Trip Itinerary
DAY 1 – Depart USA
DAY 2 – When you come into the land - Late afternoon arrival in Israel, you will be met at Ben-Gurion Airport and assisted by your ITP Guide & crew. Transfer to your hotel, welcome dinner at the hotel. Overnight: Grand Beach Hotel, TLV
DAY 3 – Galilee-Haifa
Full Israeli Breakfast, start the day with a visit and lecture by Michal Nagrin at the Michal Nagrin visitor center, Then go north, to Zichron Yaakov, founded by Edmond De Rothschild – and named after his father, James (Yaakov in Hebrew), for a tasting at the Carmel-Mizrahi Winery – also founded by Baron Edmond. Visit Sara Aaronson House in Zichron Yaakov to learn about the valiant underground work and personal sacrifice of this woman freedom fighter and her Nili compatriots. Stop at the Ein Hod artist village. Dinner tonight is at the Ramot Kibbutz hotel.
DAY 4– Tzfat - Galilee
Full Israeli Breakfast, depart for Beit She’an, one of Israel’s prime archeological sites (indeed, it is a national park). Then on to the ancient, curative Hot Springs of Hamat Gader. Continue to the charming city of Tzfat, home to Kabbalistic sages of the past and artists and mystics of the present. Many people feel that the city of Tzfat has a special atmosphere – timeless and peaceful. Continue to two wonderful Moshavim (collective settlements) in the Western Galilee, both of which feature womanly arts. First is Moshav Amka, a Yemenite farming village, where a delightful tea will be hosted by Carmela, an expert basket weaver and storyteller – followed by a display of belly dancing. Dinner tonight is at the Kibbutz hotel.
DAY 5 – Jerusalem
Full Israeli Breakfast, depart for Jerusalem, upon arrival in the City of Gold, stop at Mt. Scopus for a panoramic view. Here, chant the blessing of "Shehecheyanu" – perhaps the world’s most beautiful prayer of appreciation – thanking God for bringing us to this time and place, continue to the Western Wall – our beloved Kotel. See the ramparts of the Old City Wall, the fascinating Wall Tunnels, King David’s Tomb, and the City of David. Next, visit the new Davidson Center, a state-of-the art, interactive archaeological park. Prima Royal Hotel, Jerusalem
DAY 6 - Jerusalem
Full Israeli Breakfast, drive through the Judean desert to the Dead Sea. Stop at Qumran, the site where the Dead Sea scrolls were found. Continue to Masada, ascend by cable car and tour the ancient fortress visit the remains of the walls, palaces, synagogue, the bathhouses etc. Descend by cable car, next stop for lunch, swim (actually float) at the Dead Sea and use of Spa facilities in one of the leading hotels in the area. Return to Jerusalem.
DAY 7 – Shabbat in Jerusalem
Full Israeli Breakfast, proceed to Yad Vashem, the profoundly moving museum of the Holocaust, and of the Righteous Gentiles who did all they could to save Jewish lives. You will also pay tribute to our fallen Jewish soldiers at Mt. Herzl cemetery (where Theodore Herzl and Yitzchak Rabin are buried). Machne Yehuda, market for some pre Shabbat shopping. Later, ask yourselves – “Why is this night different from all the others?” Answer: “On this night, you will experience Shabbat in Jerusalem!” As dusk falls over the city, return to the Kotel to welcome the Sabbath Queen in her favorite place. Shabbat Dinner follows.
DAY 8 – Shabbat in Jerusalem
Full Israeli Breakfast. Today is at leisure to simply enjoy the Sabbath peace in the most radiant spot on earth. After Lunch, enjoy a guided walking tour. En route, you will visit Heichal Shlomo and the Great Synagogue, Yemin Moshe, the Montefiore Windmill, Mishkenot Sha’ananim and the Liberty Bell Garden – situated right outside your hotel. As night falls, enjoy Dinner in Jerusalem’s lively “Saturday night” atmosphere – nightlife thrives after Havdalah! Hotel, Jerusalem
DAY 9 – Jerusalem
Full Israeli Breakfast. This morning you are on your own for last minute shopping and packing. After lunch you will check out of your hotel. Sightseeing today will include the Israel Museum and the Knesset (Israel's Parliament), where you will see the grand Menorah, the ancient and enduring symbol of our land. You will also gain an insider’s view of the role of women in Israeli society and government – no surprise in a country that elected the immortal Golda Meir!
You will enjoy a Farewell Dinner in one of Jerusalem’s finest restaurants. After dinner you will go to Ben Gurion Airport for the flight home – or should we say your other home?
DAY 10 – Have a great flight!
Morning arrival to the USA, inspired by the living dream that is Israel
Return to the USA
Begin planning your next Israel trip with ITP Tours!
WE CAN ADD ADDITIONAL TOURING TO EILAT, JORDAN AND EGYPT.
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