Five Days in Israel & the Palestinian Territories
Five Days in Israel & the Palestinian Territories
5 Days Starting in Jerusalem and ending in Tel Aviv
Visiting: Israel
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ENYI
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Physical rating:
Low, Low
Age range:
18-35 years
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
From the holy history to the hidden bars, there’s just nowhere quite like Israel and the Palestinian Territories. You’ll kick off your five-day adventure by eating your way around Jerusalem's lively Machane Yehuda Market (known for its deliciously fresh food), then walk the beautiful streets of the Old City on a walking tour. Hike through enchanting desert-scapes in Ein Gedi National Park and maybe soak off the sweat in the Dead Sea. Visit Bethlehem and discover thought-provoking street art along the West Bank Barrier (including a Banksy piece!) and wander with the sole purpose of getting lost. Drive through countryside and arrive in the seaside party town of Tel Aviv for a long night to remember.
Highlights
Itinerary
Shalom! Welcome to Jerusalem. You’ve got the whole day free to explore this vibrant city (depending on when you get here of course) before you join up with your crew at a welcome meeting this afternoon at 4.30 pm. Before then, you could grab a coffee from one of the cafes, or a cold one from the many bars and restaurants near your hostel. After your important meeting, head out on an orientation walk up to the very cool Machane Yehuda Market. Here you can sample tasty local eats using your bite card at any of the vendors. Your leader will leave you here so you can kick-on after dark. We recommend getting the crew together at one of the many laneway bars and watch the market come to life in the evening or go for a wander to check out the amazing graffiti popping up on shop shutters.
Day 2 Jerusalem
This morning drive to Jaffa Gate where you will start a walking tour of the Old City from above and below! Start with the Ramparts Walk from Jaffa Gate all the way to Herod’s Gate. This will take about 45 minutes. Go down at Herod’s Gate and walk along the Via Dolorosa (Stations of the Cross), stopping at the Austrian Hospice for a short break and go up to the rooftop for a view of the Old City, before continuing to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Walk to the Wailing (Western) Wall stopping at the 'Cardo' in the recently restored Jewish Quarter. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to do as you please.
Day 3 Jerusalem
Rise and shine nice and early (approximately 5 am) to drive out to the spectacular cliff-top fortress of Masada, near the Dead Sea. Kick off the day with an early morning hike up the Masada Snake Path which winds its way up approximately 400 meters from the lowest point on earth (The Dead Sea) to the Peak. This UNESCO site is super important to the Jewish people, a symbol of their exile from the Holy Land and of bravery and self-sacrifice. The story goes that here a Jewish sect called the zealots held out against the Roman army in AD66. Rather than surrender, they either fought to the death or committed suicide, every last man, woman and child. Catch the Cable Car back down then drive to the Dead Sea for a float in the salty waters. Apparently, Cleopatra used products from the area as part of her beauty regime, which also allegedly included animal milk and almond extract! After soaking in the salty waters, transfer back to your hostel in Jerusalem for a free evening.
Day 4 Tel Aviv
This morning, check out of your hostel and head to the Mount of Olives for a panoramic view of the Old City. From there, drive to Bethlehem – no doubt you're familiar with it from all the Christmas carols and nativity plays. Drop by the Church of the Nativity, built on where it is said Jesus was born, and also head to the Shepherd’s Fields, where the angels appeared to bring the good news. You’ll also have time to explore the graffiti walls that have been added across the years, including by Banksy. Learn the personal stories behind some of the more prominent pieces. Afterwards, continue on to Tel Aviv via the ancient port city of Jaffa, the basis of modern Tel Aviv. Once checked-in to your hostel, join a sunset bike ride (approximately 2 hours) to get acquainted with this vibrant seaside city. Tonight, why not get the gang together and hit the town this evening – Tel Aviv is known for its happening nightlife scene.
Day 5 Tel Aviv
There aren’t any activities planned for today, so you’re free to leave the hostel at any time. That doesn’t mean your Middle Eastern adventure has to come to an end! If you’re looking at spending more time in Tel Aviv, we don’t blame you. We’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).
What's Included
-
Bethlehem - Church of the Nativity & Shepherds' Field
-
Jerusalem - Walk on the Ramparts of the Old City
-
Jerusalem - Machane Yehuda Market & Bite Card
-
Jerusalem - Western Wall (Wailing Wall)
-
Dead Sea - Visit and float
-
Jerusalem - Church of the Holy Sepulchre
-
Masada - Snake Path Hike
-
Jaffa - Town Visit
-
Masada - Entrance & Cable Car one-way
-
Bethlehem - Grafitti Walking Tour
What's Not Included
-
Tipping and Gratuities
-
International Travel
Included Activities
- Jerusalem - Machane Yehuda Market & Bite Card
- Jerusalem - Walk on the Ramparts of the Old City
- Jerusalem - Western Wall (Wailing Wall)
- Jerusalem - Church of the Holy Sepulchre
- Dead Sea - Visit and float
- Masada - Entrance & Cable Car one-way
- Masada - Snake Path Hike
- Jaffa - Town Visit
- Jerusalem - Mount of Olives
- Bethlehem - Grafitti Walking Tour
- Bethlehem - Church of the Nativity & Shepherds' Field
Transport
- Private bus
Accommodation
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
- Accommodation on the Israel portion of this trip is in dorm rooms with up to 12 travellers. They may not all be fellow Intrepid travellers and your group could be split across different rooms. Where possible (and unless requested otherwise) we will accommodate you in same gender rooms.
Important Information
- 1.A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
- 2.This trip starts with a welcome meeting at 4.30pm on Day 1 in Jerusalem. This allows time after the joining meeting to explore the Machane Yehuda Market & take advantage of your included Bite Card.
- 3.Accommodation on this trip is in dorm rooms with up to 12 travellers. They may not all be fellow Intrepid travellers and your group could be split across different rooms. Where possible (and unless requested otherwise) we will accommodate you in same gender rooms. People travelling together may occasionally be separated due to rooming configurations.
Check out our Q&As
-
Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No, this trip is catered for those aged 18-29 years
-
Is this trip right for you
This trip is made for travellers who value their independence but also want the benefit of a local leader and a group of like-minded travellers. We recommend budgeting a little extra cash for activities that aren’t included in your free time.
Accommodation on this trip is in dorm rooms with up to 12 travellers. They may not all be fellow Intrepid travellers, and your group could be split across different rooms. Where possible (and unless requested otherwise) we will accommodate you in same gender rooms.
It’s not all hot desert days in Israel! Be sure to pack clothes that will prepare you for varying temperatures, especially during November – March.
Sites can get congested during peak travel periods with coaches of large pilgrim groups. We do our best to plan our visits around these times but sometimes it is unavoidable. There may be delays, queues and private services that prevent us from entering the site. Your trip leader will manage this as best as they can on the day. -
Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No
-
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
-
Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No
-
Are international flights included in this tour?
No
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
COVID Protection
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and other Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
This policy excludes all Polar trips and select adventure cruises, where testing and vaccination remains a requirement. Please refer to the Essential Trip Information of your chosen tour for more details.