Day One
Welcome to Home
Welcome home! A representative of the tour company will meet you as you disembark from the plane and streamline your visa and customs processing. You will be brought to a waiting VIP van which will bring you to your hotel.
Sleep Jerusalem
Day Two
City of David
Just outside of the Old City we will explore the ancient city where King David held his capital. Ir David, or the “City of David” as it is known in English, is the actual location of the biblical city of Jerusalem captured by King David over 3,000 years ago. Highlights include entering the secret tunnel leading to the Gihon Spring, walking through Hezekiah’s water tunnel, the Pilgrims Ascent from the Shiloach Pool up to “Wall Street” the ancient financial district and shopping area.
Southern Wall Excavations
At the Southwest corner of the Temple Mount lies the excavated ruins of the Second Temple Period, downtown Jerusalem from 2,000 years ago! From here we will be able to recreate in our mind’s eye the sights and sounds of a bustling marketplace filled with priests and prophets,, rabbis and pilgrims. The archeological gardens are littered with the treasures of the Jewel in the Crown of Jerusalem…the Holy Temple.
The Kotel – Western Wall
If Jerusalem is the heart of the Jewish People then the Temple Mount and its western retaining wall are its soul. After the Temple’s destruction 2,000 years ago, the Western Wall or kotel is one of its last remaining walls. Although we only see a fraction of it exposed, it spans over a quarter of a mile and once stood 20 stories high! Although made of limestone, local tradition holds that it is made up of the tears and prayers of 2,000 years of Jews yearning for “Next year in Jerusalem.” According to Jewish thought the Temple Mount is the holiest place on earth and the entryway to the spiritual world.
Kotel 3D Experience
Using the newest 360 degree technology we will travel back in time to the heart of the universe, the utmost in luxurious construction and beauty. We will hear the singing of the Levites as we walk through the Holy Temple and see its glory.
Jewish Quarter – Including the Burnt House & Churva Synagogue
The Jewish Quarter has had a Jewish presence almost continuously for 2,700 years! Home to nearly 3,300 residents, it combines history, religion, and archeology as well as shops and restaurants, yeshivas and synagogues. Although there is a modern neighborhood on top of these ancient ruins, the stones come to life and whisper the prophecy of Zachariah that “there will once again sit old men and women in the squares of Jerusalem, and the streets will be filled with playing children.”
Sleep Jerusalem
Day Three
Ein Prat Nature Reserve
In the backyard of Yirmiyahu HaNavi and the valley in which Eliyahu HaNavi hid out called Nachal Prat, we find a fresh water spring fed river which flows year round… rain or shine. In this natural oasis, the Prat Spring has been built up into a small swimming pool where the icy waters are a refreshing break from the scorching desert sun.
Atv & Rappelling Adventure in the Judean Desert
We will start our adventure riding all terrain vehicles in a barren desert. In a place where very little can live we will find signs of life from times past while enjoying stunning views of the mountains of Judea and Moab. From there we will continue to the backyard of Yirmiyahu HaNAvi and the Valley in which Eliyahu HaNavi hid out called Wadi Kelt. This valley, which spans from the Samarian/Judean Mountains all the way down to Yericho, is the biblical border between Binyamin and Yehuda and is rich with history as well as flora and fauna. Here we will test our resolve by rappelling down a sheer cliff into the valley!
Mitzpe Yericho
Meaning literally, a viewpoint to Jericho” Mitzpe Yericho is a small west bank settlement sitting on a cliff. It is perched more than a thousand feet above one of the oldest cities in the world and the entrance to the Land of Israel from the East. Over 500 families live in this small desert town, but thousands come here to see its amazing views and abandoned Israeli Army bunker.
Dinner at Ha’Cnaanit Restaurant
As the day ends we will enjoy a meal fit for kings and queens served with the backdrop of the glorious Judean Desert at Ha’ Cnaanit.
Sleep Jerusalem
Day Four
Beit El Tefillin Factory
On Yaakov’s flight from Esav, when he had his famous dream with the ladder,Hashem promised him that he would return him to this land. In the very location of his dream pioneers are rebuilding the land. Part and parcel to the settling of the land is the fulfillment of the mitzvot. Beit El plays host to one of the most innovative and renowned tefillin factories literally tying the Bnai Yisrael to Eretz Yisrael. We will get a VIP tour through the factory and see the process of making the tefillin.
Blacksmith Apprentice Workshop
It says in the Torah that Hashem refined the nation in the Iron Crucible of Egypt, melting the metal and removing its impurities. After a bit of time with Yossi you’ll really understand what that truly means. We will melt Iron in his workshop and craft it into jewelry, where we will make our own souvenirs with the iron of Eretz Yisroel. A constant reminder of the pasuk in Dvarim that tells us “For Hashem your G-d is bringing you into a good land…a land whose stones are iron.”
כִּי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ, מְבִיאֲךָ אֶל-אֶרֶץ טוֹבָה. אֶרֶץ אֲשֶׁר אֲבָנֶיהָ בַרְזֶל, וּמֵהֲרָרֶיהָ תַּחְצֹב נְחֹשֶׁת.
Har HaGerizim & Overlook to Shechem
Mount Gerizim is situated over the city of Shechem (modern day Nablus), where both Avraham and Yakov built altars to Hashem upon their entrance to Eretz Yisrael, it will be here that the blessings and the curses will be pronounced in front of the entire nation upon the day they entered Eretz Yisrael with Yehoshua Bin Nun, just before they buried Yosef in his tomb below. Today Nablus is an extremely hostile village in Area A and off limits to Jewish travelers but from Har HaGerizim we will be able to view Kever Yosef and, daven by his kever even if it’s only in the distance.
Sleep Jerusalem
Day Five
Caliber 3 Anti-terrorism Training
Established in 2003 by Colonel Sharon Gat, Caliber 3 has since become the leading counter terror and security training academy in Israel. The training includes a simulation of a terror attack in a Jerusalem marketplace, a demonstration with attack dogs, and a live fire sniper tournament. This activity is the closest one can come to being part of an elite counterterrorism team but still remain a civilian.
Arugot Farm
Located in the heart of the biblical “Wilderness of Zif” where King David composed many of the Psalms and hid from King Saul, the Arugot Farms, in just a few years, has transformed the barren desolate Judean wilderness into a Garden of Eden-like oasis, unlike anything in The Land. We will meet Rabbi Ari Abramowitz, one of the pioneers behind the project who will show us why his farm is an integral part of the modern redemption of the Land of Israel.
Herodion National Park
2,000 years ago atop a mountain on the edge of the Judean Desert, at the site where he wanted to be buried, King Herod built a summer palace par excellance. Atop this artificial mountain sits an architectural marvel that still inspires wonder today. We will see the recently excavated and reconstructed site of King Herod’s grave, as well as his private palace and theater. In two successive wars with the Romans, Jewish rebels commandeered this site and dug escape tunnels as well as a synagogue which stood at the same time as the Second Temple, making it one of the oldest synagogues in the world!
Jerusalem Viewpoint
The rabbis of the Talmud state that Jerusalem is the highest place in the world because everyone “ascends” to Jerusalem. The spiritual plateau of the world is here in this most famous and yearned after city. From this viewpoint we will breathe in Jerusael’s beauty from the Armon Hanatziv Tayelet and recall the words of the Sages that one “doesn’t come to Jerusalem, rather they return to Jerusalem.”
Sleep Jerusalem
Day Six
Biblical Museum of Natural History
Many people don’t think of animals when they think of the Tanach, but in fact the Tanach is full of descriptions of animals, whether in regard to kashrut, or metaphors and symbolism. Part zoo, part museum, we will come face to face with many of the animals of the Tanach, and get to hold them as well.
Survival Foraging Workshop & Meal
Discover Israel’s world of wild edibles and tap into a culinary adventure that weaves ancient natural foods with primitive survival skills and culminates with a palate-pleasing meal that is healthy, tasty, and epically connective. From biblical spices to the wild ancestors of common vegetables we will pick, prepare, and feast in the lush hillsides of Jerusalem. Wrap up the event with freshly brewed tea and coffee while sitting together around a traditionally set fire-pit.
Evening Recommendation – Shabbat at the Western Wall
Friday night is a special time to be in Jerusalem. With the setting sun a new day begins – Shabbat.The Kotel in Jerusalem becomes a unifying place for the Jews as holiness of time and place intertwine. Soldiers and Hassids, tourists and locals, dance arm in arm together to welcome the Jewish Sabbath with song and joy. This celebration has no parallel in the world and should not be missed.
Sleep Jerusalem
Day Seven
Shabbat Rest
Take a day to recover from a hectic week of travel and touring. As the Holy City takes a rest let’s take this opportunity to visit one of Jerusalem’s hundreds of synagogues, stroll through one of the many parks Jerualem has to offer, or just rest up and re-JEW-venate as we recharge for next week. We got a lot of ground to cover motzei Shabbos!
Evening Activity – Tower of David Night Spectacular
4,000 years of Jerusalem come alive as they are projected on the walls of the Tower of David. In this citadel, where once the palace of King Herod and the Maccabees stood, the history of the city will be projected in a beautiful swirl of sounds and images which will bring the stones almost literally to life.
Sleep Jerusalem
Day Eight
The Squadron Flight Simulator
With one of the strongest Air Forces in the world, Israel has made an art out of creating the world’s best pilots. Col. (res.) Kobi Regev and his wife Idmit have decided that they will harness those very skills which the IAF uses to train their best, in order to teach others how to build self growth, confidence, teamwork and leadership. We will put on our flight suits and enter the most state of the art training simulators as we embark on high speed missions defending the skies over Tel Aviv guided by actual Israeli Air Force heroes.
Kfar Kedem Mishnaic Village – Donkey Ride & Lunch
Let’s go back in time 2,000 years to a simpler time before modern conveniences such as packaged sliced bread and cars and trucks. In this reconstructed Mishnaic era village we will get to glimpse, if only for a few hours, what life was like for our ancestors in the Land of Israel. We will learn about ancient agriculture, ride donkeys, and even bake our own fresh pita bread. The experience includes a delicious rustic lunch served outdoors.
Tzippori
In the heart of the galilee sits an unassuming city perched on a hill like a bird (Tzipor), which became the capital of the Galilee, seat of the Sanhedrin and home of Rebbe Yehuda HaNassi. It was here that Rebbe compiled the Mishna, and became the second most mentioned city in Chazal after Yerushalayim. We will explore the ruins of this magnificent city and see her mosaics, streets,theater Shul and mansions.
Sleep Galilee
Day Nine
Lebanese Border Jeep Ride and Soldier Visit
Situated next to biblical Kadesh the hometown of Barak Ben Avinoam and the burial site of Yael and Devorah, sits Kibbutz Malkiyah named for the family of Cohanim who lived here 2,500 years ago. This rocky region of the upper Galilee has been a border from time immemorial and has seen many battles and wars throughout history. As it was then too now, it is on the frontlines standing strong against Hezbollah. We will ride along the border fence in a jeep going beyond where civilians may travel to meet the modern heroes of Israel. We will meet soldiers standing guard, get a VIP entrance into an army base and climb in and around tanks, while saying thank you to the soldiers.
Tel Dan National Park
Surrounded by running streams bursting forth from one of the Middle East’s largest underground springs, we will visit the northern border of the Kingdom of Israel. Here was the royal city of Yeravam ben Navat, where he built a walled city, matzevah, and Mikdash, all of which have been discovered in the excavations. The 3,000 year old city walls and 3,800 year old city gate has led UNESCO to deem Tel Dan a “World Heritage Site”. We will stroll through this picturesque national park and touch the biblical history buried beneath.
Tiberias & Sea of Galilee
Resting on the Lake Kinneret and one of the four Holy Cities of Judaism, Tiberias is a 2,000 year old city both home to a vibrant Jewish community and the resting place of great rabbis. Besides the stunning views of the Golan Heights and upper Galilee, we will learn about Rabbi Akiva and Maimonides as Jewish history comes alive beneath our feet.
Boat Ride on the Kinneret
After a long day of touring we will take in the stunning views of the region from the middle of the Kinneret. We’ll get there for sunset to see the reflection of the setting sun along the Golan Heights.
Decks Restaurant
No trip to Tiberias is complete without dinner at the most popular steakhouse in the Middle East. Sitting on a veranda along the shores of the Kinneret, the combination of stunning views and wide variety of smoked and barbecued meats create an unparalleled dining experience.
Sleep Galillee
Day Ten
Shofar Factory
One of the most prominent symbols of Judaism is the Shofar, which is blown on the most important days of the Hebrew calendar. Although most Shofars come from rams, they can be made from the horns of any animal except for the bull, who’s shofar is not kosher. Shimon Keinan has been blowing shofars as long as he can remember and when he isn’t blowing shofars he’s making them. We will explore his factory which is only one of two in Israel and we may even get to help him finish one.
Ein Kashtot Ancient Synagogue
2,000 years ago the Golan Heights was rich with Jewish life as we can see by the 31 synagogues which have been found there dating from the Talmudic period. In 749 a massive earthquake struck Israel destroying this community and many more around Israel. For 15 years the main synagogue of this town, and one of the largest found to date) has been meticulously put back together stone by stone using the most advanced 3D mapping technology, bringing us back in time to the eighth century.
Sde Eliyahu Bio Bee Kibbutz Tour
Ever wonder what it’s like to live on a kibbutz? At Kibbutz Sde Eliyahu we will tour not only one of the last vestiges of authentic kibbutz life in Israel, but also a world leader in organic farming and biological pest control. We will learn about owls, bees, worms, and donkeys as well as various other trailblazing techniques that this kibbutz is using to try to make the world a better and cleaner place.
Sleep Jerusalem
Day Eleven
Gush Etzion Zipline
Get ready for the thrill of a lifetime! At a quarter of a mile long and more than 350 feet high, the Gush Etzion Zipline is the longest zipline in Israel. More amazing than the thrill of speeding over valleys and trees are the stunning views out into the Judean hills.
Gush Etzion Visit With Unity Warriors
In Gush Etzion we will meet with Ben Goldstein, the founder of “Unity Warriors” who dedicates all of his time and energy to giving back to our brave IDF soldiers and protecting the Land of Israel. Not only does Unity Warriors facilitate donations of tactical gear, life saving bandages, as well as bulletproof vests to IDF soldiers, they have embarked on a program to plant fruit trees throughout Gush Etzion in order to strengthen our roots in Eretz Yisrael.
Shokoladshik Chocolate Making workshop
Israel is known as the Land of Milk and Honey in Tanach, but nowadays that milk is turned into awesome chocolate! During our workshop we’ll learn about the process of making chocolate and make our own treats to take with us, not to mention all the chocolate we’ll taste along the way.
Sleep Jerusalem
Day Twelve
Old City of Jaffa
Tradition tells us that Jaffa, or Yafo as it’s called in Hebrew, was founded by Yefet the Son of Noah many, many years ago. Throughout history it’s known as one of the most famous Middle Eastern ports and the one from which Jonah set forth on his famous voyage. Today its artists colony, alleyways, and views sets it apart as one of the most beautiful places in Tel Aviv. It’s for this very reason that one can spot brides and grooms having their photoshoots almost everyday of the week in Yafo.
Graffiti Tour
Can one find a better way to get to know a city, than by taking a walking tour through her most colorful parts? We’ll get to know the hippest and most vibrant parts of Tel Aviv by learning about her street art. These pictures are worth more than a thousand words, and we will learn from these murals about the people and culture, as well as history and current events.
Palmach Museum Multimedia Experience
Ready to follow in the footsteps of the heroes of the State of Israel? Run by Israel’s Ministry of Defense, the Palmach’s story comes to life at this museum. Founded in 1941, the Palmach became a fully trained underground military force made up of volunteer men and women who fought to rid Palestine of the British – later merging with the IDF for Israel’s War of Independence. In this interactive museum we will join a group of new recruits through training, Holocaust survivor rescue efforts, and their greatest hour; the War of Independence.
Sleep Jerusalem
Day Thirteen
Khan Shaar HaGai Battle Museum
In 1948 when Israel was fighting for its independence, Jerusalem with one sixth of the Jewish population of Israel living was under intense siege. The battle for the soul of Israel – our eternal capital – was raging and it seemed as though Jerusalem might have been lost. At the Shaar HaGai museum we will learn about the battle for the roads, and the challenges our soldiers had when trying to capture Jerusalem. After coming here and seeing the armored cars that fought in the battles, and hearing the personal stories of the soldiers, we can truly appreciate our modern and eternal capital city.
Elah Fortress – King David’s Stronghold
Discovered in 2007 the remains of this 3,000 year old fortress were found which overlook the Elah Valley. This strategic fortress protected the Judean interior and archeological surveys have uncovered 2,300 ft casemate walls with stones weighing up to 8 tons! This is where David (not yet king) defeated the giant Goliath in battle in one of the most famous battles in world history.
Bar Kochva Tunnels
Almost 1,900 years ago the soldiers of Bar Kochva fought a guerrilla war against the Roman Empire. The ruins of a town from that period were discovered here with escape tunnels running underneath the ruins that we will explore on our hands and knees. This is not for the claustrophobic! You must bring flashlights and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty.
Sleep Jerusalem
Day Fourteen
Shabbat Rest – time to re-JEW-venate
Take a day to recover from a hectic week of travel and touring. As the State of Israel takes a rest, why not take this opportunity to visit one of Jerusalem’s hundreds of synagogues, lay out by the pool, or stroll through one of the many parks Jerualem has to offer.
Evening activity – Western Wall Tunnels
The Kotel Plaza today has an exposed section of 57 meters out of 488 meters of wall! Underneath the Muslim Quarter of today is the excavated sections of the Western Wall which were once open to the sky. Although the average stone in the wall is only 2-3 tons, we will see the largest stone that weighed a whopping 570 tons, making it one of the largest hewn stones in the world.
Day Fifteen
VIP Transfer and Departure
In Israel we dont say goodbye we say l’hitraot…that means “see you later”
A representative of our company will bring you to Ben Gurion Airport and streamline your flight check-in and departure. Looking forward to next time!
