Monday, 31 October - USA Departure
Tuesday, 1 November - When You Come Into the Land (Deut
26:1)
Arrive at Ben Gurion International Airport to be met and
assisted by your ITC representative. Transfer to the modern
Hebrew city of Tel Aviv for hotel check-in. Welcome dinner at
Maganda. Overnight: Carlton Hotel, Tel Aviv
Wednesday, 2 November - Israel Then and Now
Take part in a fascinating "Tolerance" walking tour of Old Jaffa,
conducted by Beit Daniel and led by both Arab and Jewish guides
working together. At Independence Hall, relive Ben Gurion's moving
declaration of the State. Enjoy an impressive presentation of the
amazing achievements of the Palmach at the multi-media Palmach
Museum (if available) OR Guided visit to the Rubin Museum to view
the stirring paintings of this signature Israeli artist
Free evening in the Tel Aviv Port O/N: Carlton Hotel, Tel Aviv
Thursday, 3 November - Foundations of the Modern State
Group may split: Visit the Diamond Exchange in Tel Aviv OR Take
a White City Architecture tour. Visit the Bat Yam School, with
which Kehillat Ma'arav has a relationship. Climb down into the
amazing underground, pre-State bullet factory built by the
Haganah under the noses of the British at the Ayalon Institute
Ascent to Jerusalem, with a breathtaking overview of the Old City
from Mount Scopus. Visit the Masorti synagogue at French Hill
and meet with Rabbi Chaya Baker. Evening: Attend The Night
Spectacular, the fabulous new sound and light show at the Tower
of David Museum, with free time for dinner
Overnight: Inbal Hotel, Jerusalem
Friday, 4 November - Freedom Fighters or Fanatics?
Ascend Masada by cable car. Tour this impressive excavation and
discuss the terrible dilemma faced by its Jewish population during
Roman times. 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 and mud baths at Mineral
Beach on the amazing Dead Sea. Return to Jerusalem to prepare
for Shabbat. Kabbalat Shabbat at Robinson's Arch
Shabbat dinner at the hotel with a speaker from the Masorti
Movement in Israel. Overnight: Inbal Hotel, Jerusalem
Shabbat, 5 November - Shabbat in Jerusalem
Shabbat services at the synagogue of your choice (suggestions,
directions to be provided) Sumptuous Shabbat lunch buffet at the
hotel. Shabbat afternoon walking tour into the Old City
Havdalah with Rabbi Gotlieb. Free evening in Jerusalem
Overnight: Inbal Hotel, Jerusalem
Sunday, 6 November - Jerusalem Old and New
Group may split: In the Kotel Tunnels, walk alongside the massive
foundation stones of the Western Wall (local guide) OR Take a
walking tour through the Jewish Quarter, including entrance to the
Hurva Synagogue. Group may split: Visit the new state-of-the-art
Memorial Museum and Children's Memorial at Yad Vashem OR
Explore the Yad Vashem campus off the beaten track, including
the Valley of the Communities, outdoor sculptures, Avenue of the
Righteous Gentiles, Holocaust toys exhibit. Take in a truly enjoyable
multi-media presentation about the life of the Father of
Modern Zionism at the Herzl Exhibit (if available) OR At
Ammunition Hill, enter former Jordanian bunkers, and see a moving
film about the soldiers who fought here or a terrific new audiovideo
presentation about the Six Day War battle for Jerusalem
Admire the beautiful Chagall Windows at Hadassah Hospital (time permitting) Group dinner at Olive and Fish (meat)
Overnight: Inbal Hotel, Jerusalem
Monday, 7 November - In the Footsteps of Financiers and Mystics
Travel north along Israel's border with Jordan
In Tiberias, visit Dona Gracia House to become acquainted with
the fascinating life of this 16th century Jewish heroine and
Tiberias financial leader via dramatic story-telling and an opportunity
to pose for photos in period clothing. Tour the synagogues,
courtyards, and shops of the mystical city of Tzefat. Please
choose one for the group: Meet with a Tzefat kabbalistic artist in
his gallery to explore Jewish mysticism through the prism of his
creations OR Enjoy a tour and wine-tasting at the Dalton Winery.
Continue to the Carmel Forest for hotel check-in. Gourmet dinner
at the hotel O/N Carmel Forest Spa Hotel
Tuesday, 8 November - Pampering
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
Enjoy a tour and wine-tasting at the lovely Tishbi Winery
Return to the hotel for a gourmet lunch. Spend this afternoon
luxuriating at the spa. Late check-out for those leaving Israel
tonight. Farewell dinner at the hotel
Overnight: Carmel Forest Spa Hotel
Wednesday, 9 November - A Temporary Departure
Return to the USA. Begin planning your next Israel trip with Rabbi
Gotlieb and ITC Tours!
Eilat/Petra Extension
Wednesday, 9 November - The Delights of Eilat
Airport transfer for domestic flight to Eilat
Spend the day at leisure sampling the delights of Eilat, including
beautiful beaches, your hotel's pool and spa facilities, water-skiing,
paddle boats, wind-surfing, banana boats, snorkeling, a swim
with the dolphins, or scuba- and "snuba"-diving to get up close
and personal with Red Sea coral and fish (extra charges apply for
some of these activities) Overnight: Dan Hotel, Eilat
Thursday, 10 November - The Wonders of Petra
Early departure for Petra to explore the amazing decorated red
rock formations of the ancient Nabateans. Enter Jordan at the
Arava crossing and travel to the Red Rose City by bus (approx.
2.5 hours). Tour its treasury, the Roman theatre, and the
impressive caves and rock formations of this Nabatean City; buffet
lunch included. Overnight: Dan Hotel, Eilat
Friday, 11 November - The Red Sea
Board a luxury touring yacht at the Eilat marina 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. Shabbat dinner at the hotel. Overnight: Dan Hotel, Eilat
Shabbat, 12 November - Shabbat in Eilat
Day at leisure in Eilat with late check-out
Early evening departure on domestic flight to Tel Aviv
Board trans-Atlantic flight to USA
Sunday, 13 November - Homeward Bound
Arrive at LAX
Itinerary is Subject to Change
Itinerary
