Classic Israel Tour- Photography Workshop
Israel, a modern live country. an ancient land of nature, culture and religion. From dazzling desert landscapes, green mountains and valleys through rich tropical waters we will take you on a journey to meet the unique and diverse cultures and people of the land of the bible in our classic Israel expedition.
Day 1 – Ben Gurion Airport / Tel Aviv
Shalom, welcome to Israel’s cultural heart – Tel Aviv (Lonely Planet’s top 10 cities for 2011, Top 10 beach cities by National Geographic). After check-in into our hotel, we will explore the city streets, and its famous nightlife, bars and restaurants. We will have Dinner and stay the night in Tel Aviv.
Tel Aviv beach by Gilad Benari
Day 2 – Daliyat al-Karmel / Acre / Rosh Hanikra / Haifa
After an early breakfast we will drive north, along the Mediterranean Coast. We will start our day at Daliyat Al-Karmel, the country’s largest Druze town, Located on the Mt. Carmel. The Druze are members of an ancient community. Their religion and beliefs have been kept secret for over a thousand years. We will have a traditional lunch in a local Druze family’s house.
Market by Yael Yitzhaki
After lunch we will continue to one of the oldest port cities in the middle east- Acre. The old city’s medieval fortifications and cobblestone alleys, the colourful markets with their unique sounds and smells, fishermen coming back from the sea with their catch – all make Acre a true highlight.
In the afternoon we will visit the northeast part of Israel’s coastline, “Rosh Hanikra”, to observe the magnificent limestone caverns carved by the sea for thousands of years.
Our last stop for the day will be at Haifa, Israel’s third largest city and its Northern Capital, which holds a history that spans more than 3,000 years. Haifa is also home to the Bahá’í faith and their holy Shrine of the Báb, surrounded by the Bahai Gardens (UNESCO’s World Heritage property). The breathtaking 19 Terraces form a true gardening masterpiece.
We will have dine and spend the night in Haifa.
Day 3 – the Golan Heights
On Our third day we will drive up north to the Golan Heights where we will visit the River Banias. This beautiful river is one of the main sources of the Jordan River, located at the foot of Mount Hermon. As we walk further alongside the banks of the river, we will discover its hidden falls and gentle rapids.
Later on, a Jeep Tour will take us through the lava rock roads of the Golan Heights.
Egyptian Vulture in Gamla by Pablo Rudaeff
After lunch we will visit one of the Golan Wineries, located amongst vineyards and surrounded by endless green views. We will become acquainted with the enticing collection of fine and rare wines, and get an up close and personal view of the entire wine production process and taste the final products.
Dinner and overnight will be at Kfar Blum hotel, overviewing the Galilee mountains, located just a few steps from the Jordan River.
Day 4 – Hula / Sea of Galilee / Dead Sea
Cranes in Hula Park Nir Geiger
Just before sunrise we will head to Hula Ornithology (Bird Watching) and Nature Park. This large wetland conservation is famous for its birdlife and was declared by the BBC as one of the top 10 places in the world for bird watching. This unique eco-system is home to over half a billion birds during migration season. The lake and its surrounding are home to over 100 species of birds, and over half a dozen species of mammals. Hula is most known for the hundreds of thousands of cranes, resting in its area.
A safari wagon tour will allow us an extra-close observation of the birds and other animals in their natural habitat.
This is a true delight for any bird enthusiast and nature photographer.
After a late breakfast at the hotel we will drive along the Sea of Galilee, and arrive to “the Mount of Beatitude“, where the famous “Sermon On The Mount” took place. We will then continue to Capernaum, the town of Jesus. The town was selected by Jesus as the center of his public ministry in the Galilee, and that’s where he preformed his first healing miracles. We will also visit the ruins of Capernaum’s ancient Synagogue. Another spiritual and historical spot we will visit is Taghba, where the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fish took place. A magnificently well preserved mosaic located at the site will tell us the story.
After lunch we will continue south, through the Judean desert to the Dead Sea – the lowest place on earth, at the altitude of -400 meters below sea level. Enjoy the scenery as you follow the road between the salty water and majestic desert mountains. We will check-in at the Dead Sea Hotel and enjoy the Spa for the evening.
Day 5 – Dead Sea / Timna / Eilat
Dead sea salt formation
Today Wakeup call will be early, as we would like to view the Sunrise at one of the most beautiful beaches of the Dead Sea where extraordinary salt formations and textures meet the crystal salt water, creating an amazing scenery and beautiful photography opportunities. After breakfast we will enjoy a dip in the salty water of the Dead Sea.
After lunch we will drive south to Timna Park – a geological window to the mighty forces of nature, The park features unique rock formations carved by wind and water for millions of years. This park unique scenery and the low light pollution will allow us to create breath taking long exposure photos of the Milky Way and star trails.
Timna – The Mushroom and Milky Way
We will then head to Israel’s southernmost city – Eilat to spend the night.
Day 6 – Eilat
Our day will start with a relaxed boat cruise. Among the waters of the Red Sea lies one of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world. Its beautiful fish that swim among the majestic coral have made it an internationally-renowned diving site. Snorkelling and scuba gear will be waiting for us on board. Lunch will be served on the boat.
Blue Spotted sting ray by Nir Geiger
After the cruise we will enjoy a free afternoon on the beach. you can also decide to spend your time in one of Eilat’s tax free malls. We will stay in Eilat for Dinner and an overnight.
Day 7 – Mitzpe Ramon / Sde Boker / Jerusalem
We will leave Eilat early morning towards Mitzpe Ramon, a town that lies on the edge of the famous Ramon crater, one of nature’s unique phenomenon. From there we will take an ATV adventure tour in the desert. The vehicles will lead us deep into the magic secrets of the desert. Entering the crater will reveal more of the mystery and expose us to the local Ibex, volcanic rocks, minerals, colourful sand and fossils. Later on we will go back up to the rim of the Crater, a perfect spot for panoramic photos. We will thank nature, and get ready to feel the Holy Spirit as we head over to Dinner and Overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 8 – Jerusalem’s Old City
This day will be dedicated to visiting some of the most sacred places in Israel, focusing on powerful photographic opportunities such as portraits, culture, colourful markets and holy places.
Our first stop will be at the “Dome of the rock”, a holy place for the Muslims and an ancient, almost unchanged, beautiful architectural structure. Muslims believe the location of the
“Dome of the Rock” to be the site of Mohammad’s rise to the sky.
church of the sepelture, Jerusalem by Guy Cohen
Later on we’ll enter the narrow streets of the old city, go through the Muslim market to the Christian quarter where we’ll visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. For many Christians this is the most important – pilgrimage destination, as the purported site of the resurrection of Jesus. Some claim it also contains the place where Jesus was buried. We will also visit the nearby Ethiopian church and meet the Ethiopian monks.
The last part of the Old city tour is the Western Wall or Wailing Wall, the holiest place for Judaism, as it’s a remnant of the ancient wall that surrounded the Jewish Temple.
After a lunch in a local Jewish restaurant we will continue to “Machne Yehuda” market, the biggest and most famous market in Jerusalem, where we will meet the colourful people of the city.
We will finish our day photographing the sunset with a panoramic view of the City.
Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem by Guy Cohen
After a long emotional and rich day we will be heading for dinner and overnight stay in the city that never sleeps – Tel Aviv.
Day 9 – Old City of Jaffa / Ben Gurion Airport
If you survived the Tel Aviv Night life, you will join us for our last day at Old Jaffa.
Our feet will take us through the narrow cobblestone alleys, down towards the old port of Jaffa, where we will meet the fishermen as they come back to the port with their fresh catch after a long night in the Mediterranean sea.
We will have our last Humus In one of Jaffa’s traditional Arabic restaurants.
Now it’s time to say goodbye and hug. The bus will transfer us from Tel Aviv to Ben Gurion airport.
*subjected to flight time.
Price: €3,504
Included:
- 7 nights in mentioned Hotels or similar (2 person per room)
- 1 night in a Beduin Tent
- HB in hotels and Lunches on
- Transfer from and to airport
- Luxury Big Bus
- English speaker guide
- Photography guide
- Entrance fees in sites mentioned above
What’s not Included:
- Flights to Israel
- Border taxes in Israel/ Jordan Borders: $65 per person to be paid in the borders
- Drinks in meals
- Tips to driver/guide
- Travel Insurance
- Personal expenses
PLEASE NOTE:
All the prices include V.A.T. & any other taxes, duties, levies, road tolls or fees.
Accommodation free places from persons accommodating in standard twin/dbl rooms.
We reserve the right to revise pricing due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control such as increase in fuel prices, labor costs, taxes, etc.Safety all our products include a detailed safety plan.
Tour Dates:
October 15, 2014
October 24, 2014
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For more information and details, please contact us: info@phototeva.com
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All prices and plans a subjected to changes until final agreement.