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  Christmas in the Holy Land Israel gay tour is a magically meaningful experience. Christmas in Israel is meaningful for its historic significance as the land where the Christmas story took place. Whether visiting Bethlehem for Christmas, experiencing Christmas in Nazareth, or spending Christmas in Jerusalem, it is sure to be an OUTstanding experience.
Planned from top to bottom, with high-quality service, OUTstanding Travel takes you through Israel and unfolds its true magic and beauty. We'll place you at the center of it all – with the best accommodation – covering the top major sites of Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, the Dead Sea and more. You'll experience the hottest attractions, the best in nightlife, the trendiest culinary spots and the unique culture of Israel, without missing a beat. With the unsurpassed knowledge of your gay local tour guide, OUTstanding Travel takes you out of the guidebooks and into the Israel you're waiting to discover.
Spend Christmas 2023 in the place where it all began on this guaranteed departure Gay Group Trip. Below is the itinerary of our Holy Land Christmas tour including all the main attractions of Israel and a Christmas Eve and Christmas Day celebration in Bethlehem and Jerusalem. Explore the spirituality of Jerusalem and the spectacular gay vibe of Tel Aviv.
Day 1 - Saturday, December 23, 2023
Jerusalem, Israel
• Shalom and welcome to Israel! Upon arrival at Ben-Gurion Airport, you will be greeted by an OUTstanding Travel Representative.
• Enjoy the comfort of a private transfer to your hotel in Jerusalem Check in to your hotel in Jerusalem.
Accommodations: Arthur An Atlas Boutique Hotel , Jerusalem
Day 2 - Sunday, December 24, 2023
Jerusalem, Israel
• Breakfast at the hotel
Tour of the Old City of Jerusalem
After breakfast, drive to the Mount of Olives for a panoramic view of the Old City of Jerusalem. On Mount Zion, visit King David's tomb, the Room of Last Supper and the Dormition Abbey and then we shall enter the Old City through Zion Gate to the Jewish Quarter. Together we tour the recently excavated and restored Roman Cardo once the ancient Roman road at the heart of the city. Our route will lead us to the Western Wall, Judaism’s holiest site and the last remnant of the Second Temple. For the grand finale, we make our way to the Christian Quarter and walk along the Via Dolorosa to visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher as we join pilgrims from around the world, venerating the Tomb of Jesus Christ.
• At night enjoy a special Christmas Dinner in Jerusalem
Meals included: Breakfast & Christmas Dinner
Accommodations: Arthur An Atlas Boutique Hotel, Jerusalem
Day 3 - Monday, December 25, 2023
Jerusalem & Bethlehem
• Breakfast at the hotel
• After breakfast tour the new city of Jerusalem: A drive by the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, the Supreme Court and Mount Herzl.
• Visit the Israel Museum, ranked among the world’s top art and archeological museums: an experience for all the senses, and for all interests – from contemporary art, to folk art and archeology to sculpture and music. See the Model of Jerusalem as it was 2,000 years ago, as well as the Shrine of the Book where the Dead Sea Scrolls are housed.
• In the afternoon visit the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem which is one of the oldest continuously operating churches in the world. The church is built over the cave that tradition marks as the birthplace of Jesus. The structure is actually a combination of two churches, with a crypt beneath—the Grotto of the Nativity—where Jesus was born. Have some time to do some shopping to bring home gifts for loved ones and ourselves.
• At night enjoy the famous Night Spectacular Show at the Tower of David Museum, which displays the history of the city of Jerusalem along the ancient stones (subject to weather).
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodations: Arthur An Atlas Boutique Hotel, Jerusalem
Day 4 - Tuesday, December 26, 2023
Masada & the Dead Sea
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Descend south to the lowest point on earth, the Dead Sea region, and visit the famous mountain fortress of Masada.
• The magnificent fortress of Masada was built in the year 30 BCE by King Herod, whose architectural feats have left their mark throughout Israel. At the beginning of the great revolt against Rome in the year 68 CE, Masada was conquered by a group of Jewish zealots, and Masada became their last stronghold. In the year 72, the Romans besieged Masada and succeeded in reaching the steep fortress after constructing a huge earthen ramp on its western side. In the year 73, the 960 Jewish zealots living at the top of Masada chose to commit suicide rather than to fall into the hands of the Romans alive. Their deeds left behind a saga of courage, heroism, and martyrdom.
• Continue to Ein Bokek - Dead Sea Resort to enjoy a delicious buffet lunch and spend the afternoon enjoying the buoyant therapeutic waters and world famous rejuvenating mud of this mineral-rich sea, the largest all natural spa in the world, on a private beach provided solely for the participants. In the late afternoon return to Jerusalem.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodations: Arthur An Atlas Boutique Hotel, Jerusalem
Day 5 - Wednesday, December 27, 2023
Jerusalem New City / Tel Aviv
• Breakfast at the hotel
• In the morning visit the City of David, birthplace of Jerusalem. Pass through the underground tunnels through which Jerusalem was conquered and residents could slip out of the city, and experience the hidden spring where kings were crowned. Next, we walk in illuminated darkness through the waters of Hezekiah’s Tunnel, where water has flowed since the time of the prophets and join the mysterious, magical journey between ancient shafts, walls and fortresses at the City of David.
• On to Yad Vashem, the world’s premiere Holocaust remembrance and education center, located on the Mount of Remembrance in Jerusalem.
• Continue to Tel Aviv – a world hub of gay vibrancy and pride! Titled the ‘Mediterranean Capital of Cool’ by the New York Times, this is a 24/7 city with a unique pulse, combining sandy Mediterranean beaches with a world-class nightlife, a buzzing cultural scene, incredible food, UNESCO recognized architecture, and an international outlook.
• Free evening in Tel Aviv.
• Later, put on your dancing shoes and get ready to party at "Dreck", a very popular gay party (free entry).
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel 65 - an Atlas Boutique Hotel, Tel Aviv
Day 6 - Thursday, December 28, 2023
Tel Aviv (Free Day)
• Breakfast at the hotel
• On own – Spend a day of leisure and relaxation. We suggest getting caught up in the excitement at the Carmel Market and the traditional Friday shopping rush as the locals prepare for their Shabbat. Prior to Shabbat, "get your shopping on" with some free time to browse the many stores in the Nahalat Binyamin Artist’s Market and the very fashionable Shenkin Street. A good opportunity to get to know the city for yourself!
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel 65 - an Atlas Boutique Hotel, Tel Aviv
Day 7 - Friday, December 29, 2023
Tel Aviv & Jaffa
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Begin your day at Tel Aviv’s beautiful promenade. Walk along the golden beaches of Tel Aviv until we reach Jaffa; the ancient port city just to the south of Tel Aviv that is full of culture and history.
• Enjoy walking along the narrow, cobbled streets, wandering around the trendy flea market, and stopping by some of the unique shops. Old Jaffa highlights include: Jaffa Flea Market, Jaffa Port, and the Jaffa Port Market.
• We will continue to Neve Tzedek, just outside of Old Jaffa, the first Jewish neighborhood outside of Jaffa which has very interesting boutique shops and cafes.
• Next stop is Rothschild Boulevard one of Tel Aviv’s most important and iconic streets. Located in the heart of the White City of Tel Aviv, Rothschild Boulevard is a commercial center, with major financial institutions lining the street, a cultural center, with the main theater and concert hall of Tel Aviv, a culinary center, with tens of top restaurants, and a leisure center.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel 65 - an Atlas Boutique Hotel, Tel Aviv
Day 8 - Saturday, December 30, 2023
Nazareth & the Biblical Galilee
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Depart Tel Aviv via the coastal highway to Nazareth which according to the New Testament was the childhood home of Jesus. You’ll visit the church of St Joseph which houses the Basilica of the Annunciation, an impressive site where the angel Gabriel informed Mary she would give birth to Jesus. Nazareth is the largest Arab city in Israel, with a distinct Middle Eastern flavor. Check out the charming local markets located in the winding cobbled streets of the Old City, as you explore the city.
• Continue to the North of the Sea of Galilee, to the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus gave his famous Sermon. On top of the Mountain, lays a beautiful church where you can enjoy a magnificent view of the northern part of Sea of Galilee including Tabgha and Capernaum.
• Enjoy Lunch (included) on the shore of the Sea of Galilee before visiting Capernaum; a 2nd century synagogue was discovered which threw light on the life of the community of that era. According to the Christian tradition, Jesus served here as a local rabbi and performed miracles. The traditional house of Saint Peter is also located here.
• Go to Tabgha to the Church of the Multiplication, the traditional site of the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes and the third resurrection appearance of Jesus.
• Conclude the day at Yardenit, the famous baptismal site located where the Jordan River flows out of the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea.
• Drive back to Tel Aviv.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodations: Hotel 65 - an Atlas Boutique Hotel, Tel Aviv
Day 9 - Sunday, December 31, 2023
Tel Aviv (Free Day)
• Breakfast at the hotel
• On own – Another day of exploration and leisure. Following breakfast take a stroll to Tel Aviv’s port area, with an array of trendy restaurants and coffee shops to relax in and stores to peruse, or visit the wonderful Tel Aviv Art Museum, one of Tel Aviv’s cultural centers.
• With the group – In the evening enjoy a farewell dinner after the amazing 9 days in Israel before going to a New Year’s Party in one of Tel Aviv’s famous Gay clubs.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel 65 - an Atlas Boutique Hotel, Tel Aviv
Day 10 - Monday, January 1, 2024
Tel Aviv, Israel / Departure
• Following breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Ben Gurion International Airport for your flight back home with everlasting memories of Israel.
Goodbye and Shalom!
Meals included: Breakfast
Arthur Hotel, An Atlas Boutique Hotel, Jerusalem
 Located along the Ben Yehudah pedestrian promenade, Arthur Hotel is a colonial-style building in the centre of Jerusalem. The elegant rooms include free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and cable TV. Arthur Hotel - an Atlas Boutique Hotel is surrounded by shops, restaurants and bars. The Old City is 15 minutes away on foot.
 The hotel's design combines Turkish, Jewish and English styles. All rooms include a kettle, fridge and en suite bathroom with free toiletries.
A buffet breakfast is served each morning, while you are invited to enjoy free wine and snacks in the lounge in the afternoon.
Hotel 65 - an Atlas Boutique Hotel, Tel Aviv
 Brand new Hotel 65 - an Atlas Boutique Hotel is designed to celebrate the luxury spirit of the trendy historic quarter of "Tel Aviv White City". The ground floor of the new hotel will feature a grand café that opens onto a large balcony where guests will be invited to dine alfresco and enjoy the vibrant Rothschild Boulevard.
The impressive round building where almost every room commands magnificent city views, together with our signature service culture will ensure an exciting and memorable experience.
 Rooms here are all air conditioned and come with a coffee machine. The private bathroom includes a hairdryer and free toiletries.
Independence Hall Museum is 600 metres from 65 Hotel - An Atlas Boutique Hotel, while Nachalat Benyamin Crafts Fair is 700 metres away. Dizengoff Center can be reached on foot in 15 minutes.
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Experience Gay Israel with OUTstanding Travel
OUTstanding Travel offers the best in high-quality travel services to Israel for the Gay community. Our boutique and tailor-made approach will expose you to unique cultural experiences, fabulous beaches, beautiful people, and a vibrant nightlife, custom-tailored to your every need. At OUTstanding Travel, we understand the importance of elevated service. Our undivided attention lavished on every guest will allow you to indulge and enjoy all that Israel has to offer, care free. Let us pamper, comfort and take care of your every detail, with no request unattended. Our immense knowledge of Gay Israel and its scene qualifies us to provide the most unforgettable experience, without missing a beat. As gay Telavivians ourselves, who better to ask than the people who live and breath the action?
Is it the energetic nightlife you crave? The savory restaurants you lust over? The trendiest of shopping destinations, or the historic cultural attractions to absorb? We can provide it all. Our tailor-made, personalized packages, present the perfect escape for you, your friends and family, or significant other, while our planned packages and daily tours create dynamic opportunities to foster new friendships and international networks. With the rich history of Jerusalem, the sparkling 24/7 scene of Gay Tel-Aviv, the magnificent serenity of the Dead Sea, the golden dunes of the Negev Desert and the exceptional year-long Israeli weather, OUTstanding Travel offers an unparalleled getaway to Israel, never before available to the Gay community.
Tel Aviv
The setting of the sun welcomes the vibrant night life.
Tel Aviv, Israel's central urban hub that never sleeps, offers an array of various sites, smells, and experiences. In the past few years it has developed into the Gay capital of the Middle East according to OUT Magazine, with thousands of people coming for the OUTstanding Pride Week and all year. Upon entering the city one is greeted with concrete, glass, and lights of modern skyscrapers. The center of the city is spotted with the eclectic classically and modern-inspired architectural styles and the Bauhaus buildings which Tel Aviv is famous for. The serenity of the beaches, with year-round temperate weather, crystal water, and vast expanses of sand, infused exquisitely with the happening and trendy city scene which includes updated fashion and contemporary art galleries.
The neighboring Jaffa offers all the romance of an ancient port city, good for a late night stroll with a loved one or a daytime hunt for antiques. A culinary connoisseur will be happy to find a vast array of international cuisine to feast on. And, of course, the setting of the sun welcomes the vibrant night life. You can dance the night away in any one of the happening Gay clubs and bars to the music of some of the most talented DJs in the world. Once you leave the club, at the early morning hours, you can still experience the wonders of the city that never sleeps. Restaurants, boulevard cafes, and almost everything else will still be open when you are ready to tuck yourself into bed.
We've got an intimate knowledge of some of the city's best kept secrets. From which clubs play the best live music to which beaches are the most happening, we've been everywhere and seen it all. Even as the city continues to grow and develop to service the large local gay community and tourists, we make sure to stay updated and informed.
Jerusalem
A Fusion of ancient attractions & modern culture, which Israel is so famous for
Jerusalem, Israel's most populous city and capital, is overflowing with some of the country's most fascinating and fabulous sites. It is the perfect example of the merging of ancient attractions and modern culture which Israel is so famous for. The romantic Old City is the perfect place to learn about three religions that find their home there: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Our experienced tour guides know how to uncover the magic of the city and its historical development in the compelling and unique fashion, whether it's retracing the steps of Jesus in the Via Dolorosa or visiting King David's tomb. A stroll in the open market in the Muslim quarter is a wonderful place to buy some perfect cultural wares such as jewelry, spices, and trinkets and absorb the cultural smells and colors. Of course no visit to Jerusalem would be complete without an opportunity to partake in the authentic Middle Eastern cuisine that the city is famous for.
At night, a stunning light and sound show is projected on the walls of the Tower of David, which tells the tale of the history of Jerusalem. The Mamilla Mall, built from reconstructed historical structures, houses interesting boutiques and fine eateries; and is just another example of the harmony between ancient and modern which can be found in this beautiful city. Another important destination is the recently renovated Israel Museum which hosts a wide variety of collections from archaeological finds to contemporary art. Our unique travel itinerary allows you to absorb both the ancient historical significance of this central city and the more recent modern sites. An experience that finds the special balance between religious and secular, tradition and openness, ancient ruins and luxurious boutique pampering that will leave you with a lifetime of memories.
Galilee & Golan Heights
Flowers, greenery, and waterfalls abound in this region, creating an unparalleled paradise-like experience
There's intense beauty in Israel's northern region, the Galilee and the Golan Heights. Its lush green scenery, picturesque hills and cliffs, and the sparkling coolness of the Sea of Galilee make it the ideal place to hike or camp. The Golan Heights is definitely among the most fertile and picturesque locations in Israel. Flowers, greenery, and waterfalls abound in this region, creating an unparalleled paradise-like experience. The fertile ground has produced exquisite wineries which can be toured, and the wines can be tasted. Taking a boat out to the clear water offers a romantic and intimate moment with friends and loved ones and to absorb the sun and crisp sea wind.
In addition to its physical beauty, it is rich with historical significance. The landscape is dotted with locations where Jesus is said to have travelled, and sites dedicated to the lives of the early Rabbinic Sages who inhabited the area can also be found. No visit to the area is complete without a tour of the city of Tiberias where Nadav was born and his father served as Mayor. Some of our favorite spots in this ancient city are the hot springs, seaside promenade, and archaeological sites which transport you to Roman rule. Safed, another central city on our itinerary, is also a favorite of Madonna's (or Esther, her Kabbalistic name); she never neglects it on her frequent visits to Israel. It is known as a hub of Kabbalah activity and study which attracts followers from around the world. A city full of winding stone alleyways and mystical prayer sites that leave you feeling inspired whether you are a believer or not. The Artists' Colony is also a necessary attraction, religious and secular art, modern and vintage, crafts and fine arts. A wide sampling of creative activity which guests can engage in and immerse themselves in. Nearby Nazareth, the city traditionally believed to be Jesus's childhood home and one of the most important cities for Christians, is now a bustling metropolis. Excavations have uncovered prehistoric remains which reveal the important history of the city and the surrounding area.
The Dead Sea
An Oasis of luxury in the middle of the colorful sandy Israeli desert
The Dead Sea, the world's largest natural spa, located in the lowest point on earth, has been attracting visitors for thousands of years. Today it has become an oasis of luxury in the middle of the colorful sandy Israeli desert, with its beautiful hotels, spas, and restaurants. The mud there, with its high mineral content, has long been known to be an ideal base for skin treatments and beauty products. In addition to making you gorgeous, scientists have proven that the atmosphere has health benefits that can leave your whole body feeling more youthful and vigorous. In other words, it's the closest thing to the mythological fountain of youth. The high density of the water makes swimming feel more like floating in its crisp clear waters, which gives one a better opportunity to absorb the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
A rich historical center as well, the area affords many glimpses into the developing culture of the area in Antiquity. In nearby Qumran, ancient scrolls of the Hebrew Bible and related texts which were written as far back as 408 BC were found in caves, along with Roman currency. Also nearby, is the famous fortress of Massada which was built by King Herod, where Jewish zealots held out against the Roman legion in 70 CE. No visit is complete without a hike up to the wonderfully preserved remains of Ancient architecture which provides an insight into the long-gone civilization and a wonderful vantage point from which to see the natural beauty of the area.
• Assistance at the Airport upon arrival by an OUTstanding Travel Representative
• Arrival and departure private transfer from/to BGN and Jerusalem/Tel Aviv without a guide.
• Porterage at hotels
• 9 overnights at the mentioned hotels or similar
• 6 days sightseeing as per your program with an English speaking tour guide
• Luxury air-conditioned vehicle
• Meal arrangements: Bed and Breakfast at the Hotels, including full Israeli buffet breakfast at hotels daily
• Welcome dinner in Jerusalem
• 2 lunches as mentioned below:
- In a hotel at the Dead Sea
- In the Galilee
• Entrance fees as per program:
- City of David, Yad VaShem Holocaust Museum,
- Israel Museum,
- Masada National Park (include 2 way Cable Car),
- Barkan wine tasting session,
- Night spectacular show at the Tower of David Museum,
- Churches entrance fees in the Galilee.
• Entrance to a Gay Party on Friday Night in Tel Aviv
• Expenses of a personal nature
• Meals throughout the entire tour other than mentioned
• Spa Treatments at the Dead Sea
• Tips to driver, guide and restaurant staff
• Any other item not mentioned above
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