That evening, OutWest will host an orientation and welcome dinner. Shalom!
Accommodations: Prima Royale Hotel

DAY TWO.   TOUR OF JERUSALEM'S OLD CITY.  Jerusalem is best known as the spiritual center of the world’s three main monotheistic faiths- Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Within a short walk you can find Christians praying at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jews dancing by the Western Wall, and Muslims prostrate before the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

The day begins with an ascent of the Mount of the Olives for a panoramic view of the golden city. In the old city of Jerusalem we’ll walk around the outer walls of the old city and view the different quarters. Within the old city, we’ll visit the Armenian quarter, Via Dolorosa (Stations of the Cross), Jewish quarter, and Cardo, the ancient marketplace from the second temple era.
Accommodations: Prima Royale Hotel 

DAY THREE.   FREE MORNING IN JERUSALEM, CROSS THE JUDEAN DESERT, AND SWIM/SPA IN THE DEAD SEA.  You’ll have the morning free in Jerusalem to explore some of the city on your own.

In the afternoon, we’ll drive to the Dead Sea. Enjoy a chance to “swim/float” in the world-famous rejuvenating waters of the Dead Sea. Spa treatments are available at the resort. Overnight at the Dead Sea resort.
Accommodations: Kfar Giladi Guesthouse

DAY FOUR.   HIKE MASADA, BEIT SHE'AN, AND GALILEE KIBBUTZ.  After a very early morning departure, we’ll drive to the base of the famous fortress of Masada. Masada, a desert mesa rising high above the Dead Sea, figures prominently in Israeli history. Here 967 Jewish men, women, and children held up against 8,000 Roman troops in 66 AD. After defending the Masada for months, the Romans finally had built a ramp up the fortress wall. Instead of surrendering in defeat, the Zealots set fire to their homes and killed themselves. At sunrise, we’ll hike up the switchback trail and tour the sites.

After the morning in Masada, we’ll drive north toward the Galilee and along the banks of the Jordan River. We visit the excavations of Beit She’an. First established during the 5th Century B.C. in the heart of the fertile Galilee area, Beit She’an was blessed with plenty of water and located at the crossroads of major thoroughfares. After extensive excavations, one of the best preserved Roman-Byzantine cities was discovered and a very large amphitheater with mosaic floors can be seen.

That evening we arrive at the kibbutz in the Galilee.
Accommodations: Kfar Giladi Guesthouse

DAY FIVE.   ANCIENT CITIES AND HIKING.  Begin the day with a short drive to nature reserves of Tel Dan. Enjoy a hike along the Hatzbani River before heading up to the Golan Heights for a visit to Nimrod’s Castle. Nimrod is perched on a hill in the Upper Galilee and is one of the larger fortresses in the Middle East. It controlled the northern Galilee and the route to Damascus. The present structure was rebuilt by medieval architects. There is still some controversy whether the design is Arabic or Crusader (or a bit of both). Drive through the small towns and villages of the Golan Heights – learn about the population of the area. Visit Mount Ben Tal for a view from the Golan Heights west towards the Galilee, north towards Lebanon and east into Syria. That evening enjoy dinner on the kibbutz.
Accommodations:  Kfar Giladi Guesthouse 

DAY SIX.   EXPLORE BIBLICAL SITES, ANCIENT CAVES, AND HISTORIC PORTS.  After we check out of the hotel, we proceed south towards the Sea of Galilee and visit Capernaum, where Christ taught, and Tabgha, site of the miracle of loaves and fishes.

Then we travel on to Rosh HaNikra, the natural reserve of unique fauna and flora. After admiring the amazing views, descend the chalk-cliff by cable car down to the seaside grottos. At the Crusader Castle of Monfort we hike through the agricultural area.

A UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back over 3,000 years, the port city of Akko seduces the visitor with its narrow alleys, slender minarets, secret passageways, subterranean vaults, and impressive ramparts. Inside the walled city are many fortresses, citadels, marketplaces, churches and mosques all depicting the history of the many rulers.
Accommodations: Akkotel

DAY SEVEN.   THE PORT CITY OF HAIFA, ROMAN RUINS IN CAESAREA, AND MODERN TEL AVIV.  In Haifa we stop for a panoramic view of the golden domed Bahai Temple and Persian Gardens.

In route to Tel Aviv, we visit Caesarea, one of the great cities of antiquity. The seaside location was occupied by the Phoenicians in the 3rd and 4th centuries BC. In 22 BC Herod, a Roman ruler, aimed to build the most grandiose city imaginable. Over the next 100 years, grand structures were built including breakwaters for a harbor and an amphitheater.

While Jerusalem is associated with everything ancient and traditional, Tel Aviv is associated with everything modern. The seaside city has many beaches along its west coast. The shore is lined with volleyball pits, boardwalks, outdoor vendors, and chic cafes. Israel has a very progressive attitude toward gays and lesbians and Tel Aviv is the center of Israeli gay life.
Accommodations: Art Plus Hotel

DAY EIGHT.   TOUR OF TEL AVIV AND JAFFA.  The day begins with a walking tour of Rothschild Boulevard, known for its Bauhaus Architecture. Then we continue to Neve Tzedek, one of the oldest restored neighborhoods in Tel Aviv. We visit the old port of Jaffa, now an artist colony with cafes, shops, art galleries, and flea markets. The history of Jaffa goes back over 4,000 years with Jewish, Egyptian, Christian, Ottoman, and Arab influences. That evening enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants. Those who are up for it can enjoy some nightlife at one of Tel Aviv’s gay clubs or cafes.
Accommodations: Art Plus Hotel 

DAY NINE.   FAREWELL, EXTEND YOUR TIM IN TEL AVIV, OR CONTINUE TO EGYPT.  With so much to do and see in Tel Aviv, we suggest you spend an extra night. For those continuing on our OutWest “Egypt” tour, you will have one extra night between tours. For others, we will help you arrange transfers to the airport- a 20 minute cab ride. Farewell!