How Long to Spend in Israel: First-Timer Itinerary

How Long to Spend in Israel: First-Timer Itinerary

Israel is a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. From the ancient streets of Jerusalem to the bustling beaches of Tel Aviv, and the serene landscapes of the Dead Sea and the Negev Desert, Israel offers a wide array of experiences for travelers. If you're visiting Israel for the first time, planning your itinerary can be overwhelming. This guide will help you decide how long to spend in Israel and provide a detailed itinerary to make the most of your visit.

Deciding How Long to Stay

Short Visit (3-4 Days)

A short visit to Israel is ideal for those who want to see the highlights without spending too much time away. In this time frame, you can visit Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, and take a day trip to the Dead Sea.

Medium Visit (7-10 Days)

A week to ten days in Israel allows you to explore the major cities, relax by the Mediterranean Sea, and visit significant historical and religious sites. This timeframe also gives you the chance to venture into the desert and explore the northern regions.

Extended Visit (14 Days or More)

For a more in-depth experience, spending two weeks or more in Israel lets you dive deeper into the culture and history, explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, and enjoy a more relaxed pace.

Suggested Itineraries

3-4 Day Itinerary: Highlights of Israel

Day 1: Arrival in Tel Aviv

Morning: Arrive in Tel Aviv and check into your hotel.
Afternoon: Explore Rothschild Boulevard, known for its Bauhaus architecture and vibrant cafe culture.
Evening: Enjoy the nightlife in the Florentin neighborhood, with its trendy bars and street art.

Day 2: Tel Aviv and Jaffa

Morning: Relax on the beaches of Tel Aviv, such as Gordon Beach or Frishman Beach.
Afternoon: Visit the ancient port city of Jaffa, explore its historic streets, and browse the flea market.
Evening: Dine at one of Tel Aviv’s renowned restaurants, like Ouzeria or Port Said.

Day 3: Jerusalem

Morning: Travel to Jerusalem and start your tour in the Old City. Visit the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Temple Mount.
Afternoon: Explore the Jewish Quarter and the Cardo.
Evening: Stroll through the Machane Yehuda Market and enjoy a meal at one of its many eateries.

Day 4: Dead Sea and Departure

Morning: Take a day trip to the Dead Sea. Experience floating in the mineral-rich waters and cover yourself in therapeutic Dead Sea mud.
Afternoon: Return to Jerusalem or Tel Aviv.
Evening: Prepare for departure.

7-10 Day Itinerary: In-Depth Exploration

Day 1-4: Follow the 3-4 Day Itinerary Above

Day 5: Bethlehem and Jericho

Morning: Visit the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.
Afternoon: Explore the ancient city of Jericho and the Mount of Temptation.
Evening: Return to Jerusalem for dinner.

Day 6: Masada and Ein Gedi

Morning: Visit the ancient fortress of Masada. Hike or take a cable car to the top.
Afternoon: Relax at the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, hike to the waterfalls, and enjoy the botanical gardens.
Evening: Return to Jerusalem or Tel Aviv.

Day 7: Haifa and Akko

Morning: Travel to Haifa and visit the Bahá'í Gardens.
Afternoon: Explore the Old City of Akko, with its Crusader fortresses and bustling markets.
Evening: Overnight in Haifa or return to Tel Aviv.

Day 8: Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee

Morning: Visit the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth.
Afternoon: Explore sites around the Sea of Galilee, including Capernaum and the Mount of Beatitudes.
Evening: Overnight in Tiberias.

Day 9: Golan Heights

Morning: Hike in the Golan Heights and visit the Banias Nature Reserve.
Afternoon: Tour a winery in the Golan Heights.
Evening: Return to Tiberias.

Day 10: Return to Tel Aviv

Morning: Travel back to Tel Aviv.
Afternoon: Relax on the beach or explore more of the city.
Evening: Farewell dinner in Tel Aviv.

14-Day Itinerary: Comprehensive Tour

Day 1-10: Follow the 7-10 Day Itinerary Above

Day 11: Eilat

Morning: Travel to Eilat, Israel’s southernmost city on the Red Sea.
Afternoon: Relax on the beaches and snorkel at Coral Beach Nature Reserve.
Evening: Enjoy Eilat’s nightlife.

Day 12: Timna Park

Morning: Explore the ancient copper mines and unique rock formations at Timna Park.
Afternoon: Return to Eilat for more beach time or visit the Underwater Observatory Marine Park.
Evening: Dinner in Eilat.

Day 13: Negev Desert

Morning: Travel to the Negev Desert and visit Mitzpe Ramon and the Ramon Crater.
Afternoon: Explore the crater through various hiking trails or a jeep tour.
Evening: Overnight in a desert lodge or return to Tel Aviv.

Day 14: Departure

Morning: Free time in Tel Aviv for last-minute shopping or relaxation.
Afternoon: Prepare for departure.
Evening: Depart from Ben Gurion Airport.

Detailed Itinerary Breakdown

Day 1: Arrival in Tel Aviv

Morning

Arrival: Land at Ben Gurion Airport and transfer to your hotel in Tel Aviv.
Check-in: Settle into your hotel and freshen up.

Afternoon

Rothschild Boulevard: Start your exploration with a stroll down Rothschild Boulevard. Enjoy the mix of historic Bauhaus buildings, trendy cafes, and bustling atmosphere.

Evening

Florentin Neighborhood: Head to Florentin for dinner. This area is known for its lively nightlife, street art, and eclectic bars. Popular spots include Kuli Alma and Levontin 7.

Day 2: Tel Aviv and Jaffa

Morning

Beaches: Spend the morning relaxing on Tel Aviv’s beautiful beaches. Gordon Beach and Frishman Beach are popular choices with excellent facilities.

Afternoon

Jaffa: Visit the ancient port city of Jaffa. Explore its narrow alleys, historic buildings, and the Jaffa Flea Market. Don’t miss the Jaffa Clock Tower and the old port with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Evening

Dining in Tel Aviv: Enjoy dinner at one of Tel Aviv’s renowned restaurants. Ouzeria offers Mediterranean dishes, while Port Said provides a unique dining experience with eclectic cuisine.

Day 3: Jerusalem

Morning

Travel to Jerusalem: Take a bus or a train from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
Old City: Start your tour of Jerusalem in the Old City. Visit the Western Wall, a place of prayer and pilgrimage for Jews worldwide.

Afternoon

Church of the Holy Sepulchre: Explore this significant Christian site believed to be the location of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and resurrection.
Temple Mount: If possible, visit the Temple Mount and admire the Dome of the Rock, one of the most iconic Islamic shrines.

Evening

Machane Yehuda Market: Stroll through this bustling market and sample local delicacies like hummus, falafel, and fresh pastries. The market transforms into a lively nightlife spot in the evening.

Day 4: Dead Sea

Morning

Travel to the Dead Sea: Take a day trip to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth.
Floating Experience: Experience the unique sensation of floating in the high-salinity waters of the Dead Sea. Cover yourself in the mineral-rich mud for a natural spa treatment.

Afternoon

Masada: Visit the ancient fortress of Masada. Hike up the Snake Path or take a cable car to the top. Explore the ruins and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding desert and the Dead Sea.

Evening

Return to Jerusalem or Tel Aviv: Head back to your base city and enjoy a relaxing evening.

Day 5: Bethlehem and Jericho

Morning

Bethlehem: Visit the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus. Explore Manger Square and other significant religious sites.

Afternoon

Jericho: Travel to Jericho, one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. Visit the ancient ruins of Tel Jericho and the Mount of Temptation, where Jesus is believed to have been tempted by the devil.

Evening

Return to Jerusalem: Head back to Jerusalem for dinner and relaxation.

Day 6: Haifa and Akko

Morning

Travel to Haifa: Take a train or bus to Haifa, a beautiful coastal city known for its diverse culture and stunning gardens.
Bahá'í Gardens: Visit the Bahá'í Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These meticulously maintained terraced gardens offer breathtaking views of Haifa and the Mediterranean Sea.

Afternoon

Akko (Acre): Travel to the nearby city of Akko. Explore the well-preserved Crusader city, with its narrow alleys, historic buildings, and ancient walls. Visit the Templar Tunnels and the Akko Port.

Evening

Return to Haifa or Tel Aviv: Head back to Haifa for the night or return to Tel Aviv.

Day 7: Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee

Morning

Nazareth: Travel to Nazareth and visit the Basilica of the Annunciation, one of the largest churches in the Middle East, marking the site where the Angel Gabriel is said to have appeared to Mary.

Afternoon

Sea of Galilee: Explore sites around the Sea of Galilee, including Capernaum, the home of Jesus during his ministry, and the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus is believed to have delivered the Sermon on the Mount.

Evening

Overnight in Tiberias: Spend the night in Tiberias, a city on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee.

Day 8: Golan Heights

Morning

Golan Heights: Travel to the Golan Heights, known for its scenic landscapes and historical significance. Hike in the Banias Nature Reserve, home to one of the sources of the Jordan River and the ancient site of Caesarea Philippi.

Afternoon

Winery Tour: Visit one of the Golan Heights' renowned wineries for a tour and wine tasting.

Evening

Return to Tiberias: Head back to Tiberias for dinner and relaxation.

Day 9: Return to Tel Aviv

Morning

Travel to Tel Aviv: Return to Tel Aviv from Tiberias.
Beaches: Spend the day relaxing on the beach or exploring more of Tel Aviv’s attractions.

Afternoon

Old Tel Aviv Port Area: Visit the Old Tel Aviv Port Area, a vibrant entertainment district with shops, cafes, and a lively atmosphere.

Evening

Farewell Dinner: Enjoy a farewell dinner at one of Tel Aviv’s top restaurants, such as Taizu or Shila.

Day 10: Departure

Morning

Last-Minute Shopping: Spend your final morning shopping for souvenirs or relaxing.
Check-Out: Check out of your hotel and prepare for your journey home.

Afternoon

Departure: Head to Ben Gurion Airport for your flight home.

Extended Itinerary (Day 11-14): Exploring Eilat and the Negev Desert

Day 11: Eilat

Travel to Eilat: Take a domestic flight or drive to Eilat, Israel’s southernmost city on the Red Sea.
Beaches and Snorkeling: Spend the day relaxing on the beaches and snorkeling at Coral Beach Nature Reserve, known for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.
Evening: Enjoy Eilat’s nightlife with dinner at a seaside restaurant and a visit to one of the local bars or clubs.

Day 12: Timna Park

Morning: Explore Timna Park, located north of Eilat. Discover the ancient copper mines, unique rock formations, and the famous Solomon’s Pillars.
Afternoon: Return to Eilat for more beach time or visit the Underwater Observatory Marine Park, which offers a fascinating view of the Red Sea’s underwater life.
Evening: Dinner in Eilat and a relaxing evening.

Day 13: Negev Desert

Morning: Travel to the Negev Desert and visit Mitzpe Ramon, a small town located on the edge of the Ramon Crater.
Ramon Crater: Explore the world’s largest erosion crater. Hike the trails or take a jeep tour to fully appreciate the unique geological formations and stunning desert landscapes.
Evening: Overnight in a desert lodge or return to Tel Aviv.

Day 14: Departure

Morning: Free time in Tel Aviv for last-minute shopping or relaxation.
Check-Out: Check out of your hotel and prepare for your journey home.
Afternoon: Head to Ben Gurion Airport for your flight home.

Practical Travel Tips

Travel Preparation

Visa Requirements: Check if you need a visa to enter Israel. Many nationalities can enter visa-free for short stays.
Currency: The official currency is the Israeli Shekel (ILS). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s good to carry some cash for small purchases.
Language: Hebrew and Arabic are the official languages. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Accommodation

Booking: Book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak seasons and major festivals.
Types: Israel offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels and boutique guesthouses to budget hostels and Airbnb rentals.

Transportation

Public Transport: Israel has an efficient public transport system, including buses, trains, and shared taxis (sheruts).
Car Rentals: Renting a car offers flexibility, especially for exploring remote areas like the Negev Desert and Golan Heights.

Health and Safety

Health Precautions: Tap water is safe to drink, and healthcare services are excellent. Make sure you have travel insurance.
Safety: Israel is generally safe for tourists, but stay informed about local news and travel advisories.

Respecting Local Customs

Dress Modestly: Especially important when visiting religious sites.
Observing Shabbat: From Friday evening to Saturday evening, many businesses close. Plan accordingly.
Photography: Always ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially in religious or conservative areas.

Conclusion

Israel is a destination that offers something for everyone, whether you’re interested in history, religion, nature, or modern city life. By following these suggested itineraries and practical tips, you can make the most of your visit and experience the rich cultural tapestry and diverse landscapes of this remarkable country. Whether you’re staying for a few days or a couple of weeks, Israel promises an unforgettable journey. Safe travels!