Family Fun in Israel
Jerusalem, Tiberias Tel AvivWith a fascinating history, superb cuisine, immense natural beauty and a warm inviting culture, Israel is a wonderful destination for a family adventure. Whether floating in the Dead Sea, slipping a prayer into the Wailing Wall, tasting the delicious foods from the market stalls, or sifting for ancient relics in Temple Mount soil, the memories will last a lifetime.
Journey highlights
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Let your guide bring to life the religious history and stories of the Holy City and its iconic landmarks and attractions. Play archaeologist at the Temple Mount Project, helping to sift the ancient soil to uncover fragments from the past.
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Learn about Israel’s past and modern history with trips to King Herod’s Masada Fortress, the ancient remnants of 6,000-year-old Beit She’an, as well as Ammunition Hill, the battlefield and memorial to those who lost their lives fighting the Six-Day War in 1967.
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Soak up the natural beauty of the Holy Land with a float in the saline waters of the Dead Sea, a hike through the natural oasis of Ein Gedi Nature Reserve and a stay by the Sea of Galilee.
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Savour the incredible food and produce on offer in the local markets and share lunch with a Druze family, learning about their culture and daily lives, while a visit to a kibbutz throws the light on these collective communities.
- Exceptional itinerary:A harmonious blend of authenticity and superlative luxury, our Exceptional Journeys are designed for the discerning traveller, providing unparalleled insider access and exclusive luxury private experiences
Our tailor made journeys include:
- Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
- Private international airport transfers in destination
- Your own private, English-speaking local guides
- Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
- Entrance to must-see local sites
- Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
- Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support
When to visit
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The best time to visit climate-wise is in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the daytime temperatures aren't too extreme. Winter can be cold and rainy in some areas.
Itinerary
Flight to Jerusalem
Jerusalem
On arrival in Jerusalem, you will be taken to your base for the following four nights, The David Citadel. This is one of the city’s finest hotels, enjoying a fabulous location overlooking the Old City Walls, Tower of David, and the Jaffa Gate. Ideal for families, while the adults will appreciate the luxe accommodation, excellent dining and spa, younger family members will enjoy the large children’s playroom, Funland, full of games and activities for those aged 2-16 years, as well as the outdoor heated pool.
During your stay in the Holy City, you will enjoy a guided tour of the Old City’s highlights. Your guide will bring to life the historic stories of these ancient narrow passageways, cobbled streets, and religious landmarks. Highlights include the Jewish Quarter, the famous Wailing Wall, and the Dome of the Rock, which is Jerusalem’s holiest shrine. Children will particularly enjoy the chance to slip a prayer into one of the cracks in the Wailing Wall.
There’s also the opportunity for all the family to become archaeologists by helping to uncover ancient relics at the Mount Temple Project. The soil, which contains fragments of jewellery, tiles, weapons, and countless other historic items, was removed from the Mount Temple site to protect its archaeological value. It is now a community project, where people can sift the soil and learn more about the cultural history of the city, while helping to find buried treasures.
Wandering the local markets is another family activity to be enjoyed by all ages and the trip includes a tour of the famous Machane Yehuda Market, where everything from street food to fine dining is on offer. The sights, smells, colourful produce and tasting opportunities makes this a fun and delicious experience. You will also enjoy a trip up to the Ammunition Hill Memorial and Museum. Site of one of the fiercest battles of the Six-Day War in 1967, it is a tribute to those who died fighting for the liberation and reunification of Jerusalem, offering an insight into the country’s more recent history.
Other activities which may appeal to families include cooling off in the splash fountains and water play areas of the many local parks, visiting the Israel Museum to see the Dead Sea Scrolls, replica synagogues from all over the world and miniature model of ancient Jerusalem and learning more about the city’s long history at the Tower of David Museum.
Also included is a guided day trip to explore the ruins of Masada, the natural oasis of Ein Gedi Nature Reserve and to experience the incredible sensation of floating in the Dead Sea. Built by King Herod, the mountain top fortress of Masada is an impressive archaeological site. You can hike up via Snake Pass or use the cable car to take you to the top of the fortress, for one of the most spectacular views in all of Israel. This was the last stronghold of the Zealots against the Romans during the First Revolt in AD70.
For a swim like no other, there’s a chance to float in the saline waters of the Dead Sea, a memorable experience everyone will enjoy. You will also visit the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve. A natural oasis in the middle of the desert, it is one of Israel’s premier hiking spots. Take a scenic 60-minute hike to David Spring, for another refreshing dip in the waterfall pool, while scouting for the ibex and hyrax who live here.
Accommodation: David Citadel Hotel ( 4 nights )
Tiberias & Sea of Galilee
From Jerusalem, you will then head north to Tiberias on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. The city is one of four holy cities in Judaism and is a popular local holiday destination. For the next two nights, you will be based at Scots Hotel, nestled between the majestic Golan Heights, green landscape of Galilee and blue waters of the lake. The hotel offers a relaxing and rejuvenating environment with lush gardens, homegrown produce, and peaceful spa, while style-wise the interiors are a charming blend of Israeli and Scottish influences and design.
Along the way you will stop to explore the archaeological site of Beit She’an. With evidence of ancient civilisations dating back over 6,000 years, this is one of Israel’s oldest settlements. It is also the site of the famous battle between the Israelites and Philistines, where King Saul and his three sons were hung. The journey also includes a visit to a kibbutz to meet those that live and work there, learning about their daily lives, along with the philosophy and history of kibbutzim communities. There is also the opportunity for a swim in the Sea of Galilee. The lowest freshwater lake in the world, it is where Jesus is said to have performed his miracles including walking on water, feeding the masses, and calming the storm.
The following day includes a hike to Tel Dan. Located in the foothills of Mount Hermon, Tel Dan was once a biblical city on the river Jordan. Today, this one-hour hike will take you to the 5,000-year-old remains of this once great city. For lunch, you will enjoy a home-hosted meal with a local Druze family, during which you can all learn about each other’s culture and daily lives.
Accommodation: Scots Hotel ( 2 nights )
Tel Aviv
The final stop on your tour is the fabulous city of Tel Aviv. For the next three nights, the David Kempinski will be your base from which to explore this fascinating blend of the old and new. The property offers endless sea views and direct access to the beachfront promenade. Boasting sleek luxurious interiors, flawless hospitality, relaxed fine dining, spa, fitness centre and impressive infinity pool, it’s the ideal location to unwind at the end of the holiday.
Tel Aviv is a beguiling cocktail of ancient and modern Israel, and your stay includes an informative guided tour. The old city port of Jaffa, with its narrow alleyways, cobbled streets and Ottoman-stone buildings is home to many local artists, art galleries, boutiques, and cafés, making it a lovely place to wander and browse. While modern highlights include Neve Tzedek, the city first district built in 1887, the local and regional delicacies on offer at Carmel Market, the UNESCO-listed Bauhaus architecture and the promenade lined with chic cafés, restaurants, and boutiques. The tour will include a chance to trace the culture and history of the city through its street art and graffiti.
While the beach will always provide lots of family fun, for more educational activities, the city has some superb museums and interesting landmarks. These include Independence Hall, where David Ben-Guiron signed the Declaration of Independence in 1948, creating the modern state of Israel. For those interested in Jewish history, Beit Hatfutsot tells the 2,000-year story of the Jewish Diaspora, or head to the Steinhardt Museum of Natural History, for informative and interactive exhibits. At the Innovation Centre, visitors can learn more about the impact the country’s cutting-edge technology is making throughout the world, while the Palmach Museum documents the lives of 10 Israeli soldiers from 1941 and the Second World War to 1948 and the War of Independence.
Having enjoyed a range of experiences and made many lasting memories, on your final day you will be transferred back to Tel Aviv Airport to make the journey home.
Accommodation: The David Kempinski ( 3 nights )
Flight from Tel Aviv
Call us on 020 3468 1971 to start planning your holiday.
Price Guide: (per person based on double occupancy and includes international flights)
| Departing |
Price from*
|
Deposit from * | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 2024 | GBP £9,600 | GBP £1,400 | plan your trip |
| May 2024 | GBP £8,100 | GBP £1,200 | plan your trip |
| June 2024 | GBP £8,100 | GBP £1,200 | plan your trip |
| July 2024 | GBP £8,100 | GBP £1,200 | plan your trip |
| August 2024 | GBP £8,100 | GBP £1,200 | plan your trip |
| September 2024 | GBP £11,100 | GBP £1,700 | plan your trip |
| October 2024 | GBP £11,100 | GBP £1,700 | plan your trip |
| November 2024 | GBP £11,100 | GBP £1,700 | plan your trip |
| December 2024 | GBP £11,100 | GBP £1,700 | plan your trip |
| January 2025 | GBP £11,100 | GBP £1,700 | plan your trip |
| February 2025 | GBP £11,100 | GBP £1,700 | plan your trip |
| March 2025 | GBP £11,100 | GBP £1,700 | plan your trip |
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April 2024
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £9,600
Deposit from*GBP £1,400
-
May 2024
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £8,100
Deposit from*GBP £1,200
-
June 2024
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £8,100
Deposit from*GBP £1,200
-
July 2024
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £8,100
Deposit from*GBP £1,200
-
August 2024
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £8,100
Deposit from*GBP £1,200
-
September 2024
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £11,100
Deposit from*GBP £1,700
-
October 2024
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £11,100
Deposit from*GBP £1,700
-
November 2024
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £11,100
Deposit from*GBP £1,700
-
December 2024
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £11,100
Deposit from*GBP £1,700
-
January 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £11,100
Deposit from*GBP £1,700
-
February 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £11,100
Deposit from*GBP £1,700
-
March 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £11,100
Deposit from*GBP £1,700
- plan your trip
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