The price includes: June 30 - August 5, 2011
Dates are subject to confirmation



Thursday, June 30, 2011 - On our way…

• Depart on your way to London

Friday, July 1, 2011 – London Calling

• Arrive in London
• Orientation Tour: Pass the famous London landmarks including, The Houses of Parliament, Piccadilly Circus and more.
• Visit Madam Tussauds Wax Museum and take photos with the stars!
• Kabbalat Shabbat

Overnight: London

Saturday, July 2, 2011 – The Royal Treatment

• Enjoy a walking tour of London
• Start at Hyde Park and continue to Wellington Arch
• Next view Buckingham Palace, residence of Queen Elizabeth and the Royals!
• If we get lucky, we may get a glimpse of the Changing of the Guard!
• Continue to St James Park, Westminster Abbey, Westminster and Big Ben
• Walk along the Thames embankment
• Visit the Tower of London – a thousand years of Kings, Queens, Traitors and magnificent Crown Jewels. Explore the dungeons and stand on the execution site of 3 English Queens!
• Havdallah
• Sail to the London Eye and ride the giant Ferris-wheel, for a magnificent view of the city

Overnight: London

Sunday, July 3, 2011 – Synagogues and Spires

• Start the day with a visit to the Jewish quarter of London. Visit the famous Bevis Marks synagogue and hear stories of famous English Jews such as the former Prime Minister Disraeli
• Visit Windsor Castle, an official residence of the Queen and the oldest inhabited castle in the world
• Onward to Oxford – the University City (and see where they filmed parts of Harry Potter!)

Overnight: London

Monday, July 4, 2011 – Crossing the Channel

• Depart London for Dover making a stop at Leeds Castle, a special blend of heritage, beautiful grounds and conservation. Explore the maze and search for the secret underground grotto!
• Cross the English Channel from Dover to Calais by ferry
• Pause in Calais, for a ceremony commemorating the Normandy Landings and the liberation of Europe in World War II.
• Drive through the French and Belgian countryside’s to the picturesque city of Bruges, Belgium. Known as the “Venice of the North”, Bruges is a splendid medieval city of quaint lanes and quiet canals.
• Relax in the uniquely beautiful square lined with antique buildings and colorful cafes
• Enjoy a walking tour of Bruges by night.

Overnight: Bruges

Tuesday, July 5, 2011 – Big and Small

• Depart Bruges for Brussels, the capital of Belgium.
• Visit Grand Place, the magnificent medieval square in the heart of Brussels.
• See the Manneken Pis for a glimpse of Belgian humor. Stop for a short visit at the Great Synagogue built in 1879 and left untouched during World War II.
• Travel to Amsterdam passing by Antwerp, one of the largest diamond centers in the world. The city has a large Hassidic population where 90% work in the diamond industry.
• Stop in The Hague, the old Royal and government city of the Netherlands where Queen Beatrix lives and works. It is also the site of the International Court of Justice. Visit the miniature city of Madurodam and see models of canal houses in Amsterdam. View working windmills, boats traversing the harbor and trains crisscrossing this mini-city.
• Continue to Amsterdam, the city of canals, dykes, chocolate and cheese. Truly one of the most colorful cities in Europe.

Overnight: Amsterdam Region

Wednesday, July 6, 2011 – Amsterdam

• Enjoy a full day in Amsterdam
• Visit the Anne Frank House, a city tour with a visit to the Jewish Quarter, the Portuguese Synagogue, and the Van Gogh Museum.
• Cruise along the famous canals while gazing up at Renaissance buildings and other highlights.

Overnight: Amsterdam Region

Thursday, July 7, 2011 – Dutch Treat

• Drive into the pastoral Dutch countryside to Zaanse Schans to see a typical Dutch town with green wooden houses, exquisite gardens and historic windmills.
• Continue to Volendam a picturesque fishing village and lovely harbor.
• Enjoy an authentic Dutch cultural experience – a bike ride along the canals!
• Visit a wooden shoe factory. The Dutch invented wooden shoes to walk the muddy lands they reclaimed from the sea!

Overnight: Amsterdam Region

Friday, July 8, 2011 – The City of Light

• Depart Amsterdam for Paris
• In the afternoon, take a city tour of Paris. See the highlights of the city of lights! Ascend the Eiffel Tower – symbol of Paris
• Cruise along the Seine River
  Kabbalat Shabbat

Overnight: Paris

Saturday, July 9, 2011 – A Parisian Shabbat

• Optional Shabbat morning services
• Walking tour of Paris, starting with the Tuileries Garden and Place de la Concorde
• Pass the hotel where Theodor Herzl wrote “The Jewish State” and hear about the notorious case of Alfred Dreyfus
• Walk the Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe.
• Havdallah
• Find your way to Montmartre, the highest hill in Paris for dinner and a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.

Overnight: Paris

Sunday, July 10, 2011 – Art and Life

• Visit Versailles – the magnificent palace built by Louis XIV. See the gorgeous gardens, sparkling fountains, splendid buildings and monuments.
• In the afternoon visit the Louvre – an ancient palace filled with priceless art including the famous Mona Lisa. See the sites made famous in Dan Brown’s controversial book “The Da Vinci Code”.
• Tour the Jewish Quarter, known as Pletzel and Rue des Rosiers. Walk the narrow ancient street lined with Jewish restaurants, synagogues, bakeries, and bookstores.
• Festive farewell dinner

Overnight: Paris

Monday, July 11, 2011 – Leavin' on a Jet Plane & Welcome Home

• Drive to the airport
• Depart for the US or for Israel, arrive the same day
• Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport and meet your Tour Educator
• Have a welcome ceremony and plant a tree as a token of blessing for the land in Neot Kedumim.
• Opening sessions and icebreaking activities to get to know the other participants

Overnight: Jerusalem Hills

Tuesday, July 12, 2011 – The City That Never Sleeps

• Head to Tel Aviv for a short city tour of this Hebrew speaking metropolis
• Pause at Rabin Square to remember
• Relive history as you visit Independence Hall where the State of Israel was born
• Stroll the Nahalat Binyamin arts and crafts fair, trendy Shenkin Street and the colorful Carmel Market

Overnight: Jerusalem Hills

Wednesday, July 13, 2011 – King David’s City

• Start the day at a vantage point over looking the Old city of Jerusalem (Haas Promenade) Imagine Abraham and Isaac walking in the same place on their way to Mt. Moriah.
• Visit Mt Zion and the sites on it, sacred to the 3 religions.
• Enter the Old City through Zion Gate.
• Descend the Western Hill to the City of David, where it all began. Enjoy a wet walk through Hezekiah Tunnel, dug in biblical times
• Visit the Kotel for a moment of prayer and personal reflection.
• In the evening: interactive map activities

Overnight: Jerusalem Hills

Thursday, July 14, 2011 – Around Town

• Start your day with a walk on the Old City Ramparts towards the Jewish Quarter.
• Enter the Jewish Quarter and take in some highlights of the Jewish Quarter such as the Cardo and the Broad Wall (First Temple period).
• Explore the mysterious Western Wall Tunnels that stretch under the Old City
• In the afternoon perform community service activities in Jerusalem.
• In the evening enjoy a session on Israel’s Hi-Tech success story

Overnight: Jerusalem

Friday, July 15, 2011 – Jerusalem Prepares for the Shabbat

• Afternoon enjoy a short hike to the Sataf Springs to learn about Biblical Mountain Agriculture
• See Jerusalem prepare for Shabbat with a visit to the colorful Machne Yehuda Market – a riot of sounds and smells, from fruit to Arab coffee to flowers to spices to fresh Challah being baked for Shabbat
• Time to relax and get ready for Shabbat
• Join thousands of Jews from around the world as they welcome the Shabbat with joy and passion at the Western Wall
• Festive Shabbat dinner and Shabbat evening programs

Overnight: Jerusalem

Saturday, July 16, 2011 – Shabbat Jerusalem Style

• Optional Shabbat Services at the hotel
• Enjoy a scavenger hunt of Jerusalem neighborhoods to see hidden treasures not often noticed. On this interactive program we pull back the veil on the history, architecture and some urban legends surrounding the neighborhood.
• Havdallah
• After dinner, enjoy a unique Jerusalem by night tour including Ben Yehuda Street

Overnight: Jerusalem

Sunday, July 17, 2011 – Companions, Caves and Camels

• Today you get to meet the cool Israelis who will join you for the week
• Head to Tel Azeka for some icebreaking and “getting-to-know-you” activities and games at the place where David fought Goliath!
• Explore the Bar Kochba's caves at Midras – these caves were used as hideouts from the Romans during Bar Kochba's Revolt.
• Head to a Bedouin encampment and climb on your camel for a trek deep into the desert
• Tonight enjoy a traditional Bedouin Hafla (feast) before spending the night in the Bedouin Tent!

Overnight: Bedouin Tent

Monday, July 18, 2011 – Desert Delights

• Today will be spent exploring the desert
• Learn about desert survival, how to survive the sun, heat and lack of water
• Enjoy a hike to Ein Avdat to see a genuine desert oasis hidden in the winding cliffs of the Paran Desert
• Head to David Ben Gurion’s grave. The first Prime Minister and founder of Israel who was known for his dream to turn the desert green.
• Back to the Hotel for some time off and swimming pool time.
• In the evening, a nature hike in the desert to see the nocturnal wildlife.

Overnight: Out Door Camping Site, Sde Boker Area

Tuesday, July 19, 2011 – Deep in the Desert

• In the morning view the Ramon Crater – one of the most magnificent sights you’ll ever see, since these kinds of craters only exist in Israel!
• Head south to Eilat – Israel’s answer to Cancun and South Beach!
• Explore the city, the Mall and the seaside promenade lined with stalls
• Relax on the beach and swim in the Red Sea!
• In the evening enjoy a disco cruise on the blue waters of the Red Sea

Overnight: Eilat

Wednesday, July 20, 2011 – Having Eilat of Fun!

• Start the day with a hike up Mount Tzfachot – view into Sinai and the surrounding 4 countries: Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Israel, and discuss the benefits and drawbacks of Israel’s geographical location
• Snorkel on a coral reef and let the vividly colorful marine wildlife have a good look at you
• Late afternoon depart Eilat and head to Arad
• In the evening enjoy a preparation session on Massada

Overnight: Arad.

Thursday, July 21, 2011 – Climbing and floating

• Very early morning start climbing Massada for a spectacular sunrise. This is inspirational stuff.
• Tour the site, once the luxurious desert retreat of King Herod the Great and later the last stronghold of Jewish rebels, holing out against the Romans.
• Hike down the infamous Snake Path, named so because of its many twists and turns)
• Stop for lunch and swim (float) in the Dead Sea. The weightlessness you experience is because of the high content of salts and minerals in the water. You can’t sink! You can cover yourself in the mineral rich mud that is good for your skin!
• Head to the center of the country and meet your Israeli friends’ family. You will be spending the next 2 days with them, living like an Israeli

Overnight: With host families

Friday, July 22, 2011 – Brothers and Sisters

• After your first night in an Israeli home, and a home-cooked breakfast, spend time touring your Israeli friend’s hometown. You can see their school, mall, places they hang-out and shop and get a feel for their life.
• Return home and join your host family to experience what a typical Israeli family does on Erev Shabbat

Overnight: With Host Families.

Saturday, July 23, 2011 – Shabbat at Home

• Today will be spent with your Israeli friends and their families. Some may chose to go to the beach and others will relax at home or go on a picnic. Anything they do, we are sure you will have fun!

Overnight: With Host Families

Sunday, July 24, 2011 – Mediterranean Shores

• Say goodbye to your new Israeli friends as you continue on your trip.
• Pause at the Druze village of Ossafiyah for lunch in a local home and to learn more about this unique minority who are loyal to the State of Israel
• View Haifa from atop Mt. Carmel
• Enjoy a swim in the Mediterranean at Hof Dor, one of Israel’s most interesting and fun!
• Cross the lush Galilee to the Sea of Galilee area

Overnight: Kibbutz in the Galilee

Monday, July 25, 2011 – Go Golan!

• Ascend the Golan Heights and drive to the Mount Bental viewpoint and view deep into Syria and the Ghost Town of Kuneitra
• Enjoy a nature hike along one of the streams that crisscross the Golan – prepare to get wet as you do!
• Pause at Tel Faher and hear about Israel’s master spy, Eli Cohen. In the evening enjoy a Kumzitz (Bonfire) party

Overnight: Kibbutz in the Galilee

Tuesday, July 26, 2011 – Kabbalah and Kef (fun)

• Start the day in Zfat, city of mystical Judaism (Kabbalah). Explore the narrow alleyways lined with ancient synagogues and artists' galleries.
• Descend to the Sea of Galilee for fun and swim – that makes the 4th sea you have swam in this trip!
• End the day at the camping site of Park Ha'yarden
• Sway to the beat of a drummers circle into the night.

Overnight: Camping out in "Park Hayarden" Camping Site

Wednesday, July 27, 2011 – Northern Exposure

• Start the day with a hike down the near vertical Arbel Cliffs to see the magnificent vistas, of the Sea of Galilee (pending weather conditions)
• Continue the day enjoying a Kayaking adventure down the Jordan River. Splash into the river at the end of a zip-line and enjoy a Pizza party
• In the late afternoon, depart for Tel Aviv
• This evening head to the ancient port of Jaffa to hear about it many visitors – Jonah and his whale, Andromeda, Napoleon – and now YOU!

Overnight: Tel Aviv

Thursday, July 28, 2011 – (Israel Only) – Remembrance

• Ascend to Jerusalem to visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Site. Experience the museum, the Children’s Memorial, the Valley of the Communities and the Boulevard of the Righteous among the Nations.
• Continue to Mount Herzl to see the graves of Herzl, Golda Meir, Yitzhak Rabin and other Zionist luminaries as well as graves of Fallen Israeli Soldiers.
• Farewell visit to the Wall
• Closing sessions and summation: "What did this trip mean to me?"
• Meet your relatives or friends and depart for the weekend!

Overnight – Relatives and Friends in Israel

Friday, July 29, 2011 – Relatives and Friends

• Today will be spent with your Israeli relatives and/or friends. Some may chose to go to the beach and others will relax at home or go on a picnic. Anything they do, we are sure you will have fun!

Overnight – Relatives and Friends in Israel

Saturday, July 30 2011 – Shabbat Family Style

• Enjoy a relaxing Shabbat with your Israeli relatives and/or friends. Every Shabbat is followed with fun filled Motzei Shabbat, experience the evening out!

Overnight – Relatives and Friends in Israel

Important Note Regarding Family Style Weekend: We understand that not all participants will have relatives or friends in Israel in which they can spend this weekend with. For those participants, Oranim will offer complete programming at an additional cost to be determined at a date close to the program.

Sunday, July 31, 2011 – Greece - Rhodes!

• Meet at Ben Gurion Airport and fly off to Rhodes
• Check in to tour hotel and hit the beach!

Overnight: Rhodes Monday, August 1, 2011 – Sun and Fun

• Relax by the pool, or on the beach
• Participate in sporting activities and games at the hotel

Overnight: Rhodes

Tuesday, August 2, 2011 – Heritage and History

• Visit the Rhodes Jewish Museum at the Kahal Shalom synagogue for a program
• Explore Rhodes City to see the Palace of the Prince Grand Master and hear about the Island’s connection with the Templers.
• Wander through Rhodes City picturesque alleyways and shops.
• Afternoon on the beach!

Overnight: Rhodes

Wednesday, August 3, 2011 – Sailing the Seas

• Enjoy a day cruise along the island beaches; take a break for a swim at exciting sites along the cruise

Overnight: Rhodes

Thursday, August 4, 2011 – Greece is the Word…

• Spend the morning by the pool
• Depart for the airport and fly to Ben Gurion Airport
• Upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport transfer to your departure gate for your return flight

Friday, August 5, 2011 – Arrival
Arrive safely at your final destination