Day 1 Monday

WELCOME TO HOLY ISRAEL!

VIP Welcome at Ben Gurion Airport

After landing, a Shalom Israel Tours representative will be waiting to welcome you as you exit the plane. Your party will be transported in a private vehicle to the flight staff passport control, continue to luggage identification and transfer to your luxury chauffeured vehicle.

Ascend to Holy Jerusalem

Welcome to the holiest city in the world! Here you will touch the Western Wall, walk through the diverse and beautiful streets of “new” Jerusalem, and enjoy the city’s sounds, smells, and tastes; experience the people of Jerusalem, their diversity and vibrant culture.

Overnight: The Dan Panorama Hotel, Jerusalem

Day 2 Tuesday

JERUSALEM’S OLD CITY – THE ETERNAL CAPITAL

Optional Old City Bar/Bat Mitzvah Ceremony & Rabbi – Mazal Tov!

The Western Wall Plaza

Here stands the remnant of the ancient Jewish Temple. People come from all over the world to pray at the wall and feel its strong spiritual presence. Write down your greatest wish and place it in the wall cracks, following the tradition of thousands of years and millions of Jews.

Western Wall Tunnels Tour

These famous underground tunnels contain remnants of entire rooms from the Second Temple period. At Warren’s Gate, you’ll stand just a few feet away from where the Holy Ark stood, and feel the yearning of the Jewish people for the Temple for thousands of years.

City of King David Excavations

In 1004 BCE, King David conquered this city and secured the place where the Holy Temple would eventually be built by his son, King Solomon. Remaining structures such as Warren’s Shaft and the Tunnel of Siloam exhibit the intricate workings of this ancient capital city.

Jerusalem Archaeological Park

Experience Second Temple-era Jerusalem on the eve of its destruction by the Romans. See a virtual reconstruction of the Temple, visit the stores and walkways of the surrounding city and see the remnants of the staircase that led to the Temple Mount and the Holy of Holies.

Overnight: The Dan Panorama Hotel, Jerusalem

Day 3 Wednesday

UNITED JERUSALEM – THE NEW CITY

1967 Six Day War – Ammunition Hill

On the night of June 6th, 1967, a four-hour battle took place here at Ammunition Hill in which 36 men lost their lives. Today you can view the trenches and reconstructed bunker that serves as a museum and tells the story of the liberation and reunification of Jerusalem.

Israel Museum & Dead Sea Scrolls

Founded in 1965, this is the largest cultural institution in the State of Israel and one of the world’s leading art and archaeology museums. Here you will find the oldest existing biblical manuscripts in the world, the Dead Sea Scrolls, which are housed in the Shrine of the Book.

Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum

In 1963, the Yad Vashem Museum was established as the world center for Holocaust research, education and commemoration. With survivor testimonies, powerful displays, artifacts and memorial gardens, this museum embodies one crucial message: Never again.

Jerusalem Time Elevator

The Jerusalem Time Elevator packs 3000 years of history into a fun, exciting, multimedia presentation. This historical show, geared towards older children, is 35 minutes long, and keeps their attention through a fast-paced film with special effects and a motion platform.

Overnight: The Dan Panorama Hotel, Jerusalem

Day 4 Thursday

THE JUDEAN DESERT– KING HERODS FORTRESS

Optional Bar/Bat Mitzvah atop Masada – Mazal Tov!

We’ll start with celebratory events atop Masada!  Ceremony, Speeches, Torah Writing, Challah Baking & a live Klezmer Band! A festive event to remember for years to come!

Masada Mountain & Cable Car

Ride via cable car to the top of Masada and explore what remains of King Herod’s palace. See what it was like to live there as you view the preserved baths, cisterns and barracks. It was here that leader Eleazer Ben Yair kept the Roman Legion’s siege at bay for three years.

Dead Sea Float Experience

Yam Hamelach, literally meaning “Sea of Salt,” is 417 meters below sea level, making it the lowest place on earth. Its salty water contains unique healing properties, which, combined with the nutrient-filled mud found on its shores, creates one luxurious and healthy day.

Genesis Land Camel Rides & Desert Dinner

Situated in the heart of the Judean Desert en route to the Dead Sea, Genesis Land offers immersion into the world of the Bible. Visitors are greeted by Eliezer, Abraham’s servant, and then led by a train of camels down to Abraham’s tent to enjoy dinner and hospitality.

Overnight: The Dan Panorama Hotel, Jerusalem

Day 5 Friday

JERUSALEM SCAVENGER HUNT & MARKET

Jerusalem Scavenger Hunt

On the backdrop of ancient relics and picturesque alleys, discover Jerusalem via Scavenger Hunt! Navigating through the city, discover its rich history and unique character while competing to gather information and fulfill missions at different stations along the route!

Machne Yehuda “Shuk” (Market)

With more than 250 vendors, this bustling outdoor marketplace is considered the heartbeat of central Jerusalem. Whatever you are looking for, the shuk has it: clothing, Judaica, fresh produce, meats, diamonds, restaurants – and an array of colorful characters throughout.

Friday Night Tour to the Western Wall

On the eve of Shabbat, Jerusalem transforms; stores shut down, and streets and alleyways fall silent, as all begin to anticipate the weekly Shabbat. Our 2000-year-old tour will pass through Jaffa gate and the Golden Menorah, and end at the Wall right as Shabbat begins.

Shabbat Dinner & Overnight: The Dan Panorama Hotel, Jerusalem

Day 6 Shabbat

SHABBAT IN HOLY JERUSALEM

Shabbat Morning at Leisure & Lunch

Enjoy breakfast and your morning at leisure and Shabbat lunch at your hotel.

Jerusalem Old City Shabbat Tour

Explore the Old City’s ancient quarters with an experienced guide. Visit the historical sites of the Old City, including synagogues, churches, markets and squares. Learn about the 3000 year-old history of the city of Jerusalem, from King David’s conquest until the present day.

Ben Yehuda Street

Here you’ll find all the restaurants, shops, street vendors and street performances you could ever ask for. Sip a latte at one of Ben Yehuda’s many sidewalk cafes, grab a delicious frozen treat, invest in some Judaica, purchase souvenirs, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.

Night Spectacular at the Tower of David

In the evening you’ll head back to the Tower of David’s rooftop to view an epic nighttime extravaganza of sight and sound, depicting the conquests of the Greeks, Romans, Crusaders, Turks and others, as they tried to overtake Jerusalem. This show is simply “Spectacular.”

Overnight: The Dan Panorama Hotel, Jerusalem

Day 7 Sunday

ISRAEL’S COAST – ANCIENT PORTS OF CONQUERERS

Ancient City of Caesarea Ruins

The Caesarea National Park contains the remains of a prestigious city established by King Herod the Great. Prepare to be amazed when you visit the mighty Roman Amphitheatre, the Hippodrome, a 20,000 seat horse racing arena, as well as the impressive Roman Aqueducts!

Tishbi Winery & Chocolate Tasting

Enjoy a wine and chocolate tasting in 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.

Atlit Museum of Illegal Immigration

This museum captures the lives of “illegal immigrants” to Palestine during the British Mandate. Jews who fled from Nazi persecution and survived the Holocaust found themselves incarcerated by the British in camps similar to those they had fled in Europe.

Dinner & Overnight: The Kibbutz Kfar Blum Hotel, Golan Heights

Day 8 Monday

THE GALILEE & TZFAT – CITY OF KABALLAH

Tel Dan National Park

Tour the historical site built and conquered by the Tribe of Dan. In the center of the park, there is a fascinating archaeological site with the remains of the biblical city of Laish. Get your feet tickled by fish as you wade through the Dan River, one of the Jordan’s sources.

Tzfat Old City & Artist Quarter

Tzfat is one of the four holy cities in Israel. It has served as a spiritual center since the 1600s, when famous Kabbalists roamed here. Tzfat awaits art lovers, soul-seekers and historians to cobblestone alleys, medieval synagogues, galleries and mystical atmosphere.

Tzfat Otzar HaStam Multimedia Scribe Center

At your visit to this interactive center – the only one of its kind in the world – you will experience the fascinating world of “STaM,” the ancient art and tradition of the Jewish scribes. Learn about the intricate process of writing Torah scrolls, tefillin and mezuzot.

Jordan River Rafting

Get ready for some real wild water fun! Israel’s Jordan River is the perfect place to cool off – go for some calm white water rafting or take on adventurous kayaking. These activities take place along 12 miles of the Jordan River with turbulent waterfalls and lush grassy banks.

Dinner & Overnight: The Kibbutz Kfar Blum Hotel, Golan Heights

Day 9 Tuesday

THE GOLAN HEIGHTS – BATTLEFIELDS & ADVENTURE

Golan Heights Jeeping

Jeep tours take you off the road to hard-to-reach places, such as streams, fields and mud tracks. The Golan is green and lush, with small villages nestled into the hills. Learn about the biblical and historical importance of the Golan sites while enjoying a bumpy jeep ride.

Golan Magic Welcome Center

Here the Golan comes alive. View a state-of-the-art model, complete with light and sound effects, and a film documenting its history on a 180 degree panoramic screen. This is a great way to deepen your knowledge about the Golan Heights in a relaxing and fun atmosphere.

De Karina Chocolate Factory Tour

Tour through a world of mountainous chocolate and learn about the different varieties and preparation traditions that have been passed down for generations. Get a first-hand look at the manufacturing process, participate in a workshop and enjoy some delicious samples.

Mount Bental IDF Bunker

Enjoy views of Syria from a key mountaintop location on Israel’s northern border. From the top of this dormant volcano, you will see the majestic Mount Hermon, the picturesque Druze villages of the Golan and bunkers and trenches left over from the Yom Kippur War.

Dinner & Overnight: The Kibbutz Kfar Blum Hotel, Golan Heights

Day 10 Wednesday

THE JAZREEL VALLEY – ISRAEL’S HEARTLAND

Beit Shearim National Park

An excavated ancient Jewish town, famous for, according to the Talmud, being the burial site of Rabbi Judah HaNasi.  Other sites that can be seen include an ancient glassmaking industrial site and two caves, one which contains a relief of a menorah with seven branches.

Kfar Kedem Talmudic Village

Kfar Kedem is a recreated ancient Galilean village which offers its visitors the opportunity to experience the way of life in biblical times. Start off with a ride on the original 4×4 – a donkey! Then follow in the steps of ancient shepherds to spin wool and bake your own pita.

Arrive in Tel Aviv

Stretching along a beautiful beach strip of the Mediterranean Sea for 100 years, Tel Aviv is considered the face of modern Israel. Nicknamed “The White City” for its abundance of Bauhaus style architecture, Tel Aviv was declared a UNESCO World Heritage City in 2003.

Overnight: Dan Panorama Hotel, Tel Aviv

Day 11 Thursday

ARCHAEOLOGICAL DIG EXPERIENCE!

Underground Bullet Factory Tour

This secret factory was established by the Haganah in 1945. While it appeared as a kibbutz laundry above ground, down below, 45 members of an underground mission were producing bullets in preparation of the War of Independence. The British never suspected.

Archaeological Dig Experience

Beit Guvrin is the ancestral home of King Herod. You will have the opportunity to tour this national park, including a crawl through unexcavated cave systems. Walk in the footsteps of archaeologists by digging, sifting and examining pottery. Remember to wear old clothing!

Beit Guvrin Cave Exploration

Tour the ruins of important towns from the First Temple and Roman periods. In addition to the archaeological artifacts, enjoy the distinctive caves carved out of the ground for chalk. Enter beautifully decorated burial caves and see mosaics, public baths, a church and homes.

Overnight: Dan Panorama Hotel, Tel Aviv

Day 12 Friday

TEL AVIV – ISRAEL’S MODERN JOURNEY

The Palmach 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. The Palmach’s story comes to life at this museum.

Independence Hall

On May 14th, 1948, David Ben-Gurion proclaimed the founding of the State of Israel, establishing the first Jewish state in 2,000 years. Today, the space where this occasion took place serves as a museum that tells the story of Israel’s Declaration of Independence.

Nachlat Binyamin Arts & Crafts Fair

The first and biggest of its kind in Israel, this average street comes alive every Friday. Displaying Israeli-made crafts, jewelry, home décor and art, all goods on display are hand made and sold by the artists, making a visit to this market a memorable experience.

Old Jaffa Port & Market

Built 4,000 years ago, the Jaffa Port is the oldest in the world. The prophet Jonah embarked on his ill-fated journey from this port, and building materials for the First and Second Temples were delivered to Jaffa. The metropolis of Tel Aviv is largely an extension of Jaffa.

Overnight: Dan Panorama Hotel, Tel Aviv

Day 13 Shabbat

SHABBAT AT LEISURE IN TEL AVIV

Neve Tsedek Neighborhood

One of Tel Aviv’s first neighborhoods, Neve Tzedek was built in 1887. This area has housed several famous artists and writers, including Nobel Prize winner S Y Agnon. Today, Neve Tzedek is home to several boutique art galleries, independent cafes and cultural centers.

Tel Aviv – Jaffa Promenade

On a beautiful day, nothing beats a walk along the beach. The Promenade runs the length of the city, from southern Jaffa to the northern Tel Aviv Port. Enjoy the cool sea breeze, the views of the Mediterranean Sea and Tel Aviv skyline and soak up the local atmosphere.

The Tel Aviv North Port

Relax & stroll the north port, also known as the “Namal.”  The remodeled port won the European Biennial of Landscape Architecture, a prestigious European award for landscape architecture. Here you’ll find live performances, art, shopping, and great restaurants.

Overnight: Dan Panorama Hotel, Tel Aviv

Day 14 Sunday

FAREWELL FOR NOW…WE’LL MISS YOU!

Day at Leisure in Tel Aviv

Visit the “Soho” of Tel Aviv and stroll Dizengoff St., Shenken St. & Rothschild Blvd. Filled with funky street vendors, boutiques and coffee shops alongside simple kiosks and local fast food stalls, Tel Aviv brings out the urban hipster in anyone who walks down these streets.

Farewell Transfer…We’ll Miss you!

Transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for your temporary departure from Israel…Bye for now!