Discover Israel, One of 2019's Hottest Destinations, with Insight Vacations

NEW YORK, Dec. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Tourism to Israel is growing by leaps and bounds! Recently released statistics show that by the end of 2018 Israel will surpass 1 million tourists from North America and 4 million globally, breaking all previous records. With iconic religious sites, historical monuments that date back 5,000 years, golden beaches and pulsating cities, it's little wonder this remarkable nation has moved to the top of travelers' bucket lists.

Why not discover Israel in 2019 on a small-group itinerary with Insight Vacations, the leader in premium escorted journeys? With new non-stop flights from San Francisco, Washington D.C., New York, Newark, Miami and Montréal, it's easier than ever to get there and join one of Insight's amazing trips. We'll introduce you to Local Experts who will take you behind the scenes of iconic landmarks and show you the fascinating history and culinary heritage of this fabled country through hands-on demonstrations and immersive experiences.

Here are a few of the remarkable 2019 trips to Israel offered by Insight Vacations:

Israel Discovery: This astounding 8-day journey brings biblical stories to life. You'll visit some of the world's most sacred Jewish and Islamic sites and walk in the footsteps of Jesus as you journey from his birthplace to the site of his crucifixion. See both modern Tel Aviv and the ancient city of Jaffa, and enjoy a traditional Shabbat dinner with a local family. Visit the Church of Annunciation in Nazareth, built on the site where the angel Gabriel is said to have appeared to Mary, and later get a brief introduction to life on a kibbutz. Take a dip in the buoyant salt waters of the Dead Sea, and ride the cable car to the fortress of Masada. See Jerusalem's Holocaust memorial and visit the museum that houses the Dead Sea Scrolls. Visit the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem and see the Temple Mount, the Garden of Gethsemane and the Stations of the Cross. Priced from $3,350 pp; departures April-October 2019.

Israel and Jordan with Dead Sea: This epic 15-day itinerary visits iconic religious sites and fascinating hidden gems of both Israel and Jordan, where Roman legions, Muslim armies and Christian crusaders all made their mark. You'll discover modern Tel Aviv as well as the ancient markets and squares of Jaffa, and enjoy a Shabbat dinner with a local family. See the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth, and the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount. Ride the cable car to the top of Masada, float in the Dead Sea, and get an introduction to life on a kibbutz. Marvel at the rose-red city of Petra, then wind your way through the canyon to explore the Roman Amphitheatre, which once seated 3,000 spectators, and the ancient tombs. Priced from $6,045 pp; departures April-October 2019.

As with all Insight journeys, throughout these trips guests stay in elegant hotels in central locations, dine at distinctive local restaurants, and all the logistical details are taken care of by an expertly trained Travel Director.

For reservations, contact your favorite travel agent, call Insight Vacations at 1-888-680-1241, or visit www.insightvacations.com.

About Insight Vacations
As a global leader in premium guided vacations, Insight Vacations^® has been crafting magical journeys that embody The Art of Traveling in Style™ for 40 years. Through meticulous planning, detailed preparation and boundless passion, Insight's collection of award-winning itineraries showcase the most outstanding destinations and curated experiences in Europe and North America. Guided by a highly skilled Travel Director, guests can look forward to traveling in smaller groups, savoring authentic dining and enjoying a range of immersive Insight Experiences. To find out more, visit insightvacations.com

About The TreadRight Foundation
Created as a joint initiative between The Travel Corporation's (TTC) family of brands, The TreadRight Foundation is a not-for-profit working to help safeguard the planet, wildlife & people for generations to come. To date, TreadRight has supported over 50 sustainable tourism projects worldwide. The Foundation's guiding principle is to encourage sustainable tourism through conservation, leadership and support for communities. The Foundation's priorities are set by the Steering Committee. Past project partners include WWF, Conservation International, WildAid, The Travel Foundation and The National Trust in the UK. Current initiatives include supporting various women's social enterprises, the recently announced Wildlife Conservation Society's Big Cat fund, WE.org and working with inspiring nature advocates like Céline Cousteau, Costas Christ and Terri Irwin. To learn more about our past and current work at TreadRight, please visit us at treadright.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter using our hashtag #MakeTravelMatter.

SOURCE Insight Vacations