Sunday, July 21
Israel Pilgrims
Depart on overnight flight to Israel

Monday, July 22
When You Come Into the Land (Deut 26:1)
Afternoon arrival in Israel; be met and assisted by the ITC Staff at Ben Gurion International Airport. Proceed to the modern Hebrew city of Tel Aviv. At Rabin Square discuss this great Israeli leader and some of the pressing issues facing Israel today. Hotel check-in and welcome dinner.

Overnight: Dan Panorama Hotel, Tel Aviv [D]

Tuesday, July 23
Foundations of the Jewish State
At Independence Hall, relive Ben Gurion’s moving declaration of the State. Put down roots and you plant a tree in Israeli soil in honor or in memory of a loved one. Browse through unique craft items in Nahalat Binyamin’s colorful, open-air market and enjoy seeing modern Tel Aviv in action. Enjoy an impressive presentation of the amazing achievements of the Palmach at the multimedia Palmach Museum (if available; age 5 and up only) Free evening in Tel Aviv

Overnight: Dan Panorama Hotel, Tel Aviv [B]

Wednesday, July 24
The Mediterranean Coast
Drive north to Caesarea: Visit ancient port of the Roman world. See one of the best examples of a classic Roman Theater and view the multi media presentation on the history of the city In Atlit walk through the detention camp that held Holocaust refugees denied entry into Eretz Yisrael by the British; see the incredible, new “illegal immigration” boat with its wonderful high-tech laser presentation about heroic pre-State immigration Visit the grave of the Rambam, one of Judaism’s greatest leaders and teachers in Tiberias. Hotel check-in. Enjoy a Kinneret boat ride followed by a group dinner at Decks

Overnight: Kibbutz Lavi Hotel, Tiberias (or similar) [B, D]

Thursday, July 25
In the Footsteps of Sages, Mystics, and Pioneers
Tour the synagogues, courtyards, and shops of the mystical city of Tzefat including some time for shopping. Take a lovely nature walk through the lush forests and streams of the Banyas Nature Reserve. Ascend the Golan Heights and gaze down on the Galilee as the Syrians once did. Glide down the Jordan River in a kayak or raft (age 5 or over) Travel south along through the Jordan Valley for the ascent to Jerusalem. Hotel check-in followed by a free evening in Jerusalem (dining suggestions to be provided)

Overnight: Prima Kings Hotel, Jerusalem [B]

Friday, July 26
Jerusalem in Her Glory
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. Visit Jerusalem from the time of the Tanach at the City of David. Tour the Jewish Quarter including time for lunch (on one's own) and shopping in the Cardo and Jewish Quarter. Return to the hotel to prepare for Shabbat Shabbat candle lighting. Kabbalat Shabbat at Robinson's Arch (the "Kotel Masorti”; bus to Old City) Return to the hotel on foot, taking in the Shabbat Shalom of Jerusalem. Festive Shabbat dinner at the hotel.

Overnight: Prima Kings Hotel, Jerusalem [B, D]

Shabbat, July 27
Holy Time in the Holy City
Parashat Ekev. Shabbat services at a choice of neighborhood synagogues (an annotated list and walking directions will be provided) Get together of a half hour “Torah Lishma” group discussion with Rabbi Caplan. Shabbat lunch buffet at the hotel Shabbat rest. Optional afternoon walking tour (e.g., Yemin Moshe, Rehavia) Havdalah with Rabbi Caplan followed by a free evening in Jerusalem (dinner on one’s own)

Overnight: Prima Kings Hotel, Jerusalem [B, L]

Sunday, July 28
Yizkor and Herzl’s Vision of the Future
Walk alongside the Western Wall’s massive foundation stones in the Kotel Tunnels. Visit the Yad Vashem Memorial Museum including the Children’s Memorial; bus will take younger children and parents to the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo, with entrance fee at their own expense. At the Herzl Center learn about the life and impact of Theodor Herzl in a state-of-the-art multi-media presentation and visit the grave of Herzl and other great leaders of the nation on Mt. Herzl Please choose one for the group: Free evening in Jerusalem OR Evening program with a Masorti congregation

Overnight: Prima Kings Hotel, Jerusalem [B]

Monday, July 29
Freedom Fighters or Fanatics?
Today we depart the hotel early to visit Masada. Ascend the cliffs by cable car to participate in a moving Bnai Mitzvah service; tour this magnificent excavation and a discuss its harrowing history. Spend some time today at a Dead Sea resort hotel, enjoying its spa facilities, lunch, and the amazing Dead Sea. Dinner on own and free evening in Jerusalem

Overnight: Prima Kings Hotel, Jerusalem [B, L]

Tuesday, July 30
Digging Israel
At the “Dig for a Day” program at Beit Guvrin, have a handson experience of archeology as you uncover actual artifacts while taking part in an ongoing archeological dig; “cave crawl” also available for the adventurous. Volunteer at “Leket Yisrael,” participating in the Biblical mitzvah of leket – picking crops for the poor; a modern project right out of the Book of Ruth. At the Knesset Menorah we reflect on our amazing tour and also recall the many stories from Jewish history that are sculpted on this national symbol of the State of Israel. Return to the hotel for late check out. Farewell dinner at Olive and Fish

Depart for Ben Gurion Airport [B, D]

Wednesday, July 31
A Temporary Departure
Early morning departure on return flight Arrive in USA

Begin planning your next Israel trip with ITC Tours!

Begin planning your next Israel trip with Rabbi Plotkin and ITC Tours!

Itinerary subject to change