Lynn Family Israel Trip V.2 | October 2023

Activities:

• Welcome - 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.

• On this day: airport transfer is included - (guide, transfers in Jerusalem and activities are not included)

• Check-in to your hotel and enjoy the hotel's facilities - Check-in time is after 3:00 PM.

• Suggested for this day: 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. (opening hours: 10:00am - 5:00 pm)

• Recommended: glass of wine overlooking the Old City - At Montefiore's iconic windmill, you will find Jerusalem Wineries' visitors center that offers wine tastings or just a glass of wine in the terrace with the views of the Old City walls. Mishkenot Sha'anaim was the first Jewish neighborhood built outside the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem, on a hill directly across from Mount Zion. Built in 1859–1860, it was the first area of Jewish settlement in Jerusalem outside the Old City walls

• Dinner in a local restaurant - (meal and transfers are not included)

• Jerusalem - The David Citadel Hotel

Activities:

• Breakfast at your hotel

• Meet your guide at the Jaffa Gate for a full walking day tour of the Old City - (transfers are not included on this day, you will meet your guide at the Old City)

• Begin with a lookout and a visit to the Tower of David Museum - Amidst the archaeological remains in the David Citadel courtyard the story of Jerusalem unfolds through virtual reality images. The Night Spectacular uses trompe l'oeil technology – the stones of the walls and structures fade into the scenes and the viewers are part of a multi-sensory experience.
  Enjoy a bird's-eye view of the Old and New Cities, as an introduction to your day and the places you will be visiting.

• Continue to Mount Zion - The traditional site of the tomb of King David, holy to Jews, Christians, and Muslims. On the ground level are several Jewish synagogues. The second level the contains the Cenacle room where two major events in the early Christian Church are commemorated: the Last Supper and the coming of the Holy Spirit to the apostles.

• Enter through the Zion Gate and tour the Jewish Quarter - 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.

• Authentic lunch at 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.

• Church of the Holy Sepulchre - The church is situated on the hill called Golgotha or Calvary and contains the last five Stations of the Cross, including the sites of Jesus' crucifixion and burial. Several Christian denominations claim ownership to various parts of this site so holy to Christendom.

• 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.

• Tour of the Western Wall Tunnels - Explore what’s under the Muslim Quarter 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 of the challenge that stood before Herod the Great during the biggest of all his immense building projects - the expansion of the Temple Mount.

• Go back to the hotel, get settles before your afternoon activity

• Shukriya - baking workshop - 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. Participate in an interactive hand-on bread baking workshop followed by a light meal.

• Thursday evening night life experience in Jerusalem - The weekend in Israel begins on Thursday evening which is the best time to go out in Jerusalem and feel the weekend's atmosphere. We will be happy to give recommendations for bars/ areas.

• Jerusalem - The David Citadel Hotel

Activities:

• Breakfast at your hotel

• Private transfer to the Yad Vashem Museum - On this day only 1 transfer from your hotel to the museum is included. A local guide in Yad Vashem Museum is included. The rest of the day a guide and transportation isn't included.

• Yad Vashem - Visit the museum at Yad Vashem, Israel’s National Memorial to the Holocaust. Tour this memorial to the darkest moment in world and Jewish history, its children’s memorial, and exquisite gardens. Yad Vashem is an unforgettable place of tribute and remembrance. Audio guide is included. guided tour with a member of the Yad Vashem staff is available and not included.

• Recommended: Machane Yehuda Market - After a meaningful morning focusing on our past, we will head to the present and modern day. In the heart of Jerusalem, at a bustling multi-ethnic market bursting with life, enjoy the hustle and bustle preparing for Shabbat, with all the rich fragrances, colors, and sounds this iconic Jerusalem market offers.

• Optional Kabbalat Shabbat: join a local community service or the prayers at the Western Wall

• Friday night Shabbat dinner - Optional - join a local family to experience traditional Shabbat and eat delicious home made food. (meal and transfers are not included)

• Jerusalem - The David Citadel Hotel

Activities:

• Breakfast at your hotel

• Your guide and driver will meet you at the hotel

• Hike in the beautiful Nahal Arugot oasis - This beautiful nature reserve features Nahal David, a spectacular water hike for all ages. Trails in a range of levels of difficulty take you alongside and through the cool, fresh waters of Nahal David, down waterfalls, along jaw-dropping canyons, and past caves. If you’re both quiet and lucky, you might even glimpse the sure-footed ibex and other local animals.

• Dead Sea Resort for swim and lunch - Israel’s Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth, 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.

• Optional: private boat ride in the Dead Sea

• Travel back to Jerusalem

• Dinner at a local restaurant - (meal not included) recommended - check out Machne Yahuda Market at night.

• Jerusalem - The David Citadel Hotel

Activities:

• Breakfast at your hotel & check-out - Your guide and driver will meet you at the hotel

• Qasr el Yahud (time permitting) - According to tradition, Qasr el Yahud (Arabic: Palace of the Jews) is the Jesus' baptismal site on the Jordan river, marking his spiritual birth. It was here that John the Baptist called to the People of Judea to baptize in the Jordan River. In Jewish history, this is also believed to be the site where the Israelites crossed into Israel after wandering the desert for 40 years, as well as the site of Elijah the Prophet's ascension to heaven. The Jordan River was regarded as a sacred body of water, prominent in the scripts - it is mentioned 167 times in the Torah - more than any river, stream, lake, or sea in the Bible.

• Travel along the Jordan Valley

• Kibbutz Sde Eliahu Bio Bee Agritourism - Bio Bee Sde Eliyahu is the pioneer of organic farming in Israel. While visiting the fields we not only learn about the benefits of organic farming but also about biological pest control. The Kibbutz established the first biological pest control company in Israel and is a world leader in the field of biological pest control and bumblebees for pollination.

• Suggested lunch: picnic in a beautiful nature spot - (not included)

• Tour of the impressive ancient Beit Shean - One of the main pagan towns during Roman rule of the region 2,000 years ago, and in the shadow of an important biblical city, Beit She’an contains a magnificent theater, Roman bathhouses, mosaics and more. It is considered one of the most well-preserved Roman sites in the region.

• Dinner at a local restaurant - (meal not included)

• Travel to the hotel and check-in

• Dinner at a local restaurant - (meal not included)

• North - Gomeh Hotel

Activities:

• Breakfast at your hotel - Your guide and driver will meet you at the hotel.

• Begin with a hike of the Banias nature reserve - 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.

• Tel Winery - tastings and light meal - Tel Winery is a woman-owned micro boutique winery, offering intimate tours led by the passionate and knowledgeable Lital. All wines are single varietal, made exclusively from Northern Golan grapes and feature high acidity and fruits flavors which provide for a refreshing sip.

• Fun and interesting jeep tour along the border - Take a 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 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.

• Dinner at a local restaurant OR suggested - a Druze home hospitality and meal - (meal not included)

• Travel back to the hotel

• North - Gomeh Hotel

Activities:

• Breakfast at your hotel & check-out - Your guide and driver will meet you at the hotel.

• Tour and time to explore Tzfat old city - Spend the morning in Tzfat which 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. 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.

• Havat Rom - farm to table - A visit to a magical organic farm, located on a mountain with a beautiful view of Meron Mountain. This is an agricultural organic farm, where they use ancient knowledge along with modern tools. Trying to find the balance between humans and nature. Enjoy a light meal from the fresh produce and excellent cheese.

• 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 and Muslims. Walk narrow streets past towering ramparts, deep moats, green domes, venerable synagogues, slender Muslim minarets, and secret passageways. Discover the subterranean city built beneath Akko in the Middle Ages by the Crusaders. Learn about the city’s ancient history, as well as its important role in Israel’s modern history.

• Travel to Tel Aviv & check-in to your hotel - Hotel in Tel Aviv was booked on own and is not included.

• Dinner at a local restaurant - We'll be happy to give recommendations for places in Tel Aviv and help with reservations upon request. (meal and transfers aren't included)

• Tel Aviv - booked on own

Activities:

• Breakfast at your hotel - A day with a private guide, you will meet your guide at the Jaffa's Clock Tower. Transfers are not included.

• Begin your day with a tour of the beautiful and interesting old city of Jaffa - Jaffa is one of the most ancient port cities in Israel and the Mediterranean basin. Today Jaffa is a mixed city, where Jews and Arabs live alongside each other. Tel Aviv, Jaffa's younger sister, was established centuries later, in the year 1909, but the two were united into one municipality in 1949, yet each part kept its unique feel and atmosphere. Jaffa has been regenerated in recent years with the old narrow streets and courtyards becoming a highly popular part of Tel Aviv’s urban tapestry.

• Dynamic Graffiti Tour - Graffiti tour in the trendy neighborhood of Florentine, and experience fun and artistic freedom. Discover new and daring Israeli Graffiti Artists that are gaining recognition around the world. Learn about contemporary Israel through the lens of street art.

• Levinsky Market - culinary 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. (the tastings will replace lunch)

• Independence Trail - Inspired by the Freedom Trail in Boston, the new Independence Trail leads to 10 of Tel Aviv’s heritage sites teaching visitors the history of this great city along the way. The trail ends across the street at Independence Hall, where on May 14, 1948, David Ben-Gurion read aloud the Declaration of Independence as Israel was declared an independent Jewish state. Along the tour you will learn about the history of the city through the various architectural styles.

• Dinner at a local restaurant

• Check-out local bars - Thursday evening is when the weekend atmosphere begins in Israel. We'll be happy to give recommendations for beer/wine/cocktail bars.

• Tel Aviv

Activities:

• Breakfast at your hotel

• Transfers are not included.

• Private morning guided tour: The Israeli Culture through learning about Israeli Art - In this dynamic tour we'll figure out what makes Israeli art into what it is, and what’s it relationship with the Zionist narrative as well as the international art world. This tour through the extensive Israeli collection at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art is an amazing way to visually explore the Israeli narrative from the early 20th century until today. What is the story the Arts Establishment tells about Israeli Art? The tour will be guided by a local artist and art expert. (private tour and entry tickets are included)

• Enjoy the rest of the day exploring the city - (transfers and activities are not included. see recommendations on Day 10)

• Optional: cultural and food tour in Bne-Brak - Visit the Ultra Orthodox city of Bnei Brak and taste, experience and smell the pots and pans of pre Shabbat dinner preparations. (not included)

• Tel Aviv

Activities:

• Breakfast at your hotel

• Recommendations for your day: - On this day activities, guide and transfers are not included.

• Nahalat Binyamin Arts and Crafts Market - An open-air market in the heart of Tel-Aviv (open on Tuesdays and Fridays) 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.

• ANU Museum of the Jewish People - 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.

• Friday night Shabbat farewell dinner - An opportunity to celebrate your anniversaries and birthday (meal and transfer are not included).

• Rent a bike and ride along the beach promenade - great way to see the city

• Day trip to Ramon Crater - See the beauty of the Negev desert - jeep or ATV ride, winey, goat cheese farm, hike, history and more.

• Check-out the night life in the city that never sleeps

• Tel Aviv

Activities:

• Breakfast at your hotel

• Enjoy the hotel's facilities, beach time and walk in the streets of Tel Aviv - Check-out by noon. On this day activities, guide and transfers are not included.

• Private transfer to Ben Gurion Airport - Airport transfer is included.

• VIP fast-track assistance upon departure is available - (not included)

• Fly back home

• We look forward to hosting you again in our beautiful country