Israel: Timeless Wonders

Hotel Dan Tel Aviv , Tel Aviv / Days 2-3 / Deluxe

A member of Leading Hotels of the World, the Hotel Dan Tel Aviv sits on the city’s lively seafront promenade and close to the business district and main attractions. The hotel has two restaurants and a bar/lounge; several shops and boutiques, including an art gallery and antiques shop; beauty salon; Internet access; laundry and dry cleaning services; and safe deposit boxes. Recreational facilities include an indoor freshwater pool; outdoor seawater pool; sun deck; fitness center; and spa with Jacuzzi, massage, and sauna. Guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, mini-bar, TV, and phone.

Kfar Giladi Kibbutz Hotel , Upper Galilee / Day 4 / Not rated

This 168-room hotel sits in the heart of the peaceful and pastoral Upper Galilee, surrounded by nature reserves and archaeological sites, and overlooking snow-topped Mount Hermon, the Golan Heights, and the Hula Valley. Along with agriculture and livestock, the hotel helps to generate the income that sustains this working kibbutz dating to 1916. Facilities include a restaurant and bar; both indoor and outdoor swimming pools; sauna; fitness room; health club; gift shop; Internet access; and synagogue. Simple but comfortable air-conditioned guest rooms, nestled in clusters throughout the property, have private bath with hair dryer, refrigerator, and TV. There is no elevator.

Please note the kibbutz is in a prime location for exploring the Upper Galilee, and that staying there is a special experience. However, while clean and comfortable, the accommodations are not of the same quality as other hotels on this tour.

The Scots Hotel , Tiberias / Days 5-6 / Superior First Class

Sitting directly in the center of Tiberias fronting the Sea of Galilee, the unique Scots Hotel was founded as a hospital in the 19th century by Dr. David Watt Torrance, a young Scotsman dedicated to serving all peoples of the Holy Land. Now owned by the Church of Scotland and converted to a 50-room boutique property in 1999 (the hospital closed in the 1950s), the hotel aims to “provide first class service in a place of reconciliation for all people, including Jews, Christians, and Muslims …” in keeping with Dr. Torrance’s beliefs. Indeed, in addition to its guests, the hotel’s staff is ethnically diverse, as well. Hotel facilities include a restaurant and bar; Internet access; half-size Olympic outdoor pool and a beach garden with views of the Sea of Galilee and Golan Heights; an herb garden and ecological fish pond; spa; and gift shop with art and crafts created by local Jewish, Druze, Muslim, and Christian artists. Guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, coffee-making facilities, in-room safe, mini-bar, TV, and phone.

King David Jerusalem , Jerusalem / Days 7-11 / Deluxe

Israel’s most famous and prestigious hotel stands overlooking (and within easy walking distance to) the Old City – a landmark hotel steeped in history. Equally accessible to Jerusalem’s lively downtown, as well, the King David makes an excellent base for exploring this fascinating city during your six-night stay. Built in 1931 of locally quarried pink limestone, the 237-room King David features spacious gardens with breathtaking views of the Old City; two restaurants and a bar; fitness center; outdoor swimming pool; tennis court; spa services; Internet access; laundry and dry cleaning services; and shopping arcade with gift and jewelry shops, art gallery, and beauty salon. Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, in-room safe, mini-bar, TV, and phone.

Mövenpick Resort Petra , Petra / Extension / Superior First Class

Situated right at the entrance to the ancient city of Petra, the Mövenpick Resort features a host of amenities including seven restaurants, lounges, and bars; Internet access; dry cleaning and laundry services; an outdoor swimming pool; and a wellness center with a fully equipped gym, sauna, massage, and steam room. In addition, the hotel offers a library with books about the ruins at Petra. Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, TV, and phone.

Kempinski Hotel Amman , Amman / Extension / Superior First Class

Opened in 2005, this 278-room contemporary hotel with an avant-garde design sits in the heart of Amman, close to shopping and restaurants. Hotel amenities include two restaurants and a lounge; Internet access; fitness center; wellness center with heated outdoor pool, sauna, steam room, and spa treatments; hair salon; entertainment center complete with bowling alley; and shopping mall. Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, in-room safe, TV, and phone.