DESCRIPTION:

The traveler to Israel walks through a land of history: from windswept crusader castles to ports where pilgrims disembarked; from desert landscapes that were home to traveling tribes and camel caravans of merchants, to white-domed sheikhs’ tombs, silent monasteries, and ancient synagogues. Here, at the meeting place of three continents and two seas, a rich web of cultures, customs, and traditions are embedded on a small strip of land, which is described repeatedly in the bible as “flowing with milk and honey.” Yet this seems irreconcilable with widespread images of desert today, primarily because the land was repeatedly abused by conquerors determined to make the land uninhabitable for their enemies. However, in the few decades since independence, technological improvements in agriculture and a focus on conservation have reclaimed some of this historic setting.

 

The country’s underlying natural heritage, central to so many people and such a long history, will be a focus of this journey. In addition to seeing the essential cultural and historical sights – Jerusalem, Masada, Tel Aviv – also take a step back to look at the natural contexts of these places. How did the land impact history? How did the people impact the land?

 

Walk the varied landscapes, witness controversial shifting borders, and learn about environmental challenges surrounding resource allocation. Discover ancient and modern history, dig into the past by visiting archaeological ruins, and look at wildlife programs. Plus, we gain insight into Israel’s agricultural prowess and enjoy the fruits of the land at its excellent restaurants.

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Visit famous archaeological sites, such as Caesarea, Beit Shean Roman Decapolis city, and Masada. Stand at the picturesque caves of Rosh HaNikra on the Lebanese border and learn about history from the political flow of Phoenicia from the north to the south to today’s boundaries. Tour the ancient walled city of Akko, one of the oldest continuously inhabited sites in the world, importantly located on the coast of the Mediterranean, linking the waterways and commercial activity with the Levant. Visit Jerusalem’s superb museums, walk its old city, and visit the Dead Sea region and Jericho.

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Discover the land surrounding these archaeological and historical sites. From touring a winery to experiencing a sustainable kibbutz in the Negev Desert to seeing a region mined for copper since the sixth millennium B.C.E, this itinerary includes a range unusual visits. Plus, walk or hike through Israel's national parks: including a dramatic crater in the desert and a nature reserve with a wonderful combination of nature, waterfalls, and historical remains.

 

CONSIDER:

It is possible to drive into Nablus in the West Bank, site of two ancient archaeological sites. Also, visiting the national parks during the spring and fall will allow observation of spectacular migratory birds passing between Europe and Africa.

 

OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS & ADD-ONS:

Jordan or other locations in Israel.

BEST TIME TO TRAVEL:

Spring and fall are the most temperate (summers can be quite hot).