While it's possible to explore the highlights of Israel in less than a week, nine days are recommended for a well-rounded trip that includes religious sites and natural wonders. After getting to know Jerusalem's Old City and Mount of Olives, you can head north to Tiberias to discover the region's many Biblical sites. Or, head south to Eilat to float in the Dead Sea and stop by the Ein Gedi Nature Park.

Israel in 9 Days

Relaxing near Jaffa Tel Aviv
Relaxing near Jaffa, Tel Aviv

In nine days, you can explore Isreal from top to bottom, delve into its storied landscapes, discover renowned religious sites, and still have time to relax on stunning Mediterranean beaches. This history and religion itinerary is an ideal introduction to Isreal and features time in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, where you'll meander through the Old City, the Jewish Quarter, and Manger Square. Make your way to Eilat, located in southern Isreal, stopping at the hilltop fortress of Masada on the shores of the Dead Sea along the way. Then, head north to admire Haifa's intricate and precise gardens and visit the synagogues of Safed.

With nine days, it's also possible to include a trip to neighboring Jordan in your itinerary. This highlights tour begins and ends in Tel Aviv, checking out the must-see sites on a half-day city tour and watching the sunset over the Mediterranean. Over three days in Jerusalem, you'll have plenty of time to visit the Tomb of Saint Mary on the Mount of Olives and walk along the Via Dolorosa. Then, in Jordan, Amman provides the perfect base to explore the archaeological wonders of Jerash and Ajloun. At the same time, a drive to Petra offers the opportunity to visit Mount Nebo, the Dead Sea, and Bethany.

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Other Durations

If you have less time to spend in Israel, you can opt for a fast-paced trip and still visit the highlights of Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Eilat. If you have more than nine days, you can add on a day trip to Qumran from Jerusalem, travel up Isreal's northern coastline to Caesarea and Rosh HaNikra from Tel Aviv, and enjoy an extended stay in Jordan, which allows you to camp in the Wadi Rum desert.

Israel in 6 Days

A shorter stay in Isreal is possible, especially as part of a lengthier trip in the Middle East. Six days offer enough time to enjoy beach time in Tel Aviv, tour Jerusalem's Old City and New City highlights, and spend a day in the ancient stone city of Petra on this highlights tour.

Israel in 8 Days

With eight days in Isreal, you can check out highlights and lessor-visited sites on a Tel Aviv and Jerusalem-focused itinerary. If you skip a trip down to Eilat, you'll have time to stroll along the ancient port of Jaffa, enjoy a free day in Tel Aviv, and embark on a day trip to Masada, Qumran, and the Dead Sea. Another option is to spend less time in Jerusalem and use Tiberias as a base to explore Safed and the Golan Heights, like on this eight-day tour.

Isreal in 12 Days

In 12 days, you can explore much of Isreal on a classic tour, split between Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Tiberias. A longer stay allows you to join a Tel Aviv city tour, complete with stops at Rabin Square and the historic neighborhood of Neve Tzedek. In Jerusalem, settle in for a five-night stay and spend an afternoon walking along the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and visit the Qumran Caves during a day trip around the Dead Sea. There's also ample opportunity to admire the Sea of Galilee, pass through Nazareth, and tour the Church of Multiplication from Tiberias.

Isreal in 2 Weeks

If you have two weeks to spend in Israel, adding a trip to Jordan to your adventure is a great idea, like on this well-rounded itinerary. Begin in Jerusalem, where five days give you ample time to check out the city's highlights, including the Old City and Mount Zion. Then, in Jordan, tour the Greco-Roman city of Jerash and spend a day wandering through Petra before embarking on an exciting Jeep tour in Wadi Rum. With added time, you'll also enjoy a free day in Tel Aviv, relaxing on the beach or museum hopping.

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Persian Hanging Gardens of Baháʼí
Explore the Persian Hanging Gardens of Haifa (Baháʼí Terraces)

With numerous renowned religious sites and unique landscapes to explore, there's plenty to keep you busy. Most flights will arrive in Tel Aviv, a great starting point for any trip to Isreal. Highlights include the historic neighborhood of Neve Tzedek and the ancient port of Jaffa, as well as intriguing museums such as the Tel Aviv Museum of Art and the Eretz Israel Museum.

From Tel Aviv, Jerusalem is less than an hour's transfer away, and it's a good idea to spend at least three days here to check out the city's must-see sights, including the Mount of Olives, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and Mount Zion. If time allows, visit the Israel Museum, where you can enter the Shrine of the Book to see the Dead Sea Scrolls.

If you're coming over the winter season (December to February), it's well worth taking a trip to Eilat to soak in the Dead Sea and enjoy southern Isreal's warmer temperatures. In contrast, summer is an ideal time to travel up Isreal's northern coastline, stopping in Haifa to marvel at the Hanging Gardens of Baháʼí and visiting the UNESCO-listed markets of Acre (Akka).

It's also possible to include time in Jordan on an Israel itinerary, and a great option is to use Amman as a base to explore Jerash and its Hippodrome and Ajloun and its 12th-century Ajloun Castle. Then, journey south to Petra to tour its ancient temples, tombs, and colonnaded streets and join an excursion in the otherworldly Wadi Rum desert.