15-Day Itinerary

Day 1

USA / TEL AVIV

Flight from USA to Tel-Aviv.

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Day 2

ARRIVAL / TEL AVIV / JERUSALEM

Upon arrival, meet your guide & driver & transfer up to Jerusalem, the Holy City. Visit Rappaport’s sculpture of the “Scrolls of Fire,” located on the way to Jerusalem. Upon entering Jerusalem, honor your religious heritage reciting the “Shehecheyanu” blessing. Get together dinner at the hotel. Overnight: Hotel in Jerusalem.

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Day 3

JERUSALEM

Bar/Bat Mitzvah rehearsal with Rabbi at hotel. From the top of Mount Scopus, enjoy your first panoramic overview of Jerusalem. You will enter the Old City via the Zion Gate; walk through the restored Jewish Quarter, passing the excavated Roman Cardo. Visit the Rabbinical Tunnel & theChain of Generation. End your touring of the Jewish Quarter at the Western Wall (Wailing Wall). In the afternoon time for tree planting (optional). Visit the Time Elevator. Dinner on your own. Overnight: Hotel in Jerusalem.

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Day 4

MASADA / DEAD SEA / JERUSALEM

Begin your special Bar/Bat Mitzvah day descending through the Judean Wilderness & along the shores of the Dead Sea to Masada. Ascend by cable car to view the excavations of the Herodian palace, storerooms, bathhouse & waterworks. At the remains of ancient Masada, witness the joy of your child’s coming of age! You are our guest for lunch at one of the hotels at the Dead Sea shore where you will also be able to experience the unique sensation of a “float” in the unsinkable Dead Sea. Continue your Dead Sea adventure with a visit to Ein Gedi, the oasis of the Judean desert. Enjoy a short hike to the waterfalls. On the way back to Jerusalem, pass the caves of Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found where we will have an opportunity to ride a camel. Dinner out together. Overnight: Hotel in Jerusalem.

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Day 5

JERUSALEM

After breakfast travel to Mount Hertzel, Israel’s military cemetery, to pay respects at the tomb of Yitzhak Rabin. Visit the Hertzel Museum. Continue to Yad Vashem, Israel’s memorial to theHolocaust, for a Yizkor service & visit to the majestic Children’s Pavilion & the brand new Museum.We’ll end our visit at the Valley of Destroyed Communities. Stop at Machane Yehuda, Jerusalem’s marketplace, to share in the spirit of preparation for Shabbat & to enjoy the best falafel in the country! After dressing for Shabbat, visit the Western Wall & welcome the Shabbat. Shabbat dinner & overnight: Hotel in Jerusalem.

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Day 6

JERUSALEM

Today enjoy a walking tour of the Old City. The tour enters via the Jaffa Gate & winds through the narrow cobblestone alleys of the Christian, Moslem & Armenian Quarters. See part of the Via Dolorosa, the “way of sorrows”, on your way to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. End the walk at the Tower of David, where the Museum of the History of Jerusalem beautifully explains the 3000-year story of the city. Dinner on your own. Overnight: Hotel in Jerusalem.

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Day 7

JERUSALEM / LATRUN / TEL MARESHA

Start the day with a drive to the Hadassah Hospital Synagogue to view the famed Chagall’s stained glass windows. Depart Jerusalem & drive through the Ayalon Valley to Tel Maresha where you will have time to get “down & dirty,” as you participate in the archaeological dig. On to Latrun, the famous Independence War staging area; tour its Armor Corps Museum. Return to Jerusalem & stop at the Menorah, located next to the Knesset. Continue to the Israel Museum; visit the Shrine of the Book, housing the Dead Sea Scrolls, & stroll through the magnificent Billy Rose Sculpture Garden. Take time to view the inner dynamics of this unique location. Visit the Scale Model of Jerusalem in its new location & see the replica of Jerusalem during the 2nd Temple period. Dinner on your own. Overnight: Hotel in Jerusalem.

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Day 8

BEIT SHE’AN / BEIT ALPHA / SACHNE / TIBERIAS

Today we say goodbye to Jerusalem & drive along the Jordan Valley to the city of Beit She’an. Tour the extensive ongoing archaeological excavations in this Roman Decapolis city built next to ancient remains which figured prominently during the reign of King Saul. On to Beit Alpha; see an exquisite mosaic floor in an ancient synagogue set in a pomegranate orchard. Visit Gan Hashlosha Park Reserve; swim or simply relax enjoying the green surroundings. Check into your hotel in Tiberias. In the afternoon spend time enjoying a boat ride on Lake Kinneret. End this special day with our special Kibbutz Home Hospitality, sharing conversation & dinner with the kibbutz members. Overnight: Hotel in Tiberias.

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Day 9

SAFED / GOLAN HEIGHTS/  MT. BENTAL

This morning drive to Safed, home of the Kabala. This charming town, filled with cobblestone streets, lined with ancient synagogues & artist galleries, offers breathtaking views of the entire upper Galilee. The day continues while we explore the geo-politically vital Golan Heights by jeep! Continue by motor-coach to Mt. Bental for an observation over Kuneitra & Syria. This site will give us a wonderful perspective of the important significance of the Golan Heights. This afternoon is for fun as you river rafton the mighty Jordan. During winter time a visit to Kfar Kedem will take place instead of river rafting. Drive back along the shoreline of the Sea of Galilee, Israel’s sole source of fresh water, & one of Israel’s favorite vacation spots, to Tiberias, once a Rabbinical Scholar Center. Dinner & overnight: Hotel in Tiberias.

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Day 10

HAIFA / CAESAREA / TEL AVIV

Depart Tiberias & drive to Haifa; ascend Mount Carmel to appreciate the spectacular view of the coastline & the magnificent terraced gardens of the Bahai World Center. Continue to Caesarea to view its famous amphitheater & aqueduct. End the day in Tel Aviv. Dinner on your own. Overnight: Hotel in Tel Aviv.

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Day 11

JAFFA / REHOVOT / TEL AVIV

Visit ancient Jaffa where Jonah began his adventure with the whale. Take a short walk along the restored town. Enjoy an overview of Tel Aviv & its narrow byways filled with artist galleries & cosmopolitan shops. Drive to Rehovot & visit the Ayalon Institute (bullet factory). Return to Tel Aviv & visit Independence Hall where the state of Israel was declared by David Ben Gurion in May 1948. Tonight, enjoy a special evening as you will celebrate your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah together with our Farewell Dinner. Late check out from hotel. Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Day 12

TEL AVIV / EILAT

This morning affords the opportunity for an aerial view of Israel’s terrain as you fly from Tel Aviv to the Red Sea resort city Eilat. Upon arrival, drive to the Arava border crossing shared by Israel & Jordan. Time this afternoon to enjoy your hotel’s surroundings & sparkling waters. Dinner & overnight: Hotel in Eilat.

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Day 13

EILAT

Today everyone is invited to board a Red Sea Yacht cruise with time for snorkeling & lunch. Dinner on your own. Overnight: Hotel in Eilat.

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Day 14

EILAT / TEL AVIV

Day at leisure. Late check-out from hotel. Transfer to Eilat Airport for your flight to Tel Aviv.

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Day 15

TEL AVIV / USA

Your flight back departs after midnight. Return home filled with a treasury of family-shared memories for a lifetime! Arrive USA the same day.

*Subject to Change*

15-Day Itinerary Highlights

• • FREE land including touring for the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child (restrictions apply – available with a minimum of 3 full paying guests – includes hotels, meals, touring, bar/bat mitzvah ceremony and celebration)
  • Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparatory CDs for the celebrant
  • Ceremony rehearsal with the Rabbi or Cantor in Israel
  • Special celebratory day beginning at the ancient synagogue on top of Masada, followed by a Kiddush, luncheon at the Dead Sea, camel ride, and get-together dinner with music, cake, and candle-lighting ceremony.
  • Upon entering Jerusalem, honor your religious heritage by reciting the “Shehecheyanu” blessing.
  • Welcome Shabbat at the Western Wall
  • Chagall windows
  • Dead Sea float
  • Israel Museum
  • Special service at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum
  • Weather permitting, rafting on the Jordan River
  • Jeep ride on the Golan Heights
  • Visits to military installations (subject to security conditions)
  • Kibbutz “home hospitality”
  • Archaeological seminar and dig
  • Museum of the Diaspora
  • 3 full days in the resort city of Eilat
  • Luncheon yacht cruise on the Red Sea
  • Wedding Vow renewals (optional)
  • adult bar/bat mitzvah (optional)

15-Day Itinerary Features Included

• • FREE land including touring for the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child (restrictions apply)
  • In-depth itineraries, exceptional guides licensed by IMOT, professional drivers
  • Farewell – Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration dinner with entertainment
  • Nonstop flight on Israeli airline courier from New York – available upon request
  • 5-star deluxe, centrally located hotel accommodations
  • Assistance at Tel Aviv Airport by ITAS Representatives on arrival and departure
  • Group arrival and departure transfers in Israel by deluxe air-conditioned motor-coaches
  • Porterage, entrance fees, and hotel service charges
  • Tree planting
  • Farewell Dinner

Not Included

• • Round Trip air USA – Israel – USA
  • Airport taxes and airline surcharges (if applicable)
  • Tips to guide and driver
  • Travel insurance – (highly recommended & available at an additional cost)
  • Anything not mentioned as included

Hotel Accommodations

Enjoy 5-Star deluxe hotel accommodations which are centrally located and within walking distance of the Old City in Jerusalem and the beaches of Tel Aviv and Eilat. For additional hotel information click here.

For additional information about our Bar/Bat Mitzvah & Family tours please Contact Us.

Prices for the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Israel Tour are based on double occupancy. For a single room, the single supplement must be added.

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Deposit

A deposit of $350.00 per person, along with a completed registration form, is required to ensure your space on this Bar/Bat Mitzvah Israel tour.

15-Day Itinerary Prices

Prices are based on double occupancy.  For a single room, the single supplement must be added.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance is optional and highly recommended – available at an additional charge.

Luggage

is the responsibility of the passenger. Any/all damage or loss must be reported at time of incident and documented in writing by local authorities for submission to the insurance company.

Passports & Visas

Each passenger must have a valid passport, and it must be valid for six months after your arrival in Israel. For U.S. citizens, a visa is not required for Israel; no immunizations or vaccinations are required.

Deposit

$350 per person with reservation. Final Payment is due 60 days prior to departure.

Deviations

Any requested change in the basic program will result in a charge of $150 per person/per change plus any additional charges that may apply for revised air or land arrangements.

Airline

Airline schedules and flights are subject to change without notice. It is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure to insure adequate check-in time.

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations must be sent to ITAS in writing signed by the person who made the reservation and are effective when received by ITAS. No refunds for cancellations received after tour departure, during the tour, or for any unused portion of the tour.

Penalties for Israel Land Portion:

• • Up to 90 days prior to departure no penalty
  • From 89-61 days prior to departure date $150.00 cancellation fee
  • From 60-46 days prior to departure date $250.00 cancellation fee
  • From 45-25 days prior to departure date $500
  • From 24 days prior to departure or less, including no shows – no refund

Penalties for Air Portion:

Depending on the airline regulations. Penalties may be equal to the cost of the ticket.

Disclaimer

Israel Travel Advisory Service, LLC (ITAS) and/or its agents and their representatives abroad, act only as agents for the tour participants in making arrangements for hotels, transportation, touring, restaurants, or any other services in connection with the itinerary. They will exercise reasonable care in making such arrangements. However, they do not assume any liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity to person or property because of any act or default of any hotel, carrier, restaurant, company, or person rendering any of the services included in the tours. The tickets, coupons, tariffs, rules or contracts currently in use by any carrier, hotel, restaurant, or other contractor rendering services shall constitute the sole contract between such contractor and the tour participants.

ITAS and/or its agents and their representatives abroad, accept no responsibility for any damage, delay, or injury due to sickness, pilferage, labor disputes, machinery breakdown, government restraints, hostile acts, terrorism, weather, acts of God, or any other cause beyond their personal control. ITAS and/or its agents and their representatives abroad are not responsible for loss of or damage to your luggage, accidents en route, or ill health which may require travelers to miss parts of the tour or to return home without the group. No carrier shall be responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time tour participants are not on board its own conveyance.

The tour programs are planned in advance. If between planning time and the actual tour operation, circumstances beyond control require changes, ITAS and/or its agents and their representatives abroad reserve the right to vary itineraries and substitute components of tour programs. In the event it becomes necessary or advisable for any reason whatsoever to alter the arrangements of the itinerary, such alterations may be made without penalty to the operators. The right is reserved to accept or refuse any person as a member of the tour.