Motzei Shabbat, 6 November - USA Departure

Sunday, 7 November - When You Come Into the Land (Deut 26:1)

Late afternoon arrival in Israel, to be met and assisted by your ITC representative at Ben Gurion Airport. Proceed to the modern Hebrew city of Tel Aviv for hotel check-in. Welcome dinner at Maganda in the Yemenite Quarter.
Overnight: Tal Hotel, Tel Aviv

Monday, 8 November - Foundations of the Modern State

Visit the Eretz Yisrael Museum to learn all about local life and culture during earlier historical periods. Take in an impressive presentation of the amazing achievements of the Palmach at the multimedia Palmach Museum. Felafel lunch (on one's own) in Tel Aviv At Independence Hall, relive Ben Gurion's moving declaration of the State. Enjoy some time at the Mediterranean Sea followed by a free evening in Tel Aviv (dinner on one's own)
Overnight: Tal Hotel, Tel Aviv

Tuesday, 9 November - The Mediterranean Coast

See ancient history come to life at the multi-media center against the backdrop of ancient Caesaria. Excavations include an impressive amphitheatre and aqueduct. Continue north to Acco, a city of three religions. Visit your choice of: a "cool and creepy" Crusader Fortress; a multi-media exhibit about Acco's years of Muslim rule at the Turkish Baths; the beautiful Mosque of Jazzar; the British prison, where Jewish freedom fighters were incarcerated; the unique Tunisian Synagogue, which is completely decorated with mosaics depicting stories from Jewish history and traditional texts (number of stops depends on time available) Light lunch (on one's own) in Acco. Take the cable car to the mesmerizing ocean grottos of Rosh Hanikra, at Israel's border with Lebanon. Drive to the Lake Kinneret Region for hotel check-in and dinner
Overnight: Kibbutz Hotel, North

Wednesday, 10 November - Varieties of Religious Expression in the Galilee.

Enjoy a "supermarket sweep" activity to learn about modern Israeli "food culture" while purchasing fixings for a picnic lunch Visit the cultural museum of Kfar Kama, home to Israel's Circassian community; learn about their unique customs and traditions and taste some of their special snacks. Explore the magnificently excavated ancient city of Tzippori, home to Rabbi Judah the Prince; discover ancient beauty and evidence of a community in which Jews and Romans coexisted peacefully; picnic lunch (food purchased earlier) Tour the synagogues, courtyards, and shops of the mystical city of Tzefat. Meet with Tzefat kabbalistic artist, Avraham Lowenthal, in his gallery to explore Jewish mysticism through the prism of his creations. Free time for dinner (on one's own) in Tzefat
Overnight: Kibbutz Hotel, North

Thursday, 11 November - "For the Birds" and the Golan Heights

Tour the Hula Valley Nature Reserve, through which tens of thousands of migratory birds pass and other species roam; experience the new Ophoria Interactive Experience, connecting birds, water, and the Zionist endeavor. Travel through the Golan Heights and stop to gaze down over the Galilee as the Syrians once did At the peak of Har Bental, enter army bunkers and take in a panoramic view at the crossroads of three countries Stop for lunch (on one's own) in Katzrin, the capital of the Golan Return to the hotel to rest - Dinner at Galileo in Tiberias (gourmet, meat) Evening: Spend some time soaking in the hot springs of Hammei Teveria, an ancient Roman spa
Overnight: Kibbutz Hotel, North

Friday, 12 November - The Jordan River Valley

Travel south along Israel's border with Jordan Please choose one for the group: Stop to swim in the wondrous natural pools at Sachne, fed by underground springs (towel needed) OR Tour the remarkable excavation of the ancient Roman city of Beit Shean, including a magnificent Cardo, Roman baths, many residences, and amphitheatre. Lunch (on one's own) in Beit Shean. Continue south for the ascent to Jerusalem. Take in a breathtaking view of the Old City of Jerusalem from Mount Scopus. Visit the colorful, bustling Machaneh Yehuda open-air market, as Jerusalem prepares for Shabbat (time permitting) Hotel check-in - Kabbalat Shabbat at Robinson's Arch or a synagogue of your choice (suggestions, walking instructions to be provided) Shabbat dinner at the hotel
Overnight: Prima Royal/Kings Hotel, Jerusalem

Shabbat, 13 November - Shabbat in Jerusalem Parashat Vayetzei

Shabbat services at Congregation Mevakshei Derekh (bus available) Shabbat lunch buffet at the hotel. Shabbat walking tour of fascinating Jerusalem neighborhoods near the hotel. Havdala with Rabbi Bogatz. Evening out on Ben Yehuda, Emek Refaim, or the new Mamilla Mall (on one's own)
Overnight: Prima Royal/Kings Hotel, Jerusalem

Sunday, 14 November - Jerusalem of Old

In the Kotel Tunnels, walk alongside the Western Wall's massive foundation stones. Explore the Southern Wall Excavations and enjoy the movie about the Jerusalem Temple at the Davidson Center Lunch (on one's own) in the Cardo. Take in a rooftop view of the Old City's four colorful quarters and walk through the Jewish Quarter, including entry to the Wohl Museum and the Arab Market
Free evening in Jerusalem -O/N: Prima Royal/Kings Hotel, Jerusalem

Monday, 15 November - Jerusalem Today

Take in a special multi-media presentation about the life, dreams, and accomplishments of the Father of Modern Zionism at the Herzl Exhibit (if available) Tour the architecturally unique Israeli Supreme Court building and focus on Israel's justice system. Stop at a supermarket to purchase picnic fixings for lunch OR have lunch in a food court (on one's own) today. Stop at the Knesset Menorah for a "Kodak moment" and a view of Israel's center of government Tour the campus of Hebrew University. Visit the Bukharian store in the Meah Shearim neighborhood. Group dinner at Anna Ticho House
Overnight: Prima Royal/Kings Hotel, Jerusalem

Tuesday, 16 November - Back to the Bible

Admire the beautiful Chagall Windows at Hadassah Hospital Group may split: Morning visit to the Holocaust Memorial Museum at Yad Vashem (self-guiding) OR At the Israel Museum, guided tour of the new Shrine of the Book; the Second Temple Model of Jerusalem; and newly renovated art, archeology, and Judaica exhibits. Experience the biblical landscapes park at Neot Kedumim, including a biblical lunch - Return to Jerusalem. Free time for dinner (on one's own) Evening: Attend a concert or other cultural program (based on availability; not included in tour price)
Overnight: Prima Royal/Kings Hotel, Jerusalem

Wednesday, 17 November - Freedom Fighters or Fanatics?

Depart for the Dead Sea region. Ascend Masada by cable car; tour this impressive excavation and discuss the terrible dilemma faced by its Jewish population during Roman times. Spend some time today at a Dead Sea resort hotel, enjoying its spa facilities, lunch, and the amazing Dead Sea. Optional excursion from spa hotel: Enjoy a walk through the beautiful Ein Gedi Nature Reserve and review the biblical story of kings David and Saul "on site" Delicious farewell dinner at Olive and Fish Restaurant in Jerusalem (meat)
Depart for the airport

Thursday, 18 November - A Temporary Departure

Arrive in USA - Begin planning your next Israel trip with Rabbi Bogatz and ITC Tours!

Itinerary is Subject to Change

• Group transportation to airport and EL- AL non stop round trip Air NY area to Tel Aviv
  
• Tal Hotel, Tel Aviv, Kibbutz Hotel, Prima Royal or Kings Hotel, Jerusalem
  
• All Breakfasts, 5 Week-Day Dinners, Shabbat Dinner and Lunch as per itinerary
  
• Touring with one of Israel's Top Tour Guide Educators in Deluxe Motor Coach
  
• Welcome Orientation Eretz Yisrael Museum, Palmach Museum, Independence Hall, Ancient Caesaria,
  Acco, Mediterranean Sea, Crusader Fortress, Turkish Baths, Mosque of Jazzar; British prison,
  
• Tunisian Synagogue, Rosh Hanikra, Lake Kinneret ,"supermarket sweep" Israel's Circassian community,
  
• Tzippori, Tzefat, Kabbalistic artist Avraham Lowenthal, Hula Valley Nature Reserve, Golan Heights,
  
• Har Bental, Katzrin, Hot springs of Hammei Teveria, Israel's border with Jordan, Sachne,
  
• Roman city of Beit Shean, Mount Scopus, Machaneh Yehuda, Kabbalat Shabbat at Robinson's Arch,
  
• Shabbat services at Congregation Mevakshei Derekh, Shabbat walking tour, Havdala with Rabbi Bogatz,
  
• Kotel Tunnels, Southern Wall Excavations, Davidson Center, Chagall Windows at Hadassah Hospital
  
• Tour Old City's four colorful quarters, Jewish Quarter, Wohl Museum, Arab Market,
  
• Herzl Exhibit, Israeli Supreme Court, Knesset Menorah, Hebrew University, Yad Vashem, Israel Museum,
  
• Bukharian store in the Meah Shearim neighborhood, Neot Kedumim, Dead Sea region,
  Masada, Dead Sea resort and spa, Ein Gedi Nature Reserve
  
• ITC full color source book, A fantastic tour filled with meaningful experiences and fun !

• (check or cash payment) Land Only $2395 Single Supplement: $525
  
• plus tips for Guide Driver and Restaurants $115
  
• EL - AL Round Trip air Groups price $1090 -
• Including Tax and Fuel Surcharge of $430*
  
• Airport tax and Fuel Surcharge are Subject to change