake, where the speciality is St. Peter's fish, a white fish that's only found swimming in the Kinneret.

On your way back south, stop at Beit She’an , an archeological park with remains from the Roman and Byzantine city, complete with a Roman theater, two Byzantine bathhouses, a Roman temple, and more. Or stop in the city of Nazareth, described in the New Testament as the home of Jesus, which is home to many churches. Today, it is predominantly Arab Muslim.

In the late afternoon, return to Tel Aviv for your last night. O if you have a late-night flight out, enjoy one last dinner (local favorite Ha'Achim is a good bet) and a final walk on the beach before you go.

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How to Plan the Perfect Israel Trip (1-3 Week Israel Itinerary)

By: Author Taylor Lorenz

Posted on Last updated: 10/25/2023

Israel is often seen as dangerous, unknown and is usually not the place that people put on the top of their bucket list. I’m here to shatter those beliefs and to let you know that Israel is actually completely unique yet somehow familiar at the same time.

I believe that an Israel trip is a must for any seasoned traveller.

Picture yourself in the desert, overlooking the Dead Sea, laying on the beach along the Mediterranean coast, taste testing olive oil in the north and standing atop mountains from where you can see Syria.

Israel is packed full of religious monuments, sites and holy places that are important to almost every religion. But it is also a country filled with history, adventure, unique nature and wildlife and epic parties. There is truly something in Israel for everyone.

This Israel travel guide will help you plan the perfect trip to Israel for 1-3 weeks and includes the best places to visit in Israel and Palestine, where to stay in Israel, what to do in Israel and Israel travel tips. By the end of this Israel guide you’ll have your Israel vacation planned.

Some tours, accommodation and transportation mentioned in this post were sponsored by Abraham Tours and Abraham Hostels . As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Table of Contents

Israel Fast Facts

Currency:  Israeli shekel (NIS) Languages:  Hebrew and Arabic (English is widely spoken in main tourist areas) Population:  8.7 million Religion:  Jewish, Muslim and Christian, with some less common faith’s practiced as well

Israel Itinerary

Here’s the tough part, deciding where to go! Pick out which spots above interest you the most and then build around that. Below I recommend some itineraries to help you get started.

I do not include Eilat in these itineraries as many people choose to visit Eilat on it’s own as a place to stay for a week at a resort or to spend time diving. You could easily visit for a couple or few days but plan that it will take you at least half a day of travel to get to Eilat.

Israel Itineraries by Length

1 week in israel (central israel, palestine).

• Day trip to Dead Sea and Masada
• Day trip to West Bank (Palestine)

10 Days in Israel (Central and Northern Israel, Palestine)

• Nazareth or Haifa as base for trips to Golan Heights and Sea of Galilee

2 Weeks in Israel (Central and Northern Israel, Palestine)

• Nazareth of Haifa as base to see Golan Heights, Sea of Galilee, Acre
• Multiple day trip(s) or base yourself in the West Bank (Palestine)

3 Weeks in Israel (Central, Northern and South Israel (or Jordan), Palestine)

• Haifa as base to se Acre
• Nazareth as base to see Golan Heights and Sea of Galilee
• Multiple day trip(s) or base yourself in West Bank (Palestine)
• Spend more leisurely time in places or opt to spend 2-3 days in Jordan or head down to Eilat

Daily Breakdown of My Israel Trip Itinerary

I recommend the minimum amount of time for each destination and longer so you can experience the best things to do in Israel at a leisurely pace or for those with limited time.

Tel Aviv: 2-4 Days

If you like nightlife then use Tel Aviv as your base, otherwise, I would recommend spending a few days in Tel Aviv to explore Tel Aviv and then moving onto Jerusalem as Tel Aviv is further than many of the Israel tours that leave from both Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

DAY ONE: Spend your first day relaxing after your travels. Head to the beach and check out the city’s most famous market. The Camel Market and the Nahalat Binyamin Arts and Crafts Market are two of the most popular.

In the evening go on a pub crawl or try doing a self-guided food tour to experience a diverse range of foods in Tel Aviv.

DAY TWO: In the morning take a Tel Aviv walking or bike tour to get to know the city. In the afternoon I recommend roaming around the city some more to see what street art you can find (there are tons). Street art tours are also available and give a great background behind the art and help you find many that are hidden.

DAY THREE: Explore Old Jaffa, which was once it’s own city, by doing the free Old Jaffa walking tour . For the afternoon hit up some more markets, museums or opt to do another food tour  (I did a vegan one even though I’m not vegan and loved it).

DAY FOUR: Get cultured, do a half-day trip to visit a Kibbutz . A Kibbutz is a community living together where all income is split equally to all people. It’s a very interesting concept that many people enjoy (though I didn’t personally love the tour).

Another option which is unique is The Other Tel Aviv Tour which takes you to a lesser known neighbourhood and touches on subjects and issues in Israel that often get hidden by the conflict. It’s a very educational experience that also has food!

READ MORE: 13 Cool Things to do in Tel Aviv and 7 Best Day Trips from Tel Aviv

Jerusalem: 3-5 Days

I recommend this long in Jerusalem because there is really a lot to do in the surrounding areas as well as in the city itself.

DAY ONE: Familiarize yourself with the city, join the Holy City tour which gives you an in-depth explanation of many of the city’s most famous sites, the free walking tour or a full-day city tour if you’re limited on time.

DAY TWO: Take a day trip to the Dead Sea! There are day trips that include visiting the Dead Sea, Masada and Ein Gedi so you get to see all three spots in one day. I personally did the sunrise tour which was ideal because you hiked up to Masada in the morning without the sun. A non-sunrise option to all three places is also available.

If you prefer to travel at a more leisurely pace or just want to spend half of the day hanging out at the Dead Sea then choose this chill out option .

In the evening head to the Mahane Yehuda Market to grab dinner (it’s seriously one of the best food markets I’ve ever been to and I went every night I was in Jerusalem).

DAY THREE: Take the day to explore some Jerusalem city sites on your own. Check out Dome of the Rock (a must) if you haven’t already on a tour, go shopping in the Old City market, stop by the Western Wall and go to the Tower of David which also has a light show at night.

Other top spots to visit include Yad Vashem, a Jewish memorial site from the Holocaust, the Israel Museum and the Mount of Olives . Then do a pub crawl !

DAY FOUR: Visit the West Bank (Palestine). One of the best Israel tours I did was the Hebron Dual Narrative Tour through Abraham Tours. I can not recommend it enough. The guides were beyond amazing and it is the tour that I learned the most about Israel and Palestine. If you want to understand these places and the people there is no better tour to take.

DAY FIVE: Take another day to explore a different spot in the West Bank (Palestine). For those limited on time the best option is to take the Best of the West Bank tour . Another option is to explore Bethlehem more in-depth or take a multi-day tour to the West Bank .

READ MORE: 20 Awesome Things to do in Jerusalem and 10 Best Jerusalem Tours and Day Trips

Nazareth: 2-3 Days

I personally used Nazareth as my base for exploring the north of Israel through Abraham Tours. I opted for the Northern Israel 4 Day Package from Tel Aviv which was a great value. I visited Nazareth, Golan Heights, the Sea of Galilee, Haifa, Acre and Rosh Hanikra.

I choose to do the tour because getting around the north can be difficult without a car.

Nazareth itself you really only need a day to visit sites such as Basilica of the Annuication, Mary’s Well and walk part of the Jesus Trail for a pretty sunset view. Your second and third day can be spent visiting Golan Heights and the Sea of Galilee and then Haifa, Acre and Rosh Hanikra .

Haifa: 1-2 Days

Haifa is another place that you can base yourself to explore the north of Israel but I only recommend doing this if you have a car.

DAY ONE: Spend the day in Haifa, see the beautiful Baha’i Gardens (one of the most beautiful Israel attractions), roam around the German Colony, check out some of the museums or chill at the beach.

DAY TWO: Take a day trip to Acre and/or Rosh Hanikra.

Dead Sea, Masada and Ein Gedi

I mentioned to do these from Jerusalem by tour or if you have you own car then it’s ideal!

Here are your tour options:

• Masada Sunrise, Ein Gedi and Dead Sea Tour
• Masada, Ein Gedi and Dead Sea Tour
• Dead Sea Chill Out Day Trip

Golan Heights and Sea of Galilee: 1-2 Days

You can easily spend a day driving around Golan Heights and checking out the must-see sites for yourself or you can opt to do a day trip if you don’t have a car. What you can see are nature reserves such as Banias Nature Reserve (waterfalls!), see the view (including Syria) from Mount Bental, stop by the Golan Heights Winery or go skiing if it’s winter at Mount Hermon.

If you have a car and want to explore at a more leisurely pace then opt to do the Sea of Galilee on a second day to visit the beaches around the Sea of Galilee, stop by the Town of Jesus (Capernaum), Mount of Beautiudes and the Tiberias-Hamat Hot Springs. This day tour from Nazareth combines stops in Golan Heights and the Sea of Galilee.

If you are driving Tiberias is also a good spot to base yourself without driving back to Nazareth.

Acre: Half-Day – 1 Day

I recommend visiting Acre as a part of a tour from Nazareth or as a half-day or full-day trip from Haifa. The old town is not very big and all things can be done in a day.

Eilat: 2+ Days

How long you stay in Eilat for really depends on why you’re visiting. A minimum of two days is required so that you have one day to explore the mountains by jeep and a second day to see what’s underwater or to spend time relaxing at the beach.

Tack on a third day if you want to visit Petra or plan to scuba dive.

Palestine (Hebron, Bethlehem, Jericho and Ramallah): 2+ Days

Once again, this really depends on what you want to do while you’re in Palestine. Some people prefer exploring each city on their own, others want to do tours so that they can gain as much information as possible.

I based myself in Jerusalem and visited on day trips.

I think Hebron is a must-visit which is most common to do by tour. The Hebron Dual Narrative Tour is a must (it’s the best tour I did on this trip).

Here are some tour options:

• Hebron Dual Narrative Tour
• Best of the West Bank (Bethlehem, Jericho, Ramallah and more)
• Bethlehem Sightseeing Tour from Jeusalem
• West Bank 3 Day Package
• Northern West Bank Full-Day Tour (Nablus, Jenin refugee camp and more)

A Brief Word on Israel and Palestine (Must-Read)

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is complicated and can take a bit of time to wrap your head around. It is still ongoing and something I believe that you should be aware of before you take a trip to Israel or Palestine.

While this guide is labeled as an Israel trip, parts of it include Palestine, which is referred to as West Bank from the Israeli point of view.

Israel and Palestine are both safe to travel to so long as you avoid areas of heavy conflict such as the Gaza Strip where violence can occur. Guns are seen regularly by those who are in the army who are required to have a gun on them at all times, even when out of uniform.

This is quite a detailed guide on the ongoing conflict but it is broken down into questions so you can choose to read parts that will still allow you to get a good idea on what’s going on.

I personally read My Promised Land: The Triumph and Tragedy of Israel to gain a better perspective of the country from before Israel was created to why and ideas on the future of the country. It certainly helped me understand more and the complexity of this small country.

Do not be afraid to venture into Palestine, the barbed wire and concrete walls make it look harsh but the people are so welcoming. More people welcomed me into their country by saying “Welcome to Palestine!” than I have experienced anywhere else in the world.

Lastly, I refer to Palestine as Palestine because 137 out of 193 United Nations member plus two non-members recognize Palestine as a state. However, in this guide I sometimes refer to it as the West Bank as many tours from Israel call it the West Bank, so as to help avoid confusion.

I had a guide tell my group on our way to Hebron (Palestine) that we would go into the conflict confused with many questions and come back out even more confused and with twice as many questions. I can promise you that that is true.

Best Time to Visit Israel

When it comes to Israel weather there really is no bad time to visit Israel as the weather is never extreme cold, rainy or snowy. It all really boils down to what kind of vacation you have to have when in Israel.

The weather in Israel varies significantly from the north where there are mountains to the south where there is the desert. The country experiences four seasons.

In summer the temperatures are hot, reaching above 30°C (86°F) and oftentimes into the 40°C’s (104°F) in the desert and the Galilee (in the north).

Winters in Israel are still mild but areas such as Jerusalem and the north which have high elevations can get snow, though it is rare. Temperatures are around 10-20°C (50-68°C) during the day and dropping to 5°C (41°C) at night.

Weather and budget-wise the best time to visit Israel is during spring (March-May) or fall (September-November) when temperatures are in the 20°C’s (68-84°C), there are fewer visitors and prices are more affordable than summer.

Israel Travel Budget

I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news…Israel is not cheap. However, travelling Israel on a budget can be done but expect to keep an eye on your wallet as things will add up quickly.

For backpackers aim to budget $75-$100USD (275-370 NIS) per day. This will give you enough to stay in hostels 80-130 NIS per night ($21-$35USD), cook your own food or eat out at cheap street food joints, 10-20 NIS ($2.70-$5.40USD), get around by bus, cheap daily activities and to take an occasional tour.

For a mid-range budget plan to have $175-$300USD (650-1115 NIS) per day. This gives you plenty of wiggle room to stay in private rooms in hostels, cheap apartments or mid-range (3-star) hotels which are 350-550 NIS ($95-$150USD) per night.

You will be able to eat more meals out at sit down restaurants, 80-250 NIS ($21-$68USD) but will still need to eat some budget meals. This will also allow for taxis, pricer daily activities and more day tours.

A luxury budget in Israel should be $450USD+ (1670 NIS) which will allow you to stay in 5-star hotels, get private cars or tours and to eat out wherever you like.

How to Get to Israel

Flying to Israel is by far the most common way to get into the country. Flights from North America are often expensive but budget airlines fly to Israel from Europe often. I recommend getting a sale flight to Europe and then hopping over to Israel.

From abroad you will fly into Israel’s largest and main airport, Ben Gurion Airport, which is located about half-way between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

It’s also possible to enter Israel from Jordan. There are shuttles/buses that make border crossings or you can opt to take a taxi, you’ll need a taxi on both sides of the border.

Visa Requirements for Israel

Always a question on travellers minds heading to Israel, luckily for a lot of people getting into Israel is not as difficult as many think.

Majority of the countries in Europe along with Canada, USA and Australia (plus many more, check here ) are given tourist visas that are free and valid for 90 days.

In Israel you will be given a card upon entry and exit that you must keep with your passport while you are in Israel as if you are asked to show your passport (you may need to show it if you plan on going into Palestine and accommodation will ask you to show the card) then the card is the only proof you have of legal entry into the country.

This card is used because some Arab countries do not allow those who have visited Israel to travel in their countries so a stamp is avoided by using this card.

Be prepared to be asked many questions going in and especially out of the country. This is normal but not always the case.

How to Get Around Israel

You have options when it comes to travelling around Israel. If you’re in a group and plan to see most of the country then a rental car is your best option as it will be the fastest.

Buses are the most popular way to get around Israel and the cheapest too. The company to look for buses is Egged . Buses don’t go to all tourist destinations though so sometimes you may have to walk far from a stop so check routes before jumping on.

Trains are definitely less popular because of the lack of trains. There is a train that runs from the airport to major cities such as Tel Aviv and Haifa (you have to go through Tel Aviv to get to Jerusalem).

Personally, I took shuttle buses through Abraham Hostels that delivered me from door to door to each hostel in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Nazareth.

Israel Travel Insurance

Where to Go in Israel

This Israel map gives you an idea of the best places to visit in Israel. I have also included places to visit in Palestine (marked in red). These places are often visited as day trips from Israel, typically Jerusalem, or you may visit them on your own.

North Israel

Haifa: Haifa is the third largest city in Israel and is located on the northern Mediterranean coast. The city is most well known for the expertly designed Baha’i Gardens (Baha’i is a small religion that is fascinating) and the German Colony, a street lined with restaurants at the base of the gardens. Haifa is a good place to base yourself to explore the north.

Nazareth: Nazareth is a second option for you to base yourself when travelling around the north. This small city is the largest Arab city in Israel but has many religious sites and is where the Jesus trail begins. Nazareth is a work in progress though, it’s developing itself as a cultural and culinary destination but is still rough on the edges.

Golan Heights: Golan Heights is an area in northern Israel that borders Syria, once a place where conflict and tension ran high but is now a spot where it is safe to travel. In Golan Heights you can find everything from nature reserves to wineries, mountaintop views, old war bunkers and you can even go skiing on Mount Hermon in the winter.

Sea of Galilee: The Sea of Galilee (known as Yam Kinneret in Hebrew) is well-known for its biblical associations. At the Sea of Galilee and in the area around Jesus is said to have performed many of his miracles. The sea itself is Israel’s largest freshwater lake which the Jordan River runs through that has beaches, camping and many walking and cycling trails around.

Acre (Akko): Acre is more like an old town in Europe than it is unlike any other city in Israel. Located on the northwest Mediterranean coast, Acre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stone walls and alleys that lead you to the Mediterranean shores. The town is small with markets and tons of history. Even Napolean tried to take over this town but failed.

Central Israel

Tel Aviv: If you’re a city person then Tel Aviv is where you want to be. It’s the second largest city in Israel and most likely where you will start your trip. Tel Aviv is hip, packed with culture, has beaches that rival some of the best beach destinations in the world, art, architecture and is home to the country’s party scene. Foodies will love Tel Aviv too.

Jerusalem: Jerusalem, the Holy City, is in the Judean Mountains in east Israel and is where history is still an open book. New ancient discoveries are made constantly and pilgrims venture to the old part of the city where they can find some of the holiest sites linked to Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Beyond the thick stone walls of the old city the modern expands outwards with trendy cafe lining streets, educating museums and much more.

Dead Sea: Stop by the Dead Sea, one of the top Israel tourist attractions, to float in the saltiest of water at the lowest point on Earth (431m below sea level). As you float you will see Jordan across the sea and to get to the Dead Sea you’ll drive through the picturesque Judean Desert.

Masada: Masada is an ancient fortress with Roman ruins that sits atop a plateau in the Judean Desert that overlooks the Dead Sea. It’s here that a bloody siege took place but now it’s a place for dramatic views.

Ein Gedi: Ein Gedi is a nature reserve in the Judean Desert that is an oasis in the middle of the harsh, hot climate. It’s here that plants are found that are usually in Africa, thousands of miles away, freshwater waterfalls plummet to the ground and unique wildlife make their appearances.

South Israel

Eilat: Eilat is the most resorty area in all of Israel. In the far south of Israel, bordering Jordan, Eilat sits along the Red Sea where beach lovers flock to enjoy some rays. Snorkelling and diving here are extremely popular as the waters are filled with an abundance of marine life and coral reefs that are not bleached.

Hebron: Just 30km from Jerusalem, Hebron is where travellers go to see a very real side of the Israeli-Palestinian tension. Hebron is believed to be the final resting place of Abraham and the city is very important to all three major religions of Islam, Judaism and Christianity. Barbed wire lines the walls of some streets, metal gates stop Palestinian’s from passing through to the Israeli side of the city and soldiers stand guard at all times in this Israeli controlled city.

Bethlehem: Bethlehem is an extremely important city for those of Christian faith. It’s believed that Jesus was born here in the Church of Nativity. Other than religious sites, Bethlehem is also famous for being the home of some of Banksy’s most well-known pieces of art that line the wall that separates Bethlehem from Jerusalem.

Jericho: Jericho is a place of history, where you can see monasteries carved into mountain faces and ancient cities being uncovered from dirt. Jericho holds the name of the ‘world’s oldest continuously inhabited city’ where evidence has proven that settlements here date back over 10,000 years.

Ramallah: Ramallah is a great city to visit to experience Palestine as just that, Palestine. The city is the political and economic heart of Palestine with street art decorating many walls but it’s more than just politics. It’s a bustling place to see everyday life.

How Long to Spend in Israel?

This really depends on what you want to see. I would recommend spending a minimum of one week in Israel but typically people spend 10 days to two weeks and this just covers the major highlights.

I personally spent three weeks in Israel and feel like I got a good look and feel of the country but could have easily have spent more time there and still not do the same thing twice.

Enjoy your Israel holidays!

Must Read Posts About Israel

• All My Israel Trip Planning Resources

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Complete 10 Day Israel Itinerary

Want to make your first trip to Israel amazing without stressing over the details?

This complete 10 day Israel itinerary is for you!

Planning a trip to Israel can be a huge undertaking. You need to figure out what’s worth seeing and what you can skip, how to deal with weird opening and closing times, and how to split your time up in the different regions to make the most of your visit. You’ll have a million restaurants, hotels and tour guides to choose from.

We’re hard-core travel planners and everyone in our family has visited Israel multiple times (even our 5 year old!) over the last three decades. We’ve experienced the country as kids, parents, young adults on group trips, solo travelers, couples-only and more. Now we want to share our love for Israel and our deep travel insights with YOU!

Sure, you can save time by paying a tour company to plan and run your whole trip. But we want this trip to be yours , at your own pace, and doing the things you’re interested in. Get the best of both worlds with this complete 10 day Israel itinerary – saving you both time and money.

Stop planning and start traveling!

What’s Included In This Guide

• Over 40 detailed pages
• Daily schedules
• Interactive downloadable map
• Insider tips on getting around, handling Shabbat, seasonal details and more
• Amazing restaurants
• The best tours
• Accommodation recommendations
• Packing list
• Pre-trip checklist
• BONUS: car-free alternative itinerary

Here’s A Preview Of What You’ll Get

And 30+ more pages of detailed itineraries and helpful information!

Which Locations Does This Guide Cover?

It’s an action-packed 10 day itinerary, but you can feel free to cut out anything that’s not interesting or seems to fast-paced. It’s your vacation! This guide covers most of Israel. With our itinerary you’ll visit:

• Carmel Coast/Northern Coast
• Dead Sea area

Why You Need This Guide

If you’re like us, you want your vacation to be your vacation! We don’t want to spend all day on a tour bus with 40 strangers going to the places meant for tourist groups and sleeping at generic out-of-the-way hotels, and neither should you. With this itinerary, you’ll have me along as your “virtual” tour guide but without all the downsides of a big group tour. With me as your guide, you’ll see the best of Israel with confidence!

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Travel Itineraries | Luxury Travel | Travel Tips

The 7 Day Israel Itinerary

When you look at the map of the world, and stare into the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea, in the area where three continents- Asia , Europe and Africa meet together, you can see a tiny country, a strip of land on the sea coast. This is Israel- a small, but exclusively special and a unique country. No wonder that this land is called The Holy Land , a land, chosen by God, who gave it to a man, called Abraham- the most righteous person in the world in his era, some 4000 years ago. Now his descendants live there.

For the last 4000 years the land of Israel has seen a lot of wars and peace, a lot of destruction and rebuilding. Many kingdoms and empires have left their traces here. Thus, it has one of the oldest and richest history in the world.

Yes, this land has alluring and fascinating natural wonders- excellent beaches, unique nature phenomenon’s like the lowest spot on the Earth, wilderness, waterfalls, lakes. 

One Week in Israel – A Detailed Itinerary

How to explore israel, the destinations and the route, the transport, day 2: haifa – mount carmel – megiddo – nazareth – tiberias, chorazin (korazim) and the mount of beatitudes, jordan river baptism site, dead sea and ein bokek, day 6: jerusalem: old city and mount of olives, day 7: jerusalem: israel museum and yad vashem, the 7 day israel itinerary – a summary, share this:.

This 7 day Israel Itinerary guide, contains a lot of travel tips and practical information for Israel , and is for those who are going to explore Israel, experiencing the essence of this country, then digging deeper into its secrets. So, keeping in mind all of the above, obviously you will first need to become more familiar with Israel’s history. Otherwise, you would walk on the various historic sites without an idea, of what actually you are visiting.

Secondly, you’d better become more familiar with the Bible too. When you are in Israel and dive deeper into its secrets, you will discover that in this country the Bible simply stops being “a religious book”. Instead, it turns into an important travel guide . In fact, the most important historical events of Israel are written in the Bible , and explained there in details. Even the events that happen after the Bible had been written, including the events of the modern days; are also in the Bible as prophecies.

Third- look at the map of Israel . The country is very small. If there were no destinations to explore, you could make a circle trip around the whole country by car within one single day. But since this piece of land is so richly filled with interesting places to visit, that if you have to explore all of them deeply in details, maybe even two months would be not enough! 

So, let’s suppose that you have only 7 days to visit Israel. Obviously, you would have time only for the more important and essential destinations. Let’s identify these destinations, draw a route to connect them, and determine the best way of transportation for your Epic One Week Trip to Israel.

The most important place in Israel is its capital- Jerusalem . This is a unique city, known as the holiest place on the Earth, where God had His dwelling among the humans. And there is really a lot to see in this city, plan at least 2 days spending there.

Another important place is Tel Aviv – its beaches, its modern life and its ancient town Jaffa (Yafo) . Also include the northern part of Israel- Haifa and Mount Carmel, and the Sea of Galilee.

On the south, the most unique place is Dead Sea and the mysterious sites on its west coast. The Israel’s southernmost point is Eilat, on the Red Sea, which is really beautiful, but there would be no time, for it to be included in this 7 days Israel Itinerary.

After determining this, we can draw the route. It should start from the main entry-exit spot in Israel, the Ben Gurion International Airport , and it should end there. So, the whole route should be a clockwise circle – starting from Tel Aviv, heading north along the Mediterranean coast, exploring the northern part of the country, then heading south along Jordan River to the Dead Sea, and finally reaching Jerusalem, before ending the trip at the airport.

The best mode of transportation is having a  rental car. Basically, Israel is a very expensive country, but compared with its standard, rental car prices are relatively cheap. There are many good rent-a-car companies, such as Hertz, Avis, Cal Auto, etc. I personally used cars from Cal Auto. Their service is good and if you have some problems or needs, they are ready to help you. 

So, you can rent your car, which is going to be your loyal companion during this Epic One Week Road Trip across Israel ; from one of these rental companies. Most of them have offices at Ben Gurion International Airport. You have to present your documents, your driving license and your own credit card for deposit (or the credit card of a member who will travel with you, although not the driver himself).

The 7 days Israel Itinerary

Day 1: tel aviv – caesaria – haifa.

Tel Aviv is a modern city, located at the Mediterranean Sea coast. It was built a little more than a century ago, and now is known as one of the safest and most liberal cities in the world.

If you’ve more than 7 days indoor hand, then you can spend some time in Tel Aviv as well, before starting the below mentioned 7 Day Israel Itinerary.  This 48 Hour Tel Aviv Itinerary will definitely help you out in this case.

But it doesn’t mean that you can’t find ancient history here. There is a hill in the southern part of Tel Aviv, with a city, built more than 3000 years ago. It is called Yafo (Jaffa), and has now been “swallowed” by the modern developing Tel Aviv.

Jaffa is known mainly for two notable Biblical events. The first one is dated around 850 BC. God gave Prophet Jonah a mission to go to Nineveh and preach to the locals to repent from their sins. But Jonah refused to go. Instead, he went to Jaffa and from here he found a ship to escape from his mission. Later he was swallowed by a whale and returned again on the way to Nineveh. This event has been memorized by a whale statue at the southern parking lot of Jaffa.

The second event is dated around 40 AD. Apostle Peter lived in the House of Simon the Tanner, which is in Jaffa (and it still stays there). Here he saw a vision from God to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles.

So, Jaffa can be your first destination in this 7 Day Israel Itinerary. Park the car in its parking lot with the whale statue. Walk around its narrow streets, descend to the seacoast. Then back to the top of the hill and enjoy a stunning view to Tel Aviv and its beaches.

Then you can proceed towards the North. Drive on Rotschild Street, which is the main attractive street in Tel Aviv. Then go out of the city, on the highway to Haifa. After a little more than an hour you will reach your next destination- Caesarea.

Caesarea is a famous Roman city, built on the Mediterranean coast. It has been an important trade port within the Roman Empire. Now its ruins include many ancient buildings, city walls and an Amphitheater.

There are many Biblical events, that happened here, between 28 and 65 AD. Here, at the beach, Jesus asked His Disciples ‘Who is He’, and Peter confesses that ‘He is the Messiah’. It was the city of Cornelius, the Roman centurion who became a Christian. The apostles Peter and Paul spent a few years here, as Paul was imprisoned and protected by the Roman governors Felix and Festus.

You would need at least an hour and a half to explore Caesarea, before proceeding for another hour to Haifa – the third largest city in Israel.

So, you have your afternoon exploration of Haifa. The city is beautifully built between the Mediterranean coast and the northwestern end of Mount Carmel. The main attraction in Haifa, is the Bahaii Garden – a magnificent garden with fountains and a few shrines, established on the northern slope of the mountain.

But there is an ancient history on Mount Carmel . So, before entering the city, you would see a sign, pointing to the Cave of Elijah. It is a small cavern, where Prophet Elijah spent some time, hiding from King Ahab. Now it has been turned into a Jewish prayer’s site.

Then you can go to the centre of Haifa, explore the Bahaii Gardens and finally have dinner in one of the restaurants, located on the boulevard under the gardens, enjoying the night view to this site, marking the end of your first day in the epic 7 Day Israel Itinerary.

The main area of exploring for Day 2 is Mount Carmel and the northern part of Israel, on a section of the route, connecting the Mediterranean Sea with the Sea of Galilee.

Mount Carmel has a long ancient history. The main historical events are again written in the Bible, as well as some more recent events in time. This is the place of the most active ministry of the prophets Elijah and Elisha, who lived here in the middle of 9 th century BC. So, there are a few points of interest, related with them, of which you will visit the most important- Mukhraqa Monastery.

But first, take the main road, following the summit of Mount Carmel. The first stop on it is Maris Stella Chapel , a remain from the time of the Crusades. The second stop on the way is the University of Haifa , and especially its Museum, where you can see a lot of ancient artifacts, telling stories from thousands of years ago. And you have to be prepared for a longer stop (remember, the museums are some of the most time-consuming destinations to visit).

Then take a stop at the  Mukhraqa Monastery (it is on a detour, a few km on a left side road). Now there is a Catholic church there, but the significance of this place, is that this is the scene where Phopher Elijah killed 450 false prophets of Baal around 870 BC.

And along all these stops, you can  enjoy breathtaking panoramic views to the whole northern part of Israel, from the summit of Mount Carmel.

As you descend from the mountain, to its southeast side, you reach a very emblematic place- the ruins of an ancient city – Tel Megiddo. This is the well-known Armageddon, a place of ancient battles, where two kings of Israel have been killed and where we expect the final battle, marking the end of this age.

After Tel Megiddo, cross the plain of Armageddon and make your way to the hills on the other side. There lies  Nazareth , known as the hometown of Jesus . Now it is a predominantly Arab Christian city, full of churches, marking various spots considered as the “address where Jesus lived” by various Christian denominations. The most notable of them is the Basilica of Annunciation.

But what is more interesting there, is actually the spots presenting the real life as it has been 2000 years ago. You can see it in “Nazareth Village” and Museum of Ancient Nazareth, to get some idea about the environment where Jesus grew.

And finally, after Nazareth, head out to the west coast of the Sea of Galilee. End the 2nd day of the Epic Israel Road Trip by reaching Tiberias, the base city for the next two days.

Day 3: Tiberias – Sea of Galilee round trip – Tiberias

This day is dedicated to exploring the Sea of Galilee. This lake is the lowest freshwater lake in the world, with altitude between 208 and 215 m below the sea level (depending on the season and other factors). And it is well known for the ministry of Jesus and His disciples between 27 and 30 AD.

There are many historical spots around the lake, where numerous events recorded in the New Testament of the Bible have happened. You literally can read the Gospels of the Bible there and see with your own eyes the scenes of these events.

There is a good road, circumnavigating around the Sea of Galilee, with length around 68 km. But since there are a lot of destinations along this road, you needs one full day to explore it.

Tiberias is your starting point for this round trip. It is the largest city of the lake, predominantly Jewish. It has some ancient wall remains near the centre. But the more interesting places are outside the city.

So, you start driving along the road in clockwise direction. Magdala is the first stop on the route, located on the foot of Mt Arbel . It is a small ancient town, known as the birthplace of Maria Magdalene. You can enter inside, see its ruins, and the stories of Maria as well, exhibited on the main road.

It is your next stop. Ginosar is a small town, mainly known for the Yigal Allon Centre with its museum, where you can see a real, original boat, used in the Sea of Galilee 2000 years ago. It is quite possible that the exhibited boat could be the boat of Jesus and His disciples.

From there you can also take a short cruise on the lake, since there is a wharf behind the museum which is also the main starting point of Sea of Galilee cruises. 

“A city set of a mountain can’t be hidden” (Mat 5:14). Jesus says these words on a slope terrace-like plain, now called “Mount of Beatitudes” , pointing to a city, built on the heights above it. This city is Chorazin (Korazim), one of the three cities, condemned by Jesus for their disbelief.

To reach Chorazin, you have to reach the junction after Ginosar and turn on the left road. This road ascends to the heights and Chorazin. Now it is a silent place with the ruins of the ancient city, with great panoramic view of the Sea of Galilee.

Then you turn back and take the left road  back to the junction. There is the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus spoke His famous “Sermon on the Mount” (Matthew 5-7 chapter). There is also a monastery, built on this place.

Proceed on the right road, following the lake coast. Immediately after the junction you will reach Tabgha . It is another place, with many Bibilical events taking place, such as Jesus feeding the crowds with 5 loaves and 2 fishes, Jesus walks on the water and a few more. There is also an Orthodox church built here, and there is a small waterfall behind it.

Proceed further and you will reach the most important city of the lake- Capernaum. This is actually the main place, where Jesus had spent most of His time at the Sea of Galilee, together with His disciples. You can see the ruins of the Synagogue of Capernaum , where Jesus had spoken His sermons between its pillars.

As you proceed along the road, you will arrive to the northernmost point of the Sea of Galilee. This is where the Jordan River flows into the lake. There is a park, called Jordan River Park , as well as a few small natural reserves. Then there are also the silent ruins of another ancient city- Bethsaida also known as the birthplace of the apostles Peter and Andrew.

Then you turn on the eastern coast of the lake, under the Golan Heights. There is a place in the middle of the eastern coast, now called Kursi. It is the scene of the Biblical story in which Jesus arrive in the local cemetery, meets an obsessed by demon’s man, casts out these demons and sends them into a herd of pigs.

There is no cemetery now there, but there is a camping site, where many locals enjoy their holidays, playing on the stony beach, or doing activities like picnic, kite surfing or wind surfing.

Finally, you reach the southern end of the lake, where Jordan River outflows to the south. Then you head back to Tiberias and spend your second night there, before heading on to the south.

Day 4: Tiberias – Beth Shean – Jordan River – Dead Sea (Ein Bokek)

It’s time to go to the south of Israel. You leave Tiberias and are back along the road beside the Sea of Galilee’s coast until its southern point at Jordan River outflow spot. From there you head on to the road towards Jerusalem. This road follows Jordan river, gradually descending lower than the Sea of Galilee and finally reaching Dead Sea, the lowest point on the dry surface of the Earth.

The road enters the West Bank (Palestinian Autonomy). But before that, you should stop in Beth Shean – a large ancient city, reaching its bloom during the time of the Kings Saul, David and Solomon, and then during the Roman era. Here the Philistines defeated the army of Israel. King Saul was killed and his body was hung on Beth Shean’s city walls.

After Beth Shean, you enter the Palestinian territories. Since you most probably would drive a car with Israeli number, don’t turn away of the road. As we all know, there is a tension between the Palestinians and Jews in Israel, and there are some cases where the Palestinians throw stones on Israeli cars. In fact, there are signs, marking the areas restricted for Jews.

The border between Israel and Jordan runs along the Jordan River. It is the lowest flowing river on the Earth. Its slow current gradually descends to 430 m altitude below the sea level, where it flows into the Dead Sea.

Proceeding southward, finally you will reach the Jordan River Baptism Site . 2000 years ago, here John the Baptist made his baptism of the Jews, preparing them to meet their Messiah. The is actually arranged on both sides of the river, in two neighboring countries. From the Israeli side, you can see the tourists in the Jordanian side, only a few meters in front of you. Some visitors “try” baptism as a “tourist attraction”, but others perform a real baptism, following their faith. Don’t try to cross the river- it may be tempting but it is crossing a border, and the guards from both sides will stop you.

There on you make your way to lowest point of your trip- the coast of the Dead Sea. It is not only the lowest lake on the Earth, but also one of the saltiest. There is no life in the sea (with exception of some bacteria).

The water is pure and transparent, but when you walk in it, you can feel it thicker than the normal water- a little like walking in oil. You can lie on the water, reading a newspaper (a favorite pose of the visitors of the Dead Sea). Actually, you can’t play too long there- the sensitive parts of your skin (lips, genitals, wounds) would soon start stinging due to the salinity.

Always protect your eyes! If a drop of Dead Sea water enters your eyes, the pain is horrible and can lasts for hours!

The best place to enjoy Dead Sea is Ein Bokek , a nice resort at one of Dead Sea beaches. There you can spend your afternoon, relaxing and enjoying the lowest place on the Earth. Then you can spend the night in any of the nearby hotels.

Day 5: Dead Sea (Ein Bokek) – Massada – Ein Gedi – Qumran – Jerusalem

This day you will reach Jerusalem- the most important destination of your trip. But before that visit the three main sites along the Dead Sea coast: Masada, Ein Gedi and Qumran.

It is an ancient fortress, built by Herod the Great for one of his palaces. Later, during the Roman conquest after the First Jewish War with the Romans, its 960 defenders commit suicide. Located on a high rocky plateau over the Dead Sea, reaching it is challenging, but totally worth it. You can reach Masada, by driving through the town of Arad all the way to the western side of fortress, and then a short walk 15-20 mins. Or you can use the cable car, which is more expensive, but also exciting.

The next stop on your way to Jerusalem is the Ein Gedi Natural Reserve. It is a small mountain gorge, known for its waterfalls, which are really a pleasure if you are there in the hot summer days. This place is known as a scenery of the story from the Bible, in which King Soul persecuted the young King David. Saul hides in one of Ein Gedi’s coves and David silently approached him, cut a part of his mantle, then declares in front of him that he could kill him, but instead he showed mercy.

This is the last site along the Dead Sea coast in your 7 Day Israel Itinerary. The place is known as an ancient village of a secret community, called Essenes , to which probably John the Baptist belonged. And the most important facts of it, is the discovery of many original manuscripts of the Old Testament, hidden there in secret for 20 centuries. Now these manuscripts are exposed and under protection in the Shrine of the Book in Jerusalem.

After Qumran , you turn left on the highway towards Jerusalem. It gradually ascends to more than 600 m above the sea level and reaches the Holy City of Jerusalem , the capital of Israel.

Jerusalem – The Holy City will be your base for the next two days of your Epic One Week Trip To Israel, and if you are wondering where to stay, then this exhaustive list featuring the Best Jerusalem Hotels and Apartments is your best resource.

Jerusalem is one of the most ancient cities on the planet. It is a special place, chosen by God to dwell among His people on the Earth. It has been a capital of the ancient kingdoms of Israel and Judah. Then it was claimed by many nations, who have brought culture traces, and a lot of blooming and destruction. And this proceeds until now. The facts and the history behind it need a whole thick encyclopedia to be explained, but still the best way to experience all that Jerusalem is, is to visit it by yourself and explore its secrets.

The main place of Jerusalem, which maybe the most important spot on the Earth, is its Old City . It is a good idea to spend one full day there, including the neighbouring Mount of Olives.

The Old City of Jerusalem is walled by a fortress wall, built 4 centuries ago by the Ottoman Turks. There are a lot of old houses and other buildings inside, shared in the four quarters- Jewish, Muslim, Christian and Armenian. And then, there is another walled fortress inside, rectangle shaped. This is the Temple Mount , which is the core, the heart of Jerusalem- the place of the House of God.

The best way to start this exciting part of your Epic One Week Trip to Israel, is to start from the southern Dung Gate. One of the first things that you will see there, on your right side, is the Western (Wailing) Wall, of the Temple Mount . The wall has three levels of stones. The upper layer stones are smallest and newest, built by the Ottomans. The middle layer stones are mid-sized, built by the Arabs. And the lowest layer stones are largest, built in the Roman times, during the Second Temple era.

Now the Western Wall is the closest spot to the place where the House of God existed, and the closest place where the Jews are allowed to worship God and pray. The square in front of the Wall is separated into male and female area.

And there is also an important place of interest at the southern side of Temple Mount. It is the Davidson Center archaeological site , where you can literally travel in time through many ages, seeing ruins from different points on the Jerusalem timeline. And all this with a magnificent view to the Mount of Olives.

The Temple Mount , of course, is a must see. This is the place of the First Temple (built by King Solomon around 990 BC, destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC) and the Second Temple (built by Zerubabel in 516 BC and destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD). Now as we know it is occupied by the Islam, and on the place of the House of God are built two Islamic buildings- the Dome of Rock (which now has become one of the landmarks of Jerusalem, with its golden dome) and Al Aqsa mosque . The Muslims are allowed to go there free, everywhere, at any time. But the non-Muslim visitors, especially Jews, can only go to the square around the two buildings, and only in certain hours in the morning and afternoon.

In addition, you can also book a tour for the  Tunnels of the Western Wall – an amazing underground experience, leading you through various layers of time and history. 

Then you can make your way out of the Old City through the Lion Gate on the eastern side of the city wall and walk to the Garden of Gethsemane and Mount of Olives. This is the place where Jesus was caught and brought to His crucifixion. This is the place where He ascended to the Heaven. And this is the place where His second return in the future, is expected .

Then head back to the Old City and take a walk on the street, signed as “Via Dolorosa” . Traditionally, it is considered that this is the road that Jesus walked to Golgotha. And “Via Dolorosa” guides you to the traditional place of Golgotha and His tomb, where now is the Church of Holy Sepulcre.

However, it is not corresponding with the Biblical explanation of this events, since it is written that both Golgotha and the Tomb of Jesus are outside of the city. And indeed, if you go to the north, and go out through Damascus Gate, you will reach a small garden, called Garden Tomb. There is an empty tomb, exactly matching the Biblical explanation.

Another place worth visiting in the Old City is the Tower of David . It is a fortress with a tower, built by the Ottoman Turks on the place where, King David’s palace had been built, in Mount Zion (Mount Zion is related to the Kingdom of Israel, and Mount Moriah is the Temple Mount, however, don’t imagine “mountains”, but just a slightly high places). Now there is a museum, presenting the history of Jerusalem.

The best thing to do during your last day of your Epic 7 Day Trip To Israel , is to explore the western part of Jerusalem. The center is nice, lively, a mix of modern and old buildings. There are a lot of malls, restaurants, cafes and shops.

But the best thing to do, is to visit the Israel Museum and Yad Vashem . Israel Museum is a very important place, where you can explore the history of Israel deeply in details, making an important conclusion of what you have seen in the previous days. There you can also see the Shrine of the Book, and the model of the ancient Jerusalem from the time of King Herod. Keep at least 4-5 hours to explore this museum, as there are so many things to see inside!

And finally- Yad Vashem . Maybe this is not the best place to visit as your last destination, but is really a must. The most important part of Yad Vashem complex is the Holocaust Museum , where you can see everything in details of what happened from 1933 to 1945, and what caused it. Be prepared- the walk through this museum is like a walk through a nightmare! You will see so much pain and suffering, and it is not just a “horror story”, it happened in reality!

And this marks the end of your 7 Day Israel Itinerary . Make your way back to the Ben Gurion International Airport , which is not far from Jerusalem, and drop your rental car. And if you really follow the whole route of this itinerary, diving into the details of everything, this trip will give you an unforgettable experience. And surely, this Epic One Week Trip to Israel  and the memorable experiences can really change your life.

If you enjoyed reading this, then you might also find this 24 Hour Layover Guide In Istanbul , extremely helpful.

Day 1 –   Tel Aviv – Caesaria – Haifa

Day 2 –  Haifa – Mount Carmel – Megiddo – Nazareth – Tiberias

Day 3 –  Tiberias – Sea of Galilee Round trip 

Day 4 –  Tiberias – Beth Shean – Jordan River – Dead Sea (Ein Bokek)

Day 5 –  Dead Sea (Ein Bokek) – Massada – Ein Gedi – Qumran – Jerusalem

Day 6 –  Jerusalem: Old City and Mount of Olives

Day 7 –  Jerusalem: Israel Museum and Yad Vashem

The Epic One Week Trip To Israel ends with loads of memories. For an even more exhaustive guide on Israel, check this out.

No matter what the destination is, a trip seems rather incomplete without getting a souvenir back home! If you can relate to this then this detailed guide about 15 unique Souvenirs to buy from Israel , has got everything you might need.

Also, if you’ve got time in your hand, and want to explore another nearby nation, such as Egypt, then head over to this Perfect DIY Egypt Itinerary.

Already been to Israel?  – We can’t wait to hear your stories and feedback in the comments.

If you enjoyed reading this 7 Day Israel Itinerary and Travel Guide , you might want to check out some other 7 Day Travel Guides and Itineraries , as well.

• One Week in Scotland | Travel Itinerary and Travel Guide
• Best of South Africa in 7 Days
• Best of Netherlands in 7 Days
• The 7 Day Myanmar Road Trip Itinerary
• One Week in Crete | Greece – Travel Itinerary and Travel Guide
• 7 Day Road Trip to Bhutan – The Last Shangri La
• One Week in Kerala – God’s Own Country
• The Epic 7 Day Leh Ladakh Road Trip Itinerary

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KRASEN JELYAZKOV is a traveler from Bulgaria. He has visited countries in the Balkans, Middle East, Middle Asia, East and Southeast Asia. Currently he is living in China with his wife and travel mate Ying Ying and his children, and currently working as an English teacher. This year they started a new travel blog, called Journey beyond the Horizon. The main idea of the blog is to share and give valuable information about the geographical and historical side of destinations, lands, and also to provide travel tips, related with exploratory type of travel.

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10 Day Israel Itinerary: What to See in Israel in 10 Days

By: Author Milijana

Posted on Published: September 29, 2018  - Last updated: March 8, 2024

Categories ISRAEL , MIDDLE EAST , TRAVEL ITINERARIES

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The following article shows my 10 day Israel itinerary for my upcoming trip to Israel. On my Israel travel blog, I hope to give useful guidelines and Israel travel tips to all travelers, especially to all independent travelers like me, who are planning their first trip to Israel. If you are thinking of 10 days in Israel and planning your 10 day trip to Israel, I suggest taking a look at my Israel itinerary to get insights on where to go in Israel, what to see in Israel, what to visit in Israel, and what to do in Israel.

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED LINKS. PLEASE READ MY  DISCLAIMER FOR MORE INFO. 

This well-planned 10 day Israel itinerary I tailored for myself. After visiting Israel, I can warmly recommend my 10 days in Israel itinerary to anyone who wants to see the best of Israel in 10 days.

10 DAYS IN ISRAEL ITINERARY

Next two months I will be traveling to Israel, Jordan, and Egypt . Past few days I’ve been planning my upcoming trip to Israel and nailing my Israel itinerary. A good thing is my trip to Israel is not (so) tightened by time. My return ticket is from Cairo in two months. A not-so-good thing is that my trip could possibly become tightened by my budget.  Apparently, Israel is an expensive country. However, it seems like 10 days in Israel should be fine for a first-time visit to Israel. Or better to say, to get a glimpse of Israel. The point is, talking about the size Israel is not a big country at all. For example, Israel is the same size as Albania, smaller than Hawaii, and even 3 times smaller than Croatia, my homeland. But beyond the shadow of a doubt, modern Israel is a unique fusion of various cultures accompanied by a long and hectic history. The diverse range of cultural influences in the Holy Land resulted, among other things, in modern Israeli cuisine which is one of the most appealing and delicious cuisines in the World. Meeting local people, learning about their history and culture, and trying to understand their perspectives, views, and feelings about the World through their eyes and hearts are what travel is all about. And in that sense, contemporary Israel offers a plethora of exceptional and unparalleled experiences to its visitors.

Israel itinerary 10 days

Day 1-2: Tel Aviv

Day 3: haifa and acre, day 4: tiberius, galilee sea, and nazareth, day 5: jerusalem, day 6: bethlehem (the west bank), day 7: jericho (the west bank) , day 8: the dead sea, ein gedi, the judean desert, and masada, day 9-10: eilat , map of my 10 days in israel itinerary, best time to visit israel, recommended read: israel travel guides, recommended useful travel accessories for travelling to israel, 10 day israel itinerary: 10 days in israel & the west bank  .

ISRAEL IN 10 DAYS

I am planning to travel to Israel for 10 days by public transport as an independent traveler. For the vast majority of my time in Israel, I am going to use public buses. Because of that, I am planning immediately on my arrival to get a Rav Kav Card at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. Rav Kav Card is an Israeli top-up smart travel card. It means, that if someone puts 100 NIS (New Israeli Shekels) on the card, they will get 20% extra or 120 NIS travel worth using. For someone who is going to use public buses a lot, what’s my case, this is a great deal. But, let’s take a look at my draft of my 10 days Israel itinerary.

ISRAEL 10 DAY ITINERARY:

I am flying to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv and my Israel trip is officially starting in Tel Aviv. 2 days in Tel Aviv should be enough to get insights into the city for a first-time visit. Tel Aviv is famous for its nightlife, but I am not into parties and clubbing. I love the expression ‘ Tel Aviv plays, Jerusalem prays ‘ though. But what I find interesting is that modern Tel Aviv is a creative and startup hub. Without any question, I am looking forward to checking out the ancient port of Jaffa, the Carmel food market, Bauhaus buildings of the White City , graffiti in the Florentin neighborhood , arty and quirky Neve Tzedek neighborhood, Tel Aviv beaches, and trendy cafes in Rothschild Boulevard.

Where to stay in Tel Aviv: 1. Jaffa neighborhood (for history and art lovers) – House in Shalma (⭐⭐⭐) , Margosa Hotel Tel Aviv Jaffa ,  2. Florentin neighborhood (for arty personalities and hipsters) – Florentin House ,  Gal’s Studio (⭐⭐⭐) 3. Neve Tzedek (for trendsetters and shoppingoholics) – The Vera , Trieste Neve Tzedek Boutique Suites (⭐⭐⭐) 4. Tayelet (for beach lovers) – Shalom Hotel & Relax (⭐⭐⭐⭐), Brown Beach House by Brown Hotels Check out THE BEST TEL AVIV TOURS AND TICKETS Check out THE BEST TEL AVIV FOOD TOURS

On my third day in Israel, I am heading from Tel Aviv to Haifa and Acre (Akko) by  train . Planning to spend half of the day on each. First I am going to Akko and then to Haifa. I am planning to take a bus from Haifa to Tiberias the next day. Akko is an ancient 4,000-year-old town with a long history tracking down to Romans, Greeks, Crusaders, and Arabs. On my Israel bucket list are the Old Town of Akko with the old fishing harbor, the souk (market), the Crusader city, the citadel with the khan, and the Al Jazzar mosque. Later on, I would love to catch a ferry from Old Akko to Haifa Port to enjoy the views of the sea, the coastline (just to mention, Lebanon is only 20 miles away from the Akko), and the Caramel Mountain on my arrival to Haifa. In Haifa, I want to walk the magnificent terraces of the Bahai Gardens, see the Shrine of the Bab, explore the German Colony, and visit the Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery and Elijah’s Cave. Optionally I will take one day more to spend in this area.

Where to stay in Haifa:  Schumacher Hotel Haifa , Almog Boutique apartment (⭐⭐⭐) Check out THE BEST HAIFA TOURS AND TICKETS

It is easy to travel from Haifa to Akko, and vice versa. The train ride between Akko and Haifa lasts about 20-25 minutes.

Where to stay in Akko: The Sultan House (⭐⭐⭐), Zidan Sarai (⭐⭐⭐⭐)

My route is taking me from Haifa to Tiberius on the Galilee Sea and then from the Galilee Sea to Nazareth. There is a direct bus from Haifa to Tiberias. Every 15-20 min Egged  bus No.430 goes from Haifa’s Merkazit Hamifratz Central Bus Station (platform 10) to Tiberias. The ride takes about 70 min. In Tiberias, I am planning to have some Galilee lakeside time enjoying the views of the Golan Heights and ancient Gadara in Jordan and take a boat tour on the mythical and Biblical lake (the Sea of Galilee) where once Jesus made the miracles of walking on the water and feeding a bunch people with only one fish. Later during the day, I am proceeding with my Israel trip itinerary and going to Nazareth, the childhood home of Jesus. Buses No. 430 and No. 836 go from Tiberias Central Station (near the market) to Nazareth Center (near the Church of the Annunciation). I am planning to spend a night in Nazareth before departing for Jerusalem early in the morning on the next day.

Where to stay in Nazareth: Michel House (a beautifully decorated B&B with a superb breakfast in a top location) Al Bishara Guest House (a lovely 3-star guesthouse in a top location in Nazareth), Fauzi Azar by Abraham Hostels (a budget-friendly hostel and one of the best hostels in Israel ) Check out THE BEST NAZARETH TOURS AND TICKETS

My next stop is the city of Jerusalem. Egged public bus No 955 goes from Nazareth to Jerusalem. I have a feeling that I might fall in love with Jerusalem. I am trying my best not to have expectations though. I am trying to be cautious about not getting disappointed. I am excited ( Ah, expectations! Need to bite my tongue – edit, re-edit, re-re-edit this… ) to witness the Old City of Jerusalem , the Church of the Holy Sepulchre with the Tomb of Christ, the Via Dolorosa, the Mount of Olives with the Gethsemane Garden, the Room of the Last Supper, the Dome Rock, to leave a note with my prayers in between the wall’s cracks the Wailing Wall, to buy some fresh fruits on the Machne Yehuda Market in the New City  … to write down some of my wishes.

Where to stay in Jerusalem : BUDGET: Chain Gate Hostel, Stay Inn Hostel , MID-RANGE: Jerusalem Hotel , UPSCALE: The Sephardic House Hotel in the Jewish quarter , Jaffa 60 Apartments ( Jonathan Hotel Chain) Check out THE BEST JERUSALEM TOURS AND TICKETS Check out THE BEST JERUSALEM FOOD TOURS MAYBE YOU WOULD LIKE TO READ: Popular Holy Sites in Israel and the West Bank 

Ok, I know. Bethlehem is on the West Bank. And I am renaming my itinerary to a ’10 day Israel & the West Bank itinerary’. Usually, visitors take a half-day tour from Jerusalem to Bethlehem . It costs around 55 USD per person. I might take a public Palestinian bus No. 21 from the East Jerusalem Bus Station . The ticket should be around 1,40 USD (5 NIS). The tours are good for security concerns. But I am an independent traveler who prefers to do what local people do. And as long as local people go by bus, I am doing the same. However, so far my votes are going to take a public bus. I even got a tip to stay in Bethlehem instead of Jerusalem, for Bethelem is much cheaper than Jerusalem. This is something to take into account. Most likely, I will be back in Jerusalem to take sleep and on the next day, I will go to Jericho. The options are still open and I am going to decide on the site. However, the Church of Nativity, the Milk Grotto, the Chapel of the Holy Innocents, the Mosque of Omar, the Coptic church, the Armenian monastery, the Greek Orthodox monastery … – I am coming!  Ugh, this line just reminded me how much history there is in Bethlehem! UPDATE: I took white-blue Palestinian bus No. 21 at East Jerusalem Bus Station next to the Damascus Gate in Jerusalem and went to Bethlehem. A one-way ticket from Jerusalem to Bethlehem was 1,9 USD 7 (NIS).  The bus ride was perfectly safe with absolutely no disturbances or any kind of stress.

Where to stay in Bethlehem: The Walled Off Hotel (⭐⭐⭐), Dar Sitti Aziza (⭐⭐⭐)

Jericho is said to be the oldest town on Earth. A more than 30,000-year-old town. Too good to be missed, I would add. Mountain of Temptation, Zaccheus Tree, Elisha’s Spring, and Tel el-Sultan are sites to see in Jericho. I hope to check them all out. There is also one more option. There’s a possibility of visiting Jericho and Bethlehem in one day from Jerusalem. For independent travelers who prefer traveling on their own, there should be a bus opposite the Damascus Gate in Jerusalem driving to Abu Dis. Just before Abu Dis the passengers who wish to proceed to Jericho, should get off the bus and take a 20-min walk or a taxi ride to Jericho. From Jericho, there is a bus back to Abu Dis and from Abu Dis to Bethlehem. Most likely by the time I reach Jerusalem, I will get better insights into this. In any case, there’s also an option to visit Bethlehem and Jericho from Jerusalem on a day trip .

UPDATE : In Bethlehem, I have decided to visit Hebron instead of Jericho. So, in Bethlehem, I took a Palestinian shared taxi called ‘ servicees ‘ to Hebron. My one-way ticket from Bethlehem to Hebron was 2,7 USD (10 NIS). From Hebron, I went back to Jerusalem by public bus and paid the bus ticket 2,7 USD (10 NIS). Visiting Hebron and the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron unexpectedly brought one of the most memorable moments of my trip. For people who don’t know, the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron (also called the Ibrahimi Mosque) is one of the holiest sites on Earth. It holds the tombs of three biblical couples: Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebeckah, and Jacob and Leah. Sadly, the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron is divided into a mosque and a synagogue. Muslims are not allowed to enter the synagogue and Jewish people are not allowed to enter the mosque. As a Christian, I was allowed to visit the mosque and the synagogue. I visited Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron just before the start of the afternoon prayers. Immediately after visiting the mosque, I went to the synagogue where afternoon prayers started. At the time of prayers, I stood in the synagogue listening to the prayers of a rabbi and an imām simultaneously. Those were some of those blissful moments in life when I felt truly blessed and grateful!

READ MORE : Popular Holy Sites in Israel and the West Bank

Egged bus No. 486 goes directly from the Jerusalem Central Bus Station (platform 5) to the Dead Sea, Ein Gedi, and Masada . Dead Sea beaches are only a one-hour drive from Jerusalem, but to be honest, the Dead Sea is pending on my Israel itinerary. After Israel, I am heading to Jordan and there I could reach the Dead Sea. But, Ein Gedi’s natural spring in the Judean Desert on the Dead Sea is making me ponder on this.

If I decide to go directly to Masada, the ride will last only a few minutes. Photos of the Masada fortress on a rock plateau in the Judean Desert have been jaw-dropping for me all my life. The story of the mass suicide of almost 1,000 people to escape slavery is one of the saddest stories in history ever. In the late afternoon after visiting Masada , I am heading to Eilat. A 3-hour bus drive takes from Masada to Eilat. For people who feel more comfortable traveling with tours, there is a great day tour from Jerusalem to Masada and the Dead Sea. UPDATE: I’ve hiked Masada for a sunrise. It was one of the most spectacular experiences in Israel!

READ MORE: Hiking Masada in Sunrise

In this draft of my Israel itinerary, I am taking 2 days in Eilat. Maybe one of the two days I will use for some of the options (one more day in Jerusalem, or Haifa). Eilat is a well-known Israeli resort town on the Red Sea, especially famous for glorious sunsets and swimming with not caged dolphins on the Dolphin Reef beach. Besides that, the unearthly Red Canyon with widely praised Red Canyon hikes  is located near Eilat. But Eilat is also convenient for crossing the border with Jordan. The Yitzhak Rabin/Wadi Araba border is the border crossing between Eilat in Israel and Aqaba in Jordan. The border is located only 3 miles (5 km) north of Eilat and 5 miles (8 km) north of Aqaba. On the Yitzhak Rabin/Wadi Araba border I am planning to say Goodbye (or, See you again) to Israel and Hello to Jordan.

UPDATE: I have crossed the Yitzhak Rabin/Wadi Araba border and entered Jordan from Israel. On the border, you need to pay the Israeli exit fee of 105 NIS (29 USD). Israelis don’t stamp the passport on the Yitzhak Rabin border, but entering Jordan overland you get a Jordanian stamp on the Wadi Araba border which consequently confirms that you came from Israel . PS: On my trip to Israel and discovered how delicious food in Israel is. Just to remind you, Israeli shakshouka is one of the most famous dishes in the world . Check out my post Popular Israeli Food !

Where to stay in Eilat: The Reef Eilat Hotel by Herbert Samuel

10 days in Israel itinerary

If you are reading my 10-day Israel itinerary, most likely you are planning a trip to Israel. And you are interested also in what is the best time to visit Israel. The best seasons for traveling to Israel are fall (September to November) and spring (March to May) for moderate temperatures. Daily average temperatures go around 26°C (79°F) in fall and spring in Israel. Summer in Israel could be extremely warm with daily average temperatures around 33 °C (90 ° F) and many heatwaves. Winter in Israel comes with daily average temperatures of around 10 °C (50°F), lots of rain, and even the possibility of snow in Jerusalem. So, the best time for visiting Israel is from September to November and from March to May for pleasant and dry weather.

Essential Israel (Full-color Fodor’s Travel Guide) Israel & the Palestinian Territories (Lonely Planet’s Travel Guide) Jerusalem, Israel and the Palestinian Territories (D K Eyewitness Travel Guide)

Water-resistant anti-theft day bag that charges your gadgets Top-rated ultra-high capacity Anker portable charger Canon G7 X Vlog Camera Travel scarf with secret hidden pockets Anti-Theft Rfid blocking travel wallet

Do you like my DIY 10 day Israel tour? Have you been to Israel? What were the highlights of your trip to Israel? Do you have any suggestions for my Israel itinerary 10 days? Any other places to visit in Israel, things to do in Israel, and things to see in Israel?

 YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY TO READ  Hiking Masada in Sunrise  Popular Israeli Food  Popular Holy Sites in Israel and the West Bank 

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Carmen Edelson

Friday 5th of October 2018

Oh my goodness, I didn't realize Jericho is probably the oldest town on EARTH! How amazing. And I love that phrase "Tel Aviv plays, Jerusalem prays". I had no idea Tel Aviv was a start up hub. I love modern cities and really want to go soon. I wish you happy and safe travels!

Thursday 4th of October 2018

A two month trip through Jordan, Isreal and Egypt! That sounds awesome!!! I havent been to Jordan or Isreal yet, but I loved the vibrancy and chaos (yes, tons of chaos) of Cairo! Your Isreal intinirary is definitely well planned out - I’d love to refer back to it one day when I visit here myself. Jerusalem and Eilat would be high on my list! Not sure if I’d have enough ‘courage’ to visit Masada - it’s just unthinkable what happened there!

Sandy N Vyjay

Israel is a very enigmatic and fascinating country. A place that ranks high on our bucket list and we hope to get there someday. Jerusalem, of course, is a place we would love to see apart from the Dead Sea. The country is also such a fascinating medley of history and modern culture and must make for an unforgettable experience.

Wow I am impressed with your meticulous planning skills! I normally just look up a couple of things here and there, but have never actually put together an itinerary before my trip. I try to be like you and not have too many expectations as I don't like to be disappointed and this might also have something to do with my approach. I haven't really considered Israel as a destination, but this has certainly put it on the radar for me! I love all the photos too! Are they just stock photos?

Wednesday 3rd of October 2018

I haven't been to Israel, so I don't have any tips to share- but you seem to got it all covered. :) I know I would fall in love with Acre and the Mar Saba monastery, latter one reminding me of one my dearest travel memories- Matera, Italy. Matera is one of the oldest inhabited settlements in the world, and is similarly carved into the hill. I am curious about your Egypt experience as well (I've been wanting to visit Cairo ever since watching Cairo Time movie).

Perfect 7 Day In Israel Itinerary

by Melissa Giroux | Last updated Feb 24, 2023 | Asia , Israel , Travel Tips

Here’s the perfect Israel itinerary for those who are planning to visit this country for 7-10 days (or even longer as I’ll be recommending other things and places) featuring Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and the best Israel outdoor destinations.

I’ll also give you some tips and recommendations to help you plan your trip.

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Israel is such an interesting country! If you are wondering what to expect from Israel, here’s how I would describe it.

Tel Aviv is a vibrant city (where I could see myself living – and I don’t say that super often) with chill and laid-back vibes.

Then, you have Jerusalem which is rich in history. And the best part is probably all the outdoor possibilities out there! Add a bunch of amazing meals, friendly people and fun traditions and you’re almost there!

I had a great time in Israel! I know it’s a controversial destination and I’m not planning on diving into this complicated topic – but I truly enjoyed my time over there and I hope I can get back there someday!

Planning your Trip to Israel

If you have any questions on how to get to Israel and what to expect at the customs, I’d suggest you read this Israel travel blog post .

It will help you understand what’s the deal at the borders and hopefully, it will answer your questions about Israel.

Best time to visit Israel

If you want to be able to outside without suffocating, the best time to visit Israel would be May-April or September-October. These months are referring to Spring and Autumn.

What to Wear in Israel

For some reason, I was expecting Israel to be quite conservative in terms of clothing. I was totally wrong. For most parts, you can dress pretty casually and you wear shorts and tank tops in most places.  

Some places like in Jerusalem could be more conservative, but unless you visit some religious sites, you can dress pretty casually.

Itinerary for Israel | One Week Itinerary  

There are a lot of fun things to do in Israel! Here are my top recommendations on what to do in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and outdoor-wise.

You can also base yourself in either Tel Aviv and Jerusalem and do day trips from there.

Tel Aviv (3 days)

Photo by Or Kaplan

Tel Aviv is a vibrant city where you can find great vibes! With the beach just on the edge of the city, you get the chill beach vibes as well as the city vibes which creates an excellent combination.

During spring and summertime, you’ll find a lot of people outside, sipping coffee on a blanket in the grass or simply hanging out. The weather is mostly sunny and there is no excuse to stay inside!

Check out these fun things to do in Tel Aviv to help you make the most of your time over there! This article features things like the best free things to do, the best experiences as well as great restaurants and bars that are worth checking out.

Tel Aviv Highlights

• Levinsky Market
• Old Jaffa Port
• Beach Hopping
• Incredible nightlife
• Cooking Class

Where to stay in Tel Aviv

Best Hostels: Little Tel-Aviv Hostel / Abraham Hostel Tel-Aviv

Best Mid-Range Hotels: Gordon Inn Suits / Florentin House

Best Luxury Hotels: Hotel Saul  / Trieste Neve Tzedek Boutique Suites / The Vera

Find a hostel in Tel Aviv

Find a hotel in Tel Aviv

Jerusalem (1-2 days)

Jerusalem is an interesting city in terms of cultures. There are so many different quarters to explore and there are also cultural and religious sites that are worth visiting.

I personally went on a tour with a local who showed us the coolest spots in the old town. Although, Jerusalem wasn’t my favorite stop. Most attractions were quite crowded, which makes it less enjoyable.

Jerusalem is actually a great base if you want to do day trips and come back to the city at night time.

Jerusalem Highlights

• The old city of Jerusalem
• Western Wall
• Church of the Holy Sepulchre
• Mahane Yehuda Market

Where to stay in Jerusalem:

Best Hostels: Stay Inn / Abraham Hostel Jerusalem

Best Mid-Range Hotels: Stay Kook Suites / DEM Hotel  

Best Luxury Hotels: Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem / Herbert Samuel /  Bezalel Hotel  

Find a hostel in Jerusalem

Find a hotel in Jerusalem

Israel Outdoors Itinerary for 1-2-3 days (Desert & Other Cool Spots to Discover)

Masada, ein gedi and the dead sea.

Masada is an excellent spot for sunrise and the views are pretty impressive!

1 week Israel itinerary

Ein Gedi is a little nature reserve found in the middle of the desert (it’s basically like an oasis!) and it’s very pretty.  It’s also a great spot for hiking or for dipping in waterfalls.

Itinerary for Israel

And I don’t think I need to describe the Dead Sea, do I?

Backpack Israel

Ramon Crater

Israel Backpacking

Hiking around Ramon Crater, go for a repelling down adventure or even meet a Bedouin community is a pretty cool experience.

Where to stay in the Desert

Glamping Experience: Happy Glamper

Other Epic Destinations in Israel that are Worth Visiting

What to pack for israel | essentials you don’t want to forget.

Of course, you’ll need more stuff in your backpack, but these are the top backpack travel essentials for your trip to Israel.

• Day Pack : you will likely go on day trips, so you might want to bring a smaller backpack for those days.
• Sunscreen : the sun can be pretty harsh in Israel, so make sure to protect your beautiful skin!
• Universal Adapter : Make sure you can charge your electronics while in Israel.
• Dry Bag : If you’re going to visit the Dead Sea or places where it can get wet, you might want to make sure that your stuff is going to stay safe and dry!
• GoPro : As Israel is a cool adventure destination, make sure to bring your GoPro for action shots!
• Quick Dry Towel : A quick-dry towel is perfect for those days at the beach and at the Dead Sea .

Disclaimer: Thanks to Vibe Israel for inviting me to Israel! 

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The Perfect 10-Day Israel Itinerary You Were Looking for (2022)

If you have ever wondered how best to plan your 10-day trip to Israel , you have come to the right place! In this article, I will highlight the best itinerary for you, so you can make the most of your stay and have a unique experience.

Israel is an exciting, vibrant, and spiritual country to visit. It may be a small country however it is filled with BIG surprises! Touring Israel is easy and safe to do. We are a welcoming and friendly nation (if I may say so myself).  We love to help & engage with tourists and show them the different things Israel has to offer.

But first things first: 

Things you need to know when visiting Israel

Arriving in Israel: Be prepared for strict security at the airport, please, do not take it personally! 

Note: Passports are no longer stamped upon arrival, keep your entry slip safely with your passport. When you leave Israel, you will be asked to show it.

Hebrew and Arabic are the official languages in Israel but don’t worry English is spoken throughout the country.

Soldiers are a part of daily life here: Israelis grow up with having army presence around them. You will see soldiers throughout your stay, don’t be scared.

The Sabbath is a holy day for the Jewish people. It starts at sundown on Friday and lasts until the first three stars appear on Saturday evening. Most places and services will shut down for the duration around 14:00 on Fridays. Think about public transport, street shops, museums and other activities, kosher restaurants, and government offices. Planning is key!

Note: Jewish holidays are considered as holy as Shabbat is, so the same rules apply.

Best time to visit Israel

Springtime is the best time to visit: From late March to June, the temperature is warm and comfortable to be outdoors.

The fall months from mid-September to November are pleasant to visit especially if you are not a fan of hot temperatures.

Israel has extremely hot summers so from mid-June to mid-September the heat is on!

Getting around Israel

Public transport : Trains and buses in Israel are reliable. You will need a Rav-Kav card beforehand; this electronic card can be loaded using cash or credit card.

Rent a car : Israel is a small country and easy to navigate. Driving from the North down to Eilat the most southern tip will take you nine hours on average.

• TIP: You can hire your car at the airport, however, when starting your visit in Tel Aviv I would recommend hiring your car when you are heading out of the city.
• IMPORTANT: Check applying regulations before driving to the Palestinian territories, the West Bank, or Gaza. 

In the bigger cities, you can use service shuttles ~ moniyot sherut in Hebrew: These are minibusses that stop at the regular bus stops to pick up commuters, this is the cheapest way available.

Taxis: Always arrange the price before getting into your taxi.

UBER is also a possibility.

What should you keep in mind when packing for your Israel trip?

Israel has micro-climates featuring regional differences. You have hot temperatures and humid summers on the coast; a dry climate with cooler temps during the evenings in Jerusalem/mountain regions, extremely hot and dry summers up North where it can snow during winter, and year-round semi-desert conditions in the Negev down south through to Eilat.

Please wear appropriate clothes when visiting holy sites.

Safety & practical tips: Israel 10 day itinerary

• As anywhere else, avoiding hitchhiking can be a good idea. It can backfire.
• The cheapest way to have the internet is by purchasing an Israeli SIM card for your phone. You will need it for internet navigation, online ticket purchases, paying for parking, and safety reasons.
• Parking : You will also need your phone (with internet) to be able to pay for parking unless you use parking garages. The colors painted on the curb will indicate to you if you can park and whether you need to pay. Blue-white means paid parking. Red/white/yellow means parking is prohibited. Gray means it is free to park.
• This is a question I get often; do you tip in Israel? Yes, we tip between 12-15% in restaurants and bars. Other services such as tour guides, gas stations offering full service or hotel house cleaning will be up to you.
• Use sunscreen!
• Have a water bottle with you when you are on the go: Heat strokes are a real thing here so make sure you drink plenty of water! Having your personal bottle is not only comfortable it is also cheaper and more sustainable. Let us help rid the world of plastic where we can.
• Have an adaptor with you for your electrical devices.
• I would advise you to carry some local currency with you for when you are visiting markets and food stands for example. Credit cards of all major companies can be used everywhere.
• Start your days early! Israel is a mindblowing country and you will want to make the most out of your time there.

Your 10-Day Israel Itinerary

The suggested number of days for each location is as follows: 

• Three days in Tel Aviv 
• One day in Jerusalem
• Two days in the North: Caesarea, Haifa, Akko, Rosh Hanikra, and the Kinneret.
• Four days in the South: Dead Sea, Masada, Mizpe Ramon, and Eilat.

Please note that this itinerary was created with Tel Aviv being the central location. On the other hand, hiring a car is the best way to achieve this recommended itinerary.

Your trip starts with the crown jewels, Tel Aviv & Jerusalem! Ben Gurion airport is a short 20-minute drive from the city of Tel Aviv making it the logical place to start.

Days 1-3: Spend your first three days exploring Tel Aviv          

Where to stay in tel aviv.

Brown hotels: I love boutique hotels and this high-end hotel chain ticks all the right boxes: From location to service to facilities. 

Tel Aviv is a wonderful introduction to Israel. This beautifully vibrant and exciting city is unlike any other city you will visit here. Located along the coastline of the Mediterranean Sea, it offers spectacular views, golden beaches, bustling energy, interesting & diverse historical sites, architecture, it is also home to one of the world’s most famous Pride parades and a culinary mecca.

Best city tips for Tel Aviv

Spend a day on the beach: The beachfront stretches all the way to Jaffa. Work on your tan, have a swim, try a water sport, and have lunch or dinner right there on the beach watching a glorious sunset. My favorite beach restaurant is Calypso . My favorite beach club to hang out at is the trendy Beach Club TLV where you have watersports to enjoy complete with lessons for beginners, a beach boutique, and a delicious menu.

Stay and wander! Stroll through Neve Zedek, take a street art tour in Florentine, walkthrough Naclat Binyamin, have coffee on the Rothschild Boulevard, and take a walking tour to discover Bauhaus-style buildings in Tel Aviv.

There are three markets to visit here that hold such charm and character:

• The Carmel Market.
• The Levinsky Market for authentic Israeli dishes.
• The Flea Market (Pishpeshim in Hebrew) in Jaffa, perfect for a fun treasure hunt and beautiful food pitstop.

Visit a museum: Tel Aviv has a wide variety of museums depending on your preferences. 

I love the smaller less famous ones as I find their stories fascinating and at times more revealing. For example, the Bialik Museum , Palmach Museum , and the Independence Hall where Ben Gurion announced the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. 

Tel Aviv dinner tips

Alena . This beautiful restaurant is in the Norman Hotel and features a menu highlighting European classics with Mediterranean cuisine. Fantastic is fantastic  all around! This restaurant is inspired by ‘Alice in Wonderland.’ The decor is stunning! It is a place to forget where you are for a while and get sucked into the fairytale that surrounds you. Magazino . An Italian restaurant serving contemporary Italian cuisine with surprises on the changing wall menu.

Keep reading: 23 Best Things to do in Tel Aviv

Day 4: Spend a day in Jerusalem

Jerusalem is the capital of Israel located about an hour from Tel Aviv. It is a unique place, and you will notice it immediately upon arrival. Jerusalem is a spectacular city so enriching and spiritual. There is so much to see and do here but if you only have one day these are the places you cannot miss.

Best city tips for Jerusalem

Visit the Old City: Start at the Jewish Quarter, the Western Wall, and then take a walk along the city’s walls. Take a walk through the souk in the Muslim Quater on your way out of the old city.

These are the two most important museums for first-time visitors to Jerusalem, if you have time choose one:

Yad Vashem : This is Israel’s official tribute to the Holocaust. 

The Israel Museum : This museum is one of the best in the world. It is most famous for the Dead Sea Scrolls on display is the Shrine of the Book.

Wander in Mahane Yehuda Market , where you will find colorful stands, street art, and little restaurants offering different authentic Israeli-Jerusalem cuisine.

Stroll through Nachalat Shiva and Nachlaot neighborhoods.

Have a meal on the rooftop of the Mamila Hotel before heading back to Tel Aviv. The views are amazing! 

Find out more essential travel tips and information you should know before visiting Israel .

Days 4-5: Going up North

Head out from Tel Aviv, your first stop is in Caesarea which is about 40 minutes drive.

This is one of the best historical and archeological sites in Israel and a testament to Roman times. 

Continue to Haifa, famous for the Bahai Gold shrine & Gardens , a short 30 minutes drive where you can spend a couple of hours exploring.

Take the cable car up to the mountain to enjoy bay views while walking along the Louis Promenade. Drive to your last stop of the day, the city of Akko about 45 minutes away, where you can spend the night. 

Where to stay in the north of Israel

The luxurious Efendi Hotel : Stylish with panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. It is in the historic center of Akko. 

In Akko you will be able to observe a city where Jews and Arabs live together, it makes for a special atmosphere. Akko is an ancient port city on the Mediterranean Sea.

Stroll through the old town surrounded by well-preserved old walls. Have dinner in the port famous for serving delicious fresh fish and Mediterranean cuisine. From the harbor, you can take boats out to enjoy panoramic views of Akko from the water.

In the morning drive up to Rosh Hanikra National Park . This park is about 40 minutes away located at the most north-western corner of Israel on the border with Lebanon (a country you should definitely put on your dream road trips list as well – check this 1 week in Lebanon itinerary ). Here you will find dramatic cliffs and marine caves.

Driving back to Tel Aviv, take the scenic route back to Tel Aviv via the Sea of Galilee ~ The Kinneret in Hebrew. This is a freshwater lake and the lowest one in the world. A unique sight indeed.

Days 6-10: Exploring the beautiful South

Note: You can fly internationally from Eilat. You don’t have to make the four-hour drive back to Tel Aviv. International flights leave from the new Ramon airport.

Drive from Tel Aviv down to the Dead Sea taking the Mount Sodom route, it will take you about an hour and 40 minutes.

The Dead Sea is the lowest place on earth not to mention a unique natural phenomenon and one of the Israel highlights you cannot miss . Now it is time for you to float on your back while reading a magazine (it is such a fun thing to do) and admire the incredible views that surround you from all angles. 

There are hotel spas you can book a special treatment in however you can have fun enjoying Mother Nature’s spa ; use the salt for a scrub and a peel then cover yourself with black mud. You will normally find buckets with ready-to-use mud by the lifeguard towers. Give it a good 20 minutes before washing it off. Trust me you have never felt more rejuvenated!

On the beach, you have all the facilities you will need to shower, change, and have a bite to eat before continuing.

From here go up to Masada , one of Israel’s most iconic landmarks located about 30 minutes away. Masada is an ancient fortress on top of a mountain in the Judean Desert, commemorating the tragic event of mass suicide that took place here during Roman rule. You can hike up or take the cable car.

If you have enough time, you can also check the nearby oasis of Ein Gedi .

Drive to Mitzpe Ramon where you can spend the night.

Note: This drive is around two hours so you might decide to skip Masada although you’d be missing out as it is one of the most stunning spots in Israel.

Where to stay in the South of Israel

The Beresheet Hotel: Your own private breathtaking oasis offering scenic desert views to die for.

Start your morning at the visitor’s center strategically located above the spectacular Ramon Crater . You will have marvelous panoramic views from the balconies of the crater, rock formations, and open desert landscape . You can enjoy outdoor activities here such as jeep tours and abseiling down the cliffs.

I have saved the best for last:

Spend the last three days in Eilat .

This desert drive will take you around two and half hours. Eilat is a small piece of a tropical paradise on the shores of the Red Sea surrounded by the stunning Edom mountains. You will have full views of Aqaba located across Jordan, and you are about a 15 drive from the Israel-Egypt border.

If you have time, stop at the Timna National Park on your way down; the park has ancient copper mines and Egyptian temple ruins.

Eilat is gorgeous! It is all about relaxation, fun, great food, and buzzing nightlife.

Where to stay in Eilat

This is my favorite hotel in Eilat ~ The Royal Beach Hotel by Isrotel Exclusive Collection- Beautifully stylish located on the promenade.

Best city tips for Eilat

Beach comes first! My favorite is Mosh beach. A beach great for snorkeling with all the facilities necessary, food, music, and views of Jordan straight ahead.

Take a sunset cruise.

Swim with the dolphins in the Dolphin Reef .

Go snorkeling or on a diving safari: Eilat attracts divers from around the world as a diving Mecca! There is a variety of diving schools depending on your certification. Snorkeling is a great option too if you are not a diver. You will be able to enjoy a diverse, colorful, and plentiful underwater world.

Enjoy watersports : Kitesurfing, windsurfing, jet skis, parasailing, and banana rides are great fun.

Eilat restaurants & bar tips

Les Sardins: A fish restaurant located in the marina, a true culinary experience at affordable prices. Everything is made from fresh ingredients daily.

Moses is for the hamburger lovers!

Mika: Sushi on the beach, enjoying the Red Sea breeze and relaxing views.

Have drinks and dance in the Three Monkeys bar . Live music, signature drinks, finger food, and cool vibes. It is located on the gorgeous promenade under the Royal Beach Hotel.

And now all that’s left to say is have an amazing trip!

The author of this 10 day Israel itinerary, Diti Asiag, is an Israeli travel and lifestyle blogger living in Amsterdam.

The Perfect 10 Days In Israel

Israel is a surprisingly small country. You can probably drive across the entire country from North to South in about 6 hours. But at the same time, it’s also an incredibly diverse place in terms of landscapes, cities, history and culture and the type of vacation you can have there. Due to its small size 10 days is enough time to see A LOT, if not everything you need to see in Israel and not feel rushed.

Tips On Spending 10 Days In Israel

Depending on how you plan to spend your time in Israel, you might not need to rent a car. If you’re spending a lot of time in Tel Aviv and just planning to hop over to Jerusalem for a few days, you’ll be fine without one. But if you’re planning on maximizing your days in Israel and visiting more places around the country and going South as well (Dead Sea, Eilat, etc.) you definitely should rent one. 

Do You Need A Guide?

We don’t typically hire guides but Israel might be just the type of place where you need one, especially if you are going to Jerusalem. There is just so much to learn about the history of this place, as well as where to go and how to stay safe that we highly recommend it. We hired our guide Moti just for a day tour to Jerusalem but his team offers other adventures as well. 

Moti Goldrat – Tour & Adventure Team [email protected]

We often get asked if Israel is safe to travel to. Yes, you see all sorts of scary news about this country and its conflict in the Gaza strip. But in reality Israel is very very safe – just don’t go near the Gaza strip.

It is actually a very modern and highly developed country – ahead of many others in technology, transportation, infrastructure, etc. Walking around the streets of Tel Aviv honestly feels like you’re in LA but with a cooler vibe. If anything, Israel takes its security more seriously than other Western countries. They have some of the best intelligence services in the world as well as an extremely well-prepared police force. We never felt in any danger, walking around with our expensive equipment at night, etc. 

There is also nothing to worry about when it comes to how to dress as well. Unlike most Middle Eastern countries in the region, Israel is not a place where you need to cover up or worry about traveling alone as a female. 

Tel Aviv - 2 Days

Trust us, this is the place you should allot the most time to in Israel. Unlike a lot of other large cities around the world, where you’d want to get in and get out as fast as possible, Tel Aviv is probably the most exciting place in Israel. It’s vibrant and diverse, extremely progressive, a busy prosperous city with beach town vibes and amazing weather year-round, some of the best food in the world, and so much history and culture all in one place. It’s enough to see some areas of Israel once, but Tel Aviv is a place you’d want to come back to again and again and uncover new layers every time.

If you have around 10 days in Israel, we recommend spending at least 2 or 3 days in Tel Aviv. But if you have a little more time and are not sure which location to add a couple days to, Tel Aviv is the best choice. Honestly, if you just want to relax by the beach and have a nice laid-back vacation, you could also spend a full week here and not be bored. Once you feel the vibe of this city, you’ll just never get enough.

Where To Stay In Tel Aviv

Here are some of our favorite hotels in Tel Aviv:

• David Intercontinental Tel Aviv  – located right on the beach with stunning rooftop pool views and top notch service.
• The Setai  – one of the best luxury hotels in Israel, located in historic Yafo.
• The Poli House  – a cute boutique hotel in the heart of Tel Aviv (near Carmel Market) with a rooftop pool for a more budget-conscious but still in-style stay.
• Brown TLV  – another boutique hotel in the center of Tel Aviv with a stylish rooftop bar.

Start with a delicious Israeli breakfast at one of the many trendy spots in Tel Aviv. Try the shakshuka (poached eggs in sauce of tomatoes, peppers and herbs) or traditional Israeli breakfast, which consists of eggs, breakfast pastries and a variety of small sides, salads and dips.

You’d be surprised at the amount of vegetarian, vegan and healthy options you’ll find in Tel Aviv. We had some of the best food we’ve ever tried here. Here are a few places with great Israeli breakfast:

• Cafe Nimrod

Jaffa (Yafo) is a must-see in Tel Aviv. You will love wandering around its picturesque narrow streets lined with historic buildings, galleries, trendy shops and cafes. Stop by one of the many street food kiosks and try our favorite malabi dessert (rose-scented milk pudding with date syrup and nuts). 

Be sure not to miss  Abu Hassan’s Restaurant  in Jaffa for the best hummus in Israel. It’s a small hole-in-the-wall kind of place, one of the oldest and most famous places in the country. Actually Katerina didn’t even like hummus until she tried it there! Now she won’t stop talking about it. Make sure you visit before noon as the hummus runs out quickly and the lines get longer as the day progresses.

You can also head to Dizengoff boulevard  instead, where you’ll find some of the best restaurants in Tel Aviv along with the best  shawarma  and  sabich  spots around. If you don’t know what sabich is, by the way, we highly recommend you try it! It’s a pita sandwich with eggplant and boiled egg and a lot of flavor!

Next up is the best thing about Tel Aviv – the beach! The vibe at the beach is so unique and cool that you would want to spend all of your time in the city here. The weather is nice, there are good-looking young people everywhere, music coming out of the outdoor bars and restaurants and an overall feeling that the summer never ends here.

Gordon beach is our favorite. We love hanging out under the palm trees by the beach volleyball courts, drinking a fresh juice while watching the sunset.

Head to the beach in the morning and enjoy a few hours in the sun. The sand is soft and white and the water is warm. It’s amazing how many people you see hanging out at the beach in the middle of the day even during the week. This is one of those unique things about Tel Aviv that create its fun relaxed vibe.

Next head to the charming neighborhood of Neve Tzedek. Walk around the cute streets, grab a coffee or dessert and spend some time shopping.

Be sure not to miss Carmel market – the largest one in Tel Aviv. Here you can taste local delicacies, buy gifts and grab some lunch. Some of the food options include jachnun (a traditional Yemenite specialty), boutique cheeses, salted fish, cured meat, fresh juices and a variety of mouth-watering Middle Eastern desserts. Grab lunch at Restaurant Hamitbahon nearby.

If you enjoyed Jaffa during the day, you’ll love it even more at night. Head to the Flea Market area where you’ll find the trendiest bars and restaurants spilling into the streets covered in fairy lights and buzzing with life and flavor. Ramesses Restaurant was our favorite here.

Make your way to the Old Train Station (HaTachana) after for dinner. One of our favorite spots here is Vicky Christina – a delicious Spanish tapas place with unique atmosphere. The Old Train Station is a great place to take a stroll after dinner, pop into a shop or two, enjoy a street music performance or catch an art exhibit. 

Read more on  Cool Things To Do In Tel Aviv here .

The North - Achziv, Hof Nahsholim - 2 days

Head North to Achziv, Hof Nahsholim area to explore some of the best beaches in Israel and spend a couple of days relaxing.

Achziv is an ancient site near Israel’s border with Lebanon. The remains of a Biblical city sit near a small stretch of beach with the most pristine blue waters. Spend the day relaxing here and visit nearby Rosh Hanikra. Take a cable car down to the grottos and explore the caves where crystal clear blue waters meet blindingly white limestone cliffs.

Spend your second day enjoying the sun at Hof Nahsholim. Named as one of the most beautiful beaches in Israel, it boasts soft white sands and turquoise waters surrounded by picturesque cliffs. Do some snorkeling or paddle boarding or simply enjoy the sun away from the crowds.

Be sure to stop by nearby town Zichron Ya’akov’s night fair on your way to or back from the North. It’s a truly magical experience and there are quite a few delicious restaurants for the perfect romantic dinner.

Jerusalem - 2 days

Head to the capital Jerusalem next to enjoy a completely different vibe in the old city. Jerusalem is divided into 4 parts – Jewish, Christian, Armenian and Muslim quarters. You really need to know which parts of the city to go to and how to get around safely. For that reason we recommend you hire a guide when visiting Jerusalem. This is where we took the private tour by Motti (his contact info is in the beginning of this post) who shared with us his 30 years of experience in the city and its history. Our tour with him was absolutely fascinating!

What To See in Jerusalem

Start your morning getting to the Old city through Jaffa Gate by foot. In general wandering around Jerusalem is very easy using the public “light train”. Make sure to dress modestly to show respect to some of the religious sites. You won’t be able to enter certain places, including the Western wall, unless your shoulders and knees to be covered.

After entering through Jaffa gate you can take a short tour in the Tower of David museum. Visit the Western Wall and don’t forget to bring a note and a pen, think of something you really want and leave your wish on the wall.

Machne Yehuda Market is the place to get some authentic Israeli food experience and it’s really hard to go wrong. Talk to the merchants in the market and they will give you some of their goods to try. The treats are delicious and everyone is extremely nice and welcoming so you’ll have a lot of fun with that.

Temple Mount and Dome of the Rock is probably the most extremely religious site for Jews, Christians and Muslims. It’s a little more complex to go there and you must check hours of entry. The view is exceptional! However, if you are not Muslim you will not be able to go into the Dome itself.

Church of the Holy Sepulcher is the holiest site for Christians. Many believe that Jesus was crucified and buried where this church is today. The Shuk in the Muslim Quarter is a really unique experience and feels like a Moroccan market in modern days. The narrow streets, the vendors sell religious items and keepsakes in prices especially for tourists.

We didn’t go to the next two places but Yinon and his entire family very recommend to go to Yad VaShem – this is the Holocaust memorial. Entrance is free and I have no doubt I will go the next time I am there.

The second place if you have time is the Mount of Olives which is mostly known to be the home to the Garden of Gethsemane.

Dead Sea - 2 days

Head down South after Jerusalem and spend about 2 days at the Dead Sea. There is not a lot to do in this area outside of the Dead Sea. Two days is more than enough but you might want to stay longer if you are visiting for health reasons. The minerals in the water have many healing properties so a longer stay might be more beneficial for you in that case. Read our  10 Dead Sea Tips  for more information on the benefits of swimming in the dead sea as well as how to enjoy this unique experience safely. Although it looks absolutely beautiful the Dead Sea is not the most welcoming environment. There are a few things you need to know before you bathe in it.

The vibe here is laid back. There are not a lot of places to go out or shop, other than for Dead Sea skincare products. Most people come here for the spa-like experience, so keep that in mind when you are planning your trip.

Where To Stay At Dead Sea

Most hotels are located in two main areas on the Israeli side – Ein Gedi and Ein Bokek. Ein Gedi can be more affordable but it is also less developed and the beaches are not that nice. 

We recommend staying in the Ein Bokek area. It is the most developed part of the shore and it has the most built-in conveniences for tourists. Trust us, you’ll need those here! 

Showers on the beach are absolutely necessary as well as shade to shield you from the grueling desert sun. It’s also nice to have a pool at the hotel as you won’t be able to bathe in the sea for too long. Here are a few great options in the Ein Bokek area:

• Herods Dead Sea
• Crowne Plaza Dead Sea
• Isrotel Dead Sea
• Leonardo Plaza Dead Sea
• Oasis Dead Sea

Eilat - 2 days

Eilat is the most southern city in Israel. It’s just a couple of hours drive from the Dead Sea but you can also fly here if you are coming from Tel Aviv.

This place definitely has a more touristy vibe with big resorts, beaches, lots of bars and restaurants and organized activities. We mainly wanted to visit the Red Sea and nearby Timna Park so we stayed in Eilat as a base. Two days was enough for us here. But if you want to spend a few more days at the beach, swim with dolphins, snorkel or visit some of the other tourist attractions, you might want to allocate a few more days here.

Timna is a national park about 15 minutes from Eilat. It’s one of the main attractions in this part of Israel. There are daily organized tours of the park leaving from Eilat but you could also just drive here and explore on your own, which is what we did. Visit the Hidden lake or do one of the short hikes in the area. Don’t forget to bring A LOT of water and susncreen, especially if you are visiting in the warmer months. We would also recommend you don’t go there at all during the summer. The desert heat is close to unbearable and can be dangerous as soon as you leave your car even for just 10 minutes.

Book a sunset camel ride and enjoy a short tour of the majestic desert landscapes along with some mint tea and bedouin hospitality.

Enjoy Israel!

This itinerary gives equal weight to each destination so you can see as much as possible in 10 days. However, if you prefer a more laid-back type of vacation with less driving around, you should modify the amount of time spent in each location or even drop 1-2 stops. So, if you are a foodie or like going to trendy bars, spend a couple more days in Tel Aviv. If you are more more into history/religion, spend more time in Jerusalem. Or if you prefer laid back uncrowded beaches – stay longer in the north. But if you are more into the big resort vibe, maybe Eilat is more for you. We hope you enjoy your time in Israel and let us know if you have any questions! Since that’s where Yinon is from, we are always happy to help 🙂

Click here to start planning your 10 days in Israel.

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10 cool things to do in tel aviv, 10 tips for swimming in the dead sea, 14 comments.

Isreal sounds like a fantastic destination with so much natural beauty to offer – I hope to go one day, thanks for the inspiration!

Thanks Tanja! Hope you visit soon, I loved it so much <3

Did you guys try the beautiful Golan Heights and Mount Hermon (it transforms into a ski resort in winter)? Israel’s freshwater lake, Lake Kinneret is also pretty.

After seeing you guys photos no wonder God says Israel is the apple of his eye!! Great job capturing the feel of the place! Beautiful! I will definitely use this when we travel, thanks!

Hello Katerina, a really lovely Post =) I think in my time in Israel I also enjoyed most of the things you mentioned here and would recommend them aswell. I also did the camel ride in Eilat =D Did you go and see the dolfins and the Red Canyon? I wrote about it in one of my blogpost (but it’s in german). Best wishes, Svenja from All the wonderful things

Came across this article while researching for my jordan and isreal trip! have to say one of the best and comprehensive guides i have came across! such a good basis for me to start my research ^^ thank you so much! And amazing photos as well~

wondering if i want to visit the dead sea, do u think it’s the same going from jordan side versus from isreal side?

Thank you 🙂 I’m not sure about the Jordan side as we’ve never been there. I know for sure that the hotels on the Jordan side are less expensive but I also think the beaches might be a little less picturesque. The most beautiful photos I see around are usually on the Israeli side. But I would do some more research on this if it’s important to you. xx

Hello Katerina,

It’s an inspiring blog to go to Israel, we’re considering to go there in autumn and travel around in a week. Do you know if it is easy driving from Jerusalem to the Dead Sea, did you go across the West Bank or Do you have to travel around it?

Hi Arno, yes you will drive through the West Bank on the way to the Dead Sea, it’s really no big deal, you won’t even notice it :)) The drive is very beautiful, it’s actually how we always get to the Dead Sea, so don’t worry, it’s not a problem

Thanks a lot!

I have always wanted to travel to Israel but was hesitant, worried to dangerous. Your photos and detailed guide was amazing and I now look forward to traveling here as soon as it is possible for me to.

Really beautiful page others will look at you with envy so beautiful is this page and its description. Thank you for sharing your knowledge for others.

This is the page that impressed me the most that I have visited, the beautiful description and the page is made in a way that is useful to benefit others without being stingy.

Time spent on this page is never wasted. Very nice presentation, very nice pictures. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us.

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How to Spend Two Magical Weeks in Israel: An Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

With a legendary history, diverse religions and cultures, and an exquisite natural landscape, Israel packs a lot into a pretty small package. 

Within a few hours on the road, you could make your way from a Middle Eastern desert into a lush farming region, and from a snowcapped mountain to the coastline of the Mediterranean Sea. 

On top of its gorgeous landscape, Israel is known for being one of the most important religious sites for Jews, Christians, Muslims, and the Baha’i people, home to incredible biblical sites mentioned in the Old and New Testaments. Not to mention, the country boasts sixteen cultural and geographical UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Although much of the small country is disputed, its small area size makes it one of the easiest countries to tour. Distances between cities are short, road infrastructure is excellent, and public transport is efficient. Setting aside two weeks in the Holy Land is enough time to get to know a few cities well or explore the entire country, as long as you have a well-planned itinerary. And that is where I come in:

I’ve used my experience traveling the country to curate the perfect fourteen-day Israel itinerary for you to follow on your next trip. The itinerary starts in the sun-drenched city of Tel Aviv, which is where all international flights arrive. From there, it loops the country from south to north, stopping at the most beautiful places, exciting cities, and historic landmarks along the way.

Keep in mind that this trip is packed to the brim with activities, so feel free to pick and choose which adventures you would like to leave out and include a few more down days. After all, you’re on vacation!

Why I Love Israel / Things to Know Before You Go

I have spent my fair share of time in Israel, visiting family and friends and touring the incredible country. It’s one of my favorite places to visit, not just because of the people but because of the hot Mediterranean climate, fantastic food, and abundant history. Every trip opens up a new world of knowledge and education for me – Israel really is a place of eternal learning. 

Religion and Culture

The first thing you should know about the country is that it is a holy region for Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Baha’i religions. While the majority of the country is Jewish, many cultures and religions coexist in this tiny Middle Eastern country. With a diverse population and religious following, you must visit the country with an open mind and remain respectful of the different religions and cultures wherever you go. 

There are few places better for archeologists in the world, and Israel is packed with hidden treasures, ancient shipwrecks, millennia-old lost cities, and burial sites. The entire country is layered with buried treasures, and new archeological finds and digs are constantly popping up.

Israel is one of the most expensive countries to visit in the world, and it certainly isn’t a budget holiday destination. In fact, Tel Aviv is consistently rated in the top three most expensive cities to live in in the world, behind only New York and Singapore. 

Food, accommodation, transport, and entertainment are costly. However, there are ways to budget and bargain along your journey. So, read up on bargaining etiquette before arriving, and make sure you budget well for the trip.

Every Friday evening, the country comes to a standstill for about 24 hours until Saturday evening. Known as the Jewish day of rest, all shops, restaurants, and public transport close up for the day. Consider this when planning your itinerary, and add a beach day or rest day if you visit over a weekend. I’ve been stranded with no transport one too many times before, so learn from my mistakes and plan your day accordingly!

Day 1 – Gather Your Bearings in the Wondrous World of Tel Aviv

You’ve just arrived in Israel. Chances are you’ve had a bit of a journey to get there, not to mention the stress that the intense security checks at the airport can cause. Because of this, I recommend taking it easy on your first day.

You’ll likely fly into Tel Aviv, which is home to Israel’s only international airport. Tel Aviv is a bustling metropolis set along the Mediterranean coastline, with as much high-tech industry as it has historical importance.

Whenever I arrive at a new place, I first like to gather my bearings and explore the area around my accommodation on foot. Walking is the best way to see a city with fresh eyes, allowing you to see parts of a city you would otherwise miss if traveling by car.

One of my favorite neighborhoods to stay in Tel Aviv is Neve Tzedek, which was the first Jewish neighborhood to be built outside of the old city of Jerusalem. The historic district has recently been restored and is one of the most trendy areas in the city. The Vera or The Levee are two gorgeous hotels in Neve Tzedek worth every penny.

The area is also home to some of Tel Aviv’s famous Bauhaus buildings, an architectural style for which the city is famous. Just about every street you walk down is lined with mid-century modern buildings and historic synagogues.

Just a 13-minute walk from Neve Tzedek, you’ll find one of Tel Aviv’s most famous and busy markets, called the Carmel Shuk. This is one of my favorite places to pop past for fresh fruit and vegetables. However, since you’ll be on the move, I recommend tucking into some authentic Mediterranean street food at this bustling marketplace. The market opened in 1920 and is a vibrant spot to haggle with vendors and purchase some knick-knacks to take home to your family and friends.

Day 2 – Explore Florentin

On your second day in Tel Aviv, begin your day with breakfast at your hotel before venturing back into the city. Start at the Florentin neighborhood in south Tel Aviv. Located right by the old Hatachana Railway Station that connected Jaffa and Jerusalem in the 1800s, Florentin is a dynamic area with a ton of character.

Florentin is known for its vibrant local art scene, with buildings, garages, and walls covered in street art. The area attracted a wave of bohemian artists, who saw an opportunity in the crumbling walls in the 90s. 

The street art here is typically politically motivated, showcasing political viewpoints and arguments through the medium of art. It’s a fascinating place to visit whether you’re interested in art or not.

Hatachana was the first train station ever built in the Middle East, replacing the routes of camels for trains to haul freight from the Jaffa port to Jerusalem. It remained abandoned until recently, when it was fully refurbished and reopened as an entertainment complex.

On your last night in Tel Aviv, enjoy a casual meal at a street-side restaurant before hitting some of Tel Aviv’s best bars. If you would rather have a more formal, fine-dining experience, OCD Tel Aviv is a high-end restaurant you won’t forget. After a much-needed meal, Dizengoff Street in central Tel Aviv is a hot and happening nightlife area packed with bars and nightclubs.

If you need help figuring out where to start, this full-day Jaffa and Neve Tzedek walking tour will show you the main attractions in these trendy neighborhoods.

Day 3 – Walk the road of history in Jerusalem

On the third day of your trip, wake up early and catch a train to Jerusalem. The journey from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem takes one hour or less and is a comfortable trip. 

Jerusalem is one of the most biblically important places in the world, packed with archeological wonders, biblical history, and historic buildings. After checking into Lifta Boutique Hotel and Spa or Albi Hotel in West Jerusalem, catch a quick tram into the Old City for another day of walking and exploring. 

The city is split up into four quarters: Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Armenian. Each quarter has its own charm, history, and culture and is best explored on foot (in fact, most of these small cobblestone streets and alleyways are only accessible to walkers). 

Small winding streets make it easy to waste time walking around in circles in Jerusalem. This tour allows you to customize the itinerary to fit in all the major attractions without getting lost. Make sure your guide takes you past the Dome of the Rock, Via Dolorosa, and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, some of the city’s most significant attractions.

Once you’ve experienced the narrow streets and vibrant culture in the Old City, one of the best activities to do in Jerusalem is to tour the Western Wall tunnels. The Western Wall was part of the original Temple Mount, one of the most important remains from the Second Temple of Jerusalem, which was destroyed around 2000 years ago. 

Today, this temple wall is still the most critical site for the Jewish people, and you’re bound to see many religious and secular Jews pray at the wall. The tunnels under the wall reach almost half a mile long and show a big part of the hidden temple that tells an incredible story of the Jewish nation.

Day 4 – Visit some markets and museums in Jerusalem

I advise spending, at the very least, two days in Jerusalem. On your second day, pay a visit to the Mahane Yehuda Shuk, which is Jerusalem’s most famous market. Over 250 vendors sell fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts, meats, wines, and liquors brewed in the area. 

If you’re staying in a hotel and fresh produce won’t carry well in your suitcase, there are also vendors selling clothing, handmade shoes, houseware, and, as always, tourist knick-knacks. 

Mahane Yehuda Shuk is also a great place to grab a casual bite to eat, boasting some of the best falafels and hummus in the world. For a sit-down dining experience, Racmo is the oldest restaurant in the city and serves incredible Mediterranean cuisine.

Now it’s time to soak up your daily dose of culture and education. Jerusalem is home to tons of incredible museums, so you’ll have to pick and choose what interests you most. I advise prioritizing Yad Vashem, which is the world’s most impressive Holocaust Museum. 

I’m a firm believer in learning about the history of a nation when visiting new places, and I cannot recommend this heart-wrenching museum more. It’s important to take the good with the bad, even while on vacation.

To lighten things up a bit, head to The Israel Museum to view some incredible global art and archeological findings. The museum was founded in 1965 and is best known for its fine art, Jewish art, and for housing the most extensive collections of biblical artifacts. Whether you join a guided museum tour or walk around on your own steam, this is a great spot to learn about the country’s history and people.

Day 5 – Float away your troubles at the Dead Sea

After a good night’s rest in Jerusalem, take a morning train to Ein Gedi on the central coast of the Dead Sea. This journey will take about an hour and fifteen minutes via train or car. Ein Gedi is an archeological hotspot and nature reserve west of the Dead Sea, attracting close to a million visitors each year. 

To start your day with a bit of activity, take a 20-minute train ride south of Ein Gedi to Masada National Park, a park with as much natural beauty as it has historical wonder. Perched on top of an isolated rock in this park, the Masada Fortress is an incredible historical ruin with a tragic history. You can take a cable car to the fortress or embark on a hike along the rocky cliffs. 

After a bit of physical exercise and learning about the fortress, make your way to the Dead Sea for a relaxing end to the day. Named the Dead Sea because of its high salt content, this inland sea is a natural spa rimmed by salt crystals and mineral-rich mud that will leave your skin feeling softer than you thought possible. It’s one of the most spectacular places to relax and will be all the more satisfying after the Masada hike.

Glamping 420 is a gorgeous place to stay on the northern banks of the Dead Sea, for those up for a unique accommodation experience.

Day 6 – Live like a Bedouin in the Negev Desert

Desert is a huge part of Israel’s landscape, stretching over 60% of the country. The main desert here is called the Negev, which covers just about the entire central and southern part of the country.

A drive from Ein Gedi to the heart of the Negev will take between an hour and a half to two hours, depending on where you go. If you’re short on time, one of the best spots to visit is Advat National Park, one of Israel’s many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In the third century BC, the park housed a city that served as a caravan station on the famous incense trail between Petra and Gaza.

The park is located in the heart of the Negev Desert, on a hilltop above the Tsin Stream watercourse. You can spend some time exploring this ancient city, walking through the ruins of villas, bathhouses, Roman burial caves, and churches that once stood proudly in the desert. 

Have you ever driven in a jeep buggy through neverending sand dunes? This is another one of my favorite activities to do in the Negev, and there are plenty of places to hop onto a jeep tour nearby.

While this might be the most expensive hotel in the article, a stay at the Six Senses Shaharut in Arava Valley truly is an experience you will never forget. Live like an Arabian king in this five-star hotel in an oasis in the middle of the desert.

Day 7 – Check out incredible coral reefs in Eilat

A two-hour drive through the Negev Desert will get you to Eilat, Israel’s southernmost town, and a tropical beach resort. Eilat is one of those bizarre places you won’t believe exist until you visit it.

The city is a major port of the Red Sea, with a history dating back to the 7th century BC. While it is packed with archeological digs and a political history documented in many modern books and Hollywood movies, I recommend visiting for the coral reefs.

Despite the desert landscape it sits in, Eilat has some of the world’s most incredible underwater coral forests and dive sites. Coral Reef Beach, Migdalor Beach, and Princess Beach are some of the most popular dive and snorkeling sites, teeming with coral and colorful sea life. Join this snorkeling tour for the opportunity to explore the underwater world in Eilat.

Relax on the beaches, lay by the hotel pool at Royal Beach Eilat by Isrotel Exclusive , and enjoy the sunshine, which is abundant in the region, year-round.

Day 8 – Explore the ancient deserted city of Caesarea

Day eight calls for a road trip as you venture back through the Negev Desert and into northern Israel. The drive from Eilat to Caesarea will take around four and a half hours, so get comfortable and download your favorite tunes for the journey.

I’ve been visiting Caesarea since I was a child, yet I never really knew how historically significant the ancient deserted city was until recently. Located between Tel Aviv and Haifa on the Mediterranean coast, Caesarea is an abandoned village that was once a Herodian fishing port in 25 BCE.

Ancient harbor ruins meet gorgeous beaches at this impressive archeological site, which reveals how advanced the ancient population who lived here really was. Today, it’s an affluent neighborhood that blends modern infrastructure and lavish homes with historical wonder. 

Enjoy a meal at the harbor and marvel at the century-old stone walls and amphitheater that still stands today.

Just a twenty-minute drive inland, Zichron Yaakov is a small, charming residential area. Cobblestone streets, boutique vineyards, and gorgeous shops and restaurants characterize the town, which sits on a hill overlooking the ocean. 

After strolling the high street and enjoying a meal at Nili Wine House, Spend a night at the Yama Wine Spa and Suites in Zichron Yaakov or Dan Caesarea Resort in Caesarea.

Day 9 – Learn about the Baha’i culture in Haifa

Haifa is one of the biggest cities in the country, located about 30 minutes from Zichron Yaakov. The Mediterranean port city is a metropolitan hotspot for tourists and students yet is most well known for being the home to the Baha’i faith. 

The Baha’i Gardens are the official burial place of the founder of this minority religion, making it the landmark of the faith. Thousands of Baha’i pilgrims visit the city each year to pay respects to their religious forefathers and culture. 

Located on the hilly Mount Carmel above the city, The Holy Shrine of Bab sits within some of the most beautiful gardens in the country. Lush gardens aren’t exactly plentiful in this dry Middle Eastern landscape, and the Baha’i Gardens are one of the most beautiful sites in Israel.

Because of its hilly location, the garden is made up of different terraces, flowerbeds, lawns, and trees fixed with fancy fountains and white marble railings. Any full-day Haifa tour will take you into the gardens. However, I advise spending the morning enjoying a relaxing yet educational walk through the gardens while temperatures are still cool. The sunrise over the Mediterranean doesn’t hurt, either.

Afterwards, head into the city for brunch, some shopping, and exploring the city and harbor before getting a good night’s rest at the Schumacher Hotel Haifa .

Day 10 – Walk in the footsteps of Jesus in Nazareth

Nazareth is one of the most biblically essential sites for the Christian faith, home to incredible Ottoman architecture and ruins and the largest church in the middle east. Today, the city is the most prominent Arab city in Israel, overflowing with culture, religion, and traditions.

The city is a melting pot of history, with well-preserved remnants of the Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Romans, Byzantines, Crusaders, and Ottoman empire. This makes it an incredible place to learn about the history of the region. Spend a full day exploring this multifaceted city, enjoying traditional Arab delicacies and meals along the way. 

In the afternoon, take a short drive to Mount Tabor, just south of the city. This unassuming mound is believed to have been where Jesus Christ spoke with Moses and Elijah and is now important for Christian Pilgrims. 

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in the area, Michel House in Nazareth will exceed all of your expectations.

Day 11 – Spend a day by the Sea of Galilee

Along Israel’s northern border with Syria, the Sea of Galilee houses several important religious Christian sites where episodes of the bible took place, including Capernaum, Tabgha, Cana, and the Mount of Beatitudes. Because of this, the ancient sea is a spiritual destination for Christian pilgrims who visit to experience the place where Joseph and Mary once lived.

The sea is actually a freshwater lake and is the lowest freshwater lake on the planet. Also known as Lake Tiberias or Kinneret, the lake is surrounded by farmland and hills; it’s a beautiful place to enjoy a relaxing day by the water. 

The warm water supports a range of flora and fauna, which has helped found a successful commercial fishing industry in the area. With around 27 species of fish (19 of which are native to the lake), the Sea of Galilee is as much a natural wonder as it is a historical one.

Located in the north of the country on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, Kibbutz Ein Gedi is the oldest still operating Kibbutz in Israel today. A kibbutz is a type of settlement only found in Israel, which provides housing, food, and healthcare to those willing to volunteer their time and energy to work for the kibbutz in the form of a social contract. Spending a night at the Ein Gedi Kibbutz Hotel is one of the most authentic ways to experience life in Israel. 

Alternatively, the town of Tiberius, which borders the lake, is not especially beautiful. So, why not spend a night at Villar at Rosh Pinna, just twenty minutes north of the lake?

Day 12 – Explore Acre (Akko) in the North of Israel

Acre (also known as Akko) is another archeological port that will blow you away with its unique past. The city is built around a natural harbor in the northern part of Haifa and was the country’s most important coastal trading point. It used to be located at the end of an important trading coastal road during the Early Bronze Age before being abandoned for a few centuries.  

It’s one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements on the whole planet, yet it has experienced a lot of destruction, archaic Crusader battles, and natural disasters. Today, the city is home to Jews, Muslims, Christians, and Baha’i people, blending the best of the best of Israel’s distinct cultures and traditions.

A few of the most impressive sites in the city include Hospitaller Fortress and the Templar Tunnels. The Hospitaller Fortress housed the Order of the Knights of Saint John, who were a military order of monks during the time of the Crusaders. The role of these knights was to protect and provide aid to those seeking refuge in the Holy Land. The Templar Tunnels are a series of secret underground passageways built to connect the Knights to the port of Akko.

After learning about the Crusaders in Israel, head to the port to enjoy a freshly caught seafood meal. There are plenty of great places to stay in Acre, and I recommend Alma , The Efendi Hotel Akko , or Arabesque Arts and Residency for a luxurious stay.

Day 13 – Experience a traditional Jewish Shabbat in Netanya

Whatever days Shabbat falls on during your two weeks in Israel, use this time to do exactly what the day was created for – rest. Netanya is a high-rise city located about halfway between Haifa and Tel Aviv. 

It’s a popular place for vacationers who visit for the pristine beaches, great food, and relaxed atmosphere. Take advantage of the ‘day of rest’ and spend a day enjoying the beach. Make sure you sort yourself out with food before Shabbat kicks in, as most Jewish-owned restaurants will be closed for the day. 

Israeli Jews are incredibly friendly and will gladly invite you into their homes for a Shabbat dinner. Experiencing the wholesome atmosphere of a family dinner is always special when you’re on the road, and listening to the Shabbat prayers is a memorable experience if you aren’t familiar with them. 

Suite Caesar – Neot Golf in Netanya is an excellent option for accommodation if you’re traveling with kids.

Day 14 – Enjoy a traditional meal at Jaffa Port

On the last day of your Israeli adventure, head back to Tel Aviv – Jaffa to explore the most historic parts of the city. This part of the city is built around an ancient port mentioned in the biblical stories of Jonah, Solomon, and Saint Peter, as well as the mythological dramas of Andromeda and Perseus.

Today, it’s one of Israel’s mixed culture cities, home to Arab and Jewish communities. It’s no secret that I love a walk, but Jaffa might be one of my favorite places to explore on foot. From the Jaffa Flee Market to the hidden beach coves to the still-standing ancient harbor, this city beautifully blends old with new and will make you feel like you’ve taken a step back in time. 

This is also a great spot to do some last-minute shopping for your friends and family back home, with boutique stores, art galleries, and tourist shops lining the cobblestone streets.

If you spend a night in Jaffa before flying out of Ben Gurion Airport, make sure you hit the main center, which is packed with bars and casual street-side restaurants. Shaffa Bar, Beer Bazaar, and Akbar will ensure you finish your Israeli adventure off with a bang! 

Casa Nova: Luxury Suites and Boutique Apart-Hotel is a gorgeous hotel with a rooftop deck overlooking the ocean in Jaffa, perfect for watching the sunset for the final time on your Israeli vacation. 

It will take you just 45 minutes to get to the airport on the bus, or half an hour by car, making Jaffa the perfect final Israeli destination before you head back home.

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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12 Days in Israel: Best 4 Itineraries for First-Timers

Twelve days is an ideal length of time to spend in Israel, as you can fully explore the major highlights at a relaxed pace. To make the most of your time and have a worthwhile trip, we suggest you consider a trip that also includes neighboring countries, such as Jordan and Egypt, to have a diverse experience in each country.

In this article, we've described four handpicked 12-day itineraries to help you get some ideas.

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• 1. Itinerary for First-Timers
• 2. Itinerary for Couples
• 3. Itinerary for a Big Trip
• 4. Itinerary for Families
• 5. Cost of a 12-Day Trip to Israel

1. A 12-Day Israel Itinerary Covering the Major Highlights

This itinerary would allow you to fully explore the major highlights in Israel at a slow pace: experience the holy atmosphere in Jerusalem, discover the historical sites portrayed in the Bible, float effortlessly on the Dead Sea, and enjoy the amazing views of the Negev Desert.

Here is the suggested itinerary, for inspiration:

• Days 1–3: Tel Aviv (the old city of Jaffa and sandy beaches)
• Days 4–5: Haifa (the Baha'i Gardens and Acre)
• Days 6–7: the Sea of Galilee (the Church of the Annunciation and the Church of the Multiplication)
• Days 8–9: Jerusalem (the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Temple Mount)
• Days 10–11: the Dead Sea (Masada and the Negev Desert)
• Day 12: departure

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Kick off your trip in Tel Aviv, the vibrant seaside capital of Israel with a combination of history and modernity. Meander around the old city of Jaffa to experience the quiet and history-filled atmosphere, and relax while sunbathing on a beach. Head to Haifa to view the charming Baha'i Gardens where you can see the Mediterranean, and take a day trip to the thousand-year-old city of Acre to visit the well-preserved Crusader castle.

Next, explore the historical sites portrayed in the Bible at the Sea of Galilee. You'll have the opportunity to visit the hometown of Jesus — Nazareth — and where he preached, as well as the sites of Jesus' miracles, around the Sea of Galilee.

Continue your trip in the sacred city of Jerusalem , immersing yourself in the prayers of devotion at the Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, while also taking a leisurely stroll on the Temple Mount to admire the iconic Dome of the Rock.

Finally, experience the unique sensation of floating without difficulty on the Dead Sea while holding a newspaper to take a classic photo with your family/partner. Take a light hiking trip to the steep natural fortress of Masada, and take a day tour to the Negev Desert to admire the ruins of a Byzantine city.

You can just tell us your preferences and requirements and our travel consultant will customize a tour for you.

2. A 12-Day Israel and Jordan Itinerary for Couples: Suitable for Anniversaries and Annual Getaways

With this itinerary, you could spend a romantic time with your partner in the popular combo of Israel and Jordan: enjoy seeing candles illuminate the entire floor in Petra and stay in a luxury camping tent to appreciate the starry nights from the tent's private terrace.

Here is the well-organized itinerary, for inspiration:

• Days 1–5: Jerusalem (the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Temple Mount)
• Days 6–7: Petra (the rose-red sandstone city)
• Days 8–9: Wadi Rum (enjoy a well-equipped camping tent under the starry night sky)
• Days 10–11: the Dead Sea
• Day 12: depart from Amman

Start your journey in the holy land of Jerusalem in Israel. Uncover the rich culture and witness the faithful in prayer at the Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Contact us if you want to explore more of the sites mentioned in the Bible. Our specialist travel consultants would customize the trip based on your preferences.

Next, make your way to Petra in Jordan to visit the awe-inspiring rose-red sandstone city carved into the cliffs. One unique way to see this incredible architecture is to attend the Petra By Night show during which the entire Treasury frontage is illuminated by lots of candles, creating a romantic atmosphere.

Continue your trip to Wadi Rum to embark on an exciting desert safari, taking a jeep to explore the special landscape and epic red canyons of Wadi Rum, which resemble the surface of the moon. Stay in a luxury well-equipped camping tent to enjoy the starry night with your partner from the comfort of your tent's private terrace.

End your trip at the Dead Sea to enjoy the unique experience of effortlessly floating on the water. The Dead Sea is located in both Israel and Jordan. We recommend that you go to the Jordanian part of the Dead Sea as the same level of hotels and services are cheaper there than in Israel.

If you have other requirements, contact us and we can make it happen.

3. 12-Day Israel and Egypt Itinerary for a Big Trip

This itinerary would be nice for a big trip, such as a bucket list trip, birthday, or annual vacation. You would get first-hand insights into both Israel and Egypt: experience the charming history-filled Jerusalem in Israel, witness the pyramid complex, which has one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, and take a memorable Nile cruise to appreciate the scenery along the river.

Here is the handpicked itinerary, for inspiration:

• Days 1–4: Jerusalem (the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Mount of Olives)
• Days 5–7: Cairo (the Giza pyramid complex, camel riding, and the Egyptian Museum)
• Days 8–11: a Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor (the Philae temple complex, the Valley of the Kings, the Luxor Temple, and riding in a hot-air balloon)
• Day 12: depart from Cairo

Your wonderful journey starts in the spiritual city of Jerusalem in Israel. Explore the secrets of the Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to get a deeper understanding of their historical significance. Take a day trip to the unique Dead Sea to experience floating effortlessly. Hold a newspaper to capture a classic photo.

Fly to Cairo to immerse yourself in the mysterious treasures of ancient Egypt. Take a camel ride to discover the spectacular Giza pyramids, and appreciate the well-preserved and exquisite collections, such as mummies, at the Egyptian Museum.

No trip is complete without a Nile cruise. Enjoy a stunning view along the waterway from a small dahabiya houseboat (for just 10–12 people) that we've selected for you. We would also arrange a private guide for you to visit the historical sites when you go ashore instead of taking a crowded and inflexible group excursion.

A hot-air balloon ride in Luxor is the best value for money of its kind and offers you a great view of Luxor.

You can contact us to tailor-make a tour for you if the above itinerary does not meet your requirement.

4. A 12-Day Israel, Jordan, and Egypt Itinerary for Families with Teenagers

Twelve days are sufficient to explore these three countries, and this itinerary doesn't require frequent hotel changes. You can enjoy some family-friendly activities with your kids, such as floating on the Dead Sea, having an adventurous desert safari, taking a camel ride, and enjoying a Nile cruise.

• Days 1–3: Jerusalem (the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Tower of David Museum)
• Day 4: the Dead Sea
• Days 5–6: Petra (a rose-red sandstone city and a desert safari)
• Days 7–8: Cairo (the Giza pyramid complex, camel riding, and the Egyptian Museum)
• Days 9–11: a Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor (the Valley of the Kings, the Luxor Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon)

Begin your trip in iconic Jerusalem, ancient capital of Israel. To add more fun for your kids while discovering this history-filled city, we could arrange some kid-friendly activities to relive the history of Jerusalem in an engaging way. For example, exploring the Western Wall tunnels and watching the sound and light show at the Tower of David Museum.

Head to the Dead Sea in Jordan to experience some novel family time floating effortlessly on the water. On day 5, you can visit the extraordinary rose-red sandstone city carved into the cliffs. If you have more time, you could have an adventurous desert safari in Wadi Rum to explore the landscape, which is similar to the surface of the moon.

Continue your trip to Cairo to see the incredible pyramids and exquisite treasures from ancient Egypt. Take a camel ride to enjoy the view of the great Giza pyramids and appreciate an Egyptian dancing show with a rhythmic beat and lively music.

Take a relaxing Nile cruise to conclude your trip and visit the highlights along the river from Aswan to Luxor. We would arrange for your family to take our carefully-selected houseboat (just for 10–12 people), and also arrange a private guide for you to visit the highlights when you go ashore instead of taking a group excursion.

Let us help you plan your trip! Contact us and we will create a trip based on your group size, time, budget, interests, and other requirements.

How Much Is a 12-Day Trip to Israel?

A private trip to Israel costs about US$500 per day per person , including 4-star hotels, a full-day itinerary, transportation, tickets for attractions, a private guide, and a private car.

Therefore, the total cost for 12 days in Israel is about US$6,000 per person based on a group of 2–4 people.

If you want to have a cross-border trip to Egypt and Jordan, the private tour cost in Egypt is from US$150-250 per day per person, while the cost in Jordan starts at about US$200-300.

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The Best Two Weeks Israel Itinerary for Independent Travelers

Last Modified: April 27, 2023 //  by  Anda //   25 Comments

If you are planning a trip to Israel and are trying to create an itinerary, this post will help you build the best one. Israel is such a fascinating country with so many unique places to visit, that it’s difficult to decide where to begin.

Table of Contents

About this itinerary

How many days to spend in israel, day 1: eilat & the negev desert, day 2: west bank (bethlehem, jericho & qasr el yahud baptismal site), day 3: the judean desert (masada & the dead sea), israel itinerary day 4 to 9: jerusalem, day 10 & 11: the sea of galilee, israel itinerary day 12: nazareth & akko, day 13: haifa & caesarea, day 14 & 15: tel aviv & jaffa, day 16: fly back home, when is the best time to visit israel.

I did a lot of research before our trip to Israel. Watched videos, read reviews and travel guides, but it’s not easy to find a good online itinerary for Israel.

Most websites I checked underestimate the amount of time you need to visit the different places in Israel. In this post I’ll try to give you a better idea about how long you’ll need for each of these destinations.

We toured Israel independently, driving ourselves around the country and stopping along the way at the different points of interest. There are many tour operators that offer guided tours throughout Israel. However, we believe that with a little preparation, you can visit all these sites on your own. So this itinerary is good for people who want to visit Israel independently.

Deciding how many days to stay in Israel depends to a large extent on the purpose of your trip and your interests. If you are familiar with Israel’s fascinating history, you’ll probably want to visit all the archeological sites of biblical importance. In this case you’ll need a minimum of 14-16 days.

This itinerary is good have 14 or more days in Israel. If you only have 7 to 10 days, you may still be able to see some of the sites we visited in 16 days, but you’ll have very little time at each destination. So here are the most important sites to include in your tour:

Israel Itinerary – Best Places to Visit on a 2-Week Trip to Israel

Our journey started in Eilat, which is the southernmost city in Israel, close to the border with Jordan . We chose to start here because we also took a 5 day trip to Jordan before coming to Israel and crossed borders in Eilat. From Eilat we continued to the Negev Desert, the Dead Sea, Jerusalem, the Sea of Galilee, Akko, Haifa, and ended our trip in Tel Aviv.

Map for our trip to Israel

Eilat is a busy port and a beautiful resort town at the Red Sea, located on the Gulf of Eilat. The city is mainly famous for its beautiful scuba diving spots. When you see how clear the water is you understand why Eilat is so popular among divers and snorkelers.

However, if you are not into water sports and beaches, you may not find Eilat very interesting. We’ve only spent a few hours here before heading to the Negev Desert .

About 25 km north of Eilat we stopped to visit Timna Park , one of the biggest attractions in southern Israel. The Negev Desert is famous for its jagged landscape and red-colored rock formations, but also for its copper ore.

Since Timna was the center of metal production in the ancient world, many historians believe that King Solomon’s Mines were actually here.

The park is quite impressive and has endless beautiful trails to enjoy. Unfortunately, when we visited Timna it was too hot for hiking. We only drove around and stopped at the different points of interest.

For those acquainted with the Jewish history, Timna holds a very special surprise: a life-size replica of the biblical tabernacle , mentioned in the Old Testament. The tabernacle was the earthly dwelling place of Yahweh (God). During their 40 years of wandering through the desert, the Israelites carried the tabernacle with them.

For Christians, Bethlehem and Jericho rank very high on the list of places to visit in Israel. Both cities have very strong ties to the biblical history. However, many people are nervous about visiting them because they are located on the West Bank, which is a Palestinian territory.

But no need to worry. Crossing over to the West Bank and back to Jerusalem is pretty safe. Bethlehem and Jericho are tourist-oriented towns and the Palestinian authorities go to great lengths to make them safe to visit. Just be sure you bring your passport with your Israeli-issued tourist visa to enter and exit the Palestinian areas.

After visiting Jericho, we stopped the Qasr el Yahud baptismal site, another special and sacred spot for Christianity. This is believed to be the place where John the Baptist baptized Jesus, some two thousand years ago. Therefore, pilgrims from all over the world come here to be baptized in the very same spot on the Jordan River.

There are several companies that run tours to these locations with departures from different cities in Israel. Although many people travel to the West Bank independently, I think it’s wiser to take a tour or hire a cab to cross over. Many cab drivers in Jerusalem are Palestinians and know the ins-and-outs of the West Bank, so you’ll be in good hands.

On the third day of our itinerary we headed south towards the   Judean Desert , where visited the famous fortress of Masada and soaked in the Dead Sea .

Of all the places we visited in Israel, the fortress of Masada impressed me the most. It wasn’t only its fantastic location, atop of large hill, but also its tragic story. The story of the Siege of Masada was told by Flavius Josephus in his writing “ The Wars of the Jews .”

In his chronicle Josephus states that 967 Jewish Zealots retreated at Masada, with nowhere to run from the Roman army. The siege lasted for 3 years, but finally the Romans managed to gain access to the fortress. When they realized the situation, the Jews decided to die rather than be taken hostages.

The Dead Sea

After visiting the fortress, we headed down to the Dead Sea to cool off and float in the super salty water. I think no trip to Israel is complete without a visit to the Dead Sea . This gigantic lake that spreads over miles, lies 430 m below sea level, which is the Earth’s lowest elevation on land.

The Dead Sea is just 30 km away from Masada National Park, so it’s an easy drive if you visit the fortress first. Coming from Masada, there is a nice beach area with showers, umbrellas, and a restaurant. We stopped here to smear ourselves with some mineral-rich mud and soak in the warm, salty water.

We decided to spend 6 days in Jerusalem , since many of the important places to visit in Israel are actually here. Most of the guides I’ve read recommend spending 2-3 days in Jerusalem, but I thinks that’s not enough time.

Although we had 6 days in Jerusalem, we still didn’t get to visit everything we would have liked to! In my opinion, 7 days would be the ideal amount of time for exploring the city.

However, most visitors to Jerusalem can only spend two days there. If that’s your case, here is how can group the important sites:

On the first day you can visit the Mount of Olives , which is just across to the Old City walls. Here you can visited the Chapel of the Ascension and the Jewish Cemetery , then walked downhill towards the Old City.

Along the way you should visit the  Dominus Flevit Church ,  Church of All Nations ,  Garden of Gethsemane , and the  Tomb of the Virgin Mary . You can end the day visiting the City of David , an amazing archeological site that contains the oldest part of Jerusalem.

On the second day you can visit the sites located in the Old City. Those include the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Temple Mount & Dome of the Rock , the Western Wall, Via Dolorosa , the Tower of David Museum , and the Ramparts .

We’ve spent days 10 and 11 of our itinerary visiting the sites around the Sea of Galilee, which is the largest fresh water lake in Israel. The Sea of Galilee is one of the places you should visit in Israel, especially if you have an interest in Biblical history.

We stayed in Tiberias , which is the perfect base to explore the region. Tiberias has a few tourist attractions worth visiting. One is the Yigal Alon Promenade from which you can admire Lake Kinneret (Sea of Galilee).

Tiberias is also home to a number of important Jewish tombs among which is the tomb of Maimonides , a great philosopher and physician who became Saladin’s personal physician.

Around the Sea of Galilee there are several sites of great significance for Christians: the Church of the Primacy of St. Peter , built on the rock where Jesus told Peter “feed my sheep;” the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes ; the Church of the Beatitudes , built on the place where Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount.

One site that I found pretty impressive was Capernaum , which is believed to be the fishing village where Jesus lived. It was also in Capernaum where he gathered the first of his disciples, Peter and Andrew.

Another interesting site is Kibbutz Ginosar , where you can see the remains of a boat from the 1st century AD. This boat could have been in use during the time of Jesus.

The Greek Orthodox Church of the 12 Apostles is a newer church (1925), well worth a visit. Its striking red domes can be seen from afar. If you have time to drop by, you’ll be rewarded with some beautiful frescos painted in very vivid colors.

The basalt  ruins   of Kozarim are the remains of another town from the time of Jesus. 

We’ve spent two nights in Tiberias, but we only needed one day to visit the sites around the Sea of Galilee.

One site that you shouldn’t miss in Nazareth is the Synagogue Church,  which belongs to the Greek Catholic Melkite community. According to Christian tradition, this is the place where Jesus declared himself as the Messiah in front of the entire congregation. His sermon infuriated the religious leaders so much, that they wanted to throw him off a cliff, but de mysteriously disappeared.

Another important Christian site is the  Basilica of the Annunciation . They believe the church was built on the exact place where Mary received her message from God. As a result, Basilica of the Annunciation is regarded as one of the most important modern churches in Israel.

Very close to the Basilica of the Annunciation you can see St. Joseph’s Church , where it is believed Joseph’s carpentry shop was. The church has an underground cave that once served as a grain store.

An interesting place to visit is the Nazareth Village . This is in an open-air museum where Biblical stories are reenacted with live animals and people dressed up in historical costumes. Unfortunately the village was closed on the day we were in Nazareth, so we couldn’t see it.

Akko (Acre)

Akko (also known as Acre) is a 4000 years old city that changed hands many times over the course of time. Acre had a tumultuous history that was influenced by the Romans, Ottomans, Crusaders, Byzantines, and British. You can still see the remains of the Crusader town, as well as the walls, mosques, and baths, from the Ottoman period.

If you have time, I would recommend spending an entire day in Acre. The old city is an interesting mix of archeology, open-air markets, and fishing port. One of Akko’s biggest attractions is the  Hospitaller Fortress , where you can wander through enormous stone rooms with vaulted ceilings. 

Acra it’s easy to explore and you don’t need more than a day here. The city makes an easy day trip from Tel Aviv .

Haifa and Caesarea can be easily visited on a day trip from Tel Aviv, as they are only an hour away from the city.

For some reason Haifa is not always on the list of places to visit in Israel, although it enjoys a spectacular location, on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea. There are some nice spots in Haifa that are worth visiting. One is the Baha’i Gardens , a series of 19 terraced gardens located on the slopes of Carmel Mountain. From the top of the gardens you have a fabulous panoramic view of the entire port area.

Other interesting sites we visited in Haifa were Elija’s Cave and Stela Maris Monastery, which was erected on Mount Carmel – the spot where the Prophet Elijah fought the prophets of Baal.

Caesarea National Park is one of Israel’s most impressive archeological sites, but it’s difficult to visit without a car. This grandiose port city was erected by Herod the Great in 21 B.C.

There is so much to see in Caesarea: an amphitheater, some baths, a hippodrome, and the port. One thing not to miss when exploring the site is the limestone block in the theatre on which the name of “Pontius Pilatus” is inscribed. This is the first archeological proof that he existed. 

A little further north, outside the archeological park, you can visit the ruins of an ancient Roman aqueduct.

We ended our trip to Israel in Tel Aviv , where we stopped for two days before returning to California.

Tel Aviv is very different from all the other places you’ll visit in Israel in the sense that it’s very liberal and more wealthy. This beachfront city is Israel’s largest metropolitan area, so you’ll find no shortage of entertainment.

The best part of Tel Aviv in my opinion is the ancient port of Jaffa , out of which the modern city has actually grown. Although the port is no longer used by larger vessels, small fishing boats still go in and out every day. Jaffa looks a little run down, but we still enjoyed walking around the alleyways and exploring the markets and galleries.

We didn’t have much time for sightseeing on our last day. We departed for the Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv about 5 hours before our flight. Getting in and out of Israel is a hassle, so we wanted to make sure we won’t miss our flight. 16 days flew by so quick that we couldn’t believe it!

Weather is an important factor to consider when planning your trip to Israel. The best time to visit Israel depends on the type of trip you are planning. If you you looking for a religious heritage-themed trip, like we did, you should consider going during the cooler months (November to March).

We traveled to Israel in late October, hoping the weather would be cooler and more pleasant for walking. However, with very few exceptions, it was mostly hot and humid (28-35ºC). The good part about traveling in October was that days were still long, so we could spend a lot of time outside.

Questions about this Israel Itinerary ? Leave me a comment below. You can also pin this for later.

LOOKING FOR OTHER EXOTIC DESTINATIONS? YOU MAY ALSO LIKE THESE:

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Anda is an award winning travel writer, avid globetrotter and passionate photographer. She is the voice behind "Travel Notes & Beyond," a collection of stories and travel impressions from her wanderings around the world. When she is not busy writing, traveling, or editing photographs, you can find her hiking in the foothills behind her house together with her husband and their dog.

Reader Interactions

September 13, 2023 at 2:24 pm

Question is: Wife and I are trying to figure out a 2 week trip to Israel maximizing visit is to biblical sites, doing it safely and having a great time. We want this reservation to include flights to and from New York, accommodations in top notch quarters in Israel, best food, and experience worth bragging about.

How much is the package?

September 13, 2023 at 2:35 pm

Unfortunately I can’t help you with this information, Steve. I am not a travel agency, I only provide information about the destination. However, you may check my travel resources page for the beast deals on airfare and hotels.

Dallice Lazarus

July 17, 2023 at 10:38 am

This sounds great. This will be our third trip but different as this time it’s just my husband and myself. We do want to cover most of what you did. We have to start in Eilat then go back to Tel Aviv for a wedding. Do you think that’s a reasonable plan? Eilat Masada Dead Sea Tel Aviv and then Jerusalem?

July 17, 2023 at 11:00 am

It sounds like a reasonable plan, depending on how much time you you’ll have in Israel. The country is not very big, as you probably notices during your previous trips. Many of these places can be visited as day trips. We spent two weeks on this itinerary, but we wanted to allow ourselves enough time to visit the sites. Hope this helps.

August 22, 2023 at 9:33 am

Hi: Many sites and videos give key places to visit, but it is much more difficult to gain insight into traveling between those locations. In one sense, easier to just be on a large tour. That of course, restricts you to a frigid timeline and strips out any ability to just stop and enjoy a moment a time longer at any one location, or to see other complimenting sites near by the primary visits. The advantage is getting into certain sites is clear as many key sites are geared toward accommodating tour groups. The whole issue of bag drag between different locations and where to store your items, combined with the hassles of public transport from one place to another (Ex: Tel Aviv to Acre – but seeing some sites in Caesarea and Haifa enroute). Time dedicated to the logistics competes with time actually spent seeing locations of interest. Any suggestions on balancing the competing events or where to look to gain greater insight? Thanks

August 22, 2023 at 10:18 am

Hi Steven, We visited Israel by car and believe that’s the most convenient way to travel between the sites. From what I know there are companies that organize longer tours, so if you go with them you won’t have any issues with luggage logistics. However, since I have no experience with tours in Israel, I can’t give you any advice concerning that.

Dennis Drake

February 2, 2023 at 7:54 am

Love your posting and suggested 2-week itinerary for Israel! We’re older American-types and are wanting to know your thoughts on safety especially with recent new reports. Are there places where we’d be better off avoiding right now?

February 2, 2023 at 1:29 pm

Hi Dennis, We felt pretty safe in Israel, everywhere we went. We even visited Bethlehem, on the Palestinian side, and didn’t encounter any problem. However, given the current situation, I would probably avoid the Palestinian side. If you decide to go anyway, book a guided tour, don’t go on your own. There are many Muslim drivers in Jerusalem who will offer to take you there, but it’s better if you go with an organized tour.

Mark Sanders

July 11, 2022 at 4:06 pm

Great information and looks amazing. Could you give us some insights for places to stay during our visit to Israel?

July 11, 2022 at 10:47 pm

We stayed at the St George’s Pilgrim Guest House, which was very conveniently located just outside the city walls. It was a nice, clean place that also had a restaurant on the premises. Some friends of ours stayed at The Sephardic House Hotel in the Jewish Quarter, and were very pleased with it too. When we visited Tel Aviv we stayed in Jaffa, at the Casa Nova Boutique Hotel. That was rather expensive but had gorgeous water views. We also stayed in a couple of other small hotels during our trip, but I can’t remember their names. Hope this helps.

Yukti Agrawal

December 11, 2019 at 8:48 pm

Israel looks worth visiting for those ancient historic monuments and everything here looks like we have entered into its glorious past. I would also combine it with Jordan trip as you said we can cross borders in Eilat. From Eilat I will also love to visit the Negev Desert, the Dead Sea, Jerusalem, the Sea of Galilee, Akko, Haifa, and end trip in Tel Aviv in the same pattern which you did as it looks very beautiful itinerary. Akko – Acre a 4000 years old city that has influence of Romans, Ottomans, Crusaders, Byzantines, and British looks very interesting to me.

MEENAKSHI J

December 11, 2019 at 6:03 am

I love exploring every destination on my own and I am glad you too enjoy the same. This post brings back memories of my husband’s Israel trip. He had stayed there on work for almost two weeks, yet, hardly saw anything listed here! As you rightly put forth- there are not many well-curated itineraries for a self-guided tour of Israel, online. thanks for putting together this comprehensive post. It definitely is gonna come handy 🙂

Anda Galffy

December 11, 2019 at 10:44 pm

You are welcome, Meenakshi. Hope you and your husband will get to visit Israel soon.

December 11, 2019 at 3:31 am

Great itinerary for Isreal and I especially like that you included Baha’i Gardens. So many of these stops are personally meaningful to me…I would want to take time in the gardens to reflect upon them all while enjoying such a beautiful view of the sea. Thanks for putting together this informative resource. Bookmarking for future reference!

December 9, 2019 at 9:13 pm

Wow! You definitely saw a lot on this trip. We enjoyed Eilat as the Red Sea is beautiful, and snorkling there is great. But we ended up missing many of these beautiful cities on your list. We made it to the Dead Sea, Jerusalem and to Petra in Jordan, but I wish we would have been more brave and just toured bu ourselves like you did. Oh well, this just mean I have to go back. I wont complain.

December 10, 2019 at 11:01 am

Touring on your own surely has its advantage, but it’s not easy.

Jane Dempster-Smith

December 9, 2019 at 12:13 pm

We are considering visiting Israel next year so your itinerary planning article is timely. We had not thought about a self-drive, but it sounds feasible especially since we don’t want to rush visiting Israel. We may have to rethink the month of travel after reading your tips. The Dead Sea visit looked fun.

December 9, 2019 at 1:29 pm

Driving is not exactly easy in Israel, Jane. Especially getting in and out of the big cities. However, it’s the best way to visit the country. Hope you’ll make it to Israel soon.

December 9, 2019 at 6:34 am

I would also visit Jordan first and start from Eilat, I’ve heard really good things about the area. It would be interesting to see the tabernacle in Timna. I took a tour to Israel and we were not allowed to enter Bethlehem or Jericho, I was very disappointed. I also loved Caesarea but your itinerary makes me realize how much I missed, I need to return and spend more time in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

When did you take that trip, Sherianne? It’s entirely possible to visit the West Bank these days.

December 9, 2019 at 4:55 am

Fantastic guide here Anda and there are places on this list I have never even heard off such as Haifa and Caesarea. I would love to see the historical sites in that national park. I have been to Israel before but only did Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Would love to go back again,

December 9, 2019 at 1:30 pm

Hope you will,Danik.

Laura Axtman

December 8, 2019 at 9:18 pm

This itinerary is so helpful! Planning a trip to a faraway land leaves many questions. Thank you for explaining the safety aspects as well as the beautiful history I can explore during my travels. A day in Acre sounds like something I would love and a great way to learn about an important piece of Isreal’s history!

Rhonda Albom

December 6, 2019 at 7:07 pm

I have wanted to visit Israel for a long time but did not know where to begin. I know there is a lot of history and you’re itinerary seems to cover it. Thanks for the tips on how much time to spend in each area. I like to pack a lot into my travel days but I don’t want to miss things due to lack of time. The reenactments at Nazareth Village sound great so I’ll be sure to be there on a day it’s open.

December 6, 2019 at 7:31 pm

Thanks for dropping by, Rhonda. Hope you’ll visit Israel soon.

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• 10 Day Israel Itinerary

10 DAY ISRAEL

Welcome to an unforgettable 10-day expedition where you can journey through the most iconic destinations in Israel. Here you will be able to get an idea of how much you will be able to achieve in those 10 days in  Israel . So if you’re seeking help in your 10 day Israel itinerary you came to the right place.

Arrival and settling

• Arrive at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv.
• Check into your hotel or kosher rental in Yerushalayim and settle in.
• Go to the Kosel and Daven.
• Visit the old city of Jerusalem and learn all about our vast history as it comes to life in the Southern Wall Excavations.
• Take the Tunnel tours , and virtually journey through 2,000 years of our history.

Exploring Yerushalayim further

• Take a tour of the old city with Tzvi Satt , and learn about the ancient history that binds all of us to Yiddishkeit today.
• Have lunch in Mamilla
• Go on a tour of the Shuk with Tova , and get the real experience.
• Dinner at Skyline, a rooftop restaurant near Central Station, with Rabanut Mehadrin Hashgacha.

A day in Chevron

• Take a stop by Kever Rochel.
• Head to Chevron. The amazing tour guided by Rav Simcha Hachboum is sure to be a highlight of your trip
• Have an uplifting davening by the Kivrei Avos,
• Enjoy the Gush Etzion winery tour, and watch the fascinating process of wine making, and taste the end result.
• Enjoy lunch amid the green vineyards at The Gush Etzion Winery’s Mehadrin restaurant, offering fish and dairy dishes.
• Have a blast ATVing in the gush , a great experience for the whole family ages 3+
• Dinner at the local’s favorite Papagaio’s , a Brazilian style meat restaurant, with the OU hashgacha.

The Dead Sea and more

• On your way down to the Dead Sea stop by Genesis Land , an experience your kids will love that lets you be a part of the Tanach story, including fresh Pita baking.
• Hike or take a cable car up Masada, a great ancient fortress on a mountain over looking the Dead Sea, and learn about its history.
• Ein Gedi is great for the adventurous ones in your family, hike up a beautiful trail and beat the heat by splashing around the waterfalls.
• Visit the separate beach and float on the salty waters; there’s nothing more iconic in Israel than that.

A visit to Bnei Barak

• Elevate your trip by Meeting with Gedolim, and just seeing the city that’s the center of yeshivos, and Torah institutions are an experience for everyone.
• Drive to Chulon and take a tour of the famous blind museum .
• Rent a Yacht in Hertzelia for the day. There’s an option to have dinner on the yacht from Lechem Basar

The vibrant streets of Yerushalayim on a Friday

• On a Friday Geula is the place to be. Walk around the bustling streets and if there’s any last-minute Shabbos shopping you may need now is the perfect time and place!
• Beis Yisroel
• The Shuk on a Friday is a quiet the scene, enjoy the lively atmosphere.
• Head back to your rental to get ready for Shabbos

Shabbos in Yerushalayim

• Whether you’re staying in Rechavia, the Old City, or Hanevi’im, the roads will become quiet and pedestrianized, allowing you to truly feel the Kedusha in the air. At night, the streets fill with the sounds of singing and Davening.
• Spend with family you may have in Israel and rest after a long week of exciting activities.

Tour Northern Israel

• Make a stop at Kfar Kedem a must for every tourist, where you can experience hands-on life in the ancient times.
• Tornado boating in Akko is super fun!
• Rosh Hanikra is a captivating sight. Take a cable car ride to see the grottoes, tunnels formed by sea action on the soft chalk rock.
• Have dinner by “ Hatzuk ” restaurant in Rosh Hanikra

Tsfas and surrounding area

• Your first stop will be the Kinneret. Chill by the separate beach of Teveria.
• Have Lunch at Decks . This Israeli-style steakhouse sits right by the water, treating you to a stunning view that’ll take your breath away. Certified by the local Rabanut.
• Tsfas- Hire a local guide and take a tour of Tsfat, exploring the old city. For the full Tsfas experience take a musical tour.
• Amuka is the Kever of Rabbi Yonatan Ben Uziel. Davening at the Kever is known to draw down much Bracha.
• Meron- Kever Rashbi is well known and holds a special place in the hearts of many.
• Have dinner at Kamisa winery restaurant.

Exploring the Golan

• You can’t go to the Golan in the summertime without hiking through Majrase . Majrase is the place where several Golan streams merge together on their way to the Kinneret. It offers both a wet and a dry trail. The wet trail involves walking right through the stream, which can be incredibly refreshing on a hot summer day.
• Stop by Naseeba Druze Chef for lunch and have an authentic Druze experience. The Hechsher is “Igud Harabanim”
• Mt. Bental- The best view yet of the Golan Heights and Syria! Explore the old army bunkers and underground living quarters.
• Stop by Golan Height s winery for a tour.
• On your way to the airport for your return flight, we highly recommend you to stop by the Mehadrin restaurant “ Hazalbanim ” in Caesarea.
• Board your flight home.

This example itinerary can be tailored to suit your exact needs. Just let us know in advance what arrangements and specific attractions you want! Enjoy your trip to Israel.

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Accommodations and Hotel Deals

Plan It Israel offers a wide range of beautiful and luxurious apartments and villas for short-term vacations. We offer accommodations all over Israel, including Jerusalem, Herzliya, Caesarea, and more. Plan It Israel also has exclusive hotel deals, so you can be sure you are getting the best deal at the best price.

Custom Itineraries and Transportation

To make sure everyone enjoys the trip, Plan It Israel takes into account everyone's ages and interests. Plan It Israel creates custom itineraries to make sure your trip is exactly the way you want it and stress-free. We offer a wide range of transportation, from luxurious vehicles to coach buses, that can take you wherever you’d like to tour.

Cuisine and Private Chefs

Plan It Israel can recommend and arrange the best restaurants and wineries in Israel. We can even send you the menus in advance and have the food ready for when you arrive at the restaurant. If you’d like catering or a private chef for Shabbos, we can arrange that too. We can create a customized menu that suits your tastes.

A 10-day trip to Israel can be an enriching and memorable experience. From exploring ancient sites to enjoying the vibrant beaches, Israel offers a diverse range of activities. With proper planning, this itinerary promises an unforgettable adventure in Israel.

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How to Spend 2 Weeks in Israel | Itinerary & Budget

Israel is a great place to visit because of the variety it has to offer tourists – just check out this list of 53 things to do in Israel! From diverse cities and historical and religious sites to relaxing quiet beaches. As a small country, it is also easy to move around a to see a lot in a short space of time. If you have a fortnight to spare, here’s my recommended itinerary for 2 weeks in Israel.

In this guide, you’ll also find a budget breakdown and tips to make your travels in Israel go as smoothly as possible. I’ve become an expert at visiting the country….I married an Israel ( we met while travelling! ) and I’ve now visited multiple times…..I even hiked the Israel National Trail ( and had a book published about my experience ! ). It amazes me that even though the country is so small, I’m still discovering new places each time I return to visit my in-laws. I’m happy to answer questions, use the comments box below.

As part of your preparation to visit Israel, I recommend getting the Lonely Planet travel guide for Israel & the Palestinian Territories .

Only have a week to spare? Then check out my one week Israel itinerary instead.

Itinerary for 2 Weeks in Israel

The best way to get around is to hire a car. This will give you a lot more freedom to visit places along the way. It’s very easy to drive in Israel as the roads are comfortable and the signs in English. If you prefer not to drive though then you can rely on buses (which will get you to all corners of the country) and trains (which run between the major cities but not South into the desert). In the cities and big towns taxis are plentiful and can be found outside train stations or using an app. Always ask for the driver to use the meter!

Here’s what I’d recommend for 14 day Israel itinerary for a first time visitor. If it’s your second visit or you are looking for something a little different, check out my alternative suggestions further below:

3 nights: Tel Aviv

Most visitors spending 2 weeks in Israel will probably start and finish in Tel Aviv as this is where the main international airport is.

Tel Aviv is a small city so 3 nights there should be more than enough for visiting the main sights. You definitely want to make sure you see Old Jaffa, Carmel Market and also the huge stretch of beach that sits right in the city centre. Hiring bikes is a great way to explore the city and to see the park.

I’ve done a few tours in Tel Aviv but the one I would really recommend is the Vegan Tour for something a little different (and also very tasty)….did you know that Tel Aviv is often considered the vegan capital of the world?

From Tel-Aviv, you can also consider joining the Carmel market food tour or the West-Bank tour which I wrote about here: Is the West Bank worth Visiting ?

Where to stay in Tel Aviv: Abraham Hostel Tel Aviv ($120 per night for a double room for 2, including breakfast) Abraham offers both private rooms and also dormitory rooms. It’s a fantastic hostel right in the city centre with a great rooftop bar.

If you are a budget traveller than my guide to visiting Tel Aviv on the cheap will give you some good tips!

2 nights: Haifa

There isn’t a huge amount worth seeing inside Haifa apart from the Ba’hai Gardens. It is worth using Haifa as a base though to access the great bars and restaurants here.

Sederot Ben Gurion Street is my favourite place for grabbing dinner – it’s got a good atmosphere and an incredible view of the gardens all lit up at night. The best restaurant here by far is Fattoush.

On your way from Tel Aviv to Haifa, stop at Caesarea (it’ll take about an hour to get there from Tel Aviv) to visit the impressive Roman ruins. Then drive to Zichron Ya’akov to grab lunch in the old town (I can also recommend spending an hour looking around the Ramat HaNadiv gardens which are beautiful and free to enter). Then spend the afternoon exploring the unique artist village Ein Hod before driving the 40minutes to Haifa.

From Haifa do a day trip to see Akko – a port town. It’s nice to wander the town here, see the market and to do a boat tour.

Where to stay in Haifa:   Bat Galim Boutique Hotel ($100 per night for a double room for 2, including breakfast) A lovely hotel with great character and a brilliant breakfast.

1 night: Sea of Galilee

The Sea of Galilee is a beautiful region but unless you are religious I found the sights here not of huge interest, although definitely worth a quick visit. I’d visit Tiberias and then spend the day doing a day hike to one of the many viewpoints that will allow you to take in the full beauty of the Sea of Galilee. I think Safed/Tzfat is a great place to base yourself as the town has a great atmosphere and some nice restaurants.

Where to stay in the Sea of Galilee: Rosenthalis Safed ($100 per night for a double room for 2, including breakfast) A nice boutique hotel in a town with really lovely character.

4 nights: Jerusalem

Jerusalem is an incredible city with lots to see. On the way to Jerusalem from the Sea of Galilee stop in Nazareth for lunch and to visit the Basilica of the Annunciation. Again, unless you are religious you probably won’t want to spend more than a couple of hours visiting the city.

Use your 3 full days in Jerusalem to explore the many sites in Old City and the surrounding area. There are also 2 great museums worth visiting: The Israel Museum and Yad Vashem.

If you have a limited time in the city you can join a Holy City of Jerusalem tour that covers a lot of my recommendations.

There are lots of restrictions and strict opening times in Jerusalem so you’ll want to use my guide for visiting Jerusalem to make the most of your time.

*IMPORTANT TIP* On Shabbat (Friday evening to Saturday evening) most of Israel closes down. While places in modern cities like Tel Aviv stay open, you’ll find in Jeruselum there will be nothing for you to do so make sure you account for this when you put your itinerary together! Why not join the Shabbat Tour in Jerusalem .

Where to stay in Jerusalem:   Abraham Hostel Jerusalem ($130 per night for a double room, including breakfast) Abraham provides a great location and options for both dorm and private rooms.

2 nights: Negev desert

Visiting the Negev offers an entirely new perspective on Israel and, really, the best way to experience this side of the country (and the stars at night!) is to stay in a Bedouin camp.

On your way to the Negev stop at Masada and also the Dead Sea for a swim (this can easily be done in half a day). If you can brave the early start, it’s amazing experiencing Masada for sunrise. Note that the Dead Sea has outdoor showers so you can rinse off after your salty float. There are also some nice springs in the area which can be found in Ein Gedi.

Relax and take in the views of the Negev desert. I would also suggest doing a day hike as long as it is not in summer when temperatures really are far too hot. The HaMakhtesh (small crater) offers the best views for a day hike.

Where to stay in the Negev: Kfar Hanokdeim ($240 per night for a double room, including breakfast) This tented Bedouin camp is comfortable and full of character! If you really don’t fancy glamping then alternatively look at staying in Yehelim Boutique Hotel , Arad.

2 weeks in Israel; Itinerary Summary

1 Day : Arrival in Tel Aviv 2 Day: Sightseeing Tel Aviv 3 Day: Sightseeing Tel Aviv 4 Day: Travel to Haifa, visiting Caesarea, Zichron Ya’akov & Ein Hod along the way 5 Day: Day trip from Haifa to Acco 6 Day: Travel to Sea of Galilee, visit the Ba’hai gardens in the morning 7 Day: Sightseeing Sea of Galilee 8 Day: Travel to Jerusalem, stop at Nazareth along the way 9 Day: Sightseeing Jerusalem (the old city) 10 Day: Sightseeing Jerusalem (Yad Vashem, Israel Museum & Mahane Yehuda Market) 11 Day: Sightseeing Jerusalem (the old city & Mount of Olives) 12 Day: Bedouin camp, visit Masada and the Dead Sea along the way 13 Day: Bedouin camp, do a desert day hike 14 Day: Departure day

Need some inspiration?

My debut published book – Three Stripes South – shares my story of hiking the full length of the country on the Israel National Trail. Read about the highs and lows of this life-changing adventure exploring Israel and crossing the dangerous Negev desert.

Also check out this short video I made when we did a hiking adventure in the Negev desert as a family. It’ll give you a real sense of the unique nature in Isarel and why you should definitely consider having the Negev on your list if you visit the country!

Alternative ideas for your time in Israel…

This itinerary really will show you the best that Israel has to offer. It fits in a lot but you will also have pockets of time here and there for a lazy morning to catch up on sleep.

If this is your second visit to the country, or you are after something a bit different, check out these alternative ideas:

Want more nature?

If you aren’t a big city person, I would suggest doing 1 less day in Haifa and Jerusalem and staying longer in the north where you can find lots of nature and a slower pace.

There are also lots of hiking options if you enjoy walking. Israel has a National trail which runs the full length of the country !

If you are into hiking take a look at this list of the best hikes in Israel for ideas.

Want some beach time?

Eilat is a bit of a drive to get to as it is right in the South of Israel….but it’s great to visit if you want a bit of beach time or enjoy diving and snorkelling. There are a few ways you could fit in a visit to Eilat – by skipping the stay with the Bedouins or by reducing your time in the North (I’d take out the visit to Akko or the Sea of Galilee. If you don’t stop at Nazareth you could arrive earlier to Jerusalem and easily stay a day or 2 less).

Check out my suggestions for things to do in Eilat . If you are looking for something a little more unusual I can suggest checking out doing a freediving course in Eilat . I put together a short video about my experience freediving in Eilat if it’s something you are considering:

Want to visit Petra?

It is also possible to fit in a busy 2-day tour to Petra. I’d suggest using Abraham Tours (if you stay at Abraham Hostel you get 10% off their tours). It really is worth a visit if you can fit it in. Note that it means a very early start and lots of travelling so it might be too tiring to add onto an already busy schedule.

How much does it cost to visit Israel?

Israel can be quite expensive to travel in. Hotels are comparable to UK prices, as is eating out in restaurants and joining tours. The only things that are cheap in the country are street food and public transport.

What’s great though is there are so many free historical and religious sites that budget travellers can see a lot without spending a fortune.

Below is the rough cost per person (based on 2 people sharing a double room) for the 2 week itinerary above. This was based on prices in 2020.

Flights (from London to Tel Aviv return) – $200 Car hire & gas – $180 Accommodation  – $900 Food & drink  (A dinner meal with a drink costs around 100NIS / $25 although street food is very cheap. A filling falafel costs just 10NIS / $3) – $360 Entry fees (Masada entry, the Israeli Museum, boat tour, bike hire) – $50 Extras (the market souvenirs are hard to ignore!) – $60

TOTAL (with international flights from the UK) – $1,750 TOTAL (without international flights from the UK) – $1,550

You could definitely make this trip much cheaper by staying in more affordable hotels along the way or using Airbnb. If you’ve not used Airbnb before you can  click here to get a first time £34 off voucher .

Travel Insurance for Israel

I’ve found Israel to be a very safe place, despite media perceptions and the ongoing conflict (which you almost certainly won’t be aware of while you are travelling there).

Because of the conflict though, flights can be disrupted from time to time so it really is worth making sure you have proper travel insurance.

Top Tips for Travelling in Israel

• Generally, you do not need to worry about dressing conservatively or covering your shoulders and knees (ie, you can wear a bikini on the beach). The exception is if you are visiting a religious site or if you are in Jerusalem
• English is a national language so signs are in English and it is widely spoken
• Try and enjoy as much of the street food as you can. Including Bourekas, Hummus, Falafel, Arabic tea, Baklava and Jachnnun
• If you stay in Abraham hostels in both Tel Aviv and Jerusalem you can 10% off your stay and off their tours (which are very good!). They also offer a shuttle between their hostels
• In markets, it is common to haggle on the price given
• When using taxis ask them to use the meter
• If using buses in the cities payment is often done using a machine that doesn’t give change so make sure you have change

For a bit of final inspiration, watch this short film which will give you a flavour of what to expect when you visit:

I hope this 2 weeks Isarel itinerary guide helpful. If you have any questions, please ask in the comments box below.

You can stay up to date with my adventures and advice on Facebook  and  Instagram . Or you can subscribe to my YouTube channel . I give all my advice for free on my website. If you want to say thanks, you can buy me a coffee !

* Any women reading this? * I founded a women’s adventure community called Love Her Wild. Check out our  private Facebook page  and see what  adventures we have coming up .

14 thoughts on “ How to Spend 2 Weeks in Israel | Itinerary & Budget ”

I’m from Israel, and when I saw the title of your post I got curious. As a local I must say – great work! It’s comprehensive and detailed and I’m sure many future visitors will find it very useful.

Such kind words…thank you 🙂

Hi Bex. Thanks for the informative post. I’m planning to travel solo (female) in October. I notice the prices for hostel accommodation seems quite high in comparison to Europe and Asia. Are these typical prices? For trip planning, do I need to consider $130USD per night? Thanks for your insight. Safe travels.

Hi Michele…no worries 🙂 Accommodation in Israel is expensive, especially in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Do you mean $130 to include all activities or just accommodation? I’d really recommend checking out Airbnb options as these are usually the cheapest available!

Great overview of what to see and do in Israel. My wife and I are planning 10 days in Israel & Jordan (I know, not long enough!) so this is definitely a good guide for us to leverage off. What’s the current process with regards to crossing from Israel to Jordan and then back into Israel? Exit fees, entry visas, best place to cross the border, etc.

Thanks! Happy it is of help. For such a short amount of time I would recommend taking a tour from Jerusalem to Jordan. Check out Abraham Tours! I loved visiting Petra and Wadi Rum but would personally skip visiting anywhere else in Jordan and focus on going to places in Israel (Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Masada and the Dead Sea) as I think they offer more for visitors. I’d suggest the 2-day tour to Petra. When you get to Petra ditch your tour guide and go exploring on your own (I’d walk straight to the Monastery and then make your way back to the entrance at your own pace….this way you’ll lose most of the crowds….don’t be tempted to take a horse as they are massively mistreated). Going on a tour means they then sort out the border crossing which makes it all a lot smoother. The best place to cross is in Eilat. Visa’s depend on your passport but I’ve heard lots of people do it without problems. Hope that helps!

wow! planning a trip and this is one of the first suggestions i’ve read and i love it! Thank you! how about with 20 days? maybe a 3 day petra tour? and more beduoin glamping?

Thanks…glad it’s of help. For 20 days I’d definitely try fit in a tour of Petra from Jerusalem! If you are looking for something more adventurous then glamping in the desert and hiking is a good option (although you can also stay with Bedouins as part of the Petra tour so you probably won’t want to do it in both Israel and Jordan). The North has lots to offer – visiting Acco, the Sea of Galilee, Haifa and Zicron Yaakov – and all fairly close together. There’s also some great hikes around the Sea of Galilee.

this is great. I will be visiting during new years. I will be there for 2 weeks. Do you think I can skip Sea of Galilee and spend one more day in Jerusalem? Also is it a good idea to stay in Bedouins and not at Eilat ?

That’ll be fun! I think skipping the Sea of Galilee and having an extra night in Jerusalem is a good idea. If you like beaches and diving then go for Eilat. If you like nature and culture then go for the bedouin camp. Personally I think staying with the Bedouins is a more unique experience as Eilat is just like any seaside resort in the world!

It is very useful for my travelling plan to Israel next month! Thank you so much for your great work! If I want to travel to Petra by myself, do you know which cities provide direct coach to?

You are welcome Lea! It’s not easy to get to Petra from Israel. You’ll need to catch a bus to Eilat (from any of the cities in Israel). Here you can cross the border into Jordan. You’ll need a taxi to take you from the bus station to the border. Once into Jordan, there are then buses that will take you to Petra. I had a friend who did it who said it was long and a bit of an adventure but not too bad. The easier option is to go with a tour company from Israel and they’ll sort the transport and make sure you cross the border without issues. Have a great time in both countries!!

This is GREAT. What would you recommend as best way to get to/from Eilat? I’ll be traveling solo w/luggage. It will be a Th-Sun and the end of my two week journey, before I return to TA to head back to states.

Glad it’s helpful! I’ve got the bus down to Eilat many times. They are regular, cheap and really easy to use. Alternatively, you could hire a car but this will be more pricey. Eilat is small so you don’t need a car to get around – I just walk and occasionally use buses or taxis if I want to explore further afield 🙂

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7 Day Israel Itinerary

Anyone who has ever stepped off a plane at Ben Gurion airport knows that a different version of themselves is destined to depart, with an intense attachment to the country and a longing to return. Israel is a small country containing all the ingredients that cultivate transformation. History, spirituality, restorative waters, mystical deserts, rich culture, incredible cuisine, and people who won’t hesitate to cut you in line but will invite you into their homes for Friday night dinner. Most visitors have dreamed about this journey for a lifetime. With so much to experience, it can be a challenge to decide how to spend your time here. Eliminate the stress of planning it yourself with our 7 day Israel itinerary – either select an Israel tour package or opt to build your own custom trip . But don’t worry if you can’t do it all, because we know that you’ll be back. 

Day 1: Immerse Yourself in Culture (Tel Aviv)

If you want to fall in love with the essence of Israeli culture on your first day, exploring Tel Aviv’s markets is a fast-track past infatuation. Begin with the undisputed queen, the Carmel Market. Experience a bustling mix of locals and tourists shopping for fresh produce as vendors shout out specials and shove bunches of nana (mint) and petrozilia (parsley) at passerbys.

A trip to Shuk HaCarmel is an absolute must. But you won’t want to miss the Levinsky Market for a more authentic local favorite. Levinsky offers the shuk experience with significantly less hustle and kitsch. Tel Avivis know this is the place to go to fill their shelves with spices, tahini, and cardamom-laced black coffee. For antique trinkets and artisan keepsakes, head to Jaffa’s Hapishpishim flea market to peruse the sea of knickknacks. If you get hungry during your day of exploring, both markets have plenty of food stalls and surrounding cafes – just follow your nose. If you fancy some local guidance to your wandering, join our ultimate Tel Aviv urban tour . Round out the day at one of the best restaurants in Tel Aviv .

Day 2: Revitalize, Mind and Body (Jaffa)

After lengthy travels and a day of wandering, you’re undoubtedly in need of some relaxation to prepare for the journey ahead. Indulge in a spa day at the Setai Hotel or Yoko Kitahara Japanese Spa. They’re both in the ancient city of Jaffa. Or head to the port and hop on the Sababa 5 boat to admire the skyline. Coast along the Mediterranean with the wind in your hair. Stroll through Old Jaffa to admire the art galleries and live music as you soak up the scent of jasmine. For dinner, head to the BlackOut Dark Restaurant for a cultural experience certain to transform you. 

Day 3: Travel Back in Time (Northern Israel)

Rent a car or hop on our Nazareth and the Galilee tour , and step back in time as you explore the historical gems of northern Israel. Nazareth’s Basilica of the Annunciation will awe you with its Gallery of Madonnas, exquisite mosaics of Madonna and Child envisioned through the cultural lens of the country each represents. Journey onward to the Sea of Galilee. It welcomes hundreds of thousands of pilgrims each year, and you’ll pass Cana and Capernaum along the way. Whether these sites suit you, the Galilee region is a beautiful place to get out in nature and explore.

Day 4: Awaken Your Spirtuality (Jerusalem)

Exploring the Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Armenian quarters of the Old City is sure to revitalize your faith, whatever it may be. Visit the Western Wall and walk through Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Take in the view of the Dome of the Rock and lose yourself in the winding m arkets. It’s a humbling experience to walk within the walls of such sacred history. The energy will surely stay with you well after your journey. Whether you prefer to wander the cobblestone streets solo or with a guided day tour , make sure to stop by the iconic Machane Yehuda market after visiting the Old City. It’s a harmonizing balance of old and new, not to mention home to delicious local food. Our curated guide on where to stay in Jerusalem is full of incredible escapes.

Day 5: Take in the View (Masada, Ein Gedi, & Dead Sea)

No 7 day Israel itinerary would be complete without this trifecta. Maximize your time and squeeze these three sites into one unforgettable day! Early risers won’t want to miss the chance to hike Masada at sunrise. Later departures are also available for those who hit the snooze button to ascend in style via cable car. Soak up some nature at Ein Gedi with a moderate hike and stunning waterfalls. After, head to the Dead Sea to lather yourself in mud and float in the buoyant waters as you admire views of Jordan.

Day 6: Swim With the Fish (Eilat)

Rent a car or hop on a plane shuttle to Eilat, where you’ll discover some of the best aquatic life in the world. In ankle-deep water, the vibrant fish invite you to swim deeper into an enchanting underwater ecosystem. Below the waves, clownfish peep through pastel corals and parrot fish take your breath away with their magnificent beauty. You can get by with a simple snorkeling mask, or go on a guided diving adventure with an underwater tour. When you’re done exploring underwater, relax on the Red Sea beaches. Soak up views of Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia just across the water. If you’re a shopaholic, Eilat also offers duty free shopping and has many high end stores.

Day 7: Get a Taste of the Desert (Arava)

Take in the stunning scenery of Timna Park’s desert reserve, a horse-shoe shaped valley that is home to one of the oldest copper mines in the world. Learn about the history of the ancient mine and its ties to Egyptian mythology, then head to a kibbutz to learn about innovative agricultural developments and sample the desert’s bounty from the source.

After completing this 7 day Israel itinerary, if you’re fortunate enough to have more time to explore the region, continue your journey by crossing the border to Jordan or Egypt. We have a guide on how to get to Petra from Israel if that’s your plan! Otherwise, head back to Tel Aviv, gazing at the captivating landscape while reflecting on your experiences and fantasizing about your return.

A Week in the Holy Land

Whether you’re following our guide or improvising on your own, we hope our 7 day Israel itinerary has been helpful. Be sure to check out our hotels in Israel and tours of Israel to round out your planning.

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Best 7 Days in Israel Itinerary for an Amazing Week

Posted on Published: February 28, 2023  - Last updated: March 1, 2023

Categories City Guides , Israel , Middle East , Travel Guides

This is the ultimate 7 days in Israel itinerary with a plethora of must see cities, ancient towns, historic sites and intriguing attractions. Whether it’s your first time visiting Israel or your fiftieth, this is a jam-packed tour of Israel where you’ll experience as much of this magnificent country as possible in a week.

I recently returned from Israel after going there for the first time, and this Israel travel guide showcases everything that I experienced there. These activities are some of the best things to do in Israel. This one week in Israel itinerary combines some “must visit Israel” bucket list attractions with lesser known yet awe-inspiring journeys.

This article contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you.

In this Israel travel guide, I’m going to provide you with many useful tips after visiting this spectacular country myself. This Israel travel blog includes:

• Getting to Israel and getting around
• The best times of year to visit Israel
• Arriving in Israel and airport security tips
• 7 days in Israel itinerary with detailed travel plans, Israel attractions, activities and tours
• Where to stay in every location around Israel

Table of Contents

7 Days in Israel Itinerary: Getting There

I flew direct from Toronto (YYZ) to Tel Aviv (TLV), arriving at the Ben Gurion International Airport. It’s easy for many people around the world to travel to Israel because citizens from nearly 100 nations do not require visas for entry. Those from the European Union, Canada, United States, Australia, New Zealand, and many others can travel to Israel and stay for up to three months.

If you’re looking for flights to Israel, be sure to compare flights to find the best rates with Skyscanner. Skyscanner offers so many flights from various providers and airlines, both direct flights and ones with stopovers, so you can find the best flight deals.

Self-Guided Trip Around Israel

Israel is not a big country and it’s rather effortless to make your way from place to place. I recommend hiring a car in Israel because it gives you the freedom to travel everywhere, especially to the more remote spots that aren’t reachable by public transportation. This is the best spot to compare the prices of car rentals in Tel Aviv in order to find the best deals.

If you plan to visit mostly big cities and towns, Israel has a fantastic network of public buses that should help you get from point A to point B. While I didn’t take the public buses myself, there is an extensive network of buses that connect travelers across short and long distance routes. You can use Egged, Afikim, Metropolitan and Dan in conjunction with Google Maps to figure out how to get around.

In order to pay for public transit, you’ll need to pick up a Rav-Kav card (at the airport, train stations or tourist information centers) and tap the card when you board the bus. Get the Rav-Kav app on your phone to preload the payments onto your card and travel with ease.

As Israel is a destination with layers upon layers of history, you may wish to travel with a licensed tour guide. As my trip was hosted by the Israel Ministry of Tourism, I benefitted greatly from the expert organizational skills and knowledge of Odelia Wainshtain. The Ministry of Tourism commissioned our professional tour guide, Ron Nitzan, who was an an encyclopedia of knowledge on anything relating to Israel, whether it’s ancient history or present-day culture.

When to Visit Israel

We visited Israel in mid-January in the middle of the winter. For this Canadian girl, it was a wonderful escape from our blustery winters. Israel in January feels more like spring with flowers beginning to bloom and mild temperatures. Plus, it didn’t rain once! Dress in layers as you’ll need everything ranging from a light jacket and a sweater to a t-shirt, depending on the day.

If you’re searching for warmer temperatures, visit Israel in the spring or the fall. The weather is pleasant, hot during the day and cooler at night. In the summer, it can get quite hot to the point of being uncomfortable at historic sites without any shade. For these reasons, I suggest visiting in the winter, spring or fall.

7 Days in Israel Itinerary: Day 1

You’ll be arriving in Israel today, most likely in the early or late morning. The airport security at Israeli airports is one of the highest in the world, but it also means that these are among the safest airports in the world. Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv is the most secure airport in the world, so you can feel completely safe as a passenger upon arrival and departure.

Since the airports are incredibly secure, the lines to get through customs are very long. Most likely, it will take you a couple of hours to reach security, answer their questions, and be on your way. To avoid the lengthy wait times, I suggest hiring a VIP service to avoid the security lines. We were fortunate enough to have this fast-track service at Ben Gurion Airport.

When we got off the plane, there was someone holding a sign with our names on it. From there, this person escorted us through the airport, past the long lines, and right up to security. We received our passport cards (in Israel, you receive a paper card with your photo on it instead of a passport stamp, and you’ll need to keep this for some hotel stays and when you depart) and went past all of the line-ups to the baggage carousel.

In fact, we never ended up speaking with a customs agent at all! The VIP service took care of absolutely everything. We whizzed through the airport from the plane and it only took about 15 to 20 minutes. Even though there is an additional cost involved, it’s worth every penny. Book your VIP service at Ben Gurion International Airport.

Have Lunch with a Local Family

Now that you’re through airport security, you’ve met your driver or picked up your rental car, it’s time to start this 7 days in Israel itinerary. Since you’re probably feeling a little bit jetlagged, we’re going to ease into the trip by participating in a couple of activities. Head out of Tel Aviv and into the countryside towards Reihan.

We stopped “Time for Bagels – Picnic Cafe on the Mountain” for a homemade lunch and wine tasting at the home of Yechiel and Dorite Shabi. Our small group of Canadian journalists and bloggers received such a warm welcome to Israel! When the weather is warmer, you can dine outdoors with beautiful views, but because it was a little bit colder out, we dined in their kitchen.

First, Yechiel gave us a tour of their farm, “Reihan Landscape Farm” and shared his visions for ecotourism, sustainability and coexistence. He showed us many native plants, including flowers, herbs and grapevines. We got to smell and taste some of the fresh herbs that are unique to the region. We also learned about how the plants could treat specific ailments. Then, we planted some of the grapes ourselves (it was very easy, just putting a stick in the ground basically!).

After our farm tour, we went up to the house for lunch. Dorite prepared several beautiful dishes, including freshly baked bagels. She also prepared a vegan salad and brought out vegan cream cheese for me. They grow as much as possible on their own property, including fruits, vegetables, olives, and they even make their own wine. Yechiel also showed us some ancient artifacts, such as an extremely old coin, which was really cool to hold in my hand! We also had Turkish coffee, sweets, and great conversation.

Thank you to Yechiel and Dorite for welcoming us into your home. On Fridays, the bagel shop is open for business and you can purchase freshly baked bagels and enjoy them up on the mountain. Meeting a local family and enjoying a meal is one of the most wonderful things to do when you arrive in a brand new country.

Visit the Baha’i Gardens in Haifa

For the afternoon, head to Haifa, a popular cruise ship port in Israel. The newly expanded Port of Haifa handles both cruise and ferry traffic, and it’s also home to a large duty-free shopping facility for cruise guests. Cruise passengers can explore Haifa or take one of several excursions to Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Nazareth or more.

If you only have a short period of time in Haifa, I suggest visiting the Holy Baha’i Gardens . The Bahai Holy Places and Gardens in Haifa (and Akko) are sacred places for Bahá’í pilgrims who travel here from all over the world. These magnificent gardens are open to all, no matter your faith, as serene and uplifting places to enjoy.

As Haifa is a very hilly destination, it’s the perfect spot for a terraced garden. The Bahai Gardens are a staircase of 19 terraces extending up the northern slope of Mount Carmel. The main focal point of the gardens is the Shrine of the Báb with its gold dome, the resting place of the Prophet-Herald of the Bahai Faith.

You can take a self-guided tour of the Baha’i Gardens from the Main Entrance (80 Hatzionut Ave), the German Colony Plaza (21 Hagefen St) or the Balcony (61 Yefe Nof St.). If you’re short on time, head straight up to the Balcony for stunning views from this lookout point.

Spending only an afternoon in Haifa is a bit of a whirlwind trip, and you’ll only experience a small taste of what Israel’s third-largest city has to offer. Other excellent things to do in Haifa include a stroll around the German Templar Colony, Wadi Nisnas (an Arab market with fresh produce and delicious falafel), and a cable car ride from Haifa’s seafront to the Carmelite Monastery and caves.

Where to Stay in Haifa: Dan Carmel Haifa Hotel

The luxurious Dan Carmel Haifa Hotel has got it all: the perfect location with the best views and amazing amenities. It’s quite possibly the best place to stay in Haifa. My room was spacious and stylish with a comfortable bed, a large desk, a flatscreen TV, a whirlpool bathtub, and even a little TV screen in the bathroom mirror.

But, let’s talk about this view. One of the most beautiful scenic viewpoints was right from my hotel room balcony. You can see the Bahai Gardens straight across to the Haifa Port. From my balcony on an upper floor, I loved watching over the twinkling lights of the city by night. Since I was still feeling the effects of jetlag, I fell asleep really early that evening and had no issue waking up before sunrise. Watching the sunrise over the sleeping city was so magical.

The Dan Carmel Haifa Hotel had the best breakfast buffet out of any hotel this entire trip. The buffet is massive and you’ll be spoiled for choice. A server asked if I was interested in ordering a cappuccino or an espresso beverage. I ordered an oat milk cappuccino without any difficulty. Then, she informed me that there was an entire vegan section tucked away at the back of the buffet. There were vegan cheeses, yogurts, protein shakes and more. It was one of the best breakfast buffet experiences I’ve ever had!

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7 Days in Israel Itinerary: Day 2

After waking up in Haifa and enjoying a delicious buffet breakfast at the Dan Carmel Haifa Hotel , it’s time for the second day of our 7 days in Israel itinerary. This will be another whirlwind day where we’re trying to see as much as possible in the North of Israel, also known as Galilee.

It’s easy to stick to the familiar destinations of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, but I urge you to get outside of the major cities. This 7 days in Israel itinerary shows you that there’s so much to explore in the northern part of the country, too.

We’ll be departing Haifa and spending the morning in the Crusader port of Akko (Acre). Then, we’ll spend a couple of hours in Nazareth, a late afternoon in the village of Kfar Kama, and ending our day at the Sea of Galilee in Magdala.

The Ancient City of Akko (Acre)

The unique city of Akko, also known as Acre, is one of the best places to visit in the Holy Land. Located on the Mediterranean coast, Akko is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with layers upon layers of history. This living city has existed continuously for approximately 4000 years and has been shaped by the Romans, Ottomans, Crusaders, Mamelukes, Byzantines, and British. Nowadays, there is a coexistent mixed population of Jews, Christians and Muslims.

Knights’ Halls of the Hospitaller Fortress

The Old City of Akko is not to be missed during your week in Israel. You can discover the remains of the Crusader town both above and below street level. Extensive excavations continue as there’s much to be uncovered. At the ancient Knights’ Halls of the Hospitaller Fortress , you will learn about the ongoing excavations and see many artifacts from the old city.

Turkish Bath (Hammam Al-Basha)

As an Ottoman walled town, there are many mosques and baths that are well preserved and built on top over the old Crusader structures. Don’t miss visiting the Turkish Bath (Hammam Al-Basha), a gorgeous bathhouse that was once a gathering place for high society. The visuals and sound productions at the Turkish Bath bring it back to life and allow you to imagine how it once was.

The Templars Tunnel

The Templars Tunnel is another main attraction of Akko. In 1994, an underground tunnel was discovered, which was once used by Templars to get from the port area into the fortress during times of battle. The Hospitaller Fortress was a major defensive site in Akko during the times of the Crusaders. You can walk through this 150 meters long underground escape passage, which is an impressive feat of engineering.

Old Town Souk

Last, don’t miss the Old Town Souk. The local market in Akko is a lively experience with so many merchants selling spices, sweets, coffee, clothing and souvenirs. I loved how this market wasn’t as crowded or overwhelming as some of the other ones we visited. I didn’t feel pressured into making any purchases, and you could find some bargains, too. Be sure to try some pomegranate or pistachio Turkish Delight.

While a half day in Akko is far too quick, it’s enough time to see the city if you’re visiting Israel in 7 days and need to get all over the country. If you could extend this trip to 10 days in Israel or even 2 weeks in Israel, I suggest spending a night or two in Akko. Stay at Arabesque Arts & Residency in the Old City of Acre. It’s a stunning property that’s beautifully restored and maintained.

We spent the early part of the afternoon in Nazareth, one of the most important destinations for Christians in Israel. Located in Galilee, Nazareth is the hometown of Jesus and the Holy Family. It’s also the largest Arab city in Israel as two thirds of the population are Muslim. Again, spending only a couple of hours in Nazareth isn’t ideal. I suggest spending an entire day and evening here if you are able to extend your itinerary to 10 days in Israel or 2 weeks in Israel.

Basilica of the Annunciation

The most popular attraction to visit in Nazareth is the Basilica of the Annunciation . This modern church, constructed in 1969, is the focal point of Old Town Nazareth. Christians believe that this is where the Virgin Mary lived with her husband, Joseph. This is also the site of the Annunciation, where the angel Gabriel appeared before Mary to tell her that she would give birth to Jesus, the Son of God.

When you visit the Church of the Annunciation, be sure to venture down to the lowest level, the Grotto of the Annunciation. This is where the ruins remain from former Byzantine and Crusader churches. The Grotto of the Annunciation is also thought to be the site of Mary’s childhood home.

Other Notable Places to Visit in Nazareth

After our visit to the Basilica of the Annunciation, we made a quick stop at the Synagogue Church. It’s a small, unassuming building, but may have been a place where Jesus once prayed and preached.

Visit the markets in town if you have the chance, too. After walking through the market, we stopped at a town square, home to the largest Christmas tree in Israel. Even though we were well into January, many Christmas decorations were still on display around the country.

Before leaving Nazareth, we learned about Mary’s Well, an important water source during ancient times. The current structure is a reconstruction of what existed during the Medieval times. According to Greek Orthodox, this is the site where Gabriel appeared to Mary to announce that she would give birth to Jesus.

Circassian Village of Kfar Kama

In late afternoon, we traveled to the Circassian village of Kfar Kama for lunch and to learn about Circassian culture. Kfar Kama was founded in 1878 by Circassian immigrants from the Caucasus Mountains. They were forced to leave home by the Russian Empire. Their thousands year old culture is well preserved in Kfar Kama as their language and traditions are alive and well through its citizens and new generations to come.

Kfar Kama is one of two Circassian villages in Israel, and it was named as one of the “Best Tourism Villages” by the United Nations’ World Tourism Organization. First, we stopped for lunch at The Kitchen of Susi who prepared a home cooked, authentic Circassian meal. I enjoyed hummus stuffed dumplings, roasted cauliflower with tahini, and lentil soup.

After enjoying some Turkish coffee, our wonderful host, Aibek Napso, took us on a short guided tour of Kfar Kama. This included a stop at the Circassian Heritage Center and Museum, an 130-year old traditional building, filled with ancient artifacts and important information about Circassian culture.

We went on a stroll around the village’s narrow streets to learn more from Aibek, an absolute wealth of knowledge about Kfar Kama and all things Circassian. We admired the old buildings and learned some intriguing and entertaining stories about daily life in Kfar Kama through the ages. Kfar Kama also hosts festivals and cultural events, such as their annual Almond Festival.

Where to Stay: The Magdala Hotel

After Kfar Kama, travel to Migdal to spend the night on the Sea of Galilee at the Magdala Hotel . The Magdala Hotel is one of the most interesting and unique hotels because there’s an archaeological site right on the property.

The hotel itself is modern and brand new with clean and comfortable rooms. My room had a small patio overlooking a central courtyard and garden. There are also rejuvenating Dead Sea bath products, too. While the rooms themselves are luxurious with everything you could possibly need, I am more interested in sharing the incredible archaeological finds from the recently discovered first century town of Magdala.

The Magdala Stone was unearthed here, which is likely the earliest known artistic depiction of the Second Temple. A replica sits in the hotel lobby within a glass display case. The hotel lobby also houses an original 1st century fountain that was originally located in the port marketplace of Magdala.

The oldest synagogue in Galilee was discovered here in 2009, adorned with color mosaics and frescoes. Coins from years 5-63 AD have been found within this 1st century synagogue. When you stay at the Magdala Hotel, you’ll also receive complimentary access to the archaeological park on site. I highly recommend taking a guided tour so you can learn more about this fascinating ancient place. We took our tour the following morning after a restful night’s sleep at the Magdala Hotel.

7 Days in Israel Itinerary: Day 3

For day three of this 7 days in Israel itinerary, depart the North of Israel and venture down to the Judean Desert. We’ll proceed south along the Sea of Galilee and Gilead Mountains, along the geological rift valley and the Jordan River towards the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth.

We’ll stop at a couple of notable historic and natural sites along the way, Bet She’an National Park and Ein Gedi Nature Reserve. Before our final destination of Ein Bokek at the Dead Sea, we’ll take an adventurous jeep tour of the Judean Desert.

Bet She’an National Park

Bet She’an National Park (also Beit She’an or Beth-shean) is home to the amazing ruins of the ancient Roman and Byzantine city of Bet She’an. It’s one of the oldest cities in the region with twenty layers of settlement, going back 6000 years. I had no idea that these incredible ruins existed before visiting Israel, so make sure you include them on your 7 days in Israel itinerary.

The city began its prominence during the Copper Age, and throughout the ages has been under Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Byzantine rule. As Bet She’an was once a Roman city, its excavations have revealed public streets, bath houses, and theaters.

While the excavations are ongoing, it is believed that it is one of the most impressive uncovered Roman cities in the Middle East. So far, only 1/10th of the ancient city has been excavated. The site is currently on the tentative list to become a future UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Some of the interesting places you’ll see when you visit Bet She’an National Park include the 2nd century CE Roman theater, the ruins of the Western bathhouse from the Byzantine period, the reconstructed cardo (Roman street with the remains of columns and buildings), the ruins of a large Roman temple, as well as many mosaics, columns and more.

Ein Gedi Nature Reserve

Driving from Bet She’an National Park, we continued to En Gedi Nature Reserve (or Ein Gedi), the biggest oasis in Israel. We went for a short hike here to see waterfalls and springs at the base of massive rocky cliffs. There are over nine hiking trails in total that range from a half hour to a full day trip. We spent a couple of hours here in total, hiking from the entrance towards the David Spring and David’s Waterfall.

You’ll walk along a well-marked trail to the wadi, which is a low, dry valley or dry river bed. It’s amazing to see so much water flowing around the lush greenery in the middle of the red rocky cliffs and the desert. As you continue your ascent, you’ll spot several waterfalls along the way. The oasis exists year round, thanks to the many streams and springs.

You might also see some of the wildlife that calls Ein Gedi Nature Reserve home, like ibexes and rock hyraxes. En Gedi has one of the largest ibex herds in Israel, as well as birds of prey, wolves and foxes. I loved that we included a little hike on this 7 days in Israel itinerary, though you could add an extra day to your plans and make it a half day or full day hike quite easily.

Jeep Tour of the Judean Desert

From En Gedi Nature Reserve, we drove towards the Dead Sea where we’d be staying that night. Before venturing to the hotel and the Dead Sea itself, it’s time for a nearby desert adventure. What better way to experience the Judean Desert than by safari truck?

It was an exciting (and bumpy!) ride to experience this brilliant scenery. Our guide, Eitan of Haela Tours , stopped the vehicle along the way to share more about the region. We took an hour-long tour exploring the Judean Desert by admiring the scenery both up close and afar. These safari trucks can seat between 30 and 45 people, though it was just our small group of five that embarked on the tour that day.

We sampled wild plants from the desert and got up close to the rocky cliff surfaces, which is partially made up of salt. This desert is right next to the Dead Sea, so it’s not surprising that there’s so much salt in the landscape. You can see the big chunk of salt in my hand in the photos, which Eitan grabbed directly from the rocky surface.

Float in the Dead Sea

One of the best places to float in the Dead Sea is at Ein Bokek Beach. I’ll tell you a little more about our hotel in the next section. We were able to walk straight from our hotel and down to the waters of the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea is a very special place on our planet and I feel very fortunate to have experienced this bucket list activity. It was one of my favorite things to do on this 7 days in Israel itinerary.

The Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth and it is the world’s deepest hypersaline lake. Its waters are 430 meters below sea level and drop by about 1 meter annually. Due to the high amounts of salt in the water, it’s impossible to dive down into the waters. Once you enter the water, you can’t help but float to the top of the water’s surface!

Unlike some other areas of the Dead Sea, the bottom of the sea here isn’t particularly muddy. There is a sandy beach and you’ll be able to feel the bits of salt beneath your feet as you walk out into the water. This means that you won’t be able to partake in a natural mud bath from this spot, but I found that the super salty waters were therapeutic enough. It’s also home to a really unique feature that I checked out the following morning.

Some tips before you swim and float in the Dead Sea: don’t put your face underwater or more specifically, don’t get the water in your eyes. It’s extremely salty and it will really sting your eyes. Also, you don’t want to shave before entering the water as it will sting, too. The salty waters of the Dead Sea will help treat skin conditions, as well as arthritis and asthma due to the higher oxygen levels in the air surrounding the Dead Sea.

Where to Stay in Ein Bokek: Isrotel Nevo Dead Sea

You can’t get much closer to the Dead Sea than this! The Isrotel Nevo Dead Sea Hotel in Ein Bokek is directly across the street from the Dead Sea, so it’s easy to walk from the hotel and right into the sea. There’s a complimentary beach area for hotel guests with loungers, and there are bathrobes in every room. Wear your bathrobe and your bathing suit and head outdoors for a float.

The hotel itself is bright and luxurious. My room had everything I needed for a comfortable stay, and there was even a box of delicious dates in my room upon arrival. The balcony of my room overlooked the outdoor swimming pool and hot tub, though I could also see the Dead Sea through the palm trees.

The Isrotel Nevo Dead Sea Hotel offers relaxing and therapeutic experiences at the hotel’s Esprit Spa. I enjoyed a little massage during my stay, and you can also opt for dozens of different body and beauty treatments, including those with the famous Dead Sea mud. There’s a pool that uses water straight from the Dead Sea if you want the water’s benefits but don’t feel like walking down to the waterfront itself.

7 Days in Israel Itinerary: Day 4

On day four of this 7 days in Israel itinerary, travel to Jerusalem and spend two days there. On your first day in Jerusalem, visit some of the most important historic attractions and religious sites, from the City of David to the Western Wall Tunnels. Then, frequent some of the city’s markets and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Mushroom Salt Formations at the Dead Sea

The mushroom salt formations of the Dead Sea are a natural phenomenon completely unique to the Ein Bokek area of Israel. You’ll only find these formations here! I decided to walk from my hotel in the morning to get a closer look.

Known as Pitriot (mushrooms in Hebrew), these are salt medallions that have naturally formed in the Dead Sea. You can walk out to some of them directly from the shore. Many of them interconnect, so it’s easy to step from one mushroom to the next.

From the perspectives of this Canadian girl, it almost looks like snow covers the shores of the beach. But, it’s all salt on these shorelines! There’s no cost to walk to the beach, simply walk up to the mushroom salt formations and enjoy this magnificent natural wonder.

City of David, Jerusalem

After driving to Jerusalem, our first stop is the ancient City of David. It dates back over 3000 years as a fortified and impressive Canaanite city. This archaeological site is considered to be the original settlement of Jerusalem during the Bronze and Iron Ages. David founded this city as the capital of a powerful kingdom. His son, Solomon, built the Temple on the summit of Mount Moriah.

Today, you can visit the City of David National Park on the eastern ridge of ancient Jerusalem, next to the Western Wall. Admire the spectacular views upon your arrival and discover the Mazar Excavations, a public structure dating back to the Judaean kings.

Venture underground to see and learn about the underground water system. This ancient water system connects to the Gihon Spring. Witness Warren’s Shaft, the Spring House, and the Canaanite Pool. You can walk through Hezekiah’s tunnel (with a water depth up to 70cm) or alternatively, walk in the dry Canaanite channel.

The Western Wall and the Western Wall Tunnels

The Western Wall in Old Jerusalem is one of the most sacred places on earth to people of faith. When you visit, there are two sections of the Western Wall: the men’s section and the women’s section. Many visitors stayed for a long time and prayed at the wall. While I am not a religious person, I placed my handwritten note into a crack of the Western Wall with my own wishes and intentions.

Afterwards, we embarked on a guided tour of the Western Wall Tunnels , which are continually being excavated. While the Western Wall Plaza is merely 70 metres long, the tour of the Western Wall Tunnels allows visitors to reach the segments of the Wall hidden from view (the Western Wall actually stretches about half a kilometre!).

We walked through ancient and fascinating subterranean spaces with exquisite archeological findings, like large stone arches, water pits, and an ancient water aqueduct. The excavations are always ongoing in the Western Wall Tunnels, so you could visit a year from now and see new findings.

The Arab Market (Arab Souk)

The Arab Souk, or market, is the mercantile heart of Jerusalem from the days of the Ottomon Empire up until present day. You can taste local food here and go shopping for souvenirs as well. In many of the markets in Jerusalem, you’ll tend to find similar souvenirs over and over again, so don’t be afraid to haggle the prices down.

Our group stopped for lunch at Al Buraq restaurant, just outside the Western Wall. I enjoyed some really delicious falafel inside a pita, as well as coffee. I also ordered a lentil soup that arrived cold, so I can’t say that I recommend that menu item. The falafel was really yummy and I enjoyed that there were fries stuffed into the pita, too.

Cardo, an Ancient Roman Street

Cities of the ancient Roman Empire had streets called “Cardo” that were decorated with stone columns. Jerusalem had its very own Cardo inside the Jewish Quarter. Evidence that a Cardo existed in Jerusalem was discovered on a mosaic map of Jerusalem on the floor of a Byzantine church in the Moav Mountains.

Eventually, this ancient Roman street was uncovered during excavation work. The north side of Cardo, from Damascus Gate to David Street, was built in the Roman times. The south side of Cardo was built in the 6th century by the Byzantine Empire. You can walk on the Cardo much like those in ancient Jerusalem once did.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is one of the most sacred sites according to Christians. This is the place where Jesus was crucified (the Calvary), buried, and resurrected. This church was the busiest place that we visited in Israel. It was packed! Christians from all over the world visit Jerusalem for the opportunity to enter this special holy site.

When you enter the church, you’ll immediately come across the Stone of Anointing. This is believed to be where Jesus’ body was prepared for burial. However, this tradition was first recorded in the 12th century, and the present day stone was only added in 1810 CE.

It’s also possible to visit the Tomb of Christ, although it was about a 2.5 hour wait time when I was there. We only stopped at the church briefly, so we did not visit. This is believed to be the place where Jesus lay buried for three days before rising from the dead.

The church itself is rather unassuming from its exterior, and it is rather dark and mysterious when you enter. There are a maze of 30+ worship spaces and chapels inside with elaborate ornamentation and decoration. This is a popular place of worship and you will likely encounter crowds of visitors looking to pay homage to their savior.

Hamotzi Restaurant

Hamotzi Restaurant is an Algerian restaurant offering innovative dishes and tantalizing aromas. The chef combines traditional North African cuisine with local flavors that are influenced by his upbringing in the Musrara neighborhood. At the same time, his culinary influences are also drawn from his travels around the globe.

There are several vegan dishes on the menu, like hummus, handmade bread, market salad, an Algerian Maakoud (fried leek and potato pie), falafel, fried cauliflower and tahini, and more. The food is fresh and tasty, and the service is fantastic. Plus, the restaurant has an elegant ambiance, located inside an ancient building.

Machane Yehuda Market at Night

We embarked on a night tour of the Machane Yehuda Market in Jerusalem, also known as “The Shuk”. This market was alive with energy, especially at popular spots like Beer Bazaar with 100 types of Israeli craft beer.

Discover the street art, the little grocery stores, tea shops and spice stalls. You can go bar hopping and taste yummy street food, like baklava and empanadas, from the stalls that stay open late. Those working at some of the bars will try to lure you into their establishment with a free shot, though it’s up to you whether you decide to stay and drink there.

Where to Stay in Jerusalem: YMCA Three Arches Hotel

The YMCA Three Arches Hotel is a landmark in itself in Jerusalem! Designed by the same architect who designed the Empire State Building, the hotel offers a combination of old world charm and modern hospitality. Inside and out, it’s an architectural stunner and the lobby is artfully designed. The walls are lined with colorful works by Israeli and Palestinian artists. I stayed here for two nights in Jerusalem.

The rooms themselves are rather no frills, but you have everything you need for a great place to rest your head at night. I loved opening my window to view the city streets by morning and night. Even though you’re in the middle of it all, the hotel is very quiet at night and it’s easy to enjoy a restful night’s sleep.

The YMCA Three Arches Hotel has a 152 foot bell tower with incredible panoramic views from the top. Simply ask the concierge and he will provide you with the opportunity to take the elevator to the top (2 people minimum, 5 people maximum). Of course, when you stay at the YMCA Three Arches Hotel, you have full access to the swimming pool, gym and classes at the YMCA. This sports center is the largest of its kind in the Middle East.

7 Days in Israel Itinerary: Day 5

For day five of this 7 days in Israel itinerary, we’ll discover an alternative side of Jerusalem by visiting the Islamic Art Museum, an inventive cafe, a fashion designer’s shop, and a state-of-the-art distillery. In the afternoon, we’ll visit one of the most important memorials in the world, the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial.

Museum for Islamic Art

The Museum for Islamic Art is dedicated to the preservation and display of Islamic art and archaeological artifacts from across the ages. It’s the only museum of its kind in Israel and one of the most important Islamic art museums in the world. There are treasures from Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Turkey, Afghanistan and India, and even Spain.

We toured a special exhibition during our visit, devoted to the history of paisley. This centuries-old pattern began in Persia as a symbol of nobility. It became wildly popular in Europe and it’s still commonly used nowadays, even by pop culture icons. There are so many fantastic stories and mesmerizing paisley motifs throughout this gallery.

For something a little different, the Museum for Islamic Art also hosts one of the most impressive watch collections in the world. These watches belonged to Sir David Salomons, the daughter of the museum founder, Vera Bryce Salomons. She has the watches on display in memory of her father. One of the rarest watches in the world is the Marie Antoinette watch, a stunning piece and priceless artifact.

Nocturno Cafe

Nocturno Cafe is a vibrant cafe with an innovative menu. This cafe transforms into a lively venue by night for music and the arts. Enjoy musical performances, standup comedian acts, slam poetry, dancing and themed nights.

For over 20 years, Nocturno Cafe has been a welcoming cultural establishment for students and intellectuals. On the top floor, you’ll find several small boutiques with eco-friendly and vegan-friendly products.

The menu is very inventive and almost every dish can be prepared vegan. They serve Israel’s cutting edge “vegan egg” product. I dare you to taste the difference between a vegan fried egg and an actual egg. It’s incredible! You can also order a vegan Shakshuka, the vegan Redefine burger, a full vegan breakfast and more. Their coffee is one of the best I had in Israel, too.

Fashion Designer, Anat Friedman

Anat Friedman is a fashion designer and you’ll find her shop just down the street from Cafe Nocturno. Anat’s boutique clothing and accessories shop is located on the Bezalel pedestrian street in Jerusalem.

While Anat always loved painting and drawing while she was growing up, she transferred those skills and her passion into the field of design and fashion. She creates all of her original works and designs in her studio above her shop. Everything is designed and manufactured in Israel.

Thinkers Distillery

While there are many breweries and wineries in Israel, there aren’t many distilleries. After all, it’s hard to find a good source for water in the middle of the desert. Thinkers Distillery is not your average distillery; in fact, they combine their passion for spirits with technology, chemistry and science. They’ve developed their own systems for turning air into the water for their spirits, which is both revolutionary and eco-conscious.

We sampled a few of their products, like the Jerusalem Dry gin, the Israeli Sunset gin, their vodka and their Dew of B’dolah bourbon. I actually really enjoyed all of them, but the bourbon was my favorite. The bottles are really beautiful, too, and these would make fantastic gifts. Unfortunately, you can’t buy Thinkers Distillery products in Canada just yet, so you will need to go to Jerusalem to try it.

Yad Vashem is the World Holocaust Remembrance Center, and it’s somewhere you need to visit when you travel to Jerusalem. It exhibits the history and narrative that led to the Holocaust, one of the most horrific events of human history. Yad Vashem is one of the world’s leading museums, and it is open to the general public, free of charge (you must reserve your visit in advance).

The Holocaust History Museum has nine interactive galleries with displays presenting the Holocaust through films, photographs, letters, documents and personal items. The museum leads to the Hall of Names, a space containing over three million names of Holocaust victims. Visitors can still submit names to the memorial and search through the records.

At Yad Vashem, you can also visit the Children’s Memorial, which pays tribute to the 1.5 million children who died in the Holocaust. There’s also the Garden of the Righteous Among the Nations that honors non-Jews who chose to save Jews from the ongoing genocide, even if it meant putting themselves at risk. Yad Vashem is an absolute must visit place when you’re planning your 7 days in Israel itinerary.

First Station and Adom Restaurant

First Station is a center with shops, restaurants, and culture (music, arts and festivals), built on the foundations of the historic Jerusalem train station. I loved walking around First Train Station to check out the vendor stalls. There’s also a natural grocery store with many vegan food products.

Adom Restaurant has a magical ambiance and elegant atmosphere. Located inside the old train station itself, the architecture is very special with its vaulted ceilings and original windows. While there’s a wide variety of dishes, there menu is Mediterranean influenced. There’s a focus on fresh and seasonal ingredients.

It’s easy to dine at Adom as a vegan. There are always vegan specials on the menu, as well as the Redefine meat burger. Redefine is an Israeli company that’s developed an innovative 3D-printed vegan meat product that tastes much like the real deal.

7 Days in Israel Itinerary: Day 6

It’s our last morning in Jerusalem on this 7 days in Israel itinerary. We will make a couple of stops on the outskirts of Jerusalem before driving to Tel Aviv where we’ll spend two nights. As we are traveling to Tel Aviv on Friday, we will be welcoming Shabbat in the evening.

House of Wheels (Beit Hagalgalim)

Before leaving Jerusalem, we visited an amazing organization called House of Wheels (Beit Hagalgalim). They provide programming for children and young adults with disabilities, as well as opportunities to develop and grow.

Beit Hagalgalim (House of Wheels) has so many dedicated volunteers, and it’s a second home for all of its members, with and without disabilities. We met graduates of the program who went on to be employed by House of Wheels.

Then, we participated in a workshop (“The Rolling Experience”) which showcases the challenges that come with navigating the city in a wheelchair. The workshop encourages conversation and a call for change regarding accessibility. This was a very unique experience for our 7 days in Israel itinerary and I’m really happy we visited.

Nevo Winery

Nevo Winery is a beautiful boutique winery in the Judean Hills, about a half hour outside of Jerusalem. We received such warm hospitality and learned about the winery as we drank wine, and ate bread and cheese (they had vegan cheese for me!). When you’re making your 7 days in Israel itinerary, be sure to include at least one winery (and Nevo Winery is my top pick).

Then, we ventured into an old bomb shelter on the property that’s repurposed as a barrel room. I’m pretty sure this is the only winery I’ve visited that’s inside a bomb shelter. You can drink wine straight from the barrels. It’s such a fascinating winery, and the wine itself is quite lovely, too.

Carmel Market, Tel Aviv

Welcome to Tel Aviv! It’s hard to pick favorites, but Tel Aviv really stole my heart. It’s a lively, progressive, vegan-friendly city with incredible architecture, public art, and interesting neighborhoods. Our first stop was the Carmel Market, the largest and busiest market (or shuk) in Tel Aviv.

You’ll find the freshest produce, fragrant spices, souvenirs, clothing, food products and pretty much everything under the sun here. The hustle and bustle of this marketplace is alive and well, and you will need to brave the crowds in order to visit.

There’s so much going on here that will awaken all of the senses. There’s colorful pomegranates on display, street vendors beckoning you to their booths, and aromas of spices and street food being prepared. It can be a little bit intimidating. Know in advance that it will be really busy. Try to take it all in and go with the flow on your trip to the Carmel Market.

Arts and Crafts Market at Nachalat Binyamin

The arts and crafts market at Nachalat Binyamin takes place on Tuesdays and Fridays. Up to 200 artists and artisans set up booths along the street selling their unique handcrafted wares. It’s the largest arts and crafts market in Israel.

The artists need to be approved first in order to sell their products here. Everything must be unique, original and handmade. The artist themselves must be present and the only ones selling their crafts. Therefore, only the highest quality items make the cut.

The Nachalat Binyamin Market is down the street from the Carmel Market, so it’s easy to visit both if you’re there on a Tuesday or Friday. I loved seeing the hand painted pottery, the handmade puppets and toys, and there was also some really interesting art created from upcycled books.

Neve Tzedek Neighborhood to the Old Train Station

It’s time to go for a stroll in Tel Aviv! Walk through the Neve Tzedek neighborhood and down to the Old Train Station. There are many boutique shops, cafes, restaurants and more. We spotted some Bauhaus architecture among other architectural styles.

One of the best things to do on your 7 days in Israel itinerary is simply walk around and absorb your surroundings. I stopped for a vegan gelato along the way, though you may feel like getting a coffee or a tea. Admire the picturesque narrow alleyways and discover colorful street art. I loved seeing all of the cats, most of all!

Messa Restaurant

Messa is one of the leading restaurants in Israel, and Conde Nast featured it as one of the best and “hottest restaurants in the world”. The chef-designed menu is a fusion of flavors from the Mediterranean, France, Italy and Asia. There’s a warm and intimate atmosphere here. It’s ideal for a romantic dinner with your partner or dining with a group of friends.

Messa has a separate vegan menu with several starters and salads. For the main course, you can choose from a soba noodle dish, a vegetable dish with mushrooms or what I ordered, the Swiss chard tortellini with pumpkin cream.

There’s also a vegan dessert, “Costa Rica Memories”: Vanilla and coconut panna cota, orange caramel, semolina crumble and olive oil crumble, blood orange sorbet, raspberry crunch. It was heavenly!

Where to Stay: Dan Tel Aviv Hotel

Without a doubt, the Dan Tel Aviv Hotel is the best place to stay in Tel Aviv. It’s been frequented by many celebrities over the years, Paul McCartney, Madonna and Lady Gaga, to name a few. Their autographs grace the tiles in the front entranceway. The Dan Tel Aviv Hotel offers the ultimate in luxury during your stay in the city. In fact, it’s one of the “Leading Hotels of the World”.

The location can’t be beat. The hotel faces the Mediterranean Sea and you can enjoy spectacular sunset views right from your room. Walk out of the hotel and you’re steps from the city’s boardwalk and its beautiful beaches. You can walk from the hotel to many neighborhoods of Tel Aviv, like the Old Tel Aviv Port, Old Jaffa and Neve Tzedek.

The rooms at the Dan Tel Aviv Hotel are modern and spacious with the best amenities, like a Nespresso machine. The breakfast was very delicious, as I discovered that they are at the Dan Hotels. If there’s one place where you must stay in Tel Aviv, it’s the Dan Tel Aviv Hotel.

7 Days in Israel Itinerary: Day 7

On our last day in Tel Aviv on this 7 days in Israel itinerary, we’ll be frequenting some of the diverse neighborhoods of Tel Aviv. We’ll spend the morning touring around Old Jaffa, an ancient seaport mentioned in the Bible. In the afternoon, we’ll embark on a graffiti tour of the Florentin neighborhood. Then, we’ll taste some of the delicious vegan food that makes Tel Aviv the “ Vegan Capital of the World “.

Jaffa (Yafo) is one of the world’s oldest ports and where Tel Aviv originated. This is one of the most charming areas of Tel Aviv with its narrow alleyways, old architecture and picturesque scenes. Wandering around is one of the best things to do in Jaffa with new surprises around every turn.

The history here goes back for 4000 years and it’s referred to in the Bible. Old Jaffa is the site of Simon the Tanner’s home where Peter had his vision about clean and unclean foods. The Old City itself has been renovated in recent years, so it’s a pretty popular tourist attraction. In the morning, we didn’t run into many people and had it mostly all to ourselves.

You can go shopping here at artist’s galleries and studios. Or, simply grab a coffee and go for a walk along the waterfront. The Jaffa Port itself has a wide array of cafes and restaurants. It’s also a really amazing place to watch the sunset. Visiting Old Jaffa is a must for your 7 days in Israel itinerary.

Aja Restaurant

Aja is a vegan restaurant in Tel Aviv that I absolutely adored. It’s just a small place with a few places to dine indoors and one little table out front. Their menu is available daily on their Instagram page. Get out your translation app if needed!

It’s an unpretentious, unique dining spot with a small menu, but it’s really one of the best vegan meals I’ve ever had in my life! You must try the pasta dish. It’s perfectly seasoned and stuffed with vegan cheese. I’m still dreaming about this meal.

Tel Aviv Graffiti Tour

Tel Aviv has so much interesting graffiti and colorful street art. I highly recommend taking a graffiti tour when you travel here. We toured around the Florentine neighborhood, checking out the beautiful street art with some really intriguing stories behind them.

Street art and graffiti demonstrates how a city is continually changing. The art can reflect politics, popular culture, represent members of the community, or simply display a beautiful animal or colorful creation. Works of art are always being altered, added to, or destroyed. Graffiti covers up other graffiti. Regardless, it’s an open air museum that’s open to the public by day and night.

Our graffiti tour was hosted by Jigi , a local musician and graffiti artist himself. We saw a couple of small works of street art by Jigi on our tour. Feel free to reach out to Jigi to arrange a tour. You can also book your graffiti tour of Tel Aviv here , also led by a street artist.

Then, we even got to spray paint our own graffiti on the practice wall. While I have taken some graffiti tours in the past, I’ve never actually been able to try it for myself! I loved this special, personalized touch to the tour. It was such a nice surprise. Do you like the cat that I painted on the wall?

Meshek Barzilai Vegan Restaurant

Meshek Barzilai is one of the best vegan restaurants in Tel Aviv. It’s an inventive farm-to-table restaurant that showcases just how delicious vegetables can taste. They also serve several plant-based meaty dishes that taste very similar to their animal-based counterparts.

The main courses range from vegan pizza and veggie burgers to masala dosa and steaks. Their tempting appetizers feature pates, salads, breads and antipasti. There’s something for every taste on the menu at Meshek Barzilai. The meals are so fresh, sensational and comforting. This is the perfect restaurant for a date night or a gathering with family and friends.

Nightlife Tour of Tel Aviv

For your final night in Tel Aviv, why not take a Tel Aviv Pub Crawl Tour ? Tel Aviv is famous for its legendary nightlife, and your tour guide knows all the best spots. Visit Tel Aviv’s best bars and clubs with VIP perks that include skip-the-line entry and special access.

There are also drink specials and free shots at every bar. You’ll visit four or five spots around town and meet many fellow travelers, too. Your guide will give you a local’s insights to nightlife in Tel Aviv and tell you about some of the unique beverages that you’ll find in Israel. Book your Tel Aviv Pub Crawl Tour.

I hope you enjoyed my 7 days in Israel itinerary and find it useful to help plan your trip. Like I mentioned earlier, this 7 days in Israel itinerary can be expanded to 10 days in Israel or 14 days in Israel if you don’t want to feel rushed. This is a really fast-paced itinerary, but you can see everything in a week (I did!).

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Thank you so much to the Israel Ministry of Tourism for hosting my visit.

Lauren is the full-time travel blogger and content creator behind Justin Plus Lauren. She started Justin Plus Lauren in 2013 and has travelled to 50+ countries around the world. Lauren is an expert on vegan travel as one of the very first vegan travel bloggers. She also focuses on outdoor adventure travel, eco and sustainable travel, and creating amazing travel itineraries for cities and small towns.

Sites of Hamas’ Oct. 7 Attack Have Become Popular Tourist Destinations in Israel

KIBBUTZ NIR OZ, Israel — A new kind of tourism has emerged in Israel in the months since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. For celebrities, politicians, influencers and others, no trip is complete without a somber visit to the devastated south that absorbed the brunt of the assault near the border with Gaza.

Jerry Seinfeld, Elon Musk, Michael Douglas, former presidential candidate Nikki Haley, and Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner are a few who have visited, at times posing for photos in front of burned-out homes. Many Israelis, including soldiers and security officials, are also visiting on organized trips.

Read More: ‘Anyone Who Signs a Bomb Is a Sociopath’: Critics Slam Nikki Haley’s Israeli Missile Stunt

“It’s our personal story, but it’s also the story of all of the state of Israel,” said Irit Lahav, spokeswoman for Kibbutz Nir Oz, who gives many of the tours.

A quarter of the approximately 400 Nir Oz residents fell victim to the attack. Hamas militants killed more than 20 and kidnapped over 80. In the dining hall, a wall of post office boxes is plastered with stickers—red for killed, black for kidnapped, blue for released.

While it’s uncomfortable to open the community to visitors, she said it’s important for people to “come here and smell the burned smell of death, to imagine your friends or parents here.”

Hamas militants killed around 1,200 people as they rampaged through southern Israel, and kidnapped around 250. Health officials in Hamas-run Gaza say more than 37,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war that followed.

Prior to Oct. 7, Lahav ran a tourism company. Now she has turned those itinerary-building skills to the kibbutz where she grew up. Her tour includes the spot in the fence where Hamas militants stormed the kibbutz, along with small details that humanize the scale of destruction, like the candy eggs that melted when the general store was torched.

Many of the kibbutzim and towns that experienced the worst destruction are closed to the public, accessible only via organized tours like those for dignitaries or celebrities, or by invitation from a resident.

Read More: The Worst 45 Minute Film You Will Ever See

Nir Oz decided that the guides must be residents. Rena Bazar, who lives with most of the community in temporary housing elsewhere, is among those giving tours.

At first, it was difficult to return to Nir Oz. She didn’t like the idea of strangers on the lawns and in the dining hall with its bullet-riddled windows. But eventually, she understood the importance of helping visitors understand not just what happened, but also what life had been like before Oct. 7.

“I want to make it less about the combat and more about the personal stories of people who were there,” Bazar said.

For visiting dignitaries and VIPs, trips to Israel have long included stops at famous religious or cultural sites, such as the Western Wall, Masada, the Sea of Galilee or the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and the national Holocaust memorial, Yad Vashem. The visits to the battered kibbutzim and border towns are the latest way to build support and solidarity with Israel’s allies abroad.

Other parts of southern Israel are open to the public and encouraging visitors—both foreigners and Israelis from elsewhere.

The city of Sderot runs “resilience tours,” connecting groups with survivors who share their memories of Oct. 7 or highlight cultural or culinary offerings. In contrast to the hardest-hit kibbutzim like Nir Oz, most of Sderot’s residents have returned.

Hen Cohen, the city’s tourism director, estimated that about 200,000 visitors have come during the first half of 2024, compared with 100,000 total in a normal year. Most come via solidarity missions from abroad or are local visitors such as soldiers and police officers on educational tours.

Birthright Israel, an organization that provides 10-day free trips to Israel for Jewish Americans, said that nearly all of the 13,500 participants expected this summer will visit Sderot and the site of the Nova music festival, where at least 364 people died. These visits provide an economic and morale boost to residents, Cohen said.

The Sderot police station, where 10 officers were killed on Oct. 7 in a standoff that left the station in ruins, is a main attraction. Visitors stop at the local museum, and watch security footage of what happened on Oct. 7, then walk to the empty lot where the police station stood. Twisted metal remains. Israeli flags flutter in the wind. A sign says a memorial will be built there.

“In this dark hour, I wanted to do my part to make sure the people of Israel know that the people of the United States are with you,” former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said while visiting the site. Seinfeld later cried while talking about his own visit to a kibbutz, describing it as “the most powerful experience” of his life.

Zehava Ben Zaken, a lifelong Sderot resident, said it has taken time to adjust to seeing visitors every time she walks by. “I’m happy they come to see this place, so they can understand and stand with us,” she said.

Hearing the booms from Gaza a few kilometers (miles) away, she hoped that visitors can finally understand Sderot’s precarious security situation. “We’re totally broken,” she said.

South of Sderot, the site of the Nova music festival has become a pilgrimage site for hundreds of visitors per day. Photos of victims are arranged around what had been the main stage. Loved ones have left candles, sculptures, photos and other mementos.

Standing there helped her understand the enormity of loss of life, said Naomi Hanan, a medical student from San Francisco. “It’s right in front of your face and there’s no denying or ignoring what you’ve been hearing or seeing through the media,” she said.

In a eucalyptus grove near the site, an organization called Triumph of the Spirit offers virtual reality tours of three kibbutzim, including Nir Oz. The tours are currently only open to soldiers on official educational visits, but an English version will be available in the coming weeks for international tourists.

“I feel like I’m in Fortnite!” one soldier said as he slipped on the headset, then went silent as images of destruction appeared.

The videos were created by Miriam Cohen and Chani Kopolovich, who had created such tours of Auschwitz for a Holocaust education experience for people who don’t travel to Poland.

“We’ve made it accessible to go on this tour without damaging peoples’ privacy,” said Pinchas Tosig, who runs the tent and has 300 to 700 soldiers visit per day.

Some residents of southern Israel are looking beyond the visitors to the future.

In the coming weeks, Nir Oz will start demolishing some buildings to make way for new construction. Residents wonder how to preserve what happened while making space for new lives. Some say part of the destruction should remain. Others don’t want reminders—or visitors.

On one tour, Bazar pointed out the safe room where she spent hours hiding on Oct. 7. Her home was mostly spared. Others were burned. She doesn’t want the destruction to remain inside Nir Oz and hopes any future memorial will be elsewhere.

“I don’t want any child to be impacted by the ruins,” she said. “Our cemetery is full. Isn’t that memorial enough?”

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How grief tourism is drawing celebrities to Israel since Hamas’ October 7 attack

Jerry seinfeld, elon musk, michael douglas, and ivanka trump are a few who have visited and posed for photos, article bookmarked.

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A new kind of tourism has emerged in Israel in the months since Hamas ’ October 7 attack.

For celebrities, politicians, influencers and others, no trip is now complete without a somber visit to the devastated south that absorbed the brunt of the assault near the border with Gaza .

Jerry Seinfeld , Elon Musk , Michael Douglas , former presidential candidate Nikki Haley , and Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner are a few who have visited, at times posing for photos in front of burned-out homes.

Many Israelis, including soldiers and security officials, are also visiting on organised trips.

“It’s our personal story, but it’s also the story of all of the state of Israel,” said Irit Lahav, spokeswoman for Kibbutz Nir Oz, who gives many of the tours.

A quarter of the approximately 400 Nir Oz residents fell victim to the attack. Hamas militants killed more than 20 and kidnapped over 80. In the dining hall, a wall of post office boxes is plastered with stickers — red for killed, black for kidnapped, blue for released.

While it's uncomfortable to open the community to visitors, she said it's important for people to “come here and smell the burned smell of death, to imagine your friends or parents here.”

Hamas militants killed around 1,200 people as they rampaged through southern Israel, and kidnapped around 250. Health officials in Hamas-run Gaza say more than 37,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war that followed.

Prior to October 7, Lahav ran a tourism company. Now she has turned those itinerary-building skills to the kibbutz where she grew up. Her tour includes the spot in the fence where Hamas militants stormed the kibbutz, along with small details that humanize the scale of destruction, like the candy eggs that melted when the general store was torched.

Michael Douglas on his visit:

Many of the kibbutzim and towns that experienced the worst destruction are closed to the public, accessible only via organized tours like those for dignitaries or celebrities, or by invitation from a resident.

Nir Oz decided that the guides must be residents. Rena Bazar, who lives with most of the community in temporary housing elsewhere, is among those giving tours.

At first, it was difficult to return to Nir Oz. She didn’t like the idea of strangers on the lawns and in the dining hall with its bullet-riddled windows. But eventually, she understood the importance of helping visitors understand not just what happened, but also what life had been like before October 7.

“I want to make it less about the combat and more about the personal stories of people who were there,” Bazar said.

For visiting dignitaries and VIPs, trips to Israel have long included stops at famous religious or cultural sites, such as the Western Wall, Masada, the Sea of Galilee or the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and the national Holocaust memorial, Yad Vashem . The visits to the battered kibbutzim and border towns are the latest way to build support and solidarity with Israel's allies abroad.

Other parts of southern Israel are open to the public and encouraging visitors — both foreigners and Israelis from elsewhere.

The city of Sderot runs “resilience tours,” connecting groups with survivors who share their memories of October 7 or highlight cultural or culinary offerings. In contrast to the hardest-hit kibbutzim like Nir Oz, most of Sderot's residents have returned.

Hen Cohen, the city's tourism director, estimated that about 200,000 visitors have come during the first half of 2024, compared with 100,000 total in a normal year. Most come via solidarity missions from abroad or are local visitors such as soldiers and police officers on educational tours.

Birthright Israel, an organization that provides 10-day free trips to Israel for Jewish Americans, said that nearly all of the 13,500 participants expected this summer will visit Sderot and the site of the Nova music festival, where at least 364 people died. These visits provide an economic and morale boost to residents, Cohen said.

The Sderot police station, where 10 officers were killed on October 7 in a standoff that left the station in ruins, is a main attraction. Visitors stop at the local museum, and watch security footage of what happened on October 7, then walk to the empty lot where the police station stood. Twisted metal remains. Israeli flags flutter in the wind. A sign says a memorial will be built there.

“In this dark hour, I wanted to do my part to make sure the people of Israel know that the people of the United States are with you,” former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said while visiting the site. Seinfeld later cried while talking about his own visit to a kibbutz, describing it as “the most powerful experience” of his life.

Zehava Ben Zaken, a lifelong Sderot resident, said it has taken time to adjust to seeing visitors every time she walks by. “I’m happy they come to see this place, so they can understand and stand with us,” she said.

Hearing the booms from Gaza a few kilometers (miles) away, she hoped that visitors can finally understand Sderot’s precarious security situation. “We’re totally broken,” she said.

South of Sderot, the site of the Nova music festival has become a pilgrimage site for hundreds of visitors per day. Photos of victims are arranged around what had been the main stage. Loved ones have left candles, sculptures, photos and other mementos.

Standing there helped her understand the enormity of loss of life, said Naomi Hanan, a medical student from San Francisco. “It’s right in front of your face and there’s no denying or ignoring what you’ve been hearing or seeing through the media,” she said.

In a eucalyptus grove near the site, an organization called Triumph of the Spirit offers virtual reality tours of three kibbutzim, including Nir Oz. The tours are currently only open to soldiers on official educational visits, but an English version will be available in the coming weeks for international tourists.

“I feel like I’m in Fortnite!” one soldier said as he slipped on the headset, then went silent as images of destruction appeared.

The videos were created by Miriam Cohen and Chani Kopolovich, who had created such tours of Auschwitz for a Holocaust education experience for people who don’t travel to Poland.

“We’ve made it accessible to go on this tour without damaging peoples’ privacy,” said Pinchas Tosig, who runs the tent and has 300 to 700 soldiers visit per day.

Some residents of southern Israel are looking beyond the visitors to the future.

In the coming weeks, Nir Oz will start demolishing some buildings to make way for new construction. Residents wonder how to preserve what happened while making space for new lives. Some say part of the destruction should remain. Others don’t want reminders — or visitors.

On one tour, Bazar pointed out the safe room where she spent hours hiding on October 7. Her home was mostly spared. Others were burned. She doesn’t want the destruction to remain inside Nir Oz and hopes any future memorial will be elsewhere.

“I don’t want any child to be impacted by the ruins,” she said. “Our cemetery is full. Isn’t that memorial enough?”

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Some visitors to Israel have a new stop on their tours: Hamas’ destruction in the south

For people visiting Israel, no trip is complete without a somber visit to the devastated south that absorbed the brunt of the assault near the border with Gaza. This is a new kind of tourism that has emerged in the country in the months since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. (AP Video: Ami Bentov)

A group of Israelis on an educational tour visit the home of the Siman Tov family on Friday, June 21, 2024. The parents and three children were killed and their home was torched by Hamas militants on the Oct. 7 attack on Israel, in Kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel. A new kind of tourism has emerged in Israel in the months since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. For celebrities, politicians, influencers and others, no trip is complete without a somber visit to the devastated south that absorbed the brunt of the assault near the border with Gaza. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

• Copy Link copied

A group of Israelis visit a damaged house following the Oct. 7 Hamas militants attack on Israel in Kibbutz Beeri, southern Israel, on Friday, Jan. 28, 2024. A new kind of tourism has emerged in Israel in the months since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. For celebrities, politicians, influencers and others, no trip is complete without a somber visit to the devastated south that absorbed the brunt of the assault near the border with Gaza. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

Israeli soldiers watch a virtual tour of the destruction of the aftermath of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel near the site of the Tribe of Nova music festival, where at least 364 people were killed and abducted near Kibbutz Re’im, southern Israel, Thursday, May 30, 2024. A new kind of tourism has emerged in Israel in the months since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. For celebrities, politicians, influencers and others, no trip is complete without a somber visit to the devastated south that absorbed the brunt of the assault near the border with Gaza. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

An Israeli reservist poses for a picture with a tourist from Mexico, who is holding the soldier’s M16 rifle, at the site of the Tribe of Nova music festival, where at least 364 people were killed and abducted during the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, near Kibbutz Re’im, southern Israel on Thursday, June 20, 2024. A new kind of tourism has emerged in Israel in the months since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. For celebrities, politicians, influencers and others, no trip is complete without a somber visit to the devastated south that absorbed the brunt of the assault near the border with Gaza. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

A group of Israelis on an educational tour visit a house that was torched by Hamas militants on the Oct. 7 attack on Israel in Kibbutz Nir Oz, on Friday, June 21, 2024. A new kind of tourism has emerged in Israel in the months since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. For celebrities, politicians, influencers and others, no trip is complete without a somber visit to the devastated south that absorbed the brunt of the assault near the border with Gaza. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

People look at the Gaza Strip through binoculars from an observation point in the town of Sderot, southern Israel, on Thursday, June 20, 2024. A new kind of tourism has emerged in Israel in the months since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. For celebrities, politicians, influencers and others, no trip is complete without a somber visit to the devastated south that absorbed the brunt of the assault near the border with Gaza. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

FILE - Danny Danon, a member of the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, left, and Nikki Haley, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, visit a home torched by Hamas in Kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel, Monday, May 27, 2024. A new kind of tourism has emerged in Israel in the months since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. For celebrities, politicians, influencers and others, no trip is complete without a somber visit to the devastated south that absorbed the brunt of the assault near the border with Gaza. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo, File)

A woman stands next to photos of people killed and taken captive by Hamas militants during their violent rampage through the Nova music festival in southern Israel, which are displayed at the site of the event to commemorate the Oct. 7, massacre near Kibbutz Re’im on Thursday, June 20, 2024. A new kind of tourism has emerged in Israel in the months since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. For celebrities, politicians, influencers and others, no trip is complete without a somber visit to the devastated south that absorbed the brunt of the assault near the border with Gaza. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Israeli soldiers look at pictures of revelers killed on Oct. 7, 2023 at the Nova music festival by Hamas militants during a cross-border attack, as they visit the site in Re’im, southern Israel near the Gaza border, Thursday, Jan. 28, 2024. A new kind of tourism has emerged in Israel in the months since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. For celebrities, politicians, influencers and others, no trip is complete without a somber visit to the devastated south that absorbed the brunt of the assault near the border with Gaza. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

A woman stands next to a shelter at the site of the Tribe of Nova music festival, where at least 364 people were killed and abducted during the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, near Kibbutz Re’im on Thursday, June 20, 2024. A new kind of tourism has emerged in Israel in the months since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. For celebrities, politicians, influencers and others, no trip is complete without a somber visit to the devastated south that absorbed the brunt of the assault near the border with Gaza. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

A group of Israelis on an educational tour visit the dining hall that was damaged during the Oct. 7, Hamas attack on Israel in Kibbutz Nir Oz, on Friday, June 21, 2024. A new kind of tourism has emerged in Israel in the months since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. For celebrities, politicians, influencers and others, no trip is complete without a somber visit to the devastated south that absorbed the brunt of the assault near the border with Gaza. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

People look at the Gaza Strip from an observation point in the town of Sderot, southern Israel, on Thursday, June 20, 2024. A new kind of tourism has emerged in Israel in the months since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. For celebrities, politicians, influencers and others, no trip is complete without a somber visit to the devastated south that absorbed the brunt of the assault near the border with Gaza. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Ultra-Orthodox Jews from central Israel visit a bomb shelter where Israelis were killed during the Oct. 7 Hamas militants attack on Israel, near Kibbutz Beeri, southern Israel, on Friday, June 21, 2024. A new kind of tourism has emerged in Israel in the months since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. For celebrities, politicians, influencers and others, no trip is complete without a somber visit to the devastated south that absorbed the brunt of the assault near the border with Gaza. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

KIBBUTZ NIR OZ, Israel (AP) — A new kind of tourism has emerged in Israel in the months since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. For celebrities, politicians, influencers and others, no trip is complete without a somber visit to the devastated south that absorbed the brunt of the assault near the border with Gaza .

Jerry Seinfeld, Elon Musk , Michael Douglas, former presidential candidate Nikki Haley , and Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner are a few who have visited, at times posing for photos in front of burned-out homes. Many Israelis, including soldiers and security officials, are also visiting on organized trips.

“It’s our personal story, but it’s also the story of all of the state of Israel,” said Irit Lahav, spokeswoman for Kibbutz Nir Oz, who gives many of the tours.

A quarter of the approximately 400 Nir Oz residents fell victim to the attack. Hamas militants killed more than 20 and kidnapped over 80. In the dining hall, a wall of post office boxes is plastered with stickers — red for killed, black for kidnapped, blue for released.

While it’s uncomfortable to open the community to visitors, she said it’s important for people to “come here and smell the burned smell of death, to imagine your friends or parents here.”

Hamas militants killed around 1,200 people as they rampaged through southern Israel, and kidnapped around 250. Health officials in Hamas-run Gaza say more than 37,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war that followed.

Prior to Oct. 7, Lahav ran a tourism company. Now she has turned those itinerary-building skills to the kibbutz where she grew up. Her tour includes the spot in the fence where Hamas militants stormed the kibbutz, along with small details that humanize the scale of destruction, like the candy eggs that melted when the general store was torched.

Many of the kibbutzim and towns that experienced the worst destruction are closed to the public, accessible only via organized tours like those for dignitaries or celebrities, or by invitation from a resident.

A group of Israelis on an educational tour visit a house that was torched by Hamas militants on the Oct. 7 attack on Israel in Kibbutz Nir Oz, on Friday, June 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Nir Oz decided that the guides must be residents. Rena Bazar, who lives with most of the community in temporary housing elsewhere, is among those giving tours.

At first, it was difficult to return to Nir Oz. She didn’t like the idea of strangers on the lawns and in the dining hall with its bullet-riddled windows. But eventually, she understood the importance of helping visitors understand not just what happened, but also what life had been like before Oct. 7.

“I want to make it less about the combat and more about the personal stories of people who were there,” Bazar said.

For visiting dignitaries and VIPs, trips to Israel have long included stops at famous religious or cultural sites, such as the Western Wall, Masada, the Sea of Galilee or the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and the national Holocaust memorial, Yad Vashem. The visits to the battered kibbutzim and border towns are the latest way to build support and solidarity with Israel’s allies abroad.

Other parts of southern Israel are open to the public and encouraging visitors — both foreigners and Israelis from elsewhere.

People look at the Gaza Strip through binoculars from an observation point in the town of Sderot, southern Israel, on Thursday, June 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

The city of Sderot runs “resilience tours,” connecting groups with survivors who share their memories of Oct. 7 or highlight cultural or culinary offerings. In contrast to the hardest-hit kibbutzim like Nir Oz, most of Sderot’s residents have returned.

Hen Cohen, the city’s tourism director, estimated that about 200,000 visitors have come during the first half of 2024, compared with 100,000 total in a normal year. Most come via solidarity missions from abroad or are local visitors such as soldiers and police officers on educational tours.

Birthright Israel, an organization that provides 10-day free trips to Israel for Jewish Americans, said that nearly all of the 13,500 participants expected this summer will visit Sderot and the site of the Nova music festival, where at least 364 people died. These visits provide an economic and morale boost to residents, Cohen said.

The Sderot police station, where 10 officers were killed on Oct. 7 in a standoff that left the station in ruins, is a main attraction. Visitors stop at the local museum, and watch security footage of what happened on Oct. 7, then walk to the empty lot where the police station stood. Twisted metal remains. Israeli flags flutter in the wind. A sign says a memorial will be built there.

People look at the Gaza Strip from an observation point in the town of Sderot, southern Israel, on Thursday, June 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

“In this dark hour, I wanted to do my part to make sure the people of Israel know that the people of the United States are with you,” former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said while visiting the site. Seinfeld later cried while talking about his own visit to a kibbutz, describing it as “the most powerful experience” of his life.

Zehava Ben Zaken, a lifelong Sderot resident, said it has taken time to adjust to seeing visitors every time she walks by. “I’m happy they come to see this place, so they can understand and stand with us,” she said.

Hearing the booms from Gaza a few kilometers (miles) away, she hoped that visitors can finally understand Sderot’s precarious security situation. “We’re totally broken,” she said.

South of Sderot, the site of the Nova music festival has become a pilgrimage site for hundreds of visitors per day. Photos of victims are arranged around what had been the main stage. Loved ones have left candles, sculptures, photos and other mementos.

Israeli soldiers look at pictures of revelers killed on Oct. 7, 2023 at the Nova music festival by Hamas militants during a cross-border attack, as they visit the site in Re’im, southern Israel near the Gaza border, Thursday, Jan. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

Standing there helped her understand the enormity of loss of life, said Naomi Hanan, a medical student from San Francisco. “It’s right in front of your face and there’s no denying or ignoring what you’ve been hearing or seeing through the media,” she said.

In a eucalyptus grove near the site, an organization called Triumph of the Spirit offers virtual reality tours of three kibbutzim, including Nir Oz. The tours are currently only open to soldiers on official educational visits, but an English version will be available in the coming weeks for international tourists.

“I feel like I’m in Fortnite!” one soldier said as he slipped on the headset, then went silent as images of destruction appeared.

The videos were created by Miriam Cohen and Chani Kopolovich, who had created such tours of Auschwitz for a Holocaust education experience for people who don’t travel to Poland.

“We’ve made it accessible to go on this tour without damaging peoples’ privacy,” said Pinchas Tosig, who runs the tent and has 300 to 700 soldiers visit per day.

Some residents of southern Israel are looking beyond the visitors to the future.

In the coming weeks, Nir Oz will start demolishing some buildings to make way for new construction. Residents wonder how to preserve what happened while making space for new lives. Some say part of the destruction should remain. Others don’t want reminders — or visitors.

On one tour, Bazar pointed out the safe room where she spent hours hiding on Oct. 7. Her home was mostly spared. Others were burned. She doesn’t want the destruction to remain inside Nir Oz and hopes any future memorial will be elsewhere.

“I don’t want any child to be impacted by the ruins,” she said. “Our cemetery is full. Isn’t that memorial enough?”

Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Gaza at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war

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International Edition

Some visitors to Israel have a new stop on their tours: Hamas' destruction in the south

A new kind of tourism has emerged in Israel since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack

KIBBUTZ NIR OZ, Israel -- A new kind of tourism has emerged in Israel in the months since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. For celebrities, politicians, influencers and others, no trip is complete without a somber visit to the devastated south that absorbed the brunt of the assault near the border with Gaza .

Jerry Seinfeld, Elon Musk , Michael Douglas, former presidential candidate Nikki Haley , and Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner are a few who have visited, at times posing for photos in front of burned-out homes. Many Israelis, including soldiers and security officials, are also visiting on organized trips.

“It’s our personal story, but it’s also the story of all of the state of Israel,” said Irit Lahav, spokeswoman for Kibbutz Nir Oz, who gives many of the tours.

A quarter of the approximately 400 Nir Oz residents fell victim to the attack. Hamas militants killed more than 20 and kidnapped over 80. In the dining hall, a wall of post office boxes is plastered with stickers — red for killed, black for kidnapped, blue for released.

While it's uncomfortable to open the community to visitors, she said it's important for people to “come here and smell the burned smell of death, to imagine your friends or parents here.”

Hamas militants killed around 1,200 people as they rampaged through southern Israel, and kidnapped around 250. Health officials in Hamas-run Gaza say more than 37,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war that followed.

Prior to Oct. 7, Lahav ran a tourism company. Now she has turned those itinerary-building skills to the kibbutz where she grew up. Her tour includes the spot in the fence where Hamas militants stormed the kibbutz, along with small details that humanize the scale of destruction, like the candy eggs that melted when the general store was torched.

Many of the kibbutzim and towns that experienced the worst destruction are closed to the public, accessible only via organized tours like those for dignitaries or celebrities, or by invitation from a resident.

Nir Oz decided that the guides must be residents. Rena Bazar, who lives with most of the community in temporary housing elsewhere, is among those giving tours.

At first, it was difficult to return to Nir Oz. She didn’t like the idea of strangers on the lawns and in the dining hall with its bullet-riddled windows. But eventually, she understood the importance of helping visitors understand not just what happened, but also what life had been like before Oct. 7.

“I want to make it less about the combat and more about the personal stories of people who were there,” Bazar said.

For visiting dignitaries and VIPs, trips to Israel have long included stops at famous religious or cultural sites, such as the Western Wall, Masada, the Sea of Galilee or the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and the national Holocaust memorial, Yad Vashem. The visits to the battered kibbutzim and border towns are the latest way to build support and solidarity with Israel's allies abroad.

Other parts of southern Israel are open to the public and encouraging visitors — both foreigners and Israelis from elsewhere.

The city of Sderot runs “resilience tours,” connecting groups with survivors who share their memories of Oct. 7 or highlight cultural or culinary offerings. In contrast to the hardest-hit kibbutzim like Nir Oz, most of Sderot's residents have returned.

Hen Cohen, the city's tourism director, estimated that about 200,000 visitors have come during the first half of 2024, compared with 100,000 total in a normal year. Most come via solidarity missions from abroad or are local visitors such as soldiers and police officers on educational tours.

Birthright Israel, an organization that provides 10-day free trips to Israel for Jewish Americans, said that nearly all of the 13,500 participants expected this summer will visit Sderot and the site of the Nova music festival, where at least 364 people died. These visits provide an economic and morale boost to residents, Cohen said.

The Sderot police station, where 10 officers were killed on Oct. 7 in a standoff that left the station in ruins, is a main attraction. Visitors stop at the local museum, and watch security footage of what happened on Oct. 7, then walk to the empty lot where the police station stood. Twisted metal remains. Israeli flags flutter in the wind. A sign says a memorial will be built there.

“In this dark hour, I wanted to do my part to make sure the people of Israel know that the people of the United States are with you,” former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said while visiting the site. Seinfeld later cried while talking about his own visit to a kibbutz, describing it as “the most powerful experience” of his life.

Zehava Ben Zaken, a lifelong Sderot resident, said it has taken time to adjust to seeing visitors every time she walks by. “I’m happy they come to see this place, so they can understand and stand with us,” she said.

Hearing the booms from Gaza a few kilometers (miles) away, she hoped that visitors can finally understand Sderot’s precarious security situation. “We’re totally broken,” she said.

South of Sderot, the site of the Nova music festival has become a pilgrimage site for hundreds of visitors per day. Photos of victims are arranged around what had been the main stage. Loved ones have left candles, sculptures, photos and other mementos.

Standing there helped her understand the enormity of loss of life, said Naomi Hanan, a medical student from San Francisco. “It’s right in front of your face and there’s no denying or ignoring what you’ve been hearing or seeing through the media,” she said.

In a eucalyptus grove near the site, an organization called Triumph of the Spirit offers virtual reality tours of three kibbutzim, including Nir Oz. The tours are currently only open to soldiers on official educational visits, but an English version will be available in the coming weeks for international tourists.

“I feel like I’m in Fortnite!” one soldier said as he slipped on the headset, then went silent as images of destruction appeared.

The videos were created by Miriam Cohen and Chani Kopolovich, who had created such tours of Auschwitz for a Holocaust education experience for people who don’t travel to Poland.

“We’ve made it accessible to go on this tour without damaging peoples’ privacy,” said Pinchas Tosig, who runs the tent and has 300 to 700 soldiers visit per day.

Some residents of southern Israel are looking beyond the visitors to the future.

In the coming weeks, Nir Oz will start demolishing some buildings to make way for new construction. Residents wonder how to preserve what happened while making space for new lives. Some say part of the destruction should remain. Others don’t want reminders — or visitors.

On one tour, Bazar pointed out the safe room where she spent hours hiding on Oct. 7. Her home was mostly spared. Others were burned. She doesn’t want the destruction to remain inside Nir Oz and hopes any future memorial will be elsewhere.

“I don’t want any child to be impacted by the ruins,” she said. “Our cemetery is full. Isn’t that memorial enough?”

Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Gaza at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war

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Ribuan Pasukan di Timur Tengah Siap Gabung Bersama Hezbollah, jika Israel Serang Lebanon

Kompas.com tren, alicia diahwahyuningtyas,, ahmad naufal dzulfaroh.

Tim Redaksi

Alicia Diahwahyuningtyas

Penulis ahmad naufal dzulfaroh.

Selama satu dekade terakhir, kelompok yang didukung Iran dari Lebanon, Irak, Afghanistan, dan Pakistan bertempur bersama dalam konflik yang telah berlangsung selama 13 tahun di Suriah.

Para pejabat dari kelompok yang didukung Iran mengatakan, mereka juga bisa bersatu kembali melawan Israel, jika perang meletus di perbatasan Lebanon-Israel.

Sementara itu, pemimpin Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah menyampaikan, para pemimpin kelompok tersebut sebelumnya telah menawarkan untuk mengirim puluhan ribu pasukan guna membantu Hezbollah.

Akan tetapi, ia mengatakan, Hezbollah sudah memiliki lebih dari 100.000 pasukan.

“Kami mengucapkan terima kasih kepada mereka, namun kami kewalahan dengan jumlah yang kami miliki,” kata Nasrallah dalam pidatonya Rabu (19/6/2024).

Selain itu, Hezbollah mengakui bahwa pertempuran yang terjadi saat ini hanya menggunakan sebagian tenaga Hezbollah. Namun, hal itu bisa berubah jika terjadi perang habis-habisan.

Nasrallah mengisyaratkan kemungkinan itu dalam pidatonya pada tahun 2017, ketika ia mengatakan bahwa kelompok dari Iran, Irak, Yaman, Afghanistan dan Pakistan “akan menjadi mitra” dalam perang semacam itu.

Baca juga: Duduk Perkara Israel Akan Serang Lebanon, Dipicu Rekaman Video

Beberapa kelompok telah membantu serang Israel

Beberapa kelompok dari berbagai negara Timur Tengah tersebut telah melancarkan serangan terhadap Israel dan sekutunya sejak perang Israel-Hamas dimulai pada 7 Oktober.

Kelompok-kelompok yang disebut "poros perlawanan" itu mengatakan, mereka menggunakan "strategi persatuan arena" dan hanya akan berhenti jika Israel mengakhiri serangannya di Gaza terhadap sekutunya, Hamas.

"Kami akan (bertempur) bahu-membahu dengan Hezbollah, jika perang habis-habisan pecah," kata seorang pejabat dari kelompok yang didukung Iran dan enggan disebutkan namanya.

Juru bicara Israel,Daniel Hagari mengatakan,…

Tag israel hezbollah lebanon israel serang lebanon.

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