BAR / BAT MITZVAH FAMILY TOUR (3)

13 Days Bar/ Bat Mitzvah Family Tour Program

Day 1 - Departure from the U.S

Day 2 - Arrival in Israel - Bruchim Haba'aim - Welcome to Israel
Arrive at new Ben-Gurion Airport Terminal to be met and assisted by our representative. Meet your tour guide and bus driver and proceed towards Jerusalem. We take a short stop for reflection and prayer at the Kastel Park, one of the 1948 War of Independence monuments located on a hilltop overlooking Jerusalem. Participate in the age old recitation of the "Shehecheyanu" and "Borei Pri Hagefen" blessing before entering Jerusalem and checking into our hotel. We'll then have leisure time to explore the many restaurants and coffee shops in the city. Overnight: Jerusalem.

Day 3 - Jerusalem
Today is the festive Bar/Bat Mitzvah day. Proceed to the Southern Wall area where we meet our Rabbi and participate in the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Ceremonies. Near the Western Wall explore the amazing archaeological discoveries of the concealed Rabbinical Tunnel found along the Western Wall. We will stop for a light lunch (on your own) at the colorfull Shuk Machane Yehuda (market). Enjoy the famous falafel and other specialties. This afternoon we will depart Jerusalem towards the Jerusalem hills area. Make your connection to the soil of "Eretz Yisrael" – the Land of Israel by Planting a Tree in one of the JNF Forests. Next is an exciting Jeep Ride on the historic "Burma Road," an alternative side road that was built during the War of Independence and enable access to Jerusalem during the siege. Tonight we will celebrate this special day with a Festive Dinner in one of Jerusalem's exclusive restaurants. Overnight: Jerusalem.

Day 4 - Jerusalem
After breakfast today we will have a short briefing on the Israeli current situation. We'll drive to the Talpiot Area and the Haas Promenade for a panoramic view of the entire city. Here we will take a fun and exciting walk through a newly opened 1200 foot long tunnel dug at the time of King Herod and used as an aqueduct to bring water to the Temple. Enter the Jewish Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem to visit the Cardo and the Burnt House. On to the new Davidson Center, located near the Western Wall. Here we will learn about the Second Temple and the recent excavations done in the area. We will enjoy the multi-media presentation and the 3-dimensional computer program which shows what the Temple looked liked 2000 years ago. Now we will go back to our bus, and observe the local Jerusalemites preparing for Shabbat. One of the best places to watch is the crowded ultra-orthodox neighborhood of Mea Shearim. Return to the hotel and freshen up before Shabbat. Tonight we will have a Shabbat Dinner at our hotel. Overnight: Jerusalem.

Day 5 - Jerusalem
Shabbat Shalom! After breakfast we have few options for this special day; you may choose to enjoy "shul-hopping" in the many lovely synagogues in the area or our guide will invite you to participate in an optional tour *: We will drive to the Scrolls of Fire Monument which tells the history of the Jewish people created by artists Nathan Rappaport. From here we'll part for a fun visit to the stalactite cave known as Absalom's Cave, an amazing and unique geological phenomenon. Next is a visit to the newly opened miniature park Mini Israel. Here are featured over 350 exact replica models from all over the land of Israel. The last stop on our itinerary will be a fun Off Road Bike Ride (about 90 minutes ride) on one of the JNF Forest nature trails. Overnight: Jerusalem.

Day 6 - Jerusalem
A full day devoted to the New City starts as we drive by the Knesset (Israel's Parliament Building) and stop by the famous Menorah the enblem of the State of Israel. We will then view the architectural splendor of Israel's Supreme Court building. Next we will visit Yad Vashem - The Holocaust Mesuem and Memorial. From here we proceed to Ein Yahel Living Museum, an archeological site on the south edge of Jerusalem where we will take part in a hands-on demonstration of how people lived in antiquity - weaving, pottery, wine-making, pita baking and mosaic floor making. We conclude the day with a fun visit to the Time Elevator a great ride/attraction which tells the story of Jerusalem in a modern multimedia production. Overnight: Jerusalem.

Day 7 - Jerusalem
Today we depart Jerusalem. Our day will be dedicated to the south of Israel the great Negev desert. Our first visit will be to Beer Sheba and the IDF Air Force Museum located at the Hazerim Air Force base. We will see all the planes used by our great Air Force and learn about some of its military operations. From here we depart to Sde Boker to see Ben Gurion's desert home and final resting place. Afterwards we visit the Ramon Crater to learn about this unique natural formation. Here we will also visit the Alpaca and Lama Farm. These mountain animals were brought to the Negev from South America. Afterwards we're onto Arad, and finally arrive at Kfar Hanokdim Bedouin Village located at the heart of the Judean desert. After a short Camel Ride, we are treated to traditional Bedouin hospitality and a great "Hafla" Dinner.
Overnight: Kfar Hanokdim, Negev.

Day 8 - Dead Sea/Galilee
After breakfast, we drive to Massada. Here we'll climb up the Roman ramp to the top of the plateau and visit the ancient synagogue, the last stronghold of the Jewish Zealots in their struggle against the Romans. Descend the eastern slope of Massada via the cable car and reach the Dead Sea shores, the lowest point on Earth, 1305 feet below sea level. Next we arrive at one of the spa hotels in the area for a Lunch and Swim in the hotel's indoor/outdoor thermal swimming pool. Don't miss a "float" in the rejuvenating waters of the Dead Sea. Next we stop off at the desert oasis of Ein Gedi. Here we will hike the nature reserve and reach the famous waterfall Nahal David and the pool (In summer time bring along your swimsuit!) This afternoon drive north through the Jordan valley by Beit Shean and arrive at the Sachne nature reserve and hot springs. Not far from here is Gan Guru Park, a unique zoological garden housing kangaroos and other rare animals. From here we will continue to the Galilee for dinner and overnight in one of the Kibbutz hotels in the region. Overnight: Galilee.

Day 9 - Galilee/Golan
This morning we drive to the Golan Heights and visit the old Syrian bunkers at Mitzpe Gadot. We'll then continue to Mt. Bental to visit an IDF stronghold. Proceed to Katzrin, the new Israeli town on the Golan Heights with its talmudic period village. On to the Golan's rock city of Gamla, often called the Massada of the Golan. This afternoon we have a special fun Water Hike in one of the Jordan river feeders followed by a Kayak Ride on the river (in winter alternative activity will be planned). Then we return to our kibbutz hotel for dinner and overnight. Overnight: Galilee.

Day 10 - Coastal Route
Our tour of the Upper Galilee begins today with a visit to the holy city of Safed with its special atmosphere. Visit the historic synaogogues and many art galleries. Proceed south to Haifa for a short city tour, see the Bahai gardens and the amazing view of the entire Haifa bay from the vista point at Mt Carmel. Drive along the Mediterranean coast arrive at Atlit. Here we will visit the detention camp built by the British where the Jewish immigrants who came to Israel at the end of WW2 were kept in custody. We will visit the site and see one of the boats used by the "olim" to reach the shores of the Promised Land. Continue to Caesarea the Roman capital built by King Herod, we will view the great Theatre and enjoy the new multi media presentation telling the story of old Caesarea. We'll then drive to to Tel Aviv for the evening. Overnight: Tel Aviv.

Day 11 - Tel Aviv
A short drive brings us to the neighboring city of Rehovot this morning. We will make an exciting and surprising visit to the Ayalon Institute, a secret underground ammunition factory. Learn of the bravery and ingenuity of pre-state freedom fighters. From here we will return to Tel Aviv and then drive to Ramat Aviv to visit the Palmach Museum. Enjoy an extremely impressive and moving visit. Learn about the amazing achievements of the Palmach units and the development of the Israeli army. We will conclude our day as we stroll down Sheinken Street, the "in" street of Tel Aviv where we will have time to see the many arts and crafts, fashion and funky shops. Not far from here is the colorful Carmel Open-air Market - a place you do not want to miss. This evening we'll enjoy Shabbat Dinner at our hotel. Overnight: Tel Aviv.

Day 12 - Tel Aviv
Today we'll enjoy a free day in Tel Aviv. In the evening we willl have a walking tour of Old Jaffa and a Farewell Dinner in a typical Yemenite restaurant. Overnight: Tel Aviv.

Day 13 - Departure from Israel - arrival in the U.S.

After breakfast transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for your transatlantic flight back to the U.S.A

Take home your fond memories of Israel that will last a lifetime & start planning your next trip to Israel.....