|
El Al flight to Israel from Newark Airport
Arrive in Israel to be met and assisted at Ben Gurion airport by your ITC representative. Transfer to the modern Hebrew city of Tel Aviv for hotel check-in and Shabbat dinner. Overnight: Dan Panorama Hotel, Tel Aviv Shabbat, 29 October - Shabbat in Tel Aviv Enjoy a day and evening at leisure to walk along the boardwalk and explore Tel Aviv on your own. Most art museums and galleries are open today.
Overnight: Dan Panorama Hotel, Tel Aviv
At Independence Hall, relive Ben Gurion's moving declaration of the State. Enjoy an impressive presentation of the amazing achievements of the Palmach at the multi-media Palmach Museum. See Tel Aviv's Bauhaus architecture and walk though the historic Neve Tzedek neighborhood, a UNESCO Heritage site. Free evening in Tel Aviv.
Overnight: Dan Panorama Hotel, Tel Aviv
Drive north along the Mediterranean coast Visit the wonderful excavations of ancient Caesaria, including an impressive amphitheatre and aqueduct and the newlyopened multi-media center, where ancient history comes to life. 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 in a wonderful overview of Haifa Bay and the Western Galilee from the summit of Mt. Carmel. Visit the spectacular Bahai Gardens. Hotel check-in and dinner.
Overnight: Dan Panorama Hotel, Haifa
Visit Mary's Well and the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth. Tour the synagogues, courtyards, and shops of the mystical city of Tzefat. Ascend the Golan Heights and stop to gaze down over the Galilee as the Syrians once did; enter former Syrian bunkers and learn how master spy Eli Cohen revealed their secrets. Proceed to our kibbutz hotel for check-in and dinner.
Overnight: Kibbutz Lavi, Tiberias
Enjoy a boat cruise on the Sea of Galilee (Lake Kinneret) Proceed to the excavations of the ancient Caperneum Synagogue on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, the focal point of Jesus' ministry. At the Mount of Beatitudes, stand at the site of the Sermon on the Mount. Travel south along Israel's border with Jordan. Stop at the ancient Beit Alpha Synagogue to examine its striking mosaic floor; enjoy a short, amusing film about plans to renovate this ancient synagogue two millennia ago. Ascent to Jerusalem - Gaze upon the Old City of Jerusalem from the Haas Promenade, standing where Abraham stood at the dawn of Jewish history; take in the breathtaking view. Hotel check-in and dinner.
Overnight: Dan Panorama, Jerusalem
We begin our day at Gordon's Cavalry and the Garden Tomb. Visit the Israel Museum including the Shrine of the Book and the Model of Jerusalem in the Second Temple Period. Admire the beautiful Chagall Windows at Hadassah Hospital. Visit the Holocaust Memorial Museum and the Children's Memorial at Yad Vashem. Free evening in Jerusalem.
Overnight: Dan Panorama, JLM
We begin our day with a visit to the garden and grotto at Gethsemane. Enter the Old Cit and explore the Southern Wall Excavations and learn more about the ancient Jerusalem Temple at the Davidson Center. In the Kotel Tunnels, walk alongside the massive foundation stones of the Western Wall. Visit David's Tomb and the site of the Last Supper. Take a walking tour along the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Walk along the ancient Roman Cardo in today's Jewish Quarter. Welcome the Sabbath with thousands of others at the Western Wall (Kotel) Shabbat dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Dan Panorama, Jerusalem
Depart for the Dead Sea Region. Visit the excavation of Kumran, home of the mysterious ancient sect that authored the Dead Sea scrolls. Ascend by cable car to the mountain fortress of Masada for a tour of this amazing excavation and a discussion of the terrible dilemma faced by its Jewish population during Roman times. Stop for a dip in the amazing Dead Sea.
Overnight: Dan Panorama, Jerusalem
Ramon, Eilat. Optional early morning church services, based on availability. Travel south and enter the Negev Desert. Visit Israel's Airforce Museum near Beersheva to view the planes and equipment and to hear the story of this brave fighting force. Please choose one for the group: Visit the fascinating Jo Alon Museum of Bedouin Culture near Lahav for an in-depth introduction to this desert culture, some Bedouin hospitality, and a light lunch OR Visit Ben Gurion's Hut in Sde Boker for personal insight into the life of this outstanding Zionist leader and Israel's first prime minister. Continue south, stopping at Mitzpeh Ramon to gaze into the Ramon Crater, an other-worldly geological wonder. Proceed to the resort city of Eilat. Hotel check-in and dinner.
Overnight: Dan Panorama Hotel, Eilat
Enjoy a day at leisure on Eilat's gorgeous beaches Optional Petra excursion (not included in tour price): Early departure for Petra to explore the amazing decorated red rock formations of the ancient Nabateans. Enter Jordan at the Arava crossing and travel to the Red Rose City by bus (approx. 2.5 hours). Tour its treasury, the Roman theatre, and the impressive caves and rock formations of this Nabatean City; buffet lunch included.
Overnight: Dan Panorama Hotel, Eilat
Board a luxury touring yacht at the Eilat marina for a leisurely cruise and lunch on the Red Sea. Snorkeling equipment is available for those who would like to get "up close and personal" with the most exquisite coral reefs and tropical fish to be found in the world.
Overnight: Dan Panorama Hotel, Eilat
Early morning domestic flight to Tel Aviv
Depart for USA from Ben Gurion Airport
Begin planning your next Israel trip with Travel Plaza
Itinerary Subject to Change |
