This 10 day program will take you to discover the great sites of Israel from Masada to the Holy City of Jerusalem. Once you have visited these sites they take on a different meaning. This historical journey brings the Torah to life. Not only will you gain a deeper understanding of history, you will have a closer connedction to your Jewish heritage. This itinerary is recommended for wheelchair and scooter users, slow walkers, visually and hard of hearing travelers.
Especially tailored for wheelchair and scooter users, slower walkers, visually and hearing impaired
10 days (9 nights)
Tel Aviv, Caesarea, Zichron Ya’akov, Tiberias, Jerusalem, Masada, Dead Sea
YOUR LAND ARRANGEMENTS INCLUDE:
*transfers to Tel Aviv and back from Jerusalem
*deluxe air conditioned van transportation (adapted transportation for wheelchair and scooter users)
*8 days of touring as per the itinerary
*a local government certified experienced English speaking tour guide
*9 nights accommodation at 3 or 4 or 5 star hotels based on double occupancy including breakfast
(based on accessible accommodation for wheelchair and scooter users)
*lunch day 9
YOUR LAND ARRANGEMENTS DO NOT INCLUDE
*airfare to and from Israel
*departure taxes, fuel surcharges or airport improvement fees
*porterage at the airport or hotels
*insurance
*early check in/late check out
*single room supplement – a limited number of single rooms available on payment of supplement
*meals and beverages not specified
*optional tours not quoted
*rental of special mobility equipment
*services of ASL interpreter not included (at additional cost)
*gratuities for individual services such as laundry, valet service or any other items of a purely personal nature
*tipping to tour guide, local guides, drivers, hotel or restaurant staff
E. & O.E.
On arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport you will meet your driver who will be waiting to take you to your hotel for check in.
NOTE: Check in at most hotels is at 200 PM and check out is 1200 Noon.
Overnight Tel Aviv
Morning at leisure. Your tour begins at Beth Hatfutsot, the Museum of the Jewish People located on the campus of Tel Aviv University in Ramat Aviv. Continue to the old port city of Jaffa famous for its affiliation with the Biblical stories of Jonah and Solomon. After lunch (not included) visit Independence Hall and relive the exciting moment of David Ben Gurion’s moving Declaration of the State of Israel.
Visit Kikar Rabin where Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated 10 years ago and discuss the impact of this event on the modern history of the State of Israel. End the day at the Azrieli Towers with a short film about the founding of the city and observatory. Return to the hotel for the balance of the evening on your own.
Overnight: Tel Aviv
Travel up the coast to Caesarea where King Herod built a large port honoring Emperor Augustus. An audio-visual presentation brings to life the times of the Roman Legion who controlled these shores several thousand years ago. In Zichron Ya’akov visit Ramat Hanadiv, a natural gem dedicated to the memory of Baron Edmond de Rothschild.
After lunch (not included) continue north to Tiberias, a popular destination for tourists for more than 2,000 years. As early as Roman times, this thriving recreation spa built around 17 natural mineral hot springs welcomed visitors from every part of the ancient world.
Overnight: Tiberias
On our day in Tiberias we will go around the shoreline of the Sea of Galilee, the major source of fresh water for the entire country. At the southern tip of the sea is Degania Aleph, Israel’s oldest kibbutz, founded in 1909 and its nearby twin Degania Bet (built in 1920).
About six miles north of Tiberias is Kibbutz Ginosar, the former home of one of Israel’s great statesmen Yigal Allon with its museum devoted to Allon’s life and the history of the Galilee region. It also houses the so-called “Jesus boat,” a 2,000-year-old boat excavated from the Kinneret in 1985 probably used at the time of Jesus.
Overnight: Tiberias
After checking out of our hotel take part in a special Tree Planting Ceremony. Feel your connection with the land of Israel by planting a tree in Israeli soil with your own hands. After lunch (not included)visit Mini Israel’s miniature city, Israel’s newest and most exciting tourist attraction.
Featuring over 350 beautifully crafted exact-replica models of historical, religious, archeological and modern sites, Mini Israel presents a one of a kind Introduction to Israel all in one magical site. Upon arrival in the Holy City of Jerusalem participate in the traditional saying of the “Shechiyanu” and “Borei Pri Hagefen” blessings as pilgrims did throughout history when approaching Jerusalem.
Overnight: Jerusalem
Today stroll through the Jewish Quarter and see the Cardo, the “heart” of the unearthed main Roman thoroughfare. Visit the excavations of the Herodian Mansions and discover how wealthy Jerusalemites lived 2,000 years ago. Tour the Southern Wall Excavations and stop at the Davidson Center for a 10 minute 3D virtual tour of the Western Wall.
Visit the Western Wall and take a tour through the Kotel Tunnels, one of the most incredible places in Jerusalem showing the Western Wall and the Holy Temple as they were in Roman Times until the destruction of the temple in the year 70 CE.
Overnight: Jerusalem.
Our day begins with a somber visit to Yad Vashem remembering the darkest moment in Jewish history. See the unique and moving Children’s Memorial hollowed out from an underground cavern which pays tribute to the 1.5 million murdered Jewish children whose names, age and countries of origin can be heard in the background.
See the Garden of the Righteous honoring non-Jews known as the Righteous among Nations, who risked their lives to save Jews. Afterwards experience Israel’s newest attraction, “Herzl’s Vision” where you can learn the story of Theodore Herzl whose vision of a Jewish Homeland was only a ‘dream’.
NOTE: It is time to prepare for Shabbat. Candle lighting at the hotel and celebrate Kabbalat Shabbat in the Old City or at one of the many nearby shuls. A table is reserved for your Shabbat dinner in the hotel.
Overnight: Jerusalem
Breakfast at the hotel at your leisure. Attend Shabbat services at one of the nearby synagogues. This afternoon there is a choice of a walking tour (on your own) either to the Western Wall or through some of Jerusalem’s beautiful neighborhoods located near the hotel. This evening enjoy Jerusalem as she comes back to life after a rest on Shabbat.
Overnight: Jerusalem
This morning leave Jerusalem for the Judean Desert to visit Masada, the isolated mountaintop fortress of King Herod and scene of the Jewish zealots last stand against the Roman Legions where they chose to commit suicide rather than be enslaved. Enjoy lunch and a swim at a Dead Sea Hotel with time to float in the unsinkable waters of the Dead Sea.
We end the day at Eretz Bereshit also known as Genesis Land which recreates the way of life during the time of the Patriarch Abraham. You will be met by Abraham’s servant Eliezer. Experience a camel ride and enjoy the hospitality of Abraham who invites you to his tent for food and drink. Return to Jerusalem.
Overnight: Jerusalem
After breakfast we drive around to see the new city of Jerusalem which includes the Knesset, the site of the Israeli parliament with its surrounding Wohl Rose Gardens with over 15,000 rose shrubs and over 400 different species of roses. Next is Ammunition Hill where one of the fiercest battles for Jerusalem took place during the Six Day War.
Spend the balance of the afternoon doing last minute shopping, packing and relaxing. Enjoy a farewell dinner at restaurant in Jerusalem before being transferred to Ben Gurion Airport for return flight home.