Temple Shalom of Central Florida Tour to Israel – March 2026

Activities:

• Bruchim Ha'Baim! - Upon arrival, collect your baggage, and with your group, head to meet your guide and driver.

• Continue to Neot Kedumim - Neot Kedumim is the Biblical Landscape Reserve in Israel which is a unique endeavor to re-create the physical setting of the Bible in all its depth and detail. Neot Kedumim embodies the panorama and power of the landscapes that helped shape the values of the Bible and provided a rich vocabulary for expressing them. (Lunch included.)

• Plant a tree at Neot Kedumim - Participate in this unique experience to help ecologically restore the ancient biblical landscape. Plant an indigenous tree that is suited to the Israeli environment.

• Shehechiyanu on the Haas Promenade - Gather with your guide to say the Shehechiyanu and bless the beginning of your journey together in Israel!

• Take a picture by 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.

• Arrive at hotel and check in - Freshen up and prepare for dinner

• Dinner at a local restaurant - (TBD)

• Theatron Hotel - The brand new Theatron Hotel offers its guests a meaningful and memorable experience with an authentic Israeli theme, inspired by nature and infused with genuine Jerusalemite hospitality. Theatron caters to sophisticated guests who appreciate authentic and uniquely crafted artistry.

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel

• Begin your day at the Davidson Center - Walk through the Southern Wall Archaeological Gardens. Get a glimpse of the glory of the Second Temple, the heart of the ancient Jewish kingdom, and the devastation that followed. Visit the Davidson Visitors' Center and enjoy a modern and interactive virtual presentation. The museum presents a taste of the archaeology of Jerusalem from different eras - covering the First Temple, Second Temple, Byzantine, Islamic, and the Crusades periods.

• Tour the Jewish Quarter of the Old City - 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. Visit the ancient Cardo and walk through the Old City's narrow streets. At the Kotel, take time for reflection.

• Lunch on your own in the Old City

• 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.

• Dinner at a local restaurant - (TBD)

• Theatron Hotel

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel

• Ascend (by foot or cable car) to explore Masada - Atop Masada is the scene of the epic stand by Jewish rebels at the end of the Great Revolt against Rome nearly 2,000 years ago. The new museum at the Visitor Center reveals the secrets of the daily life of the rebels, the story of the excavations, and how the site became one of Israel’s most important symbols. (boxed breakfast will be provided)

• Swim in the Dead Sea and have lunch at a local spa hotel - The 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 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. Have lunch, 'float' in the Dead Sea, and enjoy the spa facilities. (Meal is included)

• Ein Gedi Ancient Synagogue - Nestled among date palms near the Dead Sea, the Ein Gedi Ancient Synagogue offers a fascinating glimpse into Jewish life between the 3rd and 6th centuries CE. Discovered by local farmers and later excavated, the site features a stunning mosaic floor adorned with geometric patterns and inscriptions—reflecting a community deeply rooted in tradition. Unique among ancient synagogues, it includes a mysterious warning not to reveal the town’s secret, adding intrigue to its spiritual and historical significance.

• Return to Jerusalem

• Evening and dinner on your own at Ben Yehuda Street - Experience Jerusalem’s youthful energy on Ben Yehuda Street, a pedestrian-friendly hub that comes alive after dark. Enjoy live street music, bustling cafés, and cozy bars tucked between souvenir shops and falafel stands. Whether you're sipping a cocktail, grabbing late-night bites, or simply soaking in the vibrant mix of locals and travelers, this lively strip offers a perfect taste of the city’s modern heartbeat amid its ancient soul.

• Theatron Hotel

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel

• 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.

• 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 approximately 28,000 soldiers and civilians killed in combat or by terrorism since the founding of the state.

• 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.

• Return to the hotel and prepare for Shabbat

• Kabbalat Shabbat and Shabbat dinner with Har-El Community

• Theatron Hotel

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel

• Optional: shabbat services at a local synagogue

• Walking Tour: Muslim & Christian Quarters - Explore the maze of the Muslim and Christian quarters, meeting people who have lived in the Old City for generations, practicing their crafts and raising their families. Browse the famous Arab shuk (market) in the Muslim quarter. Its many stalls sell spices, pastries, pottery, sheepskin, embroidered clothes and so much more.

• Lunch and afternoon on your own

• Group Havdalah - As the sun sets, come together with your group for Havdalah

• Dinner on your own

• Tower of David Sound and Light Show - The ancient walls serve as a stage for a nighttime show which is a celebration of Jerusalem's profound story. Enjoy a multi-sensory experience amidst the archaeological remains in the Citadel's courtyard.

• Theatron Hotel

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel

• Lifeline for the Old / Yad LaKashish - Yad LaKashish is a non-profit organization empowering and supporting nearly 300 elderly Jerusalem residents on a daily basis by providing them with creative work opportunities in artistic workshops.

• Chagall Windows - Take in the luminous colors and rich Jewish symbolism of the exquisite Chagall stained glass windows in the synagogue of the Hadassah Medical Center in Ein Kerem. The windows illustrate Jacob's blessings to his sons, the patriarchs of the 12 tribes.

• Continue north

• Visit 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 on your own

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

• Pastoral Kfar Blum Hotel

Activities:

• Breakfast at your hotel

• 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.

• Wine tasting and light lunch at Tel Shifon Winery - Tel Shifon winery, situated among the vineyards, gives you an amazing view to complement its excellent wines.

• 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.

• Druze Cooking Workshop and Meal - 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

Activities:

• Breakfast at your hotel - And check out

• Walk through 4,000 years of history in Akko, the Old 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 your 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.

• Travel to Tel Aviv - And check in to your hotel

• Free evening and dinner on your own

• Sea Tower by Isrotel - Just steps from the Mediterranean and Tel Aviv’s vibrant promenade, the Sea Tower blends sleek design, spacious suites with kitchenettes and a rooftop pool with panoramic sea-and-city views — your urban seaside escape

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel

• Depart hotel for Gaza Envelope (Otef Aza)

• Gaza Border Lookout and security briefing - Stop at key lookout points for an in-depth discussion of the complexity of the Gaza Border situation.

• Lunch at Osi Lankri Culinary Queen's House in Ofakim - 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.

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

• Pay Respects at the Sderot Police Station Memorial

• Return to Tel Aviv - With Dinner at a local restaurant

• Sea Tower by Isrotel

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel - And check out

• 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.

• Old Jaffa - 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.

• Levinsky Market Tasting Tour lunch - 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.

• Visit The Israel Guide Dog Center in Beit Oved

• Farewell dinner at a local restaurant - (TBD)

• Transfer to the airport and Farewell - We hope to host you again in our beautiful country!

• Overnight in Tel Aviv for those continuing to Petra

• Sea Tower by Isrotel

Activities:

• Early breakfast at the hotel

• Transfer to airport and early flight to Ramon airport

• Transfer to the Arava Border Crossing and drive to Petra - You will be guided through the border crossing by our agent and be greeted on the other side of the border by your Jordanian driver and guide.

• Tour Petra - Visit Jordan's Jewel, The Capital City of the Nabateans, a city fully carved in the rose red stones of Wadi Mousa Mountains. Upon arrival, you will take a horse back ride (optional), walk through the Siq, the only access to this city. Lunch included. Petra is a vast, unique city, carved into the sheer rock face by the Nabataeans, an industrious Arab people who settled here more than 2000 years ago, turning it into an important junction for the silk, spice and other trade routes that linked China, India and southern Arabia with Egypt, Syria, Greece and Rome. Despite successive attempts by the Seleucid king Antigonus, the Roman emperor Pompey and Herod the Great to bring Petra under the control of their respective empires, Petra remained largely in Nabataean hands until around 100AD, when the Romans took over.

• Dinner at the hotel

• Bubble Luxotel Wadi Rum - Bubble tents in Wadi Rum offer immersive stargazing experiences, enveloped by the desert's solitude. Transparent dwellings provide intimate encounters with nature's spectacle beneath Jordan's magnificent, unobstructed night sky

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel

• Drive to Wadi Rum - Wadi Rum is a protected desert wilderness in southern Jordan. It features dramatic sandstone mountains like the many-domed Jebel Um Ishrin, and natural arches such as Burdah Rock Bridge. Many prehistoric inscriptions and carvings line rocky caverns and steep chasms, such as Khazali Canyon.

• Return to Israel through Arava Border Crossing and transfer to airport

• Flight to Ben Gurion Airport - Other options available including weekend in Eilat or anywhere else in Israel!

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