{"id":1249,"date":"2013-02-02T20:49:50","date_gmt":"2013-02-02T20:49:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.highlightstoursofisrael.com\/?p=1249"},"modified":"2022-11-15T14:13:01","modified_gmt":"2022-11-15T14:13:01","slug":"past-to-the-future-the-highlights-of-the-jewish-state-12-days","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.highlightstourofisrael.com\/?p=1249","title":{"rendered":"Past to the Future tour – The Highlights tour of the Jewish State – 13 days"},"content":{"rendered":"

Day 1 \u2013 Thursday, Arrival<\/strong><\/p>\n

Our representative will meet you after passport control upon your arrival to Ben Gurion Airport, assisting as you pick up your luggage and head out for the transfer to your hotel.<\/p>\n

Check in at the hotel in Tel Aviv.<\/p>\n

Overnight: Tel Aviv<\/p>\n

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Day 2 \u2013 Friday, Tel Aviv tour<\/strong><\/p>\n

Our first day of touring will begin immediately after breakfast. An interesting walking tour of Tel Aviv and Jaffa<\/strong> is ahead of us. We will start on Rothschild<\/strong>Boulevard<\/strong>, where we will see Tel Aviv’s beautiful Bauhaus style architecture, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. <\/strong>Amongst the buildings will be the newly renovated Independence Hall, <\/strong>the site commemorating the declaration of the founding of the state of Israel on the 14th<\/sup> of May 1948. We will continue on to Neve Tzedek<\/strong> \u2013 Tel Aviv\u2019s very first neighborhood. The next stop will be Jaffa<\/strong>, the world\u2019s oldest port city, for a view of the old city and its well known artist\u2019s colony.<\/p>\n

To end our day, you will enjoy free time at one of Tel Aviv\u2019s busiest areas on Friday afternoons \u2013 the Nahalat Binyamin Crafts Fair<\/strong> and Carmel Outdoor Market<\/strong> – for great sounds, smells and of course, great shopping!<\/p>\n

Overnight: Tel Aviv<\/p>\n

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Day 3 \u2013 Saturday, Free time<\/strong><\/p>\n

Day at leisure in Tel Aviv<\/p>\n

Overnight: Tel Aviv<\/p>\n

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Day 4 \u2013 Sunday, Travel to the North<\/strong><\/p>\n

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and drive to Rehovot<\/strong>. Our first stop will be at the Weizmann Institute<\/strong> which played a key role in the development of the state. We will enjoy the new, amazing presentation of high technology and see the mansion house of Haim Weizmann, the first president of Israel. We will then continue to Caesarea<\/strong>, built over 2000 years ago by King Herod the Great, which served as a key Mediterranean port for centuries. Hear about Caesarea’s role in Jewish history, including its part in the Great Revolt of AD66, and interact with three-dimensional historical figures that come to life using cutting-edge technology. Onwards to the Carmel Mountain<\/strong> range to visit Zichron Yaacov<\/strong> for a stroll through the historic streets of one of the earliest settlements from Israel\u2019s first immigration period. Then visit the Atlit Detainee Camp<\/strong>, telling the heroic story of the struggle of Jewish immigrants at the detention centre established by the authorities of the British Mandate in the 1930s. Finally, we are on to Haifa<\/strong> – Israel’s major port city, with a stop at the Louis Promenade<\/strong> for a great view of the Haifa Bay and the beautiful Baha’i Gardens. Overnight: Haifa<\/p>\n

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Day 5 \u2013 Monday, Tzfat and the Galilee<\/strong><\/p>\n

Check out after an Israeli breakfast in the hotel. Our journey will begin with a drive through the mountain ranges and valleys which extend from the west to the east of the Galilee <\/strong>region. Visit a Galilee Winery<\/strong> for an Israeli wine-tasing tour, and to get an up close and personal view of the wine production process. We will continue to Rosh Pina<\/strong>, originally founded in 1878 by a group of ultra-orthodox Jews intending to become farmers, with the support of Baron Edmund de Rothschild. Rosh Pina is one of Israel\u2019s oldest colonies but today boasts a small town known for great restaurants, caf\u00e9s and art galleries. Drive up to Safed (Tzfat)<\/strong>, where we will walk through ancient sections of the city and hear stories of the Kabbalists and their ancient synagogues. Our Tzfat tour will end with a visit to its famous artists\u2019 colony where we will meet a Kabala artist and learn about his special techniques and context. In the afternoon, we will visit the beautiful Hula Valley<\/strong>, Israel\u2019s first Nature Reserve. The HaHula Tourism Complex<\/strong> is located at the center of the Hula Valley and is considered to be one of the world’s most important centers for bird watching and ornithology. Overnight: Kibbutz hotel<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Day 6 \u2013 Tuesday, Adventure Day<\/strong><\/p>\n

This touring day will give you an opportunity to enjoy the north of Israel in a unique and exciting way. We will start our day by driving up into the Golan Heights<\/strong> to Mitzpe Gadot<\/strong>, which once served as a Syrian base, commanding a spectacular view of the Hula Valley and kibbutzim below. Visit Golan Magic<\/strong>, an entertaining 3-D multi-media adventure viewed on a 180-degree screen. After the film, walk through a giant model of the Golan Heights, the largest of its kind in the world, accompanied by special narration, sound and light effects. We will then walk through The Golan Olive Oil Mill<\/strong> and Visitor Center, a uniquely-designed building with ancient ambience, as your guide explains the olive oil production process, including the evolution from antique tools to modern machinery. We will finish the first half of the day with a visit to Mount Bental<\/strong>, a beautiful spot for a panoramic view of the Upper Galilee, the Golan Heights, Mount Hermon and Syria.<\/p>\n

The rest of the day is free! We will be happy to provide you with a list of the options in the area and recommend the most suitable ones for your party. Some options include: biking or hiking tour, rappelling, kayaks or even participating in a gourmet chocolate workshop. \u00a0And so much more\u2026 Evening Option (Seasonal) – a lantern tour in either the Valley of the Lost River or Nimrod Fortress.<\/p>\n

Overnight: Kibbutz hotel<\/p>\n

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Day 7 \u2013 Wednesday, Travel to Jerusalem<\/strong><\/p>\n

Check out from the hotel and depart for our touring day. Our first stop will be at the Tel Hai Museum<\/strong>. This memorial is dedicated to a dramatic battle in 1920 led by Joseph Trumpeldor, a hero known for his national loyalty. Then we will descend to the shores of Lake Kinneret (Sea of Galilee)<\/strong> for a short visit to Tiberias<\/strong>, a city which was a significant spiritual center during the Mishna and Talmudic periods. We will continue south along the Jordan Valley<\/strong> to visit the \u201cNaharayim Experience at Gesher\u201d<\/strong>. Nicknamed the \u201cstart-up\u201d of last century, this unusual light and sound show is filled with models demonstrating the dam system, running water and a combination of sounds and colors. The demonstration shows how the desert transformed into a symbol of \u2013 and a vision for \u2013 Jewish immigration and industrial development in Israel. Our day will continue with a drive to Jerusalem<\/strong> through the Jordan Valley\u2019s stunning landscape. We will stop at Mt. Scopus<\/strong> upon arrival in Jerusalem for a magnificent view of the city and a brief explanation about the capital\u2019s past and future.<\/p>\n

Overnight: Jerusalem<\/p>\n

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Day 8 \u2013 Thursday*, Old City of Jerusalem <\/strong><\/p>\n

After breakfast, we will start our tour through the Old City of Jerusalem<\/strong>. We\u2019ll walk through one of this ancient walled city\u2019s many gates to see the restored Jewish Quarter<\/strong>, the Western Wall (Ha Kotel)<\/strong>, the colorful bazaars<\/strong> and the Cardo<\/strong>. Then, we will walk to the City of David<\/strong> for a virtual reality movie about King David\u2019s historical city, and a \u201cwet\u201d walking tour of the ancient water system connecting Warren\u2019s Shaft to the Shiloah tunnels (Hezekiah\u2019s Tunnel). We will continue to the Archaeological Garden<\/strong> and the new Southern Wall<\/strong> excavations (Davidson Center) – the same steps once used by pilgrims entering the Holy Temple.<\/p>\n

*Thursday is the day many Bar Mitzvah celebrations take place at the Western Wall. During our walk, we will meet some of them and get to wish them a MAZAL TOV!<\/p>\n

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After dinner at the hotel, we\u2019ll listen to a fascinating lecture entitled “Behind the Scenes” <\/strong>about Israel\u2019s current eventsincluding recent highlights and future plans.<\/p>\n

Overnight: Jerusalem<\/p>\n

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Day 9 \u2013 Friday, Jerusalem\u2019s New City<\/strong><\/p>\n

Visit the graves of Israel\u2019s former prime ministers, and soldiers who died inbattle, at the Mount <\/strong>Herzl<\/strong> Military Cemetery. We will then continue to the museum at the Yad Vashem <\/strong>Holocaust Memorial<\/strong>, including the Valley of the Communities. We will pass by the Knesset – Israel’s Parliament building, as well as the famous Menorah and the new home of Israel’s Supreme Court.<\/p>\n

We will visit the Israel Museum<\/strong> to see the Shrine of the Book with a display of Dead Sea Scrolls and visit the model of Jerusalem during the Second Temple period.<\/p>\n

Then continue on for a neighborhood tour around the Mahane Yehuda Market <\/strong>to meet different local ethnic groups and taste some of their cultural foods.<\/p>\n

Drive to the Western Wall to participate in meaningful Kabbalat Shabbat services as the Jewish Sabbath descends over Jerusalem.<\/p>\n

Overnight: Jerusalem<\/p>\n

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Day 10 \u2013 Saturday, Free <\/strong><\/p>\n

Day at leisure in Jerusalem \u2013 or an optional tour to Masada and the Dead Sea.<\/p>\n

Evening Option: Enjoy a breathtaking night tour of the Old City, including a light and sound show combined with 3D slides projected onto the great wall. This show is highly recommended due to its unique way of depicting the different periods in Jerusalem\u2019s long history. Duration: Around one hour.<\/p>\n

Overnight: Jerusalem<\/p>\n

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Day 11 \u2013 Sunday<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

– Visit to the South \u2013 Masada and the Dead Sea<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

We will drive south, starting with the infamous Masada<\/strong> where we will ascend by cable car to see where Jewish defenders made their last stand against Rome in AD 73. After a short drive, we will arrive at Ein Gedi Nature Reserve<\/strong> for an easy hike through this natural desert oasis. Next, continue to our hotel by the Dead Sea shore for free time at the hotel spa and floating on the salty waters.<\/span><\/p>\n

Overnight: Dead Sea<\/span><\/p>\n

Day 12 \u2013 Monday, travel to Eilat<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Check out after breakfast,<\/span><\/p>\n

Start the day with an exciting jeep tour<\/strong> to explore the wonders of the desert, salt pillars and powder canyons. Continue to Kibbutz Neot Smadar<\/strong>.\u00a0 Founded in 1989 based on a shared desire to understand the spirit of cooperation and its expression in daily life, Neot Smadar\u2019s main work divisions are <\/strong>organic farming<\/strong>, small scale organic food production (wines, cheese, olives, jams, nectars, etc.), the Art Center (offering workshops, galleries and gift shop), and a roadside restaurant.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Lastly we will continue to marvel at the immense, multi-colored rock formations with a tour of the Timna Copper Mines<\/strong> and the spectacular King Solomon\u2019s Pillars. \u00a0Our day will end with a drive to Eilat and check-in at the hotel.<\/span><\/p>\n

Overnight: Eilat<\/span><\/p>\n

Day 13 \u2013 Tuesday, Departure<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Check out and transfer the international flight back home.<\/span><\/p>\n

Enjoy your ride back home, looking forward to see you here again,<\/span><\/p>\n

The CTO staff<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Day 1 \u2013 Thursday, Arrival Our representative will meet you after passport control upon your arrival to Ben Gurion Airport, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1259,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mi_skip_tracking":false},"categories":[138,184],"tags":[88,105,183,85,181,76,182,89,86,40,180,179],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.highlightstourofisrael.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1249"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.highlightstourofisrael.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.highlightstourofisrael.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.highlightstourofisrael.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.highlightstourofisrael.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1249"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/www.highlightstourofisrael.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1249\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1630,"href":"https:\/\/www.highlightstourofisrael.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1249\/revisions\/1630"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.highlightstourofisrael.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1259"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.highlightstourofisrael.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1249"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.highlightstourofisrael.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1249"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.highlightstourofisrael.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1249"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}