Sunday, April 5 – Israel Pilgrims • El Al flight to Israel
Monday, April 6 – When You Come Into the Land (Deut. 26:1) Arrive in Israel to be met and assisted at Ben Gurion airport by your ITC guide (today’s activities depend upon arrival time) Depart for Israel’s north Walk through the fascinating, underground Roman water system that once fed ancient Caesaria at Alona Park (strap-on water shoes needed) Visit the wonderful excavations of ancient Caesaria, including an impressive amphitheatre and aqueduct and the newly-opened multi-media center, where ancient history comes to life Hotel check-in, rest Welcome dinner at the hotel
Overnight: Tiberias
Tuesday, April 7 – In the Footsteps of Sages and Mystics Put down roots in Israeli soil by planting a tree as a family, in honor or in memory of a loved one Tour the synagogues, courtyards, and shops of the mystical city of Tzefat Go back to the time of the Mishnah with hands-on activities, including a donkey ride and period lunch in a tent, at Kfar Kedem Enjoy kayaking down the Jordan River Take a boat ride on the Kinneret and enjoy a lakeshore dinner at Decks
Overnight: Tiberias
Wednesday, April 8 – The Golan Heights Gain a deeper understanding of the Golan Heights, as you cross the Jordan River and climb by bus to the Golan. Hear the story of the most expansive land battle in the world, which took place here during the 1973 Yom Kippur War Travel through the Golan by jeep, off the beaten track, and stop to gaze down over the Galilee as the Syrians once did Travel south along Israel’s border with Jordan Stop to swim in the wondrous natural pools at Sachne, fed by underground springs Ascent to Jerusalem and shehecheyanu at Mount Scopus, where we take in a breathtaking view of the Old City of Jerusalem Hotel check-in Moving Passover Seder and sumptuous Seder feast at the hotel
Overnight: Jerusalem
Thursday, April 9 – Passover Pilgrimage in Jerusalem Passover Holiday (Yom Tov) Walk into the Old City on foot, as our ancestors did for the three pilgrimage festivals. Visit the Kotel, where the ancient Temple once stood and the holiest site to Judaism today Continue our walking tour through the Jewish quarter, the colorful Arab shuk (market) and the Old City’s Christian, Armenian, and Moslem Quarters Return to the hotel for a delicious holiday buffet lunch Free time to rest and swim Afternoon walking tour through newer Jerusalem neighborhoods near the hotel Optional: (not included) 2nd Passover Seder and sumptuous Seder feast at hotel
Overnight: Jerusalem
Friday, April 10 – Jerusalem of Old Walk alongside the Kotel’s massive foundation stones in the Kotel Tunnels Tour the Southern Wall Excavations and experience a multi-media, virtual, computerized tour of the ancient Temple at the Davidson Center Free time for lunch and shopping in the Jewish quarter Visit the bustling, colorful Machaneh Yehudah market as Jerusalem prepares for Shabbat Participate in a short and very memorable Kabbalat Shabbat service at the Western Wall Delicious Shabbat dinner at the hotel
Shabbat, April 11 – Shabbat in Jerusalem Enjoy a guided visit to the Jerusalem Museum at the Tower of David and then continue to explore the fascinating neighborhoods and markets of the Old City with your guide Free evening to enjoy Saturday night in Jerusalem
Overnight: Jerusalem
Sunday, April 12 – Digging Israel Stop at Latrun Armoured Corps Center to climb on the tanks and to learn about the battles that secured the road to Jerusalem Visit the new “Mini-Israel,” where you can see miniature replicas of a wide variety of sites throughout Israel – those you’ve seen and those you will want to see next time! Uncover actual artifacts as you participate in an ongoing archeological dig – the “Dig for a Day” program at Tel Maresha. “Cave crawl” also available for the adventurous Meet with the rabbi to go over plans for tomorrow morning’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah service
Overnight: Jerusalem
Monday, April 13 – Freedom Fighters or Fanatics? Early departure for the ascent by cable car to the mountain fortress of Masada. Tour this amazing excavation and discuss the terrible dilemma faced by its Jewish population during Roman times. Join together in Masada’s ancient synagogue for a compelling Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony Enjoy an unforgettable, unsinkable swim in the Dead Sea Walk through the beautiful Ein Gedi nature reserve and learn the stories of kings David and Saul that took place there Return to Jerusalem Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebratory dinner at the hotel
Overnight: Jerusalem
Tuesday, April 14 – Foundations of the Modern State Climb down into the amazing underground, pre-State bullet factory built by the Haganah under the noses of the British at the Ayalon Institute in Rehovot At Independence Hall in Tel Aviv, relive Ben Gurion’s moving declaration of the State Browse through unique craft items in Nahalat Binyamin’s colorful, open-air market, and see modern Tel Aviv in action Return to Jerusalem Festive holiday dinner at the hotel
Overnight: Jerusalem
Wednesday, April 15 – Concluding Yom Tov of Passover-1 Enjoy a guided walking tour of fascinating Jerusalem neighborhoods near your hotel as Jerusalem celebrates the last day of Passover Final packing Farewell (Yom Tov) dinner at the hotel Depart for the airport – the memories last forever (those departing tonight); Those remaining in Israel – Jerusalem
Thursday, April 16 – A Temporary Departure Return to the USA Begin planning your next Israel trip with ITC Tours!
OPTIONAL EXTENSION FOR THOSE OBSERVING TWO DAYS OF THE PASSOVER HOLIDAY (please contact the ITC office for prices)
Thursday, April 16 – Concluding Yom Tov of Passover-2 Spend the day at leisure, enjoying the last day of the Passover Festival in the holy city of Jerusalem Sumptuous Yom Tov lunch buffet at the hotel Late check-out from the hotel Evening: depart for the airport
Friday, April 17 – A Temporary Departure Return to the USA Begin planning your next Israel trip with ITC Tours!
