Classical Tours to Israel: History, Culture & Faith

Many companies offer the same weekly general tours to Israel, but America Israel Tours stands out for our personal attention, deep knowledge, and genuine friendliness. Our Classical Tours are not exclusively Christian or Jewish – they are designed as general tours for travelers who want a well-rounded experience of Israel. These tours are ideal for anyone interested in exploring both Christian and Jewish sites, historical landmarks, archaeological sites, and modern cities, which is why we call them General Tours to Israel.While the same tours are available through other companies, what sets us apart is our attentive support. Every traveler has direct access to our Jerusalem office, so assistance is always just a call or message away. Whether you’re walking through ancient ruins, exploring archaeological sites, enjoying the vibrant streets of Tel Aviv, or relaxing by the serene shores of the Sea of Galilee, you’ll always have someone to contact in case of need-ensuring peace of mind and a smooth, enjoyable journey.

We offer thoughtfully designed Classical Tour itineraries to suit different schedules, interests, budget, and travel styles. The 11-day / 9-night New Classical Israel Tour includes 6 touring days, and it is perfect for travelers seeking a well-rounded introduction, covering Israel’s most iconic sites at a comfortable. The 13-day / 11-night In-Depth Classical Israel Tour includes 8 touring days and expands the journey to southern Israel, including the Negev Desert, Timna Park, Eilat, and the Ramon Crater, and also allows the option of a full-day excursion to Petra in Jordan from Eilat. For travelers who want the most comprehensive experience, the Ultimate Classical Israel Tour includes 10 touring days and spans Israel from north to south, including all the sites in the In-Depth tour plus additional two days exploring Old Jaffa, Neve Tzedek, Carmel Market, the ANU Museum, and a visit to the near Gaza area to learn about the tragic events of October 7.

All 3 Classical Tours include Israel’s essential sites, offering a well-rounded experience that combines religious sites (both Christian and Jewish) with important historical and archaeological landmarks. All 3 tours begin in Tel Aviv, and then visits to Caesarea, Haifa, and Nazareth, where travelers explore Roman ruins, ancient aqueducts, and significant Christian sites such as the Church of the Annunciation.In the Galilee, the tour includes Safed (Tzfat), the mystical center of Jewish Kabbalah, a visit to the Golan Heights, and a wine tasting at a local winery. Travelers also experience the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, Tabgha, the Mount of Beatitudes, the Jordan Valley, and the traditional baptism site at Qasr El Yahud. In Jerusalem, the tour covers the Mount of Olives, Mount Zion, the Old City, the Jewish Quarter, the Western Wall and its tunnels, the Davidson Center, the Via Dolorosa, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Additional highlights include Mount Herzl, the Israel Museum, and Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial. Iconic landscapes such as Masada and the Dead Sea are also included, providing rich historical, spiritual, and geographical context. Optional experiences may include celebrating a Bar or Bat Mitzvah at the Western Wall.

The In-Depth Classical Israel Tour adds two additional sightseeing days at the end of the itinerary, allowing travelers to explore Israel’s southern regions, including the Negev Desert and Eilat. An optional day tour to Petra in Jordan is also available. The Ultimate Classical Israel Tour includes all the sites featured in the other tours, with the addition of two extra touring days at the beginning of the itinerary. These days focus on destinations such as Neve Tzedek, Carmel Market, the Beit Guvrin caves, and other historically significant locations, offering travelers a deeper understanding of Israel’s past and present.

Tours range from 11 to 16 days, depending on the itinerary. Shorter tours like the New Classical Israel Tour provide a full, meaningful introduction to Israel’s highlights, ideal for first-time travelers or those with limited time. Longer tours, such as the Ultimate Classical Israel Tour, allow travelers to explore additional sites, spend more time in each location, and engage more deeply with Israel’s culture, landscapes, and history. These extended itineraries give a sense of the country’s full breadth – from northern Galilee to southern Eilat, and allow travelers to truly get a broader experience.

Absolutely. Our Classical Tours to Israel are fully guided and carefully paced to ensure comfort, confidence, and an enjoyable experience for all travelers. Whether it is your first visit or your fifth, our experienced guides provide historical context, cultural insights, and logistical support throughout the journey. Every detail, from transportation to hotel accommodations, is managed to allow travelers to focus on discovering Israel. Even complex itineraries are designed to feel relaxed and manageable, ensuring an enjoyable experience for first-time and seasoned travelers alike.

Yes. Each Classical Tour includes periods of free time, allowing travelers to rest, shop, explore independently, or revisit favorite sites. The two Saturdays (Shabbat), one in Tel Aviv and the second in Jerusalem, are free for travelers to relax or explore on their own. This flexibility ensures a balance between structured group activities and personal discovery, allowing every traveler to enjoy the tour at their own pace.

Yes. The classical Israel Tours are family-friendly and ideal for friends, extended families, or community groups. The itineraries provide shared experiences while also allowing for individual exploration. Children and teenagers will enjoy engaging sites such as the Sea of Galilee, Masada, and historical cities, while adults can appreciate the rich cultural, historical, and spiritual context provided by our expert guides. Group travel is seamless, with accommodations, transportation, and activities designed to make the experience smooth and enjoyable for all ages.

Yes. All tours include hotel accommodations chosen for comfort and convenience, meals as outlined in the itinerary, entrance fees to all sites mentioned on the itineraries, and ground transportation. Private airport transfers ensure that the start and end of your journey are stress-free. Every logistical detail is carefully coordinated to provide travelers with a seamless and worry-free experience.

Yes. Each tour is led by professional, licensed local guides with deep knowledge of Israel’s history, culture, and biblical sites. While tours are operated by trusted local partners, America Israel Tours oversees all arrangements and maintains direct communication with travelers. This combination ensures travelers receive the expertise of local guides while benefiting from the support, consistency, and reliability of our team, from planning through the completion of the tour.

Yes. Longer itineraries, such as the In-Depth or Ultimate Classical Israel Tours, include Eilat and the Negev Desert. Eilat offers Israel’s stunning Red Sea coastline, while the Negev provides dramatic desert landscapes, insights into Israel’s pioneering history, and connections to biblical narratives. These destinations add an unforgettable dimension to your Classical Tour, combining natural beauty, adventure, and historical context.

Yes. Saturdays are free, allowing travelers to rest, reflect, or explore at a leisurely pace. This break provides an opportunity to attend local synagogue services, enjoy quiet time at your hotel, or take a gentle stroll through nearby neighborhoods or markets. This flexibility makes the tours accessible for travelers of different interests and allows for personal reflection or independent exploration.

We offer several hotel categories, allowing travelers to choose accommodations that best fit their preferences and budget. Options range from luxury and premium hotels to well-appointed mid-range properties and more basic tourist-class hotels. Each category is selected to ensure comfort and convenience. This flexibility allows travelers to tailor their experience without compromising the quality of the tour or the locations visited, making every journey enjoyable, memorable, and budget-conscious.

Absolutely. Each tour is thoughtfully designed to immerse you in Israeli culture through meaningful culinary and cultural experiences. Highlights include two dinners at the hotel in Kibbutz Lavi in the Galilee, a dinner at a Middle Eastern restaurant in Jerusalem, and a traditional lunch in a Druze village on Sunday. Travelers will also enjoy a wine tasting in the Golan Heights and a memorable sound and light show at the David Citadel. Along the way, you’ll experience vibrant street life in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, while your guides share insights into local customs, music, and the arts – offering a deeper appreciation of Israel’s modern culture alongside its historical and biblical sites.

These tours require participants to be able to walk at least 1.5 miles per day unassisted, often on uneven surfaces such as cobblestones, archaeological paths, and stairs. For this reason, the tours may not be suitable for travelers with significant mobility limitations.
That said, we are more than happy to speak with any prospective traveler to further assess individual needs and discuss whether accommodations or adjustments may be possible. We encourage travelers to contact us in advance so we can help determine the best and most comfortable travel experience.

Travelers should bring comfortable walking shoes, appropriate attire for modest sites, and essentials such as sunscreen and hats for outdoor excursions. Weather conditions can vary significantly depending on the time of year and the regions visited, so packing layers is recommended. Information regarding currency, electrical voltage, and local customs will be provided in advance to help ensure a smooth, stress-free travel experience. Our guides also offer daily briefings and ongoing support to keep your journey safe, informative, and enjoyable.