Middle East - Please help with my ISRAEL itinerary

Here is the FULL Itinerary, with an additional night to be added somewhere; either in Jerusalem, North Israel (Tiberias and the Galilee Region) or in Petra.

I would also appreciate your feedback on whether or not to cut Tel Aviv short one day, and add an extra day to Jerusalem instead. We will be in Tel Aviv for a friend's wedding, and the majority of our time will be spent leisurely; eating, drinking, lounging on the beach, exploring the city, etc. Here's my dilemma - I really would like to get a local and cultural feel for the city of Tel Aviv and spend as much time there as possible, however, there seems to be so much more to see and do in Jerusalem and it's surrounding destinations. We're flying directly into TLV from NYC and will surely be jetlagged for the first couple of days, and so time spent exploring the city, eating well, relaxing on the beach, etc. will do us good! Is 6 days too much though? Or is it not enough to truly experience life in Tel Aviv? Should we cut it to 5 nights, in order to spend one more night in Jerusalem, living and breathing ancient history and touring amazing archaeological sites and natural wonders?

What about North Israel?? It's an area I haven't really explored much of.

From what I've read and pictured I've seen online, there are elevated cities in the Galilee that overlook the mountains and sea that could easily be mistaken for Greek peninsulas overlooking the Mediterranean! Then there are ancient seaside Crusader towns and fortified cities that could fit comfortably right into Southern Europe, and the Golan Heights region seems to be a far more rural part of the country, but surrounded by amazing wineries and nationl parks with the most picturesque natural scenery of rushing rivers, tropical flaura, lush forest reserves, towering waterfalls, canyons and gorges, etc!

Will two nights alone in Tiberias afford us enough time to visit all the highlights of this region?

I think that we'd be able to visit Caesarea and Acre/Akko on the same day as our drive into Tiberias, coming from Tel Aviv. It should be doable, but a whirlwind day of driving, right?

I would really love to spend one full day on the Galilee, sailing and swimming and visiting the island of Capernaum. I would do this the next morning. But then what about Golan Heights?

Would we need another full night/day to explore Golan Heights and is it worth extending our trip here? If so, where to stay in the area? Could we remain at our hotel in Tiberias as a homebase and drive further north to the Golan Heights the last day (perhaps dinner in Safed) before returning to Tiberias to sleep, and then on to Jerusalem in the morning? What do you thinkg about this itinerary? And what about Beit She'an? Where would that fit into our trip? Perhaps on the drive back to Jerusalem?

Lastly, does our time in Jerusalem (considering the first and last day will be entirely relegated to driving from previous and to next destinations) afford us enough time to see all we want to see, including a day trip to Masada?

I would really appreciate your help and feedback with all of this!

We basically have one night to add SOMEHWERE. I'm leaning towards Jerusalem or North Israel. We also have the option to depart from Tel Aviv a day earlier and extend another night somewhere else. Please let me know if you think that would be warranted and if an extra night in BOTH Jerusalem and North Israel would od us well!

If you have any recommendations for places to stay in Golan Heights (small luxe inn, historic accom, boutique b&b or really nice hotel embodying the vibrancy, art, architecture, culture, etc. of surrounding environs) it would also be greatly appreciated!

Thanks so much!!!

PS - we also have the option to extend an extra night in Petra INSTEAD of in Israel. Or 1 night in Petra and 1 night in Israel if we cut Tel Aviv a day short. I feel that despite the added comfort of doing so, our current itinerary seems more doable than our Jerusalem and N. Israel plans, in terms of accomplishing all there is to see. It'd be REALLY nice to have the extra night to not feel rushed. I always like to stay at least 2 nights wherever I go so that I'm not just checking-in & out which is tolling. But in this case with a limited number of days, I'm not sure it'd be worthwhile.

Thank you!


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• August 15 - The Maxim, Tel Aviv

• August 16 - The Maxim, Tel Aviv

• August 17 - The Maxim, Tel Aviv

• August 18 - The Maxim, Tel Aviv

• August 19 - The Maxim, Tel Aviv

• August 20 - The Maxim, Tel Aviv

• August 21 - The Scots Hotel, Tiberius

• August 22 - The Scots Hotel, Tiberius

• August 23 - The American Colony Hotel, Jerusalem

• August 24 - The American Colony Hotel, Jerusalem

• August 25 - The American Colony Hotel, Jerusalem

• August 26 - The American Colony Hotel, Jerusalem

• August 27 - Evason Ma'In Hot Springs, Madaba

• August 28 - Mövenpick Resort, Petra

• August 29 - Kempinski Hotel Ishtar, Madaba

• August 30 - Kempinski Hotel Ishtar, Madaba

• September 01 - Return to Tel Aviv for Transfer to JFK




{Border Crossing: Enter Jordan/Israel via the Allenby King Hussein Bridge}





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TEL AVIV - (6 Nights)


• The Maxim Hotel




Sightseeing


• Old Jaffa

• Neve Tzedek

• White City

• Sheinkin Street

• The Tayelet

• Palmach Museum

• Independence Hall

• Old Tel Aviv Port Area

• Nachlat Binyamin Pedestrian Mall

• Museum of the Jewish Diaspora (Bet Hatefutsoth)

• Tel Aviv Museum of Art

• Tel Aviv Cinematheque

• The old Trumpeldor Cemetery

• Dive Tel Aviv, Scuba Diving Center - Night Diving, Sea Wolf Wreck, Gordon Caves




Nearby Destinations


• Caesarea

• Banias




Restaurants


• Catit

• Raphael

• Herbert Samuel

• Cordelia

• Messa

• Onami

• Adora

• Aladin

• Coffee Bar

• Segev Express

• Haj Kahil

• Thai House

• Orna & Ella

• Piccola Pasta

• Benedict

• Dallal

• Noa Bistro

• Abu Nassar-Hinnawi

• Cafe Suzanna

• Abu-Hassan (Ali-Karavan)

• Bezalel Market - Falafel Stalls!

• Carmel Market

• Napoleon Patisserie

• Max Brenner





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TIBERIUS - (2 Nights)


• The Scots Hotel - Antique Lake View Room




Sightseeing


• Sailing on the Sea of Galilee

• Capernaum - (Remains of 4th Century Synagogue, House of Peter, Church of the Multiplication, etc)

• Optional Tours in the Gailee:

* Agamon Hula, Rosh Hanikra, Bental & Avital Hill, Dan Nature Reserve, Yehudia River, Mt. Hermon, Zavitan River, Hexagon Pools, etc.




Nearby Destinations


• Caesarea & Banias Archaeological Site - (En Route from Tel Aviv!)

• Acre / Akko / St. Jean d'Acre - (Old Town, Bahai Shrine, Crusader Fortress, Templars Tunnel) - (En Route from Tel Aviv!)

• Golan Heights - (Hexagon Pool, Meshushim Reserve, Yehudiya Forest Nature Reserve)

• Safed - (Crusader Ruins, Local Wineries, etc.)

• Rosh Pinna and the Tel Dan Nature Reserve

• Nazareth

• Beit She'an




Restaurants


• Roberg at Moshav Livnim

• Decks Restaurant

• Avi's Restaurant





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JERUSALEM - (4 Nights)


• American Colony Hotel - Pasha Deluxe Room with Balcony / Jr. Suite




Sightseeing


• Western (Wailing) Wall

• Old City of Jerusalem - Ramparts Walk - Via Dolorosa - etc.

• City Gates - New Gate, Zion, Dung, Jaffa, Lions’ (St. Stephen's), Herod’s, Damascus (Shechem)

• Israel Museum

• Guided Tour of The City of David

• Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial

• Mount Zion

• Temple Mount & al-Haram al-Sharif

• Al-Aqsa Mosque

• Hezekiah's Tunnels

• The Citadel and Tower of David Museum

• Belz Synagogue

• Hurva Synagogue

• Notre Dame de Sion Ecce Homo Convent

• St. Anne's Church and the Bethesda Pool

• Christian Quarter - Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Church of John the Baptist, Church of St. Saviour, Deir al-Sultan Monastery, Mosque of Omar, Muristan, etc.

• Tisch Family Zoological Gardens

• Mount of Olives:

* Paternoster Church, Dominus Flevit, Church of Maria Magdalene, Garden of Gethsemane, Yad Avshalom, Tomb of Zechariah, Tomb of Benei Hezir, Mary's Tomb, Church of the Pater Noster, Church of All Nations, Orson Hyde Park, etc.

• Garden Tomb

• Saint George's Cathedral

• Bet Guvrin-Maresha National Park




Nearby Destinations


• Masada

• Qumran Caves




Restaurants


• Scala Restaurant at the David Citadel Hotel

• Chakra

• Machneyuda

• Mona Restaurant & Bar

• Dolphin Yam

• Zuni

• Angelica

• Gabriel

• Hachazer

• Amigo Emil

• The Eucalyptus

• Barood

• Abu Kamel

• Tmol Shilshom

• Yemenite Falafel Center

• Ta'ami

• Falafel Adir

• Falafel Ovadia

• Te'enim Vegetarian Cuisine

• Trezoro

• Mahane Yehuda Market





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MA'IN - (1 Night)


• Evason Ma'In Hot Springs - The Honeymoon Suite




Sightseeing


• Natural Hot Springs and Thermal Pools

• Six Senses Spa - Hammam Ma’In Signature Journey

• Village, Goat Farm, Mosque, etc.

• Six Senses Gallery & Library

• Daily Movie Nights




Restaurants


• Sunset Cocktails and Tapas at Brown Bar

• Private Candlelit Table at Olive Bedouin Zarb Restaurant Overlooking the Hot Springs Falls

• Champagne Breakfast on Suite Terrace

• Lunch at the Pool Bar (Senses of Arabia and White Bar)

• Evening Wine & Cheese Tastings at The Cellar, Chef's Table

• Sunset Dining at Panorama {or} Private Cliff-Top Dining Area

• Breakfast At The Springs on the Outdoor Terrace





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AL-KARAK - (En Route along the King's Highway!)




Sightseeing


• Kerak Castle





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PETRA / WADI MUSA - (1 Night)


• Mövenpick Resort Petra - Royal Suite




Sightseeing


• Moonlit Tour of The Lost City of Petra: Siq, Al-Khazna / Treasury, Al Dayr, Street of Facades, Al Beidha, The Temple of Al Uzza / Winged Lions

• Sunrise Walking Tour of Baths, Markets, Storerooms and Tombs




Restaurants


• Al Qantarah

• Sahtain Restaurant at Taybet Zaman Resort Hotel

• Al Iwan in Moevenpick Hotel

• Al Maq'aad Bar in Moevenpick Hotel

• Al-Afandi Restaurant

• The Cave Bar





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WADI RUM - (Evening Trip from Petra)




Sightseeing


• Sunset Camelback Excursion to Lawrence's House & Spring / Ain Shalaaleh, Nabataean Temple, The Seven Pillars of Wisdom, Burdah Rock Bridge, etc.

• Desert Jeep Tour




Restaurants


• Bedouin Camp Dining on the Red Sand Dunes beneath the Desert Stars





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SWEIMAH, DEAD SEA REGION - (2 Nights)


• Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea - Ishtar Jacuzzi Suite / Ishtar Suite




Sightseeing


• Lounge by Beachfront and Float in Dead Sea

• Celestial Pools - Relax by Lazy River, Morning Dip in Sunken Pool, Sunset Swim in Ashur Pool, Twilight Plunge in Akkad Infinity Pool

• Tennis Courts by Starlight

• Anantara Spa: Royal Hammam Ritual & Traditional Thai Massage




Nearby Destinations


• Madaba - (Madaba Mosaic Map in the Church of St. George, Um er-Rasas / Kastrom Mefa'a, etc.)

• Mount Nebo

• Jerash

• Dana Nature Reserve




Restaurants


• Dinner at The Codes

• Single Malts and Cocktails at Kish Bar

• Breakfast at The Obelisk

• Lunch at Akkad Pool Grill

• Cocktails and Aperitifs at Sumerian Bar

• Dinner at Ashur Pizza & Grill

• In-Room Breakfast on Private Terrace





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JERASH - (Day Trip from Dead Sea Region)




Sightseeing


• Explore the Ancient Roman Ruins of Jerash





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MADABA - (Day Trip from Dead Sea Region)




Sightseeing


• Madaba Mosaic Map in the Church of St. George

• Um er-Rasas (Kastrom Mefa'a)





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Would an additional night in Jerusalem, North Israel (Tiberias?) or Petra afford us the most convenience for doing all we want in each region without feeling too rushed or pressed for time? Where would you place the most signifigance?

I'm leaning towards and extra night in Jerusalem.

Thanks!

After our two nights in Tiberias, I am considering adding one night at the Mizpe Hayamim in Rosh Pinna. I've read controversial reviews of this property, but I think that if we book into one of the Superior Suites, we should be okay, and it would give us access to North Israel and Golan Heights for the extra day. Would you recommend this addition to our itinerary?

Wow, that´s a long list of sites/activities! That could easily keep you going for several months.;)

I think you should try to avoid squeezing in too many sites, e.g. in Jerusalem even an enthusiastic Christian would likely not visit :confused::confused:a dozen churches, there´s only so much you can learn/see and still enjoy it.

If I were you, I´d add a day in Northern Israel. I did a day tour to the Golan Heights ex-TLV (looong 14h day). Very interesting place IMO and I could easily see myself spending a whole day or longer up there: driving through the area will take a few hours (hiring an experienced driver may be worth a consideration as some of the roads were very difficult to navigate), there are some great views from on top of the mountains, and there´s plenty of interesting scenery and great wineries (which I didn´t have a chance to visit unfortunately, but the wines are great;))

Are you planning to drive from Jordan to TLV and fly back to JFK the same day? I would probably plan for one night in TLV at the end in case something goes wrong. A fellow pax spent 6h at the border on his way back to Israel, and apparently delays are pretty common. I personally decided not to visit Jordan and have no personal experience, just something you may want to look into

Just a few random comments:


Six nights in Tel Aviv are definitely too many. Your itinerary there is doable in three days. As much as I enjoy spending time in Tel Aviv, you are not doing justice to the rest of Israel by spending half your time there.

Orna & Ella was featured prominently in the Israeli film The Bubble. You may wish to stream/rent it from Netflix (http://movies.netflix.com/Movie/The-Bubble/70074150) before you go.

The Banias is at the northern tip of the Golan Heights.

Capernaum is not an island.

Rosh Hanikra is closer to Akko (~12 miles) than to any other place that you listed.

Squeezing Caesarea and Akko into one day, en route from Tel Aviv to Tiberius, does not do either justice.

The Baha'i shrine (http://www.sacred-destinations.com/israel/haifa-bahai-shrine) is in Haifa. The mansion where the Bahá’u’lláh (http://www.ganbahai.org.il/en/akko/), the founder of the faith, lived his last days and his burial site are locate in Akko.

TWA has good and accurate comments.

If you are crossing into Jordan via the Allenby bridge you need to obtain a VISA in advance, before you leave your home country. It is not issued at the border.

I hope you are not planning on driving a vehicle into Jordan. Israeli rentals can not be taken to Jordan--nor can Jordanian rentals be taken to Israel.

BTW you may be flying into TLV, but in reality you are landing approx. 20-30 minutes outside the city and 30-40 minutes outside of Jerusalem. In other words, the airport is on the highway between the two cities.

Thanks so much for the feedback!

I've adjusted the itinerary based on your comments and changed our travel dates. Originally we were flying out og NYC and spending a long weekend there before Israel. Instead we're flying directly into Tel Aviv and extending our trip at the beginning and end. Please let me know how this sounds instead and if you feel I should make any changes:




• August 11 - Shalom Hotel & Relax, Tel Aviv

• August 12 - Shalom Hotel & Relax, Tel Aviv

• August 13 - Shalom Hotel & Relax, Tel Aviv

• August 14 - Shalom Hotel & Relax, Tel Aviv

• August 15 - The Maxim, Tel Aviv

• August 16 - The Maxim, Tel Aviv

• August 17 - The Maxim, Tel Aviv

• August 18 - The Maxim, Tel Aviv

• August 19 - The Maxim, Tel Aviv

• August 20 - The Scots Hotel, Tiberius

• August 21 - The Scots Hotel, Tiberius

• August 22 - Mizpe Hayamim, Golan Heights

• August 23 - The American Colony Hotel, Jerusalem

• August 24 - The American Colony Hotel, Jerusalem

• August 25 - The American Colony Hotel, Jerusalem

• August 26 - The American Colony Hotel, Jerusalem

• August 27 - The American Colony Hotel, Jerusalem

• August 28 - Evason Ma'In Hot Springs, Madaba

• August 29 - Mövenpick Resort, Petra

• August 30 - Mövenpick Resort, Petra

• August 31 - Kempinski Hotel Ishtar, Madaba

• September 01 - Kempinski Hotel Ishtar, Madaba

• September 02 - Return to Tel Aviv for Transfer to SFO





{Border Crossing: Enter Jordan/Israel via the Allenby King Hussein Bridge}





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TEL AVIV - (9 Nights)


• Shalom Hotel & Relax - Superior Room

• The Maxim Hotel - ???




Sightseeing


• Old Jaffa

• Neve Tzedek

• White City

• Sheinkin Street

• The Tayelet

• Palmach Museum

• Independence Hall

• Old Tel Aviv Port Area

• Nachlat Binyamin Pedestrian Mall

• Museum of the Jewish Diaspora (Bet Hatefutsoth)

• Tel Aviv Museum of Art

• Tel Aviv Cinematheque

• The old Trumpeldor Cemetery

• Dive Tel Aviv, Scuba Diving Center - Night Diving, Sea Wolf Wreck, Gordon Caves




Nearby Destinations


• Caesarea

• Banias




Restaurants


• Catit

• Mul Yam

• Raphael

• Herbert Samuel

• Cordelia

• Kitchen Market

• Shila

• Bertie

• Tzfon Abraxas

• Yoezer Bar Yain

• Cena

• Messa

• Onami

• Adora

• Aladin

• Coffee Bar

• Segev Express

• Haj Kahil

• Nanuchka

• Thai House

• Orna & Ella

• Piccola Pasta

• Benedict

• Dallal

• Noa Bistro

• Abu Nassar-Hinnawi

• Cafe Suzanna

• Abu-Hassan (Ali-Karavan)

• Bezalel Market - Falafel Stalls!

• Carmel Market

• Napoleon Patisserie

• Max Brenner





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TIBERIAS - (2 Nights)


• The Scots Hotel - Antique Lake View Room




Sightseeing


• Sailing on the Sea of Galilee

• Capernaum - (Remains of 4th Century Synagogue, House of Peter, Church of the Multiplication, etc)

• Optional Tours in the Gailee:

* Agamon Hula, Rosh Hanikra, Bental & Avital Hill, Dan Nature Reserve, Yehudia River, Mt. Hermon, Zavitan River, etc.




Nearby Destinations


• Caesarea & Banias Archaeological Site - (En Route from Tel Aviv!)

• Acre / Akko / St. Jean d'Acre - (Old Town, Bahai Shrine, Crusader Fortress, Templars Tunnel) - (En Route from Tel Aviv!)

• Tel Dan Nature Reserve

• Nazareth

• Beit She'an




Restaurants


• Roberg at Moshav Livnim

• Decks Restaurant

• Avi's Restaurant

• Uri Buri (Akko)

• Pausa Inn (Upper Galilee)

• Erez Komorovsky Culinary Workshop





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ROSH PINNA - (1 Night)


• Mizpe Hayamim - Superior Suite




Sightseeing


• Yehudiya Forest Nature Reserve - (Meshushim Reserve, Hexagon Pool, etc.)

• Capernaum - (Remains of 4th Century Synagogue, House of Peter, Church of the Multiplication, etc)

• Optional Tours in the Gailee




Nearby Destinations


• Safed - (Crusader Ruins, Local Wineries, etc.)

• Rosh Pinna and the Tel Dan Nature Reserve

• Nazareth

• Beit She'an




Restaurants


• Muscat Restaurant

• Vegetarian Restaurant

• Organic Farm Shop, Herb and Vegetable Garden, Orchards, etc.





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JERUSALEM - (5 Nights)


• American Colony Hotel - Original Jr. Suite with Private Terrace (Old Wing)




Sightseeing


• Western (Wailing) Wall

• Old City of Jerusalem - Ramparts Walk - Via Dolorosa - etc.

• City Gates - New Gate, Zion, Dung, Jaffa, Lions’ (St. Stephen's), Herod’s, Damascus (Shechem)

• Israel Museum

• Guided Tour of The City of David

• Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial

• Mount Zion

• Temple Mount & al-Haram al-Sharif

• Al-Aqsa Mosque

• Hezekiah's Tunnels

• The Citadel and Tower of David Museum

• Belz Synagogue

• Hurva Synagogue

• Notre Dame de Sion Ecce Homo Convent

• St. Anne's Church and the Bethesda Pool

• Christian Quarter - Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Church of John the Baptist, Church of St. Saviour, Deir al-Sultan Monastery, Mosque of Omar, Muristan, etc.

• Tisch Family Zoological Gardens

• Mount of Olives:

* Paternoster Church, Dominus Flevit, Church of Maria Magdalene, Garden of Gethsemane, Yad Avshalom, Tomb of Zechariah, Tomb of Benei Hezir, Mary's Tomb, Church of the Pater Noster, Church of All Nations, Orson Hyde Park, etc.

• Garden Tomb

• Saint George's Cathedral

• Bet Guvrin-Maresha National Park




Nearby Destinations


• Abu Ghosh

• Masada

• Qumran Caves




Restaurants


• Scala Restaurant at the David Citadel Hotel

• Chakra

• Machneyuda

• The Diwan and Garden Restaurant at the Jerusalem Hotel

• Mona Restaurant & Bar

• Dolphin Yam

• Zuni

• Angelica

• Gabriel

• Hachazer

• Amigo Emil

• The Eucalyptus

• Barood

• Abu Kamel

• Tmol Shilshom

• Yemenite Falafel Center

• Ta'ami

• Falafel Adir

• Falafel Ovadia

• Te'enim Vegetarian Cuisine

• Trezoro

• Mahane Yehuda Market





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MA'IN - (1 Night)


• Evason Ma'In Hot Springs - The Honeymoon Suite




Sightseeing


• Natural Hot Springs and Thermal Pools

• Six Senses Spa - Hammam Ma’In Signature Journey

• Village, Goat Farm, Mosque, etc.

• Six Senses Gallery & Library

• Daily Movie Nights




Restaurants


• Sunset Cocktails and Tapas at Brown Bar

• Private Candlelit Table at Olive Bedouin Zarb Restaurant Overlooking the Hot Springs Falls

• Champagne Breakfast on Suite Terrace

• Lunch at the Pool Bar (Senses of Arabia and White Bar)

• Evening Wine & Cheese Tastings at The Cellar, Chef's Table

• Sunset Dining at Panorama {or} Private Cliff-Top Dining Area

• Breakfast At The Springs on the Outdoor Terrace





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AL-KARAK - (En Route along the King's Highway!)




Sightseeing


• Kerak Castle





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PETRA / WADI MUSA - (2 Nights)


• Mövenpick Resort Petra - Royal Suite




Sightseeing


• Moonlit Tour of The Lost City of Petra: Siq, Al-Khazna / Treasury, Al Dayr, Street of Facades, Al Beidha, The Temple of Al Uzza / Winged Lions

• Sunrise Walking Tour of Baths, Markets, Storerooms and Tombs




Restaurants


• Al Qantarah

• Sahtain Restaurant at Taybet Zaman Resort Hotel

• Al Iwan in Moevenpick Hotel

• Al Maq'aad Bar in Moevenpick Hotel

• Al-Afandi Restaurant

• The Cave Bar





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WADI RUM - (Evening Trip from Petra)




Sightseeing


• Sunset Camelback Excursion to Lawrence's House & Spring / Ain Shalaaleh, Nabataean Temple, The Seven Pillars of Wisdom, Burdah Rock Bridge, etc.

• Desert Jeep Tour




Restaurants


• Bedouin Camp Dining on the Red Sand Dunes beneath the Desert Stars





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SWEIMAH, DEAD SEA REGION - (2 Nights)


• Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea - Ishtar Jacuzzi Suite / Ishtar Suite




Sightseeing


• Lounge by Beachfront and Float in Dead Sea

• Celestial Pools - Relax by Lazy River, Morning Dip in Sunken Pool, Sunset Swim in Ashur Pool, Twilight Plunge in Akkad Infinity Pool

• Tennis Courts by Starlight

• Anantara Spa: Royal Hammam Ritual & Traditional Thai Massage




Nearby Destinations


• Madaba - (Madaba Mosaic Map in the Church of St. George, Um er-Rasas / Kastrom Mefa'a, etc.)

• Mount Nebo

• Jerash

• Dana Nature Reserve




Restaurants


• Dinner at The Codes

• Single Malts and Cocktails at Kish Bar

• Breakfast at The Obelisk

• Lunch at Akkad Pool Grill

• Cocktails and Aperitifs at Sumerian Bar

• Dinner at Ashur Pizza & Grill

• In-Room Breakfast on Private Terrace





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JERASH - (Day Trip from Dead Sea Region)




Sightseeing


• Explore the Ancient Roman Ruins of Jerash





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MADABA - (Day Trip from Dead Sea Region)




Sightseeing

• Madaba Mosaic Map in the Church of St. George

• Um er-Rasas (Kastrom Mefa'a)





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AMMAN - (Day Trip, Return to SFO via Queen Alia Int'l Airport)




Sightseeing

• Ancient Philadelphia

• Nymphaeum

• The Citadel - (Temple of Hercules, Byzantine Basilica, Roman Theatre, Al-Qasar, Ummayad Palace, National Archaeological Museum, etc.)

• King Abdullah Mosque / Blue Mosque

• Royal Automobile Museum





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I would have liked to have left Tel Aviv a few days earlier as 9 nights is a really long time, but we are there primarily for a wedding and have friends in the city. The wedding is the night before we depart for Tiberias, so we're not able to leave any earlier. My girlfriend also wants to spend the first portion of our trip in Tel Aviv because she wants to spend as much time with her friends (bride+groom) as possible.

I would really appreciate your advice on how to best do the Northern region though. We'll be based out of Tiberias for two nights, plus one added night in Rosh Pinna to explore the Golan Heights area. I absolutely want to see Akko and Caesarea/Banias. Perhaps Caesarea could be scheduled as a day trip from Tel Aviv though, so as to maximize our time in the area; would that make sense? Is it very expensive to get to and from each destination on our itinerary? We will not be driving ourselves and avoiding public transit (ie. busses, etc) We plan to hire a private driver to take us to each location.

I also definitely want to spend a day on the Sea of Galilee, and would love to sail to Capernaum if possible. An afternoon in Safed would also be nice, but perhaps that could be scheduled from Rosh Pinna?

While staying in the Golan Heights region, it would be very nice to spend some time in the Yehudiya Forest Nature Reserve. Tel Dan will probably be too far out of our way given our limited time in the area and so we'll likely pass on this excursion.

On the way back (driving South) from Northern Israel towards Jerusalem, I absolutely want to stop in Beit She'an for a few hours. I'm not sure about Nazareth, is it worth visiting given our restricted time? What's worth seeing in Nazareth that would merit a detour?

Thanks so much for your help!!!

Also, here's an eating itin. that I made for Tel Aviv and would appreciate feedback on. The Shabbat dinner in Jaffa is part of the wedding plans. Any thoughts on the following? Also, could you recommend any great historic bars from at least mid-century where we could swill cocktails and other expertly crafted libations?



SUN, AUGUST 12


• Lunch at Abu-Hassan (Ali-Karavan)


• Dinner at Kitchen Market in the Namal / Tel Aviv Port Market





MON, AUGUST 13


• Lunch at Coffee Bar


• Dinner at Catit





TUE, AUGUST 14


• Lunch at Haj Kahil (or) Abu Nassar-Hinnawi (or) Aladin in Jaffa


• Dinner at Bertie





WED, AUGUST 15


• Breakfast at the Hotel Montefiore


• Dinner at Raphael (or) Tzfon Abraxas (or) Herbert Samuel (or) Yoezer Bar Yain in Jaffa





THU, AUGUST 16


• Lunch at Basta in the Carmel Market


• Dinner at Shila


• Michal's Hena Party





FRI, AUGUST 17


• Lunch at Cena


• Shabbat Dinner in Jaffa (?)





SAT, AUGUST 18


• Lunch at Bezalel Market Falafel Stalls


• Dinner at Mul Yam





SUN, AUGUST 19


• Lunch at Adora


• Wedding Party

The same for Jerusalem; would really appreciate your feedback as well:



THU, AUGUST 23


• Brunch at Abu Kamel


• Late Afternoon Snack at Yemenite Falafel Center


• Dinner at SCALA





FRI, AUGUST 24


• Lunch at Falafel Adir


• Traditional Shabbat Dinner at Carmel Restaurant in the Inbal Hotel (or) Dolphin Yam





SAT, AUGUST 25


• Lunch at Abu Gosh (or) Te'enim Vegetarian Cuisine


• Dinner at Chakra





SUN, AUGUST 26


• Chatzot (or) Sima


• Dinner at Machneyuda in the Mahane Yehuda Market





MON, AUGUST 27


• Brunch at Tmol Shilshom


• Late Lunch at Ta'ami + Falafel Ovadia


• Dinner at Lara (or) Mona Restaurant (or) The Diwan Restaurant at the Jerusalem Hotel

TWA has good and accurate comments.

If you are crossing into Jordan via the Allenby bridge you need to obtain a VISA in advance, before you leave your home country. It is not issued at the border.

I hope you are not planning on driving a vehicle into Jordan. Israeli rentals can not be taken to Jordan--nor can Jordanian rentals be taken to Israel.

BTW you may be flying into TLV, but in reality you are landing approx. 20-30 minutes outside the city and 30-40 minutes outside of Jerusalem. In other words, the airport is on the highway between the two cities.

Thanks so much, we're planning on hiring private cars and drivers for each leg of our trip. If you have any recommendations for cheap but reliable services or individual contacts, they'd be greatly appreciated - for both sides of the border! :)

Just a few random comments:


Six nights in Tel Aviv are definitely too many. Your itinerary there is doable in three days. As much as I enjoy spending time in Tel Aviv, you are not doing justice to the rest of Israel by spending half your time there.

Orna & Ella was featured prominently in the Israeli film The Bubble. You may wish to stream/rent it from Netflix (http://movies.netflix.com/Movie/The-Bubble/70074150) before you go.

The Banias is at the northern tip of the Golan Heights.

Capernaum is not an island.

Rosh Hanikra is closer to Akko (~12 miles) than to any other place that you listed.

Squeezing Caesarea and Akko into one day, en route from Tel Aviv to Tiberius, does not do either justice.

The Baha'i shrine (http://www.sacred-destinations.com/israel/haifa-bahai-shrine) is in Haifa. The mansion where the Bahá’u’lláh (http://www.ganbahai.org.il/en/akko/), the founder of the faith, lived his last days and his burial site are locate in Akko.



Thank you so much, this was really helpful!

Here's what I feel we MUST do in N. Israel:

Caesarea - perhaps en route from Tel Aviv to Tiberias, spending a few hours before reaching our hotel for check-in?

Akko is a must, and possibly a separate day trip from Tiberias, coupled with Rosh HaNikra?

We'll be spending two full nights in Tiberias at The Scots and in that time (inclusive of the previous days travels) I would like to see Caesarea, Akko, Rosh HaNikra, and spend a day on the Galilee and at Capernaum.

Do you think this would be possible and how would you suggest we plan our time in order to see and do the most? Could you recommend a possible itinerary for splitting our time between all of these sites in our two nights?

Do you feel it's absolutely necessary to see Agamon Hula, Bental & Avital Hill, Dan Nature Reserve, Mt. Hermon, etc?

I don't think we'll realistically have time for all of these places and I wonder if you think they should be swapped in or out for any of other other sightseeing plans in the region? What do you feel are the most noteworthy and impressive places in the Galilee and Golan Heights in order to get a broad sense of this region of Israel?

Lastly, on to Rosh Pinna and Golan Heights: I would like to visit Safed, but what else is most recommended in the region? We were thinking of spending a day in the rural countryside, perhaps visiting some wineries or orchards on several kibbutz's... I think I'd lik to make a point of seeing the Yehudiya Forest Nature Reserve and swimming in the Hexagon Pools. Would you agree that this is worthy of our limited time (single night) in the area? What about Banias or the Tel Dan Reserve? Which should we most make a point of visiting during our day trip to the Golan Heights area?

Can Beit She'an be toured en route driving back from this region towards Jerusalem? We won't be in any hurry and will have the full day to explore, if we check into our hotel in Jerusalem by evening.

Your help and feedback for our planning is really appreciated and I can't thank you enough!

Have you looked at a map? I am serious; your itinerary crisscrosses and backtracks all over the country, especially in Northern Israel. Akko is not near Tiberius, the Banias is far from Tel Aviv (it's close to Rosh Pina).

A private car with a driver for the travel you plan is going to cost a fortune, I don't know your finances, but have you checked out the prices?

If you must spend nine days in Tel Aviv, I highly recommend taking day trips while there. You can take the train, fast, affordable and safe, to Caesarea and Akko (just get a taxi to get you to and from the train station). Consider some time in Haifa to see the Baha'i shrine and gardens, you; you can combine that with a day trip to Akko. It is possible to see some of the sites you plan to visit in Jerusalem while staying in Tel Aviv; it' only an hour away by bus.

There are some days where your scheduled activities leave you with a lot of free time while on other days you simply try to squeeze way too much sightseeing and driving into to little time.

I can't believe that four month in advance you already know where you are going to eat on specific days and time of day. That's a bit obsessive. Walk around, see what appeals to you, and talk to the locals.

If you are dead set against renting a car or using public transportation, I suggest hiring a tour guide and let that person help you plan your trip.

Look through some of the earlier threads where tour guides have been recommended.

Have you looked at a map? I am serious; your itinerary crisscrosses and backtracks all over the country, especially in Northern Israel. Akko is not near Tiberius, the Banias is far from Tel Aviv (it's close to Rosh Pina).

A private car with a driver for the travel you plan is going to cost a fortune, I don't know your finances, but have you checked out the prices?

If you must spend nine days in Tel Aviv, I highly recommend taking day trips while there. You can take the train, fast, affordable and safe, to Caesarea and Akko (just get a taxi to get you to and from the train station). Consider some time in Haifa to see the Baha'i shrine and gardens, you; you can combine that with a day trip to Akko. It is possible to see some of the sites you plan to visit in Jerusalem while staying in Tel Aviv; it' only an hour away by bus.

There are some days where your scheduled activities leave you with a lot of free time while on other days you simply try to squeeze way too much sightseeing and driving into to little time.

I can't believe that four month in advance you already know where you are going to eat on specific days and time of day. That's a bit obsessive. Walk around, see what appeals to you, and talk to the locals.

If you are dead set against renting a car or using public transportation, I suggest hiring a tour guide and let that person help you plan your trip.

Look through some of the earlier threads where tour guides have been recommended.

The activities listed are not dead set, they are just options to select from in each city and region.

I did use Google Maps to plan out Northern Israel and unless it's given me false information, I'm a bit confused as I planned everything out based on each site's proximity to where we'd be staying or the direction we'd be driving.

Do you know approx. how much it'd cost to take a taxi or car from Tel Aviv to Caesarea or Akko for example?

The last few times I was in Israel I paid 130-160NIS from the airport the downtown Tel Aviv which is about 20km.

Tel Aviv - Caesarea is around 60km, so I´d probably expect something like 450NIS (possibly more as the driver has to drive back). Haifa and Akko are >120km away from Tel Aviv, so it would cost you a small fortune. I´d definitely look into public transport as an alternative.

I did look into hiring private tour guides in Israel (e-mailed around half a dozen operators) and all were $500-$700 minimum per day. Not the kind of money I like to spend on myself, but you may have a different opinion on that...

I´ve done a few tours with Beinharim (which seemed like one of biggest tour operators) which were reasonably priced ('$100/person for a full day trip), the tours were fine (as long as you are somewhat flexible and don´t get angry when things go wrong), but not spectacular. Then again, I don´t really like group tours, but I met a few nice people and saw the scenery/sights, and at that price I was happy to get to see some parts of Israel I wouldn´t have seen otherwise.

A tour operator which was highly recommended by several people to me was Artzeinu. I haven´t had a chance to book any tours with them yet, but they´re at the top of my list for my next stay.

Do you know approx. how much it'd cost to take a taxi or car from Tel Aviv to Caesarea or Akko for example?

According to this site, Israel Taxi Index (Hebrew) (http://www.taxi1.co.il/), one way fare from Tel Aviv to Akko is 529 NIS ($140.94). Caesarea is not listed, one way to nearby Hadera is 217 NIS ($57.82), so that should give you an idea of the approximate cost.

Those fares do not include supplements (for phone orders, toll road - Road 6 - or waiting time - the latter is $21.95 an hour).

P.S. Jasper2009 posted while I was researching and posting this message.

Thanks so much for all the input and I'll respond in more detail later today!

I just want to note that I now have one more additional night to either spend in Israel or Jordan. Should I add one night in Golan Heights? Or one night in Amman?

Thanks so much!!

If we are spending a full weekend on the Dead Sea in JORDAN, is it still worth visiting the Dead Sea in ISRAEL as well? Do you find it more or less scenic on any one side of the border?

Thanks

...
Lastly, on to Rosh Pinna and Golan Heights: I would like to visit Safed, but what else is most recommended in the region? We were thinking of spending a day in the rural countryside, perhaps visiting some wineries or orchards on several kibbutz's... I think I'd lik to make a point of seeing the Yehudiya Forest Nature Reserve and swimming in the Hexagon Pools. Would you agree that this is worthy of our limited time (single night) in the area? What about Banias or the Tel Dan Reserve? Which should we most make a point of visiting during our day trip to the Golan Heights area?
...

There are several trails in the Yehudiya, unfortunately the nicer ones seem to be closed at the moment. I'd suggest using these directions and parking by the entrance closer to the pools:
http://www.parks.org.il/BuildaGate5/general2/data_card.php?Cat=~25~~442825539~Card12~&ru=&SiteName=parks&Clt=&Bur=8121039
As stated there, you can continue from the pools along the Zavitan but that's a long-ish hike.

I'd hate to complicate your trip even further, but if you're interested there is another beautiful reserve a few miles from Yehudiyah, Zaki, in which you basically walk through a stream, if you're into that sort of thing:
http://www.parks.org.il/BuildaGate5/general2/data_card.php?Cat=~25~~644062777~Card12~&ru=&SiteName=parks&Clt=&Bur=818852073

Definitely make a point of stopping at Tel Dan IMO.

Wow, that sounds like a lot of fun!

We'll be spending 2 nights in Tiberias and one night in Rosh Pinna... which would you recommend most; The Majrase, Tel Dan, or Yehudiya?

Is it possible to do more than one *comfortbaly* in a single full day?

I may be booking some of these tours through Ker & Downey also.

Wow, that sounds like a lot of fun!

We'll be spending 2 nights in Tiberias and one night in Rosh Pinna... which would you recommend most; The Majrase, Tel Dan, or Yehudiya?

Is it possible to do more than one *comfortbaly* in a single full day?

I may be booking some of these tours through Ker & Downey also.

If you're just going to swim in the meshushim (hexagon pool) and not walk the whole Yehudiya tour, I'm guessing that would take max. 2-3 hours. Zaki/Madrajse is only a few minutes away, and the "wet" trail through the stream should also be 3 hours at most (when I was there we finished in 75 minutes but it was a bit rushed). Either way, they should both easily fit within a day - and worse comes to worse, you can spend less time in either if you find yourself in a rush.

Regarding Tel Dan, if you do the full trail (including all the springs and ancient ruins) it should take about 2.5-4 hours.

If you had to choose 2/3, I'd say Tel Dan + one of the others, probably meshushim.

Thanks so much!

I'm going to plan to swim in the Brekhat Ha'Meshushim Pools, and an afternoon guided trip to the Tel Dan. Can't wait!!