Southern Israel – with Petra Option (6 Days)
eilat, israel
The Southern Part of Israel – 6 day / 5 nights (with Petra Option)
Highlights: Ashkelon, Sderot, Be’er Sheva, Sde BoKer, Avdat, Mizpe Ramon, Negev Desert, Eilat.
Day 1
Tel Aviv, Ashkelon, Sderot, Be’er Sheva, Sde BoKer, Avdat
Depart your hotel in Tel Aviv / Jerusalem and drive south to the Mediterranean city of Ashkelon. In Ashkelon you will have the opportunity to visit the Ancient Ashkelon, one of the most important cities in the land of Israel throughout the ages. From there continue to Kibbutz Yad Mordechai where you will visit the grounds of one of the bloodiest battles during Israel’s Independence war. From there you will continue southwest to the town of Sderot, where you will have the opportunity to have a view over the Gaza Strip. From Sderot you will continue to Be’er Sheva, the Capital of the Negev Desert. Be’er Sheva got its name from the ancient city which existed in the same place and was called Be’er Sheva due to the covenant made there between Abraham and Abimelech. Continue to Sde Boker, the home of Israel’s first prime minister, David Ben Gurion. Visit Ben Gurion’s grave site and enjoy a remarkable view of the Zin Desert. Continue to Avdat, and visit the ruins of an ancient Nabatean city on Mount Negev (summer season only). End your day in Mizpe Ramon.
* Overnight in Mizpe Ramon
Day 2
Mizpe Ramon, Makhtesh Ramon, Paran Deset, Solomon Pillars, Timan Park, Eilat
Early morning jeep tour and hike will take you into Makhtesh Ramon, the Ramon crater. a very large crater created hundreds of millions of years ago when the Negev desert was covered by an ocean. Makhtesh Ramon contains a diversity of rocks including clay hills known for their fantastic red and yellow colors bordering the crater. Return to Mizpe Ramon and continue south through the Paran Desert to Timna Park and the Solomon Pillars. Timna is considered to be the place of the first mines on Earth. These were copper mines developed by Egyptians about six thousand years ago. It is also believed to be the place of copper mining under King Solomon. Enjoy the magnificent rock formation and colors together with special Bedouin hospitality. Option available for ATV tour through the park. From Tima continue south to Eilat. Eilat was an important port in the days of the Kingdom of Israel and Judah. Rebuilt in 1951, today Eilat is one of Israel’s most thriving resort towns.
* Overnight in Eilat
Day 3
Eilat
Enjoy morning at leisure. After a late breakfast enjoy a special visit to Eilat’s Underwater Observatory, one of the largest seaquariums in the world built into a magnificent coral reef. Return to your hotel for free time to swim and enjoy leisure activities.
* Overnight in Eilat
Day 4
Eilat, Red Sea
Board a luxury touring yacht for a leisure cruise and lunch on the Red Sea. Snorkeling equipment will be available for the most amazing view of fish and coral reefs. You will sail along the Jordanian Israel border and then south towards the Egyptian border point of Taba. Enjoy a BBQ lunch including Israeli salads, Mediterranean specialties, wine fruit and desserts. Option will include an introductory scuba diving lesson. Return to the hotel.
* Overnight in Eilat
Day 5
Eilat or Petra, Jordan
Day at Leisure, or Excursion to Petra, Jordan
Petra excursion – based on availability at time of booking. This excursion leaves at 7AM and returns in the evening. Jordanian visa may be required.
* Overnight in Eilat
Day 6:
Return to Tel Aviv airport and transfer to Ben Gurion airpot for your flight back home.