Strauss Family Israel Adventure – June 2025

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 hotel in Tel Aviv

• Check in to hotel - Rest and enjoy what Tel Aviv has to offer

• The Norman Tel Aviv- Boutique Hotel

Activities:

• Breakfast at hotel - And check out

• Meet your guide at the lobby and drive east to 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.

• Lunch on own en route

• Continue to The Dead Sea for overnight - 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.

• 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.

• Dinner at hotel

• Isrotel Nevo Dead Sea Hotel

Activities:

• Leave hotel before sunrise and head to Masada

• Hike up Masada and watch the sunrise! - Atop a lone rock cliff in the Judean Desert lies Masada, combining natural beauty and deep meaning. Hike up the Snake Path OR the Roman Ramp to watch the awe-inspiring sunrise over the vistas of the Jordan mountains and the Dead Sea. Continue with a tour of the impressive palace built by King Herod 2,000 years ago and the fascinating story of the Jewish Great Revolt against the Romans. Masada has come to symbolize the fierce determination of the people of Israel, but its tragic history also raises questions about the price of freedom.
  Don't forget to take your pulse at the beginning and the end of the climb!

• Drive south

• 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.

• Hike in the stunning oasis in Ein Avdat National Park, 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. If you are lucky you might see the Ibexes and make sure to look for the vultures in the sky. For an exciting trail, hike up and climb ladders, at the end you will enjoy a spectacular view of the Negev desert.

• Camel ride - A fun desert experience with a camel ride - in the heart of the Negev Desert go on a camel ride, enjoy the views of the golden desert.

• Travel to hotel - And dinner at hotel

• Beresheet Hotel, Mitzpe Ramon

Activities:

• Breakfast at hotel

• Begin your day late and enjoy the hotel's facilities

• Tour and tasting at Nana Farm Winery - In the heart of desert, between ancient stone terraces and barren golden sand hills, wine vineyards appear. The powerful site is hard to describe in words. Experienced vintner Eran Raz, nicknamed "Nana", has created a quality leading wine in what some may be surprised to call ideal conditions for quality vine growth.

• Jeep tour and hike Makhtesh Ramon National park - Makhtesh Ramon is a type of geological formation found only in Israel and northern Sinai. The steep rock cliffs surrounding a closed valley drained by a single wadi are the product of erosion. Ramon Crater is the largest of three in Israel.

• Stargazing and surprise desert dinner - When night falls in the desert, a whole new setting is revealed, and what could be better than stargazing in Mitzpe Ramon, one of the best locations to do this in Israel (and in the world!)?

• Beresheet Hotel, Mitzpe Ramon

Activities:

• Breakfast and check out from hotel

• Supernova music festival site - We will begin our tour at the Nova Festival memorial site - at Re'im Forest. Stop and bear witness to the tragedy of the Nova Festival.

• Bear Witness to the events of October 7 - Visits to the kibbutzim and yeshuvim of the Gaza Envelope will be made pending availability and will only be determined close to the date of the visit. As time goes on, residents are returning to their homes and requesting their privacy.

• 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 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.

• Continue to Jerusalem

• Check in to hotel and evening on your own

• Isrotel Orient, Jerusalem

Activities:

• Breakfast at hotel

• Quick Tour 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.

• Machane Yehuda Market Tasting Tour - 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.

• Tour Jerusalem’s Old City - 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. Visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in the Christian Quarter and, conditions permitting, visit the Temple Mount, a significant Muslim site. Delve into the complexity of a city sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

• Return to hotel to rest and prepare for dinner

• Dinner at Chakra (not included) - Chakra offers a rotating Mediterranean menu & Israeli wines in modern surroundings with a garden-style terrace.

• Isrotel Orient Jerusalem

Activities:

• Breakfast at hotel - And check out from hotel

• Head north

• 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.”

• Light Lunch on own

• Continue to Druze Cooking Workshop and Dinner - 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.

• Continue to your hotel and check in

• Mitzpe Hayamim Hotel

Activities:

• Breakfast at your hotel

• Head north-east, to the Golan Heights

• Travel to Ein Keshatot (Umm al-Kanatir) and celebrate Tim's Bar Mitzva - 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.

• Lunch at a restaurant and toast L'Chaim! - TBD

• 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.

• Dinner at a restaurant (not included) - TBD

• Return to hotel

• Mitzpe Hayamim Hotel

Activities:

• Breakfast at hotel - And check out from hotel

• Tour 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.

• Continue to Tel Aviv

• Time and energy permitting: Old Jaffa Sunset Tour - 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.

• Dinner at a restaurant (not included) - TBD

• The Norman Tel Aviv- Boutique Hotel

Activities:

• Breakfast at your hotel

• Our suggestions for the day (not included): - We can book any of the options for your convenience

• Tour Neve Tzedek - 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!

• Tasting tour and light lunch 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.

• Dinner at HIBA Restaurant (not included) - Hiba restaurant in Tel Aviv is a hidden gem that offers a unique dining experience blending traditional Middle Eastern flavors with a modern twist. Located in the bustling heart of the city, Hiba is known for its warm and inviting ambiance, impeccable service, and innovative dishes that showcase the region's rich culinary heritage. Whether you're a local foodie or a traveler seeking authentic flavors, Hiba is a must-visit destination that promises to delight your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

• The Norman Tel Aviv- Boutique Hotel

Activities:

• Breakfast at hotel

• Our suggestions for the day (not included): - We can book any of the options for your convenience

• 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.

• Bike Tour of Tel Aviv - Guided Electric Bike Tours - Electric bikes are definitely the most thrilling and fascinating way to explore and experience the cities sights and views, history and contemporary culture.
  Ride around Tel Aviv's bike paths with a Certified Tour Guide!
  Electric Bikes – Just perfect for the hot days in the city!

• Dinner at Shila - Sharon Cohens Kitchen & bar (not included) - The restaurant was established ten years ago by Sharon Cohen and his wife Adi. During the first years Sharon worked with 2 cooks and Adi with 1 waitress. Year after year, step by step, the restaurant grew and expanded in size, staff, and culinary vision. Today, Shila has become a home for people that love to eat and have fun. Sharon Cohen, the chef, manages the kitchen with laughter and humor behind the flame. It's easy to tell his food is seasoned with grace and served with love.

• Music Concert - Options will be given closer to day of arrival in Israel

• The Norman Tel Aviv- Boutique Hotel

Activities:

• Breakfast at hotel

• Our suggestions for the day (not included): - We can book any of the options for your convenience

• 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.

• Hatikva Market Tasting Tour - Go on a culinary journey through Hatikvah Market, a lesser-known gem. Since the market's renovation, it has become a joyful, colorful place. Many say this is Tel Aviv's best market for variety, price, and authenticity. What began in the 1930s with a few produce stalls put up by local residents of Iraqi, Yemeni, Syrian, and Iranian backgrounds grew into a vibrant market.

• The "White City" - Bauhaus and International Architecture Walking Tour - 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 Ouzeria (not included) - Ouzeria is a vibrant Mediterranean restaurant, known for its lively atmosphere and eclectic menu inspired by the flavors of the Levant. With a focus on fresh seafood, grilled meats, and seasonal vegetables, Ouzeria offers a variety of dishes that celebrate local ingredients.

• The Norman Tel Aviv- Boutique Hotel

Activities:

• Breakfast at hotel

• Our suggestions for the day (not included): - We can book any of the options for your convenience

• 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.
  The market is open on Tuesdays and Fridays

• Carmel Market (Shuk HaCarmel) Tasting Tour - A culinary and cultural experience in the Carmel Market (Shuk HaCarmel), the largest market in Tel Aviv. Touring the market reveals the taste of the ages of Tel Aviv in the youthful atmosphere felt here. 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. Founded over 90 years ago, discover the many secrets, stories, and legends of this culinary destination. Enjoy tastings throughout the tour.

• Beit Tefila Yisraeli - Kabbalat Shabbat - Welcome Shabbat at the Tel Aviv Port with Beit Tefilah Israeli in a prayer that combines the old and the modern, sunset and music.

• Dinner at Ha'Achim (not included) - Haachim, located on Ibn Gvirol offers a spin on the middle eastern cuisine by modernizing classic dishes.

• The Norman Tel Aviv- Boutique Hotel

Activities:

• Breakfast at hotel - And checkout from hotel. You can leave your luggage at the hotel while enjoying the city until your departure.

• Our suggestions for the day (not included): - We can book any of the options for your convenience

• Enjoy the beautiful beaches of Tel Aviv!

• Farewell dinner at HaBasta (not included, we can make reservations) - Small but perfectly formed, HaBasta is located on a street leading off Tel Aviv’s Carmel Market, from where almost all its produce is sourced. An extensive daily changing menu is scribbled on a piece of paper on the wall. The dishes, while simple, are satisfyingly complex in execution. The international wine list is equally exceptional. You will be greeted by Maoz Alonim, chef and owner.

• Transfer to Ben Gurion Airport

• L'hitrao't! - We hope to host you again in our beautiful country!