Shalom and Yassou!

28 Days Israel and Greek Islands Discovery

June 21 - July 18, 2010.

This price includes:

• Airfare from New York
• A full itinerary every day - from Dan to Eilat
• Participation of Israeli peers
• Kosher food in Israel only
• 5 Days in Rhodes

Monday, June 21, 2010 - The Journey begins
Gather with your cool tour-mates and start making friends at the airport
Depart on your flight to Tel Aviv

Tuesday, June 22, 2010 - Welcome Home
Shalom and Welcome Home!
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport and meet your Tour Educator
Ascend to Jerusalem and pause at a vantage point overlooking the city to say Shehehianu, a prayer of thanks that Jews have been saying for thousands of years upon seeing Jerusalem
Enter the Old City for a spiritual visit to the Western Wall
Opening sessions and icebreaking activities to get to know the other participants
Overnight: Jerusalem

Wednesday, June 23, 2010 - King David's City
Start the day at the Israel Museum to see the model of Jerusalem from the Second Temple period and the Dead Sea Scrolls, housed in the dramatic Shrine of the Book.
Walk the Old City Wall Promenade from the Jaffa to Zion Gates. Visit Mt Zion and the Tomb of King David, founder of Jerusalem.
Enter the Old City through Zion Gate as Jewish Warriors have done for generations. Descend the Western Hill to the City of David, where it all began. Enjoy a wet walk through Hezekiah Tunnel, dug in biblical times
In the evening: interactive map activities
Overnight: Jerusalem area

Thursday, June 24, 2010 - Around Town
Start the day with a view of the city from atop Mount Scopus; hear the story of the Hadassah Hospital and Hebrew University which remained as an Israeli enclave after the War of Independence until the Six Days War in 1967.
Continue the morning performing community service activities in Jerusalem. View the Hadassah Hospital in Ein Kerem
Afternoon enjoy a short hike to the Sataf Springs to learn about Biblical Mountain Agriculture
Pause at the Harel Mall to enjoy kosher McDonalds, KFC and Pizza Hut
In the evening enjoy a session on Israel's Hi-Tech success story
Overnight: Jerusalem

Friday, June 25, 2010 - Jerusalem prepares for the Shabbat
Start the day by returning to the Old City of Jerusalem
Enter the Jewish Quarter and take in some highlights of the Jewish Quarter such as the Cardo and the Broad Wall (First Temple period).
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
Shabbat evening programs
Overnight: Jerusalem

Saturday, June 26, 2010 - 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 and the mysterious Western Wall Tunnels that stretch under the Old City (pending confirmation)
Overnight: Jerusalem

Sunday, June 27, 2010 - 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 ice-breaking and "getting-to-know-you" activities and games at the place where David fought Goliath!
Explore the Bar Kochba caves at Midras - these caves were used as hideouts from the Romans during Bar Kochba 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: A Bedouin Tent deep in the desert

Monday, June 28, 2010 - 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 was known for his dream to turn the desert green.
In the evening, a nature hike in the desert to see the nocturnal wildlife.
Overnight: Sde Boker area

Tuesday, June 29, 2010 - Deep in the desert
In the morning view the Ramon Crater - one of the moist 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, June 30, 2010 - 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 1, 2010 - Climbing and floating
This may be the coolest day on your trip!
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 2, 2010 - Brothers and Sisters
After your first night in an Israeli home, and a home-cooked breakfast, the group will gather for a tour of your friend's hometown. You can see their school, mall, places they hang-out and shop and get a feel for their life.
Then head to the beach for a chance to relax and swim in the Mediterranean Sea
Return home and join your host family and experience what a typical Israeli family does on Erev Shabbat
Overnight: With Host Families.

Saturday, July 3, 2010 - Shabbat at home
Today will be spent with your Israeli friends and their families. Some may chose to go to the beach and others relax ant home or go on a picnic. Anything they do, we are sure you will have fun!
Overnight: With Host Families

Sunday, July 4, 2010 - Mediterranean Shores
Say goodbye to your new Israeli friends as you continue on your trip.
Pause at the Druze village of Ossafia for lunch in a local home and to learn more about this unique minority who are loyal to the State of Israel
Enjoy a swim in the Mediterranean at Hof Dor, one of Israel's most interesting and fun!
View Haifa from atop Mt. Carmel
Enjoy an evening tour to learn about Kibbutz life and how children are raised differently on a Kibbutz.
Overnight: a Kibbutz in the Galilee

Monday, July 5, 2010 - Go Golan!
Ascend the Golan Heights and drive to the Mount Bental viewpoint and view deep into Syria and the Ghost Town of Quneitra
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: a Kibbutz in the Galilee

Tuesday, July 6, 2010 - 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 Hayarden
Sway to the beat of a drummers circle into the night.
Overnight: Camping out in the Galilee

Wednesday, July 7, 2010 - Northern Exposure
Start the day with a hike down the near vertical Arbel Cliffs to see the magnificent vistas, of the Sea of Galilee
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 8, 2010 - 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
Meet your relatives of friends for and depart for the weekend!

Friday, July 9, 2010 - Saturday
Today will be spent with your Israeli relatives and/or friends. Some may chose to go to the beach and others relax at home or go on a picnic. Anything they do, we are sure you will have fun!

Sunday, July 10, 2010 - Rhodes!
Meet at Ben Gurion Airport and fly off to Rhodes
Check in to tour hotel and hit the beach!
Overnight: Rhodes

Monday, July 11, 2010 - Sun and Fun
Relax by the pool, or on the beach
Participate in sporting activities and games at the hotel
Overnight: Rhodes

Tuesday, July 12, 2010 - 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, July 13, 2010 - Sailing the seas
Enjoy a day excursion to Symi or another Island by boat
Overnight: Rhodes

Thursday, July 14, 2010 - Greece is the word...
Morning by the pool Fly to Ben Gurion Airport
Overnight: Jerusalem area

Friday, July 15, 2010 - Remembrance
Social Activities and rest
Kabbalat Shabbat
Overnight: Jerusalem area

Saturday, July 16, 2010 - Shabbat Shalom
Time to relax by the pool
Closing sessions and summation: "What did this trip mean to me?"
Farewell dinner
Drive to Ben Gurion Airport

Sunday, July 17, 2010 - 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. The visit to Yad Vashem emphasizes that Israel exists in spite of the Holocaust, and not because of it.
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
Drive to Ben Gurion Airport

Monday, July 18, 2010 - Shalom U'lehitraot
Depart Israel; arrive in the US the same day