Day 1 / Sunday

Arrival at Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport, VIP assistance through airport formalities and transfer to Tel Aviv, Israel’s cultural and commercial capital. Check in to hotel. Overnight in Tel Aviv

 

Day 2 / Monday

Breakfast at hotel. Pass by Independence Hall (currently under renovations) where David Ben Gurion announced Israel’s Statehood . Drive through various neighborhoods in Tel Aviv, such as Neveh Tzedek, the historic train station complex, the open-air Carmel Market, Rabin Square, and Rothschild Blvd -- a World Heritage Site known for its Bauhaus architecture. Continue to the Palmach Museum for an inter-active presentation of the pre-State Jewish fighting forces Overnight in Tel Aviv

 

Day 3 / Tuesday

Breakfast at hotel. Begin the day driving north on the coastal road to Caesarea, Roman Capital of Judea. Visit the beautifully restored theater, ruins of the ancient town, harbor and aqueduct. Continue through Druze Villages, stopping for home hospitality lunch in a Druze family home. Following lunch, proceed to Haifa for a view of the Bahai Gardens. Drive north to the city of Akko, UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Crusader ruins and re-live the story of the famous prison break, recounted in Leon Uris’ Exodus. Cross the Galilee for your overnight stay in the north. Overnight in Galilee

 

Day 4 / Wednesday

Breakfast at hotel. Explore the north with an analyst specializing in the Middle East conflict and the global war on terrorists. Visit Mount Bental, observing the former Syrian fortifications and learning about the key role this area plays in Israel’s safety. Enjoy an exclusive visit to the Golan Winery where you will be introduced to various grape varieties grown in the unique terrain of the Golan Heights. Continue to Safed, center of Jewish mysticism, with historic synagogues and modern artists’ quarter. Overnight in Galilee

 

Day 5 / Thursday

Breakfast at hotel. Depart for Jerusalem. Upon arrival participate in a special “Shehechiyanu” ceremony. Spend the morning in the Jerusalem’s Old City. Enter the walled city through the Zion Gate and stroll along the restored Jewish quarter. Visit the Roman Cardo and the Herodian Quarter. Visit the Davidson Center and the Kotel, Western Wall.Walk the length of the Kotel in the underground Western Wall Tunnels. Overnight in Jerusalem

 

Day 6 / Friday

Breakfast at hotel. Next, explore the City of David and the new excavations unfolding. Be one of the many volunteers who have participated in this incredible operation of the Temple Mount Sifting Projectat Emek Tzurim Park where, so far, there have been over 3,500 finds from ancient times. Enjoy the sighst and sounds of the Machne Yehudah Market and watch the locals stock up on produce before the Sabbath. Shabbat Dinner at the home of a local Jerusalem family. Overnight in Jerusalem

 

Day 7 / Saturday

Breakfast at hotel. Day at leisure in Jerusalem with option to participate in morning services at a variety of local synagogues. Overnight in Jerusalem

 

Day 8 / Sunday

Breakfast at hotel. View the Security Barrier around Jerusalem from several vantage points. Continue with a visit to the unforgettable Holocaust Memorial Museum at Yad Vashem, including the Children’s Memorial and the Hall of Remembrance. Visit Mt. Herzl and pay respects to fallen Israeli soldiers and warriors for the country. Pass by the Knesset, Israel’s parliament and view the famous Menorah. Overnight in Jerusalem

 

Day 9 / Monday

Breakfast at hotel. Drive down to the Dead Sea, lowest point on earth, and south along its shores to Qumran Caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Proceed to the oasis of the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve for a short hike in one of the park's routes and view the waterfalls, the desert flora & fauna.Continue to Masada - a World Heritage Site, ascend & descend by cable car to view excavations of this famous fortress. Visit the museum where the story of Masada comes to life, "see and feel" the story behind the archaeological finds. Afternoon by the Dead Sea, opportunity to experience its therapeutic qualities. Return drive up to Jerusalem. Optional Night Spectacular Sound & Light Show at the Tower of David. Overnight in Jerusalem

 

Day 10 / Tuesday

Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Rehovot, for a visit to the Ayalon Institute, code name for the secret underground bullet factory established by the Haganah, and disguised as a Kibbutz. Proceed with a visit to the Israel Museum and see the Shrine of the Book where the Dead Sea Scrolls are housed, as well as the Scale Model of Jerusalem from the Second Temple Period. Conclude the program at the renovated First Station, one of Jerusalem’s newest gems. Overnight in Jerusalem

 

Day 11 / Wednesday

Breakfast at hotel. Departure transfer from Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport. VIP assistance through departure procedures at the airport