Sunday, 24 June – Depart USA
Monday, 25 June – 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. At the Latrun IDF Armored Corps
center, review (or climb on) the tanks and learn about battles fought
there for the road to Jerusalem. Ascent to Jerusalem
Gaze upon the Old City of Jerusalem from the Mount Scopus; take in
the breathtaking view. Hotel check-in. Welcome dinner at Little Italy.
Overnight: Dan Panorama Hotel, Jerusalem
Tuesday, 26 June – Ancient Roots
Take part in a Torah study session on the subject of Jerusalem at the
Conservative Yeshiva with Dr. Joshua Kulp. Go way back in time to King
David’s Jerusalem in David’s City and enjoy sloshing through Hezekiah’s
water tunnel (strap-on water shoes and flashlights needed) Visit the
Robinson’s Arch area at the Southern Wall Excavations
Stop for prayer and reflection at the Kotel. At Yad Sarah, a facility
that provides free medical supplies for those in need, assist volunteers
in a hands-on activity constructing walkers for patients 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, 27 June – Those Who Sacrificed
Tour the architecturally unique Israeli Supreme Court building and focus
on Israel’s justice system. Group may split: Visit the Holocaust
Memorial Museum (age 12 and up only) and the Children’s Memorial at
Yad Vashem OR Take part in a ecological workshop and bird ringing
session at the Jerusalem Bird Observatory. 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. Enjoy a tour of the special
“West Bank” community of Tekoa and home hospitality for coffee and
cake with a Tekoa family. Free time for dinner (on one’s own) Evening:
Attend The Night Spectacular, the fabulous new sound and light show
at the Tower of David Museum O/N: Dan Panorama Hotel, Jerusalem
Thursday, 28 June – 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. Visit
the new Masada Museum. Enjoy a walk through the beautiful Ein Gedi
Nature Reserve and review the biblical story of kings David and Saul
“on site” Stop for optional camel rides near the Dead Sea (not included
in tour price) 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, 29 June – Digging Israel
Stumble across many archeological
finds as you take part in a hands-on dig through archeological matter
that has been removed, amid controversy, from under the Temple
Mount. At Ammunition Hill, see a terrific new audio-video presentation
about the fierce Six Day War battle for Jerusalem; enter former
Jordanian bunkers. Walk through colorful, bustling Machaneh Yehuda
open-air market, as Jerusalem prepares for Shabbat
Return to Jerusalem to prepare for Shabbat. Kabbalat Shabbat at a
synagogue of your choice (suggestions, walking instructions to be provided)
Shabbat dinner at the hotel O/NDan Panorama Hotel, Jerusalem
Shabbat, 30 June – Shabbat in Jerusalem - Parashat Hukkat
Shabbat morning services at a choice of neighborhood synagogues
Sumptuous Shabbat lunch buffet at the hotel. Shabbat walking tour to
the Tower of David Museum for a wonderful presentation of the history
of the city; continue to walk through the four colorful quarters of
the Old City. Havdalah with Rabbi Buechler followed by a free evening
in Jerusalem. O/N: Dan Panorama Hotel, Jerusalem
Sunday, 1 July – In the Footsteps of Ancients and Mystics
Travel north along Israel’s border with Jordan. Stop at the ancient
Beit Alpha Synagogue to examine its striking mosaic floor; enjoy a
short, amusing film about plans to renovate this ancient synagogue two
millennia ago. Explore Belvoir Castle, a beautifully restored Crusader
fortress; hear the amazing story of its conquest by Saladin; take in a
magnificent view of the Jordanian Gilead Mountains. Tour the synagogues,
courtyards, and shops of the mystical city of Tzefat. Enjoy a
glass-blowing demonstration with a Tzefat artist in her studio; hear
how she connects the spiritual to the physical through her art. Dinner
at the hotel. Overnight: Kibbutz Hagoshrim Hotel
Monday, 2 July – The Hula Valley and the Golan Heights
Take an early morning jeep tour, departing from the kibutz
Ascend the Golan Heights and stop to gaze down over the Hula Valley
as the Syrians once did. At Kibbutz El Rom, see original footage from
the brave Valley of Tears Kahalani battle, which secured the Golan
Heights during the Yom Kippur War. Enjoy a tour, tasting, and a
chocolate-making workshop at the delicious chocolate factory at
Kibbutz Ein Zivan, run by immigrants from Argentina Taste the fruits
of the region in the form of award-winning wines at the Golan Winery.
Enjoy a Kinneret boat ride followed by a delicious lakeside dinner at
Decks. Overnight: Kibbutz Hagoshrim Hotel
Tuesday, 3 July – Layers of History
Take part in “Forester for a
Day,” a JNF project, as you spend the morning helping restore the
Carmel Forest after its devastating fire. Meet a member of Israel’s
Druze community in Issufia, hear about their fierce patriotism and
enjoy their warm hospitality See ancient history come to life at the
multi-media center against the backdrop of ancient Caesaria.
Excavations include an impressive amphitheatre and aqueduct. Hotel
check-in. Evening: Enjoy dinner at Café Kapish in Old Jaffa, 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: Carlton Hotel, Tel Aviv
Wednesday, 4 July – The Culture of Zionism - Happy July 4th!
At Independence Hall, relive Ben Gurion’s moving declaration of the
State. Group may split: 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 only) OR Visit the Eretz
Yisrael Museum for a colorful, tactile encounter with local life and culture
in this region during earlier historical periods. Visit the new Rabin
Center for a high-tech presentation on the history of the State of
Israel and the life of this special leader. Free time for a late afternoon
Mediterranean swim. Dinner at leisure. ON Carlton Hotel, Tel Aviv
Thursday, 5 July – Foundations of the Modern State
Group may split: At Weitzman Institute in Rehovot learn of the
impressive accomplishments of Israel’s top science university and then
walk through the superbly appointed Weitzman family mansion to enjoy
its fine design and architecture. Tour the amazing underground, pre-
State bullet factory built by the Haganah under the noses of the
British at the Ayalon Institute. 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. Free time for a
swim, final packing followed by late check-out. Farewell dinner at
Maganda (Yemenite) Depart for the airport
Friday, 6 July – A Temporary Departure Arrive back in USA
Begin planning your next Israel trip with Rabbi Buechler and ITC Tours!
Itinerary Subject to Change
With Rabbi Howard Buechler
Dix Hills Jewish Center
July 6, 2012: Friday
Arrive to Rome from Tel-Aviv early morning and transfer to your
hotel after lunch (at La Taverna del Ghetto) we will meet and have an afternoon trip
of the Jewish Vatican... Return to hotel to freshen up and get ready for Shabbat
Services at the Great Synagogue follow by Dinner at the hotel provided by Kosher
Catering. Overnight in Rome at Cosmopolita Hotel
July 7, 2012:
Saturday
Today is Saturday, after breakfast, we will have services at the Great Synagogue,
After service we will take a short walk to Palazzo Spada and its optical illusion, Campo de Fiori and the market.
Return to hotel for Lunch Afternoon: At Leisure
After Shabbat get ready for dinner at Yotvata (chalavi) in the Ghetto.
Later in the evening we will take a night tour of the panoramic views of magnificent
Rome at night; The tour starts from Via Veneto, the street of 'La Dolce Vita' fame, and continues to Piazza Barberini with
the Triton Fountain by Bernini. Then on to Piazza Venezia with the Victor Emanuel Monument. We also see Via dei Fori
Imperiali, the Coliseum, the Arch of Constantine, the Palatine, the Temple of Vesta, the Theatre of Marcello, the Capitol,
Tiberine Island, the Synagogue, Castel St. Angelo, and St. Peter's Square and Basilica. During this panoramic visit of the city
your guide will also take you to visit the famous Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona, Return to your hotel for overnight in
Rome, Overnight at Cosmopolita Hotel.
July 8, 2011:
Sunday
After the Jewish Ghetto. Roman Jews have been living in this neighborhood for
22 centuries, giving birth to the only Jewish community to be present always in
the same place before the Diaspora. We will visit the Jewish Museum, The
magnificent Synagogue, and the Ghetto. We’ll have the chance to meet other
Jews, who consider Ghetto as a meeting point. The guide will teach you how to
speak Judaic Romanesco and how to recognize roman Jewish last names. Lunch on
your own. After lunch we will take some walking tours, Palatine hill, Coliseum, the
Arch of Titus, the Forum. Roman Forum and Titus Arch
The Arch of Titus (Arcus Titi) is a triumphal arch that commemorates the victory of the emperors Vespasian and Titus in
Judea in 70 CE, which lead to the conquest of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Jewish temple there, and the triumphal
procession the two held in Rome in 71 CE. The Jews of Rome have always refused to pass under the Arch for centuries.
When the State of Israel was born, the whole of Rome run up to the Forum to pass through the Arch, then with a different
feeling. Return to your hotel and get ready for farewell Dinner at Ba’Getho restaurantReturn to your hotel for
overnight in Rome.July 9, 2012 after breakfast you’ll be transfer to the airport for your return flight to
the US.
In addition to the Israel tour price –
Rome: Land price $1495 including $225 additional air Tel Aviv
Rome Single room supplement $495 Plus tips $45
Price is based on 15 participants – price reductions at 20 – 25 etc
Prices are subject to currency fluctuation – based on UR 1.37
For information and applications please call Rabbi Buechler at (631) 499.6644 or
e-mail Rabbi at hrb7@aol.com
Itinerary
