VIP Executive Tours
August 17th 2010
SAMPLE VIP EXECUTIVE TOUR ITINERARY
CONTACT US TO CREATE YOUR OWN CUSTOM ISRAEL TOUR!
Day 1 WEDNESDAY
WELCOME
VIP Arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport
A SHALOM ISRAEL TOURS representative will escort you directly from your aircraft to a VIP lounge where a private VIP desk performs passport control procedures – in quiet, personal, comfortable surroundings. SHALOM ISRAEL TOURS representatives independently handle baggage collection and have it brought to the lounge. Rendezvous in the lounge with your driver takes place in the subdued and dignified surroundings.
The Tel Aviv Port
The Tel Aviv Port holds a world of leisure and entertainment along the beautiful shoreline, including live performances, art exhibitions, shopping, weekend markets, and an amazing culinary experience for your palette, brought to you by some of the best restaurants and chefs in Tel Aviv.
Overnight: David Intercontinental Hotel, Tel Aviv
Day 2 THURSDAY
TEL AVIV
The Palmach Museum
After breakfast follow a Palmach unit as they tell their story from their recruitment date right until the War of Independence. The Palmach Museum allows for an interactive experience so you can feel as though you are a part of this historic event, honoring these historic men.
Azrieli Observatory
The Azrieli Observatory enables all individuals who come up to the 49th floor the ability to have a bird’s eye view of the beauty that is Tel Aviv. On clear days, you can even see Jerusalem to the east.
Tel Aviv Museum of Arts
Next we will visit the Tel Aviv Museum of Arts where the permanent collection has everything from expressionism to cubism. Walk through corridors of colors, shapes, and beautiful scenes by some of the most well known artists in the world.
Dizengoff St., Shenken St. & Rothchilde Ave.
Visit the “Soho” of Tel Aviv when you walk around Dizengoff Street, Shenken Street, and Rothschild Street. Filled with unique vendors and funky coffee shops, it is enough to bring out a little “Bohemian” in anyone who walks down these streets.
The Carmel Market
If you want a great place to experience local culture visit The Carmel Market. Exotic aromas, beautiful colors, and some of the freshest produce around, The Carmel Market is a must-see for anyone.
Overnight: David Intercontinental Hotel, Tel Aviv
Day 3 FRIDAY
EILAT
Fly to Eilat
After Breakfast check out of your hotel and transfer to Sde Dov Airport in Tel Aviv for your short flight to Eilat.
Eilat Bay
If you love to swim, snorkel, or scuba dive and want to enjoy a magnificent glimpse into the sea life that lives in the Red Sea, including colorful fish and beautiful corals, visit the Eilat Bay, all you need is a bathing suit, flippers, snorkel, and a mask!
Dolphin Beach
Want to swim with dolphins? Get your chance at Dolphin Reef. Right on the shores of the Red Sea, dolphins come around and play and go swimming. If you want to get close but don’t want to get in the water, there are floating piers dolphins come visit. Petting is welcome!
Underwater Observation Marine Park
If you want to see Red Sea aquatic life and corals in their environment, head to The Underwater Observation Marine Park. Aside from a shark tank and other fish exhibitions, you are invited to go down into the water and observe the fish as they live in their habitat.
Overnight: Hilton Queen of Sheba Hotel, Eilat
Day 4 SHABBAT
RELAX IN EILAT
EILAT
Enjoy a day at leisure in Eilat, take in the scenery at your own pace and energize for your upcoming adventure.
Overnight: Hilton Queen of Sheba Hotel, Eilat.
Day 5 SUNDAY
MASADA & THE DEAD SEA
The Masada Fortress
After breakfast we will travel through the Judean Desert to reach the Masada fortress. Explore Masada’s ancient fortification remains, King Herod’s palace, the baths, cisterns, and barracks, and the modern Masada museum. Be inspired by the tales of human endurance, and enjoy spectacular views of the Judean Desert.
The Dead Sea
Enjoy a relaxing, therapeutic day at the Dead Sea, an oasis of warm, buoyant water and mineral-rich mud in the middle of the Judean Wilderness! Indulge at a five-star spa, read the paper while floating on the dense, salty water, and lather yourself with the nutrient-filled mud!
Ein Gedi National Park
On route back to Jerusalem we will stop in to visit the Ein Gedi National Park. A young future King David hid from King Saul amongst Ein Gedi’s rivers, canyons, and rich vegetation. Today, Ein Gedi serves as a modern refuge from city life and from the arid desert. Enjoy this beautiful oasis—hike the clearly marked trail, splash in the waterfalls, and keep your eyes peeled for exotic wildlife!
Jerusalem Haas Promenade
Arrive in Jerusalem and ascend the Haas Promenade (Tayalet) According to Jewish legend, it was from the location of today’s promenade that G-d showed Abraham where one day his descendants would build their holy city. In a single view you will perceive the both Old City and the expanse of modern Jerusalem, a forest of white buildings and red cranes with the hills of Judea looming behind. There is no better place to start your adventure.
Overnight: Mamilla Hotel, Jerusalem
Day 6 MONDAY
JERUSALEM’S OLD CITY
City of King David Archeological Park
After breakfast we will embark on a fascinating tour of the City of King David Archeological Park. There you will see over 3,800 years of history, dating back to the time of Abraham, to when the earliest foundations of Jerusalem were first laid. The journey quickly heads underground to some of the newest archaeological excavations at the site to relive King David’s conquest of the Jebusite city as described in the 2nd Book of Samuel.
The Jewish Quarter
Steeped in ancient and modern Jewish and cultural history, the Jewish Quarter remains one of the single-most visited spots in Israel. It is the home of the only surviving piece of wall from the Holy Temple, and is surrounded by museums and archeological sites that tell the story of the Jewish people in the area.
The Hurva Synagogue
Visit the Hurva Synagogue in the Jewish Quarter section of the Old City of Jerusalem. Rich in history, the newly rebuilt synagogue in its 19th century style, serves as a reminder to the entire global Jewish population of their enduring strength and capacity to handle adversity.
Katros House – The Burnt House
Next we will pay a visit to The Burnt House, belonging to the Katros family during the time of the Second Temple. Inside you will find remnants of history dating back to the time of the Romans to the destruction of the Holy Temple including furniture and coinage.
Wohl Archaeological Museum – The Herodian Quarter
This mesmerizing archaeological museum showcases the preservation of six homes built during the period of Herod the Great, who is known for rebuilding the Second Temple. Inside you will find many artifacts and exhibits dating back to the families that inhabited these now-underground homes in the Jewish Quarter.
Western Wall Tunnels
Take your time walking through the Western Wall Tunnels. Enriched with thousands of years of history, these tunnels tell the story of the ancient Jews living during the period of the two temples. Look closely at the walls and imagine how these were constructed when building the enormous temple walls and marvel at the lost construction technologies and how they were used to create this vibrant masterpiece during ancient Jerusalem.
The Archeology Gardens and the Davidson Center
Next we will visit The Archeological Gardens and the Davidson Center. Here you can explore the rich and vibrant history of the temple mount, including a recent excavation of seventh century royal palaces, located by the Southern Wall.
Tower of David
The Tower of David Museum is a one-of-a-kind museum that allows visitors to travel back in time and walk through 4,000 years of Jerusalem’s beautiful history—from the time of the Canaanites all the way to present day.
Nighttime Light & Sound Show
The Night Spectacular uses trompe l’oeil technology – the stones of the walls and structures fade into the scenes and the screened images envelop the viewers and whisk them off to a one-of-a-kind multi-sensory experience.
Overnight: Mamilla Hotel, Jerusalem
Day 7 TUESDAY
JERUSALEM’S NEW CITY
Ammunition Hill
Memorialize the lives of those who fought and died at Ammunition Hill, the site of one of the bloodiest battles fought during the 1967 Six Day War.
Mt. Herzl Museum
Memorialize the political figures who built the modern State of Israel and the IDF soldiers who died fighting for its creation at Mount Herzl, Jerusalem’s national cemetery, and the new interactive Mount Herzl Museum.
Chagall Windows
Visit the stained glass windows created by the Jewish painter Mark Chagall for the synagogue at the Hadassah Medical Center that describe sections of the Holy Scriptures and the part of each of the 12 Tribes in the life of the People of Israel.
Israel Museum & Model of Jerusalem
If you’ve never been to the Israel Museum (or if you haven’t been in a while), then you’re in for a real treat. The Israel Museum, which was already the largest museum in Israel, has just gotten bigger…and better. New opportunities at the museum enable guests to truly experience Israel’s rich artistic history—explore Second Temple Jerusalem with the pre-destruction Temple model, or peruse the ancient Dead Sea Scrolls at the Shine of the Book.
The Knesset, Israel’s Parliament
Visit to the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament. We will progress from the Palombo Gates, designed by David Palombo, through the impressive Chagall Hall, Knesset Members’ Room, Synagogue, the New Wing and more.
Israeli Supreme Court
We will visit Israel’s Supreme Court. A new building opened in 1992 on a hilltop near the Parliament (Knesset) and is a monument in modern Jerusalem.
Ann Ticho Museum & Restaurant
In the evening enjoy some of Israel’s best wine and food with a Jazz trio entertainment at the Ann Ticho House.
Overnight: Mamilla Hotel, Jerusalem
Day 8 WEDNESDAY
JAZREEL VALLEY
Zippori National Park
Visit the Zippori National Park which houses the remains of a well-intact Roman village including some of the most famous floor mosaics in the world, including the “Mona Lisa of the Galilee.”
Beit Shearim
Visit Beit Shearim, an area that includes some of the most interesting and dramatic evidence of the Galilee’s Jewish past and of the Jewish culture during Roman times. At the national park, there are over 20 catacombs, museums, a necropolis, and the remains of a synagogue.
Cruise on the Sea of Galilee
Enjoy a relaxing boat ride along the Sea of Galilee. Learn all about the biblical and modern history that surrounds this important body of water, all while taking in the beautiful flora and fauna that surrounds the Kinneret.
Overnight: Galei Kinnerret Hotel, Tiberias.
Day 9 THURSDAY
GOLAN HEIGHTS
Mount Hermon
After breakfast we will head to Israel’s furtherst northern point and highest mountain to take a visit to “the eyes of the state” – Mount Hermon. In the winter, it is the perfect ski resort for avid skiers and snowboarders, and in the spring and summer, take advantage of the hiking trails and beautiful scenery. Take the ‘ski lift’ up Mt. Hermon for a brief hike and amazing views of Israel and a rare view into Syria!
Tel Facher
Don’t miss out on the history in store at Tel Facher and The Banias. An incredible archaeological site located at the foot of Mount Hermon in the Golan Heights. The city was located within the region known for the Greek god Pan and is named after the deity associated with the grotto and shrines close to the spring called “Paneas”.
Odem Mountain Winery
Next we will visit the Oden Mountain Winery founded in 2003. The winery is situated in a modern facility on Moshav Odem in the northern Golan Heights. It relies primarily on grapes grown in its own vineyards—one of which is organic—supplemented by grapes from other vineyards on the Golan, in the Upper Galilee, and in the Judean Hills.
Overnight: Galei Kinnerret Hotel, Tiberias
Day 10 FRIDAY
GALILEE
TZFAT / SAFED
One of Israel’s holiest cities awaits soul-seekers, nature enthusiasts, and historians to its cobblestone, art-line streets, majestic mountains, and Kabala-infused atmosphere. Visit the Artist’s Quarter of Tzfat for a window into the world of mystical art.
Tzfat Artists Quarter
Browse some of Israel’s best art as you wander through the narrow, cobblestone streets of Tzfat’s Artists Quarter. You’ll see men and women deeply engaged in the creative, often religious, process of artistry; yet the friendly artists always have time to speak with tourists who pop into their workshops.
Ancient Synagogues
To best way to truly capture the holiness of Tzfat is to go on a tour of the city’s ancient synagogues and gravesites. Spend an afternoon getting to know the spiritual past and present of Tzfat at the beautiful Abuhav Synagogue, the Ari Sephardi, and others.
Shabbat at the Carmel Forest Spa
Enjoy Shabbat Dinner and relax in this incredible environment.
Overnight: Carmel Forest Spa & Hotel, Haifa
DAY 11 SHABBAT
SPA DAY
The Carmel Forest Spa & Hotel
The Carmel Forest Spa is Israel’s premium location for relaxing & luxury. Nestled in the lush green forest, facing the deep blue sea, this is the ideal place to relax, be pampered and rejuvenated. Dozens of health and beauty spa treatments for body and face and a wide range of activities for body and soul await you. Workshops, gourmet healthy cuisine and many pampering treats – all designed to renew both your body and soul, a truly life-enhancing experience.
Overnight: Carmel Forest Spa, Haifa
DAY 12 SUNDAY
CENTRAL COAST
Zichron Yaakov
After breakfast we will head south along Israel’s coast to arrive in the beautiful town of Zichron Yaakov. Located at the southern end of the Carmel mountain range overlooking the Mediterranean Sea it was one of the first Jewish settlements in the country, founded in 1882 by Baron Edmond James de Rothschild and named in honor of his father.
Carmel Winery
Carmel’s Zichron Yaakov Wine Cellars were built in 1892 by Baron Edmond de Rothschild and remain the largest winery in Israel. This is the only winery in Israel where you can see the old, new and ancient world of winemaking in one setting.
Ancient City of Caesarea
Travel back to the period of the Romans when you visit the Ancient City of Caesarea. The Caesarea National Park contains an impressive Roman Amphitheatre, the Hippodrome, a horse-racing arena that could seat 20,000; also a giant headless statue on Byzantine Street & Mansion, and the Roman Aqueducts.
Farewell…
Transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for the departure flight home where you will be met by a SHALOM ISRAEL TOURS representative will be waiting to assist you in your temporary departure from Israel.
