USCJ. Family Israel Experience. ~ June 29 July 10, 2014

Transcription

1 We invite you to join the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism next summer on its 3rd annual, hosted by Rabbi Charlie Savenor and his wife, Julie. This active Israel tour covers Israel s many wonders Jerusalem, Caesarea, the Carmel Mountains, Masada, the Dead Sea, the Galilee, Tel Aviv, and the Mediterranean Coast while creating a sense of community along the way. The program has a multi-generational approach with activities designed for youth, teens, adults and even active grandparents! All of your senses will be filled with the life, smells, tastes, sounds, and texture of modern Israel. Program Staff The USCJ is hosted once again by Rabbi Charles Savenor and his wife, Julie Walpert. Rabbi Savenor is the USCJ Director of Kehilla (Congregational) Enrichment and a veteran Israel traveler. The tour is also led by an English-speaking, licensed Israeli guide who accompanies the group on a 24x7 basis. Our guides are charismatic informal educators who share the story of Israel with energy and pride. The program is also staffed by an Israeli counselor who focuses on the experience of younger participants and supports the trip as a whole. Last but not least, we travel on a private, luxury touring bus with a dedicated bus driver. More than just sharing the story of Israel, our staff strives to create a sense of community among the individual travelers. Participants often return home with lasting friendships and a more meaningful experience in Israel as a result. To contact USCJ program leader Rabbi Charles Savenor: or Savenor@uscj.org ISRAEL WW W.ISRAELTOUR.COM

2 Organized in Partnership with USCJ The is organized in partnership with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. USCJ is the umbrella of the Conservative Movement in North America, and our tour in Israel embodies the values and traditions of Conservative Judaism. Membership or prior affiliation with a USCJ synagogue is not necessary to participate in the tour. An Active Multi-Generational Experience Each day is packed with experiences that are designed to provide you with the full flavor of Israel, regardless of age. Although the program does not have any formal age limits, the itinerary involves a good amount of walking and some long days in general. Because of the active nature of the program, children traveling with their parents are usually over the age of 8, but activities are suitable for children, teens, and adults of all ages! Participants who wish to take a break from the active schedule can opt-out of experiences like rafting on the Jordan River and off-road jeeping on the Golan Heights. Independent and Group Travel Although the is a group tour, there are ample opportunities for personal exploration. In particular, Saturday in Jerusalem is designed to be a less structured day. No activity is mandatory, and participants can opt out of any programming. We only ask that you coordinate with our staff in such cases. Finally, participants are encouraged to arrive to Jerusalem before the program starts or stay in Tel Aviv after the program ends. We can extend your reservation at the group hotels accordingly. Celebrating a Bar/Bat Mitzvah in Israel? The USCJ is also a wonderful opportunity for families to celebrate a bar/bat mitzvah in Israel as a family or even to celebrate the anniversary of your own bat/bar mitzvah. A bnai mitzvah service will take place on top of Masada on the morning of Thursday, July 3rd for those who wish to take part. Contact Rabbi Savenor for additional details. The USCJ is organized and operated in-house by our own USCJ and Israel Tour Connection staff. This means we can provide a higher level of customer service, a truly spectacular experience in Israel, and a good value. References are always available upon request ISRAEL WW W.ISRAELTOUR.COM

3 Services Included Roundtrip flight from NYC (optional) VIP airport greeting and a private transfer to Jerusalem hotel Complimentary for anyone arriving to Israel on June 30 (see below) 4-star and 5-star centrally located accommodations with hotel porterage included Licensed Israeli tour guide throughout program Israeli counselor/support staff Luxury private air-conditioned touring bus with dedicated Israeli driver Two group meals daily, including tax and gratuities at restaurant meals Site entrance fees, activity costs, and programming All applicable taxes NOTE: Travelers with an Israeli passport (including those with dual citizenship) may be subject to VAT (tax) in Israel at the hotels. It must be paid, if requested, and is the responsibility of the traveler. Services Not Included Local medical insurance (see below) Travel insurance (see below) Group cell phone rental service (see below) Meals not marked as included in itinerary Hotel incidentals Israeli staff gratuities (suggested $100/adult traveler, $50 per child) Getting to/from Israel Participants can opt to join a group flight from NYC or can be responsible for arranging their own air travel to/from Israel. As part of the program package, participants will be met at Ben Gurion International Airport upon arrival on Monday, June 30 and escorted to the group hotel in Jerusalem by our staff at no extra cost. This VIP greeting and transfer service is only available to participants arriving to Ben Gurion Airport on the first day of the program. The program formally begins that evening with dinner included at the Jerusalem hotel. Participants planning to be in Jerusalem before the arrival date can be accommodated at the arrival hotel by private arrangements, additional fee will apply. At the end of the program, participants will be escorted back to Ben Gurion Airport on the evening of Wednesday, July 9th in time to catch overnight flights back to North America (departing between 10:30pm and 1:00am on July 10th). Participants on return flights outside of this window can be accommodated with an airport transfer by special arrangement, and additional fees will apply. Finally, participants wishing to extend their booking in Tel Aviv can do so by prior arrangement. NOTE: Please send us your confirmed travel plans as soon as you have finalized them ISRAEL WW W.ISRAELTOUR.COM

4 ITINERARY The tells the story of Israel through the lens of Jewish history in broadly chronological order. As such, the experience begins in Jerusalem, follows the path of the Exile to Masada, continues northwards to the Galilee, and concludes in Tel Aviv with the establishment of the modern State of Israel. Actual itineraries and final hotels may vary only slightly and will be reconfirmed about two months prior to arrival. Meals Included: B = Breakfast / L = Lunch / D = Dinner Sunday - June 29nd - day 1 Depart for Israel Option #1: Depart for Israel on the group flight from NYC Exact flight details to be posted approximately 8 months prior Option #2: Arrange your own flight to Israel Monday - June 30th - Day 2 Welcome Bruchim HaBa im! VIP greeting at Ben Gurion Airport Travel to Jerusalem Meet in hotel lobby for program intros and welcome dinner at hotel in Jerusalem Tower of David Sound & Light Show Overnight: Prima Royale Hotel, Jerusalem [B/D] Tuesday - July 1st - Day 3 The Old City of Jerusalem Panoramic intro to Jerusalem and schecheyanu prayer at Haas Promenade Reflections at the Kotel The Western Wall City of David complex and Hezekiah s water tunnels Explore the Jewish Quarter s alleyways and rooftops, and shopping in the Cardo Dinner at Bein HaKshatot Restaurant in the Old City Evening: The Kotel Tunnel Tour Overnight: Prima Royale Hotel, Jerusalem [B/D] Wednesday - July 2nd - Day 4 Working with the Land Dig-for-a-Day archeological seminar at Beit Guvrin Machon Ayalon The founding of the IDF Leket: Service project harvesting for the hungry Dinner on your own in Jerusalem Overnight: Prima Royale Hotel, Jerusalem [B/L] Thursday - July 3rd - Day 5 Masada & Dead Sea Early travel to the Judean Desert - Ascend Masada via the cable cars Tour of the Masada desert mountaintop fortress Bnai Mitzvah service at Masada s ancient synagogue Descend Masada via cable cars or Snake Path (weather permitting) Dead Sea floating at Ein Gedi Spa and beach Nature walk to the desert waterfalls at Ein Gedi Camel riding, pita baking, and traditional feast at Eretz Beresheit desert tent Overnight: Prima Royale Hotel, Jerusalem [B/D] Friday - July 4th - Day 6 Remembrance and Renewal Yad VaShem Holocaust Memorial Alternate activity for children under 10: Jerusalem Biblical Zoo Pre-Shabbat options to visit the Israel Museum on own or shop at Mahane Yehuda marketplace Celebrate Kabbalat Shabbat overlooking the Old City Festive Shabbat dinner served at the hotel Joined by lone soldiers serving in the IDF Overnight: Prima Royale Hotel, Jerusalem [B/D] Get Registered Vicki@IsraelTour.com Israel W. Mt. Pleasant Ave Ste 206 Livingston NJ 07039

5 ITINERARY (continued) (Breakfast = B / Lunch = L / Dinner = D) Saturday - July 5th - Day 7 Shabbat in Jerusalem Shabbat services at Fuchsberg Center followed by kiddush Shabbat Lunch and learning at the Fuchsberg Center Optional Ask the Rabbi session at the hotel Walking tour of Jerusalem s Yemin Moshe neighborhood and Monetfiore s Windmill (optional) Shalosh Seudot (Shabbat 3rd meal) at the home of Rabbi Paul and Nina Freedman Free evening and dinner on your own: Ben Yehuda Street pedestrian mall or German Colony Overnight: Prima Royale Hotel, Jerusalem [B/L/D] Sunday - July 6th - Day 8 Mystics of the Galilee Herzl Museum Tracing the founding of Zionism, Mt. Herzl and Military Cemetery Travel northwards to the Galilee Beit Shearim Tour the Talmudic-era catacombs Check-in to accommodations on the Sea of Galilee Relaxation time: Swimming at Kibbutz Ma agan pool and beach BBQ dinner at Gofra Beach on the Sea of Galilee Overnight: Kibbutz Ma agan, Sea of Galilee [B/D] Monday - July 7th - Day 9 Perspectives from the Golan Guided tour of the kibbutz community Off-road jeep tour of the Golan Heights Alternate activity: Ancient Synagogue of Katrzin Strategic view of Israel and her neighbors atop Mt. Ben Tal Tour of the De Karina Chocolate Factory Relaxed tubing and rafting down the Jordan River Sunset cruise on the Sea of Galilee followed by dinner at Decks Restaurant in Tiberias Overnight: Kibbutz Ma agan, Sea of Galilee [B/D] Tuesday - July 8th - Day 10 The Carmel & Mediterranean Walking tour of mystical Safed, explore the local artist colony, and meet with a local Kabbalistic artist Kfar Hasidim Youth Village Learn about Ethiopian Jewry s journey and Israel s absorption efforts Tour of Caesarea Herod s beachside amphitheater Explore Tel Aviv s Nahalat Binyamin street festival Evening on own in Tel Aviv along the waterfront Overnight: Carlton Hotel, Tel Aviv [B/L] Wednesday - July 9th - Day 11 To Be a Free People Morning free for swimming in the Mediterranean and last minute shopping Celebrate the founding of the modern State of Israel at Independence Hall Reflections at Yitzhak Rabin Memorial Walking tour of old Jaffa seaport and discussion about the program Closing dinner at Maganda Enjoy Yemeni Jewish cuisine Return to airport for overnight flights [B/D] Flights departing on Wednesday evening or just after midnight on Thursday, August 8 Thursday - July 10th - Day 12 Shalom U Lihitraot Optional group flight arrives back to NYC in early morning Get Registered Vicki@IsraelTour.com Israel W. Mt. Pleasant Ave Ste 206 Livingston NJ 07039

6 Program Costs PROGRAM SELECTIONS / COST PER PERSON (Please indicate number of applicable travelers) Land Package [$2,450/Person] Single Room Supplement [$750/p] Optional Group Flight from NYC [$TBD] Discount for Sharing Triple or Quad Room [$125/p] * Group flights are confirmed approximately 8 months prior to the start of the program. Pricing is based on payment by check. An additional 3% surcharge applies for participants paying by credit card. Payment & General Terms. Terms of Participation: A $250/person deposit is due with registration. The balance of program cost is due 120 days before the trip. Please note that participants who cancel within 120 days of the program start date will receive a refund, minus the $250/person deposit (plus any penalties applied by the airlines.) Participants who cancel between 90 and 45 days before the program start date will be eligible for a refund, minus a $1,000 cancellation fee (plus any penalties applied by the airlines.) Participants who cancel within 45 days of the program start date are not eligible for a refund. All cancellations must be made in writing, and participants are encouraged to take out trip cancellation insurance. Airlines may adjust fuel surcharges and taxes until time of ticketing. Program costs are subject to change accordingly. Travel Insurance. ITC has partnered with Travelex Insurance Services to provide an optional group travel insurance package (see details on final page.) The cost of the policy is a function of the total cost of your trip per person. The policy must be issued before final payment is made on the program, and some benefits are only available within 14 days of registration. Take advantage of it! Payment Information Deposit Due with Registration ($250/Person): $ Payment Method: Check: Visa/Mastercard Amex: (*If paying by Credit Card add 3%) If paying by credit card, complete the following section. Unless otherwise instructed, your credit card will be charged the deposit, and you will be send a confirmation message with an itemized receipt. Balance will be charged on March 1, If paying by check, send to ITC Tours / 66 W. Mt. Pleasant Ave. Ste. 206, Livingston, NJ Credit Card #: Security Code: Exp. Date: Billing Address: Name on Card: Signature: Date: RETURN FORMS TO: Vicki@IsraelTour.com IsrAel w. Mt. Pleasant Ave Ste 206 Livingston NJ 07039

7 Participant Information Participant #1 (Primary Contact) First Name*: Middle: Last Name: DOB: Passport #: Exp Date: Tel (Cell): Tel (Other): Participant #2 (if applicable) First Name*: Middle: Last Name: DOB: Passport #: Exp Date: Tel (Cell): Tel (Other): Participant #3 (if applicable) First Name*: Middle: Last Name: DOB: Passport #: Exp Date: Participant #4 (if applicable) First Name*: Middle: Last Name: DOB: Passport #: Exp Date: Participant #5 (if applicable) First Name*: Middle: Last Name: DOB: Passport #: Exp Date: Mailing Address: * Name must appear exactly as it does on your passport. Passport number and date of birth are required. If passport information is not currently available, it can be submitted at a later date. Please note that according to customs regulations, your passport must be valid for at least six months after date of return. RETURN FORMS TO: Vicki@IsraelTour.com IsrAel w. Mt. Pleasant Ave Ste 206 Livingston NJ 07039

8 Participant Information (continued) Number of Single Rooms: Number of Double Rooms: Number of Triple Rooms: Rooming Notes: Medical & Dietary Notes: Emergency Contact: Full Name: Relation: Tel (Cell): Tel (Other): Synagogue Affiliation: Statement of Understanding. Except for the willful negligence of its direct employees or representatives, ITC TOURS and the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism assume no liability or responsibility for any injuries, inconvenience, illness, theft, property damage, irregularity, or incidental damages occasioned by circumstances beyond the control of the tour operator or by any person or reason whatsoever including but not limited to events such as strikes, revolts, wars, natural disasters, closures of airports and/or hotels, default or omission of any common or private carrier or the default, negligence or omission of and by any third party providing services or facilities to or included in this tour or any part thereof. Enrollment in and payment for the tour constitutes your acceptance of the program conditions and this Statement of Responsibility. The program conditions become a binding contract when your enrollment and payment is received. RETURN FORMS TO: Vicki@IsraelTour.com IsrAel w. Mt. Pleasant Ave Ste 206 Livingston NJ 07039

9 ITC has partnered with Travelex Insurance Services to provide an optional travel insurance package based on a group rate discount. The policy reimburses for medical expenses as well as covers cancellation fees based on health considerations as well as many other scenarios. Full details available online at: IsraelTour.com/documents/travelinsured.pdf Pre-Departure Trip Cancellation Post-Departure Trip Interruption Travel Delay (6 Hours or More) BENEFITS 100% Of Trip Cost 100% Of Trip Cost $150 Per Day $750 Maximum maximum limits Medical Expense/Emergency Evacuation $25,000 / $50,000 Baggage and Personal Effects / Baggage Delay $1,500 / $250 Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Cancel For Any Reason (Optional)* Covered 75% of non-refundable Trip Cost cancellation must be two or more days prior to scheduled departure This table is a summary of benefits. Please refer to the policy wording for a complete description. All benefits subject to plan exclusions and will be paid exclusively by Travelex Insurance Services. Insurance is not included in the tour price. The cost is $169 per person for trips with total cost of $5,500 or less, or $210 per person for trips with total cost of $5,500 - $12,000. We strongly recommend that you purchase the appropriate offered travel insurance package. Group rate travel insurance will cover only what is purchased through ITC Tours and will cover pre-existing conditions only if purchased within 14 days of your deposit date. The insurance becomes effective when payment is received by the insurance company. We cannot accept responsibility for any losses or expenses, which you or any member of your party may incur as a result of failing to secure appropriate coverage. * Cancel For Any Reason Policy available at a rate of $253 per person for trips with total cost of $5,500 or less, or $315 per person for trips with total cost of $5,500 - $12,000. CFAR policy must be purchased within 14 days of tour deposit. Please list the name of the traveler(s) to be insured: NAME #1 NAME #2 NAME #3 NAME #4 NAME #5 TOTAL INSURANCE AMOUNT: $ DATE SUBMITTED: If paying by credit card, your card will be charged separately for the insurance and the program deposit. RETURN FORMS TO: vicki@israeltour.com IsrAel w. Mt. Pleasant Ave Ste 206 Livingston NJ 07039

10 PRe-Trip PREPARATION Detailed pre-trip preparation material, itinerary (subject to change) and program luggage tags are distributed approximately one month prior to departure. Participants will also be invited to a trip Facebook group in order to meet fellow travelers before the program and stay in touch afterwards. Finally, the is designed to be an experience not just a tour. With that in mind, we have assembled an Israel Sources & Resources document which you will receive in Israel. Passport & Visa Rules. All participants must have valid passports in order to travel to Israel. If your passport expires before December 2014, you will need to get your passport renewed prior to arrival in Israel. If you have a passport from a country other than the United States or Canada, you may need to apply for a visa in order to enter Israel. Additionally, if you have an Israeli passport, you must present it upon entry to Israel ISRAEL WW W.ISRAELTOUR.COM