2012
Day 1, Monday - Israel Pilgrims
Flights can be arranged by ITC, not included in land tour cost.
Day 2, Tuesday - When You Come Into the Land (Deut. 26:1)
Arrive in Israel:
Hotel transfer arranged by ITC. Hotel check-in with time to relax
before this evening’s delicious dinner, at the hotel.
Overnight:
David Citadel Hotel, Jerusalem
Day 3, Wednesday - Jerusalem of Old
The Journey Begins:
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, and experience the Kotel (Western
Wall) with time for prayer and reflection. 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. Meet the Rabbi & Kurdish Dinner:
Meet with the Rabbi at the hotel in preparation for tomorrow’s exciting Bar/Bat Mitzvah service.
Group dinner at Ima’s Kurdish restaurant.
Overnight:
David Citadel Hotel, Jerusalem
Day 4, Thursday - Freedom Fighters or Fanatics?
Masada & Ceremony:
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 meaningful
and spiritual Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony.
Dead Sea Resort:
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
celebratory dinner in Abraham’s Tent.
Overnight:
David Citadel Hotel, Jerusalem
Day 5, Friday - Those Who Made a Difference
Memories & Heroes:
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.
Yad Vashem:
Visit the unforgettable Memorial Museum and Children’s Memorial at Yad Vashem (age 12 and over only);
optional Biblical Zoo visit for younger children (must be accompanied by an adult, not included in tour price).
Machaneh Yehuda & Shabbat Welcome:
Visit the colorful, bustling Machaneh Yehuda open-air market as Jerusalem prepares
for Shabbat. An experience that will live on in your memory for years to come as
we join together in the Old City of Jerusalem, and walk to the Kotel (Western Wall)to join the thousands
gathering there. As a group enjoy Home Hospitality with a delicious Shabbat dinner in the home
of a Jerusalem family, accompanied by a program of Sabbath blessings, stories and songs.
Overnight:
David Citadel, Jerusalem
Day 6, Shabbat - Shabbat in Jerusalem
The Tower of David, a Walking Tour & a Night on the Town:
Explore the wonderful fortress that houses the Jerusalem Museum at the Tower of David
to learn about the history of Jerusalem throughout the ages. Guided 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:
David Citadel, Jerusalem
Day 7, Sunday - Northern Journey
At the “Dig for a Day” program at Beit Guvrin, have a hands-on archeological experience as you uncover actual artifacts while taking part in an ongoing dig; “cave crawl” also available for the adventurous
Travel north to Israel's Galilee Region
Visit the magnificently excavated ancient city of Tzippori ; discover the ancient beauty and evidence of a community in which Jews and Romans coexisted peacefully
Enjoy a Lake Kinneret boat ride followed by a delicious lakeshore dinner at Decks Restaurant
Overnight:
Kibbutz Lavi, Galilee
Day 8, Monday - In the Footsteps of the Kabbalah
The Mysteries of Tzefat & Kabbalistic Art:
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.
Kayak Down the Jordan, a Golan Jeep Ride & Kumsitz:
Enjoy gliding down the Jordan River in a kayak. Head off the beaten track for an exciting jeep ride through
the Golan Heights. Dinner and night program at the kibbutz with Israeli Kumsitz - bonfire.
Overnight:
Kibbutz Lavi, Galilee
Day 9, Tuesday - Many Layers of History
Caesarian Excavations & Kibbutz Pioneers:
See ancient history come to life at the multi-media center against the backdrop
of ancient Caesaria. Excavations include the impressive amphitheatre and aqueduct. At Kibbutz
Ein Shemer, enjoy hands-on group activities that simulate the life of Israel’s early kibbutz pioneers.
Enjoying Tel Aviv:
Travel south to Tel Aviv, and enjoy the colorful Nahalat Binyamin crafts market
or take time for a Mediterranean Swim. Free evening in Tel Aviv.
Overnight:
Carlton Hotel, Tel Aviv
Day 10, Wednesday - Foundations of the Modern State
The Road to Independence:
Visit the Ayalon Institute, climb down into the amazing underground, pre-State bullet factory
built by the Haganah under the noses of the British. At Independence Hall, relive Ben Gurion’s
moving declaration of the State.
Farewell Bar/Bat Mitzvah Dinner Party:
Enjoy some free time at the beach before celebrating together at the Farewell Bar and bat Mitzvah Dinner
Party at the hotel. Those on the 11-day tour depart for the airport – the memories stay with you forever!
Overnight:
Carlton Hotel, Tel Aviv
OPTIONAL EILAT EXTENSION
Day 11, Thursday - Eilat Adventure
Flight to Eilat, Underwater Coral Reef Observatory & a Swim
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 an ITC representative and transferred to
your Hotel. Enjoy a special visit to Eilat’s Underwater Observatory, one of the largest seaquariums in
the world, built into a gorgeous coral reef. Free time for a swim at your hotel’s beautiful beach or pool.
Overnight:
Royal Beach Hotel, Eilat
Day 12, Friday, The Red Sea
Luxury Yacht Cruise, Lunch, Snorkeling & More:
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. Enjoy Shabbat dinner at the hotel.
Overnight:
Royal Beach Hotel, Eilat
Day 13, Shabbat in Eilat (w/ Optional Petra Day Tour)
Relax at the Beach or Adventure in Petra
Enjoy a day & evening at leisure on Eilat’s gorgeous beaches, or partake in an optional Petra
excursion (not included in tour price). Our Petra excursion is an early departure from 7am to approximately
6pm. This extension requires preregistration in order to secure your Jordanian visa in advance.
Overnight:
Royal Beach Hotel, Eilat
Day 14, Sunday, Sun and Fun
Sample the Delights of Eilat:
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).
Departure:
Early afternoon hotel check-out for flight to Tel Aviv. Depart for Ben Gurion Airport
for your late night international flight to the USA.
Day 15, Monday, A Temporary Departure
Return to USA
Begin planning your next Israel trip with ITC Tours |
