One Week in Israel: An Unforgettable Itinerary Featuring Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and the Dead Sea

Jerusalem Old City

Here’s a classic itinerary suggestion for a week in Israel, featuring highlights like Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, the Dead Sea, and Masada.

Why Travel To Israel

  • Fascinating history
  • Religious Sites
  • Lovely beaches
  • Floating experience in the Dead Sea
  • Vibrant night-life
  • Diverse scenery
  • Year-round bright and sunny days
  • Delicious local cuisine

Best Time To Visit Israel

Generally the best time to visit Israel is spring (March - May) and autumn (September - November), when it is not too crowded and the temperatures are mild.


Israel Top Experiences

  • Historic and religious sites of Jerusalem
  • Magnificent ancient fortification Masada
  • Floating in the Dead Sea
  • Exploring colorful local markets
  • Experience traditional Jewish Sabbath Friday night dinner

Israel Itinerary Map


Israel Itinerary Map
A:Tel-Aviv  B:Jerusalem  C:Masada  D:Dead-Sea


Israel Travel Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrive in Tel Aviv
  • Day 2: Explore Tel Aviv
  • Day 3: Explore Tel Aviv
  • Day 4: Travel to Jerusalem, Explore Jerusalem 
  • Day 5: Explore Jerusalem
  • Day 6: Explore Jerusalem 
  • Day 7: Day trip to Masada & Dead Sea
  • Day 8: Depart

If you've more days then you can visit Bethlehem, Nazareth, Haifa and Eiat.

Day 1: Arrive In Tel Aviv

Arrive in Tel Aviv and check into your hotel. As Israel's second largest city and its economic hub, Tel Aviv has much to offer. In the afternoon, take part in a guided walking tour to explore the rich history of Old Jaffa. Afterward, unwind at the beach.

Best area to stay in Tel Aviv: Best location to book your stay in Tel Aviv is the City Center area.


The Clock Tower (Tel Aviv)
The Clock Tower (Tel Aviv)

Old Jaffa (Tel Aviv)
Old Jaffa (Tel Aviv)

Tel Aviv Beach
Tel Aviv Beach

Day 2: Explore Tel Aviv

  • After a restful night and a nice breakfast, kick off your day by exploring Carmel Market. As the largest market in Tel Aviv, it’s brimming with vibrant stalls and lively vendors who sell everything from dried fruits and exotic spices to clothing and footwear. Your senses will come alive with the vibrant sights, sounds, and enticing smells of fresh produce and spices. Then treat yourself to a nice lunch at one of the traditional Israeli restaurants nearby. 

  • In the afternoon, take a stroll through the charming neighborhood of Neve Tzedek. This area is brimming with boutiques, art galleries, craft shops, and cozy cafes. It's the perfect spot to relax and savor a cup of coffee or a delicious ice cream.

Carmel Market (Tel Aviv)
Carmel Market (Tel Aviv)


Carmel Market (Tel Aviv)
Carmel Market (Tel Aviv)

Day 3: Explore Tel Aviv

  • Start your day with visit to Tel Aviv Museum Of ArtThe museum houses a comprehensive collection of Israeli classical and contemporary art.
  • Then head to Sarona Market for a nice lunch. It is Israel's largest indoor culinary market which includes retail stores, food stands and restaurants. After your meal explore the Sarona Market.
  • In late afternoon head to the beach for some relaxing time. End your day with a delicious dinner at one of the lovely Israeli restaurants nearby.

Tel Aviv Museum Of Art
Tel Aviv Museum Of Art
(Above Image By Itayba at Hebrew Wikipedia - Transferred from he.wikipedia to Commons., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3289896)


Day 4: Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, Explore Jerusalem

Take the transport from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, which is about an hour drive. Jerusalem is one of the oldest cities in the world. In the afternoon join a guided walking tour of Jerusalem Old City which will cover all four of the quarters – Jewish, Muslim, Christian and Armenian.

Best areas to stay in Jerusalem: Best location to book your stay in Jerusalem is the City Center or West Jerusalem area.


Jerusalem Old City
Jerusalem Old City

Day 5: Explore Jerusalem

  • Start your day by visiting Church of the Holy Sepulchre which is considered as one of the world's holiest Christian sites. 
  • In the afternoon visit Mount of Olives which is a mountain ridge named for the olive groves that once covered its slopes. The mount has been used as a Jewish cemetery for over 3000 years. 
  • Then visit Tomb of the Virgin Mary at the foot of Mount of Olives, believed by Christians to be the burial place of Mary.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Jerusalem)
Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Jerusalem)

Mount of Olives (Jerusalem)
Mount of Olives (Jerusalem)

Tomb of the Virgin Mary (Jerusalem)
Tomb of the Virgin Mary (Jerusalem)

Day 6: Explore Jerusalem

  • Begin your day by visiting The Western Wall (also known as the Wailing Wall). It is the most significant historic site for the Jewish faith and dates back to the first century BC. 
  • In the afternoon visit Temple Mount which is one of the holiest sites in Jerusalem for both Jews and Muslims. Please check the information on visiting hours for Temple Mount in advance to plan your visit. 
  • In late afternoon visit Mahane Yehuda Market which is a lively marketplace with vendors selling everything from souvenirs to aromatic spices. End your day with dinner at one of the many restaurants in the market.

The Western Wall (Jerusalem)
 The Western Wall (Jerusalem)

Western Wall (Jerusalem)
The Western Wall (Jerusalem)

Temple Mount (Jerusalem)
Temple Mount (Jerusalem)

Mahane Yehuda Market (Jerusalem)
Mahane Yehuda Market (Jerusalem)

Day 7: Day trip to Masada & Dead Sea

  • Rent a car or take the bus from Jerusalem to visit Masada and Dead Sea. In the morning visit Masada which is an ancient fortification built in the year 30 BCE by King Herod and is situated on top of an isolated rock plateau. It is an archaeological site that houses the remains of a Sicarii settlement. 
  • In the afternoon relax at the Dead SeaThe Dead Sea is the lowest point on the surface of the earth. The salt in the Dead Sea causes you to float effortlessly on the surface. Ein Bokek beach is one of the spots where you can experience the Dead Sea.

Dead Sea
Dead Sea

Masada
Masada

Masada Cable Car
Masada Cable Car

What To Shop In Israel

Israel is known for spices, Halva (dessert), Dead Sea skin products, Eilat stone, jewelry and Armenian pottery


Foods To Try In Israel

  • Hummus
  • Baba Ganoush
  • Tahini
  • Falafel
  • Shawarma
  • Sabich (Israeli sandwich)
  • Shakshouka (eggs poached in tomato sauce)
  • Israeli salad
  • Israeli breakfast
  • Lahoh (spongy bread)
  • Halva
  • Bourekas (pastry)
  • Kanafeh (pastry) 

Israeli Halva
Israeli Halva

(Photo by Paulina Zet _ Vered Hasharon - DSC_0764, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=384359)

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this itinerary! Feel free to share your questions or suggestions in the comments section below.

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