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Early afternoon departure (ideally)
from JFK on overnight flight to Israel
Morning arrival (ideally) in Israel to meet your ITC guide at Ben Gurion Airport - today’s program depends on arrival time. See ancient history come to life at the newly-opened multi-media center, against the backdrop of ancient Caesaria. Excavations include an impressive amphitheatre and aqueduc. Meet members of Israel’s Druze community in Ossafiya, shop in their colorful market, hear about their fierce patriotism, and enjoy their warm hospitality (coffee and baklava) Check-in and welcome dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Carlton Hotel, Nahariah
Take the cable car to the mesmerizing ocean grottos of Rosh Hanikra, at Israel’s border with Lebanon. In historic Acco visit the British prison, where Jewish freedom fighters were incarcerated OR the unique Tunisian Synagogue, which is completely decorated with mosaics depicting stories from Jewish history and traditional texts. 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 + lunch. Spend some time today visiting Kehilat Hakerem in Karmiel; meet with Rabbi Resnick and Englishspeaking members of the congregation to hear about their life in Karmiel; take part in a mitzvah project, if available. Free evening on the lovely Nahariah promenade.
Overnight: Carlton Hotel, Nahariah
Tour the synagogues, courtyards, and shops of the mystical city of Tzefat. Meet with a Tzefat kabbalistic artist in his gallery to explore Jewish mysticism through the prism of his creations In Tiberias, visit Dona Gracia House to become acquainted with the fascinating life of this 16th century Jewish heroine and Tiberias financial leader via dramatic story-telling and an opportunity to try on period clothing. Travel south along Israel’s border with Jordan for the 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 followed by a free evening in Jerusalem (dining suggestions to be provided)
Overnight: Prima Royale, Jerusalem
Briefing by a military or political analyst about Israel’s security/political situation. Spend some time this morning volunteering to prepare lunch at a Jerusalem soup kitchen. Tour David’s City, the most ancient section of Jerusalem, built by King David, including recent excavations and the new 3-D presentation. Free time for lunch (on one’s own) in the Jewish Quarter. First time visitors: Walk alongside the Kotel’s massive foundation stones in the Kotel Tunnels (local guide) Repeat Israel travelers: Travel through many centuries as you tour the Jewish Quarter, including entrance to the Burnt House and the Herodian Mansions. Everybody together:Evening: Attend The Night Spectacular, the fabulous new sound and light show at the Tower of David Museum. Free time for dinner (on one’s own) in the new Mamilla Mall.
Overnight: Prima Royale, Jerusalem
At P’til Tekhelet, take part in a workshop, based on traditional Jewish sources, to learn all about tekhelet and even make some of this special blue dye yourself. Travel to the Dead Sea Region First time visitors: Ascend Masada by cable car for a tour of this magnificent 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 Repeat Israel travelers: Spend some time today at a Dead Sea resort hotel, enjoying its spa facilities, lunch, and the amazing Dead Sea (this option is not included in the tour price) Everybody together: Return to Jerusalem to prepare for Shabbat. Kabbalat Shabbat at Shira Hadasha (to be arranged by Sharon Laufer) Delicious Shabbat dinner at the hotel (full group at one large table, if possible)
Overnight: Prima Royale, Jerusalem
Shabbat services at a choice neighborhood synagogues (suggestions, directions to be provided) 11:30-14:00 Catered Shabbat lunch at the Hartman Institute with a Torah study session by a Hartman educator Shabbat afternoon walking tour to fascinating neighborhoods near the hotel. Havdalah with Rabbi Kogan - Free evening in Jerusalem
Overnight: Prima Royale, Jerusalem
8:30-10:00 Take part in a Torah study session at the Conservative Yeshiva. Visit Ancient Jerusalem Model and the Shrine of the Book at the newly reopened Israel Museum, including a special VIP tour and study session with Dr. Adolfo Roitman (10:30-12:00) Tour the new Judaica exhibit at the Israel Museum with our guide. First time visitors: Visit the new state-of-the-art Memorial Museum, Children’s Memorial, the newer exhibits and the Valley of the Communities at Yad Vashem. Repeat Israel travelers: Remain at the Israel Museum to tour the archeology and art wings; free time for shopping. Everybody together: Farewell dinner at Olive and Fish Restaurant (meat)
Overnight: Prima Royale, Jerusalem
Morning departure for Ben Gurion Airport Return to USA - Begin planning your next Israel trip with Rabbi Kogan and ITC Tours!
Optional Eilat/Petra Extension: 8 - 11 November 2010
Transfer to Tel Aviv for domestic flight to Eilat Spend the day at leisure sampling the delights of Eilat, including beautiful beaches, your hotel’s pool and spa facilities, water-skiing, paddle boats, wind-surfing, banana boats, snorkeling, a swim with the dolphins, or scuba- and “snuba”-diving to get up close and personal with Red Sea coral and fish (extra charges apply for some of these activities)
Overnight: Dan Panorama Hotel, Eilat
Day at leisure in Eilat - Optional excursion: 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 (not included in tour price)
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
Morning departure for domestic flight to Tel Aviv
Board trans-Atlantic flight to USA
Itinerary Subject to Change |
