Itinerary for a trip to Israel:
At 20,770km², Israel is a relatively small country compared to France’s whopping 643,801km² or Australia’s ginormous proportions of 7.692 million km². Its small size means that in just a few weeks you can see a lot that Israel has to offer and get a good understanding and feel for the country.
I spent 19 days on a solo backpacking trip around Israel and feel that this amount of time was perfect to get a good feel of what Israel has to offer. From the time I spent there I have created an adaptable Israel travel itinerary, suited to independent travellers.
Here’s my adaptable travel itinerary for a few weeks travelling in Israel:
Jerusalem
Duration: 3-5 nights.
Start your trip in this incredibly unique city, with a wealth of History integral to the three major Abrahamic religions at your feet. From putting a note in the Western wall to walking the Rampart’s walk and visiting trendy food markets there is plenty to keep you occupied.
Jerusalem makes a good base to take a day trip (or longer) to the West Bank to visit the Palestinian Territories. Popular destinations include thriving Ramallah, Biblical Jericho, Hebron and Bethlehem. Read my post about visiting Banksy art in Bethlehem here.
If you’re wary of visiting the West Bank independently you can take an organised tour with Abraham tours, recommended is ‘Best of the West Bank‘ for West Bank highlights and the ‘Dual Narrative Tour to Hebron‘ to learn more about the Israeli-Palestine conflict.
Check out my detailed blog post on highlights of Jerusalem, travel tips and where to stay here.
Getting to Jerusalem from Ben Gurion Airport:
Buses run from the airport to Jerusalem apart from during Shabbat (sunset Friday-sunset Saturday). If you arrive during Shabbat take a taxi from the airport or arrange a pick up. The journey should take around an hour.
Mitzpe Ramon
Duration 2-3 nights
After the intensity of Jerusalem have some respite in the desert town of Mitzpe Ramon located in the heart of the Negev. Its biggest draw is its dramatic location on the edge of a giant Makhtesh.
During the day take one of the local hikes, followed up with a local beer at the Artists Quarter. Head back out in the evening to watch the beautiful sunset and at night stargaze away from the light pollution.
Read my post here for more details.
Eilat
Duration 2-3 nights.
Head further south to Eilat to dive the Red Sea and hike the stunning Red Canyon. I actually gave Eilat a miss, as it was the heat of summer and I’d heard it was uncomfortably hot and full of tourists.
Check out this blog by traveller Caroline for ideas of things to do whilst in Eilat.
From Eilat you can cross the Jordanian border to Petra. If you haven’t been to Petra I definitely recommend visiting while you’re in the area. I have been on a previous trip see my posts on Petra here and here, and Jordan here.
Dead Sea and Masada
Duration: 1-2 nights.
As I have visited the Dead Sea in Jordan and had an incredible time read about that here, I gave it a miss in Israel. However, if you have never been to the Dead Sea I definitely recommend going as it is a unique and incredibly fun experience to simply float on the water.
Another popular sight to visit in the vicinity is to trek upto Masada – a fortress once home to King Herod and today famous for its chilling history as the place Jewish zealots committed mass suicide rather than submit to Roman rule. Best to come at sunrise for the best views. Read more here and here.
You may also choose to visit here through a day trip from Jerusalem either independently or through Abraham hostel.
Sea of Galilee
Duration: 1- 2 nights
I recommend trying to stay in one of the quieter locations here, I stayed in Tiberias which is a town, and I think staying in a kibbutz or quiet cabin in one of the more remote locations would have been a much better choice.
Tip: Hire a car to explore the area and go on to the Golan heights. Hitchhiking is also common form of transport.
Getting to Sea of Galilee
Advice: Driving here from the South will take you through the West Bank, unless you take the slower route. Best not to travel at night for this section of the trip. I travelled back to Jerusalem and then got a bus from Jerusalem to Tiberias which travelled through the West Bank. The bus did stop at the border on the way out, and security guards got on the bus to check passports. Make sure you have your passport at hand.
Golan Heights
Duration: 2-3 nights
Head to the Golan Heights where you can see into Syria across the ceasefire line, taste wine and cheese at a winery and go hiking. Read my post here.
Akko or Acre:
Duration: 1-2 nights:
The old city of Acre can be explored in half a day. But the friendly people and incredible food may entice you to stay longer- it did me, read about that here. Be warned that everything closes at around 7pm so you may want to stay overnight in nearby Haifa which has more of a nightlife scene being a student city. If you do stop by Haifa don’t miss the view overlooking the city from the Bahai Gardens.
Tel Aviv:
Duration 2-3 nights:
It is time to party away and relax at the beach at the lively and liberal Tel Aviv. Don’t miss a visit to Old Jaffa, in my view the most interesting part of the city.
Read my post here for my 5 highlights of Tel Aviv.
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