Your Travel Experience with IsraelRail
Day 1
Ben Gurion Airport - Train to Haifa - Welcome and Shalom!
Welcome to your exploration of Israel! Upon your arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, you will board the train directly to Haifa and make your way through the blossoming landscape next to the ocean. Depending on your arrival time at the hotel, you will have the chance to marvel at the Bahá’í Holy Garden surrounding the Temple of the Baháʼí Faith. Bahai is a religion founded in the 19th century that strongly believes in the unity of all people of all religions. The view is amazing, and it's a perfect spot to enjoy the sunset. Once the sun has set, we recommend you take a bus ride along the coastline and the hills down to the German Colony with its many Israeli fusion restaurants.
Included: Train to Haifa, busride to the Bahai Gardens
Optional: Bahai Garden tour depending on your arrival
Overnight in Haifa
Day 2
Haifa - Akko - Food Tasting - Haifa Mount Carmel
Many empires have left their traces in the old port city of Akko: the Templars, Knights of St. John, Turks, Persians, and Romans. Today Akko is one of Israel´s most oriental and Muslim cities. That makes the train ride from Haifa to Akko a worthwhile exploration. The small alleys of the market and authentic food tasting are waiting for you. Either you spend the afternoon in the old city of Akko or you take the train back to Haifa so you can see more sights there, such as the astonishing Mount of Carmel, where a cable car leads you up the mountain.
Included: Breakfast, train to Akko, self-guided tour in Akko, Akko Food Tasting Card
Optional: Cable car on the top of the Mount Carmel
Overnight in Haifa
Day 3
Explore Jerusalem - Yehuda Market Food Tasting
On your third day in Israel, it is time to take a train to the Holy City. In Jerusalem, you will spend the day marveling at the religious hustle and bustle of Christians, Muslims, and Jews on foot or by tramway. Our in-house English-speaking audio guide will help you explore the Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and Armenian neighborhoods and, at the same time, provide you with plenty of historical context and culinary tips. In the afternoon, you head towards the modern Jewish part of the town to enjoy your first food tasting of authentic Israeli food. The famous Machne Yehuda Market vibe is unique, and you can expect a visual and flavorsome feast!
Included: Breakfast, Jerusalem Audio Guide, Machne Yehuda Market Food Tasting
Overnight in Jerusalem
Day 4
Jerusalem Old City Tour - Israel Museum - Free Culture Time
After a real Israeli breakfast, you will start your first day in Israel with a time travel through the 3000-year history of Jerusalem at the Jerusalem Time Elevator Museum. Later on, our tour guide will take you on a guided tour of the Old City of Jerusalem and deepen your knowledge of the history. You will hear about Jerusalem's legends and anecdotes in detail. After the tour, you will better understand the basic features of the complex coexistence of three world religions. The afternoon program is up to you. One example of an afternoon activity is visiting the Israel Museum and learning more about the history of Judaism until 21 o´clock in the evening. Alternatively, a hike on the Mount of Olives is also worthwhile.
Included: Breakfast, 4-hour guided Old City Tour, Israel Museum
Optional: Jerusalem Time Elevator
Overnight in Jerusalem
Day 5
Jerusalem - Masada - Ein Gedi - Dead Sea - Jerusalem
Meet your shuttle bus before dawn and cross the Judean Desert to the ancient fortress of Masada, once built by King Herod. The rocky desert landscape is known for its uniqueness. After the natural spectacle, you continue to the oasis of Ein Gedi. In the national park, you will learn a lot about the barren desert habitat and have a chance to swim around in the Dead Sea. This is good for your skin and soul. The afternoon and evening in Jerusalem are at your leisure.
Included: Breakfast, self-guided tour to Masada, Ein Gedi and the Dead Sea
Overnight in Jerusalem
Day 6
Jerusalem - Yad VaShem Holocaust Memorail - Train to Tel Aviv - Sunset and Beach
On your last day in Jerusalem, we recommend a visit to the Holocaust memorial at Yad Vashem, the world's most important memorial commemorating the Nazi extermination of the Jews. It might be the last moving experience before going to Tel Aviv for the weekend. Take the train to Tel Aviv whenever you are ready for your last stop in Israel and refresh yourself with a walk on the beach.
Included: Breakfast, train to Tel Aviv
Optional: Holocaut memorial Yad Vashem Audio-Guide
Overnight in Tel Aviv
Day 7
Tel Aviv - Beach Time - Explore the quarters - Nightlife
Once in Tel Aviv and checked into your hotel, you will spend the rest of the day discovering one of the most vibrant cities in the world with a beach. The absolute Tel Aviv must-have is a walk along the spectacular HaMesila Park, an urban park between skyscrapers. Also not to be missed is the extravagant Rothschild Boulevard and the Florentin district, with its numerous hip restaurants and clubs. Get to know some of the most hidden and trendy clubs that usually only locals visit. Treat yourself to a drink at one of the beach bars and enjoy the magnificent sunset in a city that never sleeps.
Included: Breakfast
Optional: HaMesila Park, Florentin district, Nightlife
Overnight in Tel Aviv
Day 8
Tel Aviv - Caesarea National Park - Tel Aviv
Spend the day at the beautiful Caesarea national park. It is probably the most important archaeological site on Israel’s Mediterranean coast and you can explore a lot there. Caesarea National Park is just north of the central midway point of Israel along the Mediterranean coastline. The ancient city of Caesarea Maritima was constructed during the reign of Herod the Great around 10–9 BCE.
Included: Breakfast, all public transport to Caesarea national park
Overnight in Tel Aviv
Day 9
TLV Museum of Art - HaCarmel Market Food Tasting
A great way to explore Tel Aviv is by bike. You can easily visit the different quarters and experience their unique charm and vibe. Today, you can do whatever you feel like, this is your day. We recommend a walk through the colorful HaCarmel market in the center of Tel Aviv, where fresh fruits and vegetables are offered daily. Have a food tasting at the HaCarmel Market.
Included: Breakfast, TLV Museum of Art, HaCarmel Food Tasting Card
Optional: Tel Aviv by bike
Overnight in Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv - Flea Market in Old Jaffa - Train to Ben Gurion Airport
On the last day of your trip, you might be looking for a suitable souvenir. The Jaffa neighborhood, the historical and Ottoman-influenced part of the city, is particularly suitable for a relaxed last day. Strolling through the flea market and Shuk HaPishPeshim, you will find old and new treasures. Snack on one last delicacy at the market before it's time to say goodbye and depart for Ben Gurion Airport.
Included: Breakfast, Ben Gurion Airport transfer by train
Optional: Jaffa Old City stroll at the flea market