Frank, Deneen and Goldfarb – Israel Family Adventure – February 2026

Activities:

• Welcome to Israel! Arrive at Ben Gurion airport - Your VIP fast track assistant will 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.

• Transfer to Jerusalem

• Check in to and enjoy dinner at the hotel

• Jerusalem

Activities:

• Breakfast at your hotel

• City of David - Take a trip back in time through the layers of Jerusalem’s past. It was on this hill where King David founded the Kingdom of Israel capital, and where it continuously excavated over the last 120 years, discoveries are regularly made. Tour the palace of King David, ritual purification pools, and the tour's highlight - a walk through water in Hezekiah’s Tunnel built to protect the water supply. Exit the site onto the magnificent road where the Jewish pilgrims walked, over 2,000 years ago. Get your flashlights ready!
  Please note: The walk in the tunnel isn't suitable for claustrophobic people. What to bring? water shoes, a flashlight, shorts, and a change of modest clothes for the rest of the day in the Old City.

• Tour 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.

• Proceed to the Kotel (The Western Wall) - Sacred because it is one of the last remnant of the Second Temple that was destroyed by the Romans, at the Kotel, 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.

• Lunch in the Arab Market - Browse in the famous Arab shuk (market) in the Muslim Quarter. 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.

• Tour the Christian Quarter - One of the four neighborhoods of Jerusalem’s Old City, the Christian Quarter is home to a rich tapestry of Christians of many denominations. The historic and impressive Church of the Holy Sepulchre, encompassing the last 5 Stations of the Cross, dominates the area. Retrace the footsteps of generations of pilgrims, or eat some of Israel’s best hummus at one of the authentic restaurants in the quarter.

• Step into the sacred space of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre - In awe of its historical significance, you observe the rituals and traditions, gaining insight into the profound spirituality embedded in the heart of this most important site for Christian pilgrimage.

• Proceed back to your hotel, relax and get ready for Shabbat - Optional and suggested - join a local community for Kabbalat Shabbat.

• Friday night Shabbat dinner - Options: at the hotel / a local restaurant / experience an authentic traditional Shabbat at the home of a host family. (meal and transfers aren't included)

• Jerusalem

Activities:

• Breakfast at your hotel

• Tour of Masada National Park - Ascend the mountain to explore Masada, a natural fortress combining natural beauty and deep meaning. Explore the impressive excavations that reveal secrets of daily life in the fortress, hear about the scene of the epic stand by Jewish rebels at the end of the Great Revolt against Rome nearly 2,000 years ago, and how the site became one of Israel’s most important symbols. (Cable car option will be available; Climbing up through the Roman Ramp, down through the Snake Path)

• Time permitting: Ein Gedi Hike - Nahal David beautiful desert oasis, is a spectacular water hike for all ages. Trails in a range of levels of difficulty take you alongside and through the cool, fresh waters, down waterfalls, along sheer cliffs, and past lush greenery and invasive species. According to tradition, David sought refuge from King Saul, and his courage and leadership are commemorated here. If you’re both quiet and lucky, you might even glimpse the sure-footed ibex and other local animals.

• Lunch on route - (meal not included)

• Swim and float in the Dead Sea - 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. At one of the local hotels, have lunch and 'float' in the Dead Sea.

• Return to Jerusalem

• Dinner at a local restaurant - (on your own)

• Jerusalem

Activities:

• Breakfast at your hotel

• Visit the museum at Yad Vashem, Israel’s National Memorial to the Holocaust - Tour this memorial to the darkest moment in the world and Jewish history, its children’s memorial, and exquisite gardens. Yad Vashem is an unforgettable place of tribute and remembrance. You'll be guided by a member of the Yad Vashem staff.

• Younger Kids Track: Jerusalem Aquarium - The aquarium takes you on a fascinating journey through the four seas of Israel; Mediterranean Sea, Sea of Galilee, Dead Sea, and Red Sea. All of the different seas have different aquatic life based on the different water.

• Lunch at the Machane Yehuda Market - After a meaningful morning focusing on our past, we will head to the present and experience the vibrant life of Jerusalem in the modern day. In the heart of the city, at a bustling multi-ethnic market bursting with life, enjoy the hustle and bustle with all the rich fragrances, colors, and sounds this iconic Machane Yehuda market offers. Take time to explore and taste something you haven't tried before.

• Free time to shop and explore

• Dinner at a local restaurant - (on your own, meal and transfers aren't included)

• Inbal Hotel Jerusalem

Activities:

• Breakfast at your hotel and check out

• Explore Latrun - Yad Lashiryon Armored Corps Museum and Complex - One of the fiercest and most important battles of the War of Independence was the fight for the fortress of Latrun, which commanded the main road between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Here you can not only learn about the nation's military legacy but also feel it.

• Lunch at Iza Pziza Goat Farm - Travel to Moshav Tal Shahar at the foot of the Jerusalem Mountains, to the heart of the agricultural fields to visit a family goat farm called "Iza Pziza" which includes a small herd, a dairy and a visitors' center with a cheese shop. Meet the goats and enjoy a delicious homemade farmers' cheese and fresh meal.

• Beit Guvrin - be an archaeologist for a day - For a real hands-on and exciting experience head to Beit Guvrin-Maresha National Park, in the heart of The Land of Thousands of Caves, and become an archeologist for the day. Take part in the digs at the vast spaces beneath the houses, these caves served as storerooms, olive presses, water cisterns, and later on as safe havens during the time of the Bar Kochba revolt against the Romans. Don't miss out on a visit to the amazing Bell Caves in Tel Maresha as well as the impressive Roman amphitheater in Beit Guvrin. This activity is fun for all ages.

• Continue south

• Check in to and enjoy dinner at the hotel

• South

Activities:

• Breakfast at your hotel

• Begin at the beautiful lookout over Tzin River Bed and visit the grave of Ben Gurion - David Ben Gurion was Israel’s first Prime Minister, whose vision for settling the desert continues to bloom today. Throughout the day, you’ll see his vision come to life.

• Hike in the Ein Avdat oasis - Located in a beautiful canyon in the Negev desert, the Ein Avdat spring flows down in a waterfall towards an 8-meter deep pool of water. The canyon is part of Nahal Zin, which is the longest wadi or dry riverbed, in the Negev desert.

• Authentic, delicious Bedouin meal and camel ride

• A fun Jeep tour in the Ramon Crater - Start at the top of the Atzmaut Ascent, descend into the Makhtesh (crater), and cross to Wadi Ramon. Continue to the summit of Mt. Gvanim which offers a stunning view of the entire Makhtesh. From there, travel along Wadi Gvanim, and continue to the Ein Sahronim spring and the nearby Nabatean ruins. During the tour you will have time to hike various parts of the crater.

• Dinner at the hotel

• Optional add-on: Magical desert night experience: star gazing, bonfire and smores - Guided professional star gazing (weather permitting, not included in the package)

• South

Activities:

• Breakfast at your hotel and check out

• Travel north to Gaza envelope

• Nova music festival site - Stop at the Nova Festival memorial site - at Re'im Forest stop and bear witness to the tragedy of the Nova Festival.

• Lunch at a Culinary Queen Home - You are invited to savor a home-cooked meal in her beautiful home. While enjoying the culinary experience, listen to her personal stories about life in the Envelope, her birthplace and hometown. Gain insights into how the October 7th attack affected her home, family, and neighborhood.

• Volunteering - TBD

• Drive to Tel Aviv and check in to the hotel

• Dinner at a local restaurant

• Tel Aviv

Activities:

• Breakfast at your hotel

• Ayalon Institute - The Ayalon Institute is a clandestine ammunition factory built in 1945 by the Haganah. a Zionist paramilitary organization. Above ground, it appeared to be no more than a kibbutz bakery. However, eight meters below ground was really the country's largest bullet factory. It has been said that the bullets manufactured at the Ayalon Institute played a crucial role in the success of the War of Independence.

• Lunch en route on your own

• Volunteer at Leket - Israel’s food bank - Leket Israel, the National Food Bank, is the leading food rescue organization in Israel. Unique among all other organizations that serve the poor in Israel and food banks worldwide, Leket Israel’s sole focus is rescuing healthy, surplus food and delivering it to those in need through partner nonprofit organizations. Pick fruit or vegetables in Leket's field that will be distributed by the organization.

• Continue to the Square of the Kidnapped and Missing - Visit to The square of the Kidnapped and Missing in front of the Tel Aviv Art Museum. See the powerful art created by various artists, including the Shabbat Table set for 200 missing Israelis, to show support and shine a spotlight on the importance of rescuing the lives of those abducted to Gaza. (Hopefully, by the time of this mission, all of the hostages will have been released and back home with their families.)

• Dinner suggestion: Ha'Achim - At the beginning of the 2023 Hamas-Israel War the owner of Ha'Achim restaurant applied for an received a temporary Kashrut certificate so that they could cook and deliver food to IDF soldiers! The restaurant offers a spin on middle eastern cuisine by modernizing classic dishes. (Not included)

• Tel Aviv

Activities:

• Breakfast at your hotel

• Begin the day at ANU Museum of the Jewish People - The newly re-imagined ANU Museum of the Jewish People tells the story of the Jewish people through the generations and up to the present time. Dive into this dynamic and interactive experience that represents all parts of the Jewish people and highlights the creative works and cultural riches of a variety of communities throughout different periods of history.

• Levinsky Market Tasting Tour - The Levinsky Market specializes in spices and Mediterranean delicacies. It is, in many ways, the best market in Tel Aviv, known for its variety, freshness, and special atmosphere. Whether you are looking for a rare Indian spice or some good quality saffron - this is the place. Shops offer a cornucopia of excellent cheeses, smoked fish, wines, and other delicacies. Tour the market and have "tastings" throughout.

• Explore Independence Trail - Using an iPad guided hunt, discover the new Independence Trail which follows stops of Tel Aviv’s foundation and the sites pivotal to the birth of the modern State of Israel. Walk the paths of pioneers, witness architectural styles that tell the story of the city's development, and delve into Israel's struggle and triumph stories. The trail ends across from the Independence Hall, where on May 14, 1948, David Ben-Gurion read aloud the Declaration of Independence as Israel was declared an independent Jewish state. The trail offers a profound insight into the nation's remarkable history.

• Free time at Nachalat Binyamin Arts and Crafts Market - Enjoy time to explore the local artistic spirit in Nachalat Binyamin open-air market in the heart of Tel-Aviv. It has become synonymous with quality Israeli crafts and folk art. The market comprised over 100 stands representing specialty local crafts in virtually every medium imaginable: wood, stone, glass, ceramics, and various metals, all original and handmade. The unique architecture as well as the graffiti on the walls provide a perfect backdrop for the arts and crafts market.

• Friday night Shabbat family dinner - (on own, not included)

• Tel Aviv

Activities:

• Breakfast at your hotel

• Enjoy a day on your own to explore Tel Aviv

• Private transfer from your hotel to Ben Gurion Airport

• Meet your VIP assistant and go through a fast track check-in procedures

• Fly back home - We look forward to hosting you again in our beautiful country!