12 Days in Israel: Best 4 Itineraries for First-Timers

Twelve days is an ideal length of time to spend in Israel, as you can fully explore the major highlights at a relaxed pace. To make the most of your time and have a worthwhile trip, we suggest you consider a trip that also includes neighboring countries, such as Jordan and Egypt, to have a diverse experience in each country.

In this article, we've described four handpicked 12-day itineraries to help you get some ideas.

1. A 12-Day Israel Itinerary Covering the Major Highlights

Jerusalem, Israel

This itinerary would allow you to fully explore the major highlights in Israel at a slow pace: experience the holy atmosphere in Jerusalem, discover the historical sites portrayed in the Bible, float effortlessly on the Dead Sea, and enjoy the amazing views of the Negev Desert.

Here is the suggested itinerary, for inspiration:

Days 1–3: Tel Aviv (the old city of Jaffa and sandy beaches)
Days 4–5: Haifa (the Baha'i Gardens and Acre)
Days 6–7: the Sea of Galilee (the Church of the Annunciation and the Church of the Multiplication)
Days 8–9: Jerusalem (the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Temple Mount)
Days 10–11: the Dead Sea (Masada and the Negev Desert)
Day 12: departure

Kick off your trip in Tel Aviv, the vibrant seaside capital of Israel with a combination of history and modernity. Meander around the old city of Jaffa to experience the quiet and history-filled atmosphere, and relax while sunbathing on a beach. Head to Haifa to view the charming Baha'i Gardens where you can see the Mediterranean, and take a day trip to the thousand-year-old city of Acre to visit the well-preserved Crusader castle.

Next, explore the historical sites portrayed in the Bible at the Sea of Galilee. You'll have the opportunity to visit the hometown of Jesus — Nazareth — and where he preached, as well as the sites of Jesus' miracles, around the Sea of Galilee.

Continue your trip in the sacred city of Jerusalem, immersing yourself in the prayers of devotion at the Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, while also taking a leisurely stroll on the Temple Mount to admire the iconic Dome of the Rock.

Finally, experience the unique sensation of floating without difficulty on the Dead Sea while holding a newspaper to take a classic photo with your family/partner. Take a light hiking trip to the steep natural fortress of Masada, and take a day tour to the Negev Desert to admire the ruins of a Byzantine city.

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

10-Day Israel In-Depth Tour

2. A 12-Day Israel and Jordan Itinerary for Couples: Suitable for Anniversaries and Annual Getaways

Petra in Jordan

With this itinerary, you could spend a romantic time with your partner in the popular combo of Israel and Jordan: enjoy seeing candles illuminate the entire floor in Petra and stay in a luxury camping tent to appreciate the starry nights from the tent's private terrace.

Here is the well-organized itinerary, for inspiration:

Days 1–5: Jerusalem (the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Temple Mount)
Days 6–7: Petra (the rose-red sandstone city)
Days 8–9: Wadi Rum (enjoy a well-equipped camping tent under the starry night sky)
Days 10–11: the Dead Sea
Day 12: depart from Amman

Start your journey in the holy land of Jerusalem in Israel. Uncover the rich culture and witness the faithful in prayer at the Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Contact us if you want to explore more of the sites mentioned in the Bible. Our specialist travel consultants would customize the trip based on your preferences.

Next, make your way to Petra in Jordan to visit the awe-inspiring rose-red sandstone city carved into the cliffs. One unique way to see this incredible architecture is to attend the Petra By Night show during which the entire Treasury frontage is illuminated by lots of candles, creating a romantic atmosphere.

Continue your trip to Wadi Rum to embark on an exciting desert safari, taking a jeep to explore the special landscape and epic red canyons of Wadi Rum, which resemble the surface of the moon. Stay in a luxury well-equipped camping tent to enjoy the starry night with your partner from the comfort of your tent's private terrace.

End your trip at the Dead Sea to enjoy the unique experience of effortlessly floating on the water. The Dead Sea is located in both Israel and Jordan. We recommend that you go to the Jordanian part of the Dead Sea as the same level of hotels and services are cheaper there than in Israel.

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

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

3. 12-Day Israel and Egypt Itinerary for a Big Trip

Riding a camel in front of the pyramids in Egypt

This itinerary would be nice for a big trip, such as a bucket list trip, birthday, or annual vacation. You would get first-hand insights into both Israel and Egypt: experience the charming history-filled Jerusalem in Israel, witness the pyramid complex, which has one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, and take a memorable Nile cruise to appreciate the scenery along the river.

Here is the handpicked itinerary, for inspiration:

Days 1–4: Jerusalem (the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Mount of Olives)
Days 5–7: Cairo (the Giza pyramid complex, camel riding, and the Egyptian Museum)
Days 8–11: a Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor (the Philae temple complex, the Valley of the Kings, the Luxor Temple, and riding in a hot-air balloon)
Day 12: depart from Cairo

Your wonderful journey starts in the spiritual city of Jerusalem in Israel. Explore the secrets of the Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to get a deeper understanding of their historical significance. Take a day trip to the unique Dead Sea to experience floating effortlessly. Hold a newspaper to capture a classic photo.

Fly to Cairo to immerse yourself in the mysterious treasures of ancient Egypt. Take a camel ride to discover the spectacular Giza pyramids, and appreciate the well-preserved and exquisite collections, such as mummies, at the Egyptian Museum.

No trip is complete without a Nile cruise. Enjoy a stunning view along the waterway from a small dahabiya houseboat (for just 10–12 people) that we've selected for you. We would also arrange a private guide for you to visit the historical sites when you go ashore instead of taking a crowded and inflexible group excursion.

A hot-air balloon ride in Luxor is the best value for money of its kind and offers you a great view of Luxor.

You can contact us to tailor-make a tour for you if the above itinerary does not meet your requirement.

18-Day Egypt Jordan and Israel's Treasures Discovery Tour

4. A 12-Day Israel, Jordan, and Egypt Itinerary for Families with Teenagers

Floating on the Dead Sea with your kids.

Twelve days are sufficient to explore these three countries, and this itinerary doesn't require frequent hotel changes. You can enjoy some family-friendly activities with your kids, such as floating on the Dead Sea, having an adventurous desert safari, taking a camel ride, and enjoying a Nile cruise.

Here is the handpicked itinerary, for inspiration:

Days 1–3: Jerusalem (the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Tower of David Museum)
Day 4: the Dead Sea
Days 5–6: Petra (a rose-red sandstone city and a desert safari)
Days 7–8: Cairo (the Giza pyramid complex, camel riding, and the Egyptian Museum)
Days 9–11: a Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor (the Valley of the Kings, the Luxor Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon)
Day 12: depart from Cairo

Begin your trip in iconic Jerusalem, ancient capital of Israel. To add more fun for your kids while discovering this history-filled city, we could arrange some kid-friendly activities to relive the history of Jerusalem in an engaging way. For example, exploring the Western Wall tunnels and watching the sound and light show at the Tower of David Museum.

Head to the Dead Sea in Jordan to experience some novel family time floating effortlessly on the water. On day 5, you can visit the extraordinary rose-red sandstone city carved into the cliffs. If you have more time, you could have an adventurous desert safari in Wadi Rum to explore the landscape, which is similar to the surface of the moon.

Continue your trip to Cairo to see the incredible pyramids and exquisite treasures from ancient Egypt. Take a camel ride to enjoy the view of the great Giza pyramids and appreciate an Egyptian dancing show with a rhythmic beat and lively music.

Take a relaxing Nile cruise to conclude your trip and visit the highlights along the river from Aswan to Luxor. We would arrange for your family to take our carefully-selected houseboat (just for 10–12 people), and also arrange a private guide for you to visit the highlights when you go ashore instead of taking a group excursion.

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.

15-Day Best of Israel Jordan and Egypt Family Tour

How Much Is a 12-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 12 days in Israel is about US$6,000 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.