My Turn In Israel Jewish Federation of St Joseph Valley 1 GETTING READY FOR ISRAEL Hebrew Learning Circles February 2017 Community Israel Tour Led by Rabbi Reuben Modek PROPOSAL WHAT S INCLUDED VIP assistance and hotel transfer for all arriving to Ben Gurion Airport on February 16, 2017 Accommodations per itinerary (single, double, triple room options) Licensed Israeli tour guide daily Luxury touring bus with dedicated driver daily (except Saturdays which will be on foot) Two meals daily according to the itinerary All programming per the itinerary WHAT S NOT Gratuities for the guide and driver suggested at $100 per traveler Hotel incidentals Travel insurance (offered separately) Medical insurance (offered separately)
Hebrew Learning Cirlces February 2017 Community Israel Tour 2 PROGRAM ITINERARY The following is our projected itinerary subject to reasonable change and to be re-confirmed approximately two months prior to arrival. Thursday, February 16, 2017 Depart for Israel on a self-booked flight from the USA Friday, February 17, 2017 Welcome to Israel A VIP airport greeting and hotel transfer is included for all arrivals today Group welcome ceremony at the Haas Promenade overlooking the Old City Experience Kabbalat Shabbat in Jerusalem followed by dinner at our hotel Overnight: Prima Kings Hotel, Jerusalem Meals Included: Dinner Saturday, February 18, 2017 Enter the Old City of Jerusalem via the historic Zion Gate and celebrate Shabbat as a community from the rooftops of the Jewish Quarter Explore the Jewish, Christian, Muslim and Armenian Quarters, stopping for an authentic local lunch of hummus and falafel at Abu Shukri s Restaurant along the way Havdallah Mark the start of a new week in Israel Evening Dinner on own followed by an evening with interfaith peacemaker, Eliyahu McLean Overnight: Prima Kings Hotel, Jerusalem Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch Sunday, February 19, 2017 Experience the Yad VaShem World Holocaust Remembrance Center on a docent-led tour Sample your way through the Mahne Yehuda open-air market place using a Shuk Bites card Honor the memory of Israel s founding leaders and soldiers at Mt. Herzl National Cemetery Discover Jewish learning from a new perspective at Bina Israel s secular Yeshiva Evening Free night and dinner on own Overnight: Prima Kings Hotel, Jerusalem Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Hebrew Learning Cirlces February 2017 Community Israel Tour 3 Monday, February 20, 2017 Journey to the West Bank/Gush Etzion to be part of the dialogue between Jewish Settlers and Palestinians through the Roots initiative Continue on to the Judean Desert and the lowest place on earth the Dead Sea for floating and relaxation time at our hotel spa on the beach An optional late afternoon nature walk is available to the desert oasis at Ein Bokek Springs Evening Dinner is included at our accommodations Overnight: Daniel Hotel, Dead Sea Tuesday, February 21, 2017 Ascend Masada Option to hike up the Snake Path or take cable cars Walking tour of Herod s desert mountain fortress and bastion of an ancient Jewish rebellion Descend Masada via the cable cars and continue south along the Syrian-African Rift Valley to the Arava stopping along the way for lunch on own in the desert community of Tzukim Arrive to Kibbutz Lotan where we ll spend the rest of the day studying how this community thrives in the desert through the lens of Jewish values and sustainability practices Dinner is included at our accommodations Overnight: Kibbutz Lotan Guest House, Arava Valley Wednesday, February 22, 2017 Take part in a morning hike through the picturesque terrain of the Arava Valley Travel to the oasis community of Neve Smadar where we ll enjoy an organic farm-to-table lunch and sample the fruits of a desert winery Continue north via the Negev Desert, stopping along the way to view the Ramon Crater the world s largest erosion-formed crater Visit Moshav Netiv HaAsara on the Gaza frontier, and take part in a community peace project Arrive to Tel Aviv, and check-in to our accommodations along the Mediterranean Coast The rest of the evening is free to enjoy and explore Tel Aviv on your own Overnight; Dan Panorama Hotel, Tel Aviv Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch Thursday, February 23, 2017 Explore the Roman-era ruins of Caesarea Herod s amphitheater and palace on the beach
Hebrew Learning Cirlces February 2017 Community Israel Tour 4 Travel to the Carmel Mountains and wander through the Ein Hod artist colony lunch on own View Haifa, Israel s most diverse city, from the Bahai Gardens on the slopes of Mt. Carmel Return to Tel Aviv in the late afternoon Evening Dine with new senses at Blackout, and then view the acclaimed show Not by Bread Alone performed by the Nalaga at theater troupe of deaf and blind actors Overnight; Dan Panorama Hotel, Tel Aviv Friday, February 24, 2017 Morning Options Visit to the Diaspora Museum or the Yitzhak Rabin Center Tap into the spirit of Tel Aviv at the Nahalat Binyamin Street Festival and Carmel Market Celebrate Israel s founding values at Independence Hall Evening Celebrate Shabbat at Beit Daniel. Tel Aviv s leading progressive synagogue, followed by dinner at our hotel Overnight; Dan Panorama Hotel, Tel Aviv Saturday, February 25, 2017 Morning Take a walking tour of historic Tel Aviv and view it s famous Bauhaus architecture Free afternoon to relax and enjoy the Tel Aviv beach culture Afternoon Walking tour of Jaffa Seaport followed by a wrap-up session and closing dinner Evening Return to Ben Gurion Airport for overnight flights back to the USA Sunday, February 26, 2017 Arrive back to the USA in the morning ABOUT OUR TRAVEL PARTNER The Hebrew Learning Circles Community Israel Tour is being organized by Authentic Israel, a Tel Avivbased tour operator with three decades of experience in the field of educational travel. Authentic Israel specializes in creating custom experiences for groups of all backgrounds. Learn more at www.authenticisrael.com.
Hebrew Learning Cirlces February 2017 Community Israel Tour 5 PROGRAM COSTS & TERMS Please indicate number of applicable travelers. An itemized receipt will be included with your confirmation message. Land Package Based on Double Room Occupancy: $2,485/p Save $100 per person when you complete your registration by December 29, 2016 Single Room Supplement: $660/p Triple Room Discount: $115/p TERMS OF PARTICIPATION To reserve your place, a $300/person refundable deposit is due by December 29, 2016 The program is subject to a minimum of 13 community participants confirmed by January 5, 2017 o Deposit payments beome non-refundable as of January 5, 2017, however, should the minimum not be reached, your deposit will be refunded in full o We recommend not booking flights to Israel till the minimum participation is confirmed o Should their be 20 community participants, a price reducation of $300/participant will apply The balance of payment is due by no later than January 12, 2017 and is non-refundable Cancelation must be made in writing to Authentic Israel. We encourage you to obtain travel insurance prior to making the final payment (see details in this packet) The program may be paid for by check or credit card. However, if you wish to pay by credit card, a 3.5% processing fee applies (credit card fees are not refundable) This program is most suitable for travelers comfortable touring ~eight to ten hours in a day PAYMENT INFORMATION Deposit Due with Registration ($300/Person): $ Payment Method: Check Visa / Mastercard (3.5% fee applies) Credit Card #: Security Code: Exp. Date: Name on Card: Billing Address: Complete forms can be faxed to 202-315-3269, emailed to bonnie@authenticisrael.com or mailed to: Authentic Israel / 5185 MacArthur Blvd NW, #640 / Washington, DC 20016
Hebrew Learning Cirlces February 2017 Community Israel Tour 6 GET REGISTERED Participant #1 (Primary Contact) First Name*: Last Name: DOB: Email: Tel (Cell): Tel (Other): Participant #2 (if applicable) First Name*: Last Name: DOB: Email: Tel (Cell): Tel (Other): Participant #3 (if applicable) First Name*: Last Name: DOB: Mailing Address: *Enter your name as it appears on your passport. Your passport must be valid at least six months from arrival. Roommate Notes: Medical & Dietary Notes: Emergency Contact: Full Name: Relation: Email: Tel (Cell): Tel (Other): STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY Except for the willful negligence of its direct employees, Authentic Israel and Hebrew Learning Circles 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. Any and all disputes between the parties arising out of or relating to this agreement, whether grounded in contract, tort or statutory law, shall be resolved exclusively by arbitration in Washington, DC. The arbitration shall be conducted in accordance with the Dispute Resolution Rules of JAMS. The prevailing party in the arbitration shall be entitled to its attorneys fees and costs plus any fees and costs incurred in connection with confirming the arbitrator s award. Enrollment in and payment for the tour constitute your acceptance of the program conditions and this Statement of Responsibility. Name: Signature: Date:
Hebrew Learning Cirlces February 2017 Community Israel Tour 7 TRAVEL INSURANCE All travelers are highly encouraged to sign-up for our comprehensive group travel insurance policy with Travel Insured International (Worldwide Trip Protector). to protect your investment and plan for the unexpected. BENEFITS Cancellation for Covered Reasons 1 Pre-Departure Trip Interruption for Covered Reasons 1 Travel Delay (at least 6 hours) Missed Connection (at least 3 hours) Medical Expense 4 MAXIMUM LIMITS 100% of Trip Cost Up to 150% of Trip Cost $1,000 Maximum $500 Maximum $100,000 (Supp.) Emergency Evacuation $1,000,0000 Baggage and Personal Effects $1,000 ($250 per article limit) (Supplemental) Baggage Delay (at least 12 hours) $300 Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Covered if bought w/in 21 days of trip deposit and all non-refundable trip costs are insured 1. Covered Reasons include personal illness/death, family illness/death, and terrorism (as defined by the US State Department in a city on your travel itinerary within 30 days of departure but does not include coverage for unrest, instability or war.) TRAVEL COSTS COST $3,501-$4,000 $245 $4,001-$4,500 $275 $4,501-$5,000 $320 $5,001-$5,500 $355 $5,501-$6,000 $390 $6,001-$6,500 $425 $6,501-$7,000 $470 $7,001-$7,500 $490 All trip costs must be included with coverage, including any flight/travel costs not booked via Authentic Israel. How much per person coverage do you estimate requiring? $ [Land + Flight Costs] Payment for your insuance premium should be included along with the program deposit. Coverage limits can be adjusted until the date full payment for the program is made. Insurance premiums are fully refundable up till April 3, 2017. All benefits are subject to plan exclusions. Full policy details are available upon request. Questions? Contact info@travelinsuranceisrael.com or 1-888-747-3773.
Hebrew Learning Cirlces February 2017 Community Israel Tour 8 PRE-TRIP PREPARATION More detailed pre-trip preparation material and program luggage tags are distributed approximately three months prior to arrival. Passport & Visa Rules Please check to make sure that you know where your passport is and that it is not expired or about to expire. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you arrive in Israel. If your passport expires within this period, please start the renewal process today. Many airlines will deny you boarding if your passport is not valid according to this policy. If you are traveling to Israel on a USA, Canadian, or European Union member country passport, a visa is not needed to enter Israel. If you are traveling on a passport from another country, you may need a visa to enter Israel. Our office is able to provide you with an official ticket confirmation if needed. Local Health Insurance Separate from travel insurance (see page 7), Authentic Israel offers local health insurance in Israel that covers treatment and medication for non pre-existing conditions. The policy carries no deductible or co-pay, and there are no claims to submit. Even if your home insurance extends abroad, you would need to pay out of pocket in Israel and file a claim with your insurance when you return home. This local Israeli policy is a very easy way to receive medical care in Israel without any paperwork or reimbursement process. Detailed policy information is available upon request. The cost of the policy for the ten-day Israel Family Journey program is according to the following age groupings: Up to age 59 $2.50/Day Ages 60-69 $6.50/Day Ages 70-79 $7.50/Day Ages 80-85 $9.50/Day To include a local medical insurance policy as part of your travels, contact Authentic Israel at least two weeks in advance of your arrival date. Staff Gratuities It is customary in Israel to tip the Israeli guide and driver at the end of the program. As a rule of thumb, $100-$125 per adult traveler is appropriate or in the shekel equivalent. We recommend splitting that amount 1/3 for the driver and 2/3 for the guide. Although not customary, you may also provide a gratuity to the Israeli counselor. Gratuities for hotel staff and wait staff at group meals are already included in the cost of the program.