How Long to Spend in Israel: Itineraries for First-Timers

Israel is a diverse and captivating destination in the Middle East, offering a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.

When planning your trip to Israel, it's important to consider how many days are enough to fully experience this fascinating country. Here, we have offered general ideas about suggested stays at the top attractions and listed three handpicked itineraries from 5 days to 2 weeks, for inspiration.

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How Many Days Do You Need in Israel?

People praying in front of the Wailing Wall, Jerusalem, Israel

Israel is a small country and Jerusalem and Tel Aviv are the travel hubs for your trip to Israel. If you have limited time, spending 5–7 days in these two cities is enough to have a quick taste of Israel, especially if it is part of a wider Middle East trip.

With numerous renowned religious sites, it's worthwhile spending at least 3 days in Jerusalem.
As another great starting point, Tel Aviv is not to be missed for its beaches and nearby Jaffa, an ancient city. Two days are adequate to explore it's top features.

If you have 10–12 days, you could explore more historical and biblical sites, such as Haifa for 1 day, Tiberias (including the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights) for 3–5 days, and Bethlehem for 1 day. You could get inspired by our best-selling 10-Day Israel In-Depth Tour.

Many families or couples prefer to enjoy some relaxing hours at the Dead Sea during a 2-day stay and also some beach time with water activities at Eilat on the Red Sea (3–4 days).

If you have about 2 weeks, you could embark on a deep and varied exploration of Israel. Another popular option, especially for first-time travelers to the Middle East, is to combine your Israel trip with neighboring Jordan and/or Egypt. You're advised to spend 5–7 days in Israel before moving on to the next country. You could learn more itinerary ideas from our Middle East Tours.

15-Day Best of Israel Jordan and Egypt Family Tour

5- to 7-Day Itinerary — the Best of Israel

If you are looking for a short stay in Israel, this itinerary is best for you. When planning a week's trip to Israel, you're highly recommended using Jerusalem and Tel Aviv as your bases for 5 days. For the other 2 days, you have the options to have day trips to Haifa from Tel Aviv or to the Dead Sea or Bethlehem from Jerusalem.

Here is a brief itinerary for your reference. If you have any specific interests, contact us and we'll tailor-make a personalized itinerary.

Days 1–3: Tel Aviv (the ancient city of Jaffa, Carmel Market, Tel Aviv Museum of Art, and a day trip to Haifa)
Days 4–7: Jerusalem (the Mount of Olives, the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a food-hunting tour, the Israel Museum, a day trip to the Dead Sea, and a day trip to Bethlehem)

In the bustling modern city of Tel Aviv, you also have chances to unwind on the fabulous beaches and marvel at the ancient city of Jaffa. Traveling with teenagers, a cycling tour along the breathtaking coastline would enhance your family trip.

Architecture enthusiasts, you won't be disappointed by a day trip to Haifa where you can admire the super-symmetric Baha'i Gardens.

As the pearl of Israel, religion and history are big draws in Jerusalem. With our knowledgeable local guides, you'll delve deeply into the holy sites, such as the Mount of Olives, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Western Wall. You'll also create unforgettable memories with your partner or your family during an exciting culinary adventure in the local markets.

Floating on the Dead Sea is also amazing for a couple's trip or a family vacation. If you prefer more biblical sites, Bethlehem is worth visiting as Jesus' birthplace.

10-Day Israel Itinerary — An In-Depth Discovery

If you're looking for a well-rounded trip to Israel, this itinerary is specially designed for you.

Compared with a 1-week itinerary, 10 days gives you extra time to head off the beaten path and explore iconic religious sites, such as Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee in Tiberias, and the ancient desert fortress of Masada.

Find out more from the following handpicked outline. We're always happy to customize our tour plans to suit your preferences.

Days 1–3: Jerusalem (the Western Wall and its tunnels, Via Dolorosa, the Mount of Olives, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and a spectacular night view)
Days 4–5: the Dead Sea (float on the Dead Sea and visit Masada National Park)
Days 6–7: Tiberias (a cruise tour to the Sea of Galilee, the Golan Heights, and the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth)
Day 8: Haifa (the Baha'i Gardens and the German Colony)
Days 9–10: Tel Aviv (the ancient city of Jaffa with a sunset dinner and Neve Tzedek)

map of Israel

To make your trip more special, we have carefully arranged several exclusive activities for you!

If yours would be a family trip, you and your kids would love the interesting Western Wall Tunnels tour and to watch a sound and light show in the Tower of David in Jerusalem. What an experience it would be to float on the Dead Sea as you've frequently seen in textbooks!

As for couples, you could enjoy some intimate hours together during a romantic sunset dinner in the ancient city of Jaffa and a relaxing cruise on the Sea of Galilee.

If you would prefer some relaxing beach time by the Red Sea, you could add 3–4 days in Eilat or the more cost-effective Aqaba in bordering Jordan after your 10-day tour. Get a general idea about trip costs in Israel>>>

Suggested reading: 10-Day Israel Itineraries>>>

10-Day Israel In-Depth Tour

14-Day Itinerary — Going Beyond Israel

With 2 weeks in Israel, you could consider adding 3–4 days at the Red Sea or even going to lesser-known cities, such as Akko.

More popularly, you could choose to visit Jordan and Israel in one trip to see more facets of the Middle East. Jordan shares the Dead Sea and the Red Sea with Israel but for almost the same experience at these natural wonders, you can save 30–50% in Jordan.

Beyond the historical and religious highlights in Israel, you could also discover the Mars-like Wadi Rum and marvel at the Rose City of Petra in Jordan.

For an energetic-to-relaxed tour pace, we thoughtfully conclude your trip on the beaches near the Red Sea in Jordan.

Check out the following 2-week Israel and Jordan tour:

Days 1–2 in Tel Aviv (the ancient city of Jaffa, Carmel Market, and Tel Aviv Museum of Art)
Days 3–5 in Jerusalem (the Mount of Olives, the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a food-hunting tour, and the Israel Museum)
Days 6–7 at the Dead Sea in Jordan (Bethany Beyond the Jordan, floating on the Dead Sea, and a day trip to Amman)
Days 8–9 in Petra (hike through the sandstone city of Petra and see Petra by Night)
Days 10–11 in Wadi Rum (a desert safari and camping)
Days 12–14 in Aqaba (your choice of beach activities at the Red Sea: snorkeling, sunbathing, swimming…)

If you have over 2 weeks, you could consider visiting Israel, Jordan, and Egypt in one trip. You could get inspired by seeing our 18-day Egypt, Jordan, and Israel tour or 2-Week Jordan and Israel Itineraries for First-Timers >>>

Suggested reading: 2-Week Israel Itineraries>>>

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

You're in Good Hands with Global Highlights

You are warmly welcomed to have us customize your own trip based on your group size, interests, and other needs. Sit back and use our Create My Trip service.

For inspiration, you could also see the following popular Israel tours: