Israel: Jerusalem, the Dead Sea & Tel Aviv in 8 Days
Israel
Overview
This route covers Israel's essential contrasts: Jerusalem's Old City with sites sacred to three religions, a Dead Sea day (floating included) with a Masada sunrise hike nearby, and the Mediterranean beach city of Tel Aviv for a completely different pace, with a day trip north to Haifa's terraced Baháʼí Gardens.
- Duration
- 8 days
- Pace
- Balanced
- Transport
- Mixed
- Estimated budget (comfortable)
- US$1,250–US$1,650
Route
1. Jerusalem2. Dead Sea3. Tel Aviv
Highlights
- Jerusalem's Old City — Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Dome of the Rock area
- Floating in the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth
- A sunrise hike up Masada
- Tel Aviv's beaches, Old Jaffa and food scene
Worth knowing
- Security situations can shift quickly — check current travel advisories before finalizing plans
- Friday afternoon through Saturday (Shabbat) closes most shops and public transport in Jerusalem
- Masada sunrise hike requires a very early start
Day by day
Day 1
JerusalemMain activities
- Arrive, settle in
- Old City walls evening walk
Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 2
JerusalemMain activities
- Western Wall and Old City quarters
- Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Optional additions
- Israel Museum
Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 3
JerusalemMain activities
- Yad Vashem
- Mahane Yehuda Market
Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 4
Jerusalem → Dead SeaMain activities
- Sunrise hike up Masada (~1.5h drive)
- Floating in the Dead Sea
Optional additions
- Ein Gedi Nature Reserve
~1.5 hoursOvernight: Dead Sea
Day 5
Dead Sea → Tel AvivMain activities
- Drive to Tel Aviv (~1.5h)
- Beach afternoon
~1.5 hoursOvernight: Tel Aviv
Day 6
Tel AvivMain activities
- Old Jaffa
- Carmel Market and Rothschild Boulevard
Overnight: Tel Aviv
Day 7
Tel Aviv → HaifaMain activities
- Day trip north (~1h each way)
- Baháʼí Gardens
Optional additions
- German Colony neighbourhood
~1 hour each wayOvernight: Tel Aviv
Day 8
Tel AvivMain activities
- Final beach morning
- Departure
Overnight: Tel Aviv
Alternatives
Shorter version · 5 days
Drop Haifa and keep to Jerusalem, the Dead Sea and Tel Aviv only.
Longer extension · 11 days
Add Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights in the north.