2-Week Israel Itinerary
Here's our two-week Israel travel itinerary that follows our journey around the Holy Land. Two weeks in Israel is a reasonable amount of time that allows you to explore the country's top attractions, and our travel guide will help you to get the most out of this trip.
So you've just finished your research on what places you want to see and visit in Israel, wrote it all down, and cannot wait for the upcoming journey.
Well, there's one more task you need to do before you go, a task we often find the most tricky one.
In this case, it's the process of creating the perfect Israel travel itinerary that will allow you to explore the Holy Land without any stress.
Simply, connecting the dots of places you want to visit in a way that makes sense. Israel travel itinerary can have many variants, depending on your time, preferences, and travel pace.
For instance, we spent two incredible weeks in Israel, but we know there are still a few places we must return to someday in the future.
One of the things to know before visiting Israel is that despite the country's compactness, there is so much to see and do that a single 14-day trip will only allow you to scratch the surface.
Our journey across the Holy Land turned out beyond our expectations, and we are happy to share with you our road trip, which includes the best this country has to offer.
You even may use this itinerary if you have a week or ten days. You just need to decide which sites or areas to skip.
For example, you can simply spend less time in destinations such as Tel Aviv and Jerusalem or skip the Negev Desert. But more about it later.
Making compromises is always the hardest part of every planning, so we'll try to make it as easy for you as possible.
Let's dive into it.
Planning the Israel Trip Itinerary
Israel is a compact country that is easy to navigate. If you enjoy road trips combined with numerous stops that include nature, architecture, and history, we simply know you are going to love it.
Creating the perfect travel itinerary can often be overwhelming.
Without personal experience, it is always hard to estimate travel times between destinations, what places you will potentially enjoy, or guess the duration of each visit.
Therefore, you can easily design a too ambitious plan that is hard to follow or end up with a very loose schedule only to realize that you have more free time than necessary.
We are pretty sure our Israel two-week itinerary balances both approaches, though it is more aimed at those of you who prefer an active holiday.
There are a few things every traveler needs to consider before committing to the final travel plan, so without any further ado, here is our advice on things you should know before you go.
When to Go
Well, we won't dig deeper into this topic than necessary. After all, you can read our post on when is the best time to visit Israel.
Still, we feel it is necessary to establish that the best time to travel around Israel is not only dependent on the weather but also on holidays and Shabbat, which can affect your itinerary.
In a nutshell, we would recommend spring or autumn for visiting Israel and suggest avoiding the summer season as it gets extremely hot there.
After our trip, we also know that especially Shabbat can negatively affect your plans. Therefore, it is good to be prepared and make plans in advance.
Shabbat is celebrated by Orthodox Jews from late afternoon on Fridays to late afternoon on Saturdays (sunset to sunset).
The truth is that during this period, everyday life comes to a standstill in many parts of the country.
Therefore, always check your arrival day, plan activities specifically for Shabbat or major national holidays, and visit places you know will be open.
Also, if you do not have your own car, it is good to know that public transport on Shabbat does not run in Israel, with only a few exceptions.
Our advice?
On Shabbat, the best thing you can do is to visit non-orthodox cities, such as Tel Aviv or Nazareth, or explore some of the many national parks in Israel that are open even on that day (they just close one hour earlier).
You won't make a mistake while lazing on the beach in Eilat during Shabbat, or you can follow our footsteps and take a West Bank Tour.
Simply put, there are many things to do in Israel, even on holidays. You just need to incorporate this information into your Israel travel itinerary to avoid disappointment.
Although seeing local people celebrating is a definitely awesome experience, it is not that awesome from the tourist point of view when you have plans to do and places to see.
Starting the Trip in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv
Another important thing a person needs to think of before arriving in Israel and committing to an itinerary is where to start and end the journey.
Basically, you have two options, of course, if you do not cross borders by land, for example, from Jordan. But we assume you will arrive in Israel by air.
In that case, you have the most obvious option to land at Ben Gurion International Airport.
It is pretty interesting that this airport is located between two major Israel top destinations, the cities of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
Therefore, you just need to figure out which city you want to visit first.
Firstly, you should read our guide on how to get from Ben Gurion Airport.
Personally, we decided to get from the airport to Tel Aviv by bus and then took the train to Jerusalem after a couple of days.
Because both cities are so close to each other, it does not matter that much.
Our decision was driven by the fact that we arrived on Friday, so we wanted to spend the Shabbat in the city where we still could do many activities.
Alternatively, you can also check flights to Eilat, a coastal city and another major hub, and start exploring the country from there.
We did a clockwise loop around Israel, so our itinerary starts and ends in Tel Aviv. However, it can also be easily used by travelers who want to start and end in Jerusalem.
Last but not least, it is possible to use our itinerary even if you decide to go one way, from Tel Aviv to Eilat, Jerusalem to Eilat, or vice versa. You will just need to make a few adjustments.
Rental Car or Public Transport
Last but not least important decision that will directly impact your travel itinerary is how to get around Israel.
In our opinion, if you have two weeks in Israel, you'll also have a chance to see a few places off the beaten path.
It also means that having your own transport will be necessary at some point. Fortunately, driving in Israel is easy.
Of course, public transport in Israel is reliable, especially between busy hubs such as Haifa, Tiberias, Masada, the Dead Sea, or Eilat, so it is the way to go.
However, if you also want to see sites between these places, which we strongly recommend, we believe you should hire a car.
As renting a car to explore Tel Aviv and Jerusalem is pointless, we decided to spend the time in these cities without one.
When it was time to see the rest of the country, we rented a car.
Not only did we avoid trouble with traffic jams and finding parking, but we also saved a lot of money.
And believe us, visiting Israel on a budget can be challenging.
In our opinion, combining public transport, exploring big cities on foot and renting a car is the best way to spend the perfect two weeks in Israel.
Here you can find the best deals on rental cars in Israel.
Two Weeks in Israel
This is an Israel two-week itinerary you can follow as you please. Keep in mind that it is our itinerary, we followed it to the end, and it worked for us great.
If you want to travel at a more leisurely pace, it is completely fine just to follow the suggested direction, visit fewer places or skip some of them entirely.
It is only up to you if you prefer to spend more time sightseeing in the cities, more time on the road or if you want to dedicate more time to enjoying beaches and snorkeling.
We are sure every single moment in Israel will be worth it.
Day 1: Tel Aviv
No matter what time will you arrive in Tel Aviv, you will soon find out that this place is the beating heart of the country.
Although it is always hard to plan the first day in a new destination because every traveler has a different arrival time, we hope you will have at least full 24 hours for Tel Aviv.
And if not, you can still manage to see and do a lot of things on your last day, just before departure.
Tel Aviv is honestly a chapter on its own. If you closed your eyes, you could have easily mistaken the city for any other multicultural metropolis in the western part of the planet.
Although the city lies only several kilometers from Jerusalem, the vibe could not have been more different.
Tel Aviv is pulsing, hot, laid-back, and modern. It has delicious cuisine and an incredible nightlife scene.
On top of that, nothing can beat sitting on the beach during the sunset with a drink in hand.
Simply put, it is a perfect introduction to Israel, which is, in our opinion, a country of striking contrasts.
What to See and Do
And what are the best things to do in Tel Aviv?
You surely cannot miss Jaffa, the old port, which is a place with many cobblestone alleyways and old houses, where you will feel the ancient history from every stone. If possible, this is the area we would visit first in the morning.
To appreciate Tel Aviv's past, go see the ancient port or Clock Tower from the Ottoman era or the St. Peter's Church.
Only then would we go to the promenade that runs along the coastline and which will amaze you with the views.
The modern skyscrapers, Jaffa in the distance, and the Mediterranean Sea is the view to behold.
Then you simply cannot miss Tel Aviv's beaches even if you had just to sit down and watch locals enjoying the afternoon after a hard day of work.
Another must-visit place is Carmel Market, which is incredibly lively and also a place to eat and shop.
You surely also should not miss the Neve Tzedek neighborhood, Hatachana Old Railway Station, Dizengoff Center for shopping, visit one of many museums, Ben-Gurion House, and last but not least, you must see houses built in Bauhaus style.
These houses are easily recognizable due to their typical functional architecture and white facade. It is also the reason why Tel Aviv is often called the White City.
And yes, we would have almost forgotten to mention that today, the White City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is incredibly easy to get around Tel Aviv on foot or by bike, and you definitely do not need a car.
Tel Aviv is also home to many great restaurants, so feel free to choose a place to eat according to your budget, and then maybe, you'll have time to have fun in one of the bars.
Yes, exploring Tel Aviv's nightlife that often doesn't start before 10 PM will ensure that you won't easily forget about your first day in Israel.
At least if you don't go too heavy on Arak.
Shabbat in Tel Aviv
Nowadays, Tel Aviv is one of the best places where to spend Shabbat in Israel.
First of all, if you look for an authentic experience, you'll find places where it is possible to get it.
On the other hand, if you do not want to be slowed down by this holiday, Tel Aviv is where you will barely see the difference.
Tel Aviv even recently introduced revolutionary (and controversial) free public transport that runs on Friday evenings and Saturdays, which is perfect news for locals and international visitors who want to get around the city on Shabbat.
If you're wondering why we decided to stay only one day in Tel Aviv, then you should know that we will return here at the end of the trip.
Travel Resources for Day 1
Driving distance: 20km | Driving time: 30 minutes
Hotels in Tel Aviv: Budget: Abraham Hostel | Mid-range: The Vera | Luxury: Setai Tel Aviv
Tours: West Bank Tour | Explore West Bank from Tel Aviv on a guided tour.
Day 2: Jerusalem
The first piece of advice we can give you is to start your day as early as possible.
The next thing you need to do is head to the train station and take the fast and modern train to Jerusalem, ideally from either Ha'Hagana, Hashalom, or Savidor Central Station.
The train stops at Yitzhak Navon Jerusalem Train Station, and from there, you can hop on Light Rail or get to the city center on foot.
The entire trip from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem shouldn't take you more than two hours, and if you are able to arrange early check-in, you will still have almost a full day ahead of you.
Try to find accommodation near the Old City to save time on traveling.
There are so many things to see and do in Jerusalem that even two full days in the city might not be enough for you.
The Old City is divided into four parts. The Jewish Quarter, Muslim Quarter, the Christian Quarter, and the Armenian Quarter. Every quarter is different and is home to some must-visit places.
One of the most incredible experiences is to get lost in the giant maze of narrow cobblestone streets, crowded souks, old houses, and iconic attractions.
However, if you have only two days in Jerusalem, we strongly recommend you create a sensible itinerary to stop walking in circles.
You might think that two full days should be more than enough for Jerusalem, but believe us, you will only scratch the surface.
The biggest obstacles you will be facing on your trip to the Old City are the endless lines and long waiting times.
Every day is different, so it's hard to predict what your experience will be like on the day of your visit.
We recommend you to read our guide on Jerusalem for first-time visitors, which will help you plan your trip better.
What to See and Do
So what are the top attractions in Jerusalem's Old City?
The Western Wall and Temple Mount are the holiest places for Judaism and one of the most famous places in the world.
The Dome of the Rock that's been built on top of Temple Mount is, together with the nearby Al Aqsa Mosque, holy to Muslims.
Then you should explore the Via Dolorosa, an ancient route on which Jesus carried the cross, and finish the walk at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where he was later crucified.
We don't have to mention that the church which contains Christ's Tomb is among the holiest places for Christians in the world.
Then you can visit the Tower of David, Western Wall Tunnels, Jerusalem Archaeological Park, and tons of other smaller sites, churches, mosques, synagogues, and museums.
Travel Resources for Day 2
Driving distance: 65km | Driving time: 1 hour
Hotels in Jerusalem: Budget: Abraham Hostel | Mid-range: Ibis Styles Jerusalem City Center | Luxury: Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem
Tours: Jerusalem City Tour | Explore Jerusalem on a guided tour.
Day 3: Jerusalem
As we've mentioned earlier, you will probably not be able to visit every top attraction in Jerusalem's Old City on your first day.
So now is the time to tie the loose ends. Unfortunately, unless you want to add a few more days to your itinerary, you will have to make compromises.
For example, the Ramparts Walk is worth exploring as it allows you to encircle the entire Old City, but you need to decide whether you have enough time for it or not.
On top of that, some of the places you might want to visit are outside the Old City.
You can continue your day at Dormition Abbey, home to King David's Tomb and Room of the Last Supper, see Oskar Schindler's grave, then head to the ancient City of David, where it all started.
From here, walk slowly to Mount of Olives, which features a giant Jewish Cemetery, some rock-cut tombs, churches, or a Gethsemane olive garden.
From the top of the hill, the views of the Old City and the rest of Jerusalem will make it up to you for all the effort required from your side to get there.
If you're still searching for more attractions or activities in Jerusalem, don't forget to visit the busy markets, explore the Old City gates, and sample the traditional Israeli cuisine.
Museums such as Yad Vashem, Israel Museum, or Rockefeller Archaeological Museum are also worth visiting, especially on a rainy day.
Day 4: Jerusalem - West Bank Tour
One of the best things to do in Jerusalem is to explore West Bank, home to some most incredible sites you can see in this region.
This controversial territory might not have the best security reputation, but most of the time, it's safe to visit, even for international tourists.
Even though you can visit West Bank on your own, we believe this is one of the places where having a local guide will allow you to get the most out of the trip.
The local guide who lives in the territory will help you better understand the daily life in this area and the turbulent history of the past and present.
It's also safer to go with a guide, as the security situation in Israel is constantly changing.
So what to see and do in West Bank? As usual, there are plenty of tours to choose from, and we believe you will not have a problem finding the one that is right for you.
Among the must-visit places on West Bank is Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ.
Then you should visit Ramallah, the administrative capital of the territory, and Jericho, home to the oldest settlement in the world.
Another popular stop is the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ on the Jordan River and the Qumran National Park, where the ancient Dead Sea Scrolls were found.
Finally, the Dead Sea itself is one of the most incredible places you can visit on Earth.
While visiting the West Bank from Jerusalem makes more sense, you can stay one more day in Tel Aviv and visit the territory from there.
For example, that's what we did. The only disadvantage of this approach is that you will spend a bit longer on the road.
Obviously, the trip to West Bank is optional, though we believe it's well worth it.
Alternatively, you might consider spending the entire day in Jerusalem to really get the most out of the city.
If you're not all into history and religion stuff, then you might consider staying in Tel Aviv for one more day instead to enjoy the beaches, cuisine, and nightlife.
Travel Resources for Day 4
Hotels in West Bank: Bethlehem: The Walled Off Hotel | Jericho: Auberg-Inn Guesthouse | Ramallah: Royal Court Hotel
Tours: West Bank Tour | Explore top attractions in West Bank on a guided tour from Jerusalem.
Day 5: Caesarea - Beit Shearim - Haifa
As you can clearly see, the first few days in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv can be easily done without a car.
While it's technically possible to visit Caesarea, Beit Shearim, and Haifa by public transport, doing it in one day would be inefficient and probably not very economical.
And this will be the repeating story for the rest of the trip, and that's why we believe hiring a car is a good idea.
So, pick up the car from a rental office first thing in the morning so you can hit the road as early as possible.
You should reach Caesarea from Jerusalem in less than two hours, depending on the current traffic. In case you've visited Jerusalem first, it takes about an hour to get there from Tel Aviv.
Thanks to the location, the Roman ruins on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea were among the favorite ones we had the opportunity to visit in Israel.
Caesarea is home to massive stone walls, impressive theater, lovely mosaics, and a massive hippodrome.
It would be tempting to head from Caesarea directly to Haifa, but we think the ancient Jewish necropolis is worth seeing first.
Firstly, Beit Shearim is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Secondly, some of these extraordinary rock-cut tombs and natural caves can be explored on foot.
Finally, this is the perfect place to visit if you like archaeological sites and ancient history.
From here, it's only a short drive to Haifa, the last stop on your today's itinerary.
Haifa is definitely an interesting city to visit. Firstly, it's built on the slopes of Mount Carmel, making the city layout quite impressive.
It also has beaches, a German Colony, and the UNESCO site of Bahai Gardens.
These unique terraces are the main reason why most travelers go to Haifa in the first place, so make sure to include them in your itinerary.
Don't forget that if you want to explore the Bahai Gardens, you need to arrange a free guided tour in advance.
Travel Resources for Day 5
Driving distance: 180 km | Driving time: 3 hours
Hotels in Haifa: Budget: Haifa Hostel | Mid-range: The Colony Hotel | Luxury: Dan Carmel Haifa
Day 6: Akko - Rosh HaNikra - Safed - Rosh Pinna
On the sixth day of our itinerary, leave Haifa early in the morning and head directly to Akko (sometimes spelled as Acre), which is only 25 kilometers north of here.
Akko played a vital role in the Holy Land during the Crusader era, so it's not surprising that the top attraction here is the majestic Hospitaller Fortress, the massive stone walls, or Templar Tunnels.
You will also find another Bahai Gardens, a local market, seafood restaurants, and some beaches here, making Akko a delightful place to visit.
Now you have a few options on how to go from here.
If you've seen enough history for the day or want to escape the cities, make it all the way to the Israel and Lebanon borders.
Here you will find the end of the road and the stunning Rosh HaNikra Grottoes.
The white-chalk cliffs, sea caves, historical railway tracks, and a cute cable car make a compelling case for why you should not skip this beautiful place.
If you want to see another Crusader castle and escape crowds, visit Montfort Fortress.
Alternatively, you can head directly to Safed, one of the Four Holy Cities in Israel. It's also the center of Kabbalah and home to many art galleries.
Keep in mind that if you want to explore Akko and Safed, then squeezing other places on this list would be challenging due to time constraints.
Alternatively, if you're not interested in any of these and want just to sit and relax, you might consider staying in Rosh Pinna instead.
Travel Resources for Day 6
Driving distance: 100 km | Driving time: 2 hours
Hotels in Safed: Budget: Safed Inn | Mid-range: The Way Inn Boutique Suites | Luxury: Villa Galilee Boutique Hotel and Spa
Day 7: Tel Hazor - Hermon Stream - Nimrod Fortress - Tiberias
Another long day is awaiting you, so try to get up early. On the way to the Golan Heights, you will have a fantastic opportunity to visit another UNESCO site in Israel.
Tel Hazor National Park doesn't have any impressive ancient structures still standing, except the remarkable water cistern.
However, the reason to visit this site is purely historical, as this was one of the most important cities in ancient times.
Continue north until you reach the Hermon Stream Nature Reserve, Tel Dan Nature Reserve, and Nimrod Fortress.
The nature reserves offer some nice hiking trails, waterfalls, streams, and lovely scenery, but for us, the main reason why to travel so far north was the Nimrod Fortress.
It was built during the Crusader era by the Ayyubids sultans to protect their territory from attacks.
The fortress is quite impressive, and the Golan Heights and Hulla Valley views are breathtaking.
From here, take Road 98 to the Sea of Galilee, which will allow you to see the Golan Heights from a different perspective.
On the way to Tiberias, you might still be able to catch a sunset at Capernaum, Tabgha, or Mount of Beatitudes.
If not, you can save these locations with a light heart for the next day, especially if you want to drive around the entire Sea of Galilee.
Tiberias is not exactly the prettiest city in Israel, and we believe that a couple of hours should be more than enough for the town if you're pressed for time.
Still, it's one of the four holy cities of Judaism and a gateway to the Sea of Galilee and the Lower Galilee region.
Travel Resources for Day 7
Driving distance: 160 km | Driving time: 3 hours
Hotels in Tiberias: Budget: David Hostel | Mid-range: Caesar Premier Tiberias Hotel | Luxury: Scots Hotel
Day 8: Sea of Galilee - Beit Shean - Beit Alfa Synagogue - Mount Tabor - Nazareth
The Lower Galilee is the best region in Israel for Christian pilgrims as its full of Biblical sites.
Even travelers who are not interested in a religion should not completely ignore this area, as it's still full of history, beautiful landscapes, and fascinating spots.
For starters, the Sea of Galilee, known as Kinneret or Tiberias Sea, lies 200 meters below sea level.
It's a popular summer holiday destination among locals, offering plenty of water activities, beaches, hikes, and nightlife.
Just keep in mind that it gets really hot here, so it might not be the best time to visit this area if you don't like the heat.
The 60-kilometer drive around the lake can be done in a couple of hours, though some people can easily spend an entire day here.
If you had enough time yesterday to visit Capernaum, Tabgha, or Mount of Beatitudes, then you should be able to see more places today.
Mount Arbel is a great place if you're looking for a hike (and it's also a Biblical site), while Kursi is a small national park with a Byzantine church and a place that witnessed another Jesus miracle.
Duga Beach is one of the cleanest and nicest beaches on the Sea of Galilee.
Beit Shean is only a 30-minute drive from the southernmost point of the Sea of Galilee, and we believe it deserves your attention.
There are more accessible and famous Roman ruins in Israel, leaving Beit Shean a bit away from the interest of international visitors.
Nevertheless, the ancient history, together with Roman and Byzantine ruins, make this place worth visiting.
Beit Alfa Synagogue is a 30-minute stop on the way to Mount Tabor or Nazareth.
The small synagogue has some interesting mosaics, and while it doesn't compare with Tzipori, it's a nice place to stretch your legs and avoid crowds.
By the way, it is another national park, so make sure to bring your Israel Pass with you.
Before you reach Nazareth, you might want to make the last stop of your day at Mount Tabor, the biblical hill that dominates the Jezreel Valley.
The Transfiguration of Jesus and the views from the top are the main reason why to visit this place.
Finally, you will arrive at Nazareth, where you should stay overnight.
Nazareth is a busy Arab and Christian city, a place where Jesus grew up and spent his youth, and an interesting place to visit on Shabbat.
You should have enough time to walk around the city center in the evening, and as you will be starving, make sure to try some local street food.
Travel Resources for Day 8
Driving distance: 140 km | Driving time: 3 hours
Hotels in Nazareth: Budget: Fauzi Azar by Abraham Hostels | Budget: Rosana Guest House | Mid-range: Ramada Olivie Nazareth
Day 9: Nazareth - Tzipori National Park - Ein Gedi
Some of you will probably want to spend the first few hours of the new day walking around Nazareth, though you should not linger too long before hitting the road once again.
Tzipori is just north of Nazareth, but you should expect that the journey can take more than thirty minutes, depending on the current traffic situation.
Hands down, Tzipori National Park, is home to Israel's best mosaics.
It also has some interesting structures, ancient Jewish history, and even Jesus appears in its past.
And you might even be able to find Mona Lisa here. You will need at least two hours for Tzipori, as the site is quite extensive.
Now it's time to explore the Dead Sea area, and here's when it comes a bit more tricky.
The fastest way to reach Ein Gedi and the Dead Sea area from Nazareth, or Tzipori in this case, is through West Bank.
And Road 90 lies in Area C, which is under Israeli control and safe to visit.
However, if you don't want to take any chances on your trip, you can easily use Highway 6, which avoids the entire territory.
This recommended route is longer but safer, especially for tourists visiting this region for the first time. We didn't want to take any chances, and that's the route we followed ourselves.
By the way, here you will find more tips on staying safe in Israel.
If you decide to cut through the West Bank, ensure that your travel and car insurance are valid for the areas you will be visiting.
Depending on when you arrive, you might still be able to enter Ein Gedi and explore at least Wadi David, the more popular canyon in this national park.
With its year round stream and waterfall, Ein Gedi is an oasis in the desert. Make sure to have a swimsuit with you, as some parts are open for wading and swimming.
Either way, you can stay in a nearby Ein Gedi kibbutz overnight.
The entire trip to Ein Gedi is optional (it's only 15 minutes from Masada and 30 minutes from Ein Bokek), as some of you might prefer a more intensive Dead Sea experience instead.
Travel Resources for Day 9
Driving distance: 300 km | Driving time: 4 hours
Hotels in Ein Gedi: Budget: Ein Gedi Camp Lodge | Mid-range: Badolina Ein Gedi Glamping | Luxury: Ein Gedi Kibbutz Hotel
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Day 10: Masada - Ein Bokek - The Dead Sea
Whether you spend the day hiking in Ein Gedi, exploring the fortress of Masada, or floating in the hypersaline lake, the Dead Sea area is a must-visit place in Israel.
The lowest point on Earth is one of the most extraordinary places you will have a chance to visit in your life, so make sure it's on your itinerary.
For those who think they don't have enough time for hiking in Ein Gedi but still want to stay active on their way to Masada, we recommend Snake Path Trail.
The weather at the Dead Sea can be unforgiving, so always bring plenty of water with you to stay hydrated throughout the day.
When visiting Masada via the eastern entrance, you might also use a cable car to get to the top of the plateau quickly and effortlessly.
The ancient fortress of Masada tells the story of great Jewish resistance against the Romans and features some unique structures and epic views.
While the new discoverings might suggest that the story was not as vibrant as once told, it doesn't take anything from the fact that it's still an awe-inspiring place to visit.
Only a fifteen-minute drive south of Masada lies the resort town of Ein Bokek, the gateway to the Dead Sea.
Ein Bokek has the best and most accessible beach on the Israeli side, allowing you to enjoy your experience to the fullest.
Swimming in the Dead Sea has some rules, but it's still a fun thing to do.
Don't forget that the Ein Bokek is a top travel destination in Israel for locals and international visitors, resulting in high accommodation prices.
Alternatively, you might be able to find cheap accommodation in the nearby Neve Zohar or even Arad.
To make a conclusion, you can spend three to four hours hiking in Ein Gedi, another three hours in Masada, and the rest of the day chilling on the beach in Ein Bokek.
As we suggested at the beginning of this blog post, this guide can also be used as a 10-day Israel itinerary.
So, if you have only ten days in Israel, then you should head from here to Ben-Gurion Airport and fly back home. It's easy as that.
However, we are not finished yet.
We will use all of our fourteen days for this trip and make the final push to explore one of the most remote parts of Israel, the stunning Negev Desert.
Travel Resources for Day 10
Driving distance: 40 km | Driving time: 45 minutes
Hotels in Ein Bokek: Luxury: Vert Dead Sea Hotel | Luxury: Nevo by Isrotel Collection | Luxury: Herods Dead Sea
Day 11: Timna Park - Eilat
It takes about two hours to reach Timna Park from Ein Bokek via Road 90, and we strongly recommend getting there for the opening time, which is at 8 AM.
It seemed to us that Timna Park is a bit overlooked compared to some more famous attractions in Israel.
Still, it was one of our favorite places we visited in this country, and we believe that you should not skip it too.
Firstly, Timna Park reminded us of Wadi Rum we had the chance to visit the previous year when road tripping Jordan.
It's smaller and more compact, but unlike its Jordanian counterpart, it can be easily explored without a guide.
Secondly, it has stunning arches, chariot rock drawings, copper mines, pillars, hoodoos, mountains, and plenty of great hiking and cycling trails.
Finally, the places we've mentioned above are connected by a road, so you can easily get around the park by car.
There is little shade in Timna, so make sure to bring at least several liters of water per person with you, as the heat can be brutal here.
From here, it takes about thirty minutes to reach Eilat, the most popular Israeli resort town.
After spending several hours exploring Timna Park, it is finally time to hit some beaches once again.
There are plenty of beaches along the Red Sea coast all the way to Taba Border Crossing (where it's possible to cross borders to Egypt), and it's not very hard to find the one that fits your preferences.
Travel Resources for Day 11
Driving distance: 210 km | Driving time: 3 hours
Hotels in Eilat: Budget: HI Eilat Hostel | Mid-range: The Reef Eilat Hotel | Luxury: Royal Beach Hotel
Day 12: Eilat - Red Canyon
It's been a fun yet exhausting trip so far. Now is the time to relax and have fun on the local beaches that make Eilat so popular among all travelers.
Lying all day on the scorching sand is fun, but you should also know that this area of the Red Sea is popular among snorkelers and even scuba divers.
Therefore, you can visit the Coral Beach Nature Reserve, a protected area designated for snorkeling, or try this activity from one of the other beaches.
The biggest advantage of Eilat is that it's a year round destination, so it's an ideal place to visit even in winter.
Another popular spot to visit on a day trip from Eilat is the Red Canyon, where you can explore unique rock formations in the Eilat Mountains.
The canyon can be reached in thirty minutes from Eilat and offers some nice trails for all outdoor enthusiasts.
By the way, we can't fail to mention that if you have a full day in Eilat, you might want to consider visiting either Petra or Wadi Rum in Jordan.
If you don't think you will have an opportunity to visit the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan anytime soon, this might be your greatest chance to see those extraordinary places.
Travel Resources for Day 12
Driving distance: 60 km | Driving time: 2 hours
Tours: Petra Tour | Explore the Lost City of Petra on a guided tour from Eilat.
Coral Reef Snorkeling Tour | Snorkel at the beautiful coral reefs of Eilat with a private instructor.
Red Sea Boat Tour | Enjoy the beautiful waters of the Red Sea on this day out on the sea.
Eilat Mountains Sunset Jeep Tour | Enjoy the Eilat Mountains during the sunset on a jeep tour from Eilat.
Day 13: Negev Desert
If there is one thing we can say about the Negev Desert after our trip, this barren region is full of pleasant surprises and unexpected spots.
Driving through the desert is always such a strange experience. Even from the comfort of your car, the idea that you are so far from the cities is electrifying.
The first proper stop today will be Maktesh Ramon, popular for hiking, camping, biking, and even rock climbing.
This geological landform formed by erosion is typical only for this region, making it a truly unique place to visit.
Due to the lack of light pollution, Maktesh Ramon is one of the best places in Israel for stargazing.
The small village of Mitzpe Ramon, located at the edge of the canyon, has some hotels and serves as a gateway to this area.
The next stop is Avdat, the former Nabatean city on the Incense Route later extended by the Romans.
Avdat is the best-preserved site on the ancient trade route in this area and a part of the Negev Desert Cities that are on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.
Only a few kilometers from here lies Ein Avdat in the Tzin Valley, one of those places we would have never guessed to find here.
The layered rock walls and the fact that there is a year-round stream flowing through this canyon make this remarkable place worth visiting.
Right next to the north entrance to Ein Avdat is the Ben-Gurion Tomb, commemorating the life of the Israeli first prime minister.
And you can also visit his house in the nearby Sde Boker kibbutz, where he spent his retirement years.
If you have a feeling that the Negev Desert is a place you want to explore more thoroughly and don't want to come back to Tel Aviv, you can always split your journey into two days and stay in Mitzpe Ramon or one of the kibbutzim overnight.
Travel Resources for Day 13
Driving distance: 350 km | Driving time: 5 hours
Hotels in Negev Desert: Mitzpe Ramon: Beresheet Hotel By Isrotel | Beer Sheva: La Finca Luxury Suites Hotel
Day 14: Tel Aviv - Ben Gurion Airport
Once you cross the Negev Desert on Day 13, you might be tempted to drive directly to the airport, return the car there, and fly back home.
As a result, you would speed up the journey and save a full day.
There is one thing you should always consider, regardless of your destination.
You never know what can go wrong. You might be behind schedule, your car might break down, or you just make a spontaneous detour.
Either way, one of the best travel tips we always share is to have an extra day in your itinerary.
It will make your road trip way less stressful, and you can use freely use it at the end of your journey.
In this case, you can stay one more day in Tel Aviv (or even Jerusalem) and catch up on things you might have missed.
And believe us, there is always plenty of things to do and see in the city that never sleeps.
Travel Resources for Day 14
Driving distance: 20km | Driving time: 30 minutes
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
