Tour Description:
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Day 1 - Tuesday: When You Come Into The Land (Deut. 26:1)
Arrive in Israel - group meeting and transler to Jerusalem.
For individual arrivals (hotel transfer can be arranged by ITC; not
included in tour cost)
Hotel check-in with time to relax belore this evening's delicious dinner
Welcome dinner at the hotel
Overnight: Jerusalem
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Day 2 - Wednesday: Jerusalem of Old
The day begins with a drive along the pre-1967 border of Jerusalem, continuing to the historic Mt. Scopus
Enter the Old City of Jerusalem via the Zion Gate
Experience time lor prayer and rellection at the Kotel (Western Wall)
Explore the Southern Wall Excavations and take a virtual, computerized "walk" through the Jerusalem Temple at the Davidson Center
In the Kotel Tunnels, walk alongside the Western Wall's massive foundation stones
Travel through time at the lively Jerusalem Time Elevator multi-media production for a colorful overview of Jerusalem history
Meet with the rabbi at the hotel in preparation lor tomorrow' s Bar /Bat Mitzvah service
Delicious Middle Eastern dinner at Ima's
Overnight: Jerusalem
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Day 3 - Thursday: Freedom fighters or Fanatics?
Early departure for the ascent by cable car to the mountain fortress of Massada for a tour of this amazing excavation and a discussion of the terrible dilemma faced by its Jewish population during Roman times. Join together in Massada's ancient synagogue lor a compelling Bar / Bat Mitzvah ceremony.
Enjoy a walk through the beautiful Ein Gedi nature reserve and hear the biblical story of kings David and Saul that took place there "on site".
Enjoy a dip in the amazing Dead Sea.
Delicious group dinner at Little Italy dairy restaurant.
Overnight: Jerusalem
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Day 4 - Friday: Those who made a difference
At the Har Herzl Military Cemetery honor the memory of Israel' s fallen heroes, who have given their lives to establish a secure Jewish homeland. We'll visit the resting places of Theodore Herzl, Golda Meir and Yitzhak Rabin .
Visit the unlorgettable Memorial Museum and Children's Memorial at Yad Vashem (age 12 and over only). Walk through the haunting Valley of the Communities and participate in a moving "Yizkor" service;
alternative interactive tour on site for younger children.
Visit the colorful, bustling Machaneh Yehuda open-air market as Jerusalem prepares lor Shabbat .
Our preparation for Shabbat takes us to the Kotel lor a short Shabbat welcome experience that will live on in your memory for years to come.
Kabbalat Shabbat at the Hotel
We share in a delicious Shabbat dinner at the hotel
Overnight: Jerusalem
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Day 5 - Shabat: Shabat in Jerusalem
Explore the wonderful fortress that houses the Jerusalem Museum at the Tower of David to learn about the history of Jerusalem throughout the ages.
Walking tour through the colorful quarters of Jerusalem's Old City.
Afternoon at leisure for Shabbat rest or time to visit with family and friends
Free evening "out on the town" in Jerusalem
Overnight: Jerusalem
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Day 6 - Sunday: Northern Journey
Depart for our trip to Israel's north
At the Latrun IDF Armored Corps center, climb on the tanks and learn about the battles that secured the road to Jerusalem
Plant a tree in Israeli soil, in honor or in memory of a loved one
Travel to Israel' s north and stop for a breathtaking overview of the sea of Galilee
Tour the remarkable excavation of the ancient Roman city of Beit Shean, including a magnificent Cardo, Roman baths, many residences and amphitheatre
Swim in the wondrous natural pools at Sachne, fed by underground springs (towel needed)
Enjoy a Lake Kinneret boat ride followed by a delicious lakeshore dinner at Decks Restaurant
Overnight: Tiberias
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Day 7 - Monday: In the footsteps of the Kabbalah
Tour the synagogues, courtyards, and shops of the mystical city of Tzefat
Enjoy gliding down the Jordan River in a kayak
Gain a deeper understanding of the Golan Heights. Hear the story of the most expansive land battle in the world, which took place here during the 1973 Yom Kippur War
Take an exciting jeep ride through the Golan, off the beaten track
Dinner at the Hotel
Overnight: Tiberias
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Day 8 - Tuesday: Many Layers of History
Visit the wonderful excavations of ancient Caesarea, including an impressive amphitheatre and aqueduct and the newly-opened multi-media center, where ancient history comes to life
Visit the fascinating city of Akko, home to people of many religions
At Kibbutz Ein Shemer, enjoy hands-on activities that simulate the life of Israel's early kibbutz pioneers, such as baking in a wood oven, pitching a tent, building a mosaic floor, solving early kibbutz members dillemmas, etc
Travel south to Tel Aviv, and enjoy the colorful Nahalat Binyamin crafts market (time permitting)
Delicious dinner at Badolina Restaurant in Tel Aviv's lovely port
Overnight: Tel Aviv
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Day 9 - Wednesday: Foundations of the Modern State
At Independence Hall, relive Ben Gurion's moving declaration of the State
Uncover actual artifacts as you participate in an ongoing archeological dig - the "Dig for a Day" program at Tel Maresha. "Cave crawl" also available lor the adventurous.
Climb down into the amazing underground, pre-State bullet factory built by the Haganah under the noses of the British at the Ayalon Institute
Enjoy a farewell dinner party at the hotel with Bar/Bat Mitzvah cake
Those on the 11-day tour depart for the airport - the memories stay with you forever!
Overnight: Tel Aviv (For those doing the Eilat extension)
For those interested in the Eilat extension, please apply to Diesenhaus office or visit www.diesenhaus.com
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