Going deeper into the Land – 12 days tour of Israel
2 nights in Tel-Aviv, 3 nights in Galilee, 1 night at a Bedouin Tent, 5 nights in Jerusalem
August 10-21, 2016
This one is a "second-timers" tour and there are four places still available.
Act fast!
Day 1 (Wed. Aug. 10): Flying over the Atlantic Ocean, Europe, or Africa, we will reach the shores of Israel, to a journey that will allow us to be better acquainted with the land we have come to love. We will walk, see, feel and touch the roots of our faith in a dipper way. After formalities at Ben Gurion airport, we will make our way to our hotel in Tel-Aviv, the first Modern city and the cultural and business center of Israel, to meet with the rest of the group and rest before our journey begins.
Day 2 (Thur. Aug. 11): ESTABLISHING THE STATE OF ISRAEL
Today we will trace the young State of Israel in its early days. We will start the day at Machon Ayalon. Here we will learn about the secret ways ammunition was manufactured by the Jewish underground underneath the grounds of an active kibbutz during the British Mandate rule. Our next stop will be the Palmach Museum for an interactive experience that will tell us the story of the early fighting for Israel’s survival. Driving through Tel-Aviv, we will pass by the cultural center of the Habimah Theatre, Dizingof Street, and City Hall, where Prime Minister Itzhak Rabin was assassinated. We will also view Neve Tzedek and Nachalat Binyamin, two typical historic neighborhoods of the city. We will also visit the Hall of Independence, where the establishment of the State of Israel was declared in 1948. At the end of the day, we will go to Joppa, stroll through its beautiful streets, galleries, and cafes, view the beautiful ancient port and enjoy one of the most impressive panoramic views of Tel-Aviv.
Day 3 (Fri. Aug. 12): THE COASTAL PLAIN
Before leaving Tel-Aviv, we will visit the Diaspora Museum, telling the story of the Jewish People throughout the world and throughout the generations. We will dedicate the rest of the day to traveling along the coastal plain of Israel. We will make our first stop at Zichron Ya’akov, a colorful little town that is one of the earliest pioneers’ settlements, founded by Rothschild. It is known for its beautiful restored houses, many coffee shops, little shops and wineries. We will visit the Shoshana Winery and taste some of their fine wine. Then, a fun experience awaits us as we go Horseback riding on the Carmel with its magnificent view of the entire area, and the cool breeze from the Mediterranean Sea.
Day 4 (Sat. Aug. 13): WESTERN GALILEE
We will begin our day at Beit Shearim, an important first-century town and the largest Necropolis in the land, where beautiful tombs from the Talmudic period have been found. We will continue to the city of Akko, recently declared a World Heritage site. We will visit the underground remains from the Crusaders period and walk through the colorful market and the old fisherman’s harbor to get a feeling of a typical Mediterranean city. Our final stop will be at Rosh Hanikra, the narrowest point in Israel, where a breathtaking overlook of the mountains and the Mediterranean awaits us, as well as beautiful grottoes. We will end the day crossing through some beautiful forests as we make our way to our hotel.
Day 5 (Sun. Aug. 14): THE GLORIOUS TOWNS OF GALILEE
We will begin the day visiting Gamla, a city conquered by the Romans and known as “Masada of the Galilee”. After a breathtaking view of the area, we will walk through the city’s synagogue, Mikveh, and Oil press and hear the story of this unique town. We will continue to the famous Ramat Hagolan Wineries to visit the Winery and taste some of its world famous wines. We will continue to the city of Safed, a spiritual center of the Kabalah. We will walk through the old streets, the artists’ quarter and visit the Joseph Caro or the Ari synagogue.
Day 6 (Mon. Aug. 15): STEPPING INTO THE WILDERNESS
Before leaving the beautiful Galilee area behind us, we will make a final stop at the impressive Belvoir, a crusader castle still standing at its full glory and offering a beautiful view of the area surrounding it. Then, driving down the Jordan Valley, we will leave the lush area behind us and step into the desert, as we make our way towards the Dead Sea and the area of Sodom and Gomorrah. We will reflect on the story as we explore the area by Jeeps. Right before the sunset, we will arrive at Nokdim, where we will spend the night, experiencing Bedouin life at first hand, as we sleep at a Bedouin Tent.
Day 7 (Tue. Aug. 16): PHILISTINE COUNTRY
Early in the morning, we will visit the impressive Nahl Zin, the southern border of the land of Canaan (Numbers 34) and the largest wadi in the Negev. We will walk to its beautiful waterfall and enjoy some quiet time for reflection. At noontime, we will visit the Yatir Winery, known for its unique wines, made of grapes growing in the desert. Before leaving the area, we will view the impressive Ramon Crater and the development town of Mizpeh Ramon overlooking it. Towards the end of the day, we will start ascending to the Golden City of the Mighty King: JERUSALEM.
Day 8 (Wed. Aug. 17): SOCIETY IN JERUSALEM
We will begin the day with a visit of the impressive Israeli Supreme Court with its symbolic architecture, and learn about its important role in designing Israel’s identity. We will also visit The Knesset (Israeli Parliament). We will then visit the synagogue at Hadassah hospital to see the famous Chagall Windows. In the afternoon at Yad Vashem, the museum of the Holocaust, we will better understand the miracle of Israel’s revival and return to the Land.
Day 9 (Thur. Aug. 18): THE LAND
We will spend the morning at the Biblical gardens of Neot Kedumin, where you can see and experience the Land of the Bible as it was during the time of the Bible. Here we will see the seven fruits of the land, as well as hundreds of biblical and Talmudic plants and animals and learn about biblical agriculture. Then, will get a chance to leave our mark in Israel, as we plant a tree in one of the beautiful forests around Jerusalem. We will end the day at the impressive Avshalom Cave, unique for its dense concentration of stalactites. At night, a memorable event awaits us, as we view the spectacular light and sound show at the Tower of David, telling the story of Jerusalem through the centuries.
Day 10 (Fri. Aug. 19): THE HISTORY OF JERUSALEM
This morning we will get a chance to participate in the sifting project of revealing the past, as we assist archeologists in the removal and sorting of rubble taken from the Temple Mount, and learn how archeology and the Bible interact in understanding the past. The rest of the afternoon will be free. You may want to use the time to walk around the Old City’s Walls, bargain for deals in the Arab Market, walk around the Jewish Quarter, or just enjoy some quiet time resting at the hotel.
Day 11 (Sat. Aug. 20): JERUSALEM THROUGHOUT THE GENERATIONS
We will begin the day with a visit to Herodion, site of King Herod’s palace and burial place. In the site are found remains of a magnificent palace, a luxurious swimming pool, a private theater and above all Herod’s Mausoleum. Our next destination will be the Israel Museum. Among other exhibits of significance, we will visit the Wing for Jewish Art and Life, presenting the most impressive collection of religious and secular material culture of Jewish communities worldwide. Then we will take a walk at Yemin Moshe, the first neighborhood built outside of the old city walls and a beautiful artist's village today.
Day 12 (Sun. Aug. 21): Arrival back home, Israel will have become our second home, as it will remain alive before eyes and in our hearts forever.
TOTAL LAND ONLY PRICE PER PERSON $2710 USD
This includes all hotels, breakfast and dinner every day, some lunches, all transportation in Israel except from the airport to the first hotel and from the last hotel to the airport, medical insurance in Israel, all entrances fees, all tips for guide, driver, porters and waiters at hotels, all scheduled activities fees. IT DOES NOT INCLUDE AIR FARE TO AND FROM ISRAEL.
A $500, non-refundable deposit per person is due in order to reserve your place. Contact skipmoen@mac.com for instructions.