15 Days Tour of Israel

 

DAY 1: We leave our home for a journey to the land where the Bible will unfold before our eyes. We will walk, see, feel and touch the roots of our faith and of our nation, and come to know better our homeland.

 

DAY 2: Flying over the Atlantic Ocean and over Europe, we will reach the shores of God’s land. Upon our arrival to the Ben Gurion airport we will be met by our guide and transferred to our hotel on the coast of the Mediterranean, for a wonderful buffet dinner and a good night’s rest.

 

Day 3: TEL AVIV

After a rich Israeli breakfast we will begin our tour of Israel with a city tour of Tel Aviv-Jaffa.. We will drive by the cultural center of the Habimah, Man Auditorium, the Dizingof Street and the city hall, where Prime Minister Itzhak Rabin was assassinated. Then, we will visit the Diaspora Museum. In the afternoon we will have some free time to explore the city on our own, enjoy the beach and rest.

 

DAY 4: COASTAL PLAIN

Today will be dedicated to the coastline area. We will begin with a short stop at Caesarea, to view the Roman theatre and the impressive water aqueduct built by Herod the Great. From here we will travel north to Mt. Carmel, where Elijah held the contest with 450 prophets of Baal (I Kings 18) and obtain a beautiful view of the Galilee. At noon, a memorable experience is awaiting for us, as we stop for a typical Falafel Meal at the Druze village of Daliat El-Carmel. We will have some free time to explore this unique village and enjoy the handicraft arts done by the local ladies. We will continue to Haifa and view the extra ordinary Bahai Gardens, considered one of the most beautiful handmade gardens in the world. We will spend the afternoon at the city of Acco, visiting the underground remains from the Crusaders period. Walking through tunnels and secret passages, we will get acquainted with the knights’ life. Walking through the colorful market and the old fisherman’s harbor, we will get the feeling of a typical Mediterranean city. In the late afternoon we will start making our way to the Upper Galilee, crossing the vast Valley of Jezreel. Before reaching our hotel we will make a stop to overlook the Kinnereth.

 

DAY 5: GALILEE AREA

Today will be dedicated to the spectacular northern part of Israel. We will begin our day at the Dan Nature Reserve, one of the headwaters of the Jordan River. After a refreshing walk through the beautiful reserve and a taste from the cool water, we will discover Jeroboam's Altar (I Kings 12). We will also see a city gate from the time of Abraham the Patriarch, and learn about the importance of the gate in the social life of the city in the Old Testament. Driving through fertile country side and over looking the magnificent Mt. Hermon, we will reach the Golan Heights. We will make a stop at Tel Abu Nida to obtain a marvelous view of the entire region. Here we will learn about the miracles of the six days and the Yom Kippur wars, as we visit an old military post. In the afternoon we will visit the famous Ramat Hagolan wineries, taste some of its wines and those who wish, will be able to purchases some wine too. Then we will continue to the city of Safed, a spiritual center of the Kabalah. We will walk through the old streets, the artists’ quarter and visit the Joseph Caro and the Ari synagogues, before returning to our hotel.

 

DAY 6: JORDAN VALLEY TO JERUSALEM

Before leaving the beautiful Galilee area we will drive by Mt. Gilboah, where King Saul fell on his sward and found his death (I Samuel 31). Our first stop will be at the Spring of Harod, the site where Gideon received the 300 men to fight the Midianites (Judges 7). From there, we will head down south to the Decapolis city of Beth Shean (I Sam. 31). Here, we will walk on the ancient streets, view the steam Roman baths, the theatre, coliseum, market and temples. We will continue down the Jordan Valley to Jericho, the oldest city in the world and a beautiful oasis (Joshua 3). Towards the end of the day we will start ascending to the Golden City of the Mighty King: JERUSALEM. Before reaching our hotel, we will make a short stop on Mt. Scopus to obtain our first glimpse of the city and have a shehecheyanu toast.

 

DAY 7: OUR HISTORICAL CITY OF JERUSALEM

We will begin the day at the Mt. of Olives with a breathtaking overview of Jerusalem and a brief explanation of its history. We will then enter the old city through the Jaffa Gate and continue to the Arab Market and bazaars. Walking through the Cardo and Hezekiahs Wall we will reach the Jewish Quarter. Here we will visit the extensive area uncovered by archaeologists, including the Burnt House and the Herodian Quarter, where we will see the interior of houses from the second temple period with ashes indicating Jerusalem’s destruction. After a stop at the Western Wall, we will visit the Ophel digs, where we will walk on the First century Street, used by pilgrims for centuries, while viewing the remains of the Temple and the steps that led to it.

 

DAY 8: OUR MODERN CITY OF JERUSALEM

A tour of the new sections of the city is on today's schedule. We will spend the morning at the Israel Museum, where we will see a Model of Jerusalem during the Second Temple period and obtain an excellent perspective of the city back then. We will also visit the Shrine of the Book, where the Dead Sea Scrolls, the oldest copy of the Tanach, are housed. From the Museum we will continue to the Hadassah hospital to view the famous Chagall windows. Finally, at Yad Vashem, the museum of the Holocaust, we will better understand the miracle of Israel’s revival and return to the Land, as promised by God.

 

DAY 9: JERUSALEM’S OUTSKIRTS

In the morning we will have a chance to view one of the most spectacular caves in the world. Driving through the mountains of Jerusalem we will arrive at Beit Shemesh to visit Absalom’s Cave. This little cave is famous for its outstanding stalactites and stalagmites. At Mini Israel we will get a chance to look at the entire state, beautifully presented in miniatures. The afternoon will be free. You may want to use this afternoon to rest, stroll on your own, visit family and friends, or to do some shopping. Our tour bus will function as a shuttle bus and different activities will be suggested.

 

We will begin the day driving to the Elah Valley, where you will be able to pick up your own stone from the brook where David slew Goliath (I Samuel 17). We will continue to the Bells’ Caves, ancient quarries, from which material was extracted for the production of cement 2000 years ago!!! At lunch time we will reach Beersheba, where Abraham made the covenant with Abimelek and stopped his wonderings (Genesis 21). Driving by the various parts of this fast growing town will take us to the ancient tel. Here we will visit the ancient city gate, some of the houses, the water system and the well dug by Abraham. Towards the end of the day we will start crossing part of the Wilderness of Judea, where we will become acquainted with the Bedouin life. Finally, a nice ride along the Dead Sea will bring us to our hotel, located in the lowest place in the world, 1300 ft. below sea level!

 

We will start our day by visiting the astonishing ruins of Massada. Using a cable car we will reach Herod's magnificent fortress, site of the zealots stand against Rome. Well preserved storehouses, cisterns and palaces will be among the features to visit. Our next stop will be at Ein Gedi, where David wrote some of his beautiful psalms. After a short hike we will reach the waterfall where David cut off Saul's skirt (I Samuel 24). We will enjoy the rest of the day swimming in the Dead Sea. Those who wish will be able to enjoy the hotel’s SPA as well.

 

DAY 12: ARAVAH VALLEY

Before entering the vast wilderness, as we begin traveling down south through the Aravah Valley, we will make a short stop at the salty Mt. Sodom. Our next stop will be at the Timna Park, with its unique natural formations. We will visit the cupper mines from which material was extracted for the making of the tools of the Temple. We will also view what is known as Solomon’s Pillars and the remains of an ancient Egyptian worship site. Before reaching Eilat, we will stop at Kibbutz Yotvata, known for its outstanding dairy products, produced right here in the middle of the desert. In the early afternoon we will arrive to the beautiful city of Eilat, located on the shores of the Red Sea, with a breathtaking view of the Red Mountains of Edom and the Gulf of Aqaba.

 

DAY 13 + Day 14: EILAT

Eilat, known as the “City of the eternal sun” is a world known resort area. It offers a variety of different Marine and other activities. You may want to dive or snorkel in the Red Sea, do some parachute or water skiing, visit the under water observatory, catch a 3D movie at the IMAX theatre, do some hiking in the mountains surrounding Eilat, or just enjoy a restful day around the hotel’s swimming pool.

 

DAY 15:  In the late afternoon we will board a domestic flight from Eilat to the Ben Gurion airport, where we will catch our international flight back home. On this domestic flight we will be able to enjoy the breathtaking sight of the Dead Sea, Jerusalem and other places we have visited while in Israel, as seen by eagles and Angles. This amazing view will remain in our hearts and follow us as we make our way back home. .