Encore Tours - Israel

Israel is one of those places where your life changes the moment you step off the plane. The history, the culture and the religious sites all come together to provide a rich, meaningful experience for its visitors. From exploring the "Holy Land" to floating in the Dead Sea to experiencing Tel Aviv's vibrant nightlife, the country offers a little something for everyone.

Holy Land Tour - 9 Days

2 Tel Aviv - 2 Nazareth - 1 Tiberias - 2 Jerusalem

This itinerary features the the best of Israel's holy sites. From the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where tradition says Jesus was crucified and resurrected, to Nazareth's Basilica of Annunciation, you'll get to experience thousands of years of history. Visitors from all over travel to Israel for pilgrimage tours and musicians can enhance their experience with concerts inside these holy sites.

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Israel Outdoors - 8 Days

2 Tel Aviv - 2 Sea Of Galilee - 2 Jerusalem

This 8-day itinerary takes you across Israel's landscapes along the Mediterranean coast from Tel Aviv to Haifa then on to the Sea of Galilee and Jerusalem. Explore Israel's national parks, archeological sites and and float in the Dead Sea. You'll spend most of your time outdoors, so remember to bring your sunscreen and a bathing suit!

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Browse Cities

From the Old City of Jerusalem, the ancient port of Jaffa, to modern Tel Aviv, Israel's cities are diverse but still preserve a strong connection to each other.

Jerusalem

Jerusalem is considered a holy place to Christianity, Judaism, and Islam hence why it has earned the nickname "Holy Land." Important religious sites include the Temple Mount, the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre where tradition says Jesus was crucified, the Dome of the Rock and al-Aqsa Mosque. While exploring the Old City, one of the oldest cities in the world, groups will experience thousands of years of history where many empires conquered and ruled. Jerusalem is a city of overwhelming emotions, a city that promises a religious and spiritual experience, excitement and pleasure, interesting tours and entertaining adventures.

Tel Aviv

The center of finance, business and the arts in Israel with a unique collection of Bauhaus inspired buildings that make up what is known as the White City. Tel Aviv offers a modern experience for groups traveling to Israel, with a vibrant nightlife, thriving markets and the boardwalk. A trip to Tel Aviv isn't complete without visiting the ancient port of Jaffa with its stoned alleyways, shops and panoramic view of the city.
Nazareth

Tradition says Nazareth was the childhood home of Jesus and is a necessary stop on any Christian pilgrimage tour. Its Basilica of Annunciation is said by some to be the site where the angel Gabriel descends upon Mary to announce her pregnancy. Regardless of one's religious beliefs, the site is one-of-a-kind and features an artistic display donated from countries from all around the world depicting this biblical scene.

Tiberias

Tiberias (Tverya) is synonymous with vacations in Israel. Here one can enjoy a variety of activities in a city that offers wonderful opportunities to mix relaxation with nature, history with contemporary attractions, serene quiet with active water sports, and pilgrimage sites with unique tourist attractions. Located on the shores of Lake Kineret (Sea of Galilee) ,Tiberias is Israel's lowest city at 200 meters below sea level, and it attracts thousands of tourists and travelers. From the Old City and the promenade, the central boardwalk stretches up to downtown. This is a lively commercial center teeming with varied restaurants, cafes, overflowing pubs, ice cream parlors and souvenir shops.

With thousands of years in the making, these venues are rich in historical significance and equally so in their acoustical quality.

Basilica of the Annunciation

Nazareth, Israel

Roman Catholic tradition says this is where the Annunciation took place. The basilica is rather large with two stories. The bottom-level shrine is estimated to have been built in the 4th century on what tradition says is the remains of Mary's childhood home. While the church was destroyed and rebuilt many times, the final basilica was built on the second floor in 1969 above the remains of different eras. Nations from all around the world have contributed pieces of art depicting the scene of the Annunciation.

St. Peter

Jaffa, Israel

St. Peter's Church, a Franciscan church, is located in the ancient port city of Jaffa, the oldest part of Tel Aviv and the scene for many biblical and mythological stories. It is, perhaps, most known for being the location where tradition says Saint Peter raised Tabitha from the dead. Regular performances and Masses take place inside the church and is open to visitors daily.

Church of Mount of the Beatitudes

Sea of Galilee, Israel

Overlooking the Sea of Galilee, this Roman Catholic church is built on the site of Jesus's "Sermon on the Mount" as depicted in the famous Carl Bloch painting. Architecturally, the church is an octagonal shape which represents the 8 Beatitudes or blessings in the sermon. Visitors can perform inside the church followed by a stroll around the gardens before continuing on to their next overnight city.

Dormition Abbey

Jerusalem, Israel

Located just outside the Old City walls, this historic landmark, dating back to the 5th century where it was a basilica during the Byzantine Empire, can be spotted from most viewpoints in Jerusalem. Like most holy sites in the area, the church was destroyed and rebuilt over hundreds of years until the basilica in its final form was opened in the early 1900's. Tradition says that on this spot the Virgin Mary died, hence giving its name the "Basilica of the Assumption" (or Dormition).