A Seven-Day Travel Itinerary to Israel

Israel offers dramatic desert landscapes near the Dead Sea coast
Israel offers dramatic desert landscapes near the Dead Sea coast | © Subbotsky / Getty Images
Lior Kantor

Visit Israel to fall in love with vibrant Tel Aviv, the old city of Jerusalem and the magnificent desert views of the Negev. Not sure how to make the best of a trip to the Holy Land? Not to worry; you’ve come to the right place. Here’s how to pass the ultimate week in Israel.

Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and the Dead Sea all feature on Culture Trip’s specially curated seven-day Israel adventure, allowing you to explore this fascinating country without the hassle of having to plan it all yourself.

The gold-topped Dome of the Rock is one of the stand-out buildings in Jerusalem

Start off with a couple of days in Jerusalem, where you will discover historical, religious and cultural treasures dating back thousands of years. Walk the old town and explore sites sacred to Christianity, Judaism and Islam, such as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Room of the Last Supper, the Western Wall, the Tower of King David and the Dome of The Rock.

Visit Yad Vashem Museum for an insight into the Holocaust
Enjoy views over the Judean Desert from Masada fortress

On your third day, head south towards the Judea Desert, where you can hike the Masada trail and be amazed by the magnificent desert landscapes and even ride camels at Kfar Hanokdim. If you really want to admire amazing views, try arriving at Masada before the sunset to see it while hiking the trail.

Come to the Dead Sea to float on the salt-rich waters

Another thing you absolutely must do in the Judea Desert is, of course, see the Dead Sea, the lowest elevation point on earth and the deepest hypersaline lake in the world. The Dead Sea, from which many cosmetics and nurturing products are produced, is an amazing experience that draws tourists who come to float on the waters, soak in the healing mud and enjoy the magnificent views of the area.

Admire the columns at the archaeological site of Caesarea

Tel Aviv is a world-class city, but make sure to take a day to drive up north, too. Visit Haifa to see the Bahai Gardens and on the way stop at Caesarea’s old port, a town built by Herod the Great in 13-25BCE, where you will find some of the most beautiful coastal and historic sights in Israel. If you have time, check out the nearby Zichron Ya’akov, a picturesque small town popular with local artists and filled with wineries.

The Unesco-badged city of Akko sits on the Mediterranean Sea

End your day by heading up to Akko, an old port city that has been preserved thanks to Unesco with remains dating to 3,500BCE with plenty of additional Greek, Templar and Ottoman influences. Don’t miss out on the fresh seafood in Akko, either.

Hip Tel Aviv is the LGBTQ capital of Israel and a start-up hub

Next, head to Tel Aviv. Explore the coolest neighbourhoods such as Neve Tzedek, Florentin, Jaffa and the White City with the incredible variety of restaurants, bars and cafes on offer. Be sure to hit the city’s best art and design galleries, museums and cultural sites before touring the shops, boutiques and markets. By night, party at some of the bars and clubs in the underground scene or simply chill at the beach.

Jaffa is one of many cool places to visit in Tel Aviv

The coolest city in Israel, Tel Aviv is the LGBTQ capital, a vegan paradise, a hipster haven, the start-up hub of the Middle East and so, so much more.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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