Day One
Wednesday – Bruchim Ha’baim!, VIP Arrival and Hotel Transfer
Welcome to Israel
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
Thursday – Jerusalem Old City
Ramparts Walk
We will walk from the Jaffa Gate on top of the old city’s walls recounting the words of King David in Psalms, “Walk about Zion and encompass her, count her towers. Mark well in your hearts her ramparts, raise up her palaces, that you may tell it to subsequent generations.”
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.
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.
Jewish Quarter
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
Friday – Judean Desert
ATV 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.
Nachal Prat Loop Trail
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. This valley 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. 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.
Dead Sea Float
Have you ever wondered what it feels like to be weightless? Here in the lowest place on earth we have the saltiest lake in the world. The water is so dense that it’s impossible to sink. The waters of the Dead Sea have been known throughout antiquity to have healing qualities, and a day at the Dead Sea has the power to rejuvenate the skin. The hypersalinity and high mineral content have been shown to be therapeutic for arthritis, psoriasis, eczema, and much much more.
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 Four
Saturday – Jerusalem Old City
Four Quarters Walking Tour
From the Hotel we will ascend on foot to the Old City Via the Jaffa Gate, passing through Jerusalem’s oldest and most picturesque neighborhood outside the Old City’s walls, Yemin Moshe. Besides being Judaism’s holiest city, it is a holy city to both Christianity and Islam. Today Jerusalem has four distinct areas colloquially called “the four quarters, the Jewish Quarter, Christian Quarter, Muslim Quarter, and Armenian Quarter. Together we will explore the hidden gems of this holy city, climbing her rooftops, wandering her alleys, and unlocking her secrets.
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 Five
Sunday – Gush Etzion
Caliber 3 Anti-terrorism Training 2 hours
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.
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.
Kfar Etzion Heritage Center
The Kfar Etzion Museum is situated in Kibbutz Kfar Etzion, one of the four kibbutz’s that was founded in the 1920s, on the Jerusalem – Hebron road. In 1948 one of the bloodiest battles in Israel’s history took place on this site, ending in a massacre and the death of 240 defenders. At the newly renovated museum we will see an interactive video experience which tells the stories of these heros ending in the memorial room over the bunker which saw the last stand.
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!
Sleep Jerusalem
Day Six
Monday – Beit Shemesh
Machon Ayalon – Clandestine Bullet Factory
Just outside of Tel Aviv, on a small hill is located one of the State of Israel’s best kept secrets. Now a museum, this former bullet factory was hidden under a laundromat in a kibbutz training facility and arguably saved the State of Israel. In 1943 as the War of Independence was approaching the Haganah (the pre state army) desperately needed weapons and ammunition but the British ruled the land. This secret underground factory was established, and in 3 years produced over 2 million bullets under the nose of the British. It was so secret that for the next 30 years no one had even heard of it!
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.
Legends Distillery
Let’s experience the allure of Legends Distillery in Beit Shemesh, Israel’s pioneer American-style Whiskey distillery. We will embark on a captivating tour that unveils the artistry behind crafting exceptional spirits, followed by a tasting journey that lets you savor the rich flavors of their meticulously distilled creations. Discover the fusion of tradition and innovation at Legends Distillery, a testament to Israel’s burgeoning presence in the world of fine whiskey.
Fauda Undercover Experience
Experience the adrenaline-fueled intensity of Fauda Base, where every moment is a high-stakes battle for survival. Immerse yourself in the heart-pounding action, intricate plot twists, and morally complex characters that define this gripping military thriller. Brace yourself for a relentless journey into the shadowy world of counter-terrorism.
Sleep Jerusalem
Day Seven
Tuesday – Jordan Valley
Camel Ride
We will go back in time 3,800 years and leave our four wheeled vehicle for one of the four legged variety. Our camels will transport us back to the tent of the Patriarchs – Avraham and Sara. The experience is almost as amazing as the view of the desert of Judea and mountains of Moab that we will take in from atop our camels.
Kasr Al Yahud – Jordan River
Nearly 3,400 years ago in this very place, the Children of Israel crossed over from the desert into the Land of Israel. Though the Jordan River is no longer split, only a few dozen feet away lies the modern country of Jordan. Just over the water, one can envision Elijah the Prophet’s transcendental ascent from this world. Kasr al Yahud was opened to the public in 2011 just across from Jericho on the lush banks of Israel’s longest river, the Jordan.
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. We will finish the tour with a lunch in the cheder ochel or communal dining room for a kibbutz lunch!
Gan Hashlosha Swim
Gan Hashlosha or the Sachne as the locals call it, was listed by Time magazine as one of the most beautiful places in Israel and one of the top 20 exotic places in the world. This natural thermal spring has a year-round water temperature of 82 degrees! These pools are a welcome relief to the temperature outside, whether it be hot or cold, and swimming in this paradise is enjoyable year round.
Sleep Galilee
Day Eight
Wednesday – Golan Heights
Tzfat Old City & Artist Quarter
In Judaism’s most mystical book, the Zohar, Tzfat is described as having the purest air in all of Israel and that’s not only because Tzfat is almost 3,000 feet in elevation. Of Judaism’s four Holy Cities, Tzfat is the one described as mystical and connected to the element of air, that which is intangible… hidden. It is for this reason that 500 years ago Tzfat attracted mystics and rabbis and built breathtaking synagogues which we will explore. In recent years Tzfat’s beauty has attracted artists from all over who have opened their galleries to the public, making Tzfat a highlight of any trip to Israel.
Har Bental Viewpoint & IDF Bunkers
We will drive up a dormant volcano to a height of 1,260 feet above sea level to take in a breathtaking 360 degree view of the Golan Heights. From this former Israeli defensive position we can look down into Syria and on a clear day even see the approaches to Damascus only 45 miles away. We can also climb through the decommissioned bunker and trenches of the IDF.
Lebanese Border Jeep Ride & 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.
(it is customary to buy food and drinks for the soldiers to show our appreciation)
Jordan River Kayak
We will enjoy a leisurely float down the Jordan river, the largest river in Israel and relax in the Holy waters of Israel’s north. The lazy river will float us along grassy banks, and under a canopy of trees, enjoying a relaxing break from the summer sun.
Sleep Galilee
Day Nine
Thursday – Mediterranean Coast
Repelling the Keshet Caves
Embark on an adrenaline-fueled descent into the heart of Keshet Cave, near the Lebanese border, with a thrilling 20-meter rappelling experience. As you descend, marvel at the natural wonder of the cave’s formations and the breathtaking vistas, blending adventure and nature in a daring and unforgettable escapade.
Tishbi Winery & Chocolate Tasting
Enjoy a wine and chocolate tasting at the Tishbi Winery Visitors’ Center outside Binyamina. Wine and chocolate naturally go together, and Tishbi Winery specializes in both. The winery’s recently redesigned visitors’ center is designed to assault all the senses at once, and with a tasting of high quality chocolate and wine what more could one ask for?
Tishbi Winery Restaurant
The Tishbi Winery, located in Binyamina, is Israel’s sixth largest with production of about 1 million bottles of wine annually. With the tables set under a canopy of grape vines, the dairy restaurant’s ambiance is surpassed only by the delicious varieties of foods that their internationally trained chef Gunther Biederman offers.
Caesarea
This picturesque 2,000 year old port city was a dream of King Herod. The Caesarea port was an unparalleled feat of engineering and instrumental in solidifying trade agreements with the Roman Empire. It was at the time, one of the largest cities in the Roman Empire and the capital of Rome in Israel. Caesarea played an important role in early Chrisitan history, being both the seat of the early church fathers as well as the baptism of Cornelius the centurion and being the port and later prison of Paul. Once a symbol of Roman power, today Caesarea is a testament to the eventual victory of the Jews over Rome.
Caesarea Segway Tour
Explore Caesarea’s Mediterranean beauty on a Segway adventure, gliding past the ancient 1900-year-old aqueduct bridge that majestically graces the coastal landscape. Immerse yourself in history while embracing the stunning sea views in this unique, eco-friendly excursion.
Sleep Tel Aviv
