What’s new?
be inspired
why gil travel
Middle East
Western Europe
Eastern Europe
Latin America
Asia/ South Pacific/ Africa
North America
Oceana
What’s new?
be inspired
why gil travel
Middle East
Western Europe
Eastern Europe
Latin America
Asia/ South Pacific/ Africa
North America
Oceana
Suitable for Family, Group, Senior
OVERVIEW
In twelve days, you can experience the full depth of Israel’s Jewish story—from Tel Aviv’s Mediterranean coast to Jerusalem’s ancient stones, from the mystical heights of Safed to the desert fortress of Masada. This comprehensive itinerary is designed for families, seniors, and multi-generational travelers who want to truly understand Israel without rushing through its most meaningful moments.
Gil Travel’s 12-day program offers the time to experience Israel as it’s meant to be experienced: with two full Shabbats in Jerusalem, extended exploration of the Galilee’s Jewish mysticism, and personal encounters with local communities. Every meal is fully kosher-certified, every guide brings decades of expertise, and every detail is managed by a full-service agency that has been leading Jewish heritage journeys for over 50 years.
Israel is the only place on earth where Jewish history lives in the landscape. Over twelve carefully paced days, you will walk through the Old City of Jerusalem, touch the Western Wall, stand where the State of Israel was declared, explore the mystical city of Safed, float in the Dead Sea, and experience two Shabbats in the Golden City. This is not sightseeing. This is identity travel.
The extended duration allows for deeper immersion: time to wander through Tel Aviv’s neighborhoods, meaningful conversations with local families during Shabbat dinners, and opportunities to witness Israel’s innovation economy alongside its ancient heritage. For families, this journey offers children multiple touchpoints to connect with their roots. For seniors, it provides cultural depth without exhaustion. For everyone, it creates space for reflection and genuine connection.
The 12-day format allows for a more comfortable pace than shorter itineraries:
Highlights*
*Some experiences are subject to minimum group size
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport and transfer to your hotel in vibrant Tel Aviv. Enjoy a festive welcome dinner as you watch the sunset over the Mediterranean Sea. Overnight: Tel Aviv.
Visit Independence Hall where the state was declared and explore the secret Ayalon Bullet Factory. Walk through the ANU Museum of the Jewish People to trace our global tribal story. Overnight: Tel Aviv.
Explore the 4,000-year-old port of Jaffa and the trendy Neve Tzedek neighborhood. Shop at the Nahalat Binyamin artists’ fair and taste your way through the Carmel Market. Overnight: Tel Aviv.
Drive north to the Roman metropolis of Caesarea and the scenic Baha’i Gardens in Haifa. Discover the Crusader halls of Acre and the stunning sea grottoes of Rosh Hanikra. Overnight: Galilee Region.
Immerse yourself in Safed’s ancient synagogues and vibrant Artists’ Quarter. Take a Jeep tour of the Golan Heights for a geopolitical briefing at the Syrian border. Overnight: Galilee Region.
Visit the tomb of Maimonides in Tiberias and the ancient mosaics of Beit Alpha. Swim in the natural warm pools of Sachne before heading south to the Jordan Valley. Overnight: Jerusalem.
Enter the Old City to explore the Jewish Quarter, the Cardo, and the Hurva Synagogue. Descend into the Western Wall Tunnels to touch the foundations of the Second Temple. Overnight: Jerusalem.
Explore the City of David and walk through Hezekiah’s water tunnel to the Pool of Siloam. Visit the Davidson Center to understand Jerusalem’s archaeological layers and southern steps. Overnight: Jerusalem.
Spend a moving morning at Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center. Visit Mt. Herzl to honor the pioneers and soldiers who gave everything for the nation. Overnight: Jerusalem.
Experience the pre-Shabbat rush at Machane Yehuda Market before a peaceful afternoon. Join a powerful Kabbalat Shabbat at the Kotel followed by a traditional group dinner. Overnight: Jerusalem.
Enjoy a leisurely morning with options for synagogue services or a walking tour. Conclude the Sabbath with a communal Havdalah ceremony overlooking the Old City walls. Overnight: Jerusalem.
Ascend Masada at sunrise and enjoy a final float in the Dead Sea. Celebrate your journey with a farewell banquet before your evening transfer to the airport. Overnight: In flight.
Yes. This itinerary is specifically designed with senior travelers in mind. The 12-day format allows for a more leisurely pace than shorter tours, with moderate daily schedules, senior-friendly route options (including cable car access to Masada), and two Shabbat rest days built in. Most of our Israel tour participants are 51+ and find this extended itinerary ideal for comfortable, in-depth exploration.
All breakfasts and dinners are served at fully kosher-certified restaurants and hotels throughout the journey. Lunch options are coordinated to ensure kosher availability at every stop. Glatt kosher and chalav Yisrael options can be arranged upon request. Our experienced guides manage dietary observance at every level, and all Shabbat meals honor traditional kashrut standards.
Absolutely. Gil Travel regularly arranges Bar and Bat Mitzvah ceremonies at the Western Wall as part of custom family itineraries. This 12-day tour provides the perfect framework for such celebrations, with ample time in Jerusalem for preparation, the ceremony itself, and family celebration afterward. This is one of our most requested experiences.
Yes. The 12-day itinerary works beautifully for multi-generational families. Children ages 8 and older typically engage deeply with the historical and experiential elements. The extended duration allows for a more comfortable pace for families traveling with both young children and grandparents. Activities can be adjusted based on children’s ages and interests.
Daily walking varies by site but is generally moderate. Jerusalem’s Old City involves uneven cobblestones and some stairs. The Western Wall Tunnels require comfortable walking. Masada offers both a challenging sunrise hike and a cable car option. Hezekiah’s Tunnel involves wading through ankle-deep water. We provide advance notice of any strenuous portions and always offer alternatives for those who prefer less physical activity.
Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer the most comfortable weather for extensive touring. We recommend avoiding July and August (extreme heat, especially in the desert) and January-February (rainy season). However, Israel is a year-round destination, and each season offers unique experiences.
Gil Travel monitors Israel’s security situation continuously and only operates tours when conditions are appropriate. We work with experienced local operators who have navigated various security climates for decades. We communicate openly and transparently about any safety considerations before booking and throughout your journey.
Yes. As a full-service travel agency, Gil Travel can book international air travel and arrange comprehensive trip insurance, making your entire planning process seamless. Many families find this one of the most valuable aspects of working with us—one point of contact for the complete journey.
The tour schedule fully honors Shabbat from Friday evening through Saturday night. You will experience Kabbalat Shabbat at the Western Wall, enjoy traditional Shabbat dinners with local families, and have options for synagogue services Saturday morning. No touring or travel occurs during Shabbat. The itinerary resumes after Havdalah Saturday evening.
The 12-day format allows for deeper immersion and more comfortable pacing. You experience two full Shabbats in Jerusalem (rather than one), spend extended time in the Galilee region, enjoy additional Tel Aviv exploration, and have more opportunities for personal encounters with local communities. The extra days transform the experience from comprehensive introduction to profound connection.
The tour includes: accommodations (double occupancy) at quality hotels, all breakfasts and dinners (kosher), expert local guide services throughout, entrance fees to all sites listed in the itinerary, ground transportation throughout Israel, airport transfers, and Shabbat dinner experiences. International flights and travel insurance can be added.
Yes. While this itinerary represents our comprehensive 12-day framework, Gil Travel specializes in customizing tours based on family interests, dietary requirements, accessibility needs, and milestone celebrations. Contact us to discuss your specific vision for this journey.
Gil Travel has guided Jewish families, seniors, and milestone travelers to Israel for over five decades. Our team personally visits Israel yearly, maintaining deep relationships with local guides, host families, and service providers throughout the country. We don’t just sell tours—we craft homecomings. When you travel with Gil Travel for twelve days, you have the time and support to truly connect with Israel’s past, present, and future.
Accommodation
The central setting of Leonardo Plaza Jerusalem is just one element of this luxurious hotel’s promise of urban adventures in the Holy City. The Great Synagogue is literally at your doorstep, and the Old City with the Western Wall is just 15 minutes on foot from the hotel.
Start your day with healthy bites from the Israeli-style breakfast buffet served in a stylish dining room. For dinner, there are a la carte delights inspired by Italian cuisine in the Primavera chef restaurant. Every Friday evening and Saturday for lunch you will experience authentic Israeli dining traditions, with kosher food in observance of the Shabbat.
Leonardo Plaza Tiberias is in the center of Tiberias, facing the promenade and the Sea of Galilee. This setting gives guests the ideal starting point to explore the area and quick access to some of the most sought-after destinations of the North: the Gospel Trail, the hot springs of Hamat Gader, the Mount of Beatitudes, the Yardenit baptismal site, and the Capernaum National Park, among others.
Enjoy five-star hospitality and premier facilities, such as gourmet dining at the Chef Lawrence Restaurant, a state-of-the-art gym and deluxe studio, private beach, and world class spa offering more than 60 different types of spa treatments.
The prestigious and award-winning Herods Tel Aviv Hotel is one of Tel Aviv’s finest luxury hotels, exuding a charming old-world style that you won’t find anywhere else. Nestled in the buzzing heart of Tel Aviv, just minutes’ walk from its most famous neighborhoods, and the white sand and emerald waters of the Mediterranean, Herods Tel Aviv Hotel affords you the perfect way to experience authentic Tel Aviv.
*Star rating standards vary from country to country.
This experience is fully customizable. We will create your personal dream experience!
Start your adventure here
Search for something…
Contact us by sending a message
We always aim to reply within 1 business day.
Get updates on new programs, travel tips, and new inspirations!
