Itinerary
1 - Sunday ( December 22 ) : Welcome Back to Israel
vActivities:
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Arrival at Ben Gurion Airport - You will be greeted at Ben Gurion Airport by your driver, who will transfer you to the hotel.
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Transfer to Tel Aviv - Check into the hotel
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Unpack, relax, and get ready for the coming weeks!
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Suggestion- Explore the Carmel Market - The Carmel market is Tel Aviv's busiest. Walk through and take in the vibrant action that will fill all of your senses.
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Carlton, Tel Aviv
2 - Monday ( December 23 ) : Tel Aviv- Old-New City
vActivities:
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Breakfast at the hotel
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Begin the day in Jaffa - Explore Jaffa’s blend of ancient history and vibrant modern culture at its picturesque, centuries-old port. Wander through winding alleyways filled with galleries, artisan shops, and historic architecture. Experience the city’s unique cultural diversity, shaped by Arab and Jewish communities living side by side. Enjoy stunning Mediterranean views and savor the flavors at local markets and waterfront cafés.
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Time for lunch in the Jaffa Flea Market
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Travel on Tel Aviv's new Light Rail to your next stop
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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.
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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.)
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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)
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Carlton, Tel Aviv
3 - Tuesday ( December 24 ) : Bearing Witness in Otef Aza
vActivities:
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Breakfast at the hotel
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Depart Tel Aviv for the Gaza Envelope Area- During the day you will do the following things, not necessarily in the order listed below:
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-Stop at the Shuva Achim Hospitality tent - What started as a field hospital at the beginning of the war in Moshav Shuva, turned into an incredible refreshment spot for soldiers, where they give out clothes, goodies and hot meals to the soldiers serving the in the Gaza Envelope. The name "Shuva Achim" means in Hebrew return brothers (and sisters) - praying that all soldiers will return home peacefully. You will help with what is needed, meet soldiers for a casual talk and show your appreciation.
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-Volunteering
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-Lunch at the home of Osi Lankri - Recognized as one of Ofakim's "Culinary Queens," Osi 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.
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-Visit 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.
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Return to Tel Aviv- Dinner and evening on your own
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Carlton, Tel Aviv
4 - Wednesday ( December 25 ) : Expressions of Peoplehood
vActivities:
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Breakfast at the hotel
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Volunteer at Leket - Israel’s food bank - Learn about this important leading organization whose sole focus is rescuing healthy, surplus food and delivering it to those in need. Volunteers go into the fields to pick and gather fruits and vegetables that were not collected during the commercial harvest. You will volunteer at the Logistics Center to help sort and pack the collected produce in preparation for distribution to soup kitchens, food pantries, senior citizen centers, and homeless shelters.
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At Sarona, explore the tunnels - The Sarona Tunnels in Tel Aviv offer a fascinating underground experience, connecting the city's vibrant Sarona Market with its historic German Templar Colony. Explore and discover hidden gems below the surface.
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Time for lunch at the Sarona Market
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Continue to 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.
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First night of Hannukah- we will find out what is going on and recommend some options for you
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Dinner and evening on your own
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Carlton, Tel Aviv
5 - Thursday ( December 26 ) : The Tapestry of the North
vActivities:
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Breakfast at the hotel - Check out of the hotel
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On your way north, stop at the Caesarea Bird Mosaic - Discover the Bird Mosaic located in a public park in Caesarea. The mosaic was originally part of a large 6th century mansion. In 1955, archaeologists excavated a hilltop 500 meters outside of the Byzantine city wall in Caesarea. A large mosaic floor was discovered dating from the 6th Century CE.
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Drive to Haifa
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Tour of Wadi Nisnas including tasting tour - Wadi Nisnas is one of Haifa’s most colorful neighborhoods, full of narrow streets, picturesque stone houses, and the Wadi Nisnas market. It is a mixed neighborhood that captures the nature and atmosphere of the city of Haifa - a city of many faiths and communities, that live alongside each other in an exemplary co-existence. The Wadi Nisnas market is the place to go and experience some of the local flavors: taste pastries, spiced tea, the best falafel in Israel, and strong Turkish coffee, along with other delicatessens and aromas that will have your mouth watering.
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Visit the Bahai Gardens - Tour the enchanting Baha'i Gardens in Haifa - where earthly beauty meets with spiritual tranquility. Wander through meticulously manicured terraces, adorned with vibrant flowers and ornate fountains, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and Haifa's bay. Discover the history of this sacred site and the principles of the Baha'i religion.
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Check into the hotel
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Hannukah Candle Lighting- TBD
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Dinner and evening on your own
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Elma Hotel
6 - Friday ( December 27 ) : Enjoying the Land
vActivities:
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Breakfast at the hotel
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Begin the day with a hike
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Druze Cooking Workshop, Lunch, and conversation - 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.
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Drive to Ein Dor- Shabbat at Ein Dor
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Elma Hotel
7 - Saturday ( December 28 ) : Shabbat with friends at Ein Dor
vActivities:
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Breakfast at the hotel
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Day with friends
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Elma Hotel
8 - Sunday ( December 29 ) : Bringing Forth Bread (and Cheese) from the Earth
vActivities:
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Breakfast at the hotel - Check out and drive towards the center of the country
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Agricultural volunteering
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Kibbutz Magal Agritour - Visit Netafim, the world-renowned agricultural entrepreneurship (irrigation methods) and Kibbutz Magal’s development of its olive and almond agricultural and production center, a global leader in quality and health. While touring the greenhouses, you will hear from experts on the growing process and Israeli agri-tech solutions, then you will taste a variety of excellent olive oils, and conclude the tour having lunch at the Kibbutz's dinning hall.
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Lunch at Hanan Hagaban - In the rustic, serene village of Moshav Herut sits Hanan Hagaban, where a wide variety of top quality cheeses are carefully handmade from scratch from organic cow, sheep and goat milk.
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Khan Sha'ar ha-Gai - Khan Sha’ar Hagai National Heritage Site, also known as Bab el-Wad, is a national memorial site. The khan, which was built as a wayside inn during the Ottoman period, is situated in the narrow opening of Wadi Nahshon on the main road connecting the lowlands with Jerusalem. This road saw fierce battles during the War of Independence, and in memory of the men and women who took part in them, a heritage center was established in the khan, dedicated to those who broke through the road to Jerusalem.
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Drive to Jerusalem and check into your hotel
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Hannukah Candle Lighting- TBD
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Dinner on your own
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Inbal Hotel Jerusalem
9 - Monday ( December 30 ) : Memory and Memorials
vActivities:
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Breakfast at the hotel
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Begin the day at Yad Vashem - 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.
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Drive to Beit Guvrin with a stop for lunch along the way
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Archeological Seminars Institute: Dig for a Day at Beit Guvrin - 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.
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Return to Jerusalem with a stop at the Shuk for suganiyot tasting
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Hannukah Candle Lighting- TBD
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Evening and dinner on your own
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Inbal Hotel Jerusalem
10 - Tuesday ( December 31 ) : Jerusalem Treasures
vActivities:
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Breakfast at the hotel
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Visit the newly renovated and stunning Tower of David Museum located in the iconic Citadel of David - 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.
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Continue touring the Old City - Tour Jerusalem’s Old City and meet the people and places that make this place so unique. explore Jewish history in the Jewish Quarter, spanning from the First Temple era to the present.
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Old City Tasting Tour - Walk through the Muslim and Christian Quarters of the Old City seeing the historical and religious sites. See some off-the-beaten track sites in the winding alleyways and enjoy some Jerusalem delicacies. We will have a “taste of history” that interweaves stories and anecdotes, historical information, and, of course, combines the senses of smell, taste, and sound.
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Meet The Jerusalem Scribe - Kalman Gavriel Delmoor is a traditional Scribe with a modern lens. Through his unique perspectives and expertise in the ancient craft, Kalman brings the Torah to life in his art. Discover the fusion of artwork and tradition below. Meet Kalman, see him work, and learn about his mission.
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Tour the recently opened Great Bridge Segment of the Western Wall Tunnels - For a different perspective on the history of Jerusalem and to admire the magnificent and significant remnant in Jerusalem from the days of the Second Temple complex, head underneath the Old City’s buildings to the Western Wall Tunnels. This tour allows visitors to reach the segments of the Wall hidden from view, and walk through fascinating ancient archeological findings that only recently opened to the public. Touch the original stones that tell the story of the Jewish nation.
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Hannukah Evening Tour - Experience the Magic of the Festival of Lights - As the sun sets, wander through one of Jerusalem's oldest residential neighborhoods, see the Hannukah Menorahs lighting the streets, amidst the scenic pathways, delve into the stories and enduring customs of the holiday. Conclude with a sweet treat - Sufganiyot.
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Inbal Hotel Jerusalem
11 - Wednesday ( January 1 ) : Desert Landscapes
vActivities:
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Breakfast at the hotel - Check out of the hotel
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Drive to the Dead Sea area
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Dead Sea Boat Ride - 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.
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Lunch at Kfar Hanokdim - Kfar Hanokdim is a green oasis shaded by palm trees and crowned with biblically inspired gardens where you will find a picturesque scene-Bedouin tents comfortably fitted with colorful rugs and mattresses. Kfar Hanokdim, surrounded by the breathtaking views of the Judean desert, offers relaxed desert hospitality, a real break from daily life. Guests visiting the Kfar enjoy warm Bedouin hospitality accompanied by explanations of Bedouin life and culture
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Drive to Sde Boker - Optional- stop along the way for a short hike
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Stop at the Sde Boker Grave of Ben Gurion - Visit the grave of David Ben-Gurion, Israel’s first Prime Minister, and his wife Paula, located near Sde Boker. One of his famous quotes is: "It is in the Negev that the creativity and pioneer vigor of Israel will be tested, and this will be a crucial test" - his vision for settling the desert continues to bloom today. Overlook towards the breathtaking Tzin Valley and the Avdat highlands in the heart of the Negev. Throughout the day, you’ll see his vision come to life.
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Check into the hotel and final night of Hannukah - If you decide to stay at Ketura, we will adapt the itinerary.
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Dinner at the hotel
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Isrotel Kedma Hotel
12 - Thursday ( January 2 ) : "In the Desert you can Remember your Name"
vActivities:
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Breakfast at the hotel
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Explore Makhtesh Ramon - Hiking in Makhtesh Ramon (The Ramon Crater) including following the Ancient Spice Route which begins in Makhtesh Ramon to the site of Nabatean city of Ovdat. Learn about the Nabatean winemaking while seeing one of the At least five wine presses dated to the Byzantine period that have been found at the various Nabatean sites in the area such as Ovdat and Shivta.
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Option: Bread making workshop and lunch at Lasha Bakery
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If staying at Ketura, visit Timna Park - Discover beautiful geological formations and the ruins of ancient copper mines in Timna Valley.
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Time to enjoy the hotel facilities
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Night Jeep Safari - Take a Negev Desert Night Safari and explore the desert as it comes to life after sunset. With stars overhead and nocturnal wildlife on the move, experience a side of the landscape that few get to see. It’s a unique and memorable way to connect with the desert at night. You'll see animals and reptiles, and hopefully other surprises.
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Dinner at the hotel
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Isrotel Kedma Hotel
13 - Friday ( January 3 ) : Making Memories
v14 - Saturday ( January 4 ) : Bringing it Home
vActivities:
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Breakfast at the hotel
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Day on your own - Late check out can be requested at an additional cost.
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Carlton, Tel Aviv
15 - Sunday ( January 5 ) : L'hitraot
vActivities:
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Breakfast at the hotel
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Morning to pack
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12:30 Transfer to the airport for flight home
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Sgdsa
Terms of Payment
Deposit is due immediately to secure the booking.
Balance for the trip is due no later than 60 days prior to the first day of trip. An invoice will be sent 90 days before the trip.
Please refer to our full Terms and Conditions here.
Please note:
- The itinerary is subject to change as a result of unforeseen changes from suppliers, weather, etc.
- This proposal is valid for 1 week for private clients and 10 days for groups.
Cancellation Policy
Bookings can be cancelled within 48 hours AFTER REGISTRATION, with a full refund.
For cancellations made:
· Up to 60 days prior to departure, any payments above the deposit towards the trip will be refunded. The deposit is non-refundable.
· 60-30 days prior to departure, 50% of the total tour cost per person will be refunded.
· 29-0 days prior to departure, the client will incur 100% of the cost of the tour.
All cancellation requests must be made in writing.