One of the finest tours to Israel – so comprehensive , yet well paced – so many fascinating visits and special events–Deluxe hotel accommodations, delicious meals and, of course, a full-time professional Lecturer/Tour Manager Jacob Shoshan, to guide you through this fascinating journey.
Spend 4 delightful nights in stylish Tel Aviv, journey through the Galilee and Golan to Haifa and Tiberias and 5 spiritually lifting nights in Jerusalem –and, if you wish continue to Eilat, Israel’s port-resort on the Red Sea – or to Jordan – or to Egypt – the opportunities are endless!
In Tel Aviv – the superb Dan Hotel on Tel Aviv’s Mediterranean shore Rooms – In Haifa, the Dan Carmel, sister hotel of the King David & the Dan – in Tiberias – pamper yourself at the Galei Kinneret, overlooking the Sea of Galilee and your spectacular finish- the King David Hotel in Jerusalem!
HIGHLIGHTS: 16 MEALS – including Israeli Buffet Breakfast daily – 1 lunch and 5 dinners.
Special Features: Visit the fascinating Palmach Museum Tour a Golan Heights Kibbutz Tour the Tank Division Memorial at Latrun Night tour of “Illuminated” Jerusalem Archeological “Dig” in Beit Guvrin National Park Visit the Museum of the History of Jerusalem See the Multi-Media Presentation at Caesarea Harbor Herodian Mansions or Hasmonean Tunnel Descend to the Underwater Grottos at Rosh Hanikra Dan VIP Lounge at Ben Airport upon return to U.S.
TUESDAY, DAY 1 – EN ROUTE
Depart from the United States for Israel
WEDNESDAY, DAY 2-TEL AVIV
Welcome to Israel! Arrive Ben Gurion Airport; meeting, assistance and transfer to your hotel in vibrant Tel Aviv.
THURSDAY, DAY 3 –TEL AVIV
Begin your day with a visit to the fascinating Palmach Museum (subject to appointment confirmation), for a virtual tour of the history of the history of this underground military organization. Then on to the Absalom (Soreq) Caves containing stalactites dating back 300,000 years. Continue to Natan Rappaport’s brilliant bronze monument, the Scrolls of Fire, soaring high in the scenic Judean Hills. Then, to the military junction at Latrun, once the border with Jordan; see the French Trappist Monastery and visit the Tank Division Memorial. Return to Tel Aviv. Evening at leisure. B
FRIDAY, DAY 4- TEL AVIV
Today, a great adventure! Spend the morning digging and excavating at the Tel Maresha Dig at Beit Guvrin National Park (weather permitting). Continue to the old port city of Jaffa, magnificently restored. Explore the reconstructed Artists’ Quarter with its galleries and boutiques. Afterwards, on to Tel Aviv’s Carmel Market (be sure to taste the delicious strawberries!) before continuing to lively Nachlat Benjamin with its delightful cafes and craft stalls – definitely the place to be on Friday afternoon. Tonight, Traditional Friday night dinner. BD
SATURDAY- DAY 5- TEL AVIV
Morning walking tour. Remainder of the day at leisure to enjoy all the delights of this seaside city. Don’t miss the afternoon Israeli folk-dancing on the seaside promenade or visit “Namal Tel Aviv”, a lively area dotted with yachts and a pub-filled broadwalk. B
SUNDAY- DAY 6- TEL AVIV-HAIFA Nov 14
Depart Tel Aviv. Drive to the Diaspora Museum to experience 2500 years of the Diaspora through unconventional visual aids. Continue to ancient Caesarea; explore the astounding Roman and Crusader ruins. Visit Caesarea Harbor, with its thrilling multi-media presentation- you’ll see ancient history come to life! Arrive in Nazareth, the sacred town where Jesus spent part of his youth; visit the Church and Mary’s Well, then on to the sparkling port city of Haifa; check into your hotel atop Mount Carmel. This evening, visit to a Druze Village where you’ll meet these unique Israelis in their home, hear of the traditions and enjoy a Druze Dinner. BD
MONDAY – DAY 7- HAIFA-TIBERIAS
View the golden-domed Bahia Shrine and the colorful Persian Gardens before departing Haifa. Drive along the coast to spectacular Rosh Hanikra; descend by cable car to see the magnificent underwater grottoes. Continue through the picturesque seaside town of Nahariya to Acre, walk through the subterranean city and the bazaars. Then, to Safed, one of Judaism’s holiest cities, where Kabbalah flourished during the golden age; visit the ancient synagogues and the charming Artists’ Quarter. Early evening boat ride on the Sea of Galilee (spring-summer periods only) takes you to Tiberias on the lake’s shore for overnight. Tonight, Dinner at a fabulous seaside restaurant. BD
TUESDAY- DAY 8 – TIBERIAS- JERUSALEM
Begin the day with a drive to Capernaum; see the ruins of the ancient synagogue dating back to the 4th century. Then ascend the strategic Golan Heights for a greater under-standing of the fierce battles that took place during the 1967 Six Day War and the 1973 Yom Kippur War. Stop at a former Israeli army bunker, used as an outpost. Continue to a Golan winery for some wine tasting. On to Katzrin, Capital of the Golan to join the fascinating multi-media presentation “Kesem Hagolan” for a greater understanding of this area. Arrive at Kibbutz Kfar Charuv, settled by Americans and Israelis together; view the fertile valleys below as you tour the kibbutz and enjoy lunch in the communal dining room. Travel to Bet Shean; an ancient city from the time of King Saul; see the excavated remains of a Roman city. Continue to “golden” Jerusalem for overnight. BL
WEDNESDAY- DAY 9- JERUSALEM
Morning visit to the Hadassah Medical Center and see the Chagall Windows, before continuing to Yad Vashem, Israel’s memorial to the Holocaust; visit the Museum, Children’s Pavillion and walk along the Avenue of the Righteous. Then to Mount Herzl to pay respects to Israel’s military heroes and visit the Mt.Herzl Museum (schedule permitting). Drive via the Supreme Court Building and the Knesset (Israel’s parliament) to the Shrine of the Book, home of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Time to walk through the Israel Museum and the Billy Rose Sculpture Garden. and see the Scale Model of ancient Jerusalem Tonight, Restaurant Dinner and Night Tour. BD
THURSDAY DAY 10- JERUSALEM
Enter the Old City from the Dung Gate, walk to the Western Wall, the only remaining portion of the Second Temple. Witness joyous Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah ceremonies! View the Dome of the Rock. Drive to Mt.Zion, traditional site of King David’s Tomb and the Room of the Last Supper. Proceed to the restored Jewish Quarter (its Cardo was Roman “heart” of Jerusalem and the colonnaded main street of Byzantine Jerusalem), Visit the excavated Herodian Mansions, intact after 2,000 years, or walk through the extraordinary Hasmonean Tunnel (tunnel schedule permitting). Follow the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, walk through the exotic bazaars with their wondrous aromas. End the day with an optional visit to Bethlehem. B
FRIDAY – DAY 11- JERUSALEM-DEAD SEA-MASADA
Descend through the stark Judean Desert and the shores of the Dead Sea,the lowest point on earth. Ascend Masada by cable car; to this last stronghold of the Zealots. Visit the excavations, Herod the Great’s palace, synagogue and bathhouse. Then, opportunity to enjoy an ‘unsinkable’ swim in the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea (We provide the changing facilities and lockers). Drive via the Qumran Caves, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found, on your return to Jerusalem. Evening: Traditional Friday Night Dinner. BD
SATURDAY, DAY 12-JERUSALEM
Morning walking tour with your Tour Director to the Museum of the History of Jerusalem at David’s Citadel, and to the Old City. Remainder of the day at leisure.B
SUNDAY – DAY 13- EN ROUTE
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Relax and enjoy complimentary entrance to the exclusive Dan VIP Lounge at Ben Gurion Airport
Passengers on flights departing after Midnight on El Al. Saturday late evening transfer to the airport for your return flight to the U.S. At Ben Gurion Airport, enjoy the comfort of the Dan VIP Lounge while you await your flight’s departure. Please be sure to check on boarding time of your flight with the hosts at the lounge as no announcement is made within the lounge area.
Passengers on morning flights on El Al. Sunday: En Route Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. At Ben Gurion Airport, enjoy the comfort of the Dan VIP Lounge while you await your flight’s departure. Please be sure to check on boarding time of your flight with the hosts at the lounge as no announcement is made within the lounge area.
This is a sample itinerary – Distribution of sites & leisure time is subject to change. Meal Conditions: Israeli Buffet Breakfast Daily – 1 lunches & 5 dinners
ADDITIONAL PROJECTED DATES FOR 2011 May 3-15, Jun 14-26, Jul 5-17, Jul 26-Aug 7, Aug 23-Sep 4, Sep 13-25, Nov 15-27 & Dec 21-Jan 2, 2011 Travel With Jacob- Oct 25-Nov 6
Supplement for Executive Sea View Rooms- Dan Tel Aviv: per person in Twin: $155.00 Single room, add: $310.00 Supplement for Old City View- King David –per person in Twin: $350.00 Single room, add: $700.00
Above tour prices are based on Land Only – we will be happy to assist you with your International Air, please call for details. * Nov 9-21 departure led by Jacob Shoshan
About Jacob Shoshan:
Born in Jerusalem, Jacob is a licensed tour guide in Israel. He is also a teacher and lecture for Tour Guide College – Hebrew University (a joint program with the Hebrew Union College, Jerusalem), Tel Aviv University, and Everyman’s University, Tel Aviv. Jacob is also one of our most celebrated and leading Tour Managers – He has visited 98 countries and led tours in 65 countries on all 6 continents. Fluent in 15 languages, he presents in-depth discussions on Jewish History - Philosophy & Culture as part of his escorting responsibilities. His background covers Holocaust Studies, Sephardi Jewish Heritage & Jewish Musicology. And…almost as important – Jacob’s personality is warm, nurturing and caring – a truly amazing person! Jacob is a member of IATM (Int’l Assoc of Tour Managers)
Eilat extension (optional)
SUNDAY, DAY 13 EILAT
Transfer to the airport for the short flight to Eilat. Taxi independently to your gorgeous oceanfront hotel. A delicious leisure day awaits. B
MONDAY, DAY 14- .EILAT
Full day at leisure to explore, perhaps an optional tour to Petra. B
TUESDAY, DAY 15-EILAT
Day at leisure. Check out is scheduled at Noon. Early afternoon transfer independently by taxi to the airport for your flight to Ben Gurion. Shuttle from the two terminals is available for your continuing flight to NYC. At Ben Gurion Airport, enjoy the comfort of the DAN VIP Lounge while you await your flight’s departure. Please be sure to check on boarding time of your flight with the hosts at the lounge as no announcements are made within the lounge area. B
WEDNESDAY, DAY 16- EN ROUTE
Arrive New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport in the early morning.
Eilat Extension price: 2010 Per person, twin: $ Single room, add $
Tour price includes:
Transfer from Tel Aviv hotel to airport Round trip air between Tel Aviv and Eilat 2 nights hotel accommodation – daily breakfast ROYAL BEACH HOTEL All Service charges & taxes
