Days 1 & 2 - Herzeliya beaches and pool
Herzeliya is a vibrant suburb of Tel Aviv, with beautiful beaches and hotels. There are great hotels along the beaches such as Dan Accadia, but there are also excellent apartment buildings with gyms and pools, such as the Okeanos. There are also numerous other options available on Airbnb.
The beaches and hotels are a great place to relax and people watch, and a walk through the marina is worthwhile. You can sit at Jem’s Brewery, drink a beer and eat freshly made food as you watch the fancy boats and people pass by.
Days 3 & 4 - Tel Aviv
If you’re staying in Herzeliya, you can take day trips to Tel Aviv. Try to avoid driving during rush hour, because traffic can be very bad during that time. There are beautiful neighborhoods to visit in Tel Aviv, such as Old Jaffa and Neve Tzedek, as well as the Tayelet and the Old Tel Aviv Port. If you enjoy museums, you can visit the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. Tel Aviv is known for its exceptional cuisine, so be sure to try some restaurants while you’re there!
Days 5 & 6: Jerusalem
When people think of Israel, they think of the holy city of Jerusalem. It is truly a magical city that makes you feel like you’ve traveled back in time. Since Jerusalem is built on mountains, there are breathtaking views in every direction. Visiting the Old City is a must, but be sure to dress modestly if you plan to visit the Western Wall. Woman must have their knees and shoulders covered, and are advised to wear long skirts or dresses. Men should not wear shorts to the Western Wall. The ancient city is walkable, with plenty of souvenir options at local stands. Make sure to haggle with the salespeople to get a great deal!
Jerusalem is home to several famous museums, such as Yad Vashem and The Israel Museum. There are also great markets and malls, such as Mahane Yehuda and Mamilla Mall. The Mamilla Mall is a beautiful, upscale mall with great cafes featuring European coffee. Aroma is a popular Israeli coffee chain, and the Mamilla Mall location offers stunning views of the Old City. The frozen Aroma drink is a delicious way to cool off on a hot day!
Day 7 - Dead Sea & Masada
In order to visit both Masada and the Dead Sea in one day, it’s best to start your Masada hike early in the morning. You can find a hotel or Airbnb close to Masada for the night before. Completing the hike by sunrise allows for breathtaking views of the sunrise from the top. There are 2 hiking paths up Masada: the Snake Path and the Roman Ramp Path. If anyone in your travel group cannot complete the hike, there is a cable car available to bring you up. Masada hiking path and cable car hours are listed online.
Afterwards, head to the Dead Sea for a mud mask and float on the water. The Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth, 1414 feet below sea level. Since the Dead Sea is very salty, float with bottled water in case you need to get the salt out of your eyes. Be sure to stay hydrated and grab a refreshment at the Lowest Bar in the World, in Kalia.
Day 8 - Rest in Herzeliya
After an action-packed few days, you will want to rest in Herzeliya again. Treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of these great eateries: Bistro 56 (an upscale steakhouse), Haim’s Falafel (casual and authentic falafel stand), and Cafe Toscana (cafe that serves delicious pastries, salads, and sandwiches).
Read more about the best Israeli dishes to try in Israel.
Days 9 & 10 - Caesarea & Haifa
Caesarea is an ancient Roman seaport, located between Tel Aviv and Haifa. There are excellent restaurants overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, as well as ancient ruins to visit. The Roman aqueduct is a short drive from the port, and is worth a visit. You can also drive through the town, and view the upscale neighborhoods with palatial homes. Stay the night in Caesarea at a fancy hotel or Airbnb, or drive to Haifa and spend the night there instead.
Haifa is Israel’s third largest city, and it sits on slopes of Mount Carmel facing the Mediterranean Sea. Some call it “Israel’s San Francisco,” because of its hills and breathtaking views. Great sites to visit in Haifa include The Baha’i Gardens and the adjacent Louis Promenade, the Hanging Bridge at Nesher Park, and the University of Haifa. There are also many choices for shopping, such as: the Grand Canyon Mall, Turkish Market, and Talpiot Market. If you want to enjoy some authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, try Fattoush.
After your delicious meal at Fattoush, drive to the airport and start planning your next visit to Israel. Although it’s a small country, there is still much to see!