Legend :

B - Breakfast

L - Lunch

D - Dinner

Day 1
Meet at The Airport Terminal 3, El Al counter, say farewell to friends who have come to say good-bye, board our flight to Tel Aviv and - Israel -- here we come!

Day 2
Welcome to Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv. Our representative and guide will meet you, help you through customs and transfer you on a deluxe, air conditioned tour bus to the Golden City of Jerusalem, the ancient and modern capital of Israel. We'll pause to participate in a "Shehechiyanu" ceremony on the way to our downtown luxurious hotel. We'll relax and absorb the sunshine and excitement of being in our land of Israel. Later today, during our scrumptious welcome dinner at the Hotel, we will be briefed on the program. In the evening, stroll through Ben-Yehuda Promenade, with its sidewalk cafes, street artists and local handicrafts. D

Day 3
This morning enter the gates of the Old City into the Jewish Quarter and walk along the Cardo, the colonnaded main street of Byzantine Jerusalem, for a timely, guided, introduction to the history of Israel and region. Inside the Davidson Center you'll see a fantastic computer imaging presentation of the Temple, continue to the Southern Wall Excavations, and of course, the Kotel - the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest site, the "Hafirot Hakotel" (the new Wall excavations). See the stores under the Robinson Arch. Get first hand information on all the new developments in the area, including the bulge created by the illegal excavations of the Islamic authorities. We will visit the Burnt House and the Herodian Mansions, a completely excavated residential quarter from 2000 years ago! Continue to the Rabbinical Tunnel under the Temple Mount, another monumental achievement of the ancient Israelites who inhabited Jerusalem thousands of years ago. We proceed into the Time Elevator, a multi-media attraction which takes you on a three-dimensional, simulated ride through the last 2000 years of Jerusalem's history. If time permits, we'll visit the City of David and learn about Jerusalem's water supply in ancient times. Evening: Middle Eastern dinner at the Shipudei Hagefen Restaurant.
Overnight: Jerusalem Hotel. BD

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Day 4
Today we will cover the New City of Jerusalem beginning with the Scale Model of Jerusalem, which shows the city during the Herodian period (Second Temple). Continue to Yad Vashem the holocaust memorial for a lecture followed by a tour of the museum, Childrens Memorial, walk along the Avenue of the Righteous and Dead Communities Valley. After a special "Izkor" (memorial service), we proceed to visit Har (Mount) Herzle the military cemetery where Theodore Herzle and most of Israel's great statesmen are buried. In Ein Karem we visit the Hadassa Hospital's synagogue to view the magnificent Chagall Windows. Next we'll drive by the Supreme Court and Knesset (Parliament) to the Israel Museum, which holds a unique collection of Jewish artefacts and historical treasures that can only be collected in Israel. Evening: Dinner at our hotel's Italian restaurant and overnight in Jerusalem. BD

Day 5
We begin our day with a tree planting ceremony which symbolises our small contribution to making the landscape of Israel green and fertile. On the way we will stop at the Scrolls of Fire monument before continuing to the ancient cities of Beit Govrin and Tel Maresha for another day of family experience and fun. Participate in a real archaeological dig at Beit Govrin -- almost half a day of learning about regional archaeology digging and history. Visit the new site of the Arefuge caves@ where Jewish warriors lived and hid, observe ancient olive oil manufacturing facilities; learn more about our forefathers. Before dinner there will be a meeting and rehearsal with the Rabbi for the families, and individually with the Bar/Bat Mitzvah children (to ensure their comfort with the Rabbi). Dinner at the Olive & Fish Restaurant opposite the hotel. Overnight: Jerusalem. BD

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Day 6
We drive west to Latrun to visit the Armed Forces Museum. (This strategic building was the site of many critical battles to control the main road to Jerusalem, including the War of Independence.) We follow the footsteps of the Israeli soldiers who liberated and reunited Jerusalem. The children are certain to climb onto the tanks and present you with many photo opportunities. Afterwards, during our visit to astonishing Mini Israel, we'll see fantastic mini-replicas of all the major buildings and sites in Israel. In this wonderful place you see many of the sites that you can't, on a short tour. If time permits we proceed to Nebi Samuel - The traditional site of the Tomb of the prophet Shmuel. There, we will have a chance to gain better insight of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. On the way back to the hotel we drive through some Jerusalem neighbourhoods to observe the inhabitants preparing for Shabbat. You will wander through picturesque, winding lanes; you will see beautifully restored 19th Century homes. Early return to the hotel. Before sunset we go to the Western Wall to participate in the Friday evening prayers and watch the procession of Yeshiva students dancing their way to the Kotel to greet the Sabbath. A traditional Shabbat dinner at the hotel. Overnight: Jerusalem. BD

Day 7
A free day to participate in one of the many Shabbat services, visit sites in Jerusalem or visit relatives. Bathe in the swimming pool and rest before the tour continues. Overnight: Jerusalem. B

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Day 8
(Guests may join the tour today for two days which include the Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony. The itinerary of this day depends upon the political situation and could change.)
Early this morning we bid farewell to Jerusalem as we begin another day of family excitement with our Desert Experience! We'll ride through the Southern part of the Judean desert on special vehicles - camels! Meet the Bedouins (desert people), and see the breathtaking desert with its beautiful rock formations and endless shapes. At the "Hanokdim Farm" we'll experience Bedouin style hospitality, feasting a "Chafla" Lunch, literally having a taste of their customs and culture. If the situation allows we will go through the Northern Route and visit Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found then visit Ein Gedi for a hike to the falls. In the late afternoon we stretch out, relax and "float" in the Dead Sea. Use the famous black mud. (They say it's good for what ails you!) Enjoy the great facilities of the beautiful Crowne Plaza Hotel, dinner and overnight on the shore of the Dead Sea near Masada. BLD

Day 9
We arise in the early morning, fill ourselves with a delicious Israeli buffet breakfast, ascend Masada, via the new cable car, to the last stronghold of the Zealots, those who refused to surrender to the Roman conquerors? Masada was declared by the UN as one of one hundred "World Heritage Sites". We join our Spiritual leader for the Bar/Bat Mitzvah service atop the cliff, overlooking the Dead Sea and the mountains of Moab, in our pre booked spot which ensures full enjoyment of the ceremony in relatively cool air. After the service, walk around Herod the Great's Palace, view the synagogue, bath house and newly excavated areas. (New signs describe the different exhibits.) Descend the summit by cable car to board our bus and continue to the Galilee via the coastal road. If time permits, we'll stop at Caesarea to explore the astounding Roman Amphitheatre, aqueduct and Crusader ruins. Dinner and overnight at Kibbutz Kfar Blum. BD

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Day 10
We start our day with a blast at Kibbutz Ayelet Hashachar. Everyone gets a chance to test their target shooting skills! Today we explore the northernmost part of Israel. Using a cable car we climb the mountain top to tour Kibbutz Manara, which provides a great view of the Northern Galilee. (The northern region program is subject to change due to political situation). We tour the kibbutz and if circumstances permit we visit an Army Base, have a chance to climb on tanks and speak to the soldiers who defend the northern border of Israel and observe the life of a real combat unit. We return to our hotel early to enjoy the kibbutz hotel facilities. In the evening we dine at "Decks" on the shore of the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee), where your taste buds will be tantalized by organically grown vegetables, tender meat and fresh fish After dinner, a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee and another evening of surprises and family fun!! Overnight at Tiberias. BD

Day 11
Today, more family fun. Our tour begins in the ancient Talmudic village of Katzrin, which has been uncovered and partially restored, the Capital city of the Golan. We visit a winery, continue touring the Golan Heights, visit the Syrian fortifications and to Mitzpe Gadot (the "Mourtafa") for a breath-taking view of the Hula Valley. We visit the Banias Waterfalls, one of the sources of the Jordan River; ascend Har Ben Tal at Israel/Syrian border at Kuneitra for a view of Kuneitra and beyond the border into Syria. (If time permits, we might visit Gamla, the Masada of the north, for a short hike through the Nature Trail where eagles are known to nest). Drive to the Jordan River for kayak, rafting and canoeing downstream; test your skills on the Omega (another pleasant surprise). O/N Galilee. BD

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Day 12
The ancient, sacred city of Safed: Walk around and explore the galleries in this artists' colony and explore the historic, small synagogues. On to the timeless, Crusader port city of Acre, with its Middle Age fortress, subterranean city and bazaars, where Napoleon's army later encountered some of its biggest challenges. Acre holds some of the most heroic stories, of the Jewish resistance movements during the establishment of the state of Israel. See the prison in which the British detained the 'illegal Jewish immigrants' trying to escape the Holocaust and post WWII Europe.
Then go on to sparkling Haifa, a jewel of a city and Israel's major port. Admire the beautiful view of its bay then to the beautiful Persian Gardens of the Baha'i Shrine. Drive through the Carmel Mountains, (if time permits we visit a Druze village,) continue along the coastal road to our deluxe hotel in Tel Aviv.
Tonight we will have our festive Bar/Bat Mitzvah Bar B Que dinner at the deluxe Carlton Hotel in Tel Aviv! Bar Mitzvah children will be presented with a special certificate from the Government of Israel. Another special evening of good time and family fun. Overnight at Tel Aviv. BD

Day 13
In the morning, visit Beit Hatfuzot, the Museum of Jewish Diaspora, where you can trace the roots of your family and observe many models of Jewish life, everywhere in the Diaspora. Feel the excitement of Ben Gurion and Theodore Herzle in Independence Hall where, in
1948, the establishment of the State of Israel was proclaimed. Proceed, then, to Old Jaffa for the beautiful panoramic view of modern Tel Aviv, stroll through the art galleries in the old 19th Century neighbourhood of Neve Zedek and its special Mediterranean atmosphere. From here we drive back to heart of Tel Aviv to Nachlat Benyamin. Each Friday this pedestrian walkway is transformed into an outdoor arts and crafts market -- the place to be and be seen on Friday afternoon. You can stroll along the beautiful promenade along the beach and enjoy the invigorating pace of Tel Aviv! Traditional Shabbat Dinner will be served at the hotel. BD

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Day 14
Free in Tel Aviv to enjoy the sun and beach; visit relatives and relax. We will keep one day room per family, for you convenience until departure. In the evening we have our farewell dinner and late transfer to the airport. BD

Day 15
Our flight back home.

As bookings are made months prior to departure it may be necessary to make minor changes before the final itinerary is published. The information meeting held prior to departure will provide further details. All efforts are made to use the restaurants mentioned in the itinerary. However changes may have to be made at the last minute subject to number of participants and availability, on location.

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COSTS
Cost includes return flight from North America and all land arrangements. Air transportation is available from anywhere in the US and Canada. The cost will be adjusted according departure point.

Registration: A deposit of $300 per person is required to secure space on the tour (becomes non refundable 3 months prior to departure).

Hotel Accommodations:
Deluxe category:
Jerusalem: Sheraton Plaza deluxe rooms.
Dead Sea: Hod or Crown Plaza
Galilee: Kfar Blum Kibbutz Hotel or Sheraton Tiberias
Tel Aviv: Carlton Hotel or Sheraon Towers
Eilat: Hilton Queen of Sheba

Insurance: Insurance will be issued 90 days prior to departure to protect your deposits and subsequent payments.
Passports: Must be valid six months beyond your travel date.

COMPARE!! - You get much more for your $$$ No one can match our quality based on the most experienced team of tour planners, operations experts and tour guides.

Call us now for prices 905-886-5610 or 1-800-294-1663
from anywhere in US or Canada.

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