Israel’s Best Highlights to See in a Week

Israel was by far one of the most chillingly intriguing countries I’ve ever been to, and I think it goes without saying that it’s because of its history! As someone who grew up with a Catholic latin family going to church every Sunday, to now being a global citizen without one specific religious affiliation, it was beyond interesting to learn about how Israel plays an important role in all religions. Not to mention, how utterly beautiful the whole country is!

Not only was it fascinating to see where literally “Jesus walks” (get it, like the song?), but also to see such a beautiful area of land that’s now a melting pot for all cultures and religions. That being said, I think a common misconception about Israel is that you’d only visit there if you’re Jewish…but HELLO! It’s where Jesus — who many other religions worship — was born, lived, and died, don’t you want to see that?

Even for the non-religious people like me, it’s still fascinating to learn about the history, see the beautiful sites, and wonder how everything came to be. Plus the Dead Sea is seriously a MUST, especially since it’s evaporating!

So if you’re thinking of taking a trip to the Holy Land, whether you’re religious or not, here’s how you can see all of the highlights of Israel in a week! This route takes you in a giant loop around the country, and is a full-schedule!

NOTE: I am fully aware that there are people who are very adamant about Israel being called “Palestine” and not “Israel”, and I understand the reasonings for this. However for the reasons that “Israel” is the name on the map and the list of U.N. Countries, and that I was invited by Visit Israel, I shall continue to call it Israel in this post. No hard feelings — #WorldPeace.

Israel Arrival: Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv is the newest, up and coming area of Israel that’s quickly becoming a popular travel destination worldwide. It’s best known for it’s awesome beaches, lively nightlife, and unique mixture of expats and visitors from all over the globe!

If you want to party and meet other travelers and locals, definitely spend a couple of days in Tel Aviv! They also have awesome outdoor activities like biking, sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, and even scuba diving!

Day 2: Caesarea, Akko, and Haifa

You can hit all of these spots in one day if you plan it properly, or you can spend longer in certain areas. Each are only about 45minutes-1hour away from each other, and you’ll want to spend at least 1-2 hours in each place. Here’s a break down of them:

Caesarea

Beautiful seaside ruins with a massive amphitheater and chariot racing track. It was built by the infamous King Herod (a name you will see and hear all over Israel), who had a fancy little chateau right there on the sea cliff!

BONUS: Binyamina: In between Caesarea and Akko is a small area called Binyamina where you can stop at Tishbi Winery for an Israeli wine and chocolate tasting!

Akko

(Also known as Acre) Here you’ll need a minimum two hours, maybe even longer, because not only is it a large area of ruins above ground, but BELOW ground as well! This UNESCO site is best known for its discovery of an ancient Crusader City underground, which is only 13% excavated…AKA be prepared to have your mind blown.

Haifa

Best known for the stunning birds-eye view you can get at the top of the Haifa Gardens, which is  definitely one of the most beautiful things to see.

Day 3 Nazareth, Safed, and Tiberius

On day 3 you’ll start to get into the history of Jesus, and some of the important religious sites in Israel. This is also the Northernmost part of Israel where you’ll see beautiful countrysides and hills, and on a clear day, possibly even Syria.

 Nazareth

The childhood town of Jesus, where you can see the cave-house that his mother Mary supposedly lived in! Now there’s a massive church built around it which is also stunning, but let’s be serious, seeing the cave where “the virgin Mary” lived is pretty rad.

 Safed

An adorable little city at the top of a hill…which also happens to be one of the four holy cities, and the highest city in Israel. It’s holy because it’s Cabala was started; which is a more universe-spiritual version of Judaism.

Tiberias

 On the banks of the Tiberias Sea is a cute little area that’s nice to relax in at the end of this long day. Stay at the historic Scots Hotel which is partially an ancient hospital (don’t worry, the hotel rooms are in a new building), and offers a spa area with unlimited champagne, plus whiskey on arrival!

Where to Stay: Scots Hotel

Day 4: Jordan River, Qumran, Ein Gedi Waterfall, Masada, and The Dead Sea

This is a super important action packed day that you definitely want to prepare yourself for! You’ll drive quite a bit from Tiberias to the Dead Sea area, where you’ll visit some fascinating historical places before you spend the rest of the day relaxing in the Dead Sea!

Jordan River

This location was interesting not only because you see a river that separates two countries, but more importantly, it’s said to be Jesus’ baptismal place. Of course, if you’re Jewish or have studied Judaism, you might argue that there’s a different name for the practice. Either way, baptisms and re-baptisms still take place here to this day, for people of all religions. Including steamy tela-novela super stars who were there the same week we were!

Qumran

A small area of ruins discovered by a farmer who lost his goat and ended up discovering a cave with some pots, and inside those pots, some very important scrolls. Also known as; “The Dead Sea Scrolls”. These scrolls had some super important ancient information on religion, and the way people lived and devoted their life to it.

Masada

Another one of King Herod’s epic creations, but instead of a seaside chateau, this one is a palace at the top of a mountain. You can either take on the grueling hike to the top, or opt for the cable car, and then explore what’s left of this ancient town and its enormous bath houses. The history behind the downfall of Masada is quite sad; instead of being conquered by the Roman’s, the Jewish inhabitants all killed themselves (including their families) to die by choice rather than be made a slave.

 The Dead Sea

As I mentioned before, the Dead Sea is something you absolutely MUST visit, especially since it’s evaporating and probably won’t be there by 2026! For those who don’t know; the Dead Sea is infamous for its insanely high salt concentration, which happens because the sea is evaporating, so the salt to water molecule ratio is extremely high. That means no sea life can live in it, and also that us humans are extremely buoyant in it! The Dead Sea also has minerals in it that are extremely good for your skin; depending on where you are, you can either apply a mud mask, or do a salt scrub!

Where to Stay: Crowne Plaza Hotel Dead Sea

Day 5: Jerusalem

Probably the most important area in all of Israel, and for some, the entire World! For me, what stood out the most was that this is supposedly where the Foundation Stone is; AKA where Adam and Eve were created. You can’t see it, which makes me a bit skeptical, but the journey to get to the area where it supposedly is, is fascinating. Here’s what you’ll see in Jerusalem:

The Western Wall

What’s left of the walls that surrounded it is the Kotel, or the “Western Wall”, which is the holiest site of Judaism because it’s the last remaining remnants of the original structure that was there during the time of Jesus. Write a prayer (or a wish if you’re not into praying) and stick it in the crevices of the Western Wall along with the thousands of others, then walk backwards away from it.

Take a tour of the Western Wall tunnels where your mind will be blown at the excavations being done underground. You’ll see history right before your eyes as you realize that the wall continues farther and farther underground. You’ll also be able to get to the closest wall that separates us from the Founder’s Stone.

BONUS TIP: “Righteous Women” (AKA all females) are allowed to enter the Western Wall tunnels to pray FOR FREE. You simply tell them at the admission gate that you’d like to go pray and they let you in 24 hours a day.

Dolorosa Market

The market area that leads from the Western Wall Tunnels entrance to the site of Jesus’ crucifixion, which is lined with market stalls selling everything from souvenirs to sneakers. Be careful in this area as it’s known for pickpocketing and petty theft.

Something I also found interesting about this area was that it was the only place in all of Israel where I saw the T-shirts and signs being sold about the whole “it’s not Israel, it’s Palestine” debacle. This is because this area of the Kotel is predominantly Muslim! Did you know that the Muslim people actually own the center of the Kotel that surrounds the Foundation Rock? How ’bout them apples? (Slight pun intended).

Jesus’ Crucifixion and Resurrection Site 

This is also called the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, but I thought it would be way more recognizable to refer to it as where Jesus was crucified, buried, then supposedly resurrected. Again, as someone who is non-religious but appreciates the history behind all religions, this place was absolutely FASCINATING!

I had absolutely no idea that you could see the actual places where Jesus was crucified on the cross, and the cave he was buried in, like they say in the Bible! I admittedly thought that was all made up, but it’s right there in Jerusalem, IN REAL LIFE! Regardless of if he was really the descendant of God or not, seeing the place that every human in the world has heard the story about was utterly unreal.

Nightlife in Jerusalem: Despite being the holiest area in Israel, Jerusalem is also notorious for its nightlife! Of course after another full day of sightseeing I was beyond exhausted and didn’t make it out, but I heard plenty of stories from those who did the next morning!

Where to Stay: Inbal Hotel

Day 6: The Holocaust Museum and Jaffa Market

Day 6 is all about the past and present of culture in Israel. It goes without saying that it’s essential to pay a visit, and your respects to the Holocaust Museum, then later dive head first into the fun and bustling area of Jaffa Market. Make sure you look up to see if both are open though, don’t forget that Friday is a holy day in Israel!

The Holocaust Museum

It is extremely important to visit The Holocaust Museum while you’re in Israel to learn about the gravely harsh history of the Jewish people during Hitler’s (failed) ruling. Although extremely sad and shocking, every human owes their attention and sympathy to the people who were unfairly judged because of their religion, and savagely treated and murdered for it.

Tip: Bring tissues.

Jaffa Flea Market

After experiencing the Holocaust Museum, you’ll have a bit of a drive before you get to Old Jaffa, where there’s an awesome outdoor market (besides on Saturday’s because of Shabat). I actually wish I would have known about the Jaffa market sooner, because it was the most fun and lively area I saw on my whole trip! There were tons of locals and travelers alike, all clad in trendy clothing and chatting away on the sunny afternoon!

Something I thought was wildly amusing/awesome in some of the restaurants I stopped at, was that when you order any alcoholic beverage, the server brings you a shot of liquor with it, and some even take the shot with you!

Since it’s a flea market, there’s also of course tons of stalls with handmade goodies from jewelry, to food, to toys! After Jaffa, take a quick drive back up to Tel Aviv for the night!

Where to Stay: Yam Hotel Tel Aviv

Israel Departure Day: Tel Aviv

Depending on what time your flight is, you’ll have another day to explore Tel Aviv, or just relax like a local! I spent my day lounging on the beach before heading to check out Rothschild Avenue where there’s some new-age shopping and markets!

If you want an incredible “last supper” before you leave Israel, be sure to check out the Blue Rooster which is in another brand new area of Tel Aviv!

Disclaimer: This post is in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism of Israel, but all opinions, experiences, and photos are my own!