13 Days Israel Jewish Heritage Tour - Adults only

This tour will run with minimum of 15 people traveling
 

 


DAY 1 | TUESDAY

OVERNIGHT FLIGHT TO ISRAEL


DAY 2 | WEDNESDAY

ARRIVAL TO ISRAEL- JERUSALEM

Bruchim Habaim” and welcome to Israel. You will be warmly greeted by an IBMT Tours representative at the airport who will assist you through customs. On our way to Jerusalem if time permitting, we visit Rappaport’s stunning sculpture of the “Scrolls of Fire”. Continuing to the top of Mount Scopus, one of the few places from which both the Dead Sea and the Dome of the Rock can be seen. Marvel at your first panoramic view of Jerusalem from the Haas Promenade. Together we recite the “Shehechayanu” blessing and toast L’chaim to celebrate your visit to Israel. Check in to your hotel, rest of the day at leisure. Welcome dinner will take place at a restaurant nearby. Overnight Jerusalem


DAY 3 | THURSDAY

JERUSALEM (OLD CITY) MACAHNE YEHUDA MARKET (SHUK)

Begin the day with a trip to the top of Mount Scopus, one of the few places from which both the Dead Sea and the Dome of the Rock can be seen. Marvel at your first panoramic view of Jerusalem from the Haas Promenade. Together with the members of the tour, collectively we recite the “Shehechayanu” blessing and toast L’chaim to celebrate your visit to Israel. Enter via the Zion Gate which leads to the Armenian Quarter and walk through the restored Jewish Quarter passing the excavated Roman Cardo. Travel in time to see how the wealthy lived more than 2,000 years ago commemorated at the Herodian Mansions and the Burnt House once belonging to the priestly Katros family. At the revered Western Wall, a specially arranged walk takes us through a newly opened 1200-foot-long tunnel excavated at the time of King Herod used as an aqueduct to channel water to the Temple. In order to taste Jerusalem in your mouth, we will end the day by a to Macahane Yehuda Market (Shuk). A market full of life with its’ unique Jerusalem flavors. Overnight Jerusalem. (Breakfast)


DAY 4 | FRIDAY

YAD VASHEM | ISRAEL MUSEUM | KNESSET & SUPREME COURT

After breakfast, our day begins with a somber visit to Yad Vashem, Israel’s memorial to the Holocaust. See the poignant Children’s Pavilion, the new Holocaust Museum and the Valley of Destroyed Communities where the names of 5000 lost communities have been inscribed in the stone walls. On our way to the Israel Museum pass by the Knesset, Israel’s Parliament, with its' Seven Branched bronze Menorah, the symbol of the Jewish people.Across the way is the modern Supreme Court Building, housing the highest judicial court in Israel. Proudly sitting on a hill in Givat Ram, the Israel Museum was founded in 1965. The white domed Shrine of the Book represents the lids of the jars in which the famous Dead Sea Scrolls were found near Qumran. A cross the way is the Billy Rose Sculpture Garden, a unique blend of Zen and Western art principles. Marvel at the meticulously recreated 1:50 Scale Model of Ancient Jerusalem during the Second Temple period which was transferred to the Israel Museum in 2006 at a cost of $3.5 million dollars. Time to tranquil and to change our mood by visiting to the Ben Yehuda Street in Jerusalem where it is happening, lots of locals are celebrating the coming of the weekend by spending time on this beautiful exciding and happening street of Jerusalem, Cafes, shops around to explore. Return to the hotel in Jerusalem to dress for Shabbat. We are blessed to celebrate Shabbat in Jerusalem.  Overnight Jerusalem (Breakfast & dinner)


DAY 5 | SATURDAY

MASADA | DEAD SEA

Drive through the Negev Desert and wilderness to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, some 1200 feet below sea level. Ahead of us is Masada, an UNESCO World Heritage Site of Masada. An exciting 3-minute cable car ride will whisk you to the top to view the excavations of the Herodian palace, storerooms, bathhouse and water reservoirs. Visit the ruins of the small Synagogue which served the Jews of Masada and the Beit Midrash (Torah Study Hall). Your guide will retell the harrowing tale of the 967 zealots (men, women and children)

who chose to commit suicide on Masada instead of being enslaved by the advancing Romans. We are now on our way to Dead Sea known for its therapeutic healing. Experience the unique sensation of "floating" in its unsinkable waters. Arrive at our Beresheet hotel in Mitzpe Ramon and get ready for (Breakfast, Dinner)


DAY 6 | SUNDAY

MITZPE RAMON | DAY AT LEISURE | OPTIONAL SUNRISE JEEP TOUR

Today is a day of rest and Spa in Mitzpe Ramon. We invite you to relax in one of the most pastoral craters on earth and at one of Israel’s extraordinary hotels.

OPTIONAL SUNRISE JEEP TOUR:

We offer a Sunrise Jeep Tour through the crater a once in a lifetime experience. Return to your hotel for breakfast. 
Dinner & overnight Beresheet Hotel & Spa Mitzpe Ramon. (Breakfast & Dinner)


DAY 7 | MONDAY

SDE BOKER |BEER SHEVA | TEL AVIV

We are travelling north to the Tel Aviv making two stops along the way. The first stop Sde Boker, visiting the home and grave of Ben Gurion. The first prime minister of Israel. Our next stop will be at Hatzerim the IDF air force museum. Passing by Beer Sheva, the capital of the Negev learning about the Bedouins of this area. Arriving to Tel Aviv for overnight. (Breakfast)
 


DAY 8 | TUESDAY

DIASPORA MUSEUM | RABIN SQUARE | OLD JAFFA

Our first visit after breakfast will be to Rabin Square formerly known as Kings Square. In 1995 the square was renamed 'Rabin Square' following the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin which occurred on November 4th of that year. The square is surrounded by the city hall building to the north (designed by the architect Menachem Cohen), Ibn Gabirol Street to the east, Malkhey Yisrael (Kings of Israel) Street to the south and Hen Boulevard to the west. It was designed alongside the city hall in 1964 by architects Yaski and Alexandroni. End the day in Jaffa, an ancient city about 4000 years old with it’s Jewish, Christian and Muslim populations, all living together in harmony. Let’s visit the famous Flea Market in Jaffa where you can find antiques and valuable merchandise at your fingertips. Overnight Tel Aviv. (Breakfast)


 


DAY 9 | WEDNESDAY

CAESAREA | HAIFA | ACRE (AKKO) | ROSH HANIKRA

Leaving Tel Aviv after an early breakfast we are on our way to north via the ancient port city of Caesarea built by King Herod the Great about 25-13 B.C.E. Your short introduction includes the arched amphitheater and aqueduct. Continuing along the coastal plain we arrive in Haifa and enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the Baha’i Garden. The Terraces of the Baha’i Faith, also known as the Hanging Gardens of Haifa, are a series of 19 colorful terraces with fountains and shrubbery that can be seen from a distance. They are one of the most visited tourist attractions in Israel. Our next stop will be Akko, also known to Westerners as Acre. Lying on the northern edge of the Bay of Acre in northern Israel. Akko possesses a long history of various cultures: Canaanites, Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Crusaders and Arabs. Akko is a holy city in the Baha’i Faith and despite its small size has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Journeying further north we arrive in Rosh Hanikra to view its stunning grottoes which are cavernous tunnels formed by sea action on the soft chalk rock. The total length is some 200 meters. Today a cable car whisks visitor down to see the lower levels. Dinner and overnight Hagoshrim. (Breakfast & dinner)


DAY 10 | THURSDAY

TEL DAN NATIONAL PARK | MOUNT BENTAL | HULA NATIONAL PARK | WINERY

Today we set our sights on the Tel Dan National Park combining a lush nature reserve with a Biblical archaeological experience with three easy hiking routes and a short wheelchair-accessible trail. At the heart of the park is Tel Dan, the capital of the ancient northern kingdom. The Dan River, one of the sources of the Jordan, flows through the reserve, its water coming from the snowmelt of nearby Mount Hermon. A wading pool offers a refreshing break. Stopping at an observation point overlooking Kuneita and Syria, you will gain a meaningful perspective as to the significance of the strategic Golan Heights. We will go up to Mount Bental to view the strategic Golan Heights visit some wineries and get a chance to sample some of the fine wines in the area. Our day ends by visiting Agamon Hula Tourism Park, situated in the heart of the Hula Valley considered one of the world’s most prominent bird-watching sites. At the park you can follow and observe migrating, courting and nesting birds, as well as other animals according to seasonal variation. A magical lake at the heart of the site allows you to experience nature without cages or partitions. (Bicycle and golf carts rental are available at approximate $12 per person on a six-person cart). Dinner and overnight Hagoshrim. (Breakfast & dinner)


DAY 11 | FRIDAY

IDF PROGRAM | SAFED | BEIT SHEAN & BEIT ALPHA | TEL AVIV

IDF Lebanon Border Tour

This morning we head to Kibbutz Malkiya, where you will meet up with our very special tour guide who is also a local farmer on the Kibbutz. This tour takes you along the Lebanese border in the eastern Galilee. This is a tour not found in any visitors guide or tour books about of Israel! This is a journey behind the scenes, a look at life on the Lebanese border, "living an ordinary life under threat." You also will have the unique and rare opportunity to meet with IDF combat soldiers, who are guarding the nearby Lebanese border. We will spend some time getting to know the combat soldiers and watch them in action up close and personal. Sometimes we even get a chance to climb onto a tank! This unique and amazing tour will give you a better understanding of the conflict, the lives of the soldiers protecting our Land, and everyday life at the border from an up close and personal perspective. While riding you will experience exhilarating steep ascents and descents through the mountains. Along the way we will drive through running rivers (in season) while enjoying panoramic views of the Kinneret as well as the spectacular Galilee landscape. Throughout your adventure you will hear about the history, geology, flora, and fauna of this unique ecosystem. We will also review the geopolitical situation while enjoying great views at the observation points, tour the local agricultural orchards, and depending on the season, we will plant fruit trees near the border fence, and/or taste the seasonal fruit (in the summer and autumn). Walking along the kibbutz paths we will also visit the bomb shelter of   the kindergarten which portrays what life near the Lebanese border is like. If permitted at the time we will practice some pistol firing with our trainer at a shooting range. Continue to Safed, one of the four holy cities which is also the home of Kaballah (Jewish mysticism). This charming town filled with cobblestoned streets and lined with ancient synagogues and artists' galleries, offers breathtaking views of the Galilee. From Safed drive to Beit She'an to visit the ruins of Beit She'an and the Mosaic floor in the synagogue of Beit Alpha depicting a Zodiac. Continue to Tel Aviv. Overnight in Tel Aviv. (Breakfast)
 


DAY 12 | SATURDAY

AYALON INSTITUTE | REHOVOT

Saturday morning breakfast and we are heading to Rehovot about twenty kilometers from Tel Aviv founded in 1890 by Polish Jews. Pay a visit to the Ayalon Institute, a secret underground ammunition factory where you will learn about the bravery and ingenuity of pre-state freedom Hebrew fighters. We head back to Tel Aviv for our goodbye and farewell dinner. Later, we will be transferred to   the airport for our flight home. Overnight Tel Aviv (Breakfast & dinner)


DAY 13 | SUNDAY

MIDNIGHT FLIGHT BACK HOME

On your flight back share the fun & excitement you had with your travel companion and plan your next visit to Israel. Arrive home early morning.


HOTELS:

# Nights City Hotel links
3 Jerusalem Orient
2 Mitzpe Ramon Beresheet
2 Tel Aviv Royal Beach
2 Upper Galilee Hagoshrim
1 Tel Aviv Royal Beach

 

YOUR LAND TOUR INCLUDES
 

  • Meet and assist by IBMT Tours representative upon arrival at Ben Gurion airport
  • Group transfer from the airport to your hotel and return
  • 10 nights accommodation in Star Hotels
  • 12 days of touring with a government licensed English guide.
  • Dead Sea & Masada visit
  • Carmel Market
  • Full Israeli buffet breakfast at hotels daily  
  • Porterage of one normal sized piece of luggage per person at the airport and hotels
  • All entrance fees as per itinerary


YOUR LAND TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDE

  • Return airfare and departure taxes
  • Insurance – non-refundable insurance premium
  • Early check in, late check out not included
  • Meals and beverages not mentioned
  • Tips to Tour guide & driver (suggested $4 per day per person for driver | $8 per person per day for guide)

Meals:

  • daily breakfast at the relevant hotels
  • Welcome dinner
  • 1 Shabbat in Jerusalem
  • Farewell dinner

Optional : 2 hours Jeep tour in the South:$250 per person min (5 passenger)