Led by Rabbi Erin R. Glazer
TOUR EDUCATOR - Yoav Bruck
Contents
Itinerary
(Subject to change)
Day 1
Bruchim HaBaim and Welcome to Israel
Friday, December 23
Arrive in Israel (Meet at the Airport at a Pre-determined time).
Meet Routes representative for airport assistance.
Meet your Tour Educator in the Arrival’s Hall.
Welcome to Tel Aviv: Enter the pulsating metropolis of Tel Aviv, the city the never sleeps, the ‘big orange’ that lies at the center of Israel’s cultural scene and economic heart.
Ancient Steps towards New Beginnings: Visit the Old City of Jaffa, ascend from the ancient port, which has served as a gateway to the land of Israel for ions, through the Ottoman period alleyways to the Jaffa Overlook for a view VERY different than the one which greeted the early pioneers. With Tel Aviv sprawled out beneath us, we will explore whether the dreams of the early Zionists have been fulfilled.
Check-in to the hotel.
Rest & relax. Prepare for Shabbat.
Kabbalat Shabbat .
Shabbat Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: David Intercontinental Hotel, Tel Aviv
Day 2
Shabbat in Tel-Aviv
Saturday, December 24
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning Shabbat service.
Meet your guide in the hotel lobby for a walking tour (no bus this day).
Urban/ Graffiti Tour of South Tel Aviv. Explore Southern Tel Aviv’s Bohemian neighbourhood and encounter the street art and graffiti, serving as the ‘writing on the wall’ to provide deeper insights into contemporary Israeli culture and identity.
Lunch on own and free afternoon.
Optional visit to ANU Museum, on own (closes at 2:00 pm). You’re invited to join a fascinating journey that portrays the story of the Jewish people through the generations and up to the present time. The Museum highlights the creative works and cultural riches of a variety of communities in different periods of history. This story is about all of us, and each one of us is part of it.
Havdallah on the beach (weather permitting) or at the hotel.
You can visit Sarona in the evening and enjoy dinner at one of its restaurants. The fascinating and unique story of the Templers in the Land of Israel is spread over 80 years, whereas Sarona’s story has been telling the tale of the Land and State of Israel for 140 years. Today, in its new era, the moshava has an old-new image with an open public space preserving its character.
Overnight: David Intercontinental Hotel, Tel Aviv
Day 3
Foundations of a State and Mosaic of Israel on the Drive North
Sunday, December 25
Breakfast at the hotel and check out.
(If renovations complete and already re-opened) Visit Independence Hall, where David Ben-Gurion proclaimed the State of Israel on May 14th, 1948.
OR
Tour at the Palmach Museum that is dedicated to the Palmach, the strike-force of the pre-state underground Haganah defense organization, which was later integrated into the Israel Defense Forces.
Depart Tel Aviv and drive North along the Mediterranean coast.
Druze Home Hospitality lunch at Dalyat El Carmel. This will be a wonderful opportunity and
window into the lives of Israeli Druze.
Battling for the Holy Land: Encounter the Christian Crusaders and their Muslim rivals at Akko (Acre). This UNESCO Heritage Site was a stronghold of Crusader power in the Holy Land but was also an important center of Muslim Ottoman rule. Today, it exemplifies the multi-culturalism of northern Israel. Highlights of our visit will include:
- The restored Crusaders’ Fortress where we’ll look into the lives of the Hospitaller knights, the Christian warrior- monks based here from the 12th century who fought to control the Holy Land.
- The E-Jazzar Mosque, one of Israel’s largest and most important mosques and an illustration of the Muslim influence in the country, then and now. The mosque is named after its designer, the talented but brutal Ottoman governor Ahmad Pasha El-Jazzar.
Continue to the upper Galilee and Golan.
Stop in Metula for the overview of Israel’s Northern Border with Lebanon.
Check in at the hotel.
Tour of the kibbutz and meet with a kibbutz member.
Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Kibbutz Kfar Giladi Hotel
Day 4
Security and Serenity in the Golan
Monday, December 26
Breakfast at the hotel.
Short Hike at the Banias National Park. This National Park combines a lush nature reserve with archaeological experience. The Banias spring feeds into the Jordan River, the reserve’s large waterfall tumbles down a 33-foot precipice year-round, and a nearby cave houses remains of a temple to the Greek god Pan, including the newly suspension bridge route.
Lunch on own.
The Balance of Power on Israel’s Northern Border: At Mt. Bental take in the panoramic view overlooking the Syrian border, add to your understanding of Israel’s security situation and gain deeper insight into the regional geopolitical realities that have been occurring across the border for the past decade.
Cross the Golan plateau to the border with Syria and view the abandoned city of Kuneitra and the nearby United Nations outpost, for an insight into the experiences in the 1973 Yom Kippur war, Syria’s ongoing civil war turned world war and the geopolitical challenge and threat along Israel’s northeastern border.
An off-roading ATVs adventure in the Golan Heights. Enjoy the beautiful natural scenery and gain insight into the strategic complexity of the Golan and its perch high above the Hula Valley with vistas deep into Israel’s northern neighbor, Lebanon.
3:00 pm – While children enjoy a chocolate workshop at the De Karina Chocolate Factory, adults can relax at a next-door boutique Bahat Winery and enjoy wine & liquor tasting.
Return to the hotel.
Enjoy the pool and spa.
Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Kibbutz Kfar Giladi Hotel
Day 5
Spirituality and Tradition on the Way South
Tuesday, December 27
Breakfast at the hotel and check out.
Drive to Tsfat (Safed), a center of Jewish mysticism for hundreds of years and a contemporary artists’ colony, for a walk through the midlevel alleyways, including:
- A visit to the Ari, Caro, or Abuhav Synagogue, each with its great stories and mystical messages.
- Meet with artist, Sheva Chaya in her studio, for an interactive window into the world of Kabala, glass blowing and questions of identity and Judaism.
- A stroll through the quaint Artists’ Colony and shop in the galleries and crafts shops.
Lunch on own in Tsfat or en route.
Travel to the lower Galilee and take part in a spice workshop with Sindyanna of Galilee, meet with Nadia Giol and learn how this non-profit organization, led by Arab and Jewish women, is working to create social change, economic opportunities, and fine, fair-trade products.
Drive South to Kfar Hanokdim Bedouin Camp.
Enjoy short Camel Ride.
Bedouin Hafla Dinner.
Bonfire.
“Desert nights” tour.
Overnight: Kfar Hanokdim Bedouin Camp (in cabins)
Day 6
Deep Dive into the Desert
Wednesday, December 28
Breakfast and check out.
Depart Kfar Hanokdim and drive towards the Dead Sea Basin.
Experience the weightlessness of the Dead Sea as you float in its waters; enjoy the hotel’s spa at the Dead Sea beach hotel. After buffet Lunch drive to Masada.
Ascend by cable-car to Masada, Herod’s mountain-palace and fortress, and the site of the Jewish Zealots’ last stand against the Roman Legionnaires 2000 years ago; add yet another layer to the puzzle and discuss Masada’s role as a symbol of Jewish defense and its current significance in modern Israel.
Continue to Jerusalem via Judean Desert.
Enter Jerusalem and drive to the Mt. Scopus for an overlook of the City of Jerusalem. We will recite the traditional ‘shehechiyanu’ blessing for new beginnings, as we set our sights on the beauty laid out in front of us, witnessing three thousand years of history, old and new merging, from the days of King David through the very moments in which we celebrate our arrival.
Check in to the hotel.
Rest & relax. Dinner on own, perhaps at the Old Train Station Plaza, a central neighbourhood hub for food, entertainment, and culture.
Overnight: Inbal Hotel, Jerusalem
Day 7
The Layers of Jerusalem
Thursday, December 29
Breakfast at the hotel.
Explore the excavations at the City of David, the very core of ancient Jerusalem. View the Gihon Spring, the 3000-year-old water source of King David’s capital and that of the Jebusite city before it. Wade through the water of King Hezekiah’s 2700-year-old water tunnel and continue through the 2000-year-old dry drainage system of the Temple Mount.
Enter the Old City of Jerusalem via the Dung Gate.
Explore the Jerusalem Archeological Park, (including the Southern Steps and Robinson’s Arch) for deeper insight into the Second Temple period, the Jewish pilgrims of the time, why it all came to an end- and why it really didn’t! From the Second Temple period pedestrian mall below Robinson’s Arch, we will also have an opportunity to view and speak about the Western Wall Azrat Yisrael, the egalitarian prayer space.
B’nai Mitzvah Service at Ezrat Yisrael – Mazal Tov!
Stop at the Kotel (Western Wall) and experience the special atmosphere at this holy site.
Enjoy lunch on own exploring alleyways and markets with anything from hummus & falafel, pizza & shawarma and more as your options.
Take a walking tour through the Jewish Quarter, for guided visits to some of the sites excavated over the past 50 years, including:
- A walk along the Rooftops of the Old City for a behind-the-scenes look at its quarters, from where grand vistas can be viewed new perspectives gained.
- The Cardo, the main street of Jerusalem in the 6th century, replicated today by the modern souvenir, art and Judaica shops that line part of the ancient street.
- King Hezekiah’s First Temple-period “Broad Wall”.
- Hurva Square, the central square of the Jewish Quarter.
Option to stroll through the Christian and Muslim Quarters. Walk along the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher through picturesque Oriental Bazaar.
Evening at leisure.
Dinner on own.
Overnight: Inbal Hotel, Jerusalem
Day 8
Memory and Renewal
Friday, December 30
Breakfast at the hotel.
Visit Yad Vashem, the Jewish National Museum and Memorial to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust, including:
- The Avenue of the Righteous Amongst the Nations.
- The Historical Museum.
- The Children’s Memorial.
An opportunity to share thoughts, feelings and reflect on your experience.
For younger children (under the age of 11 per museum’s guidelines):
- The Biblical Zoo is one of Jerusalem’s loveliest places. It has a great collection of animals with a special focus on creatures mentioned in the Bible. It includes 62 acres of open areas where the animals live, a zoo train if you don’t feel like walking, a petting zoo, and plenty of other activities to keep all ages enthralled.
Enjoy “Shuk Bites” in the hustle and bustle of Jerusalem’s colorful and always vibrant multi-cultural Machane Yehuda open air market. Known locally as Shuk Machane Yehuda, this will be the perfect spot from which to join local Jerusalemites in their pre-Shabbat leisurely saunter or chaotic, last-minute surge through the market.
Return to the hotel and prepare for Shabbat.
Kabbalat Shabbat services with Kol Haneshama Reform Congregations in Jerusalem and
“Shalom Aleichem” dinner with congregants.
Overnight: Inbal Hotel, Jerusalem
Day 9
Shabbat in Jerusalem
Saturday, December 31
Breakfast at the hotel.
Optional: Shabbat morning service with one of local congregations.
Lunch at the hotel.
Afternoon at leisure.
Optional Walking Tour: The Visions of the New City – Discover the fabulous story of Jerusalem’s expansion beyond the Old City as you wander from the Sir Moses Montefiore Windmill through the winding alleys of Yemin Moshe and Mishkenot Shaananim and walk through these same alleyways guided by the writings of its poets and authors – Yehuda Amichai, S.Y. Agnon, and others. Or walk through the German Colony or Talbiyah neighborhoods.
Return to the hotel.
Rest & relax.
Bein Kodesh L’Chol, Havdallah: Separating Shabbat from the rest of the week, leading into Havdallah, we will have an opportunity to revisit our experience, share our thoughts and begin to answer the question- what am I bringing home?
Dinner on own.
Late check out of the hotel.
Transfer to the airport for departure flight.
Rates (Land Only)
$ 4,080 USD
Price per person sharing a double room
$ 1,475 USD
Single Supplement for those rooming alone
$ 2,895 USD
Reduced rate for one child (2-11 years old) sharing as 3rd in room
$ 3,445 USD
Reduced rate for one child (12-18 years old) sharing as 3rd in room
Accommodation
David Intercontinental Hotel, Tel Aviv
• 2 nights in Classic rooms
Kibbutz Kfar Giladi, Upper Galilee
2 nights in Classic rooms
Kfar Hanokdim Bedouin Camp
1 night in Cabins
Inbal Hotel, Jerusalem
3 nights in Standard New City rooms (includes Late Check-Out)
Featured
Included
- 8 nights’ accommodation, including Late Check Out on departure date
- Daily breakfast, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
- 9 days of touring with a select tour educator (guide)
- 7 days of touring in a deluxe air-conditioned bus
- Transfers from and to airport for Group Flights
- Entrance fees and program fees as per your final itinerary
- Airport assistance upon arrival
- Booklets for all participants
- Porterage at hotels
Excluded
- International Airfare
- Covid related expenses including but not limited to medical care, quarantine requirements, and testing (PCR, Serological or other) should any be required
- Evening transportation when dinner is not included
- Personal extras: Items of personal nature such as laundry, extras charged to hotel rooms, alcohol at meals, insurance of any kind, unless otherwise specified
- Value Added Tax is currently not applicable to tourists if they are not Israelis. Should laws change, you will be notified accordingly, and VAT will be added to your final invoice.
- Gratuities to Guide and Driver. We recommend the following guidelines for tipping: Expert Educator: $ 8 USD per person per day; Driver: $ 4 USD per person per day
Guidelines for Payment and Cancellation
Payment policy:
- A non-refundable deposit in the amount of $ 500 USD per person is due upon registration and is fully applicable to the price of the trip.
- A second payment in the amount of $ 1,500 USD per person is due six months before the scheduled trip begins (June 23, 2022)
- The balance in full is due two months before the scheduled trip begins (October 23, 2022).
Cancellation policy
All cancellations must be made in writing and addressed to Anna: [email protected] . The cancellation fee depends on the date when we receive written notification of your request to cancel your booking. Please note that in all cases the deposit remains non-refundable.
- Cancellations received no later than 90 days before arrival in Israel are subject to loss of the deposit.
- Cancellations received less than 90 days but no less than 60 days before arrival in Israel are subject to a cancellation fee equivalent to 50% of the total price of the trip.
- Cancellations received less than 60 days but no less than 30 days before arrival in Israel are subject to a cancellation fee equivalent to 75% of the total price of the trip.
- Cancellations received less than 30 days before arrival in Israel are subject to a cancellation fee equivalent to 100% of the total price of the trip.
VAT (Value Added Tax)
Israeli VAT not applicable to non-Israeli tourists for a variety of services and is therefore not included in our prices. In this connection, please note the following:
- Should any members of your group be either holders of an Israeli passport or residents of Israel, they are subject by Israeli law to Israeli VAT (Value Added Tax) which is 17%, a tax which is not included in the above prices since non-Israeli tourists are exempt from this tax on key services. If we are informed of the participation of Israeli citizens/residents in advance, we can bill accordingly from the outset. Otherwise, any Israeli passport holders and/or residents regardless of where they reside, will be charged VAT by the hotel reception.
- With respect to tourists, although current regulations continue to exempt them from VAT on key services, this could change at any time, in which case VAT would have to be added by law to the services provided.
Travel Protection
More than ever, Travel Insurance is a vitally important feature of any planned travel and safeguards against unexpected developments. Comprehensive travel insurance helps to protect you from many otherwise unavoidable financial implications which could result from cancellations, illness, and/or other causes. In view of the Covid pandemic, it is particularly important to cover as many pandemic related events as is possible including the various travel, financial and medical consequences of sickness and/or quarantine prior to, during or following the planned tour. We very strongly urge you to travel with appropriate and comprehensive travel and medical insurance. For more information about travel insurance, please contact us.
Additional Notes Regarding Covid
Throughout the world, human lives have been dramatically impacted by the Covid pandemic, nowhere more so than in the realm of international travel.
As always, Routes maintains as its highest priority the safety, health, and welfare of its clients. Our tours adhere to all measures instituted by Israeli government authorities and our professional teams go to lengths to ensure as smooth and seamless a travel experience as is possible within the context of ever-changing realities.
It is important to remember of course, that fluctuations in country policies affect procedures for departure from one’s own country as well as for entry into destination countries. As we have learned over the past two years, the fluidity involved in travel-related situations requires all parties to continue to be aware of circumstances as they develop. At Routes we are in constant touch with all relevant regulatory bodies including the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Tourism, and the Interior Ministry to comply with any mandated procedures for entry to and travel within Israel. We will of course make you aware of Israeli requirements and limitations which are known prior to your travel so that you can be as fully informed as possible, whether in connection to testing, vaccination, quarantine and so on. Aside from checking any local travel advisories which may be applicable to you, please consult the most current Covid related guidelines for entering Israel on Israel’s Health Ministry Portal.
We urge all our clients not only to doublecheck procedures on their end but also to secure comprehensive travel and medical insurance which covers as many pandemic related events as is possible including the various travel, financial and medical consequences of sickness and/or quarantine prior to, during or following the planned tour.
