15 Best Israel Tours

Written by Jan Meeuwesen
Updated on
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Dripping in history, Israel’s ancient cities and magnificent landscapes are mesmerizing to explore and the sheer wealth of historic and religious sites is astounding. The Holy Land is home to some of the most important sites of three of the world’s major religions; the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Western Wall, and Al-Aqsa Mosque are just some of the stupendous sights you can expect to see.

With so much to see and do, it can be hard to know where to start. To help you out, here are some of the best tours that will take you to all corners of this amazing country.

1. Masada & The Dead Sea Full Day Tour from Tel Aviv

Masada & The Dead Sea Full DaySource: getyourguide.com
Masada & The Dead Sea Full Day

A very popular tour that comes highly rated by those who have been on it, this full-day excursion sees you visit the spectacular Masada and float in the salty waters of the Dead Sea.

After you are picked up from Tel Aviv, you will be whisked away to the ancient King Herod fortress at Masada; the panoramic views of the Judean Hills are mesmerizingly beautiful.

Having learned about the history of the place, it is time to head to the Dead Sea, where you can bathe in the healing waters and take a replenishing mud bath. A marvelous day out, this tour is well worth checking out.

2. From Tel Aviv: Jerusalem, Dead Sea & Bethlehem Full-Day Tour

JerusalemSource: Sean Pavone / shutterstock
Jerusalem

Jam-packed with amazing things to see and do, this full-day tour will live long in the memory, as you visit not only Jerusalem and the Dead Sea but Bethlehem too.

Wandering around the Old City of Jerusalem is an incredible experience; you’ll be astounded at the age and majesty of everything before you. Highlights include stops at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Western Wall.

After that, it’s off to the Dead Sea, where you can take a dip in its therapeutic waters. If you so desire, you can also include a trip to Bethlehem where Jesus Christ was reportedly born.


3. New Jerusalem: Holy City Tour

Jerusalem, IsraelSource: Rostislav Ageev / shutterstock
Jerusalem

With over 5000 years of history on offer, exploring Jerusalem is a captivating affair. This tour will certainly set your heart racing with all the beautiful, historic sights that you pass by.

With stops at the Temple Mount, Dome of the Rock, and Zion Gate included and an expert guide on hand, you’ll learn all there is to know about these incredible sights.

Dripping in history, Jerusalem needs to be seen to be believed; visitors invariably come away astounded at all that this amazing city has to offer.

4. Caesarea, Haifa & Akko Day Trip from Tel Aviv

Caesarea, IsraelSource: kavram / shutterstock
Caesarea

A wonderful tour, this day-trip picks you up from Tel Aviv and takes you to explore the country’s Mediterranean Coastline. On the way, you’ll see Roman Ruins, lush gardens, and beautiful grottoes.

Starting out in Caesarea, you’ll wander around one of the largest Roman amphitheaters ever built, before exploring the delightful harbor city. After that, it’s off to Haifa to enjoy the spectacular Baha’i Gardens.

The day culminates in a visit to Akko, which has a charming port, bustling bazaar, and beautiful city walls, as well as stunning views out over the Mediterranean.


5. Nazareth, Tiberias & Sea of Galilee Day Trip from Tel Aviv

Nazareth, IsraelSource: eFesenko / shutterstock
Nazareth

On this full-day tour from Tel Aviv, you’ll visit some of the most famous and beautiful sights in the whole of the Holy Land. This tour is wildly popular amongst people who have been on it.

Starting off in Nazareth, your guide will tell you all there is to know about the Church of Annunciation and other historic sites before you head off to the Mount of Beatitudes in Tiberias.

In addition to this, you’ll stop by the Jordan River, where you can get baptized. There are further visits included to the ancient synagogue of Capernaum and the Sea of Galilee.

6. New Jerusalem: Mount of Olives Tour

Mount Of Olives TourSource: getyourguide.com
Mount Of Olives Tour

A very important burial place, Mount of Olives is full of history and has been used for millennia by numerous kingdoms and empires. The view of Jerusalem is simply stunning.

This three-hour tour will teach you all about the rich history of the place and your knowledgeable guide will entertain and inform you in equal measure about the Mount of Olives.

On the way up the hillside, you’ll visit the olive trees themselves, find hidden treasures, and stop by the Church of Mary’s Tomb – among other impressive sights.


7. Dead Sea, Jerusalem, and Bethlehem: Full-Day Tour from Eilat

Dead SeaSource: vvvita / shutterstock
Dead Sea

Starting out from Eilat, this fantastic full-day tour takes you through the wilderness of the Negev Desert until you reach the Dead Sea, where you can bathe in its healing waters.

After that, head to marvelous Jerusalem. The tour of the Old City is particularly memorable, as you wander along Via Dolorosa and stop by such historic sites as the Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

The day culminates with an optional visit to Bethlehem, where you can check out the renowned Church of the Nativity and learn all about the historic site.

8. Old Jaffa & Tel Aviv Segway Tour

Old Jaffa & Tel Aviv Segway TourSource: getyourguide.com
Old Jaffa & Tel Aviv Segway Tour

Great fun, this segway tour is a thrilling way to explore the ancient port of Jaffa. On the way, you’ll pass the old city walls, Beit Bialik, and the first Jewish neighborhood that sprung up outside of the city.

After that, it’s time to shoot off and explore the bustling streets of Tel Aviv. A very multicultural and open place, there is lots of lovely architecture on show for visitors to enjoy; the old buildings will almost make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

Full of life and energy, Tel Aviv is very interesting to segway around. Your professional guide will tell you all there is to know about Israel’s second city.


9. Bethlehem Half-Day Tour From Jerusalem or Tel Aviv

BethlehemSource: eFesenko / shutterstock
Bethlehem

Dripping in history, Bethlehem is a fascinating place to visit and is known around the world as the birthplace of Jesus Christ.

As such, many of the sights are religious in nature. The Church of Nativity is the undoubted highlight of what is on offer and it is one of the oldest churches still in use today.

With stops at the Mosque of Omar and Church of the Shepherd’s Field also included, you’re sure to come away having learned loads about one of the holiest sites on Earth.

10. Biblical Tour: Northern Israel Full Day Tour

Sea of GalileeSource: max shamota / shutterstock
Sea Of Galilee

A fascinating experience, this trip around Northern Israel is mesmerizing for the wealth of historic sites on show. Visitors invariably come away impressed at all they’ve seen and done.

With visits to Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee included, you’ll stop by lots of Biblical sites as well as the Church of Annunciation and the beautiful Church of St. Joseph.

Accompanied by an expert guide, you’ll learn about the religious sites. A memorable day comes to a close with a visit to Yardenit, which is a famous Baptismal site.


11. Tel Aviv City Walking Tour in English

Tel Aviv, IsraelSource: Boris Stroujko / shutterstock
Tel Aviv

A magnificent city to wander around, this walking tour will take you to all of Tel Aviv’s main sights. On the way, your guide will inform and entertain you in equal measure about life in the city.

The second largest city in Israel, Tel Aviv is full of amazing historical sites, beautiful architecture, and bustling markets.

With a lively atmosphere about the place, you’re sure to enjoy learning all about its intoxicating mix of cultures and the history of the city itself.

12. Jerusalem Old & New City Tour from Tel Aviv

JerusalemSource: JekLi / shutterstock
Jerusalem

Jerusalem is renowned throughout the world as one of the holiest cities on Earth and is important to Muslims, Christians and Jews alike. Consequently, there is loads to see and do and this tour will take you to all the best sights.

Wandering around the city is an incredible experience and, with over five thousand years of history packed into the Old City, each building you pass will appear more majestic than the previous one.

With a knowledgeable guide on hand, you’ll come away with a greater understanding of Jerusalem. As soon as you leave, you’ll be itching to return to this incredible place.


13. 1-Hour Segway Tour of Jaffa

Jaffa, IsraelSource: JekLi / shutterstock
Jaffa, Israel

Weaving your way around Jaffa on a segway is an exhilarating way to see the ancient port; the views out over the Mediterranean are breathtakingly beautiful.

Accompanied by a professional guide, you’ll learn loads about the city and feel safe while having fun on the segway.

The tour takes you along the Tel Aviv-Jaffa Boardwalk, through part of the city and along the seafront, which offers up such wonderful vistas of the city’s coastline.

14. Full-Day Tour of Hebron & West Bank from Jerusalem

Hebron, IsraelSource: mosher / shutterstock
Hebron

A very interesting tour, this excursion sees you visit both Israel and Palestine. You’re sure to come away with a greater understanding of what life is like in Hebron for both peoples as you are accompanied by both an Israeli and Palestinian guide.

With a visit to a settler community, the Beit Hadassah Museum, and a restored synagogue included in the Israeli part of the tour, it is a captivating affair; your expert Israeli guide will tell you all about the sites you stop by.

On the Palestinian part of the tour, you visit the spectacular Ibrahimi Mosque, the bustling Casbah Market, and cross through one of the many checkpoints that are scattered about the West Bank.


15. Jerusalem: The Shabbat Experience 2–Hour Walking Tour

Shabbat Walking TourSource: getyourguide.com
Shabbat Walking Tour

This two-hour walking tour is a great way to experience the Jewish Shabbat and visitors are sure to come away with a greater understanding of this special day of rest.

Accompanied by an expert guide, you’ll learn about various aspects of Judaism and you’ll also pass by the four Sephardic synagogues.

The tour culminates in a visit to the Western Wall. There is an intoxicating atmosphere about the place as Jews from all walks of life come to pray and worship at the holy site.



15 Best Israel Tours:

  • Masada & The Dead Sea Full Day Tour from Tel Aviv
  • From Tel Aviv: Jerusalem, Dead Sea & Bethlehem Full-Day Tour
  • New Jerusalem: Holy City Tour
  • Caesarea, Haifa & Akko Day Trip from Tel Aviv
  • Nazareth, Tiberias & Sea of Galilee Day Trip from Tel Aviv
  • New Jerusalem: Mount of Olives Tour
  • Dead Sea, Jerusalem, and Bethlehem: Full-Day Tour from Eilat
  • Old Jaffa & Tel Aviv Segway Tour
  • Bethlehem Half-Day Tour From Jerusalem or Tel Aviv
  • Biblical Tour: Northern Israel Full Day Tour
  • Tel Aviv City Walking Tour in English
  • Jerusalem Old & New City Tour from Tel Aviv
  • 1-Hour Segway Tour of Jaffa
  • Full-Day Tour of Hebron & West Bank from Jerusalem
  • Jerusalem: The Shabbat Experience 2–Hour Walking Tour