Wednesday November 1st
Depart for Israel (EWR – Atlanta – Tel Aviv)
Thursday November 2nd
Arrive Tel Aviv (about 6:00)
Transfer to hotel in Jerusalem
Friday November 3rd – Old City
This morning we will stroll the Old City. You will become the most recent pilgrims to walk in the steps of those who came before us over the centuries – where the prophets brought their spiritual message to the people, where David played his harp and Solomon composed the Song of Songs. Your path continues through the Christian, Moslem and reconstructed Jewish quarter. A special point of interest in the Jewish Quarter is the “CARDO” the recently unearthed ancient marketplace. Meaning, “HEART” of this ancient Byzantine – Roman city. While in the quarter view the most exciting and newest discovery in archaeology today – the Herodian Mansion, dating back to Herodian time, visit the Burnt House.
On to the Western wall, which became the focal point of the Jewish religion after the Second Temple was destroyed. Over night in Jerusalem.
Saturday November 4th
Free day
Overnight Jerusalem
Sunday November 5th – New City
Drive to the Hadassa medical center, visit the stained glass Chagall windows, and then we visit Yad-Vashem, the memorial to the six million innocent victims of Hitler’s vicious extermination machine. On to the Military Cemetery on Mount Hertzl to pay respect Israel’s heroes. View the Knesset, the seat of Israel’s Parliament, visit the Supreme Court building, and then visit the remarkable Israel Museum and the Shrine of the Book the house for the Dead Sea Scrolls.
Monday November 6th – Masada and Dead Sea
Early morning departure to Massada, ascend the cliff top fortress by cable car (note from Kim – I want to climb), as you explore the ancient remains of fortifications, King Herods palaces, storerooms and baths, you will hear about the spirit of the last Jewish defenders. These Zealots held out three years against the legions of Flavius Silva and chose to die as free men at their own hands in preference to Roman slavery. From the top of Massada the outline of the Roman encampments are still visible below. Descend by cable car.
Stop at the desert oasis of Em Gedi with its lush greenery and cool water falls. We will be able to appreciate the unique and flourishing flora and fauna of this area and you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a few beautiful Ibex and Oryx hiding in the surrounding mountains. Hike deeper into the coolness of this desert oasis to enjoy the rush of cascading waterfall in all its nature beauty. This is where King David hid from King Saul during Biblical times. While at Em Gedi visit the ruins of the ancient Synagogue recently opened to the public.
Continue along the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth; let the buoyant waters support you as you relax on your back and think of nothing else but the sea and salt all around you.
Back to Jerusalem for an overnight
Tuesday November 7 – the Jordan Rift
This morning we travel through the fertile Jordan valley to Beit-Alfa. View an ancient Synagogue one of the finest mosaic floors in the world has been found.continue to Belt shean, discover the recent excavations dating back to the Roman – Byzantine times. Amongst them unearthed – the theater, which was the main cultural and entertainment center during that period and accommodated 10,000 people.
At the foot of Mt. Gilboa is a beautiful park, Gan-Hashlosha. The garden includes a natural swimming pool still designated by its Arabic name: El-Sachne – the warm water, this is a delightful place where if time allows there may be time to take a dip in the waters. Approach the 12 century fortress named by its French Crusader builders, Belvoir, (beautiful view), for its command a panoramic view over the surrounding Jordan valley and Mountains of Gilad.
Drive to Kibbutz Ha’Goshrim. Over night in Kibbutz Ha’Goshrim.
Wednesday November 8th – The North
This morning we drive to Safed one of the Four Holy Cities according to tradition. Absorb the mysticism of this town known for its Cabalistic atmosphere. In this town ancient synagogues and modern galleries exist side by side in pure harmony. After breakfast we drive to the Dan River. Walk through the beautiful nature reserve at Tel Dan, one of the sources of the Jordan River. Ascend the Golan Heights passing former Syrian army headquarters and positions over looking the Galil. Drive through the Druse villages to the town Katzrin, one of the settlements on the Golan Heights. Kayaking in the Jordan River.
Return to Ha’Goshrim. Over night in Kibbutz Ha’Goshrim.
Thursday November 9th – The Beauty of the Coast
After breakfast we drive to upon National park, visit the newly excavated Jewish town dates back to the Mishnah lime. Visit the Roman Villa and its mosaic floor and the Water System.
Arrive in Haifa, view the Bahai Gardens and visit the Bahai Temple, (if open). Drive to the panorama on the top of Mt. Carmel.
Continue to Caesarea, the ancient Roman city, built by Herod the Great and once the seat of Roman rule. Visit the excavated half-moon theater, a little way on hugging the seashore lays an aqueduct once used for conveying the city’s water.
Drive to Tel-Aviv. Overnight in Tel Aviv
Friday November 10th – Tel Aviv & Jaffa
After breakfast we drive in the main streets of Tel Aviv, drive along the Rothschild Boulevard, whether you call it Bauhaus or International Style architecture, Tel Aviv is still the only city in the world that houses such a large collection of buildings designed in this style.
Visit the Independence Hall located in the house of Meir Dizengoff, the first Meyer of Tel Aviv. Hear David Ben Gurion, the first Prime Minister, announced the Declaration of Independence on May 14th 1946. VisitNeve Zedek — one of the first neighborhoods built in Tel Aviv during the early 1900’s which has recently undergone extensive renovations with much of its early architecture restored to its original glory. In the center of Neve Zedek stands the Susan Dallal Cultural center for Performing Arts. Built in the site of the first girl’s school in Tel Aviv.
On to the Hertl street, Carmel Shuk, (market place) a bustling open Bazaar filled with spicy and mysterious aromas and lots of colorful wares for sale, take a stroll along the Nachalat Binyamin Pedestrian Mall.
Drive on one of the oldest streets of Tel Aviv, Allenby street. On to view the man auditorium — the home of the famous Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, nearby is the Habima theater building. Arrive at the new “Golda Meir” cultural center view the Opera House and the Tel Aviv Art Museum. See the city getting ready for Shabbat.
Overnight Tel Aviv.
Saturday November 11th
Free Day
Overnight Tel Aviv
Sunday November 12th
Free Day.
Late night depature – Tel Aviv – Atlanta – EWR
Monday November 13th
Arrive Home.
