Escorted Tours 2023-2024

archaeological ruins of Bet Shean, best known as the site where King Saul was killed by the Philistines. Explore the fascinating excavations peppered throughout the area, which include amphitheatres, bathing houses and pagan temples. Continue on to Jerusalem, passing through the fertile plains of the Jordan Valley, dotted with palm- filled date farms, before checking into your hotel in time for your first dinner in Israel’s age-old city. Day 5: Jerusalem B/D Explore Jerusalem’s recent and ancient history on today’s full-day city tour. The morning starts with a moving visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum where you will gain insight into the grim experiences of the Jewish people during World War 2. The nine galleries of the museum display photographs, films, documents, letters, works of art, and personal items found in the camps and ghettos of Nazi Germany. After this poignant experience, visit the seat of the Israeli government at the Knesset before stopping in at the Israel Museum, home to almost 500,000 objects and artefacts. Witness the aged parchment of the Dead Sea Scrolls, which contain the oldest known biblical manuscripts, and marvel at the amazing reconstruction of Jerusalem as it was before its destruction by the Romans in 66CE. Next, wander the stall-lined alleyways in a spice-scented souk before walking through the sacred hallways of the UNESCO-recognised Church of Nativity in Bethlehem, where it is believed Christ was born. Day 6: Jerusalem B/D Churches, mosques and synagogues lie side by side in Jerusalem, a site of spiritual significance for three of the world’s major religions. On today’s tour, follow the path Jesus took to his crucifixion as you walk the Via Dolorosa, a winding street that leads to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. A visit to this church gives you access to two of Christianity’s holiest sites - the hill of crucifixion and the tomb where Christ was buried and resurrected. Journey through Kidron Valley, along the route of Jesus’ flight to the Mount of Olives, as you make your way to the centuries-old religious monuments of Temple Mount, including the gleaming, golden Dome of the Rock – an Islamic shrine and important pilgrimage site. Continue onward and join the pilgrims fervently praying at the Wailing (or Western) Wall before visiting the Antonia Fortress where Jesus was tried for his crimes. Day 7: Jerusalem B/D Enjoy today at leisure, with the chance to explore Jerusalem at your own pace. Those wishing to delve further into the city’s history might wish to take in the gnarled olive trees and colourful church of the Garden of Gethsemane or examine 6,000 years of artefacts on exhibit at the Bible Lands Museum. For those wanting a less history-focused experience, a walk down Ben-Yehuda Street gives you access to the city’s best shopping and cafés and the chance to enjoy creamy hummus or fragrant falafel in one of its eateries. Alternatively, take an optional excursion (at a fee) to the Dead Sea for the chance to float on its salt-filled waters, then explore the caves at Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered and visit the imposing natural rock fortress at Masada, the site of the battle between the Jewish people and their Roman occupiers. Day 8: Jerusalem to the UK B After breakfast, travel to Tel Aviv for your return flight, or continue on to your chosen extension. Sea of Galilee Jerusalem Mount of Beatitudes Temple Mount Meal plan: 7 breakfasts and 6 dinners Accommodation: Tel Aviv, 3 H Metropolitan Hotel Galilee, 4 H Prima Galil Hotel Jerusalem, 3 H Ibis Jerusalem City Center Flights: London Heathrow to Israel with Virgin Atlantic Tour pace: Intermediate Extend your tour Tel Aviv city stay, 4 nights, 3 H B&B from £629 Stretching along Israel’s Mediterranean coastline, Tel Aviv’s first-class eateries, pulsing night life and seaside neighbourhoods are waiting to be discovered on this extension. Departures & from prices 15 May 23 £2,099 11 Mar 24 £1,999 29 May 23 £2,199 13 May 24 £2,099 12 Jun 23 £2,299 27 May 24 £2,199 4 Sep 23 £2,299 17 Jun 24 £2,299 16 Oct 23 £2,379 2 Sep 24 £2,349 23 Oct 23 £2,349 9 Sep 24 £2,399 6 Nov 23 £2,199 16 Sep 24 £2,399 20 Nov 23 £2,349 28 Oct 24 £2,529 4 Dec 23 £1,699 4 Nov 24 £2,379 22 Jan 24 £1,699 18 Nov 24 £2,469 5 Feb 24 £1,899 2 Dec 24 £1,799 • A single supplement starts from just £539 • Tipping paid locally $200 The Middle East 121 Hundreds more escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk