Sunday, August 19 – Depart USA
Monday, Aug 20 – When You Come Into the Land (Deut. 26:1)
Early morning arrival in Israel, to be met and assisted at Ben Gurion
Airport by your ITC representative Stop at Tel Azeka and stand on
the cliffs where the Philistines camped during the battle between David
and Goliath. Gaze down over the battleground and review the biblical
story on site. 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 Welcome dinner at Ima’s (Kurdish)
Overnight: Dan Panorama Hotel, Jerusalem
Tuesday, August 21 – Jerusalem of Old
Take in a rooftop view of Jerusalem’s four colorful quarters
Travel through many centuries as you walk through the Jewish
Quarter, including entrance to the Herodian Mansion, an excavated
2000-year-old luxury home and the Burnt House, to experience a moving
presentation about the destruction of Jerusalem and the Second
Temple. Explore the Southern Wall Excavations and learn more about
the ancient Jerusalem Temple at the Davidson Center. Stop for prayer
and reflection at the Kotel. In the Kotel Tunnels, walk alongside the
massive foundation stones of the Western Wall. Visit the recently renovated
Israel Museum, including the Shrine of the Book; the Second
Temple Model of Jerusalem; Judaica, art, and archeology exhibits;
children’s wing; free time for dinner (on one’s own) at one of the museum’s
eateries. Overnight: Dan Panorama Hotel, Jerusalem
Wednesday, August 22 – Those Who Sacrificed
Take part in a Torah study session at the Conservative Yeshiva with
Dr. Joshua Kulp. VIP visit to the Knesset (arranged by Rabbi Buechler)
Group may split: Visit the Holocaust Memorial Museum (age 12 and up
only) and the Children’s Memorial at Yad Vashem OR At the Jerusalem
Biblical Zoo, enjoy meeting the animals that roamed this land during
Bible times (accompanied by adult/s; not included in tour price)
Enjoy a special multi-media presentation about the life, dreams, and
accomplishments of the Father of Modern Zionism at the Herzl Exhibit
Evening: Attend The Night Spectacular, the fabulous new sound and
light show at the Tower of David Museum, with free time for dinner
(on one’s own) nearby at the new Mamilla Mall
Overnight: Dan Panorama Hotel, Jerusalem
Thursday, August 23 – Freedom Fighters or Fanatics?
Early morning departure for the Dead Sea Region
Ascend Masada by cable car. Take part in a moving Bar/Bat Mitzvah
ceremony atop this ancient fortress; tour the magnificent excavation
and discuss the terrible dilemma faced by its Jewish population during
Roman times. Stop for optional camel rides near the Dead Sea (not
included in tour price) Enjoy a walk through the beautiful Ein Gedi
Nature Reserve to the waterfall and review the biblical story of kings
David and Saul “on site” Stop for a dip in the amazing Dead Sea
Evening: Parents’ night out in Jerusalem; children/teens will go out for
pizza and a stroll on Ben Yehuda (accompanied by two counselors - or
more, depending on size of group; dinner cost not included in tour
price) Overnight: Dan Panorama Hotel, Jerusalem
Friday, August 24 – Digging Israel
Group may split: At the “Dig for a
Day” program at Beit Guvrin, uncover actual artifacts as you participate
in an ongoing archeological dig. Spelunking (cave crawling) also
available for the adventurous OR Explore the impressive excavation of
ancient Beit Guvrin, including fascinating burial caves, underground
dwellings, and an amphitheatre. Return to Jerusalem. Walk through
colorful, bustling Machaneh Yehuda open-air market, as Jerusalem prepares
for Shabbat. Kabbalat Shabbat at a synagogue of your choice
(suggestions, walking instructions to be provided) Shabbat dinner at the
hotel. O/N: Dan Panorama Hotel, Jerusalem
Shabbat, August 25 – Shabbat in Jerusalem - Parashat Shoftim
Shabbat morning services at a choice of neighborhood synagogues
Sumptuous Shabbat lunch buffet at the hotel. Shabbat walking tour with
Rabbi Buechler through fascinating Jerusalem neighborhoods. Havdalah
with Rabbi Buechler followed by a free evening in Jerusalem.
Overnight: Dan Panorama Hotel, Jerusalem
Sunday, August 26 – In the Footsteps of Vinters and Mystics
Travel to Israel’s north. Enjoy a tour and tasting at the lovely Tishbi
Winery in Zichron Ya’akov. Walk through the fascinating, underground
Roman water system that once fed ancient Caesaria at Alona Park near
Binyamina (strap-on water shoes, flashlight, small towel needed)
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
Dinner at the hotel. Overnight: Kibbutz HaGoshrim Hotel
Monday, August 27 – The Galilee and the Golan Heights
Optional: Glide down the Jordan River in a kayak or raft (age 6 and up
only) Take a lovely nature walk through the lush forests and streams of
the Banyas/Tel Dan Nature Reserve. Ascend the Golan Heights and stop
to gaze down over the Hula Valley as the Syrians once did
Enjoy tasting the produce of the region at a Golan Heights microbrewery.
Ascend to the peak of Har Bental, where you can enter army
bunkers and take in a panoramic view at the crossroads of three countries;
discuss the significance of the Golan Height in today’s geo-political
reality. Travel back to the time of the Talmud as you visit the excavated
Talmudic Village in Katzrin, including an amusing and informative film
presentation about the famous tanur shel achani story from the Talmud.
Visit the charming little artist village at Moshav Aniam on the Golan
Heights followed by dinner there at the lovely Suzanna Bistro
Overnight: Kibbutz HaGoshrim Hotel
Tuesday, August 28 – Layers of History
In Atlit walk through the
detention camp that held Holocaust refugees denied entry into Eretz
Yisrael by the British; see the incredible, newly arrived “illegal immigration”
boat with its wonderful a/v presentation about heroic pre-State
immigration. See ancient history come to life at the multi-media center
against the backdrop of ancient Caesaria. Excavations include an impressive
amphitheatre and aqueduct. Browse through unique craft items in
Nahalat Binyamin’s colorful, open-air market and enjoy seeing modern Tel
Aviv in action. Hotel check-in. Evening: Enjoy dinner at Blackout in Old
Jaffa, served by blind waiters who will teach you how to negotiate a
completely dark world during your meal, followed by Na Laga’at, a unique
play performed by actors who are both deaf and blind. Overnight:
Carlton Hotel, Tel Aviv
Wednesday, August 29 – Into the Desert
Travel to Beersheva, the
capital of the Negev. Visit the fascinating Jo Alon Museum of Bedouin
Culture near Lahav for an in-depth introduction to this desert culture
and some Bedouin hospitality. At Moshav Nevatim, home to Cochini Jews,
see their impressive synagogue, brought over from India, and learn about
their culture. Gaze out over a breathtaking Negev Desert landscape
from the site of Ben Gurion’s grave. Dinner at leisure in Tel Aviv
Overnight: Carlton Hotel, Tel Aviv
Thursday, August 30 – Foundations of the Modern State
At Independence Hall, relive Ben Gurion’s moving declaration of the
State; discuss whether it seems that the vision of Israel’s founding
fathers – articulated in the Scroll of Independence – have come to
fruition. Enjoy an impressive presentation of the amazing achievements
of the Palmach at the recently opened multi-media Palmach Museum (if
available; age 6 and up) Free time for a swim, final packing followed by
late check-out. Farewell dinner at Badolino in the Tel Aviv Port
Depart for the airport
Friday, August 31 – A Temporary Departure Arrive back in USA
Itinerary Subject to Change
Itinerary
