15 Day Bar/Bat Mitzvah Tour of Israel

DAY 1 FLIGHT TO TEL AVIV, ISRAEL
Sit back and relax on your overnight flight to Tel Aviv, Israel.

DAY 2 ARRIVAL TEL AVIV – JERUSALEM
“Bruchim Habaim” and welcome to Israel. You will be warmly greeted by our representative at the airport who will assist you through customs. FREE transfer will be available for those who booked their flights with us. After you have checked into the hotel you are invited to join us in one of the private lounges of the hotel for a festive welcome cocktail reception where you can mingle with your fellow travelers and enjoy hot canapes & hors d’oeuvres. Overnight in Jerusalem. Meal: Welcome cocktail reception and light dinner

DAY 3 JERUSALEM (OLD CITY)
Begin the day with a trip to the top of Mount Scopus, one of the few places from which both the Dead Sea and the Dome of the Rock can be seen. Marvel at your first panoramic view of Jerusalem from the Haas Promenade. Together with the members of the tour, collectively we recite the “Shehechayanu” blessing and Toast l’chaim to celebrate your visit to Israel. Enter via the Zion Gate which leads to the Armenian Quarter and walk through the restored Jewish Quarter passing the excavated Roman Cardo. At the revered Western Wall, a specially arranged walk takes us through a newly opened 1200 feet long tunnel excavated at the time of King Herod, then used as an aqueduct to channel water to the Temple. On our way to the Israel Museum, we pass by the Knesset (Israel’s Parliament), where a 5m – seven-branched bronze Menorah Stands, the symbol of the Jewish people. Across the way is the modern Supreme Court Building, the highest judicial court in Israel. Proudly sitting on a hill in Givat Ram, the Israel Museum was founded in 1965. The white domed Shrine of the Book represents the lids of the jars in which the famous Dead Sea Scrolls were found near Qumran. Across the way is the Billy Rose Sculpture Garden, a unique blend of Zen and Western art principles. Marvel at the meticulously recreated 1:50 Scale Model of Ancient Jerusalem during the Second Temple period which was transferred to the Israel Museum in 2006 at a cost of $3.5 million dollars. Later at the hotel join the Rabbi for your Bar/Bat Mitzvah rehearsal. Evening dinner is on your own. Overnight Jerusalem.
Meal: Breakfast

DAY 4 JERUSALEM / TEL MARESHA / REHOVOT /  LATRUN / JERUSALEM
Now it’s time to roll up your sleeves to take part in a 3-hour program of digging, sifting and touring Beit Guvrin National Park. Who knows what we might find on our archaeological dig at Tel Maresha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to Ayalon Institute, a secret underground ammunition factory where you will learn of the bravery and ingenuity of pre-state freedom Hebrew fighters. Pay a visit to the Yad LaShiryon Museum in Latrun (between Jerusalem and Tel-Aviv/Jaffa). Famous around the world for its unique and diverse collection of tanks and armoured vehicles, this is a `hands on` visit for the children as they can actually climb up on the combat tanks. This was the staging area for the Independence War. At the Armour Corps Museum learn about the battles that secured the road to Jerusalem which led to victory.

Tonight, we will experience a new type of dinner. We will travel to the famous Machane Yehuda market for a Shuk tasting tour, a different type of cuisines will be offered to us exploring the variety of foods Israel has to offer.  An experience you do not want to miss out on. Overnight in Jerusalem.
Meal: Breakfast & dinner

DAY 5 JERUSALEM / MASADA / DEAD SEA (BAR MITZVAH DAY)
This is YOUR SPECIAL BAR/BAT MITZVAH DAY.
Drive through the Judean Wilderness to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, some 1200 feet below sea level and continue to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Masada. An exciting 3-minute cable car ride will whisk you to the top to view the excavations of the Herodian palace, storerooms, bathhouse and water reservoirs. Visit the ruins of the small Synagogue which served the Jews of Masada and the Beit Midrash (Torah Study Hall). Your guide will retell the harrowing tale of the 967 zealots (men, women and children). Here we will meet our Rabbi to witness the joy of your child coming of age. Descend by cable car and head to the Dead Sea. You are invited by for lunch & a swim at the Herod’s Hotel Dead Sea and experience the unique sensation of “floating” in the unsinkable waters. Most facilities will be available for you. Adults will be able to enjoy the spa as well. (Additional charges may apply) Time for relaxation before your exciting evening. After a great lunch and relaxation at the Dead Sea and spa we head to the mountains between Jerusalem and Dead Sea. A convoy of camels will be waiting to pick us up at (Eretz Breishit) where the story of Abraham will be recreated. In Abraham’s tent, enjoy an authentic festive Bar/Bat Mitzvah Dinner followed by a Menorah Lighting Ceremony. An entertainment group will celebrate our Simchah through the evening with dancing, singing, a drummer circle and well as other surprises. A magical evening is in store for us. This will be an evening you will never forget! A short drive back to Jerusalem for overnight. Dress code: casual
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6 JERUSALEM – SHABBAT
Our day begins with a somber visit to Yad Vashem, Israel’s memorial to the Holocaust where tour members take part in a Yizkor service. See the poignant Children’s Pavilion, the new Holocaust Museum and the Valley of Destroyed Communities where the names of 5000 lost communities have been inscribed in the stone walls. After an emotional visit to Yad Vashem we need some time to change our mood by visiting to the Ben Yehuda Street  where lots of locals are celebrating the coming of the weekend by spending time on this beautiful exciting and happening street. Return to the hotel in Jerusalem to dress for Shabbat. We are blessed to be able to celebrate Shabbat in Jerusalem. Your host for Shabbat will be waiting to take you on a special experience “Shabbat of a Lifetime“ which includes Kabbalat Shabbat, dinner and hospitality, Jerusalem style. Afterwards a short walk back to the hotel. Overnight Jerusalem.
Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 7 JERUSALEM (SHABBAT)  DAY AT LEISURE
In observance of Shabbat, today is a free day. Families can explore the Old City and the Jewish Quarter, one of the four quarters of the Old City on foot.  Or simply relax at the hotel. Dinner is on your own. Overnight in Jerusalem.
Meal: Breakfast

DAY 8 JERUSALEM / KFAR KEDEM / SAFED / TIBERIAS
Leaving Jerusalem behind we head for the Galilee and Kfar Kedem situated between Tiberius and Haifa, next to Tzippori where a “hands-on” experience will transport us back in time to revisit life as it was in a Jewish village in the Galilee some 2000 years ago. Wearing authentic clothing, you will ride donkeys, turn wheat into bread and feast on a rustic Galilean meal. This is an amazing experience. Light lunch will be served at the village under a tent.

Continue to Safed, one of the four holy cities is also the home of Kaballah (Jewish mysticism). This charming town filled with cobblestoned streets and lined with ancient synagogues and artists’ galleries, offers breathtaking views of the entire Upper Galilee. Arrival at our hotel, you are invited for our second wind of celebration in the north. Our chef will prepare an outdoor Potjie South African BBQ dinner for our families sitting around a Bonfire, a guitar player entertain us with Israeli Mediterranean songs and dance. If you thought we have enough partying and celebrating, mmm… think again, another evening under the open sky in the north with great food and entertainment. Overnight Kibbutz.
Meal: Breakfast, Light Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9 TIBERIAS / GOLAN HEIGHTS / KUNEITRA / EIN ZIVAN / TIBERIAS
Explore the geo-politically vital Golan Heights by a private jeep this morning. Travelling off-the-beaten-track roads, we will hear about the decisive battles fought in this area. In Biblical times referred to as Bashan, the captivating beauty of the Golan becomes more beautiful as you go higher.  Stopping at an observation point overlooking Kuneita and Syria, you will gain a meaningful perspective as to the significance of the strategic Golan Heights.

Now for some fun as we head to Ein Zivan to participate in chocolate making at the famous   De’ Karina chocolate factory. Established by Karina Chaplinski, De Karina Chocolates has gained an impressive reputation as a gourmet chocolatier. Hear about the history and culture and take part in a hands-on workshop. (For the adults we will visit a winery and take part in wine tasting).

This afternoon is set aside for more fun as you river raft and zip line on the mighty Jordan River. Try not to get wet! Driving back along the shoreline of the Sea of Galilee, Israel’s sole source of fresh water and a favourite vacations spot we come to Tiberias, once a Rabbinical scholar center. Tonight, enjoy a special dinner with members of the Kibbutz. Overnight Kibbutz.
Meal: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 10 TIBERIAS / TEL DAN / DRUZE VILLAGE / TEL AVIV
We set our sights on the Tel Dan National Park combining a lush nature reserve with a Biblical archaeological experience with three easy hiking routes and a short wheelchair-accessible trail. At the heart of the park is Tel Dan, the capital of the ancient northern kingdom. The Dan River, one of the sources of the Jordan, flows through the reserve, its water coming from the snow melting on nearby Mount Hermon. A wading pool offers a refreshing break.

On top of Mt. Carmel, we stop at the Druze Village of Ussifiya for a traditional Druze lunch hosted by a Druze family and learn about these unique Israeli citizens. En-route to Tel Aviv we will visit the ancient port city of Caesarea built by King Herod the Great about 25-13 B.C.E. Your short introduction includes the arched amphitheater and aqueduct. In less than one hour we will be in cosmopolitan Tel Aviv with time to relax on the beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean. Tonight, you will be dropped off at Rothschild Street in Tel Aviv a scene you have never seen before. There will be time on your own to explore the great cafes and amazing famous restaurants in the area with variety fusion food you can find only in Israel. You will receive “Envelope money” as well as some recommendations for restaurants nearby.  Overnight in Tel Aviv.
Meal: Breakfast, Druze Lunch and envelope money for dinner on your own

DAY 11 TEL AVIV / JAFFA / TEL AVIV
The morning is at leisure to spend time with your family swimming at the beach or at the hotel pool or walking along the promenade or you can take our Optional “Flying a Powered Parachute” program. You will be transferred to Kibbutz Ga’ash where you will meet your trainer / pilot and fly with him for about 20 minutes over the Mediterranean shore and will be able to see Israel from both sides. (Ask for details)

Around noon time, we will start our day by visiting the famous indoor Sarona Market, with time for tasting a large variety of food and cuisine only created in Israel. Enjoy lunch on your own from a large variety of different cuisine the market will offer. This afternoon moving on to ancient Jaffa, where Jonah began his adventure with the whale. A perfect place for people watching and good food. Take a short walk through the restored town before returning to Tel Aviv with its narrow byways filled with artist galleries and cosmopolitan shops. A city full of secrets, surprises and adventures. We finalize our tour today with the Independence Hall trail with a walk through Rothchild Blvd. Tonight, enjoy a special farewell dinner at Goshen restaurant with its five star cuisine.  Overnight in Tel Aviv.
Meal: Breakfast, Dinner 

DAY 12 TEL AVIV / EILAT
This morning after breakfast, transfer to the airport for your short flight to the Red Sea resort city Eilat. A special treat is planned for the B’ne’i Mitzvah children as they are invited to “swim with the dolphins” at Dolphin Reef. There is time this afternoon to enjoy your hotel’s surroundings and sparkling waters. A night on your own to stroll along Eilat’s promenade and enjoy one of the many restaurants the city has to offer. Overnight in Eilat. Meal: Breakfast

DAY 13 EILAT | DAY AT LEISURE or OPTIONAL TOUR TO PETRA
A full day at leisure to enjoy the amenities of the hotel and beach. Perhaps an optional Banana boat ride, para sailing or other water sports at the beach.

An optional side trip to the rose colored ancient city of Petra (Jordan) is available. (Participants will need a valid passport to enter Jordan). Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World rediscovered in 1912 by a Swiss explorer named Johannes Burckhardt. This rock cut capital city created by the industrious Nabataeans holds many secrets and is one of the world’s richest archaeological sites. As you exit the winding Siq, nothing can prepare you for what you will see. The Treasury is the first of many wonders that make up Petra. At the end of the tour return to Aqaba crossing the border back into Israel and to your hotel in Eilat. Enjoy Shabbat dinner at your hotel. Overnight in Eilat.
Meal: Breakfast and Shabbat dinner

DAY 14 EILAT / TEL AVIV
This morning see Eilat’s rich underwater marine life without getting wet beginning with a visit to the Underwater Observatory (over with 800 species, the only one of its kind in the world) and the Shark Tank, the largest shark pool of its kind in the Middle East. An unforgettable experience as you learn about these deep sea predators.

In late morning board a Red Sea yacht for a four hour cruise on the Red Sea with ample time for swimming, snorkelling or scuba diving at the border of Israel, Jordan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. While cruising, your captain and crew will prepare a BBQ lunch served with white or red wine. Return to the hotel for late check-out and transfer to the airport. A short flight takes you back to Tel Aviv and your connecting flight to the USA / Canada departing after midnight.
Meal: Breakfast and Lunch

DAY 15 TEL AVIV/CANADA
On board your transatlantic flight there is time to reflect on your visit. Arrival in North America the same day. SHALOM!

B = breakfast L= lunch D= dinner LD=Light Dinner