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Morning arrival in Israel (ideally), to be met and assisted at Ben Gurion Airport by your ITC representative (today's program depends on arrival time) We begin our tour by going way back in time at Neot Kedumim, a biblical landscapes park. Proceed to the first modern Hebrew city: Tel Aviv. Explore the pathways, art galleries, and market stalls of Old Jaffa, once the gateway to Eretz Yisrael; review the biblical story of Jonah the Prophet on site. Browse through unique craft items in Nachalat Binyamin's colorful, open-air market and see modern Tel Aviv in action. Hotel check-in - Friday night services on the beach with Rabbi Moss. Shabbat dinner at the hotel
Overnight: Dan Panorama Hotel, Tel Aviv
Enjoy a day and evening at leisure to explore Tel Aviv on one's own, including free Israeli dancing on the beach; most art museums and galleries and 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 recently opened multi-media Palmach Museum (if available) Put down roots in Israeli soil as you plant a tree, in honor or in memory of a loved one. At the Latrun IDF Armored Corps center, review (or climb on) the tanks and learn about battles fought there for the road to Jerusalem. Evening: Enjoy a dairy 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
Overnight: Dan Panorama Hotel, Tel Aviv
See ancient history come to life at the multi-media center against the backdrop of ancient Caesaria. Excavations include an impressive amphitheatre and aqueduct. Meet members of Israel's Druze community in Ossafiya, shop in their colorful market, hear about their fierce patriotism, and enjoy their warm hospitality for lunch Explore the fascinating sarcophagi of Beit Shearim, where sages from the Mishna were once buried Take a panoramic bus tour of the sparkling port city of Haifa, including views of the Bahai Gardens Hotel check-in and dinner
Overnight: Dan Panorama Hotel, Haifa
Visit the Clandestine Immigration and Naval Museum in Haifa to learn the brave story of "illegal" immigration to this Land before the State of Israel was born. Take the cable car to the mesmerizing ocean grottos of Rosh Hanikra, at Israel's border with Lebanon Tour the synagogues, courtyards, and shops of the mystical city of Tzefat, including cheese-tasting at the gourmet Meiri Cheese Company, housed in a Tzefat heritage building Dinner at a Galilee restaurant
Overnight: Kibbutz Lavi Hotel, Tiberias
Travel through the Golan Heights by jeep, off the beaten track, and stop to gaze down over the Galilee as the Syrians once did; hear brave stories of the defense of the Golan and view its spectacular scenery (Shvilim) Travel south, along Israel's border with Jordan, for the ascent to Jerusalem Visit the new Holocaust Memorial Museum (age 12 and up only) and the Children's Memorial at Yad Vashem; alternative interactive tour available for younger children on site Hotel check-in, followed by a free evening in Jerusalem
Overnight: Dan Panorama Hotel, Jerusalem
Group may split: In the Kotel Tunnels, walk alongside the massive foundation stones of the Western Wall (local guide) OR Take a walking tour along the Via Dolorosa; enter the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and visit the Coptic Village and Arab Market
Please choose one for the group: Explore the Southern Wall Excavations and take a virtual, computerized "walk" through the ancient Temple Mount at the Davidson Center OR Visit Jerusalem of King David's time as you walk through the recently-excavated David's City. Stumble across many authentic archeological finds in a hands-on dig through archeological matter that has been dumped into Emek Tzurim from under the Temple Mount
Evening: Attend The Night Spectacular, the fabulous new sound and
light show at the Tower of David Museum
Overnight: Dan Panorama Hotel, Jerusalem
Early morning departure for the Dead Sea Region Group may split: Ascend Masada by cable car. Tour this magnificent excavation and discuss the terrible dilemma faced by its Jewish population during Roman times and then stop for a dip in the amazing Dead Sea OR Spend some time today at a Dead Sea resort hotel, enjoying its spa facilities, lunch, and the amazing Dead Sea (second choice not included in tour price) Enjoy a walk through the beautiful Ein Gedi Nature Reserve and review the biblical story of kings David and Saul "on site". Friday night services as a group at the hotel or overlooking the Old City. Shabbat dinner at the hotel
Overnight: Dan Panorama Hotel, Jerusalem
Optional: Shabbat morning services at the HUC Synagogue, followed
by a Kiddush
Shabbat walking tour to the Tower of David Museum for a wonderful presentation of the history of the city Walk on the Walls of the Old City for a birds-eye, rooftop view into its different neighborhoods OR Take in a rooftop view of the four quarters of the Old City of Jerusalem
Farewell dinner at a lovely Jerusalem restaurant
Overnight: Dan Panorama Hotel, Jerusalem
Depart for the airport
Arrive back in USA
Begin planning your next Israel trip with Rabbi Moss and ITC Tours!
Itinerary Subject to Change |
