Interfaith Israel Tour – Explorer

After breakfast, visits in Tel Aviv and surrounding area will include:

Independence Hall:

The Independence Hall Museum is situated on 16 Shderot Rothschil in the heart of Tel Aviv. It is the room where the birthplace of the State of Israel was declared and announced first in Hebrew. As one of the forerunners to the Historical Sites of the State of Israel, this house tells the story of the beginnings of the City of Tel-Aviv, Meir Dizengoff – the first Mayor of Tel-Aviv, and the famous ceremony which took place on May 14, 1948, as David Ben-Gurion declared the establishment of the State of Israel. Through audio-visual mediums come take part in the exciting moment in the birth of the State of Israel.

Latrun – Armored Corps:

Amored Corp, also know as Yad La-Shiryon in Hebrew is Israel’s official memorial site for fallen soldiers from the armored corps. It is also one of the most diverse tank museums in the world. The museum was founded on December 14, 1982, through the initiative of veteran officers of the armored corps. The outdoor display includes 110 tanks and other armored fighting vehicles, both Israeli and captured enemy examples. The armored tanks include the Merkava tank and the T-72 tanks, as well as vehicles purchased from allied nations specifically for diversifying the collection.

Beit Guvrin national park:

It is located 13 kilometers from Kiryat Gat, encompassing the ruins of Maresha, one of the important towns of Judah during the time of the First Temple, and Beit Guvrin, an important town in the Roman era, when it was known as Eleutheropolis. It is declared by UNESCO as a world heritage site. Archaeological artifacts include a large Jewish cemetery, a Roman-Byzantine amphitheater, a Byzantine church, public baths, mosaics and burial caves.

Ayalon Institute:

Ayalon Institute is located about 30 minutes south of Tel Aviv.The Ayalon Institute was a secret ammunition factory disguised as part of a kibbutz to fool the British back in the 1940s. Jewish people used the factory in their efforts to fight for the independent state of Israel. Between 1945 and 1948, the Ayalon Institute produced more than 2 million 9mm bullets.

Afternoon/evening:

Enjoy the evening at leisure.

Overnight in Tel Aviv.

Following breakfast at hotel, visits today will include:

Diaspora Museum:

Also known as “Beit Hatfusot”, which is located in Tel Aviv’s University in Ramat Tel Aviv, a district of Tel Aviv. It is a Jewish genealogy, which tells the ongoing and extraordinary story of the Jewish people throughout the centuries of time. This unique institution connects Jewish people to their roots and strengthens their personal and collective Jewish identity.

Tel Aviv:

Business and entertainment districts: Also known as the “White City”, refers to a collection of over 4,000 Bauhaus style buildings built in the 1930s by a German Jewish architects who immigrated to the British Mandate after the rise of the Nazis. In 2003, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) proclaimed Tel Aviv’s White City a World Cultural Heritage site, as “an outstanding example of new town planning and architecture in the early 20th century.

Rabin Square: Formerly known as Kings of Israel Square; is a large public city square in the center of Tel Aviv, Israel. It has become the center for numerous political rallies, parades, and other public events. In 1995, the square was renamed to Rabin Square after the assassination of late Prime Minister of Israel Itzhak Rabin, which occurred in the square.

Old Jaffa:

Jaffa’s port is considered to be 8,000 years old and probably the oldest port in the world. Visit will include the ancient ruins and the Artist Quarter.

Neve Tzedek:

Build in 1987, the avant-garde design with many stores, fashion boutiques and handicraft shops has its own unique pizzazz in the center of Tel Aviv. It also is visited by the weekly farmers’ market in HaTachana, a restored railway station. Trendy European restaurants sit alongside stylish bistros, and many of the area’s al fresco cafes turn into live jazz bars and cocktail lounges at night. The Suzanne Dellal Center showcases contemporary dance, while surfers head to beaches nearby.

Nachalat Binyamin:

An outdoor mall surrounded by historical buildings, with strict preservation process and now can be seen in their original beautiful historical design. Nachalat Binyami’s art fair is open twice weekly and has very unique artist flavor to it. See the hand made designs and creation, as well as the street performances, live music and coffee shops all of that makes the art fair a must see.

Sheinkin Street:

A lively colorful street adjacent to Nachalat Binyamin with unique shops, cafe’s, bistros with its youthful ambiance.

Afternoon/evening:

Evening at leisure.

Overnight in Tel Aviv.

Enjoy breakfast at hotel, Shabbat (Saturday) day at leisure.

Afternoon/evening:

Evening at leisure.

Overnight in Tel Aviv.

After breakfast at hotel, check-out from hotel and start the day with a drive north along the Mediterranean Sea towards Haifa. Visits on the way will include:

Caesarea

Built by Herod and once the capital of Judea. Many Christian scriptures (New Testaments) mention Caesarea; here Paul embarked on his journey to Tarsus, as well as Cornelius and his family (the first Gentile believers) lived. Caesarea is also where Pontius Pilate had his base and where Philip preached. Explore the restored Roman amphitheater, with its acoustic and theatrical sound. It was used for many performances throughout the centuries, including today. Walk through the excavated fortress and view the aqueduct, once used for conveying water to the city.

Megiddo

One of King Solomon’s walled, fortified cities (1st Kings 9:15; 10:26), with the ruins of 20 levels of civilization, including the well-preserved water supply system. From here, the Books of Daniel and Revelation will come alive as we read about the final Battle of Armageddon, while viewing the Plains of Jezreel.

Druze Village

Daliat-el-Carmel, a Druze village located in the outskirts of Mt. Carmel. Here, enjoy a late lunch at a local restaurant.

Haifa

Ascend Mt. Carmel for a beautiful panoramic view of Haifa Bay and the Botanical Gardens below. Here Elijah fought the 400 false prophets of Baal.

Afternoon/evening:

Drive through the hills of the Galilee to our kibbutz guest house in the Upper Galilee for check-in.

Dinner at our hotel.

Overnight in the Galilee

Following breakfast at hotel, check-out from hotel and visit the following places:

Nazareth:

The boyhood home of Jesus. Here we will visit the Grotto of the Annunciation and the Church of St. Joseph. These churches are located over the traditional site where Mary and Joseph lived. We will also visit the site of the ancient City Well, believed to be the site, where Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary.

Capernaum:

Center of Jesus’ Galilean ministry and the site of many of His miracles (Mark 2:4; Matt. 8:5; 14-17; 9:1-7; 17:18). Visit the remains of the 2nd century synagogue (octagonal Church of St. Peter).

Mount of Beatitudes:

Where Jesus delivered perhaps the most famous sermon preached – “The Sermon On The Mount” (Matt. 5).

Beit Shean:

Newly excavated and one of the largest ongoing archaeological dig in the land of Israel. See the amphitheater, colonnaded Roman streets, mosaics and Roman bathhouses (1st Samuel 31:10).

Beit Alpha:

See the remains of the mosaic floor of an ancient synagogue depicting the zodiac. The Beth Alpha synagogue was uncovered in 1928 by members of the nearby Kibbutz Hefzibah, who stumbled upon the synagogue’s extensive mosaic floors during irrigation construction.

Jordan Valley:

See the dessert bloom with flowers and vegetation, prophesied by Isaiah in chapter 35:1-2.

Afternoon/evening:

Drive to Jerusalem and check-in to hotel.

Overnight in Jerusalem

Breakfast at our hotel. Today, visits will include sites in Jerusalem and the Old City.

Mount of Olives

Mount of Olives is situated on the east side of the Old City. On top of the mountain, is a beautiful panoramic view of the Old City and the Golden Gates. On the bottom of the mount, is an urban garden, most famous for the site where Jesus prayed in many occasions prior to His crucifixion.

The Upper Room and David’s Tomb at Mt. Zion:

Also known as the “Room of the Last Supper”, located above David’s Tomb compound. The site of the Upper Room is believed by many was the room where Jesus had His last Passover meal, prior to His incarceration.

Jewish Quarter (Old City):

Situated is the southeastern sector of the walled city. It stretches to the Zion Gate in the south and extends to the Western Wall and the Temple Mount in the east. 

The Jewish quarter was reconstructed after the city was unified after the Six-Day War in 1967. A special point of interest in the restored Jewish Quarter is the “Cardo”, meaning the “heart” of this ancient Byzantine City. See the unearthed (main) Roman thoroughfare and the ancient marketplace lined with columns. Visit the Roman Cardo and the Herodian quarter

Western Wall:

Also known as “The Kotel”, or “The Wailing Wall” and “Temple Mount Wall”. The Western Wall is the last remaining structure after the destruction of the temple. It is considered the holiest place for Jews.

Via Dolorosa:

Also known as the “Stations of the Cross” was the pathway to Jesus’ Crucifixion. The Stations of the Cross is now home to the many colorful bazaars and merchant marketplace.

Church of the Holy Seplechre

It is believed by many Christians, this was the site of Golgotha; where Jesus was crucified and where he resurrected.

Bethlehem:

It is believed by many Christians, this was the site of where Jesus was born at the Church of the Nativity. Prior to visiting the Nativity, view Rachel’s Tomb.

Afternoon/evening:

We will return to our hotel for the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Jerusalem.

Another amazing breakfast at our hotel. Today, we will visit the following places:

Israel Museum:

• The Shrine of the Book: Where the Dead Sea scrolls are housed and preserved. Most of the scrolls were found in the caves of Qumran by a Shepherd tending his sheep.
• The scale model of the the Old City of Jerusalem at the peak of the 2nd Temple era. You can walk around the model and see the many structures with details of this amazing city.

Knesset:

The Knesset is Israel’s parliament, since the creation of Israel. It officially opened in 1950, but was functioning withing the first year of Israel’s creation with several locations in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

Mt. Hertzel:

A cemetery for all of Israel’s falling soldiers, leaders and Prime Ministers.

Yad Vashem:

Israeli memorial (museum) commemorating the 6 million Jews who perished in the concentration camps in Europe by Nazi Germany. It is considered the biggest memorial for the Holocaust victoms.

Mea Shearim:

A vibrant ultra orthodox neighborhood in the heart of Jerusalem. See a unique lifestyle and culture with many Judaica shops, restaurants and a very busy street.

Afternoon/evening:

Drive to an authentic restaurant (dinner included), followed by a spectacular Sound and Light show at Tower of David Museum.

Overnight in Jerusalem.

Following an early morning breakfast at our hotel, drive south towards the Dead Sea. As we get closer to the shores of the Dead Sea, we will start to descend to the lowest point on the surface of the earth. The descent is 1305 feet (398 meters) below sea level. Visits in the Dead Sea region will include:

Qumran

Where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered by a young shepherd boy.

Masada:

Ascend by cable car to the legendary mountaintop plateau of Masada. Where the last stronghold of the Jewish Zealots struggled against the Romans. The Zealots held out for three years against the legions of Flavius Silva. They chose to die as free men at their own hands in preference to Roman slavery and torture.

Dead Sea:

The Dead Sea is considered the lowest point on earth. The Dead Sea is uniquely formulated in a small body of water (similar to a lake) and includes 11%-13% salt and other natural ingredients. Float on the Dead Sea and cover ourselves in mud (weather permitting).

Afternoon/evening:

Drive back to our hotel in Jerusalem.

Overnight in Jerusalem.

Enjoy breakfast at hotel and Shabbat (Saturday) day at leisure.

Afternoon/evening:

Evening at leisure.

Overnight in Jerusalem

After breakfast, transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for departure.

• Touring in a Deluxe vehicle/motor-coach with a professional licensed driver
• A professional government licensed English speaking guide – hand picked
• Entrance fees to all sites and parks

• Meet and assist at Ben Gurion Airport, immediately after passport control
• Transfers on arrivals and departures from and to Ben Gurion Airport

• Israeli style buffet breakfast daily
• 2 dinners in the Galilee
• 1 dinner at an authentic restaurant in Jerusalem
• 1 Druze lunch

• Trips Israel host/hostess at Ben Gurion Airport
• Sound and Light show at the Tower of David Museum
• Nazareth
• Western Wall – Kotel
• Portfolio of travel documents
• Maps, pens and luggage tags

• International airfare
• Travel insurance
• Tips to guide and driver
• lunch daily, other than mentioned already

Renaissance Hotel – Tel Aviv

Kibbutz Lavi Hotel – Eden Wing Rooms – Galilee

Orient Hotel – Jerusalem

Dan Panorama Hotel – Tel Aviv

Kibbutz Lavi Hotel – Eden Rooms – Galilee

Dan Panorama Hotel – Jerusalem

Prima City Hotel – Tel Aviv

Kibbutz Lavi Hotel – Eden Rooms – Galilee

Prima Kings Hotel – Jerusalem

• Safed
• Golan Heights (former Syrian bunkers, Kuneitra and the new Israeli town of Katzrin)
• Nazareth
• Mount of the Beatitudes
• Capernaum
• Beit Shean
• Beit Alpha

• Timna Park (Solomon’s Pillars)
• Underwater Observatory
• Bedouin Hospitality
• Mitzpe Ramon
• Sde Boker
• Hatzerim (Air force Museum)

• Christian Quarter in the Old City of Jerusalem
• Via Dolorosa
• Church of the Holy Seplechre
• Jewish Quarter of the Old City
• Herodian
• Kotel – Western Wall

• Yad Vashem
• Israel Museum
• Knesset – Israel’s Parliament
• Mt. Hertzel
• Mea Sheharim
• Mount of Olives
• Mount Zion: Tomb of King David, Upper Room

• Qumran
• Masada
• Dead Sea swim facility

• Church of the Nativity
• Rachel’s Tomb