10-Day Israel Itineraries: The Best 4 for First-Timers

Israel is a popular destination for a bucket list trip, annual gateway, or romantic celebration. Ten days are adequate to experience an immersive cultural atmosphere in Jerusalem, engage in exciting outdoor activities, such as light hiking in Masada and floating effortlessly on the Dead Sea, enjoy the sunshine while relaxing on a beach in Tel Aviv, and explore historical sites that are mentioned in the Bible.

In this article, we've described four wonderful 10-day Israel itineraries to help you get some ideas for your dream trip.

1. A Classic 10-Day Israel Itinerary: Major Highlights of Israel

Western Wall in Jerusalem

This itinerary would be nice for first-timers as it focuses on the highlights of Israel. You can explore the holy land of Jerusalem, experience floating effortlessly on the Dead Sea, visit the stunning Hanging Gardens of Haifa, and enjoy sunbathing on the beaches in Tel Aviv. We could customize this itinerary based on your preferences and requests.

Here is our first suggested itinerary, for your inspiration:

Days 1–4: Jerusalem (the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Temple Mount)
Days 5–6: the Dead Sea (light hiking in Masada National Park)
Days 7–8: Haifa (the Baha'i Gardens and Acre)
Days 9–10: Tel Aviv (the old town of Jaffa)

Days 1–4: Jerusalem

The Dome of the Rock is located on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem

Jerusalem is the obvious place to start and spend 3 or 4 days to benefit from lots of sights in any season.

Immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere at the Western Wall to see the faithful in prayer, discover the revered Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which is believed to be the site of Jesus' entombment and resurrection, meander around the Temple Mount to see the iconic Dome of the Rock, and explore the Tower of David Museum to witness captivating cultural relics and the remnants of the ancient city walls.

Days 5–6: the Dead Sea

Floating effortlessly on the Dead Sea

Indulge in a truly unique experience when you float effortlessly on the Dead Sea, holding a newspaper to capture a classic picture as you enjoy the unforgettable moment. Take a light hiking trip in the majestic Masada National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a natural fortress allowing you to overlook the Dead Sea below.

Day 7–8: Haifa

The Baha'i Gardens in Haifa

Haifa is a port and the third largest city in Israel. From the very top of the charming Baha'i Gardens, you can see the Mediterranean Sea and the panoramic view of the gardens. Take a day trip to the thousand-year-old city of Acre to see the well-preserved Crusader castle and feel the old vibe.

Days 9–10: Tel Aviv

Old town of Jaffa in Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv is the vibrant capital of Israel, combining history and modernity well. Soak up the charming atmosphere by taking a leisurely stroll through the old town of Jaffa and unwind on a sandy beach to end your trip.

If you have other requirements, contact us and we can make it happen.

Suggested reading: How to Plan Your First Trip to Israel>>>

10-Day Israel In-Depth Tour

2. 10-Day Israel Itinerary to Explore the Historical Sites Portrayed in the Bible

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem

Israel is undoubtedly considered to be the holy land for many throughout the world, especially believers in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. This itinerary would fulfill a desire to follow the Bible through significant historical sites. You can visit the home of Jesus, places where he preached, and the sites of his crucifixion and resurrection.

Here is our suggested Biblical itinerary, for your inspiration:

Days 1–4: Jerusalem (the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Tower of David Museum, and the Temple Mount)
Days 5–7: Tiberias (the Church of the Annunciation, the Church of the Multiplication, and the Sea of Galilee)
Days 8–10: Tel Aviv (the old town of Jaffa, swimming and surfing)

Your journey through Israel would begin in Jerusalem — a sacred city that holds an important place in Israel as well as in the faith world. Visit the Western Wall to see the faithful praying in front of the wall and explore the famed Church of the Holy Sepulchre to visit the site that is considered to be where Jesus was entombed and then resurrected.

Over the next 3 days, you'll have the opportunity to visit the homeland of Jesus and places where he preached. Take a stroll through the renowned Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth where it is believed that Mary conceived Jesus and explore the remarkable Church of the Multiplication, located on the Sea of Galilee, which is associated with the miracle of Jesus feeding the multitude with just a few pieces of bread and some fish.

Finish your wonderful trip in Tel Aviv and relax in this seaside capital of Israel. Step onto the historical stone road to experience the ancient and captivating charm of Jaffa, and enjoy free time along the promenade.

You can just tell us your preferences and requirements and our travel consultant will customize a tour for you.

15-Day Best of Israel Jordan and Egypt Family Tour

3. 10-Day Israel and Jordan Itinerary

Petra in Jordan

With this itinerary, you can experience the spiritual city of Jerusalem in Israel, have the unique sensation of effortlessly floating on the Dead Sea in Jordan, explore the mesmerizing rose-red sandstone city of Petra, and embark on an adventurous desert safari in Wadi Rum.

Here is our suggested itinerary, for inspiration:

Days 1–4: Jerusalem in Israel (the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Temple of Olives)
Days 5–6: the Dead Sea in Jordan (the Citadel and the Roman Theater)
Days 7–9: Petra (the Treasury, the Monastery, and a desert safari in Wadi Rum)
Day 10: depart from Amman

Start your memorable trip in Jerusalem, a city of great religious significance with a rich history. Explore the Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to get a feel of the religious culture, and climb the Mount of Olives to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.

Over the next 2 days, cross the border to experience floating effortlessly on the Dead Sea in Jordan. On the way to the Dead Sea, you'll explore one of the few well-preserved Roman ruins at the Citadel and the Roman Theater in Amman. While the Dead Sea is present in both Israel and Jordan, we recommend visiting the Dead Sea in Jordan as the same level of hotels and services are often more affordable in comparison.

Finish your trip perfectly with a visit to a rose-red sandstone city that is carved into the cliffs — Petra. Appreciate the impressive Treasury and the Monastery. Then take a day trip to Wadi Rum, which has a similar landscape to the surface of the moon, to enjoy an exciting desert safari.

You can contact us to tailor-make a tour for you if the above itinerary does not meet your requirement. If you like, check out the 2-week versions: 2-Week Jordan and Israel Itineraries for First-Timers >>>

Suggested reading: How to Plan a Trip to Israel and Jordan>>>

12-Day Journey Through Egypt and Jordan's Ancient Lands

4. 10-Day Israel and Egypt Itinerary

Nile cruise in Egypt

With this itinerary, you could immerse yourself in the sacred city of Jerusalem in Israel, explore the magnificent and incredible Giza pyramid complex in Cairo by camel ride for an in-theme perspective, and enjoy a charming Nile cruise to appreciate the scenery and historical sites along the river from Aswan to Luxor.

Here is our suggested itinerary, for your inspiration:

Days 1–3: Jerusalem (the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Temple Mount)
Days 4–6: Cairo (the Giza pyramid complex, the Great Sphinx, camel riding, and the Egyptian Museum)
Days 7–10: Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor (the Philae temple complex, the Valley of the Kings, and the Luxor Temple)

Your first 3 days in Israel would be spent in holy Jerusalem, visiting its renowned highlights. Wander amongst the prayerful atmosphere at the Western Wall, explore the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which holds great importance as the place of Jesus' sepulchering and resurrection, and visit the iconic Dome of the Rock at the Temple Mount.

Fly to Cairo in Egypt, home to the mysterious and majestic pyramids, to enjoy a wonderful step back in time. Picture yourself taking a camel ride to explore the spectacular pyramid complex, allowing you to admire them without walking too far in the heat. For a romantic experience, enjoy views of the pyramids with your partner at sunset from the balcony of your hotel.

To complete your trip, don't miss the opportunity to embark on a stunning Nile cruise and fully appreciate the scenery along the river. We would select a small and traditionally-styled houseboat (just for 10-12 people) for you based on your group size and requirements. Also, we would arrange a private guide for you to visit the highlights when you go ashore.

Let us help you plan your trip! Contact us and we will create a trip based on your group size, time, budget, interests, and other requirements.

How Much Is a 10-Day Trip to Israel?

A private trip to Israel costs about US$500 per day per person, including 4-star hotels, a full-day itinerary, transportation, tickets for attractions, a private guide, and a private car.

Therefore, the total cost for 10 days in Israel is about US$5,000 per person based on a group of 2–4 people.

If you want to have a cross-border trip to Egypt and Jordan, the private tour cost in Egypt is from US$150-250 per day per person, while the cost in Jordan starts at about US$200-300.