Israel: Jerusalem and Massada Non–Denominational Tour 2017-2018

Jewish Quarter, Jerusalem

Start the day with a magnificent panoramic view from Mount of Olives.
Drive to the Old City; Visit the Tomb of King David and the Room of Last Supper on Mt. Zion. Enter the walled city and walk through the newly restored Jewish quarter. Visit the Roman Cardo, the Herodian quarter and continue to the Western Wall. Walk along the Via Dolorosa to the Church of Holy Sepulchre. Continue to Bethlehem*; view Rachel’s Tomb and proceed to visit the Church of Nativity and Manger Square.

Overnight in Jerusalem.

Yad Vashem

Drive to the Israel Museum; Visit the Shrine of the Book, where the Dead Sea scrolls are housed, and the miniature model of Jerusalem as it was during the Second Temple period; Proceed for a tour at the Knesset, Israel’s parliament. Continue to visit Mount Herzl cemetery and Yad Vashem, the memorial to the Holocaust. Drive through Mea Shearim, the ultra-orthodox neighborhood in Jerusalem and learn about their unique lifestyle.

In the evening enjoy a Middle Eastern dinner followed by the spectacular “Sound & Light” show* at the Tower of David Museum.

Overnight in Jerusalem.

Dead Sea

Drive through the Judean desert to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, almost 1300 feet (400 meters) below sea level. Stop at Qumeran to visit the site where the Dead Sea scrolls were found. Drive along the shores of the Dead Sea to Massada. Ascend by cable car and tour the ancient fortress where the Zealots made their last stand against the Romans before committing mass suicide in 73 AD. Descend by cable car.

Continue to the Dead Sea; Cover yourself with the mineral rich mud and experience a swim in the Dead Sea* that many believe has its therapeutic effects.

Return to Jerusalem.