If you only have one or two days in Israel, I would love to help you make the best out of your day. The needs and interests of a tourist on a day trip differ from those of other tourists: we need to maximize your time (but not rush), we need to plan well (so you don’t miss out) and I need to pick you up and bring you back well on time. Following are my most popular day trips in Israel. They are full days and can be easily customized. I’d also be more than happy to accommodate any other ideas or itineraries you have in mind.

Jerusalem

For an overview of the old city, we’ll start at the Mount Scopus lookout. Then, after visiting the biblical Mount of Olives (29), ), we’ll descend to the Gat Shemanim Church (Gethsemane- The Basilica of Agony). This is where Jesus had his last prayer before being captured by the Romans. We’ll go on to the Western Wall (17) (the world’s most sacred Jewish site, which is located right underneath the Dome of the Rock (18)- tthe third holiest Muslim site. Then, we will explore the Muslim quarter (19). This tour will take us through the Roman Cardo and the Via Dolorosa (the way Jesus walked while bearing his cross), and would lead us to the awe-inspiring Church of the Holy Sepulchre (20). We’ll end the day with a visit to Bethlehem (31) and the Nativity Church- Jesus’ birthplace.

Judean Desert

The day will start in Qumran National Park (28), where the Dead Sea scrolls were found. The fascinating museum and the audiovisual show explain the place’s history and significance very well. Afterwards, in Masada (14), we would get acquainted with another one of King Herod’s engineering feats and the epic tragedy that took place in this former palace. We could hike up for some exercise in the desert air or take the cable car for a quick ascend. If time permits, a short hike to the Ein Gedi waterfalls (15) would be a wonderful and refreshing surprise in the middle of the desert. We’ll end our day covered in Dead Sea (16) mud, which holds many health properties and wash it off while floating in the salty water.

The Galilee

We’ll start our day in Nazareth, the childhood home of Jesus and home to the Church of Annunciation (9). A short drive will take us to the Kinneret (the Sea of Galilee) (10), where we would have a chance to see the sites of many of the New Testament stories: Tabgha (the miracle of the fish and the bread), the Church of Beatitude (the Sermon on the Mount), Kfar Nachum (Capernaum- the house of Peter and an ancient synagogue). From there we could go on to the Jordan River’s Jordan River’s Yardenit baptismal site (32) or watch the sun set over the Sea of Galilee while having dinner in Tiberias.

Haifa

We’ll start our day in Haifa for a tour of the world-renowned hanging Baha’i Gardens (6). Then, we’ll head north to Akko (7). A UNESCO world heritage site, Akko offers its visitors a sneak pick into hundreds of years of history. The underground city and the Knights’ hall would take us to the time of the Crusaders, the Turkish prison- to the Ottoman Empire; and the various museums will tell us many other stories of this unique Jewish-Muslim city. Before leaving, we’ll have to stand in line to what is considered to be the best Humus in Northern Israel. Then, we’ll go on to the Rosh Hanikra Grottoes (8), where we’ll have a glimpse over the border to Lebanon and admire the natural wonder that is these sea caves.