Israel Old and New 2007

We stay at Super-Deluxe hotels including, the newest, most gorgeous hotel in Tiberias – the Galei Kinneret, where you will pamper yourself with luxurious spa treatments overlooking the spectacular Sea of Galilee and of course, the legendary King David – a Jerusalem landmark for over 70 years. And to lead and guide you, the finest Tour Manager-Lecturer –who is with you every day – even on free days – Wonderful meals – Spectacular sights.

ITINERARY:12 Days – 10 Nights

TUESDAY, DAY 1 – EN ROUTE

Depart from the United States for Israel.

WEDNESDAY, DAY 2- JERUSALEM

Welcome to Israel! Drive 3,000 feet high into the Judean Hills to the Golden City of Jerusalem, Israel’s capital. Early evening briefing on Israel and your special program, by your AJCongress Tour Manager-Lecturer, followed by a Welcome to Israel Get-Together. LM

THURSDAY, DAY 3- JERUSALEM

Enter the walled Old City’s Zion Gate. Visit the restored Jewish Quarter (its Cardo was Roman “heart” of Jerusalem), and the quaint Old Yishuv Court Museum. Visit the excavated Herodian Mansions, intact after 2,000 years, and descend to the Western Wall, Judaism’s holiest site. Walk through the extraordinary Western Wall Tunnels and along the ancient Via Dolorosa which traverses the city’s ancient bazaars. The remainder of the afternoon is free. B

FRIDAY, DAY 4- JERUSALEM

Drive to Yad Vashem, Israel’s memorial to the holocaust; visit the Museum, Children’s Pavillion and walk along the Avenue of the Righteous. Then to Mount Herzl to pay respects to Israel’s military heroes. Drive via the Supreme Court Building and the Knesset (Israel’s parliament) to the Shrine of the Book home of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Time to walk through the Israel Museum and the Billy Rose Sculpture Garden. Tonight, Shabbat dinner at your hotel. BD

SATURDAY, DAY 5 – JERUSALEM

Late morning walking tour to charming Yemin Moshe, the first Jewish neighborhood outside the Old city, and Mount Zion, traditional site of King David’s Tomb. Visit the fascinating Tower of David Museum of the History of Jerusalem in the Old Citadel. Tonight, see the illuminated walls of the Old City en route to a delicious dinner. BD

SUNDAY, DAY 6- JERUSALEM-DEAD SEA-MASADA

Descend through the stark Judean Desert to the Dead Sea, lowest point on earth. Ascend Masada by cable car; tour the remains of Herod’s palace-fortress, where zealots chose suicide over surrender. Continue to the Dead Sea shore, for a wonderful lunch and exclusive-to-AJCongress afternoon as guests of an elegant Dead Sea spa-hotel! Float in the Dead Sea, or enjoy the sauna, pool and Jacuzzi. Return to Jerusalem feeling 20 years younger! BL

MONDAY, DAY 7- GALILEE-TIBERIAS

Drive to the military junction at Latrun, once the border with Jordan. See the French Trappist Monastery and visit the Tank Division Memorial. Then visit one of the newest and most astonishing sights in Israel today--Mini Israel Park – where cities, towns and villages in Israel has been re-created on a miniature scale. You’ll see parklands, buildings, people, religious sights and moving vehicles. Proceed to Megiddo (Armegeddon) whose twenty layers of civilization were inspiration for James Michener’s “The Source”. After lunch, continue to Tiberias, one of the four holy cities of Judaism, on the Sea of Galilee. Tonight, Argentinean-style Dinner in a delightful waterside restaurant. BLD

TUESDAY, DAY 8- TIBERIAS

This morning visit the vast Roman city of Bet Shean, including the reconstructed public buildings from the Roman and Byzantine periods. Then, ascend the monumental Golan Heights for a panoramic view of the Sea of Galilee and surrounding areas. Arrive at Kibbutz Kfar Haruv, settled by Americans and Israelis together and meet kibbutzniks over lunch. See the 4th century synagogue at Capernaum, before continuing to Safed, one of Judaism’s four holy cities to wander its winding lanes to ancient synagogues and artists’ studies. Return to your hotel in Tiberias for dinner and overnight. BLD

WEDNESDAY, DAY 9 TIBERIAS-HAIFA

Today, depart for Tzipori, 1st century capital of the Galilee, one of the most important archeological sites in Israel today. Then on to Haifa, draped up the slopes of Mount Carmel. Tour the magnificent Bahai Gardens, and see the restored Templar Colony. Drive to Acre, the ancient port immortalized by the Crusaders, the Turks and the British. See the underground Crusader City, the Mediterranean battlements and the exotic markets. Time to stroll and have lunch before returning to Haifa. Tonight, drive to the nearby Druze village of Ussafiyeh for an authentic Druze Dinner! BD

THURSDAY, DAY 10 – CAESAREA-TEL AVIV

Visit Atlit Camp, where the British incarcerated the Holocaust survivors. Then, on to Caesarea, with its Roman Theater, Crusader Fortress and newly-opened multi media center. History will come alive at this newest attraction! Continue to Tel Aviv, Israel’s bustling metropolis. Visit the Museum of the Jewish Diaspora, an extraordinary exhibition of 20 centuries of Jewish wandering and see the campus of elite Tel Aviv University. Tonight, discover the bustling Tayelet promenade abuzz with cafes, entertainment and crowds. B

FRIDAY, DAY 11- TEL AVIV

Pass by Rabin Square, the memorial to Israel’s assassinated prime minister en route to Independence Hall where Ben Gurion proclaimed the new state. Admire the Art Deco and Bauhaus architecture of Rothschild Boulevard and revitalized Neve Tzedek. Tour beautifully restored Jaffa with its cobbled stoned streets lined with galleries and boutiques. Stroll Nachlat Benjamin Street with its Friday afternoon crafts stalls and lively throngs. Tonight, Shabbat Dinner together. BD

SATURDAY, DAY 12- TEL AVIV

A delightful leisure day. How about participating in Israeli folk-dancing on the Tayelet? Late afternoon Bon Voyage Get-Together caps and exciting and unforgettable visit to Israel. Overnight in Tel Aviv.

SUNDAY, DAY 13- EN ROUTE
Morning arrival at JFK International Airport in New York.

OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO EILAT:

SUNDAY, DAY 13 EILAT
Transfer to the airport for the short flight to Eilat. Taxi independently to your gorgeous oceanfront hotel. A delicious leisure day awaits. B

MONDAY, DAY 14- .EILAT
Full day at leisure to explore, perhaps an optional tour to Petra. B

TUESDAY, DAY 15-EILAT
Day at leisure. Check out is scheduled at Noon. Early afternoon transfer independently by taxi to the airport for your flight to Ben Gurion. Continue on your connecting flight. B

WEDNESDAY, DAY 16- EN ROUTE
Arrive New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport in the early morning.

This is a sample itinerary. Distribution of sites and leisure time is subject to change.
Meal Conditions: Israeli Buffet Breakfast daily, 3 lunches, 6 Dinners & Welcome & Farewell Get-Togethers.

Accommodations:

CITY...........#NIGHTS.........HOTEL
JERUSALEM..........5..............KING DAVID (New city view)
TIBERIAS.............2.............THE GALEI KINNERET RESORT
HAIFA.................1.............DAN CARMEL –Superior Bay View
TEL AVIV.............3.............DAN HOTEL – Executive Sea View rooms
EILAT..................2.............HEROD’S EILAT