Itinerary

Journey to Israel 2020
Date:
August 25, 2020 - September 17, 2020
Meeting point:
Quebec City, Canada
Length:
24 days / 23 nights
Mileage:
9,745 NM
Day 1 - Tuesday, August 25: Quebec City, Canada (CYQB)

Fly to Quebec City and enjoy this lovely town full of history and culture. Air Journey staff will greet you at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac.
 
In the late afternoon, there will be a briefing covering the general procedures of our journey as well as details for the first leg which takes us over Quebec to Kangerlussuaq.
 
Afterwards, we will gather in the hotel bar for a welcome cocktail before dinner.

 

Hotel : Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
Welcome cocktail and Dinner included
Day 2 - Wednesday, August 26: Quebec City, Canada (CYQB) > Kuujjuaq, Canada (CYVP) > Kangerlussuaq, Greenland (BGSF) (690 + 725 NM)

We will fly over the immense forests and numerous lakes of Canada on our way to Kuujjuaq for a technical stop.

Then continue over southern Greenland's beautiful scenery before landing at Kangerlussuaq in western Greenland.The airport's Kangerlussuaq Museum illustrates the town's past as a U.S. airbase during WWII.

Because we will be approaching the Arctic Circle and the "land of the midnight sun," we will have an astonishing 20 hours of daylight!

Hotel : Hotel Kangerlussuaq
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 3 - Thursday, August 27: Kangerlussuaq, Greenland (BGSF) > Reykjavik, Iceland (BIRK) (730 NM)

Fly over ice-covered Greenland and then do our second water crossing.
 
Upon arrival, transfer to the Hotel Borg where we will enjoy luxury accommodations in the very center of Reykjavik. The Hotel Borg overlooks the beautiful square of Austurvöllur, and is situated across from Althingi, the Icelandic parliament and the cathedral. After dinner at the hotel, you may want to venture on your own to experience the local nightlife.

 

Hotel : Hotel Borg
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 4 - Friday, August 28: Reykjavik, Iceland

Enjoy a full day of sightseeing with a visit to the famous Geysir hot spring area with numerous hot springs and geysers - one of them erupts every few minutes! Take a look at the magnificent waterfall Gullfoss, visit the volcanic crater Kerid and the greenhouse village Hveragerdi. Drive across Gjabakkavegur Pass to the Thingvellir National Park, a unique place of beauty, with its interesting geology and history. Then cross Mosfellsheidi Heath to Reykjavik and visit the Blue Lagoon.
 
We will see volcanic craters, geysers, waterfalls and the national park Thingvellir, which is Iceland’s national treasure
and one of its most beautiful spots. It is certainly a great experience that's not to be missed.

 

Hotel : Hotel Borg
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 5 - Saturday, August 29: Reykjavik, Iceland (BIRK) > Aberdeen, Scotland (EGPD) (715 NM)

Fly to Aberdeen where we will transfer to The Fife Arms Hotel. The hotel is located in the historic Scottish village of Braemar amidst the majestic landscape of the Cairngorms National Park. Built in the 19th century, the hotel is evidence of Queen Victoria’s visits and her purchase of Balmoral.

Hotel : The Fife Arms
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 6 - Sunday, August 30: Braemar, Scotland

Throughout Scotland there are many different castles with varying architecture and stories. Braemar is home to two castles, Braemar Castle and Kindrochit castle (ruin). Dating as far back as 1628, Braemar castle has a colorful history including the first and second Jacobite uprising. With our local guide we will visit these castles including the Balmoral Castle. Known as the Scottish home to the Royal Family, Balmoral castle was originally purchased by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria in 1852.

 

Hotel : The Fife Arms
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 7 - Monday, August 31: Braemar, Scotland

Today we will discover Braemar’s majestic landscape, rich in history and folklore, with mysterious stone circles, hidden hills and glens. Our half-day city tour will take you on off-road safari around the Cairngorms National Park to experience the natural beauty with spectacular mountains, open spaces and stunning scenery.
 
At the end of the tour we will go to a local whisky distillery for a tasting of ‘Royal Lochnagar’ at Crathie. Royal Lochnagar distillery is a traditional art form of scottish whisky making from the illicit stills of the past to the distilleries of now.

Hotel : The Fife Arms
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 8 - Tuesday, September 1: Aberdeen, Scotland (EGPD) > Bern, Switzerland (LSZB) (715 NM)

Fly to Bern, the capital of Switzerland.
 
Upon arrival we will transfer to the Bürgenstock Resort. Situated 500 meters above Lake Lucerne, the Resort offers a unique view of the Lake and the Alps.

Hotel : Bürgenstock Hotel-Switzerland
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 9 - Wednesday, September 2: Obbürgen, Switzerland

Today we will enjoy the beautiful nature of Switzerland from every possible angle with a spectacular helicopter tour across the Swiss Alps. Experience the lakes, forests, breathtaking valleys and high mountain peaks from a unique perspective.

Hotel : Bürgenstock Hotel-Switzerland
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 10 - Thursday, September 3: Obbürgen, Switzerland

Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own.
 
Enjoy yourself on land, in the water and in the air. Tennis, golf, mountain bike tours and paragliding flights are all available at the hotel. Dive into the wonderful world of wakeboarding, waterskiing, canoeing or stand up paddle boarding!
 
Visit the Hammetschwand Lift at 1,132 meters and the highest outdoor lift in Europe.

 

Hotel : Bürgenstock Hotel-Switzerland
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 11 - Friday, September 4: Bern, Switzerland (LSZB) > Thessaloniki, Greece (LGTS) (775 NM)

Fly to Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece.
 
Upon arrival we will transfer to Sani Dunes, a luxurious landscape that stretches across fragrant pine forests, golden sands and crystal clear waters. Sani Resort is located on the magnificent Kassandra Peninsula, overlooking Mount Olympus and is ideally located to explore the beautiful Halkidiki region and surrounding areas.

 

Hotel : Sani Dunes Resort
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 12 - Saturday, September 5: Thessaloniki, Greece

Today we will travel to Ormos Panagias on the top eastern corner of the Sithonia Peninsula and then sail with a boat towards Mount Athos – where you can take amazing pictures of the ‘Holy Mountain’ and its fantastic monasteries. The Garden of the Virgin – the Mt. Athos peninsula – even when viewed from the sea, its rare and unspoiled beauty will cast its spell.
 
This peninsula is the only monastic republic within Europe and is ruled by the 1700 monks who live in its monasteries. The monasteries are built in a unique style and are located at the most beautiful parts of the peninsula. After the cruise, we will stop for lunch in the traditional village of Ouranoupolis.

Hotel : Sani Dunes Resort
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 13 - Sunday, September 6: Thessaloniki, Greece

Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own.
 
Soak up the sun on your choice of seven magnificent beaches, revitalize in any one of the five unique spas, or take part in a vast choice of sports and organized activities. Enjoy so much fabulous entertainment and indulge yourself in a choice of forty amazing restaurants and bars.

Hotel : Sani Dunes Resort
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 14 - Monday, September 7: Thessaloniki, Greece (LGTS) > Tel Aviv, Israel (LLBG) (770 NM)

Fly to Tel Aviv, Israel. The Jaffa hotel resides within Tel Aviv-Jaffa and is renowned for its historical port, local flea market and culinary scene.
 
The hotel pays homage to its historical surroundings, seamlessly blending a section of the 13th century crusaders wall from the courtyard into the contemporary lobby.

 

Hotel : The Jaffa Hotel
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 15 - Tuesday, September 8: Tel Aviv, Israel

Today we will commence our Israel tour exploring the city of Jerusalem, one of the oldest cities in the world.
 
In its thousands of years of history, Jerusalem, a place of major importance to three main religions - Judaism, Christianity and Islam - has seen countless conquests and destruction, as well as triumphs and disasters. We will discover sites such as ‘The Western Wall,’ the holiest site in Judaism, The Church of Holy Sepulchre, where Jesus was crucified, and see a view of the impressive Al-Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest site in Islam.
 
After lunch, we will visit Yad Vashem, the Holocaust memorial museum.

Hotel : The Jaffa Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 16 - Wednesday, September 9: Tel Aviv, Israel

With our local guide we will begin our tour at Masada, ascending via the cable car and touring the fortress which dates to King Herod’s time, taking in the incredible views across the Dead Sea region and Judean Desert. Continue to the Dead Sea, where we will get a chance to bathe in the muds and float in the waters of this salty lake which is the lowest point on Earth.
 
Leaving the Dead Sea, we will head back to the start point, passing Qumran, where the Dead Sea scrolls were discovered and visit the lowest and oldest city on Earth, Jericho, on the way.

 

Hotel : The Jaffa Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 17 - Thursday, September 10: Tel Aviv, Israel

Our tour today is to Golan Heights where we will view the rugged, most beautiful and mountainous region of Northern Israel. Home to stunning wildlife and beautiful scenery.
 
After lunch we will visit the ancient synagogue in Katzrin, Mt. Bental and enjoy a view across the three countries.

 

Hotel : The Jaffa Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 18 - Friday, September 11: Tel Aviv, Israel

We begin our tour to Galilee by visiting the beautiful Sea of Galilee, Israel’s largest freshwater lake, where Jesus spent much of his ministry and perfomed some of his best known miracles. Pass through the Jezreel Valley (Valley of the Armageddon) on our way to Nazareth where we will tour the Church of the Annunciation and St. Joseph. Drive through Cana and visit the Church of Multiplication.
 
After lunch, we will see Mount Beatitude on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Visit the Yardenit Baptism site on the Jordan river and immerse in the water.

Hotel : The Jaffa Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 19 - Saturday, September 12: Tel Aviv, Israel (LLBG) > Salerno, Italy (LIRI) (1,095 NM)

Fly to Salerno, Costa d’Amalfi.
 
Among the towns along the Amalfi coast, Positano is considered to be ‘the pearl.’ Fabled to have been founded by the God Poseidon, artifacts have been found dating human habitation to the Paleolithic era.
 
In Roman and medieval times, Positano was an important port town of the Amalfi Republic.

 

Hotel : Il San Pietro
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 20 - Sunday, September 13: Positano, Italy

Today we will go for a private boat tour and enjoy the beauty of the Amalfi Coast and the Gulf of Naples. Enjoy a dip and a cocktail, while contemplating the coast from the best position, the sea.

Hotel : Il San Pietro
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 21 - Monday, September 14: Positano, Italy

Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own.
 
This is the only hotel in Positano that has direct access to the beach. The beach is a natural cove surrounded by crystal clear waters, with a solarium, restaurant and bar by the sea.
 
Or soak yourself and enjoy the panoramic swimming pool in the peculiar shape of a semi-circle, protected by the Lattari Mountains with an extraordinary view over the small town of Praiano and the sea. A quiet and sunny terrace for you to relax in a truly unique scenery.

Hotel : Il San Pietro
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 22 - Tuesday, September 15: Positano, Italy

Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own.
 
Visit the city center with a private and free shuttle service available from the hotel.

 

Hotel : Il San Pietro
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 23 - Wednesday, September 16: Salerno, Italy (LIRI) > Birmingham, England (EGBB) > Reykjavik, Iceland (BIRK) (985 + 940 NM)

After breakfast we launch for our over-water crossing to Iceland and spend the night at Hotel Borg.
 
Dignified and imposing, Hotel Borg overlooks the beautiful square of Austurvöllur, in the heart of Reykjavík, across from Althingi, the Icelandic parliament and the cathedral.

Hotel : Hotel Borg
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 24 - Thursday, September 17: Reykjavik, Iceland (BIRK) > Kangerlussuaq, Greenland (BGSF) > Goose Bay, Canada (CYYR) > Home (730 + 875 NM)

After breakfast, we will launch our over-water crossing to Iceland. We will fly to Kangerlussuaq for a technical stop to refuel before continuing to Goose Bay before flying our separate ways as we head home.

Breakfast included