Israel is a small country with a big personality – bursting with intoxicating scents, intense flavors, and buzzing energy. With so much to see and do, it’s worthwhile to plan your time efficiently to maximize your experience. Our Israel itinerary: one week in Israel offers an insider’s guide for the ultimate 7-day adventure in the Holy Land. But don’t worry if you can’t squeeze it all in this time. Israel has a way of enchanting it’s visitors, practically guaranteeing their return. Package tours like this 8 Day Israel tour are a great way to soak in the highlights with a local guide on hand. Read on to get inspired for your upcoming trip using this handy Israel itinerary.
Day 1: Soak Up The Culture (Tel Aviv)
Fall in love with the essence of Israeli culture as you wander the city. Visiting Tel Aviv’s outdoor markets is one of the best things to do in Tel Aviv. Begin your week in Israel with the undisputed queen – the Carmel Market. Here, you’ll experience a bustling mix of locals and tourists shopping for fresh produce and souvenirs. The Best of Tel Aviv and Jaffa Walking Tour is a great way to discover the Carme market along with other highlights. For a more traditional experience with less hustle and kitsch, try the Levinsky Market.
If you’re searching for antique keepsakes and souvenirs to bring home with you, head to Jaffa’s Hapishpishim flea market. There, you can hunt for treasures among the sea of knickknacks and sample some of Israel’s best hummus. In our opinion, it’s also among the best areas to stay in when visiting Tel Aviv.
DAY 2: Indulge in some Sea and Spa in Jaffa
Israel is renowned as a relaxation destination, and after your extensive travels you’re sure to be in need of some R&R. Day 2 is a perfect time to indulge in a spa day at one of Israel’s best spas. The Setai Hotel and Yoko Kitahara Japanese Spa, both in Jaffa, are the epitome of indulgence. If you prefer to relax with some ‘vitamin sea’, head to the port and hop on the Sababa 5 boat to admire the Tel Aviv skyline. In the evening, wander the artsy streets of Old Jaffa for galleries, live music, and Mediterranean views. Head to one of the city’s best restaurants, or visit the BlackOut Dark Restaurant for a truly transformative experience on your Israel itinerary.
DAY 3: Travel Through Time in Northern Israel
Whether you rent a car or join a tour, you’ll travel back in time exploring the historical gems of northern Israel. See Israel’s northern coastal highlights with a Caesarea, Haifa and Akko Tour. Or head inland for stunning scenery and notable Christian sites. Nazareth’s Basilica of the Annunciation will leave you in awe with its impressive Gallery of Madonnas. It features stunning mosaics of Madonna and Child – each representing its country of origin and envisioned through the respective cultural lens. Then head to the Sea of Galilee, which welcomes pilgrims each year by the hundreds of thousands.
Stop by Cana and Capernaum along the way and soak up the lush greenery and panoramic views of northern Israel. The Galilee, Nazareth, River Jordan and More tour packs all these sites into an inspiring day trip with a local guide. Your Israel itinerary is not complete without seeing the glorious beauty of the north. Teeming with hidden gems, visiting the Golan Heights is another highly suggested region, with plenty to do and see.
DAY 4: Soak in Spirituality in Jerusalem
Whatever your faith may be, you’re sure to be intrigued as you explore the Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Armenian quarters of Jerusalem’s Old City. As a great addition to your Israel itinerary, visit the Western Wall, walk along Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and admire the view of the Dome of the Rock. Walking through the Old City is a humbling experience, whether you explore on your own or join a guided tour.
Make sure to visit the iconic Mahane Yehuda market for some of the best food and people-watching in the world. The Best of Jerusalem day tour will show you all of the above with an informed, passionate local guide. Meanwhile the Jerusalem, Dead Sea, Bethlehem Tour guides you through all three sites – a great option if you’re short on time. Check out the best areas to stay in Jerusalem to figure out where to lodge in this mystifying city.
DAY 5: Explore Israel’s Natural Wonders (Masada, Ein Gedi, & Dead Sea)
No Israel itinerary would be complete without visiting these important sites! The best way to squeeze them all in is by joining a group tour. Hikers won’t want to miss the chance to hike to Masada at sunrise to take in the breathtaking views. But if you prefer to hit the snooze button, this tour will have you ascending in comfort via cable car. Either way, this bucket list favorite is a must! Then head to Ein Gedi and the Dead Sea to bathe under lush waterfalls, slather yourself in mud, and bob in the buoyant waters.
DAY 6: Swim with the Dolphins in Eilat
Getting to Eilat is easy! Hop on a shuttle, rent a car, or fly – but whatever you do, don’t miss out on this gem! The Red Sea is home to some of the best aquatic life in the world. Even in ankle-deep water, you’ll be in awe of the colorful fish offering a sneak-peek into the vibrant underwater world of Eilat. Go snorkeling or swim with the clowns of the sea at Eilat’s Dolphin Reef. Afterwards, relax on the Red Sea beaches as you take in the views of Jordan, Egypt, and even Saudi Arabia!
Shopaholics will delight at Eilat’s duty-free shopping and high-end stores. It’s also a great base for adventures into the desert-like this private Evening Desert Tour. Or take a hike through the beautiful Red Canyon with a Red Canyon Shuttle. The country’s southern treasures are waiting to be added to your Israel itinerary.
DAY 7: FALL IN LOVE WITH THE DESERT (ARAVA)
The Arava Desert is home to the Timna Park desert reserve, a horse-shoe-shaped valley that houses one of the world’s oldest copper mines. Discover the site’s ancient history and connections to Egyptian mythology with a Timna Shuttle Safari. Or take a Timna Park and Desert Kibbutz Agriculture Tour, to see both Timna and a modern desert kibbutz. You’ll understand more about kibbutz life while learning about the agricultural developments that contributed to Israel’s flourishing agriculture industry. After finishing your one week in Israel adventure, this is a great place to cross the border into Jordan or Egypt.
A simple and fun way of doing this is taking a 1-day tour of Petra or a 2-day tour of Petra and Wadi Rum from Eilat. Your entire Israel itinerary can be planned by us. Perhaps take time touring the highlights of Israel and Jordan on a whirlwind adventure, the 10 Day Ultimate Israel and Jordan Package Tour.
Alternately, you can head west into the Sinai desert and Egypt. For incredible desert and Red Sea views and fascinating historical sites, check out the Mount Sinai & Saint Catherine Tour. Or take a two-day trip to Cairo from Eilat and see all the historical riches the historic city has to offer. If all these experiences sound too tempting to pass up, the 14-day Israel, Jordan and Egypt package tour is the ultimate way to see it all in two whirlwind weeks.
