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Morning arrival (ideally) in Prague, to be met and assisted by your ITC representative - Take in an overview of the city from the Strachov Observation Point. Visit the Hradchany Castle, made famous by the Franz Kafka novel. Visit the unique library, first established in the 12th century. Walk along the Charles Bridge, with its unique medieval sculptures and charming local color Hotel check-in, rest, and dinner Overnight: President Hotel, Prague Friday, August 20 - Prague's Rich Jewish Heritage Spend the morning in Prague's Jewish Quarter seeing the many Judaica artifacts, saved from Nazi plunder, that are housed in the synagogues that make up the Jewish Museum: Althneushul, Maisel, Pinkas, Klaus, and Spanish synagogues. Walk through the unique Old Jewish Cemetery. Proceed to the Old Town Square to see its medieval City Hall Tower and astronomical clock; take some time to browse its many shops. Kabbalat Shabbat with the Prague Masorti Congregation. Shabbat dinner at the kosher restaurant, to be joined by (Masorti) Rabbi Ron Hoffberg and some members of his congregation.
Overnight: President Hotel, Prague
Breakfast at the hotel. Shabbat services at the Jerusalemska Synagogue. Shabbat lunch at the Jewish Community Center Afternoon walking tour of Kafka's Prague. Free evening to enjoy Prague nightlife (possibilities include: Black Theatre, Latera Magica, concerts, pubs)
Overnight: Christie or President Hotel, Prague
Travel to Terezin to visit what the Nazis called the "Model Concentration Camp" Tour the fortress and the recently discovered Holocaust era secret synagogue of the Danish Jews (if available) Return to Prague for some free time this afternoon. Dinner at a vegetarian restaurant Depart for the airport for late evening overnight flight to Israel
Overnight: In flight
Early morning arrival in Israel at Ben Gurion Airport, to be met and assisted by your ITC representative. Proceed to Tel Aviv for early check-in, rest, swim, and late breakfast at the hotel. Late morning departure for touring. Tour the Negev community of Sderot, including an overview into Gaza; meet there with community leaders to discuss their experiences during the war and its aftermath Enjoy lunch in the dining room of Kibbutz Alumim, near Sderot Tour in Old Jaffa, once the gateway to the Land of Israel Return to Tel Aviv for a free afternoon/evening with option of a visit to Independence Hall for first time visitors to Israel
Overnight: Carlton Hotel, Tel Aviv
Please choose three of the following site visits for the group: Enjoy an impressive presentation of the amazing achievements of the Palmach at the multi-media Palmach Museum (if available; age 5 and up only) In Atlit walk through the detention camp that held Holocaust refugees denied entry into Eretz Yisrael by the British View the spectacular Bahai Gardens in Haifa and learn a bit about the Bahai faith and its utopian vision Visit historic Acco, a city of three religions, including 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 British prison, where Jewish freedom fighters were incarcerated (number of stops depends on time available) - Play a family scavenger hunt game (ITC program) in the Tunisian Synagogue in Acco, which is completely decorated with mosaics depicting stories from Jewish history and traditional. Take the cable car to the mesmerizing ocean grottos of Rosh Hanikra, at Israel's border with Lebanon Arrive in Tiberias and enjoy dinner at Decks.
Overnight: Leonardo Tiberias (formely Sheraton Moriah) Hotel, Tiberias
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. Travel to the Golan Heights, and stop to gaze down over the Galilee as the Syrians once did. Tour Gamla, called the "Masada of the North" Taste the fruits of the region in the form of award-winning wines at the Golan Winery. Travel south for the ascent to Jerusalem Hotel check-in followed for free time for dinner
Overnight: Jerusalem David Citadel Hotel
Bar/Bat Mitzvah service at Robinson's Arch, the "Masorti Kotel" Explore the Southern Wall Excavations. Visit Rachel's Tomb for prayer and reflection. Visit the site of the ancient fortress of Herodian, built by Herod and used by Jewish fighting forces throughout the ages; also the site of an ancient synagogue and King Herod's newly discovered tomb. Evening: Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebratory dinner party with musical entertainment at the hotel
Overnight: Jerusalem David Citadel Hotel
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. Visit the Menahem Begin Heritage Center for a highly moving and informative presentation on the life of this inspiring leader. Free afternoon for shopping as Jerusalem prepares for Shabbat. Kabbalat Shabbat at a synagogue of your choice (suggestions, walking directions to be provided)
Delicious Shabbat dinner at the hotel -Overnight: Jerusalem
Shabbat services at a choice of neighborhood synagogues Sumptuous Shabbat lunch buffet at the hotel. Shabbat afternoon walking tour through fascinating neighborhoods near our hotel Havdalah followed by a free evening in Jerusalem
Overnight: Jerusalem David Citadel Hotel
In the Kotel Tunnels, walk alongside the massive foundation stones of the Western Wall. Visit the new Shrine of the Book and the Second Temple Model of Jerusalem at the Israel Museum At Ammunition Hill, see former Jordanian bunkers and a terrific new audio-video presentation; learn about the fierce Six Day War battle for Jerusalem that took place here. Enjoy a walk through the beautiful Ein Gedi Nature Reserve and review the biblical story of kings David and Saul "on site" Dinner at hotel
Overnight: Isrotel, Dead Sea
Early departure to ascend Masada by cable car or the snake path. Tour this amazing excavation and discuss the terrible dilemma faced by its Jewish population during Roman times. Return to the hotel to relax at the spa, pool, Dead Sea. Late check-out from the hotel Early evening: Return to Jerusalem for a delicious farewell dinner at La Boca Restaurant (Argentinian)
Depart for Ben Gurion Airport for overnight flight
Begin planning your next Israel trip with Rabbi Spector, and ITC Tours!
Itinerary Subject to Change |
