8-15 Day Bar/Bat Mitzvah Itinerary
Day 1, Monday – Israel El Al flight to Israel Day 2, Tuesday – When You Come Into the Land (Deut. 26:1) Arrive in Israel to be met and assisted at Ben Gurion airport by your ITC guide See the famous Rappaport sculpture, “Scrolls of Fire,” an artistic rendition of Jewish and Israeli history (time permitting) Ascend to Jerusalem and enjoy a breathtaking view of the Old City of Jerusalem Hotel check-in Welcome dinner at the hotel Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 3, Wednesday – Jerusalem of Old The day begins with a drive along the pre-1967 border of Jerusalem, continuing to the historic Mt. Scopus Enter the Old City of Jerusalem via the Zion Gate Experience time for prayer and reflection at the Kotel (Western Wall) Explore the Southern Wall Excavations and take a virtual, computerized “walk” through the ancient Temple Mount at the Davidson Center In the Kotel Tunnels, walk alongside the Western Wall’s massive foundation stones Travel through time at the lively Jerusalem Time Elevator multi-media production for an colorful overview of Jerusalem history Meet with the rabbi at the hotel in preparation for tomorrow’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah service Free evening in Jerusalem Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 4, Thursday – Freedom Fighters or Fanatics? Early departure for the ascent by cable car to the mountain fortress of Masada for a tour of this amazing excavation and a discussion of the terrible dilemma faced by its Jewish population during Roman times. Join together in Masada’s ancient synagogue for a compelling Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony Enjoy a walk through the beautiful Ein Gedi nature reserve and hear the biblical story of kings David and Saul that took place there “on site” Enjoy a dip in the amazing Dead Sea Delicious group dinner at Little Italy dairy restaurant Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 5, Friday – Those Who Made a Difference Take in a truly special multi-media presentation about the life of the Father of Modern Zionism at the new Herzl Exhibit (based on availability) At the Har Herzl Military Cemetery honor the memory of Israel’s fallen heroes, who have given their lives to establish a secure Jewish homeland. We’ll visit the resting places of Theodore Herzl, Golda Meir, and Yitzhak Rabin Visit the unforgettable Memorial Museum and Children’s Memorial at Yad Vashem (age 12 and over only). Walk through the haunting Valley of the Communities and participate in a moving “Yizkor” service; younger children enjoy a visit to Jerusalem’s wonderful Biblical Zoo Visit the colorful, bustling Machaneh Yehuda open-air market as Jerusalem prepares for Shabbat Our preparation for Shabbat takes us to the Kotel to welcome the Sabbath - an experience that will live on in your memory for years to come We share in a delicious Shabbat dinner at the hotel Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 6, Shabbat – Shabbat in Jerusalem Explore the wonderful fortress that houses the Jerusalem Museum at the Tower of David to learn about the history of Jerusalem throughout the ages. Walking tour through the colorful quarters of Jerusalem’s Old City Afternoon at leisure for Shabbat rest or time to visit with family and friends Free evening “out on the town” in Jerusalem Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 7, Sunday – Northern Journey Depart for our trip to Israel’s north At the Latrun IDF Armored Corps center, climb on the tanks and learn about the battles that secured the road to Jerusalem Plant a tree in Israeli soil, in honor or in memory of a loved one Tour the remarkable excavation of the ancient Roman city of Beit Shean, including a magnificent Cardo, many residences, amphitheatre, etc. Continue northeast, and stop to swim in the wondrous natural pools at Sachne, fed by underground springs Enjoy a Lake Kinneret boat ride followed by a delicious lakeshore dinner at Decks Restaurant Overnight: Kibbutz Lavi Hotel, Tiberias
Day 8, Monday – In the Footsteps of the Kabbalah Tour the synagogues, courtyards, and shops of the mystical city of Tzefat Gain a deeper understanding of the Golan Heights. Hear the story of the most expansive land battle in the world, which took place here during the 1973 Yom Kippur War Take an exciting jeep ride through the Golan, off the beaten track Enjoy gliding down the Jordan River in a kayak Dinner at the kibbutz Overnight: Kibbutz Lavi Hotel, Tiberias
Day 9, Tuesday – Many Layers of History Travel to the Crusader City of Acco; visit a “cool and creepy” Crusader Fortress and the British prison, where Jewish freedom fighters were incarcerated; walk through Acco’s underground tunnels to the port Visit the wonderful excavations of ancient Caesaria, including an impressive amphitheatre and aqueduct and the newly-opened multi-media center, where ancient history comes to life Travel south, to Tel Aviv, and enjoy the colorful Nahalat Binyamin crafts market (time permitting) Enjoy an impressive presentation of the amazing achievements of the Palmach at the multi-media Palmach Museum (based on availability) Free evening in Tel Aviv, the city that never sleeps Overnight: Tel Aviv
Day 10, Wednesday – Foundations of the Modern State At Independence Hall, relive Ben Gurion’s moving declaration of the State Climb down into the amazing underground, pre-State bullet factory built by the Haganah under the noses of the British at the Ayalon Institute Uncover actual artifacts as you participate in an ongoing archeological dig – the “Dig for a Day” program at Tel Maresha. “Cave crawl” also available for the adventurous Enjoy a farewell dinner party at the hotel Those on the 11-day tour depart for the airport – the memories stay with you forever! If continuing on to Eilat you will stay overnight in Tel Aviv Day 11, Thursday, Southern Trails The Valley of The Statues & Timna Park After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Tel Aviv and transfer to Tel Aviv Domestic Airport for your flight to Eilat. After landing at Eilat Airport you will be met by ITC representative and transferred to your Hotel. Hotel check-in and free time to prepare for your unique desert experience. Enjoy a special afternoon jeep safari to Eilat wilderness (summer departure at 4 pm): This tour is a perfect combination of desert jeep safari and the beauty of Timna Park. On this tour we are heading north along the Arava valley through salt pans were we can see a lot of water birds like Flamingos. From there we drive to the Valley of The Statues where the natures sculpt the sand stone into beautiful shapes. In the Timna Park we visit Solomon Pillars, Mushrooms, Chariot carvings, and old copper mines. During the tour at the Timna Park, we stop in a Bedouin tent to enjoy the famous hospitality and drinks. Return to your hotel for Overnight
Day 12, Friday, The Red Sea Board a luxury touring yacht for a leisurely cruise and lunch on the Red Sea. Snorkeling equipment is available for those who would like to get “up close and personal” with the most exquisite coral reefs and tropical fish to be found in the world On this cruise will take you sailing along the Jordanian water border with Israel, and then southwards to the Taba border with Egypt. A B.B.Q. lunch is served on deck accompanied by a variety of Mediterranean salads, rice, fresh bread, wine and fruit juice. The ship then moors at Eilats southernmost beach and you will have time for swimming and snorkeling - or for a real treat, order water sports or, an introductory guided scuba dive at a minimal extra cost. Prépare for Shabbat Shabbat dinner at the hotel Overnight: Eilat
Day 13, Shabbat, Shabbat in Eilat Enjoy a day & evening at leisure on Eilat’s gorgeous beaches Or- Petra excursion –visit the Nabetean city (extra charge) Our Petra excursion is from 7am to the evening. You need to apply for this extension in order to book your trip to Petra. We will secure your Jordanian Visa’s Overnight: Eilat< !-- DAY ITINERARY -->
Day 14, Sunday, Desert History Morning at leisure to sample the delights of Eilat, including water-skiing, paddle boats, wind-surfing, banana boats, or even a swim with the dolphins (extra charges may apply for some of these activities) Early afternoon hotel check-out for flight to Tel Aviv Depart for Ben Gurion Airport for your international flight to the USA Day 15, Monday, A Temporary Departure Return to USA Begin planning your next Israel trip with ITC Tours! Classic Tour of Israel Friday 12 Night Arrival ( 12 Nights) Day 1 - Ben Gurion Airport / Tel Aviv Arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, where you will be met by your ITC Tours representative and transferred to your hotel.
Overnight in Tel Aviv. Day 2 - At leisure
Overnight in Tel Aviv.
Day 3 - Diaspora Museum / Caesarea / Druze Villages
Depart Tel Aviv and drive to the Diaspora Museum for a visit. Proceed along the coastal plain to Caesarea, capital of Judea under the Romans. See the excavations of the Crusader city, Roman port, aqueduct and the amphitheater that has been restored to its former glory as a concert venue. Continue via the Druze villages to Haifa.
Overnight in Haifa. Day 4 - Haifa / Safed / Golan Heights
The tour of Haifa will begin at the summit of Mount Carmel where you will take in a breathtaking panoramic view of the Haifa Bay and Western Galilee. Continue to the golden domed Bahai Shrine to visit the exotic Persian Gardens. Proceed to Safed, the center of Jewish mysticism, where you will visit the ancient synagogues and artists' colony. Continue to the Golan Heights to see the former Syrian bunkers, Kuneitra and the new Israeli town of Katzrin.
Overnight at a Kibbutz guesthouse. Day 5 - Sea of Galilee / Nazareth
Start the day with a visit of Tiberias. Drive to Capernaum to see the ruins of the synagogue and octagonal Church of St. Peter and then proceed to Nazareth. Here you will visit the Church of the Annunciation. Drive via Beit Shean to Beit Alpha to see the remains of the mosaic floor of an ancient synagogue depicting the zodiac.
Overnight in Jerusalem. Day 6 - Jerusalem: Old City
Visit King David's Tomb and the Room of the Last Supper on Mount Zion. Enter the walled city and walk through the newly restored Jewish Quarter. Visit the Roman Cardo, the Herodian Quarter and continue to the Western Wall. Walk along the Via Dolorosa to the church of the Holy Sepulchre, proceed to Mount Scopus and then to the Mount of Olives for a magnificent panoramic view of the Old City. Continue to Bethlehem*, stopping at Rachel's Tomb and to visit the Church of the Nativity.
Overnight in Jerusalem. Day 7 - Jerusalem: New City
Drive to the Hadassah Medical Center in Ein Kerem to see the Chagall stained glass windows. Proceed to Bayit Vegan to visit the miniature model of Jerusalem as it was during the Second Temple period. Continue to Yad Vashem, the memorial to the Holocaust and then to the Israel Museum. Visit the Shrine of the Book where the Dead Sea Scrolls are housed and see the Knesset, Israel's Parliament, and the Givat Ram Campus of the Hebrew University.
Overnight in Jerusalem. Day 8 - Masada & Dead Sea
Drive through the Judean Desert to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, almost 1300 feet (400 meters) below sea level. Stop at Qumeran to visit the site where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Drive along the shores of the Dead Sea to Massada. Ascend by cable car and tour the ancient fortress where the Zealots made their last stand against the Romans before committing mass suicide in 73 AD. Descend by cable car, time and weather permitting, an opportunity will be provided to float on the Dead Sea.
Overnight in Jerusalem. Day 9 - At Leisure
Overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 10 - Beer Sheva / Sde Boker / Mitzpe Ramon / Eilat
Travel south to the Negev desert; visit Israel's Air Force Museum at Hatzerim near Beer Sheva to view the planes and equipment and to hear the story of this brave fighting force. Stop for a camel riding experience and visit an authentic Bedouin tent. Lerarn about Bedouin hospitality and enjoy a light lunch. Visiti Kibbutz Sde Boker, to see Ben Gurion's hut and grave, overlooking the magnificent Zin valley. Stop at Mitzpe Ramon to gaze into the Ramon Crater, a geological wonder. Drive to Timna to see the copper mines and King Solomon's pillars and marvel at the huge multi-colored rock formations.
Proceed to Eilat for overnight. Day 11 - At leisure or Petra (additional charge)
After visa assistance at the Jordanian Border, drive straight to Petra through desert highways. Your ultimate destination is the astonishing rose-red city of Petra which was built by the Nabateans (an early Arab tribe). Petra is the legacy of the Nabateans who settled in the South of Jordan more than 2000 years ago. possibility of a short horseback ride, about 700m, until the entrance of the Siq, which is about 1.2 Km long (walking distance). Petra is famous for its huge monuments such as The Treasury, Royal Tombs, the Court, Roman Theater. The visit begins with the possibility of a short horseback ride, about 700m, until the entrance of the Siq, which is about 1.2 Km long (walking distance). Petra is famous for its huge monuments such as The Treasury, Royal Tombs, the Court, Roman Theater, Roman Street, Qassier Rl- Bint (Palace of Pharaoh's daughter) and many other smaller monuments which fascinate visitors. After the visit, enjoy lunch at a nice restaurant, followed by a drive back to the border. En route, stop for a short visit in Aqaba, with possibility for a short walk in the town. Transfer to border at approximately 18:00 for crossing to Eilat. Overnight in Eilat. Day 12 - Eilat / Timna / Tel Aviv
Visit the Underwater Observatory, one of the largest seaquariums in the world, built into coral reef. Drive to Timna to see the copper mines and King Solomon's pillars and marvel at the huge multi-colored rock formations. Drive back to Tel-Aviv.
Overnight in Tel Aviv. Day 13 - Ben Gurion Airport.
After breakfast, transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for departure.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12 Day Tour Includes:
Transfer on arrival and departure (from/to Ben Gurion Airport)
12 nights accommodation in comfortable & desirable locations 8 touring days in deluxe motor coach as per itinerary Sightseeing and entrance fees Government educated and certified bilingual guide SIGHTSEEING Day 3: Diaspora Museum & Caesarea
Day 4: Safed & Golan Heights Day 5: Galilee & Nazareth Day 6: Jerusalem: Old City Day 7: Jerusalem: New City Day 8: Qumran, Masada & Dead Sea Day 10: Beer-Sheva, Sde Boker & Eilat Day 11: At Leisure or optional Petra Tour Day 12: Eilat, Timna & Tel Aviv EILAT EXTENSION: 4 Days Transfer to Tel-Aviv for your flight to the "ISRAELI RIVIERA," EILAT. Enjoy a day of fun and relaxation in the beautiful white sand beaches Day 1 - SOUTHERN TRAILS, THE VALLEY OF THE STATUES & TIMNA PARK DAY 1 Transfer to Tel Aviv Domestic Airport for your flight to Eilat. After landing at Eilat Airport, you will be met by ITC representative and transferred to your Hotel. Hotel check-in and free time to prepare for your unique desert experience. Enjoy a special afternoon jeep safari to Eilat wilderness (summer departure at 4 pm): This tour is a perfect combination of desert jeep safari and the beauty of Timna Park. On this tour we are heading north along the Arava valley through saltpans were we can see many water birds like Flamingos. From there we drive to the Valley of The Statues where the natures sculpt the sand stone into beautiful shapes. In the Timna Park, we visit Solomon Pillars, Mushrooms, Chariot carvings, and old copper mines. During the tour at the Timna Park, we stop in a Bedouin tent to enjoy the famous hospitality and drinks. (MINIMUM 10 PERSONS) Return to your hotel for Overnight Day 2 - The Red Sea Board a luxury touring yacht for a leisurely cruise and lunch on the Red Sea. Snorkeling equipment is available for those who would like to get “up close and personal” with the most exquisite coral reefs and tropical fish to be found in the world On this cruise will take you sailing along the Jordanian water border with Israel, and then southwards to the Taba border with Egypt. A B.B.Q. lunch is served on deck accompanied by a variety of Mediterranean salads, rice, fresh bread, and wine and fruit juice. The ship then moors at Eilat’s southernmost beach and you will have time for swimming and snorkeling - or for a real treat, order water sports. Prépare for Shabbat Shabbat dinner at the hotel. Overnight Eilat. Day 3 - Tour to Petra Tour to Petra. Pick up at your hotel at 07:30am and transfer to border crossing. After assistance with visa to the Jordanian Border, drive straight away to Petra through desert highways, your ultimate destination is the astonishing rose-red city of Petra, which was built by the Nabateans (An early Arab Tribe). Petra was renowned for its massive architecture, pools, dams and water channels. Petra is the legacy of the Nabateans who settled in the South of Jordan more than two-thousand years ago. The visit begins with the possibility of a short horseback riding for about 700 m. until the entrance of the Siq, which is about 1.2 km long (walking distance). There is a possibility to rent a chariot (extra) to get inside Petra and back to the gate outside. Petra is famous for its huge monuments such as The Treasury, Royal Tombs, The Court, Roman Theatre, Roman Street, Qassier El- Bint (Palace of Pharaoh’s daughter), and many other smaller monuments which fascinates the visitors. The city itself is almost 45 square km and is considered the second wonder of the world. After the visit, time for lunch in a nice Restaurant. After lunch, drive back to Border. On the way, a short visit to Aqaba with the possibility to stop and take a walk around. Then transfer to border around 18:00 PM, And then cross to Eilat • Over night : EILAT Day 4 - Day at Leisure Morning at leisure to sample the delights of Eilat, including water-skiing, paddle boats, windsurfing, banana boats, or even a swim with the dolphins (extra charges may apply for some of these activities). Early afternoon hotel check-out for flight to Tel Aviv Program Includes:
Meeting and assistance at all locations.
Round trip air TLV-EILAT-TLV 3 nights accommodations at 4 OR 5 star - hotels in Eilat. 3 nights at Dan Hotel Eilat OR 3 nights at Sheraton Moriah Hotel Eilat transfer from TEL AVIV HOTEL TO Ben Gurion OR SDE DOV FOR YOUR FLIGHT
TO EILAT Transfer from Eilat airport to hotel. Lunch cruise $45.00 paid to Jordanian border guards directly. Departure Transfer from Dan or Sheraton Moriah Hotels to Eilat airport. Bar/Bat Mitzvah 8-day National Program Value Tour
"Arise, Travel Throughout the Land" (Gen. 13:17) Day 1, Sunday - Israel El Al flight to Israel Day 2, Monday - When You Come Into the Land (Deut. 26:1) Group arrival in Israel to be met at the airport by your ITC representative Enjoy a panoramic bus tour of the modern Hebrew city of Tel Aviv Hotel check-in with time to relax before this evening's delicious dinner Welcome dinner at Maganda in Tel Aviv's Yemenite Quarter Day 3, Tuesday - In the Footsteps of Jewish Mystics and Pioneers Depart for Israel's northern Galilee Region Tour the synagogues, courtyards, and shops of the mystical city of Tzefat Enjoy gliding down the Jordan River in a kayak Gain a deeper understanding of the Golan Heights. Hear the story of the most expansive land battle in the world, which took place here during the 1973 Yom Kippur War At the peak of Har Bental, enter army bunkers and take in a panoramic view at the crossroads of three countries Enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Kinneret from Kibbutz Ein Gev followed by a free evening on the Tiberias promenade Day 4, Wednesday - The Jordan River Valley and Ascent to Jerusalem Drive south along Israel's border with Jordan Tour the remarkable excavation of the ancient Roman city of Beit Shean, including a magnificent Cardo, Roman baths, many residences, and amphitheatre Ascent to Jerusalem, stopping for a breathtaking view of the Old City Visit the unforgettable Memorial Museum and Children's Memorial at Yad Vashem (age 12 and over only). Walk through the haunting Valley of the Communities and participate in a moving "Yizkor" service; alternative interactive tour on site for younger children Hotel check-in; meet with the rabbi at the hotel in preparation for tomorrow morning's Bar/Bat Mitzvah service Free evening to enjoy dinner (on one's own) and shopping in Jerusalem (restaurant suggestions to be provided) Day 5, Thursday - Freedom Fighters or Fanatics? Early departure for the ascent by cable car to the mountain fortress of Masada for a tour of this amazing excavation and a discussion of the terrible dilemma faced by its Jewish population during Roman times. Join together in Masada's ancient synagogue for a compelling Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony Enjoy a walk through the beautiful Ein Gedi nature reserve and hear the biblical story of kings David and Saul that took place there "on site" Enjoy a dip in the amazing Dead Sea Delicious group bar/bat mitzvah celebratory dinner at Little Italy dairy restaurant Day 6, Friday - Jerusalem of Old Enter the Old City of Jerusalem via the Zion Gate Experience time for prayer and reflection at the Kotel (Western Wall) Explore the Southern Wall Excavations and take a virtual, computerized "walk" through the Jerusalem Temple at the Davidson Center In the Kotel Tunnels, walk alongside the Western Wall's massive foundation stones Travel through many centuries in a guided visit to the Jewish Quarter Our preparation for Shabbat takes us to the Kotel for a short experience of welcoming the Shabbat with hundreds of others that will live on in your memory for years to come We share in a delicious Shabbat dinner at the hotel Day 7, Shabbat - Shabbat in Jerusalem Explore the wonderful fortress that houses the Jerusalem Museum at the Tower of David to learn about the history of Jerusalem throughout the ages. We continue with a walking tour through the colorful quarters of Jerusalem's Old City Afternoon at leisure for Shabbat rest or time to visit with family and friends Evening: Farewell dinner party at the hotel Day 8, Sunday - A Temporary Departure Morning departure for Ben Gurion Airport Late afternoon arrival in the USA |