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Day 1, Monday - Israel Pilgrims
El Al flight to Israel
Day 2, Tuesday - When You Come Into the Land (Deut. 26:1)
Arrive in Israel -group meeting and transfer to Jerusalem.
For individual arrivals (hotel transfer can be arranged by ITC; not included in tour cost)
Hotel check-in with time to relax before this evening's delicious dinner
Welcome dinner at the hotel
Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 3, Wednesday - Jerusalem of Old
The day begins with a drive along the pre-1967 border of Jerusalem, continuing to the historic Mt. Scopus
Enter the Old City of Jerusalem via the Zion Gate
Experience time for prayer and reflection at the Kotel (Western Wall)
Explore the Southern Wall Excavations and take a virtual, computerized "walk" through the Jerusalem Temple at the Davidson Center
In the Kotel Tunnels, walk alongside the Western Wall's massive foundation stones
Travel through time at the lively Jerusalem Time Elevator multi-media production for an colorful overview of Jerusalem history
Meet with the rabbi at the hotel in preparation for tomorrow's Bar/Bat Mitzvah service
Group dinner at Ima's Kurdish restaurant
Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 4, Thursday - Freedom Fighters or Fanatics?
Early departure for the ascent by cable car to the mountain fortress of Masada for a tour of this amazing excavation and a discussion of the terrible dilemma faced by its Jewish population during Roman times. Join together in Masada's ancient synagogue for a compelling Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony
Spend some time today at a Dead Sea resort hotel, enjoying its spa facilities, lunch, and the amazing Dead Sea
Enjoy a camel trek through the Judean Desert and biblical hospitality with a delicious dinner in Abraham's Tent
Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 5, Friday - Those Who Made a Difference
Plant a tree in Israeli soil, in honor or in memory of a loved one
At the Har Herzl Military Cemetery honor the memory of Israel's fallen heroes, who have given their lives to establish a secure Jewish homeland. We'll visit the resting places of Theodore Herzl, Golda Meir, and Yitzhak Rabin
Visit the unforgettable Memorial Museum (age 12 and over only) and Children's Memorial at Yad Vashem; optional alternative tour possible for younger children (not included)
Visit the colorful, bustling Machaneh Yehuda open-air market as Jerusalem prepares for Shabbat
Our preparation for Shabbat takes us to the Kotel for a short Shabbat welcome experience that will live on in your memory for years to come
We share in a delicious Shabbat dinner at the hotel
Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 6, Shabbat - Shabbat in Jerusalem
Explore the wonderful fortress that houses the Jerusalem Museum at the Tower of David to learn about the history of Jerusalem throughout the ages.
Walking tour through the colorful quarters of Jerusalem's Old City
Afternoon at leisure for Shabbat rest or time to visit with family and friends
Free evening "out on the town" in Jerusalem
Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 7, Sunday - Northern Journey
Stumble across many authentic archeological finds in a hands-on dig through archeological matter from under the Temple Mount
Depart for our trip to Israel's north
Travel to Israel's north and stop for a breathtaking overview of the Sea of Galilee
Tour the remarkable excavation of the ancient Roman city of Beit Shean, including a magnificent Cardo, Roman baths, many residences, and amphitheater
Enjoy a Lake Kinneret boat ride followed by a delicious lakeshore dinner at Decks Restaurant
Overnight: Kibbutz Hagoshrim, Galilee
Day 8, Monday - In the Footsteps of the Kabbalah
Tour the synagogues, courtyards, and shops of the mystical city of Tzefat
Enjoy gliding down the Jordan River in a kayak
Take an exciting jeep ride through the Golan, off the beaten track
Dinner at the Hotel
Night tour at the kibbutz to the "Valley of the Hidden River"
Overnight: Kibbutz Hagoshrim, Galilee
Day 9, Tuesday - Many Layers of History
See ancient history come to life at the multi-media center against the backdrop of ancient Caesaria. Excavations include an impressive amphitheater and aqueduct
At Kibbutz Ein Shemer, enjoy hands-on group activities that simulate the life of Israel's early kibbutz pioneers
Travel south, to Tel Aviv, and enjoy the colorful Nahalat Binyamin crafts market (optional excursion)
Check-in and Mediterranean Swim
Free evening in Tel Aviv
Overnight: Tel Aviv
Day 10, Wednesday - Foundations of the Modern State
Climb down into the amazing underground, pre-State bullet factory built by the Haganah under the noses of the British at the Ayalon Institute
At Independence Hall, relive Ben Gurion's moving declaration of the State
Enjoy some free time at the beach
Enjoy a farewell dinner party at the hotel with Bar/Bat Mitzvah cake
Those on the 11-day tour depart for the airport - the memories stay with you forever!
Overnight: Tel Aviv (for those doing the Eilat extension)
OPTIONAL EILAT EXTENSION
Day 11, Thursday - Eilat
After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Tel Aviv and transfer to Tel Aviv Airport for your domestic flight to Eilat.
After landing at Eilat Airport you will be met by ITC representative and transferred to your Hotel.
Hotel check-in |
Enjoy a special visit to Eilat's Underwater Observatory, one of the largest sea aquariums in the world, built into a gorgeous coral reef (transfers included)
Free time for a swim at your hotel's beautiful beach or pool
Overnight: Eilat
Day 12, Friday, The Red Sea
Board a luxury touring yacht 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. This cruise will take you sailing along the Jordanian border with Israel, and then southwards to the Taba border with Egypt. A barbeque lunch is served on deck, accompanied by a variety of Mediterranean salads, rice, fresh bread, wine, and fruit juice. The ship then moors at Eilat's southernmost beach, where you will have time for swimming and snorkeling - or for a real treat, order water sports or, an introductory guided scuba dive at a minimal extra cost.
Prepare for Shabbat
Shabbat dinner at the hotel
Overnight: Eilat
Day 13, Shabbat, Shabbat in Eilat
Enjoy a day & evening at leisure on Eilat's gorgeous beaches
Or- Petra excursion -visit the Nabetean city (extra charge)
Our Petra excursion is from 7am to the evening. You need to apply for this extension in order to book your trip to Petra. We will secure your Jordanian visas
Overnight: Eilat
Day 14, Sunday, Sun and Fun
Morning at leisure to sample the delights of Eilat, including water-skiing, paddle boats, wind-surfing, banana boats, or even a swim with the dolphins (extra charges may apply for some of these activities)
Early afternoon hotel check-out for flight to Tel Aviv
Depart for Ben Gurion Airport for your international flight to the USA
Day 15, Monday, A Temporary Departure
Return to USA
Begin planning your next Israel trip with ITC Tours |
