Essence of Palestine

Essence of Palestine

Private Tour

9 Days | 8 Nights


Tour Schedule

Welcome to Palestine! We will wait for you at the airport to welcome you and start our day tour in Tel Aviv. 

We will drive through the city of Tel Aviv so that you get a glimpse of its alluring cosmopolitan vibe. We will get to the Port of Jaffa and the old town; Jaffa is not called the 'Bride of the sea' for no reason. The port is one of the oldest, most captivating ports around the World. And the alleys of the ancient city are refreshingly beautiful and filled with old shops, cafés, galleries, and bookstores. We will have tasty seafood for lunch in one of the famous Jaffa restaurants.

If time permits, you can enjoy a nice walk on the beautiful beach of Jaffa before heading to Bethlehem, which is around a 70 Km ride. Overnight at the hotel.

After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we begin our tour of the city where Jesus Christ was born. Bethlehem has plenty to offer for those interested in theology and History. 

We will start the day with a city tour. What better way to absorb the atmosphere of this ancient holy city than to stroll through its hidden side streets with your local specialist?

Stroll through the old market (Al Souq). Step from antique handicraft shops to renowned landmarks finding alleyways with impossible beauty along the way. Then we will proceed to The Church of Nativity 
and the Separation Wall. It is A looming 8-meter-high concrete wall lined with watch towers, cameras, and barbed wire that divides Palestinian neighborhoods and land. Ironically, this wall is an unfinished masterpiece of resistance and resilience through art. 

Here you will visit the walled-off Hotel & Museum, where you will be blown away by Banksy's creative and controversial creations.

Trying Palestinian food is like taking a magical journey with your senses; tonight, you will discover new flavors, aromas, and colors as you push the famous Palestinian Fukuhara. Mezze, soft drinks, dessert, and Arabic coffee included.

Overnight in Bethlehem.
 

After breakfast, we will drive to Beit Sahour. This historic town, whose name means "Place of the Night Watch," about the Shepherds who keep watch over their flock by night, lies 1.6 km east of Bethlehem. In the past, the Canaanites inhabited its numerous caves, and today it is the home of many churches and convents. Churches now mark the sites of Shepherds Field, the Field of Ruth, and the Well of the Lady.

We will Visit the Shepherd's Field, located in the town of Beit Sahour 2 km east of Bethlehem, and this is where the angel of the Lord is said to have appeared before shepherds, bringing them good tidings of the birth of Jesus. Joined with many heavenly hosts, the angel sang, 'Glory to God in the Highest and on Earth, Peace among men.'  

Upon arrival at Hebron, we will begin the tour with Hebron's specialty, The Qidreh. It is a traditional Palestinian dish consisting of meat (usually lamb, sometimes chicken) cooked with chickpeas and rice in a broth spiced with ingredients such as cumin, allspice, cardamom, black pepper, and turmeric. You will not regret it! 

Afterward, we will head to the colorful stalls and vendors in Hebron's old market, or souq in Arabic flaunts a variety of local goods and handicrafts like pottery, olivewood, blown glass, aromatic spices, and dried fruits. One of Hebron's specialties is dibs, molasses-like syrup made from Hebron's infamous grapes, which can also be tasted in the vineyards of Halhul, a nearby village.

Next, we visit the Abraham Mosque-Cave of the Patriarchs, a holy site for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It is considered the resting place of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and their wives. The complex houses a carved walnut Minbar made of fine marble and mosaics that is considered a masterpiece of intricate artistry.

We will drive back to Bethlehem for a great dinner and overnight.

After a delicious Palestinian breakfast, be ready for a full day strolling around learning about History. We will start driving to Herodion National Park, a significant archaeological site home to an impressive palace dating to the time of King Herod.  

Later, Monastery of Temptation & Wadi Qelt: You'll find two of the best views. First is the Monastery, where Jesus spent 40 days fasting and meditating. Second is Palestine's finest natural reserve, Wadi al Qelt. This would be a great chance to glimpse Palestinian History and nature. 

The tour continues to Hisham's Palace. This unique mosaic-paved Omayyad Palace is known for its unique architecture and the 'tree of life mosaic.' One of the sites that can be noticed when in Jericho.

Be ready to enjoy a fantastic Palestinian dinner in Jerusalem. Overnight.

 

 

In the morning, you will witness the Good Samaritan Museum. The museum offers archeological remains, including splendid mosaics from the Byzantine period. One of the museum's wings is dedicated to the Samaritan community's story, History, and customs. Another archeological site worth visiting is the Qumran national park,  where the Dead Sea scrolls were found. Then we can head to the Nabi Musa, a mosque and a Palestinian locality in Jericho, believed to contain the tomb of Moses. 

Finally, you'll swim in the deepest Salt Lake in the World and use its famous minerals and mud for skin exfoliation and natural healing with a well-deserved meal.

Overnight in Jerusalem.

For breakfast, we will be sure that you will taste the famous Falafel and Kaek of the city before you delve into Jerusalem's sights, sounds, and smells. This city is a perfect blend of History, culture, and foreign influences, and with our experienced local guide by your side, you won't miss a thing.

Wall & Gates: before we enter the charming old city, we must show you the legendary wall surrounding it. You'll learn about the wall's History, structure, and architecture. You'll also know all about its seven legendary gates, current state, and historical ones. You will walk through the Mughrabi Gate to the Noble Sanctuary, where the beautiful Dome of the Rock & Al Aqsa Mosque is located. Then you will pass Via Dolorosa & the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Walk down the alleys of the old city to the exact path where Jesus walked with his cross to the site of his crucifixion and resurrection, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. You will be able to attend the Four Quarters of the Old City. You'll experience four different cultures, culinary delights, and atmospheres; the Muslim, the Christian, the Jewish, and the Armenian. All in one old city. All in one day.

Before heading to Ramallah, you will enjoy an atmospheric lunch of Armenian specialties. The ride will take around 1 hour with views of the Palestinian landscape, villages, and the wall.

Overnight in  Ramallah

We will start the day with Sebastia. The archeological site is a tremendous treat for lovers of the old. We'll take a ride and reach the area that dates back thousands of years! It's a beautiful place to start the day.
Then we will proceed to Jacob's Well. This is a deep rock-hewn well where Jesus asked a Samaritan for a drink and offered her living water. It's an Architectural masterpiece in the crypt of a Greek church.

You can freshen up as we treat you with a satisfying local lunch before visiting the Old City of Nablus. Historic streets, local vendors, and a wide variety of local handcrafts and produce. It's a place for cheap buys and unique souvenirs. Before we leave the old city, you'll get to try Kunafeh. The sweet Palestinian Nablus is renowned for. It's delicious.
Then Mount Gerizim, one of the West Bank's highest peaks and where Samaritans have been dwelling for thousands of years. They have a lavish lifestyle. You'll also learn about it in the Samaritan Museum if we have time.

Ride to Ramallah for dinner and overnight: The ride is around 36 km. And if you find yourself wanting some extra adventure, Ramallah is known for its nightlife. We'll be happy to experience its food at a nice place.

Ovenight in Ramallah.

We will begin exploring Ramallah by visiting this renowned museum, built in honor of the cherished Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish. Then head to the Yaser Arafat Museum, where you can glimpse Palestine's political History.

For lunch, you will experience a Food Crawl in the old city of Ramallah. On this walking tour, you'll walk and hop from one shop to another. We'll take you to the city's hidden havens for Shawarma, Hummus, Falafel, kayak, Palestinian barbecue & Salads, and Mana'esh. You'll also get to try a variety of traditional desserts along with some Arabic coffee. And for the lovers of fresh fruits and vegetables and authentic atmospheres, the conventional vegetable market with its bustling atmosphere would be waiting for you.

If time permits, you can taste the Palestinian wine in Al Taybeh. This small village perched high above the Judaean Hills overlooks the Judaean Desert, the Jordan Valley, Jericho, and the Dead Sea. Named "The Goodly" for its inhabitants' warmth, it provides the opportunity to meet locals and taste Palestinian wine & beer at the Taybeh Brewery. 

Our journey through Palestine comes to an end this morning. We'll bid you a warm farewell, hoping to see you again for another unforgettable experience. Transfer to the Bridge/Airport.