Travelers spend 10 days exploring Israel’s diverse culture and rich history, starting at just $2,799
(TRAVPR.COM) UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - July 17th, 2012 - Steeped intradition and history, Israel is one of the most dynamic countries in the world. Friendly Planet Travel, a leading tour operator that packages high-quality, affordable vacation packages across the globe, announced today its new fully escorted 10-day Classic Israel tour.Explore the country’s most significant and impressive sites, including Jerusalem, the Dead Sea, Tel Aviv, and more, on this programthat includes flights from the U.S. and well-located luxurious five-star hotel accommodations.
“Visiting Israel is a spiritually enriching adventure,” saysPeggy Goldman, President of Friendly Planet Travel. “We have offered exciting and safe tours to Israel for more than 30 years, and have drawn on that experience to craft our newest program, Classic Israel, which we are thrilled to announce. As this destination becomes increasingly expensive, it has also become more difficult to find an escorted tour that includes a significant amount of touring and outstanding accommodations. Our Classic Israel program is able to do just, with touring every day to all of the important and interesting sites likethe fortress of Masada, Sea of Galilee, Shrine of the Book, and more. Also, our small group sizes, with no more than 24 passengers per trip, allows for a more intimate tour and camaraderie among travelers.”
Friendly Planet Travel’s Classic Israeltour includes round-trip airfare from New York (JFK) via Austrian Airlines, including fuel surcharges, airline taxes, and fees; all intra-country transportation and transfers;and centrally located deluxehotel accommodations. The tour also includesdaily breakfast, one lunch, and four dinners; a comprehensive touring program, including entrance fees; and a professional, English-speaking tour guide that has been carefully selected.
The tour begins in Jerusalemwith a welcome dinner and a visit to the Old City, divided into Christian, Jewish, Armenian, and Muslim quarters. Explore these different quarters with a stop at the Via Dolorosa and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in the Christian Quarter, and walk through the restored Jewish Quarter to the Western Wall and Rabbinical Tunnels. Continue to the newly renovated Israel Museum, home of the Shrine of the Book, where the Dead Sea Scrolls are housed. Round-out the day’s touring with a stop atYadVashem, Israel’s memorial to the Holocaust, Mount Herzl National Military Cemetery, and Latrun Tank Museum to learn more about the Israeli Army.While exploring Jerusalem, travelers stay at the deluxe Leonardo Plaza Jerusalem Hotel in the heart of the city.
Depart Jerusalem and descend through the Judean Desert to the lowest point in the world, the Dead Sea. Along the way, visitGenesis Land for a unique experience of Biblical Hospitality and the chance to ride a camel. Then explore the historic fortress of Masada where, after the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD, Jewish resistance continued againstRome. While exploring the area, travelers stay at theDaniel Hotel Dead Sea, an internationally-renowned deluxe spa hotel.
The tour then heads north to explore the Jordan Valley, with a visit toBeitShe’an, the extra-ordinary site of the Greco-Roman city destroyed by an earthquake that is now a thriving modern city. Continue toKibbutz Beit Alpha to view the remains of an ancient synagogue. Travelers stay at the deluxe Leonardo Plaza Tiberias Hotel, located on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, as they explore the area.
Begin the next day of touring with a boat ride across the Sea of Galilee,and a visit toCapernaum, believed to be the site of St. Peter’s House. Then ascend to the Kabbalistic city of Safed to explore the art galleries and synagogues. Drive through the Golan Heights to the former Syrian fortifications, and continue to a Druze Village to learn about this unique culture. Then drive to the Mediterranean coast to visitCaesarea, the Roman capital of Judea. Check in at the Daniel Herzliya Hotel, located on the beach.
The tour concludes inThe White City of Tel Aviv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a walk through the colorful Carmel Market and the artist colony ofNeveZedek. Lastly, enjoy ancient Jaffa and a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
For travelers looking to take advantage of the already included international airfare, an optional four-day extension to the lovely coastal townof Eilaton the Red Sea is available. Enjoy its warm, calm waters and exploreone of the world’s best coral reefs. From Eilat, travelerscan also take an optional day trip to Petra, Jordanfora guided tour, including a portion on horseback, of this fascinating ancient rose city. While relaxing at the southern tip of Israel, travelers will stay at the Leonardo Plaza Hotel Eilat, adjacent to the waterfront with its own semiprivate beach.
Friendly Planet’s 10-day Classic Israelis available for $2,799 on the departure dates of Jan. 26 and Feb. 16, if booked by Sept. 5.
For more information about Friendly Planet Travel, please visit the company’s website at www.FriendlyPlanet.com; the blog at blog.FriendlyPlanet.com; or contact Jackie Zima-Evans at 610-228-2138 (office), 215-534-2973 (mobile), or write to Jackie@GregoryFCA.com.
ABOUT FRIENDLY PLANET TRAVEL
Friendly Planet Travel makes high-quality exotic travel affordable for everyone. Since 1981, Friendly Planet Travel has been arranging all-inclusive escorted discount vacation packages and cruises to the most exciting destinations in the world at the lowest possible prices. Each year, Friendly Planet Travel offers more than 30 different group travel packages to Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and South America—at discounts of hundreds of dollars off similar vacations. With no hidden charges, add-ons, or surprises, Friendly Planet Travel vacations include convenient flights and airfare; carefullyselected, first-class and superior hotels; knowledgeable, English-speaking guides; many meals;planned itineraries; as well as friendships and memories that last a lifetime. Friendly Planet Travel offers its extensive, economical travel services to private groups, including universities, religious institutions, alumni associations, and families. Groups who wish to travel together can count on Friendly Planet Travel’s three decades of experience to operate their group travel program expertly and always at the very best possible prices.
Visit it at www.FriendlyPlanetTravel.com. You can also follow Friendly Planet Travel on Twitter and Facebook.
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