7 Days in Israel: 4 Top Israel First-Timer Itineraries

Israel is a country that offers travelers a diverse range of experiences. It always has something to cater to you, whatever your interests: from the sacred atmosphere of Jerusalem to the vibrant and modern cityscape of Tel Aviv, and from the unique sensation of effortlessly floating on the Dead Sea to exploring the charming Sea of Galilee.

Seven days in Israel would cover the key areas and are enough for you to explore the major highlights. Jerusalem is a must-see city that you should not miss. It's also possible to have a 7-day cross-border trip to neighboring Jordan or Egypt.

In the rest of this article, we introduce four 1-week itineraries that visit Israel. Choose an itinerary you like, contact us, and we'll customize the itinerary based on your interests.

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1. 7-Day Israel Classic Itinerary: Major Highlights of Israel

Jerusalem in Israel

For first-timers to Israel, this itinerary would be nice for exploring the best of Israel: immerse yourself in the culturally-rich Jerusalem, experience the unique sensation of effortlessly floating on the Dead Sea, admire the charming scenery of the Baha'i Gardens in Haifa, and wander through the old town of Jaffa in Tel Aviv.

Here is our hand-picked classic itinerary, for your inspiration:

• Days 1–3: Jerusalem (the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Temple Mount)
• Day 4: the Dead Sea (Masada National Park)
• Day 5: Haifa (Baha'i Gardens)
• Days 6–7: Tel Aviv (the old town of Jaffa)

Begin your memorable trip in Jerusalem, the holy city of Israel. Feel the atmosphere of faithful devotion in front of the Western Wall, explore the revered Church of the Holy Sepulchre where Jesus' entombment and resurrection are believed to have taken place, and admire the iconic Dome of the Rock at the famed Temple Mount.

Next, you'd head to the Dead Sea to experience floating easily on its salt-filled waters. Hold a newspaper to capture a picture of this unforgettable moment. Take a light hiking trip to nearby Masada National Park, a steep and awe-inspiring natural fortress that offers stunning panoramic views of the Dead Sea below.

Continue your wonderful trip to Haifa, a port city and the third largest city in Israel. Take in the beautiful scenery of the Mediterranean Sea and enjoy a panoramic view of the Baha'i Gardens from above. If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to the thousand-year-old city of Acre, where you can explore the well-preserved Crusader castle and feel as if you've traveled back in time.

Finally, you will end your trip in the prosperous capital city of Tel Aviv. Take a leisurely walk to the old town of Jaffa to immerse yourself in the quiet history of its ancient city walls.

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

Suggested reading: How Long to Spend in Israel>>>

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2. 7-Day Israel and Jordan Itinerary: Explore Israel Highlights and Jordan's Dead Sea Shore

The Dead Sea in Jordan

A trip to Israel and Jordan is a popular combo for travelers, and 7 days are enough to cover the highlights in both countries. With this itinerary, you could experience the culture-filled atmosphere in Jerusalem in Israel, have the exclusive sensation of floating effortlessly on the Dead Sea, and admire a charming sandstone city carved into the cliffs — Petra.

Here is the well-selected itinerary for your inspiration:

• Days 1–3: Jerusalem (the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and Machane Yehuda Market)
• Days 4–5: the Dead Sea (the Citadel and the Roman Theater)
• Days 6–7: Petra (the Treasury, Al Siq, and the Monastery)

Kick off the trip in Jerusalem in Israel. You'd do some must-see sightseeing in the holy city, such as visiting the Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where you would get a more complete understanding of the connected religions and cultures, and strolling through the lively local market to feel the flourishing atmosphere.

Then, cross the border to experience the unique sensation of floating on the Dead Sea in Jordan. On the way to the Dead Sea, you'd have the chance to visit one of the few well-protected Roman ruins at the Citadel and the Roman Theater. The Dead Sea is located in both Israel and Jordan, but we suggest visiting the part in Jordan as the same level of hotels and services are generally cheaper compared to those in Israel.

Finish your trip perfectly in the rose-red sandstone city of Petra. Appreciate the extraordinary architecture of the Treasury and the Monastery, and you can also experience Petra by Night to witness its captivating beauty under the starry sky.

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

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

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3. 7-Day Israel Itinerary to Uncover the Historical Sites Portrayed in the Bible

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem

Are you thinking about exploring the historical sites that are included in the Bible? If so, this itinerary would fulfill your desire to admire the sites of the miracles mentioned in the Bible. You'll have the opportunity to visit the hometown of Jesus, the 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, and the Tower of David Museum)
• Days 5–6: Nazareth (the Church of Annunciation, the Church of the Multiplication, and the Sea of Galilee)
• Day 7: depart from Tel Aviv

Start your journey in Jerusalem, a city of great spiritual significance and immense historical influence. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere at the Western Wall where many pious prayers have been prayed, meander around the famed Church of the Holy Sepulchre to visit the site considered to be where Jesus was entombed and resurrected, and climb the Mount of Olives to enjoy a breathtaking view of the city.

Over the next 2 days, you can explore places where Jesus grew up and preached. Take a stroll through Nazareth, where Jesus grew up, and visit the Church of the Annunciation, believed to be the place where Mary miraculously conceived Jesus, then visit the impressive Church of the Multiplication by 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.

Enjoy some free time in Tel Aviv, the vibrant seaside capital of Israel, to end your trip with many international flight options.

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

4. 7-Day Israel and Egypt Itinerary: Discover the Highlights in Jerusalem and Cairo

The Great Pyramids in Cairo

It's possible to travel to Israel and Egypt in one trip. Spending 3 days in Jerusalem in Israel and 4 days in Cairo in Egypt would allow you to discover the main highlights of both countries.

Land in Israel to start your journey. Spend the first 3 days in Jerusalem and explore the famous Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to experience the religion-filled atmosphere, and meander around the Temple Mount to admire the iconic Dome of the Rock.

Fly to Cairo in Egypt to spend 4 days in this incredible city. Visit the spectacular Giza pyramid complex and be amazed by the wisdom of the ancient Egyptians, taking a camel ride to appreciate the pyramids up close from a classic desert-traveler perspective, and admire the awe-inspiring collections from ancient Egypt, such as Tutankhamun's mask and the mummies at the Egyptian Museum.

Suggested reading: How to Plan a Family Trip to Egypt>>>

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How Much Is a 7-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 7 days in Israel is about US$3,500 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.