10 Day Tour

Day 1 - TUESDAY
Departure from North American or other International Gateway

Day 2, When You Come Into the Land (Deut. 26:1)
Welcome to Israel! Be met and assisted at Ben Gurion airport by your 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, 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, Freedom Fighters or Fanatics?
Early departure for the ascent by cable car to the mountain fortress of Massada 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, 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 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, 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: Galilee area

Day 8, 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.    
Overnight: Galilee area

Day 9, 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 Caesarea, 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, 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. Transfer to Ben-Gurion airport for departure. Depart for the airport – the memories stay with you forever!