No other country holds as much religious significance as Israel. This narrow slither of land, acting as a crossroads between continents, is of spiritual importance to Jews, Christians and Muslims alike. Even those without a devout disposition will find Israel to be enchanting. Beyond the holy sites of Jerusalem, travelers can experience a diverse range of landscapes and seascapes – plus a host of cultural delights to keep them busy on their trip.

From the colorful desert formations of Makhtesh Ramon to the salty buoyant waters of the Dead Sea, the Holy Land is sacred in more ways than one. Despite being small, there are still plenty of ways to spend your time in Israel. Five days is enough for a quick intro while seven days (or more) is what you need to immerse yourself in the culture. Danny the Digger offers some of the best luxury tours in Israel, no matter your time restraints.

His luxury tours cater to refined travelers who want pampering throughout the trip. Inclusions such as staying at King David Hotel in Jerusalem, relaxing spa treatments at a 5-star hotel by the Dead Sea and swimming in an infinity pool with views of the Ramon Crater at the Beresheet Hotel are what makes his tours stand out from the others. After each new adventure, guests will be able to rest their heads at night in pure luxury.

More than simply a series of luxurious stays is Danny “the Digger” Herman’s knowledge of Israel’s history and archaeology, which is incorporated into each tour. Danny is an archaeologist who developed a passion for guiding tourists around his beloved country. Today, he runs one of the top-rated private and VIP tour companies in Israel called Danny the Digger. Danny and four other guides lead the tours to each corner of the nation.

What’s Included on Danny’s Luxury Israel Tours

A private luxury tour with Danny the Digger all starts at the Ben Gurion Airport where your standard procedures like passport control, baggage claim and customs processes are eased and quickened by the support of Danny and his team. This sets the tour off on the perfect note, ensuring you are not frustrated by long lines at the airport. Your private escort will then take you to Jerusalem to be acquainted with this magnificent city.

The hand-picked luxury accommodation means you will spend every night in a unique property. Some are superbly located in the city center, others have spas and pools, and a few provide breathtaking views of nature. Each hotel has its own bar and restaurant, so you can enjoy some drinks over a gourmet dinner during the evenings. Transport to and from the hotels is included, as well as logistics for all the excursions that you will take.

This removes all the stress from your activities and helps you focus on the next adventure at hand. When you wake up in the morning, you will have a new experience to look forward to – whether it be a helicopter flight, wine tasting or spa therapy. One unique activity that luxurious types will love is the chance to go high-end shopping. Coming home with a special piece of artwork or jewelry will keep Israel in your heart long after your visit.

The itineraries which last for seven days or more have enough time to cross the border into Jordan, visiting the UNESCO sites of Petra and Wadi Rum. Petra should be on everyone’s list – and there is no better way to see this archaeological wonder than on your Israel tour! Packages can be booked right off the shelf or can be customized to suit your interests, down to every detail. All you have to do is contact Danny to create your dream vacation.

Best Luxury Tours in Israel

The boutique tour agency, Danny the Digger, specializes in private tours in Israel. They have some of the best itineraries and packages available on the market for luxury travelers – and when we say “the best”, we mean it. Take a look at their 5-star reviews on Tripadvisor, Google and Facebook. Reviews as good as these don’t lie. Below we give you an overview of their best luxury tours – ranging from a short three day trip to an 11-day journey.

3 Days Israel Luxury Tour Package

Three days might not sound like a long time but you will be surprised at just how much can be packed into this duration when you have the travel experts at Danny’s put the trip together. This package combines many different facets of Israel into a fast-paced and exhilarating journey. Some of the most important biblical sites will be visited, plus the opportunity to try authentic Israeli cuisine and go on an adventure in the great outdoors.

Upon arriving, a private transfer will take you to the outskirts of Jerusalem to the Mount of Olives Viewpoint and Garden of Gethsemane. Then (in the city) historic places like the Western Wall, Christian Quarter, Via Dolorosa and Church of the Holy Sepulcher will all be explored. Your accommodation for the night is at the iconic King David Hotel or something similar. Day two and it’s off to the Dead Sea – in style and luxury, of course.

En route, guests will pass by the Sea Level Sign with Jericho and Qasr el Yahud seen in the distance. One of the highlights of the area is seeing the Qumran Caves which is where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. After passing Ein Gedi and Masada, it will be time to head into the sea. You can’t swim here because the waters are too buoyant but floating is a lot of fun. For those interested in a massage, the opportunity shall present itself.

As the Dead Sea excursion comes to an end, you will travel to Tel Aviv and might even get there by helicopter! The final day is all about Tel Aviv – a modern city on the coast full of beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife. A cooking workshop in Tel Aviv will be prepared by a private chef and this will be your chance to learn how to make authentic hummus. The tour ends by wandering the streets of Old Jaffa, among a few other points of interest.

5 Days Israel Luxury Tour Package

Five days gives you more time to see all the sights that Israel has to offer. Many of the experiences mentioned in the three day tour are included on the five day tour with the added extra of a helicopter flight to the Golan Heights and seeing biblical sights in Galilee. The trip kicks off in Jerusalem where guests discover the most historic neighborhoods and attractions of the Israeli capital such as the Old City and the Western Wall.

Day two takes you to the Dead Sea for many awesome activities like visiting the Qumran Caves and floating in the extremely salty waters. You will have a blast taking some creative photos of your group floating impossibly on the sea. Then it’s back to Jerusalem for your night’s accommodation. The next day, day three, sees you board a helicopter for a thrilling flight over the Judean Desert and the Jordan Valley, on your way to the Golan Heights.

Guests will be shown around the Golan Heights by a local expert in geopolitics. Traveling by jeep, the guide will introduce you to the most unique spots and tell you all about the vitic culture of the region. Following the Golan Heights, the next destination is Galilee – home to many holy Christian sites like Magdala (hometown of Mary Magdalene). After lunch, a private transfer takes you to Tel Aviv with a few neat stops on the way.

Dinner will be served at a trendy Tel Aviv restaurant before checking-in to your hotel for a much needed rest. The fifth and final full day on tour allows you to soak in the vibrant city of Tel Aviv. On the agenda for this day will be a drive to Jaffa and Independence Hall, and stopping by a local hedge fund to learn about the city’s dynamic tech and start-up culture. To cap it all off: a cooking workshop by a private chef and tasting the products you made.

7 Days Israel Luxury Tour Package

All the must-do’s in places like Jerusalem, the Dead Sea, Tel Aviv and the Golan Heights are featured on this tour but with one additional experience: Petra! On the third day (after seeing Jerusalem and the Dead Sea), travelers cross the border into Jordan where a local guide will be waiting to show you around the Petra archaeological site. Afterwards, a jeep or ATV ride of Wadi Rum is on the cards – making for an action-packed day.

Day four is also unique because you might be scuba diving in the Red Sea. Ocean lovers will cherish this activity as they will get to swim with dolphins. These marine mammals are intelligent and friendly creatures that are comfortable around humans. The other alternative, which might suit people who aren’t the most confident of scuba divers, is a sailing tour. The sailing trip includes snorkeling, water sports and lunch on board a yacht.

After choosing and enjoying one of these experiences, the Ramon Crater awaits for more adventures in nature. Seeing the crater in the afternoon is one thing but seeing it at night when the stars come out is another. At the Beresheet Hotel, you will have dinner and then head out again for a stargazing adventure in Makhtesh Ramon. The dark skies and lack of light pollution creates one of the best stargazing spectacles in the entire world.

Day five to seven finishes with tours around the Golan Heights, Galilee and Tel Aviv – details of which have been discussed in the previous two tours. As you can tell, this tour has a lot of adventure packed into its itinerary. Hence, it would suit a group with an intrepid spirit. It would be a shame to come all the way to the Middle East and miss out Petra as well, so we suggest this seven day tour for those who wish to tick this Jordanian gem off their list.

9 Days Israel Luxury Tour Package

The nine day option is slower-paced and gives you two nights in Jerusalem to commence the tour. Day three has the Dead Sea on the itinerary while day four takes you to the wonder of the world: Petra. After swimming in the Red Sea and stargazing at the Ramon Crater on day five, the Golan Heights helicopter ride and visit is how you will spend day six. Then to Galilee on day seven where Christians can connect with the biblical sights of the region.

That night, guests will be served a fabulous dinner at the famous Uri Burri seafood restaurant before checking-in to their accommodation at the Efendi Hotel in Akko. Akko is a port city in northwestern Israel. Day eight gives you time to stroll around the old city of Akko – shopping at markets and visiting attractions like Templars Tunnel and the Al-Jazzar Mosque. Though, the highlight of Akko will be a helicopter ride bound for Tel Aviv.

Once in the air, amazing sights will take your breath away. You will be able to see the Bahai Gardens of Haifa and the Roman-era Metropolis of Caesarea, as well as other spots. The last day, like all of the luxury tours with Danny the Digger, finishes in Tel Aviv with sightseeing and a cooking workshop. The number of experiences in less than 10 days is amazing and booking this trip will make for an unforgettable time full of memories.

11 Days Israel Luxury Tour Package

The most comprehensive luxury tour of Israel which replicates the nine day trip but with a few key differences. Firstly, you will have more time to discover the cultural treasures of Jordan on this tour. It includes an overnight stay in a luxury Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum and a Bedouin-style feast for lunch the following day. You will also get to visit Aqaba and learn about Lawrence of Arabia and the Great Arab Revolt during World War I.

Another benefit of the 11-day tour is the opportunity to go shopping on your last day. You could visit Jaffa and the flea market, or head to souvenir shops for some high-end shopping. A bit of retail therapy will help you cope with the fact that your tour has come to an end and sadly you might have to go home! Nevertheless, buying a few luxury items on your way to the airport will give you a few nice mementos to ensure you never forget Israel.

*Remember: if you like the sound of these tours but would like to alter a few days or experiences here and there, you can always do so. Danny’s tours are 100% flexible and customizable to suit your preferences. You might only be interested in biblical sights or perhaps you want to fully immerse yourself in nature as much as possible outside of the cities. Any type of themed-tour can be created to ensure your travel desires are met.

Tips for Visiting Israel for the First Time

• Visit in Summer for the Best Weather: Israel basically has two seasons – summer and winter. The summer goes from April to October while the winter begins in November and runs through to March. Summers are hot with little chance of rain. Winters get colder and have more rainfall. Some areas, like the Golan Heights, even get snow during the winter due to their higher elevations. But there is no wrong or right time to visit.
• Learn about the History: Israel is an endlessly complex land and the history here is seemingly never-ending. It would be wise to brush up on your history of the country before you visit so you can appreciate the historical sights for what they truly are. The state of Israel was only created recently in 1948, following the horrors of World War II, but Jews were living all over the world beforehand and all had unique backgrounds.
• Take Note of Shabbat (Saturdays): Shabbat means Saturday and it’s a day of rest for Jews in Israel and around the world. During this time, you will see religious Jews going to synagogues to pray. Orthodox Jews aren’t allowed to use technology during Shabbat as well, although this is just a minority of the total population. If you are wondering why the streets are empty on Saturdays then know that it’s probably because of Shabbat.
• Be Mindful of the Multi-Cultural Society: Israel is not just a land for Jewish people, in fact there are many Christians and Muslims living in Israel and together they all coexist in relative peace and harmony. This is one of the reasons why you will see mosques in some of the cities as well as synagogues and churches. About 75% of the population is Jewish but most are secular and modern people, especially in places like Tel Aviv.
• Know that English is Widely Spoken: One great thing about visiting Israel, if you are American or British or Australian, is the fact that most people can speak a basic level of English. The official language is Hebrew but since Israel has such strong diplomatic and cultural relations with Western countries, many locals have picked up English. It’s actually required as a second language in schools, so most of the younger generation are fluent.
• Danny the Digger’s Tours are for Everyone: Danny the Digger’s tours are for anyone who would like to experience this beautiful country. If you are traveling on a smaller budget, then browse through the many other Israel private tours that are available. You might be visiting for a family event or a religious pilgrimage, rather than just a vacation. Whatever the reason, Danny and his team will be more than happy to show you around.