Coren Bat Mitzvah Trip | Dec. 2023

Activities:

• Arrival at Ben Gurion Airport - Your VIP agent will be waiting to greet you at the sleeve of the plane. After assisting with arrival procedures and collecting your baggage, you will be taken to meet your driver.
  Arriving at 5:15 PM with AA146.

• Transfer to Jerusalem - Check-in to your hotel. Check-in time is from 3:00 pm.

• Enjoy free time to settle in and explore on your own

• Friday night dinner - private chef meal - Meet Avraham and Odeya - chefs, life partners, and owners of 'Shukriya - A Home for Jerusalem Culinary Culture' - who will introduce you to the culinary story of Jerusalem.

• Herbert Samuel Jerusalem

Activities:

• Begin with a magnificent lookout from the Haas Promenade - Take in a wide view of Jerusalem's Old and New Cities and the surrounding Judean Desert as far as the eye can see. See Jerusalem's complex geography, strategic setting, and beauty and begin the conversation about Jerusalem's centrality to Islam, Christianity, and Islam.

• Visit the Israel museum - Visit the unique collections and expansive grounds of the Israel Museum, the country’s national museum. Linger over the renowned international and Israeli art, the world’s most complete Judaica collections and the charming Billy Rose Sculpture Garden. You can also visit the Shrine of the Book, home to the exceptional archaeological finds of the Dead Sea Scrolls and other rare ancient manuscripts.

• Lunch at Majda restaurant - Majda is a restaurant in the Jerusalem Hills village of Ein Rafa, famous for its innovative fusion cuisine, beautiful property and views from its rooftop and an appearance on Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown. The menu is full of creative local dishes all prepared by Yakub and Michal, the Arab-Jewish couple who own Majda.

• Stop at Al Yasmin family owned Tahini factory - Halva and Tehina tasting at Al Yasmin in Abu Ghosh - get ready to be wowed!

• Easy afternoon at the hotel

• Herbert Samuel Jerusalem

Activities:

• Begin with a magical view - From the top of the Tower of David the iconic citadel of Jerusalem. Visit the renewed museum which presents the city’s full story, emphasizing the importance of Jerusalem to Judaism, Christianity and Islam. It portrays the city’s relevance and its re-establishment as the capital of modern Israel.

• Tour of the Jewish Quarter - The Jewish Quarter is best known for the Western Wall, but there’s a lot more to see and do here. See archaeological finds from the First and Second Temple periods, Roman ruins, vibrant synagogues, and learning institutions, all jostling for space in these busy stone streets. The central plaza offers an excellent place to contemplate the power this quarter holds for so many.

• Browse in the famous Arab shuk (market) - In the Muslim & Christian quarters. Check out the local hummus and sweets, the many stalls selling spices, pastries, pottery, sheepskin, embroidered clothes, and so much more. Meet store-owners whose stores have been in their family for generations.

• Take time to reflect at the Western Wall - Proceed to the Kotel (The Western Wall), sacred because it is one of the last remnants of the Second Temple that was destroyed by the Romans. Feel the stones that have witnessed so much in the history of the Jews. Place your special and personal prayer in the cracks of the stones.

• The Western Wall Tunnels - Explore what’s under the Kotel through the Kotel Tunnels Tour. The Western Wall is impressive, but its greatness is truly discovered when you descend underground to the Western Wall Tunnels. The tunnels run along approximately 488 meters (1601ft) of the Western Wall, giving visitors a taste for the challenge that stood before Herod the Great during the biggest of all his immense building projects - the expansion of the Temple Mount.

• Drive to Machne Yehuda Market

• Culinary tour in the famous market - In the heart of Jerusalem, a bustling multi-ethnic market bursting with life, art, and flavor, a tasting tour through Machane Yehuda market is an adventure for your taste buds. Enjoy the hustle and bustle with all the rich fragrances, colors, and sounds this iconic Jerusalem market offers. The tasting tour will replace dinner.

• Transfer to your hotel

• Herbert Samuel Jerusalem

Activities:

• Begin your morning with a fun camel ride

• Masada National Park - Ascend the mountain by a cable car to explore Masada, scene of the epic stand by Jewish rebels at the end of the Great Revolt against Rome nearly 2,000 years ago. The new museum at the Visitor Center reveals the secrets of the daily life of the rebels, the story of the excavations, and how the site became one of Israel’s most important symbols.

• Time to swim & float in the Dead Sea and Lunch - At 1,300 feet below sea level, the Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth. Known in Hebrew as "The Sea of Salt", it is also one of the saltiest lakes in the world - with about 34.2% salinity.
  This is a stunning, other-worldly landscape of shimmering blue water ringed by bare, orange and yellow hills. The waters of the Dead Sea hold a potent solution of minerals and salts that have strong healing properties. Together with its ethereal beauty, these health-giving minerals make the Dead Sea’s beaches and spas popular vacation spots for Israelis and tourists alike.

• Ein Gedi oasis (time permits) - The landscape, climatic conditions and water sources at the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve have created a unique ecosystem of springs, waterfalls and pools surrounded by lush greenery in a desolate desert setting. We will have the opportunity to hike up to and cool off in the refreshing pools and waterfalls of the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve. The stunning Ein Gedi oasis consists of two separate waterways: Nahal David (David’s Stream), where David took refuge from King Saul; and Nahal Arugot, where remains of a 6th-century synagogue were discovered.

• Proceed back to Jerusalem and dinner at a local restaurant (on own) - We'll be happy to make restaurants recommendations and reservations closer to time.

• Herbert Samuel Jerusalem

Activities:

• Check-out from hotel

• Visit the museum at Yad Vashem - Bnei Bnot Mitzvah tour with Yad Vashem's Twinning Program. Israel’s national Holocaust museum presents a profoundly Jewish memorial of the Shoah. From its dramatic structure to its powerful exhibits, such as the labyrinthine Valley of the Communities and the chilling Children’s Memorial, Yad Vashem is an unforgettable place of tribute and remembrance.

• After a meaningful morning, leave Jerusalem and head north

• Lunch at Iza Pziza Goat Farm - In Moshav Tal Shahar at the foot of the Jerusalem Mountains and the heart of the agricultural fields is a family goat farm called "Iza Pziza" which includes a small herd, a dairy and a visitors' center with a cheese shop. Eat a meal, taste cheese, and meet the goats.

• Sweet chocolate workshop - Learn how to make chocolate at a boutique La Chocolita workshop at the Mohanna Family garden in Peki'in village! You'll taste unique flavors and hear about the process of making chocolate.

• Travel to the hotel & check-in

• Pastoral Kfar Blum

Activities:

• Banias nature hike - Take a refreshing walk around the Banias, one of Israel’s most beautiful nature reserves. The Banias spring feeds into the Jordan River, the reserve’s large waterfall tumbles down a 33-foot precipice year-round, and a nearby cave houses remains of a temple to the Greek god Pan. In the wars of 1948 and 1967, when the Golan was held by Syria, the site housed a Syrian officers’ club.

• Alternative accessible nature trail: Tel Dan

• Explore the Golan Heights through a jeep tour - Geo-Political tour of the Golan with an expert. While traversing the rich landscape, learn about the history, flora, and fauna of the area. Stop for a lookout over the border with Syria from Mt. Bental to get a better understanding of the geography and strategical roll this region has for the State of Israel. Your local guide touches on the nuances of living so close to the Syrian border and what that has meant for Israel as it relates to security and humanitarian issues.

• Lunch on rout (on own)

• Afternoon tour of Tzfat - Safed, pronounced Tzfat in Hebrew, sits at a higher altitude than any other city in Israel and has been known since the 16th century as a major center of Kabbala, Jewish mysticism. Safed’s mystical aura adds to its special status as one of Israel’s four holy cities, along with Jerusalem, Tiberias and Hebron. The old synagogues, narrow alleyways and artists’ studios add to the hilltop city’s unmistakable charm.

• Proceed back to the hotel and eat dinner there as well

• Pastoral Kfar Blum

Activities:

• Check-out from hotel

• Amelia's Bat Mitzvah ceremony - Korazim, is a Jewish town in a basalt landscape overlooking the Kinneret. The beautiful synagogue at Korazim, built at the end of the fourth century or the beginning of the fifth century CE, is made of basalt, the region’s most common stone, carved in geometric, floral and faunal patterns. Torah reading & ceremony at the ancient synagogue (weather pending).

• Celebratory meal - Suggestions: Tibi's restaurant.

• Visit Caesarea National Park - On the Mediterranean coast, Caesarea National Park is one of Israel’s most impressive archeological sites. Here, amazing ancient harbor ruins, beautiful beaches, and impressive modern residences sit side by side. The city was initially built by King Herod in the 1st century BC, who dreamt of a major seaport to connect the Province of Judea with Rome. For this purpose, the king's men designed an entirely artificial harbor that was in use for about a Millennium. Caesarea became a central city in Roman and Byzantine times as can be seen from the massive archeological remains on site. View the spectacular Roman amphitheater, still used today as a performance venue, as well as the hippodrome that held 20,000 spectators for chariot races.

• Drive to Tel Aviv & check-in to your hotel

• Dinner on your own - (meal and transfers are not included)

• Sheraton Tel Aviv

Activities:

• Enjoy a free day to explore on your own - Some recommendations: (guide, bus and activities are not included)

• Nahalat Binyamin Arts and Crafts Market - Open on Tuesday or a Friday, visit Nachalat Binyamin, an open-air market (weather pending) in the heart of Tel-Aviv that has become synonymous with quality Israeli crafts and folk art. The market is comprised of over 100 stands representing specialty crafts and folk art in virtually every medium imaginable: wood, stone, sand, glass, ceramics, and various metals with most if not all containing materials or themes found only in Israel.

• Bike along the beach promenade - A tour is available.

• Shops, art, caffe and history in Neve Tzedek - The first Jewish neighborhood to be built outside of Jaffa and currently one of the most beautiful and desired locations in Tel Aviv. It was built by some of the dignitaries of the old Jewish community of Jaffa in 1887. They were looking to head out of the ever-growing and over-crowded Jaffa, to build what was considered back then modern and comfortable housing. In recent years, after a period of neglect, the neighborhood was resorted and became a trendy fun beautiful part of the city and a good place to try some Israeli Gelato!

• Friday meal on own at a local restaurant - We'll be happy to make recommendations and reservations closer to the trip.

• Sheraton Tel Aviv

Activities:

• Optional: ANU Museum of the Jewish People (on own) - In June 2021, after ten years of planning and construction, the largest Jewish museum in the world opened its doors. You’re invited to join a fascinating journey that portrays the story of the Jewish people through the generations and up to the present time. The Museum represents all parts of the Jewish people and highlights the creative works and cultural riches of a variety of communities in different periods of history. This story is about all of us and each and every one of us is part of it. (not included)

• Take taxis to meet your street art guide in Florentine (transfers not included). Meeting time and point TBC.

• Enjoy a dynamic Graffiti Tour - Meet your guide and go on a graffiti tour in the trendy neighborhood of Florentin, and experience fun and artistic freedom. Learn about the Israeli society through the local art. Discover new and daring Israeli Graffiti Artists that are gaining recognition around the world.

• Dinner at a local restaurant (on own)

• Sheraton Tel Aviv

Activities:

• Begin with a visit to the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation - This is a leading non-profit and non-governmental organization focused on developing and implementing unique and cutting-edge programs. The center presents the incredible story of Israel, the "innovation nation", and showcases the diverse fields and people behind Israeli innovation.

• Old Jaffa - On a walk through Jaffa, discover the ancient and modern situated side-by-side. Stroll through the alleyways of the Old City filled with artist studios as well as archaeological discoveries. Discover which Jewish and Christian stories took place in the city.

• Carmel Market tasting tour - The Carmel Market (Shuk HaCarmel), is the largest market in Tel Aviv. Touring the market reveals the taste of the ages of Tel-Aviv in the youthful atmosphere of the city's central market. The Polish, the Persian, and the Yemeni...in this case, it is not the opening line of a joke, but the fascinating culinary traditions that mix in this place. The established market that was founded over 90 years ago, can now reveal its secrets, stories, and legends to you. Enjoy tastes throughout the tour.

• Walk along the Independence Trail - Rothschild Boulevard is the beginning of the Independence Trail. This encompasses a number of Tel Aviv’s most important heritage sites. You will learn the history of this fascinating city along the way. The trail ends at Independence Hall, where David Ben-Gurion, first Prime Minister of Israel, read aloud the Declaration of Independence as Israel was declared an independent Jewish state on May 14, 1948. In addition, during this tour you will also learn about the unique and various architectural styles that play a significant part in the history of this first Hebrew City.

• Tour and tree planting in Neot Kedumim - Neot Kedumim is the Biblical Landscape Reserve in Israel which is a unique endeavor to re-create the physical setting of the Bible in all its depth and detail. Neot Kedumim embodies the panorama and power of the landscapes that helped shape the values of the Bible and provided a rich vocabulary for expressing them. The Bat Mitvah girl will plant a tree, as a connection to our roots. Leave roots that will flourish and help contribute to a greener, better tomorrow.

• New Year's Eve Dinner (on own)

• Sheraton Tel Aviv

Activities:

• Transfer to the airport and fly back home - Departing at 12:45 AM with AA145

• Farewell - we look forward to hosting you again in our beautiful country!