The ultimate road trip across Israel and Palestine | what to do in 2 weeks
The Israel and Palestine area is often known as the cradle of human civilization. Although it’s a dream destination for history lovers, this region has a lot more to offer. And a road trip is a great way to experience the region’s diversity at your own pace. I have driven across this region multiple times – sampling not only the historical sites, but also off-beat trails, blissful hot springs, world-class diving and more. In this post, I bring you the highlights for an EPIC road trip through Israel and Palestine. Let’s warm the engines!
Planning your road trip
You would ideally need 15 days to complete this entire trip. However, if you have 10 days or so, I recommend leaving the northern section for another time. In all likelihood, you would be flying in via Ben Gurion airport. If so, I recommend renting a car at the airport terminal. The road conditions are generally very good, and are always sign-marked in English along with Hebrew or Arabic. Make sure you check for any local travel advisories in place when you land.
Day 1 – 2 | Tel Aviv and Jaffa
Start off by driving to Tel Aviv. Give yourself a couple of days to settle in, and experience this modern and vibrant city. Head over to Jaffa and the old port for a trip back in time. One of my favorite things to do in the city is to sample some delicious Israeli food by one of the waterfront restaurants in Jaffa. If you are here over the weekend, there is some great nightlife and a a compelling music scene.
Day 3 – 5 | The holy city of Jerusalem
Next up is the most anticipated part of the trip. At least it was for me. The holy city of Jerusalem. It’s a short drive from Tel Aviv. However, parking isn’t the easiest in Jerusalem. Check with your hotel if they have onsite parking – if not, for $20-$25 a day you should have no trouble finding secured garage parking. You could easily spend a week exploring the city of Jerusalem – there is so much to see and unravel here. I ended up staying an extra couple of days than what I was initially thinking. The old city is a UNESCO heritage site and is almost an open-air museum. Here are a few must-see places and things to do.
- Temple Mount – holiest site for the Jews and the direction they turn toward while praying.
- The Western Wall – originally built by king Herod as part of expansion of Temple Mount.
- Mount of Olives – overlooking the old city of Jerusalem, thousands of olives used to adorn the slopes of this hill. Today, it is a Jewish cemetery, and a sobering reminder of their difficult history.
- Via Dolorosa – an ancient path, believed to be the trail that Jesus followed on his way to the crucifixion.
- Visit Yad Vashem museum and the Israel museum
- Try delicious Israeli food, and visit Machane Yehuda market, one of the oldest in the city.
Day 6 | Jerico – St. George Monastery
St. George Monastery is definitely off the beaten trail, and you are unlikely to see any tourists. The monastery here is like an oasis in the middle of nowhere. This is a 6th century monastery which is still functional and inhabited by Greek Orthodox monks. You can drive up to the trail-head from Jerusalem and hike to the monastery on your own. However, the trail is totally exposed – make sure you carry a sun hat and plenty of water. There is apparently a 30 km. long ancient trail which goes all the way up to to Jerusalem! It is also believed that Jesus had walked this trail. I recommend spending the night back in Jerusalem.
On the Jericho Road, there’s room for just two; no more and no less..
Day 7 | Short drive to Bethlehem
Bethlehem is only 10 kms. south of Jerusalem. However, you would need to drive or join a tour, since it’s part of West Bank. The Church of Nativity is the main attraction here. If you are not much of a religious history buff, head straight for the Dead Sea area.
Day 8 – 9 | Wellness break at Dead Sea
The Dead Sea area is the wellness hub in Israel. Floating on the Dead Sea is perhaps already high on your list. Make sure you take a quick shower afterward and wash off ! I treated myself to a salt and mud treatment at one of the many spas in this region. You can stay in either Ein Gedi or Ein Bokek. Ein Gedi has a more laid back and chill vibe, whereas Ein Bokek is the more commercial resort-like twin. This is also a great place to shop for wellness products sourced from the Dead Sea minerals.
Day 10 | Ancient kingdom of Israel at Masada
After the much-needed wellness fix, it’s time for another history lesson. Herod the Great had built this gigantic fortress at the top of a mesa overlooking the Dead Sea. The fort was declared as a UNESCO world heritage site in 2001, and lies within the Masada National Park. The Roman army took siege and destroyed it in 73 A.D. Today, it is a symbol of the ancient kingdom of Israel. I hiked from the parking lot to the fortress, but there is a cable car option as well. Plan to spend half a day, and spend the night in Ein Bokek.
Day 10 – 12 | Eilat and Red Sea
After Masada, head down all the way south to the Red Sea. A resort and port town, Eilat is the major town in this region. Base yourself here for 2-3 days. If you dive, this would be one of the highlights! Red Sea boasts of some amazing clarity, healthy corals, and calm predictable weather. Most dives are accessible right from the shore, and there is even a ship wreck to go explore.
Day 11 | Nazareth and Biblical history
If you only have 10 days, it’s time to head back to Tel Aviv. If you got a few more days, head up north. This is the longest stretch you would be covering. Nazareth is one of the oldest towns in Israel, and one where Jesus is believed to have spent most of his childhood. Today, it is considered the Arab capital of Israel, and has a lot to offer for history buffs. The old town and the markets are a delight to wander around in. Plan to spend a day here.
Day 12-13 | Tiberias and the Sea of Galilee
Base yourself in Tiberias for the next few days to explore the North. There are various attractions around the Sea of Galilee, which is the lowest fresh water lake on Earth. One of the interesting attractions is the ancient Galilee boat, which was discovered in the lake in 1986. If wine is your thing, this is Israel’s wine country. Visit one of the wineries around Tiberias for tasting and tours. A boat trip on the lake is another good option. Tiberias is a very laid back city.
Day 14 | Nimrod Fortress and the North
Drive up North toward the Golan Heights area for one of the most well-preserved fortresses in Israel. It is a medieval fortress, which was built in the 1200’s in order to protect the trade route to Damascus. Today, it is administered by the national park authority, and makes for a beautiful day trip.
Day 14 | Hamat Gader Hot Springs
If I told you there is a ski resort in Israel, you probably wouldn’t believe me. Yes, I went all the way up north to check it out – alas there was not much snow! Although I managed to find what the après-ski scene looks like! Hamat Gader hot springs are one of the most popular hot springs in the region, and it’s also a great way to socialize with the locals. The road from Tiberias is windy and deserted, but its worth the trip on a chilly winter evening! Spend the night in Tiberias.
Day 16 | Acre/Akko and back to Tel Aviv
Acre or Akko is one of the oldest ports of the world, and its walled city is alive and kicking. It’s one of my favorite towns in Israel to wander around with my camera, exploring the narrow alleys of the town. Enjoy a Seisha and mull over your trip. Or spend a couple of days learning how to sail.
Head back to Tel Aviv or Ben Gurion airport for your flight out. If you are planning a road trip through this beautiful historical region of the world, drop your comment below and let me know if you have any questions.
- Wading through Oman’s incredible wadis - January 1, 2022
- 21 moments of gratitude from 21 countries I visited in 2021 - December 29, 2021
- Visit El Salvador for its sparkling lakes - July 3, 2021
- Where is Fogo Island, again? - April 11, 2021
- Discovering Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands - April 2, 2021
2 thoughts on “The ultimate road trip across Israel and Palestine | what to do in 2 weeks”
Awesome!
Thanks, Subham!