Israel Wine Tours
August 14th 2010
SAMPLE WINE TOUR ITINERARY
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Day 1 Monday
WELCOME TO ISRAEL!
VIP Arrival
Before clearing passport control a SHALOM ISRAEL TOURS representative will be waiting to welcome you as you exit the plane. Your party will be transported quickly through the airport, pass immigration at a private passport control counter and continue to facilitate luggage identification and handling.
Ascend to Jerusalem
Arrive in Jerusalem and ascend the Haas Promenade (Tayalet). In a single view you will perceive the both Old City and the expanse of modern Jerusalem. This unique site helps us understand why the Talmud says that out of the ten beauties in the world, nine of them are located in the city of Jerusalem. There is no better place to start your adventure.
Welcome Dinner
Enjoy Dinner at the Rooftop Restaurant of your hotel, overlooking the walls of Jerusalem.
Overnight: Mamilla Hotel, Jerusalem
Day 2 Tuesday
GUSH ETZION
City of Hebron
We will travel onward to Hebron, the second holiest site in all of Israel – the Cave of the Patriarchs, Ma’arat Hamachpelah, where our patriarchs and matriarchs are buried: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and their wives. Tradition also holds this to be the burial place of ‘Adam & Eve.’
Hebron Heights Winery
The Hebron Heights Winery is nestled in the rolling Judean Hills in Qiryat Arba, overlooking the Ma’arat HaMachpelah on the newly constructed Noah/Hevron Heights Winery. All grapes for these wines come from the Judean Hills around Jerusalem and each of these wines have been barrel aged for 12 months in new French Oak.
Gavna- Lunch with a Unique View
On the hillside overlooking the beautiful landscapes of Wadi Judean Hills and a distant Jerusalem we will have lunch at the Gavna Restaurant. The restaurant building, built with massive walnut and pine blue secretary Rural European style and construction, boasts a fine interior design decorated with rotating art exhibits.
Kfar Etzion
Visit Kfar Etzion and relive the telling of the story of the courageous settlers who fought hard for their land and their pride during the fight for independence in 1948.
Gush Etzion Winery
Our next stop will be the Gush Etzion Winery. This region offers incredible wines in an incredible backdrop of history. The Gush Etzion Winery visitors’ center was designed so that visitors can actually see the different stages of production.
Moroccan Dinner
We will return to Jerusalem for a special Moroccan Dinner at the unique Darna Restaurant. A long hallway tiled with Zellige mosaic leads you to one of the enchanting hidden corners of the restaurant with shelves laden with the finest boutique wines from the choice kosher wineries in Israel.
Overnight: Mamilla Hotel, Jerusalem
Day 3 Wednesday
JERUSALEM OLD CITY
City of King David
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. Look at excavations of remains left over from the Second Temple and Byzantine-created walls right outside Hezekiah’s Tunnel.
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 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.
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 underground and imagine how these were constructed when building the temples and marvel at the construction techniques that were used to create two vibrant masterpieces during ancient Jerusalem.
Tower of David
In the evening we will visit 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—The walls of the Citadel serve as a stage for a nighttime show which is a celebration of sight and sound. Amidst the archaeological remains in the Citadel’s courtyard and to the sound of original music, the story of Jerusalem unfolds through giant breathtaking, virtual reality images.
Overnight: Mamilla Hotel, Jerusalem
Day 4 Thursday
ELAH VALLEY
The Elah Valley
Further outside Jerusalem we find the Elah Valley; well-known throughout the world as the place of the famous battle between David and Goliath. In fact, in ancient times, the valley was no less famous for its wines.
Tzora Vineyards Judean Hills
We will start our day at the Tzora Vineyards. Tzora Vineyards wines are being made solely from grapes grown in its own vineyard. These wines express the qualities and characters of their origin vineyards, and are named accordingly.
David & Goliath
We will take some time to enjoy the Valley of Elah. This valley is best known as the scene of the Biblical battle between David and Goliath, it is the ideal place to reminisce and discuss one of the most famous stories from the Bible.
Ella Valley Winery
The Ella Valley Wineries are considered one of the best and most advanced in Israel, with a production of over 200,000 bottles a year, all of which are premium quality wines. Approximately 40% of the production is exported, which is unprecedented in Israel’s wine industry.
Overnight: Mamilla Hotel, Jerusalem
Day 5 Friday
NEW JERUSALEM
Castel Winery Judean Hills
We will begin our day at the famous Castel Winery high above the Judean Hills. This is a winery that does not like to be described as a boutique winery but as a small winery managed by a family which has achieved international fame. Castel produces a small selection of red and white wines from their own vines, which are marketed worldwide.
Machne Yehuda “Shuk” (Market)
For a true Jerusalem experience, visit “the shuk” on a Thursday or Friday when this outdoor marketplace is abuzz with Jerusalem locals stocking up on produce, fresh meats and fish, and fragrant spices for Shabbat.
The Western Wall
Welcome Shabbat at the Holiest Place on Earth, the Western Wall followed by a Festive Shabbat Dinner at your hotel.
Overnight: Mamilla Hotel, Jerusalem
Day 6 Shabbat
UNIQUE NEIGHBORHOODS OF JERUSALEM
Enjoy Shabbat Lunch at your hotel and spend the day relaxing.
You may like to attend one of Jerusalem’s countless Synagogues, or enjoy a truly unique walking to one of any one of Jerusalem’s diverse neighborhoods! Bring a map—or don’t—and walk the streets of Meah Shearim, Nachlaot, the German Colony, or Yemin Moshe to see Jerusalem’s oldest and most unique neighborhoods.
Ben Yehuda Street
After Shabbat you will enjoy an evening out on the town! Head to Ben Yehuda Street where you’ll find restaurants, shops, street vendors, street performers, and more!
Overnight: Mamilla Hotel, Jerusalem
Day 7 Sunday
THE COAST
Ancient City of Caesarea
After breakfast we will check out of our hotel and head north along Israel’s coast. 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.
Tishbi Winery Zichron Yaakov
Further along the coast we will visit the city of Zichron Yaakov and the Tishbi Winery. Tishbi built a tourist center that overlooks the vineyards of the estate. The center was recently built and has a kosher dairy restaurant with a rich menu based on fresh cheeses from the Yaakov and Meiri dairy farms, fresh vegetables and baked bread right out of the oven.
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 Kinneret Hotel, Tiberias
Day 8 Monday
GOLAN HEIGHTS
Odem Mountain Winery
Our first winery will be to the Odem Mountain Winery situated in a modern facility on Moshav Odem in the northern Golan Heights.
Mount Bental
Visit Mount Bental and get the best panoramic view of the Golan Heights, with a clear view of Israel’s neighbor, Syria, as well as Mount Hermon. At Mount Bental, there are also remnants of an Israeli bunker as well as an imaginative steel sculpture garden.
The Valley of Tears
Despite the bloody history, today The Valley of Tears is known for the heroism of the Israeli 7th Armored Brigade and their nonstop strength in defending Israel from the oncoming Syrian attack. Though outnumbered and almost defeated, Israel triumphed over the Syrians. Today, this area is a symbol of courage for all Israelis.
Golan Heights Winery
The delightful atmosphere created by the Golan Heights Winery is not to be missed. Not only will you be able to take part in a fabulous wine tasting event, but you will learn how their wonderful brands of wine are produced and a bit of history about the winery itself.
Overnight: Galei Kinneret Hotel, Tiberias
Day 9 Tuesday
GALILEE
The Holy City of Tzfat
After breakfast we will ascent the Galilee to visit Tzfat (Safed), one of the four holy cities in Israel. It has been a spiritual center since the 1600s when it was the center of Kabbalah (Jewish mysticism). Tzfat awaits soul-seekers, nature enthusiasts, and historians to its cobblestone, art-line streets, majestic mountains, and Kabala-infused atmosphere.
Tzfat Artists Quarter
Browse Israel’s best religious 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.
Dalton Winery Galilee
We head to Dalton Industrial Park, the new winery facilities which are capable of handling up to 1000 tonnes. The Dalton Winery’s visitor’s Centre will lead you on a tour including tasting samples, and the factory outlet shop which offers wines and other products of the Galilee.
Rimonim Winery Galilee
Next, we head to a beautiful pomegranate orchard, one of the seven special fruits of Israel. In this striking biblical site we will tour the modern wine-making facilities of Rimon Winery. This is the world’s best pomegranate wine manufacturer.
Overnight: Galei Kinneret Hotel, Tiberias
Day 10 Wednesday
TEL AVIV
Independence Hall
After breakfast we will head south to Israel’s modern city, Tel Aviv. Be a part of the momentous day in Israel’s history and experience the emotional moment when Ben Gurion established of the State of Israel with the signing of the Declaration of Independence at Independence Hall. Hear his voice on the speaker and feel yourself being taken back in time to this historic event where a Jewish nation was declared.
The Palmach Museum
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.
Jaffa Flea Market
If you are looking for antiques, bargains, and second-hand treasures at great market prices, then visit the Jaffa Flea Market. There is a vibrant atmosphere, exotic aromas, and lots of noises as you try your luck bargaining with the sellers for that amazing vintage purchase!
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.
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