There is absolutely no way to see Israel in a week. But for those of you who are coming for a first trip, and only have a week, I give you a taste of the country; hopefully this will whet your appetite for the next trip!
Day 1: Tel Aviv - See the first neighborhood of Ahuzat Bayit and discover why it served as the template for future neighborhoods. Visit Independence Hall, where the State of Israel was born and independence declared. Wander around the UNESCO white city of Tel Aviv and appreciate the Bauhaus architectural style. Explore the German Templer Colony of Sarona, and then explore the roots of Israel's military at the Palmach Museum.
Day 2: Coastal Area - Head up the coast to Caesarea, the city with a man-made harbor built by Herod the Great. Visit the first aliyah settlement of Zichron Yaakov, and uncover the NILI spy story. Continue up the coast to the Crusader town of Akko (Acre), to explore both the Crusader remains and the history of the British prison, where Jewish Freedom Fighters were hanged during the British Mandate. Top off the day with a visit to the beautiful grottoes of Rosh HaNikra.
Day 3: Galilee and Golan Heights - Wander the streets of the old neighborhood of Tzfat (Safed), visit the 16th century synagogues of the Kabbalists who lived in the city before exploring the art galleries and shops which line the roads. Take a short hike on the suspended bridge over the Banias River. Explore the army trenches at Har Bental, while gaining insight into the battles during the Yom Kippur War. Head toward the capital of the Golan, Katzrin, for a visit to the winery. End the day with a visit to the Gadot Lookout, to understand the situation leading up to the 6-day war.
Day 4: Jerusalem - Begin the day at the Temple Mount, with an explanation of this holiest site and the geopolitical sensitivities surrounding it. Discover ancient Jerusalem and walk through Hezekiah's water tunnel in the City of David; Continue underground in a second temple period water drainage channel toward the Jerusalem archaeological Park. Visit the kotel for prayer or placing notes. Enter the ancient Roman cardo and see a 6th century map of Jerusalem. Head up to the Jewish quarter in Jerusalem's old city to explore its history from the 1700s through today, visiting some of the synagogues. End the day with a visit to the Karaite Museum, to hear about an ancient Jewish sect which has many different traditions and beliefs.
