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Arrive in Israel at Ben Gurion Airport to be met and assisted by your ITC representative (today's program depends on arrival time) Proceed directly to Israel's north. Meet members of Israel's Druze community in Dalyat al Karmel, shop in their colorful market, hear about their fierce patriotism, and enjoy their warm hospitality Take a panoramic bus tour of the sparkling port city of Haifa, including views of the spectacular Bahai Gardens Hotel check-in and welcome dinner
Overnight: Kibbutz Lavi Hotel, Tiberias
Plant a tree in Israeli soil in honor or in memory of a loved one. Spend some time today in our Partnership 2000 Region (Tzefat and Rosh Pina) learning about the wonderful projects and meeting Israeli peers; visit an IDF army base in the region, if available (programming to be arranged by P2K) Stop at Meron for an inspiring visit to the grave of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. Tour the synagogues, courtyards, and shops of the mystical city of Tzefat, including free time for shopping
Dinner Overnight: Kibbutz Lavi Hotel, Tiberias
Travel to the Golan Heights and gaze down over the Galilee as the Syrians once did. Learn about the history of the Golan Heights and the valiant story of Gamla, called the "Masada of the North," learn about its valiant history and see some of the many migratory birds that fly over Israel on their way south for the winter Taste the fruits of the region in the form of award-winning kosher wines at the Golan Winery. Travel south for the ascent to Jerusalem. Gaze upon the Old City of Jerusalem from the Haas Promenade, as did Abraham at the dawn of Jewish history; take in the breathtaking view.
Dinner Overnight: Prima Royale Hotel, Jerusalem
Track Aleph. Tour the new state-of-the-art Memorial Museum and the Children's Memorial at Yad Vashem
Track Bet Visit the multi-media Herzl Exhibit, where the Father of Modern Zionism and his untiring quest are "brought to life" before your eyes (if available), then visit Har Herzl Military Cemetery, where the leaders and the defenders of the Jewish State are buried. Everybody - Enjoy a bus tour of the special community of Tekoa and home hospitality for lunch with a Tekoa family Visit colorful, bustling Machaneh Yehuda open-air market - am yisrael chai - followed by free time in Jerusalem Evening: visit a Jerusalem Masorti synagogue to meet with members and the rabbi.
Dinner Overnight: Prima Royale Hotel, Jerusalem
Depart for the Dead Sea Region
Track Aleph - Early departure to ascend Masada by cable car. Tour this amazing excavation and discuss the terrible dilemma faced by its Jewish population during Roman times Stop for a brief dip at the Dead Sea
Track Bet - Spend some time today at a Dead Sea resort hotel, enjoying its spa facilities, lunch, and the amazing Dead Sea (this option will carry an additional charge) Everybody - Return to Jerusalem to prepare for Shabbat Kabbalat Shabbat at Robinson's Arch (the "Masorti Kotel"), to be followed by ma'ariv at the Kotel Shabbat dinner at the Fuchsberg Center
Overnight: Prima Royale Hotel, Jerusalem
Shabbat services at a synagogue of your choice Shabbat buffet lunch at the hotel. Shabbat rest. Havdalah with Rabbi Shub. Free evening in Jerusalem.
Overnight: Prima Royale Hotel, Jerusalem
Track Aleph - In the Kotel Tunnels, walk alongside the Western Wall's massive foundation stones (local guide)
Track Bet - Visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher; visit the Coptic Village, Arab Market, and Armenian Quarter
Everybody - Travel through many centuries as you tour the Jewish Quarter with your guide, including free time for shopping. Visit the police department's "Situation Room" inside Jaffa Gate, the center of the Old City's impressive security operations (pending police approval) Evening option: Attend The Night Spectacular, the fabulous new sound and light show at the Tower of David Museum (not included in the tour price)
Dinner Overnight: Prima Royale Hotel, Jerusalem
Tour the architecturally unique and masterful Israeli Supreme Court building and focus on Israel's justice system. Visit the Negev community of Sderot and meet with Mayor Eli Moyal (if available) to discuss peace and security, the aftermath of the disengagement, and social stratification in Israeli society. Proceed to the modern city of Tel Aviv for a panoramic bus tour. Enjoy an impressive presentation of the amazing achievements of the Palmach at the recently opened multi-media Palmach Museum (if available) OR At Independence Hall, relive Ben Gurion's moving declaration of the State. Dinner Hotel check-in followed by a free evening in Tel Aviv.
Overnight: Tal Hotel, Tel Aviv
At the Latrun IDF Armored Corps center, review the tanks and learn about battles fought there for the road to Jerusalem. At the Masorti affiliated children's home, Neve Hana, in Kiryat Gat, see the tremendously heartwarming work carried out there with children who have no other home. Browse through unique craft items in Nahalat Binyamin's colorful, open-air market, and enjoy seeing modern Tel Aviv in action. Farewell dinner at Cafe Kappish, served by deaf waiters who will teach you sign language during your meal followed by Na Laga'at, a unique play performed by actors who are both deaf and blind (not included in tour price)
Depart for the airport (Continental flight at 11:50 pm)
Arrive in USA
Begin planning your next Israel trip with Rabbi Shub and ITC Tours!
Itinerary is Subject to Change |
