Arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport to be met and assisted by your ITC representative (today's program depends on arrival time) At Kibbutz Ein Shemer, become acquainted with the hands-on group activities that simulate the life of Israel's early kibbutz pioneers, such as baking bread in their original wood-burning oven, pitching a tent, building a mosaic floor, and solving early kibbutz members' dilemmas OR Take in a wonderful overview of the Carmel region at Mukhraka-Keren HaCarmel, where Elijah the Prophet faced off against the prophets of Ba'al. Travel north to the lovely coastal city of Nahariah for hotel check-in and dinner Free evening to walk to the beach along Nahariah's promenade.

Overnight: Carlton Hotel, Nahariah

In historic Acco, visit the amazing Tunisian Synagogue, which is completely decorated with mosaics depicting stories from Jewish history and traditional texts; Ramah interactive program available on site. Meet with Rabbi Mauricio Balter of Hakehila Hamesoratit Hakrayot to learn of the many innovative programs they run with the local community, including an Arab kindergarten, large volunteer network, etc. Explore the fascinating sarcophagi of Beit Shearim, where sages from the Mishna were buried; study Mishna in small groups by candlelight in the ancient catacombs using Ramah's interactive discussion guide Continue south for the ascent to Jerusalem Dinner at the hotel, to be joined by a speaker from the Masorti Movement. Evening option: Attend The Night Spectacular, the fabulous new sound and light show at the Tower of David Museum

Overnight: Plaza Hotel, Jerusalem

Stumble across many authentic archeological finds in a hands-on dig through archeological matter that has been dumped into Emek Tzurim from under the Temple Mount. At the newly renovated Ammunition Hill learn about the fierce Six Day War battle for Jerusalem that took place here Visit the site of the ancient fortress of Herodian, built by Herod and used by Jewish fighting forces throughout the ages; also the site of an ancient synagogue and King Herod's newly discovered tomb and other more recent discoveries Take a tour of the special "mixed" community of Tekoa and enjoy home hospitality for coffee and cake with a Tekoa family.

Overnight: Plaza Hotel, JLM

Shaharit at Robinson's Arch, to be joined by Masorti leadership. Proceed to the Dead Sea Region Visit Kumran to walk through the site where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found; read through some of the scrolls' texts to determine who lived here 2000 years ago. At P'til Tekelet, take part in the process of spinning and dying the wool for this blue thread of the Tzitzit, all according to traditional sources Brief visits to several moderately-priced Jerusalem hotels. Dinner at the hotel Optional departure for the airport (those leaving tonight)

Overnight: Plaza Hotel, Jerusalem

At Table to Table we participate in the important Land of Israel mitzvah of "leket," as we harvest crops for the poor. Walk through the swanky Tel Aviv Port area AND/OR enjoy free time in the Nahalat Binyamin craft fair. Take a Tel Aviv walking tour to see examples of its special Bauhaus architecture Return to Jerusalem to prepare for Shabbat Kabbalat Shabbat at Robinson's Arch Shabbat dinner at the hotel Oneg Shabbat: Hats and Ideologies - an enjoyable Ramah program that spotlights the head coverings worn by different Jewish groups in Israel and the ideologies they profess.

Overnight: Plaza Hotel, JLM

Parashat Yitro. Shabbat tefillot at a synagogue of your choice. Sumptuous Shabbat lunch buffet at the hotel. Shabbat afternoon walking tour guided by the poetry of Yehuda Amichai

Evening: Depart for the airport

Return to your home community.

Begin planning your congregational Israel trip with ITC Tours and Ramah Israel !

Itinerary Subject to Change

Ramah Israel’s

VIP Familiarization Tour

• Experience first hand the possibilities of a Ramah Israel tour
• Round trip Air from your home town Airport to Ben Gurion Airport in Israel
• Ramah-Israel's top leadership and Tour Educator (guide) will be with you the entire trip
• All Breakfasts, Dinners as per itinerary, Plaza Hotel Jerusalem

• Rabbi $1,795.- Spouse $1,895
• Add just $250 for Los Angeles.
• The single occupancy add on will be $155.00
• Prices include land package, round trip El-Al air, Tax and Fuel Surcharge*
• * Fuel surcharge is subject to change until ticket is purchased: presently $410