ISRAEL TOUR OF ERETZ YISRAEL– OUR PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE (1)

11 Days Tour Program for Conservatives or Reform Congregations

Day 1 - Departure                                                                                                                    

Flight from the U.S to Israel                  

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Banias Waterfall

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 you tour guide and bus driver and drive to

Tel Aviv, the city that never sleeps for check in at one of Tel Aviv’s

sea shore hotels overlooking the Mediterranean.dinner in authentic

restaurant. Free time for relaxing, walking on the boardwalk and/or

a dip in the Sea. Overnight: Tel-Aviv

Day 3 - TeL Aviv City Tour

After breakfast we start our tour by visiting the Palmach Museum

( * Visit is based on availability. Substitute to the Palmach Museum will

be the Diaspora Museum) for a multi-media presentation on defense in

the pre-state era, 1920-48. Visit of the Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence of the State of Israel was signed in 1948. Visit the Carmel open market and the nearby Nachalat Binyamin's pedestrian mall, with its restored buildings, sidewalk artists and arts and crafts fair. Continue onto Shenkin, one of Israel's most avant-garde streets. After a short Falafel lunch drive through HaBimah Theater, Rothschild Blvd, Rabin Square, Opera House & Tel Aviv Museum to Old Jaffa. At night time we will discover the romantic streets and passages of the old city of Jaffa and its artist colony and enjoy the view from the old Jaffa hilltop. Overnight: Tel-Aviv

Day 4 - Caesarea, Druze village, Mt. Carmel, Zippori, Tzefat

Drive north to visit Caesarea, see ancient history come to life at the newly-opened multi-media center, against the backdrop of ancient Caesarea; excavations include an impressive amphitheatre and aqueduct Visit Daliat ElCarmel - an authentic Druze village in Carmel Mountains.Continue to Mt. Carmel for a Panoramic view of Haifa area. Than on to the Lower Galilee to visit the town of Zippori, where Rabbi Yehuda codified Mishnah in 2nd C. and see the “Mona Lisa of Galilee” - a magnificent mosaic floor from 1st C. We continue to visit Tzefat, a center of mysticism and a contemporary artist colony. Here we will meet a Kabbalistic Artist in his studio to learn about Art & Kabalah. Then, explore the narrow alleyways and synagogues of Tzfat and learn how the mystical traditions that emerged in Tzfat 500 years ago impacted on the entire Jewish world. End the day by driving to the Upper Galilee for Dinner & overnight in Kibbutz hotel. Overnight: Galilee  

Day 5 - Upper Galilee and Golan Heights

After breakfast we start the day with a tour of the Kibbutz to learn about agricultural & communal life in Israel. Visit “The Lion of old Tel Hai. We drive up through the Golan Height to the peak of Har Bental, where you can enter army bunkers and take in a panoramic view at the crossroads of three countries. From this point we can see across the Golan Plateau bordering with Syria and observe the abandoned Syrian city of Kuneitra and the U.N. outpost located nearby.Than on to the modern city of Katzrin where we can travel back in time as we visit the excavated Talmudic Village of Katzrin.Taste some of the great wines cultivated on the Golan  at the Golan Winery. While driving down the Golan we will view Israel’s security situation from on-high while overlooking the Hula Valley from former Syrian fortifications. Return to the kibbutz for Dinner and overnight. Overnight: Galilee

Day 6 - From the Galilee to Jerusalem

After breakfast, we will drive to the peak of Mount Arbel for a beautiful overview. Arrive in Tiberias and visit the tomb of Maimonides. Visit the ancient city of Beth Shean for an overview of a remarkable archeological site, including a re-stored Roman amphitheater. Visit the Bet Alfa Synagogue National Park on Kibbutz Hefzibah and see the mosaic of the zodiac and the story if the sacrifice of Isaac. Continue to the Gan Hashlosha National Park (Sahne) where you will have an opportunity to enjoy the water springs located at the foot of the Gilboa mountain. Drive through the picturesque Jordan Valley and ascent to Jerusalem. Upon arriving in Jerusalem, experience a breathtaking panoramic view of Jerusalem from the Haas Promenade to recite the “Shehechiyanu” prayer of thanksgiving. Check in the hotel. Overnight: Jerusalem

Day 7 - Old City Jerusalem

After breakfast drive to the old city of Jerusalem. Start with an In-depth exploration of the Southern Wall Excavations, including a virtual, computerized “walk” through the Beit Hamikdash at the Davidson Center. Visit the Kotel and the Western Wall (Rabbinical) Tunnels. Going through the Jewish Quarter we will visit the Cardo and the colorful bazaars. We will end the day with a remarkable tour of the City of David (the original Jerusalem) the most ancient section of Jerusalem, built by King David. Then grab a flashlight to splash through Hezekiah's water tunnel built 2,700 years ago to secure Jerusalem's water supply from invading armies. Return to the hotel and prepare for Shabbat. You can choose to attend an early Kabbalat  Shabbat  service at a reform or conservative congregation or join thousands welcoming Shabbat at the Kotel. Festive Shabbat Dinner at the hotel. Overnight: Jerusalem

Day 8 - Shabbat  in Jerusalem 

Enjoy the special atmosphere of Shabbat in Jerusalem by participating in a morning Shabbat  service at a reform or conservative congregation. After a Kiddush we will have a study session with your Rabbi. Shabbat Buffet Lunch at the hotel. Following afternoon rest we will go on a walking tour through some of Jerusalem’s most picturesque historic neighborhoods. Visit the famous windmill and the first neighborhood built outside the Old City walls by Sir Moses Montefiore. Mark the conclusion of Shabbat with Havdallah. Free evening in Jerusalem. Optional visit to The Israel Museum and the Tower of David Museum - open from 10AM-4PM. Overnight: Jerusalem

Day 9 - Dead Sea and Masada

After breakfast we depart for the drive down to Dead Sea Basin, the lowest point on earth.

Visit the excavation site of Qumran and walk through the impressive Dead Sea sect community area and see the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found in 1948.  Than on to Masada to visit the 2,000 year old mountain fortress built by King Herod and site of the Jewish zealots’ last stand against the Roman Legionnaires. Enjoy a walk through the beautiful Ein Gedi nature reserve - a lush oasis in the Judean Desert. Here we can study the biblical story of kings David and Saul that took place there “on site.” Stop for a dip in the Dead Sea to experience the weightlessness of the Dead Sea as we float in its soothing waters. Drive back to Jerusalem for Dinner.

Overnight: Jerusalem

Day 10 - New City Jerusalem

After breakfast we drive by the Supreme Court and the Knesset to visit the Israel Museum and the miniature model of Jerusalem as it was during the Second Temple period. Continue to the Shrine of the Book where the Dead Sea Scrolls are housed. Visit the newly opened Menahem Begin Heritage Center for a highly moving and informative presentation on the life of this inspiring leader. Continue to visit the newly-expanded Yad Vashem Holocaust complex where we conduct Yizkor memorial service. Return to the hotel to prepare for our festive Farwell Dinner. Overnight: Jerusalem

Day 11 - Departure from Israel - arrival in the U.S.A

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 and start planning your next fun-filled trip to Israel.....