Flying to Israel in 4 days, need few last tips

i would agree that Nazareth is more than holy sites, but considering your itinerary is only 9 days, i'm sure you would buzz in, see the Church of the Annunciation, and buzz it. and to me, the church is not that special. too modern, not that interesting.

if you want some exposure to Arab/Palestinian culture, i would go to one or two West Bank cities, towns, or villages instead, not focus on Nazareth. if you had 2 or 3 months, fine, but in 9 days, i would say skip Nazareth and go to one or two West Bank places instead.
- julie

Hi folks.
Got back home last night.
Thank you everyone for great tips - some really made a difference.

I started by spending 3 full days in Jerusalem. Really don't know how you could do it in less... especially with quite restrictive working hours of most sights.
Then one day in West Bank - Betlehem and Hebron. Full of experiences - from someone trying to sell me his daughter to getting pickpocketed (for some trivial amount) to experiencing a feeling of approaching checkpoint with guns pointed towards you.
Followed by one day to Masada, Ein Gedi, Ahava and Qumran. Really not much to see/do but I guess returning without bathing in Dead Sea is a no-no.
Then three days touring the North. Cesarea to Haifa to Acre (sleep in Acre which is btw greatest and probably only disappointment). From Acre to See of Galilee spending one whole day on its sites, then just drive through Tiberias to Nazareth (sleep in Nazareth). One night and half a day there and it was worth it. Night out is amazing and for me Basilica was one of the highlights.
Finally back to Tel Aviv via Tabor (highly worth it) and Meggido. One day on beaches and home after full 9 days of exploration. Dead tired but really satisfied. Spent around US$1.800 inclusive flights, accomodation, food and daily expenses.

Anyone who needs any first hand advice, I'll gladly help.

<3 all.