Five Days in Israel & the Palestinian Territories – 5 days
From the holy history to the hidden bars, there’s just nowhere quite like Israel and the Palestinian Territories. You’ll kick off your five-day adventure by eating your way around Jerusalem’s lively Machane Yehuda Market (known for its deliciously fresh food), then walk the beautiful streets of the Old City on a walking tour. Hike through enchanting desert-scapes in Ein Gedi National Park and maybe soak off the sweat in the Dead Sea. Visit Bethlehem and discover thought-provoking street art along the West Bank Barrier (including a Banksy piece!) and wander with the sole purpose of getting lost. Drive through countryside and arrive in the seaside party town of Tel Aviv for a long night to remember.
Trip overview
- Start – Jerusalem, Israel and the Palestinian Territories
- Finish – Tel Aviv, Israel and the Palestinian Territories
- Destinations – Israel and the Palestinian Territories
- Physical rating – 2/5
- Group size – Max 16
- Tuck into silky-smooth hummus, stuffed pita sandwiches and traditional dumpling soups with a Bite Card – your passport to Machane Yehuda Market’s tastiest local dishes.
- Hike the desert oasis of Ein Gedi National Park and find hidden springs, waterfalls and amazing views of the Dead Sea – the lowest point on Earth, which you can opt to visit after a post-walk swim.
- Visit ancient sites that have underpinned the religious beliefs of billions for millennia and see today’s political tensions writ large upon the West Bank Barrier in the form of street art in Bethlehem (can you spot a Banksy?).
- Linger at iconic locations such as the sacred Western Wall and stations of the cross in Jerusalem, Jaffa Town and the Church of Nativity in Tel Aviv.
- Find cool, hidden bars in Jerusalem in your free time and hit the bustling nightlife in Tel Aviv – now known as one of the best destinations in the world for clubs, bars and partying!
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our charitable partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries.
- This trip is made for travellers who value their independence but also want the benefit of a local leader and a group of like-minded travellers. We recommend budgeting a little extra cash for activities that aren’t included in your free time.
- Accommodation on this trip is in dorm rooms with up to 12 travellers. They may not all be fellow tour group travellers, and your group could be split across different rooms. Where possible (and unless requested otherwise) we will accommodate you in same gender rooms.
- It’s not all hot desert days in Israel! Be sure to pack clothes that will prepare you for varying temperatures, especially during November – March.
- Sites can get congested during peak travel periods with coaches of large pilgrim groups. We do our best to plan our visits around these times but sometimes it is unavoidable. There may be delays, queues and private services that prevent us from entering the site. Your trip leader will manage this as best as they can on the day.
Itinerary
Shalom! Welcome to Jerusalem. Your adventure begins with an afternoon welcome meeting at 4.30 pm today. If you arrive early, you could grab a coffee or a cold one from one of the many bars, cafes and restaurants near your hostel. After, head out on an orientation walk with the group. You’ll stop at Machane Yehuda Market, where you can sample tasty local cuisine using a Bite Card – your ticket to tasting the likes of sabich (pita stuffed with fried aubergine and boiled egg) and authentic kubbeh soup (veggie broth topped with meat-filled dumplings). Your leader will leave you here to spend the evening as you wish – maybe check out the laneway bars with your new-found friends as the market comes to life or wander the nearby streets to check out the shop-shutter graffiti that’s only visible at night.
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
This morning you’ll take in some of Jerusalem’s cultural wonders on a walking tour of the Old City. Follow the stations of the cross along the Via Dolorosa, which represents the route Jesus took before his crucifixion. Witness locals and pilgrims rocking in prayer at the Western Wall – Judaism’s holiest site – and get fabulous views of the golden Dome of the Rock, as well as the city’s countless other spires and towers, from the rooftop terrace at the Austrian Hospice. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore. You could try a flight of boutique Israeli brews at the Beer Bazaar, hunt down the perfect hummus in the Old City (ask your leader for tips) or grab some snacks and find the perfect picnic spot at Sacher Park – saving time to wander the winding paths of the nearby Wohl Rose Garden.
Rise and shine nice and early this morning and drive out to the biggest oasis in Israel – Ein Gedi National Park. Here, you’ll embark on a hike with your group to one of the waterfalls that boast views of the Dead Sea below. You can take a quick dip at the waterfall and stay here or carry on to the second waterfall further along the trail. Relax in this desert spring and then head back down – from here, you have the option to visit the Dead Sea – the lowest point on Earth on the border of Jordan. Tonight, enjoy some free time for dinner.
Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.
This morning, check out of your hostel and head to the Mount of Olives for panoramic views of the Old City. From there, you’ll drive to Bethlehem. Visit the Church of the Nativity, built on the spot where Jesus is said to have been born, and head to the Shepherd’s Fields, where angels allegedly appeared to bring the good news. You’ll have time to explore the street art that emblazons much of the contentious West Bank Barrier – including pieces by famed British artist Banksy – and learn the personal stories and political implications behind some of the more prominent pieces. After, continue to Tel Aviv via the ancient port city of Jaffa – these unique brick streets are the perfect backdrop for photos, as they make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. This afternoon, enjoy some free time in this relaxed city. An optional sunset bike ride is a great way to get your bearings. Tonight, why not get the gang together and hit the town? Tel Aviv is known for its happening nightlife!
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
There aren’t any activities planned for today, so you’re free to leave the hostel at any time. That doesn’t mean your Middle Eastern adventure has to come to an end! If you’re looking at spending more time in Tel Aviv, just speak to your booking agent.
Inclusions
Activities
- Jerusalem – Machane Yehuda Market & Bite Card
- Jerusalem – Walk on the Ramparts of the Old City
- Jerusalem – Western Wall (Wailing Wall)
- Jerusalem – Church of the Holy Sepulchre
- Ein Gedi National Park – Hike
- Jaffa – Town Visit
- Jerusalem – Mount of Olives
- Bethlehem – Separation Barrier Graffiti Tour
- Bethlehem – Church of the Nativity & Shepherds’ Field
Add on activities
- Jerusalem – Israel Museum – USD12
- Jerusalem – Yad Vashem Museum – Free
- Dead Sea – Visit and float – USD15
