French Circuit, French-speaking guide

During this eight-day tour, discover the incredible highlights of Israel. Beginning in the vibrant city of Tel Aviv, drive below sea-level to visit the Dead Sea and explore ancient archaeological ruins and charming villages. Then discover the wonders of Jerusalem and its history.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Jerusalem: Israel’s capital is a city of tradition, religion and history, but also of modern culture and heritage.

Nazareth: Nazareth, located in Israel’s Galilee region, is not only home to over a dozen important Christian sites, it is also as Israel’s largest Arab city, and it’s filled with fascinating cultural sites and experiences to discover.

Galilee: One of the most beautiful regions of Israel, Galilee is characterised by its beautiful landscapes, amazing natural formations, historical sites, and charming villages.

Tel Aviv: This city that never sleeps combines sandy Mediterranean beaches with top-notch nightclubs, a buzzing cultural and culinary scene, fascinating architecture and an international mindset.

Acre: The Old City of Acre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it encapsulated the tumultuous history of Israel possibly better than any other city in the country.

Haifa: Haifa is Israel’s third largest city, beautifully set on the slopes of Mount Carmel facing the Mediterranean Sea, often nicknamed ‘Israel’s San Francisco’.

Caesarea: The ancient Herodian port city of Caesarea features amazing harbour ruins, beautiful beaches, and impressive modern residences.

Beit She’an: One of the oldest cities in Israel, with over 20 layers of human civilisation tucked away inside its large ancient mound.

Day 1: ARRIVAL TEL AVIV

Upon arrival at Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Tel Aviv. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, becoming acquainted with your vibrant new surroundings. Perhaps hit the streets and start exploring the culture, beaches and gastronomy Tel Aviv has to offer, or relax at the hotel making the most of the available services.  

Overnight in Tel Aviv. 

Day 2: TEL AVIV – CAESAREA – HAIFA – ACRE – GALILEE/TIBERIAS (215 kms - 3 hrs)

After breakfast, visit the Old City of Jaffa, located in the southern half of Tel Aviv. Hop onto a comfortable bus that will take you from the ‘White City’ of Tel Aviv up the Mediterranean coast to the ancient ruins of Caesarea, the city erected by one of the greatest builders of ancient times: Herod the Great (1st century BC). After exploring this beautiful location humming with history, continue to Haifa and ascend Mount Carmel for a panoramic view of the city. Proceed to visit the Baha'i Shrine, the Persian Garden and the bay. Then drive to the coastal city of Acre to visit the old, famous Crusader stronghold and the Crypt of the Knights. At the end of the day, you’ll finally reach the Galilee, where you’ll check in and have dinner.

Overnight in Tiberias. 

Day 3: GALILEE – KIBBUTZ – SAFED – GALILEE (300 KMS – 4 HRS)

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel before driving along the Sea of Galilee to the Church of Tabgha, the site of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, where you can admire its beautiful mosaics. Continue to Capernaum, the adopted city of Jesus, to visit the ruins of Saint Peter’s house and the ancient synagogue. Ascend the Mount of Beatitudes, traditionally regarded as the site of the Sermon on the Mount. Next, take a short tour of a kibbutz to learn about this unique way of life. Proceed to Safed, the cradle of Jewish mysticism and Kabbalah, where you’ll explore the old city with its artists' colony and a 16th-century synagogue. Conclude this beautiful day with a wine tasting at an Israeli winery, enjoying the stunning views of the vineyards of Upper Galilee. Finally, return to Tiberias for dinner.

Overnight in Tiberias.

Day 4: GALILEE – NAZARETH – JORDAN VALLEY – JERUSALEM (200 KMS – 4 HRS)

After breakfast, depart for Nazareth, one of the most significant cities in Christianity, and visit the Church of the Annunciation. Descend through the Jordan Valley, with a stop to view Jericho, the oldest city in the world, and the Mount of Temptation. Ascend through the Judean Hills to Jerusalem. In the heart of a central Jerusalem neighborhood, stroll through Mahane Yehuda, Israel's largest open market, where you can experience its vibrant flavors, aromas, colors, and the lively interactions between merchants and the bustling crowd.

Overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 5: JERUSALEM: OLD CITY TOUR

Wake up to breakfast at the hotel before departing for the Mount of Olives to enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of Jerusalem, the holy city for the three great monotheistic religions: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Visit the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus spent his last night and was betrayed by Judas. Continue to Mount Zion to visit the Tomb of King David and the Upper Room, traditionally recognized as the site of the Last Supper. Enter the Old City of Jerusalem through one of its gates to see the Temple Mount and its mosques. Visit the Western Wall, the holiest site in Judaism, before continuing through the Cardo, the ancient main street from the Roman and Byzantine periods. Walk along the Stations of the Cross on the Via Dolorosa to Calvary and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which houses the traditional sites of the crucifixion and the resurrection tomb. Return to the hotel in Jerusalem for dinner.

Overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 6: JERUSALEM: NEW CITY TOUR

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel, followed by a morning tour of the new city of Jerusalem. Pass by the Knesset and the Menorah, iconic symbols of the State of Israel. Continue to the Israel Museum to visit the Shrine of the Book, home to the famous Dead Sea Scrolls, and admire the beautifully restored model of the Herodian city of Jerusalem, depicting the city during the Second Temple period. Visit Yad Vashem, the official memorial to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust, established in 1953 and located at the foot of Mount Herzl. Then, enjoy a visit to Ein Karem, a picturesque village on the southwestern outskirts of Jerusalem. This charming village holds great significance in Christian tradition as the birthplace of John the Baptist. At the end of the visit, return to the hotel for a free afternoon and dinner.

Overnight in Jerusalem. 

Day 7: JERUSALEM – MASADA – DEAD SEA – JERUSALEM ( 340 KMS – 4.5 HRS)

After breakfast, drive through the Judean Desert on your way to the Dead Sea. Then make a turn south and continue to Masada, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site situated on an isolated cliff in the heart of the Judean Desert. Ascend by cable car to the ancient fortress, which was the last stronghold of the Jewish Zealots in their war against the Romans. Visit the excavations, King Herod’s palace, the synagogue, the bathhouse and much more. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Roman camps and the Dead Sea, your next destination. Continue to the Qumran Caves site, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. At nearly 400 metres below sea level, the Dead Sea is the lowest point on the earth’s surface. Bring your swimsuit because, weather permitting, it is possible to float on the salty, mineral-rich water. At the end of the visit, drive back to Jerusalem for dinner and overnight.

Overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 8: JERUSALEM - DEPARTURE TEL AVIV

We have reached the final day of this tour! Enjoy one last breakfast at the hotel before your transfer drives you to the airport, where you’ll bid farewell to Israel and board your flight back home. 

Comfortable and light clothing is best suited to travel in the warm months and warm clothing in the colder months in Israel. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or sparse clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings or at the Western Wall. Sun protection, sunglasses and a hat can be very useful during your stay.