2-Day Best of Israel Tour: Old Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Masada and the Dead Sea

Exploring the essence of Israel in just two days may sound like a daunting task, but the 2-Day Best of Israel Tour proves otherwise. This comprehensive itinerary whisks travelers through some of the country’s most iconic sites, from the ancient walls of Old Jerusalem to the majestic fortress of Masada and the serene shores of the Dead Sea. With expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and a seamless logistics, this tour offers an immersive experience that delves into Israel’s rich history and captivating landscapes. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this curated adventure promises to leave you with indelible memories and a deeper appreciation for the wonders of this remarkable destination.

This experience made our list of the 5 Best 2 Day Tours In Jerusalem.

Key Points

• Comprehensive 2-day tour covering iconic sites in Old Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Masada, and the Dead Sea.
• Highlights include Dome of the Rock, Garden of Gethsemane, Western Wall, and Church of the Nativity.
• Opportunity to experience the ancient fortress of Masada and the therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea.
• Tour includes transportation, hotel pickup/drop-off, and meals for a seamless and convenient experience.
• Feedback suggests large group sizes may affect the experience, with recommendations for more time at key locations.

Tour Overview and Highlights

The Best of Israel Tour offers a comprehensive 2-day experience that showcases the iconic sites of Old Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Masada, and the Dead Sea.

Travelers will visit the Dome of the Rock, Garden of Gethsemane, Western Wall, and Church of the Nativity. They’ll also explore the ancient fortress of Masada and float in the therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea.

With an average rating of 4.0 from 17 reviews, this tour allows visitors to enjoy the history and culture of Israel.

The package includes overnight accommodation, hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless and comfortable journey.

Inclusions and Logistics

The tour includes breakfast, hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, air-conditioned transportation, overnight accommodation, and all necessary food and drinks.

Confirmation emails provide final pickup details, as the tour offers pickup from selected central hotels.

However, it’s not suitable for children under 4, with a maximum group size of 40 travelers.

While the tour provides a comprehensive experience, some travelers have expressed concerns about the organization of the pickup process and the size of the group, which they felt rushed the experience at certain locations.

What to Expect

Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and a valid passport is required for the Bethlehem portion of the tour.

A moderate dress code is enforced at places of worship, where knees and shoulders must be covered. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as the tour involves a reasonable amount of walking.

The tour is situated near public transportation, and travelers may want to bring along hats, bathing suits, towels, and sun protection.

Upon arrival at the Dead Sea, visitors can look forward to floating in the mineral-rich waters and experiencing the stunning views from Masada.

Travelers may also have the opportunity to see the Dead Sea Scrolls at Qumran, providing a glimpse into ancient history.

Tour Experience and Feedback

Reviews on the tour experience have been mixed, with some travelers finding the large group sizes rushed the experience.

Others highlighted the tour’s key highlights, such as Masada and the Dead Sea, but wished they’d more time at these locations.

Concerns have also been raised about the hotel accommodations and the organization of the pickup process.

While some travelers were pleased with the knowledgeable guides, particularly for the Masada and Dead Sea experiences, others recommended booking separate day tours for a more in-depth exploration of Jerusalem.

Suggestions include meeting at a central location instead of hotel pickup to save time and improve the overall tour experience.

Traveler Recommendations

Many travelers suggest booking separate day tours for a more in-depth experience of the destinations, rather than relying solely on this 2-day tour.

Some recommend meeting at a central location instead of hotel pickup to save time and potentially improve the overall organization of the tour.

Positive feedback has been shared on the knowledgeable guides, particularly for the Masada and Dead Sea experiences.

However, some travelers wished for more time to fully explore these highlights.

While the large group size may have rushed the experience for some, others have found the 2-day format to be a convenient way to see the major sites.

Ultimately, the traveler recommendations emphasize the benefits of a more customized approach to maximize one’s time and enjoyment in Israel.

Iconic Sites Visited

The tour takes visitors to some of Israel’s most iconic religious and historical sites, including the Dome of the Rock, Garden of Gethsemane, and Western Wall in Old Jerusalem, as well as the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Travelers are also taken to the ancient fortress of Masada and the Dead Sea, where they can float in the mineral-rich waters and explore the Qumran Caves, which contain the famous Dead Sea Scrolls.

Site	Significance
Dome of the Rock	Iconic Islamic shrine
Garden of Gethsemane	Site of Jesus’ arrest
Western Wall	Remnant of ancient temple
Church of the Nativity	Birthplace of Jesus

Breathtaking Views and Activities

From the ancient fortress of Masada, visitors can soak in breathtaking panoramic views of the Judean Desert and the Dead Sea below.

Guests can then float effortlessly in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea, one of the world’s saltiest bodies of water, for a unique and relaxing experience.

This tour also includes a visit to Qumran, where the famous Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, offering a chance to learn about the region’s fascinating history.

With comfortable walking shoes and sun protection, travelers can enjoy these stunning natural landscapes, creating memories that will last long after the tour ends.

Accommodation and Pickup Details

Conveniently, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, allowing travelers to easily access the starting point and return to their accommodations after the full-day experience. The tour provides overnight accommodation, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout the journey. To streamline the logistics, the tour operator offers pickup from selected central hotels, providing confirmation details via email prior to the tour.

Accommodation	Pickup
Overnight Stay	Hotel Pickup
Included	Confirmation Email
Comfort	Central Locations
Convenience	Time-Saving
No Additional Cost	Hassle-Free

This seamless arrangement enables travelers to focus on seeing the tour’s highlights without worrying about transportation or lodging.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Daily Schedule of the Tour?

The daily schedule typically includes visiting iconic sites, experiencing views from Masada, floating in the Dead Sea, and seeing the Dead Sea Scrolls at Qumran. The tour includes overnight accommodation and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Can We Request Stops at Additional Sites?

Travelers may be able to request additional stops, though this would depend on the tour provider’s itinerary and schedule. It’s best to inquire about customization options when booking the tour to see if additional sites can be included.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Meals?

The tour includes breakfast, but the provider doesn’t specify any dietary restrictions for the meals. Travelers with special dietary needs should contact the tour operator directly to inquire about accommodations.

Can We Extend Our Stay at the Dead Sea?

Travelers can likely extend their stay at the Dead Sea, though this would need to be arranged separately from the tour. The tour package includes a visit to the Dead Sea, but does not offer an extended stay option.

Is Travel Insurance Included in the Tour Package?

The tour package does not include travel insurance. Travelers are responsible for purchasing their own travel insurance to cover any unexpected events or emergencies that may occur during the trip.

The Sum Up

The 2-day Best of Israel Tour offers an immersive exploration of the country’s iconic sites and stunning landscapes.

Travelers will visit historic locations, enjoy breathtaking views, and experience the unique thrill of floating in the Dead Sea, all while being accommodated and guided by knowledgeable professionals.

This tour provides an unforgettable journey through Israel’s rich history and natural wonders.