“”&noscript=1” />

From the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea, Nazareth to Jerusalem, journey beyond the reach of typical Jerusalem walking tours.

Follow the footpaths of figures from three of the world’s major religions during one epic walking adventure. In this storied region, we found the most rewarding and inspirational trails, and some fascinating people to reveal the real Israel to you – a date farmer, a Jew and an Arab who run a hostel together, residents of kibbutzim and moshavim, and wine growers. Ancient pilgrim paths upon sacred soils deliver you to Masada and Nazareth … the Dead Sea and the Sea of Galilee … Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, Qumran, and the Valley of Elah … and finally to the very heart of the Holy Land, Jerusalem. This is so much more than other Jerusalem walking tours. This is a meditative journey unlike any other you’ll ever take.

Highlights

  • Walk the Israel National Trail to Caesarea, the remarkable ancient Herodian port city on the Mediterranean.
  • Rise early for a hike up to the heights of Masada National Park, where you marvel at sweeping views of the Dead Sea.
  • Sail in the wake of Biblical legends during a private cruise on the Sea of Galilee in a replica traditional wooden boat.
  • Stroll the scenic Valley of Elah, where David famously confronted Goliath, rewarding yourself with a wine tasting and lunch in a Judaean vineyard.
  • Follow in the footsteps of Jesus along the Gospel Trail to the Biblical towns of Nazareth and Capernaum.
On all Guided Adventures you can count on...
Icon of road-signs
Expert local guides to introduce you to the best of your destination
Icon of map
Off-the-beaten-path places you’d never find on your own
Icon of cutlery
Delicious multi-course meals—a majority are included
Icon of hikers
A maximum of 18 fun-loving fellow travelers to share the journey
Icon of house
Gracious accommodations that are a clean, comfortable home away from home
Icon of check-list
Experts to handle all the details
Icon of airplane
Flight + Tour Combos include plane tickets, airport shuttles, and pre- and post-tour accommodations

Itinerary

Mon, Oct 30 to Wed, Nov 8 - 2023

Show Itinerary:

Your vacation is about to begin! Spend your first night aloft and arrive ready for an unforgettable trip.

Start off your first day in Tel Aviv right by having a Country Walkers representative greet you at the airport. A complimentary car service will whisk you to your centrally located hotel. From here, you are perfectly positioned to explore this charming city at your leisure.

Caesarea to Jisr az-Zarqa; 4 miles, easy. Nazareth; 1 mile, easy

Begin your day with a typical Israeli breakfast, perhaps including a selection of breads, olives, and cheeses. You meet your guides in the hotel lobby at 8:30 a.m. to get underway with your walking adventure. They’ll be wearing Country Walkers shirts.

Your first destination is the remains of ancient Caesarea Maritima. The city and harbor were constructed under the rule of Herod the Great around 20 BCE and became an important Roman capital and center of Christianity until the Muslim conquest of 640. Today, its treasures include a vast amphitheater, hippodrome, an aqueduct that once brought water from Mount Carmel, and other remarkably preserved structures. From here, you start your 4-mile walk on the Israel National Trail, or INT.

Inaugurated in 1995, the INT stretches 631 miles from the northern Lebanese border to the southern Red Sea shores of Israel. National Geographic recognizes it as one of the world’s Top 20 “epic trails” and it has been hailed for delivering walkers to a mix of revered Biblical landscapes and the everyday lives of today’s Israel.

Heading out of the city, you stroll the soft sands of a Mediterranean beach towards the small Arab village of Jisr az-Zarqa. Along the way, you pause to talk with your guide about the coexistence between Jews and Arabs. It’s a complex issue with a long past that is sure to be illuminated during this compelling discussion. Once in town you are welcomed for lunch by a local Arab family. Your meal consists of a variety of well-loved Arabic dishes including freshly baked bread, hummus, falafel, and meat croquets called kibbeh. For dessert, perhaps enjoy a piece of kanafeh, a pastry made of sweet cheese and phyllo dough and topped with syrup and nuts.

After lunch, you travel to Nazareth, said to be the childhood home of Jesus. At Mt. Precipice, where nonbelievers tried to push him from the summit, you marvel at the surrounding vistas from a magnificent lookout. Then follow the Gospel Trail for a mile in the direction of your next destination: the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus is believed to have walked on water.

This region is renowned as the Cradle of Christianity. No matter your faith, it is impossible not to be moved when you visit the places where Jesus is believed to have visited and as you gaze upon the landscapes that he witnessed. You experience more tomorrow. This evening, settle in to your hotel and enjoy a traditional dinner at the rooftop restaurant and bar.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

6 miles, easy to moderate, 650-ft. elevation loss

After breakfast, you travel to a local kibbutz to start today’s walk. These collective communities sprang up around Israel in the early 20th century; today there are hundreds and they comprise almost 10% of the nation’s industry and 40% of its agriculture. During your visit, you learn what it’s like to live in this unique type of society.

Leave the kibbutz on foot, picking up The Gospel Trail for a 4-mile walk through legendary landscapes, the Sea of Galilee shimmering in the distance. Your footfalls lead to stunning views of the Horns of Hattin, a pair of extinct volcano peaks overlooking the plains. Some scholars believe this is where Jesus delivered his Sermon on the Mount. Continue traversing these arable lands and stop to visit the tomb of Nabi Shu’ayb, a religious prophet associated with the Arabic-speaking Druze religion, followed by almost a million believers in the Levant.

Next, your guide accompanies you to a charming tavern where a delicious lunch and friendly hosts await. After lunch, you embark a replica of a traditional boat for a cruise along the Sea of Galilee. This boat is an imitation of the so-called “Jesus Boat,” a wooden hull dating to Biblical times that was discovered in the sea’s waters during a 1986 drought. After your relaxing cruise on the water, stretch your legs as you hike the final section of The Gospel Trail.

Begin the two-mile stretch in Tabgha, where legend says that the miracle of the multiplication of loaves and fishes occurred. You conclude your walk at Capernaum on the northwestern shores of the Sea of Galilee and the center of Jesus’ ministry. There’ll be time to explore the remains of two ancient synagogues here, one built atop the other, and the house-turned-church that is thought to have been the home of Saint Peter.

Later, you arrive at your Tiberias hotel on the sea’s shores. Dinner is on your own at the hotel or at a restaurant in town.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

2 miles, moderate with challenging sections, 1,050-ft. elevation gain and 900-ft. elevation loss. Qumran; 2 miles, moderate

After another delicious breakfast, you hike to the magnificent peak of Sartaba, with spectacular views of the Jordan Rift Valley, carved over millennia by the flow of the revered Jordan River. A hilltop fortress known as Alexandrium crowned this summit from the 1st century BC to the 1st century AD. As you hike, take in the stark beauty of the undulating terrain, ideal for growing a profusion of dates. Later, you travel to a small moshav, or cooperative agricultural community of individual farmers. Here you enjoy a picnic lunch and learn all about this sweet meaty fruit from a local farmer. During your chat, he provides insight into the intricacies and challenges of agriculture in the arid Judaean Desert, with ample dates for sampling.

Next, you visit Qumran and its stunning desert cliffs. Explore the ancient settlements before venturing on foot for a better look at its most famous spot—the Qumran Caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in the mid-20th century. Your walk is as inspiring as the parchments themselves as you’re surrounded by hulking red-stone walls. It’s easy to understand that the highly ritualistic Essene Jews who are believed to have lived here centuries ago were inspired to settle amidst this beauty for religious purposes.

After your invigoratingly scenic hike, arrive at the famed Dead Sea, the lowest land elevation on Earth and almost 10 times as salty as the ocean. After settling in to our oasis just five minutes from its shores, you might have a refreshing float in in the resort’s own salt water pool, overlooking the sea. Savor a well-earned and delicious meal at the hotel this evening, part of a working kibbutz.

This very special place on the shores of the Dead Sea evokes a resort-style atmosphere in the middle of the desert. The property boasts beautiful swimming pools, lush botanical gardens, dramatic baobab trees, an indulgent spa offering treatments and wellness activities, and two restaurants serving delicious Israeli cuisine. Hoteliers here are fond of saying that the Ein Gedi Hotel was founded by guests, not by owners, when members of the nearby Ein Gedi Kibbutz frequented the then-undeveloped shores. Word of the secluded spot spread, and soon other members followed until wooden cabins and other facilities were gradually brought in. Today, it offers a taste of luxury on the Dead Sea.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

1.5 miles, moderate, 1,500-ft. elevation gain and 650-ft. elevation loss and 1 mile, easy. Ein Gedi Nature Reserve; 3 miles, moderate or 1 mile, easy

Early risers can join a spectacular early morning hike to Masada, an ancient fortress perched atop a secluded rock plateau. Herod the Great had these fortifications and two palaces constructed between 37 and 31 BC. One legend tells of Sicarii Jewish rebels who jumped to their deaths from Masada’s great height rather than face capture by Romans who had summited the rock. Today, it is a splendid archaeological site on its own, made more breathtaking by its dramatic setting. A cable car is also available for those who prefer to skip the morning ascent. After time to explore, descend by cable car.

Before returning to the hotel, you make a visit to Ein Bokek beach. Here you have the chance to get in the water to experience the famous Dead Sea float. Those who prefer not to swim may enjoy relaxing on the beach or perusing the nearby shops. Lunch today is on your own at the beach or back at hotel’s cafes. Midday, relax at the hotel, perhaps lounging on the lawn or swimming at the pool. The Dead Sea Ein Gedi Botanical Gardens are also nearby for strolls among some 900 species of flora from around the world. It is the world’s only Botanical Garden shared by the homes of community residents. If you’re feeling creative, indulge in an indigo-dying workshop (please inquire at the front desk for availability).

This afternoon your guides escort you for a walk in of the most picturesque areas in Israel— the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve. Your leisurely one or three-mile amble follows the spring-fed David Creek to its source, passing acacia, jujube, and poplar and a profusion of bird species. You might even spot the Nubian ibex or the rodent-like rock hyrax. After, continue to the ancient synagogue, once central to the region but destroyed by Byzantine emperor Justinian.

Enjoy tonight’s dinner at the hotel.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

4 miles, moderate with difficult sections, 1000-ft. elevation loss

Depart the Dead Sea after breakfast and head to the spellbinding Wadi Qelt, a scenic valley in the Judaean Mountains cut from perennial springs. Tracing rocky terrain, you traverse deep-cut canyons, waterfalls washing over stone walls and other natural pools ideal for a refreshing swim or dunk. Remarkable desert vistas stretch to the horizon and ancient aqueducts wind a path through canyons like serpents. This is one of the most exciting walks in the region. Please note: you may wish to have waterproof hiking boots or water shoes/sandals available for this hike as it may including wading through shallow water.

You pause for a traditional lunch at a Bedouin restaurant. Perhaps you will savor a typical delicious tender chicken and rice cooked in the ground accompanied by fresh salads. Later, you travel to a scenic viewpoint overlooking St. George Monastery, a stunning structure etched into canyon rock.

After, you leave the Judaean Desert and head to Mt. Scopus, which shares the same ridge with the famed Mount of Olives. From here, you take in sweeping views Jerusalem. A short walk takes you to a unique excavation site where you can help sift through debris from the excavations from the Temple Mount. Though you are unlikely to find priceless treasures, you will surely discover clay, stone, or perhaps an ancient coin or two.

Later, you arrive at your Jerusalem hotel and are free for the remainder of the evening. There are multiple restaurants onsite, and your guides can recommend nearby spots in the city.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

4 miles, easy. Kidron Valley; 1-2 miles, easy with steep sections

Begin your final full day with another delicious breakfast of Israeli specialties. Then you head to the starting point of our walk below Tel Azekah along the revered Golan Trail. The tel—an artificial mound built up from millennia of subsequent abandoned settlements—dates to the Canaanite period and today is part of Britannia Park, a vast recreation area in the Judaean lowland.

This is the land of David and Goliath. The Philistine giant Goliath is largely believed to have been enlisted to fight the United Monarchy of Israel and Judah. Famously, the young shepherd boy David defeated the giant single-handedly. Your walk brings you to the ancient ruins of Khirbet Qeiyafa. Recently discovered, archaeologists are still excavating the site and many believe it may be remains of a biblical town called Shaaraim, dating back to the Kingdom of David. As you continue, you ponder this interesting history and marvel at sweeping vistas of the green Elah Valley.

End your walk at the HLH monument, a moving memorial dedicated to fallen Israeli soldiers. Later, enjoy lunch at a winery at Givat Yeshayahu, a tiny moshav in the valley. This region is ideal for wine makers; its ancient wine presses attest to its long history of viticulture. The village was settled in 1958 by Hungarian immigrants and named for a renowned Israeli researcher Yeshayahu Press. Various breads, vegetables, and fruits will be on hand, along with other farm-fresh delights. And of course, you enjoy some locally made wine.

This afternoon, continue your walk in the Kidron Valley, starting your next leg at the Mount of Olives, where Jesus is said to have ascended to heaven. The mountain ridge rises alongside the Old City of Jerusalem, providing splendid views of this deeply spiritual place, the gilded Dome of the Rock glittering in the Mediterranean sun. Your footpath delivers you to the Garden of Gethsemane, site of the Agony in the Garden the night before the crucifixion. Tidy olive groves rest on the properties of various churches here; many of the trees are the oldest in the world, dating to the 11th century. Your enlightening journey concludes at the Western Wall in the Old City. There’ll be time to observe the Jewish tradition of prayer at this revered site, keeping your distance as strict religious observation requires.

This evening at a local restaurant, gather with your fellow walkers to recount your time in the Holy Land. Stories, delicious cuisine, wine, and some Jewish traditions put a final and inspirational point on your walking adventure.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a final breakfast, travel to Bethlehem for a morning visit. You first stop at the Church of the Nativity. Not only is this one of the oldest continuously operating churches in the world; it marks the spot where Jesus was born. Enter the site through the Door of Humility and pass remarkably preserved wall mosaics that date back a millennium. If time permits, pause to reflect at the Grotto of the Nativity, the cave in which Christ was born.

After, there may be time to visit the Shepherds’ Field and its sacred chapel in the village of Beit Sahour. Legend tells of the angels who came here to announce the birth of Christ to Jewish shepherds. The chapel, designed by Italian architect Antonio Barluzzi, stands on a rock and over a large cave and overlooks the ruins of temples erected here through the centuries to commemorate the event.

Note: Depending on the season, you might experience a long queue at the Church of the Nativity and the checkpoint leaving Bethlehem.

The tour ends with your local guide inviting you into his home for lunch. Enjoy traditional Palestinian fare as your guide shares compelling stories about his family history and life in Bethlehem. You arrive back at the hotel by 1:30 p.m. We provide detailed city information to help you plan your day. Perhaps you’ll try a make-it-yourself falafel on Ben Yehuda Street, followed by sweet cardamom coffee at a café. You might also walk the ramparts of the Old City or find the perfect Palestinian embroidery on Christian Quarter Road. Dinner is on your own tonight.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Lehitra’ot! After an included breakfast this morning, complimentary transportation is provided to Ben Gurion International Airport, based on your departure time.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Wed, Nov 1 to Tue, Nov 7 - 2023

Show Itinerary:

Caesarea to Jisr az-Zarqa; 4 miles, easy. Nazareth; 1 mile, easy

You meet your guides at 8:30 a.m. in the lobby of the Market House Hotel in Tel Aviv, Israel. They’ll be wearing Country Walkers shirts. Plan to have a hearty breakfast beforehand.

Your first destination is the remains of ancient Caesarea Maritima. The city and harbor were constructed under the rule of Herod the Great around 20 BCE and became an important Roman capital and center of Christianity until the Muslim conquest of 640. Today, its treasures include a vast amphitheater, hippodrome, an aqueduct that once brought water from Mount Carmel and other remarkably preserved structures. From here, you start your 4-mile walk on the Israel National Trail, or INT.

Inaugurated in 1995, the INT stretches 631 miles from the northern Lebanese border to the southern Red Sea shores of Israel. National Geographic recognizes it as one of the world’s Top 20 “epic trails” and it has been hailed for delivering walkers to a mix of revered Biblical landscapes and the everyday lives of today’s Israel.

Heading out of the city, you stroll the soft sands of a Mediterranean beach towards the small Arab village of Jisr az-Zarqa. Along the way, you pause to talk with your guide about the coexistence between Jews and Arabs. It’s a complex issue with a long past that is sure to be illuminated during this compelling discussion. Once in town you are welcomed for lunch by a local Arab family. Your meal consists of a variety of well-loved Arabic dishes including freshly baked bread, hummus, falafel, and meat croquets called kibbeh. For dessert, perhaps enjoy a piece of kanafeh, a pastry made of sweet cheese and phyllo dough and topped with syrup and nuts.

After lunch, you travel to Nazareth, said to be the childhood home of Jesus. At Mt. Precipice, where nonbelievers tried to push him from the summit, you marvel at the surrounding vistas from a magnificent lookout. Then follow the Gospel Trail for a mile in the direction of your next destination: the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus is believed to have walked on water.

This region is renowned as the Cradle of Christianity. No matter your faith, it is impossible not to be moved when you visit the places where Jesus is believed to have visited and as you gaze upon the landscapes that he witnessed. You experience more tomorrow. This evening, settle in to your accomodation and enjoy a traditional dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.

Included Meals: Lunch, Dinner

6 miles, easy to moderate, 650-ft. elevation loss

After breakfast, you travel to a local kibbutz to start today’s walk. These collective communities sprang up around Israel in the early 20th century; today there are hundreds and they comprise almost 10% of the nation’s industry and 40% of its agriculture. During your visit, you learn what it’s like to live in this unique type of society.

Leave the kibbutz on foot, picking up The Gospel Trail for a 4-mile walk through legendary landscapes, the Sea of Galilee shimmering in the distance. Your footfalls lead to stunning views of the Horns of Hattin, a pair of extinct volcano peaks overlooking the plains. Some scholars believe this is where Jesus delivered his Sermon on the Mount. Continue traversing these arable lands and stop to visit the tomb of Nabi Shu’ayb, a religious prophet associated with the Arabic-speaking Druze religion, followed by almost a million believers in the Levant.

Next, your guide accompanies you to a charming tavern where a delicious lunch and friendly hosts await. After lunch, you embark a replica of a traditional boat for a cruise along the Sea of Galilee. This boat is an imitation of the so-called “Jesus Boat,” a wooden hull dating to Biblical times that was discovered in the sea’s waters during a 1986 drought. After your relaxing cruise on the water, stretch your legs as you hike the final section of The Gospel Trail.

Begin the two-mile stretch in Tabgha, where legend says that the miracle of the multiplication of loaves and fishes occurred. You conclude your walk at Capernaum on the northwestern shores of the Sea of Galilee and the center of Jesus’ ministry. There’ll be time to explore the remains of two ancient synagogues here, one built atop the other, and the house-turned-church that is thought to have been the home of Saint Peter.

Later, you arrive at your Tiberias hotel on the sea’s shores. Dinner is on your own at the hotel or at a restaurant in town.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

2 miles, moderate with challenging sections, 1,050-ft. elevation gain and 900-ft. elevation loss. Qumran; 2 miles, moderate

After another delicious breakfast, you hike to the magnificent peak of Sartaba, with spectacular views of the Jordan Rift Valley, carved over millennia by the flow of the revered Jordan River. A hilltop fortress known as Alexandrium crowned this summit from the 1st century BC to the 1st century AD. As you hike, take in the stark beauty of the undulating terrain, ideal for growing a profusion of dates. Later, you travel to a small moshav, or cooperative agricultural community of individual farmers. Here you enjoy a picnic lunch and learn all about this sweet meaty fruit from a local farmer. During your chat, he provides insight into the intricacies and challenges of agriculture in the arid Judaean Desert, with ample dates for sampling.

Next, you visit Qumran and its stunning desert cliffs. Explore the ancient settlements before venturing on foot for a better look at its most famous spot—the Qumran Caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in the mid-20th century. Your walk is as inspiring as the parchments themselves as you’re surrounded by hulking red-stone walls. It’s easy to understand that the highly ritualistic Essene Jews who are believed to have lived here centuries ago were inspired to settle amidst this beauty for religious purposes.

After your invigoratingly scenic hike, arrive at the famed Dead Sea, the lowest land elevation on Earth and almost 10 times as salty as the ocean. After settling in to our oasis just five minutes from its shores, you might have a refreshing float in in the resort’s own salt water pool, overlooking the sea. Savor a well-earned and delicious meal at the hotel this evening, part of a working kibbutz.

This very special place on the shores of the Dead Sea evokes a resort-style atmosphere in the middle of the desert. The property boasts beautiful swimming pools, lush botanical gardens, dramatic baobab trees, an indulgent spa offering treatments and wellness activities, and two restaurants serving delicious Israeli cuisine. Hoteliers here are fond of saying that the Ein Gedi Hotel was founded by guests, not by owners, when members of the nearby Ein Gedi Kibbutz frequented the then-undeveloped shores. Word of the secluded spot spread, and soon other members followed until wooden cabins and other facilities were gradually brought in. Today, it offers a taste of luxury on the Dead Sea.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

1.5 miles, moderate, 1,500-ft. elevation gain and 650-ft. elevation loss and 1 mile, easy. Ein Gedi Nature Reserve; 3 miles, moderate or 1 mile, easy

Early risers can join a spectacular early morning hike to Masada, an ancient fortress perched atop a secluded rock plateau. Herod the Great had these fortifications and two palaces constructed between 37 and 31 BC. One legend tells of Sicarii Jewish rebels who jumped to their deaths from Masada’s great height rather than face capture by Romans who had summited the rock. Today, it is a splendid archaeological site on its own, made more breathtaking by its dramatic setting. A cable car is also available for those who prefer to skip the morning ascent. After time to explore, descend by cable car.

Before returning to the hotel, you make a visit to Ein Bokek beach. Here you have the chance to get in the water to experience the famous Dead Sea float. Those who prefer not to swim may enjoy relaxing on the beach or perusing the nearby shops. Lunch today is on your own at the beach or back at hotel’s cafes. Midday, relax at the hotel, perhaps lounging on the lawn or swimming at the pool. The Dead Sea Ein Gedi Botanical Gardens are also nearby for strolls among some 900 species of flora from around the world. It is the world’s only Botanical Garden shared by the homes of community residents. If you’re feeling creative, indulge in an indigo-dying workshop (please inquire at the front desk for availability).

This afternoon your guides escort you for a walk in of the most picturesque areas in Israel— the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve. Your leisurely one or three-mile amble follows the spring-fed David Creek to its source, passing acacia, jujube, and poplar and a profusion of bird species. You might even spot the Nubian ibex or the rodent-like rock hyrax. After, continue to the ancient synagogue, once central to the region but destroyed by Byzantine emperor Justinian.

Enjoy tonight’s dinner at the hotel.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

4 miles, moderate with difficult sections, 1000-ft. elevation loss

Depart the Dead Sea after breakfast and head to the spellbinding Wadi Qelt, a scenic valley in the Judaean Mountains cut from perennial springs. Tracing rocky terrain, you traverse deep-cut canyons, waterfalls washing over stone walls and other natural pools ideal for a refreshing swim or dunk. Remarkable desert vistas stretch to the horizon and ancient aqueducts wind a path through canyons like serpents. This is one of the most exciting walks in the region. Please note: you may wish to have waterproof hiking boots or water shoes/sandals available for this hike as it may including wading through shallow water.

You pause for a traditional lunch at a Bedouin restaurant. Perhaps you will savor a typical delicious tender chicken and rice cooked in the ground accompanied by fresh salads. Later, you travel to a scenic viewpoint overlooking St. George Monastery, a stunning structure etched into canyon rock.

After, you leave the Judaean Desert and head to Mt. Scopus, which shares the same ridge with the famed Mount of Olives. From here, you take in sweeping views Jerusalem. A short walk takes you to a unique excavation site where you can help sift through debris from the excavations from the Temple Mount. Though you are unlikely to find priceless treasures, you will surely discover clay, stone, or perhaps an ancient coin or two.

Later, you arrive at your Jerusalem hotel and are free for the remainder of the evening. There are multiple restaurants onsite, and your guides can recommend nearby spots in the city.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

4 miles, easy. Kidron Valley; 1-2 miles, easy with steep sections

Begin your final full day with another delicious breakfast of Israeli specialties. Then you head to the starting point of our walk below Tel Azekah along the revered Golan Trail. The tel—an artificial mound built up from millennia of subsequent abandoned settlements—dates to the Canaanite period and today is part of Britannia Park, a vast recreation area in the Judaean lowland.

This is the land of David and Goliath. The Philistine giant Goliath is largely believed to have been enlisted to fight the United Monarchy of Israel and Judah. Famously, the young shepherd boy David defeated the giant single-handedly. Your walk brings you to the ancient ruins of Khirbet Qeiyafa. Recently discovered, archaeologists are still excavating the site and many believe it may be remains of a biblical town called Shaaraim, dating back to the Kingdom of David. As you continue, you ponder this interesting history and marvel at sweeping vistas of the green Elah Valley.

End your walk at the HLH monument, a moving memorial dedicated to fallen Israeli soldiers. Later, enjoy lunch at a winery at Givat Yeshayahu, a tiny moshav in the valley. This region is ideal for wine makers; its ancient wine presses attest to its long history of viticulture. The village was settled in 1958 by Hungarian immigrants and named for a renowned Israeli researcher Yeshayahu Press. Various breads, vegetables, and fruits will be on hand, along with other farm-fresh delights. And of course, you enjoy some locally made wine.

This afternoon, continue your walk in the Kidron Valley, starting your next leg at the Mount of Olives, where Jesus is said to have ascended to heaven. The mountain ridge rises alongside the Old City of Jerusalem, providing splendid views of this deeply spiritual place, the gilded Dome of the Rock glittering in the Mediterranean sun. Your footpath delivers you to the Garden of Gethsemane, site of the Agony in the Garden the night before the crucifixion. Tidy olive groves rest on the properties of various churches here; many of the trees are the oldest in the world, dating to the 11th century. Your enlightening journey concludes at the Western Wall in the Old City. There’ll be time to observe the Jewish tradition of prayer at this revered site, keeping your distance as strict religious observation requires.

This evening at a local restaurant, gather with your fellow walkers to recount your time in the Holy Land. Stories, delicious cuisine, wine, and some Jewish traditions put a final and inspirational point on your walking adventure.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a final breakfast, travel to Bethlehem for a morning visit. You first stop at the Church of the Nativity. Not only is this one of the oldest continuously operating churches in the world; it marks the spot where Jesus was born. Enter the site through the Door of Humility and pass remarkably preserved wall mosaics that date back a millennium. If time permits, pause to reflect at the Grotto of the Nativity, the cave in which Christ was born.

After, there may be time to visit the Shepherds’ Field and its sacred chapel in the village of Beit Sahour. Legend tells of the angels who came here to announce the birth of Christ to Jewish shepherds. The chapel, designed by Italian architect Antonio Barluzzi, stands on a rock and over a large cave and overlooks the ruins of temples erected here through the centuries to commemorate the event.

Note: Depending on the season, you might experience a long queue at the Church of the Nativity and the checkpoint leaving Bethlehem.

The tour ends with your local guide inviting you into his home for lunch. Enjoy traditional Palestinian fare as your guide shares compelling stories about his family history and life in Bethlehem. You arrive back at the hotel by 1:30 p.m. We provide detailed city information to help you plan your day. Perhaps you’ll try a make-it-yourself falafel on Ben Yehuda Street, followed by sweet cardamom coffee at a café. You might also walk the ramparts of the Old City or find the perfect Palestinian embroidery on Christian Quarter Road. Dinner is on your own tonight.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodations

Linger Longer with a Tour Extension

Israel: Galilee, the Dead Sea & Jerusalem 4
Pre-Trip
Airplane Air Package Only
2023

2023 Pre-Trip Extension - Tel Aviv

  • One night at the Market House Hotel
  • Airport car service on arrival
  • City information
  • Daily breakfast

1 Night From $245
per person, double occupancy

Single Supplement: From $195

Your vacation is about to begin! Spend your first night aloft and arrive ready for an unforgettable trip.

Start off your first day in Tel Aviv right by having a Country Walkers representative greet you at the airport. A complimentary car service will whisk you to your centrally located hotel. From here, you are perfectly positioned to explore this charming city at your leisure.

After a delicious included breakfast at your hotel, you are free to explore on your own, using our included city information to guide your discoveries.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Market House Hotel

Inspired by the history and atmosphere of ancient Jaffa, the Market House Hotel enjoys a central location in the heart of Tel Aviv. Look no further than the lobby to glimpse the area’s rich past: The ruins of a Byzantine Chapel are on display under its glass floor. Various artwork throughout further illuminates the city’s culture. Jaffa’s historic Clock Tower and renowned flea market are next door for your browsing pleasure. The 44 air-conditioned rooms exude a bohemian-chic vibe while the common areas offer small intimate spaces for gathering. Enjoy the warmest of welcomes in Israel’s famed White City.
Air Conditioning
Air Conditioning
Petra in Jordanien
Post-Trip
Airplane Air Package Only
2023

2023 Post-Trip Extension - Petra & Wadi Rum

  • One night at the Memories Aicha Luxury Camp
  • Two nights at the Movenpick Resort Petra
  • Day-use hotel room at the Grand Hyatt Hotel (November departures only)
  • Flight from Ben Gurion Airport to Ramon Airport
  • Return road transportation to Ben Gurion Airport or Queen Alia International Airport (November departures only)
  • Airport car services
  • Daily breakfast, two lunches, one dinner
  • Two guided tours of Wadi Rum and two guided tours of Petra
  • Three-day entrance ticket to Petra

3 Nights From $1845
per person, double occupancy

Single Supplement: From $595

This morning, rise early for your shuttle to Ben Gurion International Airport. You fly to Ramon International Airport in the south of Israel, where a representative meets you and assists you to the Yitzhak Rabin/Wadi Araba Crossing at the Jordan border (your flight details will be provided to you by your Israeli guide while on tour). Please note that breakfast may not be available in the dining room this early, but a take-away breakfast box can be requested with the front desk the night prior. It’s recommended to pack any snacks that you may want for the day as there are limited places to purchase food before you reach your camp in time for a late lunch.

You will have instructions to help you pass through the Israel border on your own. Once on the Jordan side, your Country Walkers representative will be holding a Country Walkers sign with your name on it. After formalities and obtaining a visa (which will be arranged for you in advance), you meet your Bedouin guide and driver.

The magical, mysterious desert of Wadi Rum is your first destination in Jordan. After a bountiful buffet lunch, head into the lunar-like landscape of gentle sands and hulking rock formations that form this UNESCO World Heritage site. Stretch your legs on a desert walk (approximately 2.5 miles) to Khazali Canyon, a breathtaking dry ravine of soaring red rock. At the canyon, stop to view Nabataean inscriptions and drawings etched into the walls.  Next, climb aboard 4×4 Jeeps for a thrilling drive back to camp, gazing out at the massive sand dunes and cliffs of Wadi Rum as you go.

Settle in to your luxurious camp, where your private tent sits at the foot of giant massifs soaring from the desert floor. Explore this evening with additional sunset excursions at your own expense: a thrilling camel ride or a desert walk. After the sun disappears, there’ll be time to admire an endless blanket of stars. Enjoy an indulgent dinner in Bedouin style, a traditional preparation of foods cooked underground. Note that you are welcome to bring your own wine or beer; the camp does not serve alcoholic beverages.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a hearty breakfast at the camp, head back into Wadi Rum to visit one of the desert’s natural rock bridges, a massive stone archway connecting two hulking rocks. En route, you pass medicinal plants used by the Bedouins and inspiring vistas. For those that are inclined, a brief walk to the top of the rock bridge presents a perfect photo op. From the top of the archway, the desert spreads before you in yellow and red hues.

After, you stop to meet a Bedouin family and witness their bread-baking talent. There’ll be time for a visit and some conversation over tea. Then your guide takes you to a scenic spot for a picnic lunch of specialties he has prepared.

Later, you arrive at Petra, the magnificent ancient Nabataean capital carved in red sandstone that was lost to desert sands for centuries. You approach the UNESCO World Heritage site by foot, passing a necropolis and entering the Siq, an immense split in the Nubian sandstone. The winding fissure is about a half mile long and leads you through a narrow corridor enclosed by walls up to 300 feet tall. Then, at one final turn at the end of the passage, the spectacular Treasury building appears—Al Khazneh, one of the most elegant remains from antiquity. It 140-foot-high and 90-foot-wide façade was carved into the cliffside in the 1st century.

The Treasury—so named because early Bedouins who came upon it believed it contained treasures—is just the beginning of Petra’s wonders that you explore. The Nabataeans carved hundreds of structures, soaring temples, elaborate royal tombs, burial chambers, houses, and even a theater into the rock, inspiring Victorian poet John William Burgon to call it “a rose-red city half as old as time.” There’ll be time to explore its endless marvels with your guide or on your own.

Your hotel is a short ride from the Petra visitor entrance. You end your day here with an included buffet dinner. If you wish, you may return to Petra for a night tour at an additional cost. Please see your city documents for additional information.

Note: Today’s guided walk in Petra from the main entry gate to the Treasury is 1.5 miles each way and is rated easy. Time depending, you may be able to continue with your guide further into Petra (adding an additional 1-3 miles). For those that do not wish to return back to the entrance on foot, golf cart rides are available from the Treasury (at your own expense and subject to operating hours). Your guide can help facilitate this.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, you return to Petra for more exploration. But today, you arrive on foot via a little-known Bedouin walking trail through the magnificent mountain. You begin with a visit to Little Petra and its Siq al-Barid. Like at its larger counterpart, you enter through a narrow Siq before wandering among its rock-strewn façades. This smaller city is thought to have been an agricultural center, trading post, and resupply depot for the camel caravans heading to Petra.

A brief shuttle brings you to the trailhead. As you start, you admire this particularly picturesque region. You are walking among some of the oldest settlements in the world, including Al-Beidha, dating back to about 10,000 BC. Over 2-3 hours, you traverse open farmland, then follow a footpath across eroded sandstone. The Great Rift Valley opens up to the west and soon, you descend toward Petra, catching sight of one of its most impressive structures—the monumental carved façade of ad-Deir, the Monastery. Pause here for a rest and for some tea, exploring the ruins before following the stone steps of the Nabataean processional way to the heart of Petra, where more discoveries unfold.

After lunch on your own, explore further or return to the hotel for a relaxing afternoon. Perhaps partake of the resort’s hammam or Turkish bath treatments. Your evening is free to sample another of Petra’s restaurants.

Note: Today’s guided walk to the Monastery is approximately 3.5 miles and is rated moderate, with a 950-ft. elevation gain and 750-ft. elevation loss. There are over 350 wide stone steps that you must hike, including both uphill and downhill steps. If you do not wish to join this walk you can be shuttled back to the hotel after exploring the archeological site of Little Petra and continue your day on your own. From the Monastery to the central area of Petra is 1.5 miles further and includes an additional 800 steps, all downhill. Mule rides are readily available (at your own cost) if you wish to avoid hiking this section on foot. It is then another two miles to reach the main entrance.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Wadaa’an! Enjoy another included breakfast today. You may wish to visit Petra one last time with an early morning visit. This morning, your driver will take you to Amman where you will check into your hotel for the evening. Lunch and dinner are on your own this day. Your hotel has multiple restaurants on site and nearby. The front desk will be able to offer suggestions of restaurants and things to do. complimentary transportation is provided to Amman’s airport based on your departure time. Please note that depending on your flight time, your departure from the hotel may either be late this evening or very early the next morning.

 

Included Meals: Breakfast

Memories Aicha Luxury Camp

A stay at the Memories Aicha Luxury Camp is an adventure all by itself. Set in the middle of the desert at the foot of a dramatic massif, its individual air-conditioned tents offer privacy and the romance of a remote escape, adorned with lush bedding and beautiful fabric. Enjoy your meals and refined service in a large communal tent designed with elegant Bedouin touches. This is surely an experience you will not soon forget.
Air Conditioning
Air Conditioning

What's Included

Air Package
Tour Only
Roundtrip airfare Check
One extra night in Tel Aviv and one extra night in Jerusalem Check
Airport car service for arrival and departure Check
Pre- and post-tour breakfasts Check
Business-class upgrades available Check
Exceptional boutique accommodations Check Check
16 on-tour meals: 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners Check Check
Local guides with you throughout tour Check Check
Local wine and/or beer with dinner Check Check
Entrance fees and special events as noted in the itinerary Check Check
Telescopic walking sticks provided on tour Check Check
Morocco: Marrakesh, Foothills of the High Atlas & Essaouira

Dates & Prices

Departing Airport :

Select Year :

Air Package

10 days, includes roundtrip international airfare, airport shuttle, and additional hotel night with included breakfast.

Single Supplement: From $1,895

Limited Spaces Left

Mon, Oct 30 - Wed, Nov 8, 2023

Air Included

From
$6,848

Per person, double occupancy

Reserve Online

Select Year :

Tour Only

7 Days. Includes walking vacation only.

Single Supplement: From $1,395

Limited Spaces Left

Wed, Nov 1 - Tue, Nov 7, 2023

From
$5,848

Per person, double occupancy

Reserve Online

For more information, call: 800-245-3868

Reviews
4 out of 7 (57%)
4.6 out of 5 stars.
Read More Reviews

Probably the best trip I have been on. I would suggest 2 possible improvements 1. Walk through the Garden of Gethsemane 2. Go to Mount of the Beatitudes

John Arnold, Los Angeles

Israel: Galilee, the Dead Sea & Jerusalem

The tour leader, Rami, was exceptional! He did a fabulous job. We are experienced walkers and tennis players in our mid-70s. However, this trip should have been rated as challenging and difficult hiking, not moderate. The Wadi Qelt hike was quite a challenge, coming the day after we climbed Masada. There was insufficient "down time" to allow us to rest and recoup our energy, as well as to give us some free time. The pre-selected dinner menus were heavy on fish without good alternatives. At Scot's in Tiberias, entree choices were three kinds of seafood only. I would have liked…

Richard, Orinda, California

Israel: Galilee, the Dead Sea & Jerusalem

Expert Local Guides

Experience your destination like an insider with people who call it home.

42 other people have recently viewed this tour!
Click and hold to Zoom

0 of 4
Tours Selected