Israel 360°

Wednesday: En route

Depart the USA on your flight to Israel.

Thursday: Tel Aviv

Welcome to Israel!  Arrive Ben Gurion Airport where you will be met just after exiting the Sleeve/Jetway of the aircraft for a VIP and swift transport through customs and baggage claim procedure. Transfer to your hotel on the Mediterranean Shore. Enjoy light snacks in the exclusive Executive VIP Lounge of the hotel.   The balance of the day is at leisure.  Overnight Tel Aviv.

Friday: Tel Aviv

Begin with an elaborate buffet breakfast at your hotel. You will then meet your expert private guide and begin a great discovery of Tel Aviv known as the “White City” for its splendid Bauhaus Architecture from the 1930’s, the largest number of buildings in this unique style of any city in the world.  Drive on to  Machon Ayalon (Ayalon Institute), the reconstructed underground bullet factory located under the kibbutz bakery. Built and operated during the years 1946-1948, this special clandestine factory was prepared secretly in less than a month.  Its openings were covered by a 10 ton oven and a large washing machine that camouflaged the noise of manufacturing bullets.

Continue to old port city of  Jaffa to explore the reconstructed Artists’ Quarter with its galleries and boutiques.  We’ll head to Tel Aviv’s popular Nachalat Binyamin, an open pedestrian Arts and Craft Fair where you will find a variety of hand made products as well as performance artists making this a lively event and definitely the place to on Friday afternoon in Tel Aviv.  You’ll find the Carmel Market, a bustling open air bazaar fil and the lively Sheinkin Street with the latest in fashionable boutiques, trendy cafes and restaurants.  A delightful afternoon.  On your return to your hotel, your guide will point out and suggest to you a few more popular areas of Tel Aviv—Neve Tzedek (Tel Aviv’s “Soho”), and one of the first neighborhoods in Tel Aviv built outside Jaffa.  Or stroll through the “Tachana”, an open pedestrian area converted from an old railway station also with shops, cafes and pubs. You may wish to visit these areas during leisure time day or night in Tel Aviv.  Return to your hotel for the balance of the evening. Tonight, you may wish to dine at the hotel enjoying a traditional Friday night dinner (optional).  (B)

Saturday: Tel Aviv

A full day at leisure taking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant cosmopolitan city.  Explorations are endless.  Overnight in Tel Aviv (B).

Sunday: Haifa

Our day will begin with a visit to the extraordinary Israeli Museum at the Yitzhak Rabin Center chronicling the life of the late Prime Minister and the development of the State of Israel.  We’ll then continue to ancient Roman port of Caesarea.  King Herod the Great, a stalwart supporter of the Roman Empire, was an architect of massive proportions and Caesarea was one of the finest, most beautiful cities of the ancient world.  See the huge theatre and ancient aqueduct which brought fresh water from the Carmel Mountains. On to the timeless crusader city of Acre (Akko), with its Middle Age fortress, subterranean city and bazaars. The Old City of Acre is one of the fascinating old cities in Israel and a  UNESCO World Heritage Site. seaport city of Haifa draped on the sides of Mount Carmel.   Visit  the Persian Gardens at the Bahai Center; a series of terraces extending above and view the gold domed Shrine of the Bab. We’ll overnight at the lovely hotel in Haifa tonight.  (B)

Monday: Tiberias

Depart Haifa heading to the very northern tip bordering with Lebanon, to  visit Rosh Hanikra: The grottos here are cavernous tunnels formed by sea action on the soft chalk rock. In the past, the only access to them was from the sea and experienced divers were the only ones capable of visiting. Today a cable car takes visitors down to see the grottos.  Drive to Safed a picturesque city of spiritual people and artists, wrapped in mysticism and mystery, and steeped in a sacred atmosphere. Visitors to Safed, spiritual center of the Kabbala,  sense the city’s warm embrace as they wander through its alleyways past charming stone houses with their artists’ studios and workshops. Then, ascend the Golan Heights on a Jeep Ride for a greater understanding of the fierce battles that took place during the 1967 Six-Day War and the 1973 Yom Kippur War and learn about the strategic importance of the area.   Continue through the valleys and ranges where you will take in a breathtaking panoramic view of the area.    Drive to wondrous Mt. Ben Tal for a magnificent view beyond the border into Syria.  Visit an army bunker and hear the fascinating story of the war fought in the Golan.  Visit the Golan Winery, where, besides enjoying the elaborate presentation of the Golan area you will have the opportunity to taste some of Israel’s excellent wines.  Overnight at your hotel in Tiberias.  (B)

Tuesday: Jerusalem

An exciting day today as we set out to Old Gesher and Naharayim by the Jordan River. You will hear the incredible story of how, on
the eve of the 1948 War of Independence, Golda Meir, disguised as an Arab woman, held two secret meetings with the Emir of
Jordan at Naharayim to persuade the monarch not to join in the fighting. Her efforts failed, and Kibbutz Gesher and Naharayim became battlegrounds. We will then go on a journey through time at the Naharayim Experience, a large and first-of-its-kind model that demonstrates the operation of Israel’s first and only hydroelectric power station where flowing water, sounds, voices and colored lights bring the fascinating story to life. Drive South and rise through the mountains to “golden” Jerusalem stopping first at Mt.
Scopus for a spectacular view of Jerusalem where we’ll toast and bless our arrival to the holiest of cities. Overnight at your lovely hotel in the heart of Jerusalem. (B)

Wednesday: Jerusalem

Today, we enter the Old City and walk to the Western Wall, the last remnant of the Second Temple and holiest site of Judaism.  Proceed to the Southern Wall Excavations and  to the  original steps that lead to the Temple Mount. Visit the Davidson Center and explore the Herodian Temple as displayed in this modern Visitors Center with its multimedia presentation. Within the Jewish Quarter, we’ll visit the Cardo, once the main Byzantine shopping street.  Walk through the extraordinary Hasmonean Tunnel, an underground tunnel excavated to expose the  full length of the Western Wall (tunnel schedule permitting). Exiting the Tunnel, you’ll follow the steps of the Via Dolorosa through narrow alleys and souks to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.  Enjoy shopping in the exotic bazaar.  Afternoon, optional visit to Bethlehem and the Church of the Nativity (operated by the Palestinian Authority). OR, visit the Friends of Zion Heritage Center celebrating the Christian Heroes who have contributed to the Jewish people and the State of Israel (included).  These heroes come alive through cutting edge, high tech imaging, audio-visual presentations, holograms and much more.  This evening, enjoy the “Night Spectacular” Sound & Light Show at the Citadel Museum.  In this 45-minute state-of-the-art show, the walls of the museum come to life with a spectacular laser technology presentation about the History of the city.  Overnight Jerusalem.  (B)

Thursday: Jerusalem

This morning, visit Yad Vashem,  Israel’s National Memorial and Museum of the Holocaust where you will spend time touring the complex including the Children’s Pavilion. Walk along the Avenue of the Righteous where trees have been planted in honor of  those who risked their safety saving Jewish lives. Continue to the Israel Museum the largest cultural institution in the State of Israel. Visit the Scale Model of ancient Jerusalem which reconstructs the topography and architectural character of the city as it was during the Second Temple period.  Enter the  Shrine of the Book housing the Dead Sea Scrolls, the oldest biblical manuscripts in the world.  You’ll have time to walk through the Israel Museum and the Billy Rose Sculpture Garden.  Afterwards visit  Machane Yehuda Market.  The market is conveniently located just minutes away from the city center and is a microcosm of everything Jerusalem has to offer. At the market, Israel’s most sprawling and buzzing network of alleys and vending stalls, you’ll enjoy the “Shuk Bites” experience; meet with the colorful vendors who will captivate you with their personal stories while you taste their Israeli grown vegetables, spices, freshly baked breads, meat delicacies, pastries and so much more!  A culinary delight! Afterwards, your guide will take you on a panoramic drive and walking tour through the popular neighborhoods where you’ll enjoy the vibrancy of Jerusalem as the locals  prepare for the start of their weekend.  Drive through the ultra-orthodox neighborhood of Mea Shearim; see the very popular German colony area and stroll through the “Tachana”, yet another open pedestrian area converted from a former railway station;  stroll through Ben Yehuda Street (the Midrechov) and Nachalat Shiva. At today’s end, you’ll feel like you’re really familiar with this energetic city so venture out on your own tonight as everything is open late, and enjoy the many shops and eateries. Overnight in Jerusalem.   (B. LM)

Friday: Jerusalem

This morning travel south to Masada as you drive to the Dead Sea region, the lowest place on earth.  Ascend by cable car up the mountain to this last stronghold of the Zealots in their struggle against the Romans.  Masada was declared a “World Heritage site”. Tour Herod’s Palace, the synagogue and bathhouse.  Descend and drive to one of the hotels on the shores of the Dead Sea for Lunch.  You’ll be able to use the spa facilities and enjoy an unsinkable swim in the buoyant, mineral-rich, salty waters of the Dead Sea. Drive to Ein Gedi National Park where a steady stream of water runs through this national reserve year round giving life to a narrow band of desert. A large number of Ibex and other desert mammals call Ein Gedi home and can nearly always be found along the water’s edge. This short hike contains plenty of opportunities to swim and is especially relaxing and refreshing (stop at Ein Gedi is subject to time permitting due to early closure of the park in winter). Return to Jerusalem where you may wish to join the throngs of worshipers at the Western Wall. Tonight you may join the traditional Sabbath Dinner at your hotel (optional and not included).  Overnight in Jerusalem. (B.L)

Saturday: Jerusalem

A wonderful day to relax and enjoy on your own explorations of the many areas of Jerusalem. Overnight at your hotel.  (B)

Sunday: Jerusalem – Petra

Transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for your flight to Eilat. Arrive, meet our representative and transfer to the Arava border for crossing with special assistance across “no man’s land” to Jordan. Arrive in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan where our Jordanian Guide and Driver will meet you to begin this exciting adventure. Drive to the “rose-red city” of Petra. Start the visit with a horse ride, or, if you prefer, an exhilarating walk from the main gate to the Siq’s entrance. Walk along the color rich canyons and at the end of the passage you’ll see Petra’s most beautiful monument – The Treasury (Khazneh), carved out of a single piece of rock. You’ll continue to discover soaring temples, elaborate royal tombs, a theatre, burial chambers and water channels, covering an area of about 100 sq km, with over 800 monuments. Continue to your hotel in Petra. This evening, get ready to learn how to prepare a traditional Middle Eastern meal at the lively “Petra Kitchen”, a relaxed atmosphere where you’ll work alongside local women under the supervision of a chef. The meal will include soup, cod, hot mezza & salads, plus a main course and take home recipes. You won’t forget this experience. Overnight at your lovely hotel at the foot of the “Hidden City” in Petra.  Lunch is also included today. (B.L.D)

Monday: Petra – Mitzpe Ramon

Enjoy breakfast before we begin our drive to Wadi Rum, a journey to another world. Board your 4X4 jeep, driven by a professional Bedouin driver into an area almost surreal in its distinctive beauty. Cross red sand dunes and explore the beautifully eroded pillars of sandstone rock. Amongst the natural attractions is what has become known as ‘The Seven Pillars’. It was this area of Wadi Rum that so inspired T E Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia). Feast on a delicious lunch hosted in an authentic Bedouin tent before driving back to the Arava Border for re-entry into Israel. You will be met on the Israeli side by our driver for your transfer to Mitzpe Ramon and the spectacular Beresheet hotel situated on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Ramon Crater with breathtaking views of this unique geological phenomenon that can only be found in the Negev. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. (B.L.D)

Tuesday: Mitzpe Ramon

Today is a full day of relaxation and after this incredible journey.  Enjoy all the very special facilities at this hotel including optional spa treatments as this is one of the best spas in the country. Be sure to reserve ahead of time. Or, you may participate in some of the following optional activities available from your hotel:

• Guided cycling tours
• Body & Soul Workshops including Yoga Classes
• Hiking
• Rappelling (should be ordered as part of the Jeep Ride experience).
•  Visiting a local “Alpaca Farm”
• Star Gazing Tour- highly recommended (warm clothing required)

Tonight, a wonderful dinner at the hotel. (B.D)

Wednesday: Mitzpe Ramon- En Route

Enjoy the morning at leisure.  Check out by noontime.  Shortly thereafter, in the early afternoon, embark on a memorable jeep tour guided by a Desert Wilderness Specialist.  Descend into the Crater (Machtesh) and cross most of its width climbing to the summit of Mt. Gvanim.  After descending from our view point we will head West over the Ra’af Hills and then along the seasonal river bed that drains them to Wadi Ramon and the lonely Acacia that grows there. In the soft river sand we will show you how a Crater is formed and explain why they are so rare and special and then continue along the dry river. Return to your hotel to collect your luggage and meet your transfer service for the transfer to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv; special assistance for check in services. (B)

Thursday: Arrival USA