Israel - celebrating 60 years
What can we say about Israel? Homeland, inspiration, center of our souls, this land has been in our prayers for millennia. Whether you have visited before or are a first timer, this tour is the absolute creme de la creme of Israel. Don't miss out - join in the celebration of Israel's 60 anniversary!

Day 01 Wednesday September 10 Tel Aviv
Depart on your flight to Israel (not included).
 
Day 02 Thursday September 11 Tel Aviv
Arrival to Ben Gurion Airport. Welcome Home to the land of Israel! Transfer to Tel Aviv, which means "Hill of Spring" - a beacon of hope and renewal to Jewish people everywhere. Check in at your beachfront hotel. In the evening, enjoy Dinner at your hotel. Crowne Plaza Hotel. 

Day 03 Friday September 12 Tel Aviv
Full Israeli Breakfast Today, begin with a tour of this busy city with a visit to the Ayalon Institute and the Haganah Museum. Later visit the charming and lively Nahalat Binyamin neighborhood. Time to relax and prepare for Shabbat. Services followed by Friday night Dinner at the hotel. Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Day 04 Saturday September 13 Tel Aviv
Full Israeli Breakfast. Full day at leisure to enjoy the lively area of Tel Aviv’s prime beach. Here is your chance to mingle with Israelis and celebrate. Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Day 05 Sunday September 14 Tel Aviv – Haifa – Galilee
Full Israeli Breakfast. Next, depart Tel Aviv, driving along the glittering Mediterranean coast to Caesarea, built by Herod the Great, which features amazing archaeological sites such as a Roman amphitheater, hippodrome and aqueduct. Then on to the vital port of Haifa, a breezy city (third largest in Israel) often compared to San Francisco. Enjoy the Sightseeing will include Mt. Carmel, for a panoramic view of the Bay and an emotional visit to the Atlit Detention camp, used by the British to hold the Jewish "illegal" immigrants arriving in the 1940s. Next, visit Ussafiya, a Druze village in the Carmel Mountains for Lunch and insight into the peaceful and hospitable Druze way of life. Continue to your Kibbutz in the Galilee. Dinner. Kibbutz Lavi.

Day 06 Monday September 15 Galilee
Full Israeli Breakfast. First, a jeep ride in the Biria Forest, followed by a visit to two wonderful Moshavim (collective settlements) in the Western Galilee. First is Moshav Amka, a Yemenite farming village, where a delightful tea will be hosted by Carmela, an expert basket weaver and storyteller – followed by a display of traditional Yemenite dancing. Next, to Moshav Hosen, a Moroccan enclave, where Rimona invites us into her bakery, full of all sorts of Moroccan delicacies – from breads to cheeses to preserves – all home-made, making a perfect Lunch. Continue to Rosh Hanikra on the northern border, and visit its beautiful grottoes. Later, return to the Kibbutz. Dinner. Kibbutz Lavi.

Day 07 Tuesday September 16 Upper Galilee –  Golan
Full Israeli Breakfast. Today you will travel to the northern part of Israel. Visit the border to Lebanon and continue in the Land of the Golan, from where you can see deep into Syria. Visit to a winery in the hilly and fertile land.  Later visit the holy and mystical city of Tzfat. In the afternoon, visit the ancient town of Tzfat, famed for its historical synagogues and wonderful artists' quarter, which carry the mystical ambience of the Kabbalah. Return to the kibbutz. Dinner at Baat Yar. Kibbutz Lavi.
 
Day 08 Wednesday September 17 Galilee – Dead Sea
Full Israeli Breakfast. Today, drive south along the Jordan River to the remarkable archeological site of Beit Shean, where you will visit the excavated amphitheater. Continue along the Jordan Valley to Qumran, (where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered). Continue to Ein Gedi for a brief stop in this green Oasis where fresh water flow in the dry desert land. Later arrive in Ein Boker (near Massada) and check in at the Hod resort, with time to enjoy the mineral rich water of the Dead Sea and the various pools at the hotel. Dinner. Hod Hotel & Resort.

Day 09 Thursday September 18 Dead Sea – Jerusalem
Full Israeli Breakfast. This morning,  a short drive takes you to Massada, one of the most touching sites in Jewish history. Ascending by cable car, you will learn about the final, courageous standoff of a small group of Jewish zealots against the cruel domination of Rome. Later, continue to Jerusalem. Upon arrival in Jerusalem (appropriately, after crossing the desert), stop at Mt. Scopus for a touching, panoramic view of the city of our dreams. Here, say the blessing of "Shehecheyanu," thanking God for bringing us to this time and place. Then, visit to the Old City, entering through the Dung Gate to the Western Wall – our beloved Kotel. Next, on to Mount Moriah, where you will visit the Jewish Quarter and the Roman Cardo, now a chic shopping arcade and proceed to Zion Gate in Mount Zion, paying a visit to King David's Tomb. Check-in at the hotel with time to rest. In the evening, a rare spectacle is awaiting as you depart for a tour of the illuminated Jerusalem. First, enjoy Dinner at a local restaurant, followed by a tour of the illuminated Kotel where you will visit the Rabinical Tunnel. It is a true delight to experience Jerusalem illuminated.  Sheraton Plaza Hotel.

Day 10 Friday September 19 Jerusalem 
Full Israeli Breakfast. This morning visit Yad Vashem, the profoundly moving museum of the Holocaust, and of the Righteous Gentiles who did all they could to save Jewish lives. You will also pay tribute to our fallen Jewish soldiers at Mt. Herzl cemetery (where Herzl and Rabin are buried). Later, continue to the traditional market Mahane Yehuda, home to generations of devout Jews, living much as our ancestors did in pre-Holocaust Europe – and as many Chassidim, around the world, continue to live today. Time to stroll the market and witness how citizens of Jerusalem prepare for shabbat. Return to the hotel with time to rest. Why is this night different from all the others? Because tonight, you are going to experience Shabbat in Jerusalem! In the late afternoon, transfer to the Western Wall for the welcome of Shabbat in the place where all prayers are heard. Return to the hotel for Kabbalat Shabbat Dinner, full of all the joy Shabbat in Jerusalem can bring. Sheraton Plaza Hotel.

Day 11 Saturday September 20 Jerusalem
Full Israeli Breakfast. Full day at leisure to enjoy Shabbat in the city of all cities. The Sheraton Plaza Hotel is situated across the street from the Great Synagogue. As Shabbat ends,  join the city as it comes back to its lively atmosphere. Sheraton Plaza Hotel.

Day 12 Sunday September 21 Jerusalem
Full Israeli Breakfast. Today you will get an insight to the legislavtive and judicial powers of Israel. Begin with a drive to the Knesset (Israel's Parliament), where you will see the grand Menorah, the ancient – and enduring - symbol of our land. Later visit the Israeli Surpreme court. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy Jerusalem on your own. In the evening, dinner in a local restaurant. Sheraton Plaza Hotel.

Day 13 Monday  September 22 Jerusalem –  Home Flight
Full Israeli Breakfast. Check out of the hotel followed by a visit to the Menachem Begin Museum. Next, depart Jerusalem and enjoy the cool temperatures at the Avshalom Cave. Later, continue to the Latrun Tank Museum. Return to Tel Aviv for a Farewell Dinner in the old port city of Jaffa, before checking in at the Ben Gurion Airport for the flight home. "Lehitraot" - See you again, Israel. You are always in our hearts and souls. 

Day 14 Tuesday September 23 USA
Morning arrival in USA, inspired by the living dream that is Israel.