Gallatin Trip- June-July 2026

Activities:

• Welcome to Israel! Arrive at Ben Gurion airport on flight #LY 2 at 10:50 A.M. - 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 Tel Aviv hotel

• Day on your own to rest and get settled

• Renaissance Hotel, Tel Aviv (Booked on own)

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel - רנסנס

• Tour Old Jaffa (on own) - Explore the enchanting charm of Old Jaffa, where ancient and modern are situated side-by-side and where people of all faiths meet. Jaffa is one of the most ancient port cities in the Mediterranean basin. Visit Jaffa Port, which for centuries was the gateway to the Land of Israel. Today Jaffa is a mixed city, where Jews and Arabs live alongside each other. Tel Aviv, Jaffa's much younger sister, was established centuries later, but the two were united into one municipality already in 1949, yet each part kept its unique feel and atmosphere. visit vibrant artist studios as well as archeological discoveries, while exploring the rich tapestry of cultures and history that defines this timeless Mediterranean gem.

• Visit Neve Tzedek (on own) - Neve Tzedek is the first Jewish neighborhood to be built outside of Jaffa and is now one of the most beautiful and desirable locations in Tel Aviv. It was built in 1887 by dignitaries of the old Jewish community of Jaffa. Looking to head out of the ever-growing and over-crowded Jaffa, they built, what was considered back then, modern and comfortable housing.. In recent years, the neighborhood was restored and has become a trendy fun beautiful part of the city and a good place to try some Israeli Gelato!

• Renaissance Hotel, Tel Aviv (Booked on own)

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel

• 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.

• Tasting Tour at Levinsky Market - 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.

• Graffiti Tour - Explore contemporary Israeli culture through an urban inquisitive graffiti tour in the Florentin neighborhood. What stories do these images and words tell about the people living here? What social issues are reflected in the art on the walls? What is unique about graffiti in Israel and Tel Aviv specifically? In this dynamic tour through Florentin, Tel Aviv's best-known neighborhood for graffiti, you will answer these questions, share your interpretations, and gain an appreciation for this expressive form of art.

• Explore Lev Ha'ir, the Heart of the City, where the first roots of Tel Aviv were planted in 1909 - Lev Hair contains some of Tel Aviv’s most beautiful buildings, being at the center of the UNESCO designated “White City” known for its Bauhaus, Eclectic, and International Style architecture. The area is densely populated, rooted in history, and with a glance towards the future with impressive skyscrapers, and a high concentration of start-up companies. Bordered by Habima Theater in the north and Florentin and Neve Tzedek in the south, Lev Ha’ir is a gateway to almost every district in the city. Lev Ha'ir is a cultural hub, filled with galleries, restaurants and parks.

• Dinner at a local restaurant - We will be happy to make restaurant recommendations and make reservations upon request

• Renaissance Hotel, Tel Aviv (Booked on own)

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel

• Depart south to the Supernova 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 with a Culinary Queen - One of the Culinary Queens in the Gaza Envelope invites you to savor a home-cooked meal in her beautiful home. While enjoying the culinary experience, listen to invites you 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.

• Bear Witness to the events of October 7 - Stop at key lookout points for an in-depth discussion of the complexity of the Gaza Border situation.

• Return to Tel Aviv

• 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 at Ha'Achim - Haachim, located on Ibn Gvirol offers a spin on the middle eastern cuisine by modernizing classic dishes. (not included, we will be happy to make reservations upon request)

• Tel Aviv

• Renaissance Hotel, Tel Aviv (Booked on own)

Activities:

• Breakfast at hotel - And check out from hotel

• Tour Zichron Yaakov - Established in December 1882, Zichron Ya'akov was one of the first modern Jewish communities in the country. Due to the massive support of Baron de Rothchild the town was soon named after Rothchild's father (Zichron Yaakov - "in memory of Jacob") and became known for its fine wine cellars, which produce high-quality vintages to this day. The town is also famous as the center of the NILI spy ring, organized by Jews to aid the British in ousting the Turks at the beginning of the 20th century. Tour the town to learn its history and enjoy its charming, shop-lined streets.

• Lunch at Havat Rom - Visit Havat Rom, a magical organic farm, located on a mountain with serene landscapes and panoramic views of the Galilee. This is an agricultural organic farm where ancient knowledge informs the use of modern tools to find a balance between the forces of humans and nature. Meet the goats and enjoy a meal from their fresh produce and excellent cheese.

• Continue to 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 Kabbalah, Jewish mysticism. Tzfat'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.

• Sunset ride through the spectacular Hula Valley on bikes or golf carts. - The Hula Valley is part of the northern Syrian African Rift Valley which stretches as far south as Mozambique in Africa. Each migration season, over 500 million birds travel through the Hula Lake. This wetland paradise is the perfect stopover for small water birds, cormorants, herons, pelicans, raptors, storks, and cranes.

• Continue to hotel - Check-in and dinner at hotel

• Pastoral Kfar Blum Hotel (Booked on own)

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel

• Morning walk in Tel Dan Nature Reserve - The visit combines a walk in lush wild greenery beside the flowing Dan Stream, with a biblical archaeological experience. At the heart of the park is “Tel Dan”- a central city in the Kingdom of Israel. Discover the significant archeological treasures and feel how the Biblical stories come to life with the beautiful scenery of the Land of Israel. On hot days, along the trail, you can enjoy a refreshing stop in shallow pools with cool water.

• Take a geo-political tour of the Golan Heights 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 strategic role 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.

• Optional: Visit Merom Golan for a short tour of the Kibbutz to learn about its unique lifestyle and ideology. - Lunch in the Kibbutz dining room

• Ein Keshatot (Umm al-Kanatir) - Visit the charming Ein Keshatot site, also known as Um-el Kanatir, home to a Jewish village from the Period of the Mishna and Talmud, with a magnificent synagogue in its center. The ancient village is located above the Samekh Riverbed, looking towards the Kinneret and the hills of the Galilee. Enter a synagogue that features the original Ark Complex – the most preserved and magnificent ever to be discovered in Israel. The synagogue was excavated and reconstructed with advanced technological methods, and today it stands at a height of one story. The site offers a combination of nature, archeology, and ancient art while connecting to Jewish heritage.

• Mika Winery - Mika Winery in Moshav Natur in the Golan Heights was established in 2006, out of a desire to live and uphold the values of land, family, and creation. Along with the wines, the highest quality products are served, carefully and lovingly produced in the neighboring farms in the Moshav or the Golan Heights: cheeses, olive oil, breads, seasonal fruits, patisseries and more.

• Druze Meal and Hospitality - Together with your hosts in their private home, prepare traditional Druze Galilean dishes and then enjoy a meal of the foods you learned to cook. Get to know your hosts and their culture and history. Hear about the strong bond between the Druze community to the State of Israel and their contribution to the IDF. Dinner is included.

• Pastoral Kfar Blum Hotel (Booked on own)

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel - And check out from hotel

• Travel to Rosh Hanikra ("Head of the Grottos"), with the stunning chalk-white cliffs and turquoise water at Israel’s northernmost coastal border - Enjoy the view of the Mediterranean coastline stretched out before you, then take the cable car down beneath the cliffs to the grottos below and tour the system of underground marine caves eroded by pounding waves over thousands of years.

• Akko historical tour - Walk through 4,000 years of history in this ancient city and UNESCO World Heritage site. The ancient city of Akko, situated on the Mediterranean coast, is one of the oldest ports in the world, and a city shared by Jews, Muslims and Christians. Discover the impressive subterranean well-preserved Crusaders Middle Ages city,
  walk narrow streets past towering ramparts, venerable synagogues, slender Muslim minarets, and secret passageways. Learn about the city’s rich history, as well as its important role in Israel’s modern history.
  Continue to the vibrant Akko's shuk, a fun bazaar full of fresh produce, cheap eats, spices, and souvenirs. Akko also has several of the best hummus spots in all of Israel which are a “must-taste.”

• Lunch on own in Akko

• Caesarea National Park - On the Mediterranean coast, Caesarea National Park is one of Israel’s most impressive archeological sites. Explore the 2,000-year-old Roman theater, Crusader harbor and 12th-century ramparts. 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. 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.

• Continue to Jerusalem

• Check in to hotel

• Dinner at a local restaurant - We will be happy to make restaurant recommendations and make reservations upon request

• Isrotel Orient Jerusalem (Booked on own) - Isrotel Orient Jerusalem

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel

• Beit Guvrin-Maresha National Park - To really dig deep into the past, head to Beit Guvrin-Maresha, in the heart of The Land of Thousands of Caves, where hundreds of caves were carved as part of a huge quarry, some of which are linked by underground tunnels. Explore the underground town from the Hellenistic period, where vast spaces were excavated beneath the houses and used as storerooms, olive presses, or even columbarium hosing hundreds of pigeons. These caves later on were used as safe havens during the time of the Bar Kochba revolt against the Romans. Discover the amazing Bell Caves and don't miss out on a visit to the impressive Roman amphitheater.

• Sphera Winery - Wine tastings at Sphera Winery - a boutique winery that crafts exclusively white wines made from grapes grown in vineyards throughout the country. Fusing nature, innovative technology, and artistry touch, Sphera focuses on the fine details and subtle nuances. Owners, Sivan Rav Hon and winemaker Doron Rav Hon champion a clear and minimalistic philosophy, revealing the true essence of fruits in rich, complex flavors. Enjoy tastings of excellent wines amidst the scenic beauty of the Ella Valley.

• Lunch: Farm to Table - Nura at Mata - Connect to Israe's wilderness in a foraging and a delicious meal - in Jerusalem hills meet Nurit Hertz in her backyard and walk into the forest. Become familiar with the local plants that grow in the Judean Hills, to identify edible plants, and learn how to use them for both medicine and food. Gather from the variety of plants and create a meal inspired by the food people have been eating here since ancient times.

• Afternoon Tour at Ein Karem - Step into another world while you visit the quaint Ein Karem neighborhood, which is tucked into the hills of Jerusalem. This is the biblical Ein Karem village, whose name means "the spring in the vineyard." Wander through this serene neighborhood, visit impressive churches like the Church of the Visitation, explore local art galleries, and discover the village's rich cultural and religious heritage

• Return to hotel and prepare for Shabbat

• Shabbat dinner at a local restaurant - We will be happy to make restaurant recommendations and make reservations upon request

• Isrotel Orient Jerusalem (Booked on own)

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel

• Day on your own

• Isrotel Orient Jerusalem (Booked on own)

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel

• Mount Scopus - Mount Scopus, or “tzofim” in Hebrew, is one of the tallest hills surrounding Jerusalem. The name “scopus” means a vantage point, and the lookout post on the edge of this hill is the place to go for the finest views of the Old City, the Dome of the Rock, and the sprawl of New Jerusalem.

• Take a trip back in time through the layers of Jerusalem’s past at City of David - 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.

• Hezekiah's Tunnel - Biblical King Hezekiah had the Siloam tunnel built in preparation for an Assyrian attack in the 8th or 7th century BCE, to redirect water from the Gihon spring into Jerusalem. Today, you can splash through the knee-deep water as you marvel at this astonishing feat of ancient engineering that is still standing today.

• Western Wall - Take time to reflect at 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.

• Browse in the famous Arab shuk (market) in the Muslim Quarter and lunch (not included) - 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.

• The Jewish Quarter Jerusalem - 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.

• Tower of David Jerusalem Museum - Visit the newly renovated and stunning Tower of David Museum located in the iconic David citadel. The museum has pioneered the use of new and interactive digital technologies, games, and virtualizations that add a new dimension to understanding the site itself and Jerusalem as a whole, emphasizing the importance of Jerusalem to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Climb up to a magnificent lookout to enjoy a bird's eye view of the Old City and the New City spreading on the surrounding hills outside the Walls. This is a great introduction to what you will see in the rest of the day.

• Dinner on your own at a local restaurant - We will be happy to make restaurant recommendations and make reservations upon request

• Isrotel Orient Jerusalem (Booked on own) - Isrotel Orient Jerusalem

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel

• Jeep Tour on the Burma Road - At Mitzpe Harel on the Burma Road route, hear the story of the fight to keep Jerusalem 'at any cost.' View the landscape and the history it evokes- from ancient to modern.

• Machal Memorial - The Machal Memorial dedicated in 1993, was created to honor volunteers who came from outside of Israel to fight on behalf of Israel and the Jewish people. The memorial is made up of the letters Mem, Chet and Lamed, forming the word Machal.

• 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 in Abu Ghosh - Abu Ghosh is an Israeli-Arab town in the Jerusalem hills that is well known for its hummus, music festival, beautiful churches, and history of friendly relations with Jews and Zionism.

• Castel National Park - The Roman fortress on the hill rising over Road 1, called Castel, has become a symbol of the struggle to break through to Jerusalem during the War of Independence.

• Return to Jerusalem

• Dinner on your own at a local restaurant - We will be happy to make restaurant recommendations and make reservations upon request

• Isrotel Orient Jerusalem (Booked on own)

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.

• Mount Herzl - As Israel’s national cemetery, Mount Herzl is the final resting place of leaders of Zionism and Israel, including Yitzhak Rabin and Herzl himself, and of thousands of soldiers killed defending the State of Israel. At Mount Herzl you will find a moving monument to the 28,000-odd soldiers and civilians killed in combat or by terrorism since the founding of the state.

• Lunch on own en route

• The Knesset - The Knesset, Israel's parliament, was named after “Haknesset Hagedolah,” the Great Assembly of the Second Temple period. Today it stands as a symbol of both Jewish sovereignty and dedication to democracy. In lively, often heated, debates, its 120 elected members reflect the divergence of Israeli public opinion, legislate and oversee the workings of the government.

• Machane Yehuda Market - In the heart of Jerusalem sits this bustling, multi-ethnic market bursting with life, art, and flavor. Immerse yourself in the world of Middle Eastern cuisine as you indulge in a tasting tour through Machane Yehuda Market. Learn about the market's rich history, and meet the vendors who bring this place to life, as you experience the vibrant energy unique to this iconic culinary destination.

• OPTIONAL: Tour the picturesque Nachlaot neighborhood - Nachlaot is known for its narrow, winding lanes, old-style housing, hidden courtyards and many small synagogues. In the wake of gentrification projects in the area, the face of the neighborhood has changed while retaining its unique character.

• Dinner on your own at a local restaurant - We will be happy to make restaurant recommendations and make reservations upon request

• Isrotel Orient Jerusalem (Booked on own)

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel

• Explore Masada National Park - Ascend the mountain by cable car 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.

• Visit Ein Gedi National Park - 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 en route

• Embark on an exclusive boat ride on the Dead Sea and sail to see a captivating 'salt-chimneys forest' - During this unique experience you will enjoy the wondrous muds, salt pearls, salt diamonds, water springs streaming to the sea and sink holes filled with sweet water. Learn about the ecosystem and the environmental issues connected to the Dead Sea.

• Return to Jerusalem

• Dinner on your own at a local restaurant - We will be happy to make restaurant recommendations and make reservations upon request

• Isrotel Orient Jerusalem (Booked on own) - Isrotel Orient Jerusalem

Activities:

• Breakfast at your hotel

• Transfer to Ben Gurion International Airport

• Departure on flight #LY 7 at 10:15 A.M.

• Farewell - We hope to host you again in our beautiful country!