DAY 1, Thursday - Depart for Israel
Depart for Israel

DAY 2, Friday - Arrive in Tel Aviv
Shalom! Welcome to Israel! Arrive in the bustling cosmopolitan city of Tel Aviv, nestled on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea; transfer to your hotel. This evening, enjoy an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager and fellow travelers at approximately 7 PM. We recommend that you select flights which arrive in your destination no later than 5 PM on day 2 of the itinerary or earlier, if possible
Overnight: Tel Aviv

DAY 3, Saturday - Ayalon Institute, Ancient Jaffa, Energetic Tel Aviv
A drive south takes you to Rehovot, one of the first communities founded in modern Israel. Visit the Ayalon Institute to hear the fascinating story of this underground clandestine ammunition factory built during the British Mandate in the struggle for the establishment of the State. Then, on to Jaffa (Joppa), the ancient port city linked with biblical stories of Solomon, Jonah and St. Peter. Tour the ancient ruins and walk along the winding alleyways to the beautifully reconstructed Artists' Quarter. From atop the hill, stop to admire breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean coast and the ever-expanding city of Tel Aviv. Continue to trendy Neve Tzedek, Tel Aviv's "Soho", the first neighborhood constructed outside of Jaffa and to the HaTachana, a renovated Ottoman train station converted to a vibrant entertainment complex. Drive past the Mann Auditorium, home of the Israeli Philharmonic, the impressive Opera House and Rabin Square, named in memory of the assassinated prime minister. A walking tour on Rothschild Boulevard highlights the splendid Bauhaus architecture of this city, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon on your own, walking the seaside promenade. Tonight, discover independently some of the city's fine seaside restaurants, vibrant cafes and non-stop discos
Overnight: Tel Aviv
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Sunday - Caesarea, Atlit Detention Camp, Lunch at a Druze Village, Baha'i Gardens
Travel north along the azure blue Mediterranean coast to magnificent Caesarea, named by King Herod in honor of Augustus Caesar. This extraordinary archaeological site reveals impressive Roman and Crusader ruins, including an ancient theater. Then, on to Atlit, the detention camp where "illegal" Jewish immigrants fleeing from Nazi persecution in Europe were incarcerated during the British Mandate. Listen to their astonishing stories of survival and see the replica of a ship illustrating conditions that survivors endured during their transport to Israel. This afternoon, experience an exclusive cultural opportunity! Share a home-cooked lunch at a private family home in a nearby Druze village; learn about Druze traditions and the challenges of life in Israel for this unique community. Afterward, ascend Mt. Carmel to the sparkling seaport city of Haifa. View the striking Baha'i Shrine, the second holiest shrine of the Baha'i faith and the pristine Baha'i Gardens, a tranquil memorial to the founders of the faith. Enjoy the evening at leisure
Overnight: Haifa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 5, Monday - Crusader Acre, Rosh Hanikra, Nazareth, Mt. of Beatitudes, Galilee Kibbutz
A scenic drive takes you this morning to the rugged terrain of the northernmost tip of Israel and the gleaming white cliffs of Rosh Hanikra. Here, descend by cable car to the astonishing underwater grottoes and sea caves, a magical world of nature in all of its splendor. A stark change in scenery as you arrive in the timeless crusader city of Acre. This once-thriving Ottoman city today is an energetic fishing port with elegant buildings, relics and monuments recalling the colorful Middle Ages. Then travel through the verdant Galilean hills to the sacred town of Nazareth; visit the vast Basilica of the Annunciation, the largest Christian church in the Middle East. Visit the Mount of Beatitudes with its stunning gardens and picturesque church, where Jesus is believed to have delivered his Sermon on the Mount. Onwards along the rolling hills and the scenic northern road to your kibbutz guesthouse, nestled in the stunning green of the Hula Valley, for dinner and overnight
Overnight: Galilee Region
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 6, Tuesday - Hula Valley Wetlands, Mystical Safed, Golan Heights, Wine Tasting
Begin the day at the Hula Valley wetlands, a unique ecosystem that provides a crucial resting and "refueling" place for migrating birds including cranes, storks, and pelicans. The bird population in the valley changes depending on the season. Learn more as you view the multimedia presentation about migration, complete with exciting special effects. On to the mystical city of Safed, where Kabbalah flourished during the Golden Age. Stroll along the picturesque ancient lanes to the tiny historic synagogues and to the galleries and shops in the Artists' Colony. Next, ascend to the peak of the craggy Golan Heights; overlooking the serene fertile valleys and tranquil villages below. Reach Mt. Bental near Marom Hagolan, at the crossroads of Syria, Lebanon and northern Israel, where you stop at a local boutique winery. Learn about Israel's thriving wine industry and enjoy a hosted wine tasting. End the day with a drive along the rim of the peaceful Sea of Galilee to your kibbutz in time for dinner
Overnight: Galilee Region
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 7, Wednesday - Yardenit, Beit Alpha, Beit She'an, Dead Sea
This morning, stop at the unique Yardenit Baptismal Site, located where the Jordan River flows out of the Sea of Galilee and into the Dead Sea. From there, to Beit Alpha National Park on the northern slopes of the Gilboa Mountains; see one of the most beautiful synagogue mosaic floors in Israel, dating back to the early 6th century, with a zodiac center panel labeled in Hebrew. After, on to Beit She'an, an ancient Roman city from the time of King Saul; view the ongoing excavations in this gigantic archaeological park and the amazing restorations dating back to the Roman and Byzantine period. Then, travel via the Jordan Valley to your hotel on the shores of the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth. Pamper yourself with Dead Sea mud or, perhaps float in the buoyant waters of this salty sea. Leisure time before dinner at the hotel
Overnight: Dead Sea
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 8, Thursday - Fortress of Masada, "Golden" Jerusalem
Ascend by cable car to the pinnacle of the ancient fortress of Masada, the last stronghold of the Zealots in their struggle against the Romans. You'll be transported back in time to the days of King Herod on this fabled mountaintop, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Touch the ancient stones and walk through the palaces, synagogue and bathhouses once part of this ancient city. Descend from these heroic heights, traveling north to Qumran, where the astonishing Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Drive past desert outposts, tiny villages and Bedouin tents as you slowly rise to the "golden city" of Jerusalem. Your first panoramic view of magnificent Jerusalem, a city built on seven hills, will be from atop soaring Mt. Scopus. From there, travel to Emek Tzurim where you participate in the exclusive Temple Mount "Sifting Project"; a unique opportunity to sift through ancient rubble from buildings dating back to the Temple period. Perhaps you'll find an important relic! Tonight, dinner is at a favorite Jerusalem restaurant, followed by a performance of the dramatic "Sound & Light Show" at David's Citadel. Experience Jerusalem in a new light as you view the illuminated city at night
Overnight: Jerusalem
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 9, Friday - Yad Vashem, Israel Museum, Machane Yehuda, Home Hosted Shabbat Dinner
You wake in Jerusalem, one of the oldest and holiest cities in the world. The discovery begins with a visit to Yad Vashem, memorial to the Holocaust. Walk through the Museum, the Children's Pavilion and along the Avenue of the Righteous, dedicated to Christians who rescued Jews during the Holocaust. Afterward, continue via the Supreme Court building and the Knesset (Israel's Parliament) to the Israel Museum. View the remarkable Scale Model of ancient Jerusalem from the time of the Second Temple and the Shrine of the Book, housing the Dead Sea Scrolls. On this eve of Shabbat walk through the bustling Machane Yehuda market, joining Jerusalemites preparing for the Sabbath. The rest of the day is yours to treasure the delights of this inspirational city. Tonight, you're invited to an exclusive Shabbat Dinner with a family at their private home; a feast of local favorites!
Overnight: Jerusalem
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 10, Saturday - Old City of Jerusalem
Morning walking tour of the Old City begins at Mt. Zion; visit the Room of the Last Supper and the Tomb of King David. Walk the lanes of the Old City to follow the path of the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the holiest Christian site in the world, believed to encompass the sites where Jesus was crucified and the tomb where he was buried and resurrected. Visit an incredible fabric store where the old ways still continue today. Meet a third generation fabric merchant who imports hand-woven silk, cotton and gold-threaded cloths from Africa and uses them to create robes for Christian priests, Muslim imams and ultra Orthodox Jews. Take time to walk through the exotic bazaars with their wondrous aromas. This afternoon and evening, you're free to discover the many diverse cuisines and neighborhoods in Jerusalem independently
Overnight: Jerusalem
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 11, Sunday - Davidson Center, Western Wall Tunnel, Farewell Dinner
Your last day in Jerusalem begins at the extraordinary Jerusalem Archaeological Park and Davidson Center that offers a window into Jerusalem's glorious past. Walk on roads built by Herod the Great, traversed by multitudes of Jews going to the Temple in Biblical times and by Jesus during his time in Jerusalem. View an enlightening multimedia presentation that interchanges the experience of Second Temple pilgrims with the present. The site also contains artifacts from the city's destruction in 70 CE, as well as significant archaeological remains. View the Dome of the Rock before arriving at the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest site, and the only remaining portion of the Second Temple. Then, walk through the astonishing Rabbinical Tunnel (Western Wall Tunnel) where ancient history comes to life with every step. Continue to the magnificently restored Jewish Quarter and walk along the Cardo, a colonnaded main street of Byzantine Jerusalem. Time to linger in the Old City on your own and shop for souvenirs. Tonight, share wonderful memories together of your journey through Israel at the Farewell Dinner
Overnight: Jerusalem
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 12, Monday - Depart Israel
L'hitraot Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast