Whether you want to walk through Jerusalem’s ancient streets, float in the Dead Sea, or explore Crusader castles along the coast, each custom tour offers a different experience of Israel’s history and landscapes.
Custom Jerusalem Tour
Full Day from Tel Aviv
Jerusalem layers 3,000 years of history into one unforgettable city. This tour combines panoramic views, modern neighborhoods, and a walking tour through the Old City’s sacred sites.
Panoramic Views of the Old City
The Mount of Olives viewpoint reveals Jerusalem’s entire Old City spread below—the golden Dome of the Rock, ancient walls, and the Kidron Valley. From here, you understand the city’s geography before entering its narrow streets.
Modern Jerusalem
Jerusalem isn’t frozen in ancient times. The drive through 19th-century neighborhoods shows how the city expanded beyond its walls. Neighborhoods like Rehavia, the German Colony, and Mamilla tell the story of Jerusalem’s growth into a modern capital.
Walking the Old City
The Old City packs incredible history into just one square kilometer:
Temple Mount
The vast plaza where the Second Temple once stood. Today it holds the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque. The site is sacred to Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Non-Muslim access varies by day and season.
Western Wall
The most sacred site in Judaism. Built by King Herod around 20 BCE as part of the Second Temple complex, this wall survived when Romans destroyed the temple in 70 CE. Thousands visit daily to pray and leave written prayers between the ancient stones. The wall divides into men’s and women’s sections. All visitors welcome—men should cover their heads.
Via Dolorosa and Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Follow the path Christians believe Jesus walked carrying the cross. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built over the sites of crucifixion and burial, is shared by six Christian denominations. The atmosphere inside is unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Jewish Quarter
Rebuilt after 1967, combining ancient archaeological remains with modern life. Walk on restored Roman-era streets and see houses from King Herod’s time.
South Israel: Judean Desert and Dead Sea
Full Day from Tel Aviv
This tour takes you through dramatic desert landscapes to Israel’s most iconic natural and historical sites. Early departure recommended to avoid heat and crowds.
Masada
Rising 400 meters above the Dead Sea, Masada is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of resistance. In 73 CE, Jewish rebels held this mountaintop fortress for two years before choosing death over Roman surrender.
Take the cable car to the summit and explore King Herod’s remarkably preserved palace complex:
- Ancient water cisterns that enabled desert survival
- Byzantine mosaics showing original colors
- Sophisticated bathhouse heating systems
- One of the world’s oldest synagogues
- Panoramic views across the Dead Sea to Jordan
The desert views from Masada’s summit are breathtaking—especially at sunrise when the landscape turns gold and pink.
Ein Gedi National Park
After barren desert, Ein Gedi feels miraculous. This oasis has sheltered people since Biblical times—King David hid here from King Saul.
David’s Spring cascades into natural pools fed by mountain springs. The moderate hike follows shaded paths with the sound of running water echoing off canyon walls.
The ancient synagogue from the 3rd-5th centuries CE features beautiful mosaic floors.
Wild ibex (mountain goats) wander freely through the park, completely unafraid of visitors.
Qasr al-Yehud – Jordan River Baptism Site
The traditional site where John the Baptist baptized Jesus. Located right on the Israel-Jordan border, it was a military zone for decades and only reopened to visitors recently.
Walk down to the river, see Byzantine church ruins, and watch pilgrims from around the world participate in baptism ceremonies.
Dead Sea
The route runs from the Dead Sea’s southern end northward, passing through dramatically changing landscapes.
At 430 meters below sea level, the Dead Sea is Earth’s lowest point. Ten times saltier than the ocean, you can’t swim—you simply float. It’s a surreal sensation that’s worth experiencing.
The mineral-rich water and therapeutic mud are famous worldwide. Many visitors cover themselves in dark mud, let it dry, then rinse off in the water.
Tel Aviv and Jaffa Half-Day Tour
Saturday Morning from Tel Aviv
Saturday mornings have special energy in Tel Aviv. The city is quieter, cafes are full, and locals stroll the boulevards. Perfect for cruise passengers or anyone wanting a focused look at Israel’s modern cultural capital.
Modern Tel Aviv
Rothschild Boulevard is where Israel declared independence in 1948. The street showcases Tel Aviv’s famous Bauhaus architecture—over 4,000 buildings earned the city UNESCO recognition as “The White City.”
See how this metropolis grew from sand dunes in 1909 to a thriving city of half a million in just over a century.
Old Jaffa
In contrast to modern Tel Aviv, Jaffa has been inhabited for over 4,000 years. This ancient port has Biblical connections—Jonah sailed from here before the whale swallowed him, and Peter had his vision here in Acts.
Walk through:
- The working port—still functioning after millennia
- Artist Quarter with galleries in narrow stone alleys
- St. Peter’s Church built over Crusader foundations
- Jaffa Flea Market (busiest Friday-Saturday)
- Kedumim Square with archaeological excavations
The contrast between ancient Jaffa and modern Tel Aviv, just kilometers apart, captures Israel’s blend of old and new.
North Israel Coastal Tour
Full Day from Tel Aviv
Israel’s northern coast preserves layers of ancient empires—Roman, Crusader, Ottoman. This route combines stunning Mediterranean views with Israel’s best-preserved historical sites.
Caesarea
Built by King Herod around 20 BCE, Caesarea was Roman Judea’s capital and a major Mediterranean port.
The archaeological park includes:
- Roman Theater still used for concerts overlooking the sea
- Hippodrome where 20,000 watched chariot races
- Herod’s Palace dramatically positioned over the Mediterranean
- Ancient Harbor with revolutionary underwater construction
- Crusader City – medieval fortifications over Roman ruins
- Roman Aqueduct stretching along the beach
This is where Paul was imprisoned (Acts 23-26) before being sent to Rome.
Haifa and Baháʼí Gardens
Haifa, Israel’s third-largest city, climbs the slopes of Mount Carmel. Its crown jewel is the Baháʼí Gardens—19 terraces cascading down the mountain toward the Mediterranean.
The gardens surround the gold-domed Shrine of the Báb, one of the Baháʼí faith’s holiest sites. These UNESCO World Heritage gardens feature perfectly manicured lawns, flower beds, and fountains in mathematical precision.
View the gardens from:
- Lower viewpoint—looking up at all 19 terraces
- Upper viewpoint (Louis Promenade)—panoramic views across Haifa Bay
Even visitors with no religious connection find the gardens’ serenity and beauty moving.
Akko (Acre)
Akko brings Crusader history alive. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has been continuously inhabited for over 4,000 years, with layers of Canaanite, Roman, Crusader, and Ottoman remains.
Explore:
- Crusader Halls—vast underground chambers built by Knights Hospitaller, only rediscovered in the 1950s
- Templars’ Tunnel—350 meters underground connecting fortress to port
- Al-Jazzar Mosque—one of Israel’s largest mosques (1781)
- Ottoman Old City—narrow alleys, covered markets, traditional shops
- The Port—still functioning after millennia
Akko’s markets are famous for hummus and knafeh (sweet cheese pastry).
Tour Practical Information
Departure Point: Tel Aviv
Transport: Mercedes V-Class (air-conditioned, comfortable for up to 6 passengers)
Languages: English-speaking guides
Not Included: Site entrance fees, meals
Entrance Fees (approximate):
- Masada cable car
- Ein Gedi National Park
- Caesarea archaeological park
- Akko Crusader sites
Best Times to Visit:
- Jerusalem: Year-round; Friday afternoons and Saturdays have different schedules
- Dead Sea/Masada: Avoid July-August midday heat
- North Coast: Year-round
- Tel Aviv/Jaffa: Saturday mornings ideal
What to Bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes (ancient sites have uneven stones)
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
- Water bottle
- Modest clothing for religious sites (shoulders and knees covered)
- Swimsuit for Dead Sea
- Camera
Book Your Custom Israel Tour
Ready to explore Israel with a personalized itinerary? Contact us with your preferred destinations and travel dates. We create custom Israel tours tailored to your interests, schedule, and travel style.
Related Services:
- [VIP Fast Track at Ben Gurion Airport](https://airfasttrack.com/)
- [Private Transportation](https://airfasttrack.com/hire-a-van/)
