Israel

Country Highlights

• Set sail on a private cruise of the Sea of Galilee in a wooden boat that is a replica from those used in ancient times.
• Gaze upon fields of wild perennial Lupine flowers at the Valley of Elah, where David famously felled Goliath.
• Enjoy wine tasting and lunch at a Judean vineyard with a locally prepared table complete with nutritious favorites like shakshuka, baba ganoush and fresh hummus.
• Follow the Wadi Qelt, the hallowed road from Jericho to Jerusalem, where waterfalls crest off high cliffs near ancient cliff-carved monasteries.

The Birthplace of Three World Religions

The religious traditions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all have significant ties to Israel, where people from across the globe come to worship. Perhaps no city on earth is more hallowed than Jerusalem. Hebrew tradition invites Jews from across the world to pilgrimage here to the sacred Western Wall (also known as the “Wailing Wall”) and the site of the Temple Mount. Muslims journey here to worship in the Dome of the Rock, where they believe Mohammed ascended to heaven. Christians flock to the city where their bible states Jesus was crucified and resurrected.

The Dead Sea

The temperate waters of the Dead Sea, located at the lowest elevation on Earth, are nearly ten times more salient than the earth’s oceans. The sea’s waters help to soothe and reinvigorate sore muscles, while spa soaks in its mineral-rich muds are said to absorb toxins and improve circulation. The banks of the Dead Sea offer a resort-style atmosphere complete with lush botanical gardens—a truly beautiful oasis of relaxation and comfort.

Land of Milk and Honey

Home to some of the world’s most ancient and celebrated culinary traditions, each meal during your time in Israel is a symphony of colors and tastes, where flavors from several cultures meet to the delight of the senses. The possibilities of falafel, Israel’s national dish, are truly endless, for the celebrated chickpea fritters can be paired with anything from locally harvested vegetables to fresh cumin and coriander. Breakfast on khachapuri, a cheese-stuffed bread topped with a fried egg, and snack on a sizzling sfenj, a deep-fried dough dusted with sugar.