Israel

Jewish tours to Israel: Homeland, inspiration, center of our souls

Homeland, inspiration, center of our souls, this land has been in our prayers for millennia. Whether you have visited Israel before or are a first timer, this tour of Israel is a colorful composition of the best of Israel. Spectacular sights, a great variety of cultural encounters (and cuisines), and unforgettable extras make this tour stand way ahead of the pack. And yes, our hotel in Jerusalem is within walking distance of the Kotel and Ben Yehuda. Why settle for less?

Day 01 Monday Arrival in 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 the beachfront hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy a tour of Tel Aviv, including the Independence Hall as well as the lively Neighborhoods of Nachalat Binyamin and Neve Tzedek. Dinner. Royal Beach Hotel.

Day 02 Tuesday Tel Aviv – Haifa – Galilee

Today, begin with a visit to the Ayalon Institute.Later, depart Tel Aviv, driving along the glittering Mediterranean coast to the vital port of Haifa. Stop for a view of the city and the serene Bahai Gardens from the hillside. Next, continue to Akko, political and commercial center for centuries during the ages of the romans, crusaders, Ottomans and the British. Continue to Rosh Hanikra on the northern border, and visit its beautiful grottoes, before you head for the lush Kibbutz Lavi in the Galilee. Dinner. Kibbutz Lavi.

Day 03 Wednesday Upper Galilee – Golan

Today, travel to the northern part of Israel. See the Golan, learn about the survival of Israel during the Yom Kippur war, see the Jordan river flow and visit a winery in the hilly and fertile land. At the end of the day, visit the holy and mystical city of Tzfat, famed for its historical synagogues and wonderful artists’ quarter, which carry the mystical ambience of the Kabbalah. Return to the kibbutz. Dinner. Kibbutz Lavi.

Day 04 Thursday Galilee – Jerusalem

The first stop for the day is at the Sachne Pools and enjoy the beautiful setting and the natural spring water. This is a place to totally wind down. Continue along the Jordan Valley to Qumran. 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. Next, visit to the Old City and the Western Wall – our beloved Kotel. Walk through the Jewish Quarter and the Roman Cardo. In the evening, a spectacle is awaiting as you depart for a tour of the illuminated Jerusalem. First, enjoy Dinner, followed by a tour of the illuminated Kotel, where you will visit the Rabbinical Tunnel. Herbert Samuel hotel. (B/D)

Day 05 Friday Jerusalem

In the morning an emotional visit to Yad Vashem, the profoundly moving museum of the Holocaust, and of the Righteous Gentiles who did all they could to save Jewish lives. Later, by way of the Knesset (Israel’s Parliament), see the grand Menorah, the ancient – and enduring – symbol of our land. 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. Enjoy a tasting tour with a local and witness how citizens of Jerusalem prepare for Shabbat. Return to the hotel with time to rest. In the late afternoon, transfer to the Western Wall for the welcome of Shabbat in the place where all prayers are heard. Kabbalat Shabbat Dinner, full of all the joy Shabbat in Jerusalem can bring. Herbert Samuel Hotel. (B/D)

Day 06 Saturday Jerusalem

A day at leisure to enjoy Shabbat in the city of all cities or join an optional tour highlighting the Israel Museum and the Latrun tank museum. As Shabbat ends, join the city as it comes back to its lively atmosphere. Herbert Samuel Hotel.

Day 07 Sunday Jerusalem – Dead Sea – Mitzpe Ramon

Depart Jerusalem and descend to the Dead Sea. Stop in the green Oasis of Ein Gedi where fresh water flow in the dry desert land. Later, visit Masada, one of the most touching sites in Jewish history. Ascending by cable car, you will see the site of the final, courageous standoff of a small group of Jewish zealots against the cruel domination of Rome. Later, continue via some of the most scenic roads in the Negev desert to Mizpe Ramon. Check in at the hotel overlooking the Ramon Crater. In the late afternoon board sturdy jeep 4x4s, and begin a journey into the largest crater in the Negev. Here, you will get introduced to the magic of the desert, its geology, formations, cultures and life. In the evening, rest after a fantastic day and enjoy the dinner at the hotel. Isrotel Beresheet Hotel.

Day 08 Monday Mizpe Ramon – Departure from Ben Gurion airport

Enjoy the morning at leisure. Make sure you see how the light of the desert is constantly changing from dawn until the sun is high on the sky. You even have time to relax at the pool before the heat of the day sets in. Next, drive to Sde Boker for a visit to the home of Israel’s first Prime Minister, Ben Gurion. Above all, Ben Gurion understood that Israel would have to befriend the desert and make it fertile to exist. Ben Gurion truly understood that the gift the Jews were given as Israel, was 90% dry desert land. Visit Ben Gurion’s simple house at Sde Boker, so symbolic of the man himself. Continue to Tel Aviv. Free time for last minute activities or shipping for just one more gift. Farewell dinner, followed by a transfer to the Ben Gurion airport. (B/D)