The following article shows my 10 day Israel itinerary for my upcoming trip to Israel.
On my Israel travel blog, I hope to give useful guidelines and Israel travel tips to all travelers, especially to all independent travelers like me, who are planning their first trip to Israel.
If you are thinking of 10 days in Israel and planning your 10 day trip to Israel, I suggest taking a look at my Israel itinerary to get insights on where to go in Israel, what to see in Israel, what to visit in Israel, and what to do in Israel.
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This well-planned 10 day Israel itinerary I tailored for myself. After visiting Israel, I can warmly recommend my 10 days in Israel itinerary to anyone who wants to see the best of Israel in 10 days.
10 DAYS IN ISRAEL ITINERARY
Next two months I will be traveling to Israel, Jordan, and Egypt.
Past few days I’ve been planning my upcoming trip to Israel and nailing my Israel itinerary. A good thing is my trip to Israel is not (so) tightened by time.
My return ticket is from Cairo in two months. A not-so-good thing is that my trip could possibly become tightened by my budget. Apparently, Israel is an expensive country.
However, it seems like 10 days in Israel should be fine for a first-time visit to Israel. Or better to say, to get a glimpse of Israel.
The point is, talking about the size Israel is not a big country at all. For example, Israel is the same size as Albania, smaller than Hawaii, and even 3 times smaller than Croatia, my homeland. But beyond the shadow of a doubt, modern Israel is a unique fusion of various cultures accompanied by a long and hectic history.
The diverse range of cultural influences in the Holy Land resulted, among other things, in modern Israeli cuisine which is one of the most appealing and delicious cuisines in the World. Meeting local people, learning about their history and culture, and trying to understand their perspectives, views, and feelings about the World through their eyes and hearts are what travel is all about. And in that sense, contemporary Israel offers a plethora of exceptional and unparalleled experiences to its visitors.
Israel itinerary 10 days
- 10 DAY ISRAEL ITINERARY: 10 days in Israel & the West Bank
- Day 1-2: Tel Aviv
- Day 3: Haifa and Acre
- Day 4: Tiberius, Galilee Sea, and Nazareth
- Day 5: Jerusalem
- Day 6: Bethlehem (the West Bank)
- Day 7: Jericho (the West Bank)
- Day 8: the Dead Sea, Ein Gedi, the Judean Desert, and Masada
- Day 9-10: Eilat
- MAP OF MY 10 DAYS IN ISRAEL ITINERARY
- BEST TIME TO VISIT ISRAEL
- RECOMMENDED READ: ISRAEL TRAVEL GUIDES
- RECOMMENDED USEFUL TRAVEL ACCESSORIES FOR TRAVELLING TO ISRAEL
10 DAY ISRAEL ITINERARY: 10 days in Israel & the West Bank
ISRAEL IN 10 DAYS
I am planning to travel to Israel for 10 days by public transport as an independent traveler. For the vast majority of my time in Israel, I am going to use public buses. Because of that, I am planning immediately on my arrival to get a Rav Kav Card at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv.
Rav Kav Card is an Israeli top-up smart travel card. It means, that if someone puts 100 NIS (New Israeli Shekels) on the card, they will get 20% extra or 120 NIS travel worth using. For someone who is going to use public buses a lot, what’s my case, this is a great deal.
But, let’s take a look at my draft of my 10 days Israel itinerary.
ISRAEL 10 DAY ITINERARY:
Day 1-2: Tel Aviv
I am flying to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv and my Israel trip is officially starting in Tel Aviv.
2 days in Tel Aviv should be enough to get insights into the city for a first-time visit. Tel Aviv is famous for its nightlife, but I am not into parties and clubbing. I love the expression ‘Tel Aviv plays, Jerusalem prays‘ though.
But what I find interesting is that modern Tel Aviv is a creative and startup hub. Without any question, I am looking forward to checking out the ancient port of Jaffa, the Carmel food market, Bauhaus buildings of the White City, graffiti in the Florentin neighborhood, arty and quirky Neve Tzedek neighborhood, Tel Aviv beaches, and trendy cafes in Rothschild Boulevard.
Where to stay in Tel Aviv:
1. Jaffa neighborhood (for history and art lovers) – House in Shalma (⭐⭐⭐), Margosa Hotel Tel Aviv Jaffa,
2. Florentin neighborhood (for arty personalities and hipsters) – Florentin House, Gal’s Studio (⭐⭐⭐)
3. Neve Tzedek (for trendsetters and shoppingoholics) – The Vera , Trieste Neve Tzedek Boutique Suites (⭐⭐⭐)
4. Tayelet (for beach lovers) – Shalom Hotel & Relax (⭐⭐⭐⭐), Brown Beach House by Brown Hotels
Check out THE BEST TEL AVIV TOURS AND TICKETS
Check out THE BEST TEL AVIV FOOD TOURS
Day 3: Haifa and Acre
On my third day in Israel, I am heading from Tel Aviv to Haifa and Acre (Akko) by train. Planning to spend half of the day on each.
First I am going to Akko and then to Haifa. I am planning to take a bus from Haifa to Tiberias the next day.
Akko is an ancient 4,000-year-old town with a long history tracking down to Romans, Greeks, Crusaders, and Arabs. On my Israel bucket list are the Old Town of Akko with the old fishing harbor, the souk (market), the Crusader city, the citadel with the khan, and the Al Jazzar mosque.
Later on, I would love to catch a ferry from Old Akko to Haifa Port to enjoy the views of the sea, the coastline (just to mention, Lebanon is only 20 miles away from the Akko), and the Caramel Mountain on my arrival to Haifa.
In Haifa, I want to walk the magnificent terraces of the Bahai Gardens, see the Shrine of the Bab, explore the German Colony, and visit the Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery and Elijah’s Cave.
Optionally I will take one day more to spend in this area.
Where to stay in Haifa: Schumacher Hotel Haifa, Almog Boutique apartment(⭐⭐⭐)
Check out THE BEST HAIFA TOURS AND TICKETS
It is easy to travel from Haifa to Akko, and vice versa. The train ride between Akko and Haifa lasts about 20-25 minutes.
Where to stay in Akko: The Sultan House (⭐⭐⭐), Zidan Sarai (⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Day 4: Tiberius, Galilee Sea, and Nazareth
My route is taking me from Haifa to Tiberius on the Galilee Sea and then from the Galilee Sea to Nazareth.
There is a direct bus from Haifa to Tiberias. Every 15-20 min Egged bus No.430 goes from Haifa’s Merkazit Hamifratz Central Bus Station (platform 10) to Tiberias. The ride takes about 70 min.
In Tiberias, I am planning to have some Galilee lakeside time enjoying the views of the Golan Heights and ancient Gadara in Jordan and take a boat tour on the mythical and Biblical lake (the Sea of Galilee) where once Jesus made the miracles of walking on the water and feeding a bunch people with only one fish.
Later during the day, I am proceeding with my Israel trip itinerary and going to Nazareth, the childhood home of Jesus. Buses No. 430 and No. 836 go from Tiberias Central Station (near the market) to Nazareth Center (near the Church of the Annunciation).
I am planning to spend a night in Nazareth before departing for Jerusalem early in the morning on the next day.
Where to stay in Nazareth:
Michel House (a beautifully decorated B&B with a superb breakfast in a top location)
Al Bishara Guest House (a lovely 3-star guesthouse in a top location in Nazareth),
Fauzi Azar by Abraham Hostels (a budget-friendly hostel and one of the best hostels in Israel)
Check out THE BEST NAZARETH TOURS AND TICKETS
Day 5: Jerusalem
My next stop is the city of Jerusalem. Egged public bus No 955 goes from Nazareth to Jerusalem.
I have a feeling that I might fall in love with Jerusalem. I am trying my best not to have expectations though. I am trying to be cautious about not getting disappointed.
I am excited (Ah, expectations! Need to bite my tongue – edit, re-edit, re-re-edit this…) to witness the Old City of Jerusalem, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre with the Tomb of Christ, the Via Dolorosa, the Mount of Olives with the Gethsemane Garden, the Room of the Last Supper, the Dome Rock, to leave a note with my prayers in between the wall’s cracks the Wailing Wall, to buy some fresh fruits on the Machne Yehuda Market in the New City … to write down some of my wishes.
Where to stay in Jerusalem:
BUDGET: Chain Gate Hostel, Stay Inn Hostel,
MID-RANGE: Jerusalem Hotel,
UPSCALE: The Sephardic House Hotel in the Jewish quarter, Jaffa 60 Apartments ( Jonathan Hotel Chain)
Check out THE BEST JERUSALEM TOURS AND TICKETS
Check out THE BEST JERUSALEM FOOD TOURS
MAYBE YOU WOULD LIKE TO READ: Popular Holy Sites in Israel and the West Bank
Day 6: Bethlehem (the West Bank)
Ok, I know. Bethlehem is on the West Bank. And I am renaming my itinerary to a ’10 day Israel & the West Bank itinerary’.
Usually, visitors take a half-day tour from Jerusalem to Bethlehem. It costs around 55 USD per person. I might take a public Palestinian bus No. 21 from the East Jerusalem Bus Station. The ticket should be around 1,40 USD (5 NIS).
The tours are good for security concerns. But I am an independent traveler who prefers to do what local people do. And as long as local people go by bus, I am doing the same. However, so far my votes are going to take a public bus. I even got a tip to stay in Bethlehem instead of Jerusalem, for Bethelem is much cheaper than Jerusalem. This is something to take into account. Most likely, I will be back in Jerusalem to take sleep and on the next day, I will go to Jericho. The options are still open and I am going to decide on the site.
However, the Church of Nativity, the Milk Grotto, the Chapel of the Holy Innocents, the Mosque of Omar, the Coptic church, the Armenian monastery, the Greek Orthodox monastery … – I am coming! Ugh, this line just reminded me how much history there is in Bethlehem!
UPDATE: I took white-blue Palestinian bus No. 21 at East Jerusalem Bus Station next to the Damascus Gate in Jerusalem and went to Bethlehem. A one-way ticket from Jerusalem to Bethlehem was 1,9 USD 7 (NIS). The bus ride was perfectly safe with absolutely no disturbances or any kind of stress.
Where to stay in Bethlehem: The Walled Off Hotel (⭐⭐⭐), Dar Sitti Aziza(⭐⭐⭐)
Day 7: Jericho (the West Bank)
Jericho is said to be the oldest town on Earth. A more than 30,000-year-old town. Too good to be missed, I would add. Mountain of Temptation, Zaccheus Tree, Elisha’s Spring, and Tel el-Sultan are sites to see in Jericho. I hope to check them all out.
There is also one more option. There’s a possibility of visiting Jericho and Bethlehem in one day from Jerusalem. For independent travelers who prefer traveling on their own, there should be a bus opposite the Damascus Gate in Jerusalem driving to Abu Dis. Just before Abu Dis the passengers who wish to proceed to Jericho, should get off the bus and take a 20-min walk or a taxi ride to Jericho. From Jericho, there is a bus back to Abu Dis and from Abu Dis to Bethlehem. Most likely by the time I reach Jerusalem, I will get better insights into this.
In any case, there’s also an option to visit Bethlehem and Jericho from Jerusalem on a day trip.
UPDATE: In Bethlehem, I have decided to visit Hebron instead of Jericho. So, in Bethlehem, I took a Palestinian shared taxi called ‘servicees‘ to Hebron. My one-way ticket from Bethlehem to Hebron was 2,7 USD (10 NIS). From Hebron, I went back to Jerusalem by public bus and paid the bus ticket 2,7 USD (10 NIS).
Visiting Hebron and the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron unexpectedly brought one of the most memorable moments of my trip.
For people who don’t know, the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron (also called the Ibrahimi Mosque) is one of the holiest sites on Earth. It holds the tombs of three biblical couples: Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebeckah, and Jacob and Leah.
Sadly, the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron is divided into a mosque and a synagogue. Muslims are not allowed to enter the synagogue and Jewish people are not allowed to enter the mosque. As a Christian, I was allowed to visit the mosque and the synagogue.
I visited Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron just before the start of the afternoon prayers. Immediately after visiting the mosque, I went to the synagogue where afternoon prayers started.
At the time of prayers, I stood in the synagogue listening to the prayers of a rabbi and an imām simultaneously.
Those were some of those blissful moments in life when I felt truly blessed and grateful!
READ MORE: Popular Holy Sites in Israel and the West Bank
Day 8: the Dead Sea, Ein Gedi, the Judean Desert, and Masada
Egged bus No. 486 goes directly from the Jerusalem Central Bus Station (platform 5) to the Dead Sea, Ein Gedi, and Masada.
Dead Sea beaches are only a one-hour drive from Jerusalem, but to be honest, the Dead Sea is pending on my Israel itinerary. After Israel, I am heading to Jordan and there I could reach the Dead Sea. But, Ein Gedi’s natural spring in the Judean Desert on the Dead Sea is making me ponder on this.
If I decide to go directly to Masada, the ride will last only a few minutes.
Photos of the Masada fortress on a rock plateau in the Judean Desert have been jaw-dropping for me all my life. The story of the mass suicide of almost 1,000 people to escape slavery is one of the saddest stories in history ever.
In the late afternoon after visiting Masada, I am heading to Eilat. A 3-hour bus drive takes from Masada to Eilat.
For people who feel more comfortable traveling with tours, there is a great day tour from Jerusalem to Masada and the Dead Sea.
UPDATE: I’ve hiked Masada for a sunrise. It was one of the most spectacular experiences in Israel!
READ MORE: Hiking Masada in Sunrise
Day 9-10: Eilat
In this draft of my Israel itinerary, I am taking 2 days in Eilat. Maybe one of the two days I will use for some of the options (one more day in Jerusalem, or Haifa).
Eilat is a well-known Israeli resort town on the Red Sea, especially famous for glorious sunsets and swimming with not caged dolphins on the Dolphin Reef beach.
Besides that, the unearthly Red Canyon with widely praised Red Canyon hikes is located near Eilat. But Eilat is also convenient for crossing the border with Jordan.
The Yitzhak Rabin/Wadi Araba border is the border crossing between Eilat in Israel and Aqaba in Jordan. The border is located only 3 miles (5 km) north of Eilat and 5 miles (8 km) north of Aqaba. On the Yitzhak Rabin/Wadi Araba border I am planning to say Goodbye (or, See you again) to Israel and Hello to Jordan.
UPDATE: I have crossed the Yitzhak Rabin/Wadi Araba border and entered Jordan from Israel. On the border, you need to pay the Israeli exit fee of 105 NIS (29 USD). Israelis don’t stamp the passport on the Yitzhak Rabin border, but entering Jordan overland you get a Jordanian stamp on the Wadi Araba border which consequently confirms that you came from Israel.
PS: On my trip to Israel and discovered how delicious food in Israel is. Just to remind you, Israeli shakshouka is one of the most famous dishes in the world. Check out my post Popular Israeli Food!
Where to stay in Eilat: The Reef Eilat Hotel by Herbert Samuel
MAP OF MY 10 DAYS IN ISRAEL ITINERARY
10 days in Israel itinerary
BEST TIME TO VISIT ISRAEL
If you are reading my 10-day Israel itinerary, most likely you are planning a trip to Israel. And you are interested also in what is the best time to visit Israel.
The best seasons for traveling to Israel are fall (September to November) and spring (March to May) for moderate temperatures. Daily average temperatures go around 26°C (79°F) in fall and spring in Israel.
Summer in Israel could be extremely warm with daily average temperatures around 33°C (90°F) and many heatwaves. Winter in Israel comes with daily average temperatures of around 10°C (50°F), lots of rain, and even the possibility of snow in Jerusalem.
So, the best time for visiting Israel is from September to November and from March to May for pleasant and dry weather.
RECOMMENDED READ: ISRAEL TRAVEL GUIDES
Essential Israel (Full-color Fodor’s Travel Guide)
Israel & the Palestinian Territories (Lonely Planet’s Travel Guide)
Jerusalem, Israel and the Palestinian Territories (DK Eyewitness Travel Guide)
RECOMMENDED USEFUL TRAVEL ACCESSORIES FOR TRAVELLING TO ISRAEL
Water-resistant anti-theft day bag that charges your gadgets
Top-rated ultra-high capacity Anker portable charger
Canon G7 X Vlog Camera
Travel scarf with secret hidden pockets
Anti-Theft Rfid blocking travel wallet
Do you like my DIY 10 day Israel tour?
Have you been to Israel? What were the highlights of your trip to Israel?
Do you have any suggestions for my Israel itinerary 10 days? Any other places to visit in Israel, things to do in Israel, and things to see in Israel?
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Hiking Masada in Sunrise
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Popular Holy Sites in Israel and the West Bank
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Woot! Sounds like a pretty awesome itinerary there! I explored Israel a couple years ago with a pilgrimage group because it’s a bit tricky for us, Indonesian to visit Israel. I covered mostly same places as yours but didn’t make it to Tel Aviv, En Gedi, Judean desert and Masada. I really had a great journey. Jerusalem is really charming. I’m sure you’ll have a blast too! 😉
Thanks so much! Yes, I am looking forward to visiting Israel a lot! <3
Sounds like this is going to be an awesome trip. I’ve never been to Israel or the West Bank but have read several books on the history of this region. I’ve heard about Tel Aviv being a creative and startup hub and saw that Waze headquarters was there. Not sure if they are still there today.
Thanks, Candy. I believe Waze has HQs in Tel Aviv and Palo Alto. But let me check that out when I am in Tel Aviv. I was surprised to find out that Viber was first developed in Israel too.
We are dying to see Israel Mili. Fabulous pictures you snapped here. Definitely whetting our appetite. Israel is fascinating because you’ve a mix of folks in the nation and such a strong religious influence. Seems unlike any other area on earth.
Exactly, Ryan, I am looking forward to that melting pot.
I love reading about the planning of a holiday, especially somewhere where I know nothing about like Israel. A very useful post for those going there.I would really like to see Bethlehem. What a fascinating place to visit.
Thanks, Melissa.
My friends have been asking me about my next travel destination. So, I have put it all on the paper and now they can see where I am going and how I am going do it.
I have done a fair amount of research for my trip to Israel. It could be also useful to many independent travelers like me.
Sounds like a great itinerary, and does sound quite packed! I wish you the best of luck on your travels. I’ve never been to Israel, but with my job, i might get the chance to go to Tel Aviv. I heard it’s very cool and trendy there!!
Your itinerary is leaving me envious. I haven’t been to Israel and your 10 days seems to cover all the places I also want to visit and more! How did you get over the fear of traveling there?
Hey Carol,
Call me crazy, but I feel ZERO fear.
Yes, Isreal is in the part of the World where tensions exist but Israeli security forces are perfectly aware of it and doing their best to keep the safety in the country.
Unfortunately, nowadays terrorist attacks can happen in NYC, Paris, Rome, Bruxelles …
By no means, I am not going blindly into any place of the unrest.
And I have to add, as I age I am more and more fond of the truth behind the words: ‘Que Sera, Sera … Whatever will be, will be … the future is not ours to see’
xoxo
Milijana
Haven’t been to Israel yet but looks like now need to go there as soon as possible. Your itinerary is perfect to explore Israel. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks! I have done a lot of research to tailor a perfect Israeli itinerary, but still I am looking forward to discovering some new sites when I am in Israel.
Our daughter has spent a lot of time in Israel and neighboring countries and loved it. Sadly, we have not made it there yet. Your itinerary sounds super and hits many of the spots she told us about. And the photos, especially the waves on the beach at Tel Aviv are super!
Thanks, Micheal! Hope you visit Israel soon too!
This looks like it’s going to be a great trip. Busy, but it’s always hard to fit a country into a few days–even if it is small. But one with such a rich history is nearly impossible. I look forward to hearing about it and your recommendations! Enjoy!
Distances in Israel are not big, so I hope not to have so packed trip. And, I am flexible with my time.
Thanks for your lovely wishes, Jen!
Love, Milijana
I am reminded of my trip to Israel and Jordan , albeit two different trips. Your itinerary looks quite do-able. We missed out on Eilat though.
I live in the Middle East (UAE) and I have been to Jordan, Lebanon but not Isreal or Egypt for that matter. Don’t think I’ll be able to make to Israel any time soon either but if and when I do, I would want to visit Tel Aviv, Eilat and Jerusalem for sure. The pictures you’ve shared make it look really similar to Jordan in many ways!
looks like a great adventure in Isreal, very action-packed throughout the whole trip. It’s a small enough country to do in one trip rather than go back time and time again.
Fantastic!
I was just talking to someone recently who had a time of their life in Israel. From Tel Aviv, to Haifa and Jerusalem, they simply loved it. Your itinerary looks great. You are certainly hitting all the high points and it sounds like a great adventure. Looking forward to reading about your travels.
A 10 day trip to Israel sounds great! It seems like you have a well thought out itinerary with plenty of room for adjustments if needed. I think it’s great you are going to see some of these historical places. I would love to get a chance to take this trip.
Wow, a 4,000-year-old town is incredible! I have never been anywhere that ancient, so it looks like I need to check out Akko. I love the contrast of the Bahai Hanging gardens and all that green surrounded by the city.
Wow, your itinerary looks incredible! I think it’s awesome that you’re going to be able to spend over a week there so you’re really able to take in a lot. I mean, there is so much history there! And I think it’s smart that you already found which buses go where. That will save you a lot of time once you’re finally there. Have a fun trip!
I haven’t been to Israel, so I don’t have any tips to share- but you seem to got it all covered. 🙂 I know I would fall in love with Acre and the Mar Saba monastery, latter one reminding me of one my dearest travel memories- Matera, Italy. Matera is one of the oldest inhabited settlements in the world, and is similarly carved into the hill. I am curious about your Egypt experience as well (I’ve been wanting to visit Cairo ever since watching Cairo Time movie).
Wow I am impressed with your meticulous planning skills! I normally just look up a couple of things here and there, but have never actually put together an itinerary before my trip. I try to be like you and not have too many expectations as I don’t like to be disappointed and this might also have something to do with my approach. I haven’t really considered Israel as a destination, but this has certainly put it on the radar for me! I love all the photos too! Are they just stock photos?
Israel is a very enigmatic and fascinating country. A place that ranks high on our bucket list and we hope to get there someday. Jerusalem, of course, is a place we would love to see apart from the Dead Sea. The country is also such a fascinating medley of history and modern culture and must make for an unforgettable experience.
A two month trip through Jordan, Isreal and Egypt! That sounds awesome!!! I havent been to Jordan or Isreal yet, but I loved the vibrancy and chaos (yes, tons of chaos) of Cairo! Your Isreal intinirary is definitely well planned out – I’d love to refer back to it one day when I visit here myself. Jerusalem and Eilat would be high on my list! Not sure if I’d have enough ‘courage’ to visit Masada – it’s just unthinkable what happened there!
Oh my goodness, I didn’t realize Jericho is probably the oldest town on EARTH! How amazing. And I love that phrase “Tel Aviv plays, Jerusalem prays”. I had no idea Tel Aviv was a start up hub. I love modern cities and really want to go soon. I wish you happy and safe travels!