Sunday, June 7 – Arrival in Tel Aviv – Tour Begins
Welcome to Israel! Upon arrival, you’ll make your way to our hotel on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea in Tel Aviv for the beginning of our amazing journey. Tel Aviv is one of the most vibrant cities in the world. The ‘Mediterranean Capital of Cool,’ Tel Aviv is a 24-hour city with a unique pulse, combining sandy Mediterranean beaches with a world-class nightlife, a buzzing cultural scene, incredible food, UNESCO recognized architecture and an international outlook. Tonight, we’ll have a Welcome Orientation, followed by a group dinner as we celebrate the beginning of this amazing journey together. (D)
Monday, June 8 – Tel Aviv
After a group breakfast at the hotel, we set out to examine the struggles leading to the birth of the State of Israel. Join a Palmach unit at the multi-media Palmach Museum dedicated to this elite force of the pre-State Haganah and learn about this part of history through a fascinating personal story. After, we will stand in solemn memory at Rabin Square where Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated in 1995. This afternoon, dive into a culinary tour and lunch tastings at Tel Aviv’s colorful Levinsky Market to taste the vibrant and local flavors of Israel. Later, learn the stories of the early pioneers of the Tel Aviv area with a walking tour through historic Neveh Tzedek, the first Jewish neighborhood built outside of Old Jaffa over 120 years ago. This evening is free to enjoy Tel Aviv, Israel’s “City that Never Sleeps.” We will have dinner recommendations so you can eat with others from the group or explore at your own pace. (B, L)
Tuesday, June 9 – Tel Aviv
This morning, explore Old Jaffa with its artist’s galleries and thousands of years of history. Choose between a Segway or bicycle as we head out for a tour along the Jaffa and Tel Aviv coast to take in the beauty of this gorgeous area. We’ll see examples of unique Bauhaus Architecture, with Tel Aviv boasting one of the best-preserved collections in the world, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. This afternoon, enjoy shopping time and lunch on your own at the Nahalat Binyamin Crafts Market and Carmel Shuk before relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Tel Aviv just outside our hotel. Tonight is yours to explore Tel Aviv with a free evening and dinner. We’ll be offering some suggestions for some fun neighborhoods to discover with others from the group. (B)
Wednesday, June 10 – Tel Aviv – Haifa – Galilee
This morning we’ll head to Caesarea, the ancient Roman capital and port with its dramatic theater overlooking the sea. Here, we will examine the complex relationships between the Roman pagan world and Jews and Judaism during the Second Temple Period and beyond that continues to resonate today. We will ascend to the top of Mount Carmel for dramatic views of Haifa and the Bahai Gardens. Haifa is the world center of the Bahai faith. Later, we’ll visit Akko, a mixed Arab-Jewish city with Jewish, Muslim and Christian communities. Here, we explore the underground remains of the Crusader era city and the colorful outdoor market. Continue to Pekiin and learn about the continuous Jewish presence in this predominantly Druze Arab town. This evening, we have the unique opportunity to have a traditional Druze dinner and meet members of the community while learning about Druze culture. (B, D)
Thursday, June 11 – Galilee – Tzfat – Galilee
Hop into jeeps and head up to the Golan Heights in the far north east of Israel to see Israel’s border with Syria. In this region, we will take a tour and taste local wines at the award winning Golan Heights Winery. This afternoon, we continue to Tzfat, City of the Jewish Mystics. Explore the narrow alleyways and synagogues of Tzfat and learn how the mystical traditions that emerged here 500 years ago continue to impact the Jewish world. Meet a Kabalistic artist in his studio and learn about Kabalah via the lens of art. We will have time to explore the galleries and shops of Tzfat before enjoying local flavors and each other’s company at a group dinner. (B, L, D)
Friday, June 12 – Galilee – Jerusalem
This morning, spend time with Kibbutz member and learn about changes in Kibbutz life over the years. We will learn about life on a border Kibbutz and meet IDF Soldiers guarding Israel’s borders before heading to Israels border with Lebanon. This afternoon, ascend to Jerusalem and celebrate our arrival with a shehechiyanu and the magnificent views of the city from the Haas Promenade. This evening, you are in for a heartwarming and emotional experience as we head to the Old City to join thousands in greeting Shabbat with song, dance and prayer at the Kotel (Western Wall). Tonight, experience Israeli hospitality with a Shabbat dinner in a local home. (B, D)
Saturday, June 13 – Jerusalem
This morning is left free to experience Shabbat at a leisurely pace. Midmorning, we will take a walk to the Old City to visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher where you can consider the Christian connection to Jerusalem. We will explore the restored Old City Jewish Quarter together and examine the life of the city through the ages. Lunch and free time for shopping and exploring are scheduled this afternoon at the colorful Arab Shuk or spend a few hours relaxing at the hotel pool, exploring the city on your own or an optional visit to the Israel Museum or Tower of David Museum. This evening, join the group for a dramatic sunset walk along the Ramparts of Jerusalem followed by an Amazing Journeys Havdallah service to mark the end of Shabbat. This evening is at leisure to enjoy dinner on your own in Jerusalem. (B)
Sunday, June 14 – Jerusalem
Today, we visit and stand in solemn memory at Israel’s Yad Vashem. This powerful Holocaust memorial is dedicated to preserving the memory of the victims, honoring Jews who fought against their Nazi oppressors and Gentiles who selflessly aided Jews in need. This afternoon, step back 3000 years to the days of King David and the First Temple at the latest archaeological finds at the City Of David (the original Jerusalem). Walk through the water systems built thousands of years ago to secure Jerusalem’s water supply from invading armies and head underground at the Old City Kotel Tunnels where we’ll learn about the Temple experience. We will have time for private prayer, photography and contemplation time at the Kotel (Western Wall) before an evening of leisure in Jerusalem. (B)
Monday, June 15 – Jerusalem – Dead Sea – Jerusalem
This morning we travel to the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth. Take a cable car up to the top of Masada where the last Jewish freedom fighters faced the mighty Roman Empire 2000 years ago. Masada is a rugged natural fortress overlooking the Dead Sea that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will have the option of descend Masada either by cable car or walking down the Snake Path. Next, we head to the Dead Sea where you can float in the incredibly salty water and cover yourself in mineral rich mud – a true Israeli experience! Later, visit Ethiopian Israeli Jews in their home and hear the remarkable stories of their long trek home from Africa to Israel. This evening, return to the hotel. Then join with the group for our Farewell Dinner with a chance to taste a variety of Israeli wines. (B, L, D)
Tuesday, June 16 – Jerusalem – Tour Ends
On our last morning, we will have breakfast at the hotel and check out as a group before an exciting scavenger hunt in Jerusalem followed by lunch on your own at the Mahaneh Yehudah Market. Afterwards, some will leave for the airport and fly home while others continue on with us to the Eilat-Petra extension. (B)
Our Hotels
Day 1-3 Carlton Hotel, Tel Aviv
Day 4-5 Pastoral Hotel – Kibbutz Kfar Blum, Upper Galilee
Day 6-9 Dan Panorama Hotel, Jerusalem
Please note:
Alternate hotels may be used.
The order of the tour may be change.
This tour requires average physical activity. You should be in good health, be able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven grounds and cobblestone streets.
| Rates |
Double |
Single |
|
$3999* |
$5399* |
*Pay second deposit and final payment by check and receive a $100 reduction in price.
A deposit of $600 is due with your reservation. A second deposit of 50% of the tour cost is due by January 29, 2020. Full payment is due May 1, 2020.
Roommate matching available.
Rates are subject to change based on availability.
These rates are based on an all-inclusive, custom-designed package that differs from offerings seen in public advertising. We are unable to make any of our package components available to anyone who is not part of our Amazing Journeys group.
Pre-Night Stay in Tel Aviv (June 6): For those who want to arrive prior to the start of the tour, we have a limited number of rooms held at our group hotel. Please note – there will be no Amazing Journeys staff present nor will there be programming on these days. We are not able to match roommates for extra night stays. Rates include taxes and breakfast.
Double Occupancy: $239 per person
Single Occupancy: $399
Items listed on this website are subject to change at any time. By providing payment you agree to the terms and conditions as outlined on this website.
Cancellation Policy:From the time of deposit until November 21, 2019, there is a $100 penalty for cancellation. From November 22, 2019 – January 30, 2020, the cancellation penalty is the amount of the deposit including the post-tour. From January 31 – May 3, 2020, the cancellation penalty is 50% of the package price including the post-tour. From May 4, 2020 until the day of travel, the cancellation penalty is 100% of the total package price.
Travel Protection: Amazing Journeys recommends you purchase Travel Protection. Information will be sent with your trip confirmation.
Flights: Airfare is not included. We will send each guest a confirmation once the trip is reserved which will have flight parameters. You will fly into and out of Tel Aviv (TLV). It is important that you not purchase airfare until you receive a confirmation letter from Amazing Journeys which will contain specific flight parameters.
Transfers: The meeting location for the tour begins and ends at our starting and ending hotels. Transfers from and to the airport are not included. For those on the post-tour to Petra, our tour ends at the Tel Aviv airport. Further details will be provided in the weeks prior to the tour departure.
Taxes and Gratuities: All taxes and gratuities have been included in the cost of the tour package. These include gratuities for baggage handling (one bag per person), tour guide, specialty guides, drivers and meal servers for included meals.
Passport and Visa: A valid passport is required. Passports must be valid for six months beyond the last day of the trip. There are no visas required for entrance into Israel at this time from the following countries: US, UK, Canada and Australia. Please note that visa requirements are subject to change at any time and it is up to the individual traveler to be aware of these requirements. Travelers coming from any other country should check with an Israeli Embassy in their own country for the current requirements. A visa is required for Jordan and is included with the cost of the tour. This visa can be obtained at the border crossing for citizens of most countries including the US, UK, Canada and Australia. If the cost of the visa goes up more than 3% of the current price, we reserve the right to collect the differential.
Exchange Rate: In the case of currency fluctuations of greater than 3%, we reserve the right to adjust our pricing accordingly in order that we may be able to operate the tour effectively.
This tour is operated by Keshet
