Sample Tailor-Made Itinerary
14 Day Bar & Bat Mitzvah Holy Israel Journey
Bar or Bat Mitzvah Tour? Anniversary Celebration? Adventure Traveler? Every tour is crafted to our clients exact specifications. The below itinerary is just a small sample of what is possible! Contact us and we'll create your custom Israel tour!
Day 1 Monday
WELCOME TO 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: Dan Panorama Hotel, Jerusalem
Day 2 Tuesday
JERUSALEM’S OLD CITY – THE ETERNAL CAPITAL
Old City Ramparts Walk
Built in the 16th century by Suleiman the Magnificent, the vantage points of these ramparts were used by Jordanian snipers against the Israelis from 1948-1968. Walk along the top of the wall and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the Jewish and Christian quarters of the Old City.
Old City Jewish Quarter
The Jewish Quarter remains one of the single most-visited spots in all of Israel. Nestled within one square kilometer of land lay millennia of ancient history. The Old City dates back to the 8th century BCE and is home to numerous landmarks of historical significance.
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: 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.
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.
Mount Herzl National Cemetery
A burial place for prominent Zionist figures such as Theodore Herzl, Golda Meir and Yitzhak Rabin, here you will also find an expansive military cemetery; one quite full for a country so young. The loss of the soldiers who fought for the land of Israel is palpable.
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.
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: Dan Panorama Hotel, Jerusalem
Day 4 Thursday
THE JUDEAN DESERT & MASADA – KING HERRODS FORTRESS
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: Dan Panorama Hotel, Jerusalem
Day 5 Friday
JERUSALEM SCAVENGER HUNT – TIME TO EXPLORE!
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: 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: 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!
Zichron Yaakov
Founded in 1882 by Baron Edmond de Rothschild and the first moshava built in Israel, Zichron Yaakov is known for its wine and picturesque qualities. Enjoy corner café’s, restaurants, shopping, and walk along the city’s famous promenade.
N.I.L.I Museum – Story of the First Jewish Underground
Initially opened in 1956, this newly renovated museum tells the story of the first Zionist militia, the N.I.L.I. Learn about the self-sacrifice of the Aaronson family, who bravely acted as spies against the Ottoman Empire, in order to help British forces capture Palestine.
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: Kibbutz Lavi Hotel, South Galilee Hills
Day 8 Monday
THE GALILEE & TZFAT – CITY OF KABALLAH
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.
Otzar HaStam Multimedia 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: Kibbutz Lavi Hotel, South Galilee Hills
Day 9 Tuesday
THE GOLAN HEIGHTS – BATTLEFIELDS & VINEYARDS
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.
Golan Heights Winery
Located high in the planes of the Golan in the small, ancient town of Katzrin, you will find this famous winery that exports to over 25 different countries. Take part in a tour and wine tasting to learn how the Yarden, Gamla, Mount Hermon and Golan lines are produced.
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: Kibbutz Lavi Hotel, South Galilee Hills
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
ARCHEOLOICAL DIG DAY!
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.
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.
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.
Overnight: Dan Panorama Hotel, Tel Aviv
Day 13 Shabbat
SHABBAT 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…
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!