Family Israel Tours
August 18th 2010
SAMPLE FAMILY TOUR ITINERARY
CONTACT US TO CREATE YOUR OWN CUSTOM ISRAEL TOUR!
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.
Arrive in Tel Aviv
You’ll be transferred to your hotel in Tel Aviv to relax and freshen up after your flight.
The Carmel Market
To begin our Israel experience with some fun local culture, we will visit The Tel Aviv Carmel Market. Exotic aromas, beautiful colors, and some of the freshest produce around, The Carmel Market is a must-see for anyone.
Tel Aviv – Jaffa Promenade
Next we will visit the Jaffa Promenade that goes from Jaffa all the way to the Old Port in Tel Aviv. The promenade gives tourists an amazing view of the skyline of Tel Aviv as well as a new perspective of the beauty of the city, set to the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea.
Overnight: Carlton Hotel, Tel Aviv
Day 2 Tuesday
TEL AVIV
Azrieli Observatory
After breakfast we will start our Israel adventure with birds eye view! 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. Point out your favorite spots in this city from many meters up.
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!
Old Jaffa Port
Visit one of the most attractive places on Israel’s coast when you visit the Old Jaffa Port. Full of biblical and historical references, this port is a hub for artists, galleries, and individualistic shops where you can find just about anything your heart desires. There are also amazing restaurants and pedestrian walkways.
Overnight: Carlton Hotel, Tel Aviv
Day 3 Wednesday
ISRAELS COAST
Horseback Riding on the Beach
After breakfast we will head north along Israel’s coast to go horseback riding on the Netanya beach– an experience you will never forget. Take in the amazing scenery and enjoy the cool ocean spray as you ride in the surf!
Haifa Cable Car
If you ever wanted to view Haifa and the surrounding area from a high vantage point, then take a ride on the Haifa Cable Car. It drops you off right at Mount Carmel’s ridge and you can observe the Haifa Harbor, the Mediterranean, and the surrounding land.
Druze Villages of Daliat el-Carmel and Osafia
Browse the stalls in the marketplaces of the Druze villages of Daliat el-Carmel and Osafia. Enjoy a delicious sampling of traditional dishes as you learn about the unique Druze to the State of Israel since its founding.
Rosh HaNikra
Visit the beautiful Rosh Hanikra Grottoes made from waves hitting the soft chalk rock. Ride from the mountain top down to sea level via cable car to explore the Grotto’s formed over thousands of years-truly a wonder of creation.
Overnight: Kinnar Hotel, Sea of Galilee
Day 4 Thursday
GOLAN HEIGHTS
Golan Heights Jeeping
After breakfast we will depart our hotel in Jeeps! Travel by jeep to into the GolanHeights!
Apple & Berry Picking
The Golan Heights has beautiful orchards and fields of berries. The berry season in Israel begins in mid-May and ends in mid-September; blackberries, cherries, raspberries and even blueberries, the Golan Heights offer incredible tastes and a wonderful morning in nature.
Mount Hermon
Take a visit to “the eyes of the state” when you go to Mount Hermon. 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. Not only will you be surrounded by ancient archeology, but also magnificent flora, fauna, and a crystal clear water that is perfect for a mid-day swim after a long hike.
Kalat Nimrod
View from the distance Kalat Nimrod (Nimrod’s Fortress) The fortress was founded in the 12th century, probably by the Crusaders, to defend the city of Banias in the valley below against Muslim incursions. There is a farmers market and activities for kids!
Overnight: Kinnar Hotel, Sea of Galilee
Day 6 Friday
JAZREEL VALLEY
Kfar Kedem
After breakfast check out of your hotel and head to a recreated ancient Galilean village, Kfar Kedem. We will grind the flour and bake our own bread. Join a donkey caravan heading into the hills and enjoy lunch in the shepherd’s tent.
Ascend to Jerusalem
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.
Haas Promenade
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.
Machne Yehuda “Shuk” (Market)
For a true Jerusalem experience, visit “the Jerusalem 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 – Shabbat
Welcome Shabbat at the Holiest Place on Earth, the Western Wall followed by Shabbat Dinner at your hotel.
Overnight: Inbal Hotel, Jerusalem
Day 7 Shabbat
DAY AT REST
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: Inbal Hotel, Jerusalem
Day 8 Sunday
JERUSALEM & SOUTHERN EXPLORATION
Archeological Dig
A rare opportunity which allows you to touch your roots, we will get to dig, sift, and tour the National Park of Beit Guvrin which includes an exciting crawl through unexcavated cave systems!
City of King David Archeological Park
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.
Jerusalem Time Elevator
It’s time for adventure! We will return to Jerusalem and travel through time with a truly revolutionary, fun-filled and educational experience at the Jerusalem Time Elevator. The whole family can participate in this exhilarating journey.
Overnight: Inbal Hotel, Jerusalem
Day 9 Monday
JUDEAN DESERT
Masada
After breakfast we will head south through the Judean Desert to arrive at Masada. 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.
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—an all-around luxurious day!
Ein Gedi National Park
David hid from 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!
Eretz Bereishit
Eretz Bereishit (Genesis Land) is situated in the heart of the Judean desert on route to the Dead Sea. A magical place, it enables visitors to experience life as it was in biblical times.
Visitors to Genesis Land are greeted by Eliezer, Abraham’s manservant, and by a train of camels which lead you down to Abraham’s tent, to enjoy dinner and experience legendary hospitality.
Overnight: Inbal Hotel, Jerusalem
Day 10 Monday
CENTRAL ISRAEL & FAREWELL
Mini Israel Park
Ever want to feel like a giant? Well, now you can when you visit Mini Israel Park! This park is a 35,000 square meter extravaganza where you can see all the most important historical, cultural, architectural, and religious sites in Israel at eye level.
Ne’ot Kedumim Park
Be dazzled by the fauna and flora at the Ne’ot Kedumim Park by Modi’in, just north of the Ben Shemen Forest. This Biblical park provides a beautiful and colorful way to express famed Biblical landscapes through the use of flora.
The Ayalon Institute Museum
Enjoy a slice of early Israeli history when you visit the Ayalon Institute Museum. Built by the Hagana during the final years of the British Mandate, it served as the first underground bullet production factory in the country, serving clandestine groups including the Palmach.
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.
