JEWISH NATIONAL FUND B nai Mitzvah Trip: Sample Itinerary 2 10 days DAY 1 ARRIVAL / TEL AVIV Welcome to Israel! After arriving into Ben Gurion Airport, transfer to the hotel in Tel Aviv. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight, Tel Aviv Tel Aviv DAY 2 TEL AVIV This morning, visit the Ayalon Institute, a secret bullet factory established by the Haganah in 1945. As the largest bullet factory during that time, it produced 2.25 million bullets from 1946 1948, completely in secret. Ayalon Institute Or, instead of visiting the Ayalon Institute, visit the multimedia Palmach Museum. Learn about the fight for Israeli independence & the development of the renowned Israeli army. This afternoon, choose from one of the following options: Option 1: Rent a bike at Tel Aviv s Port and set out on the Yarkon Bike Trail. Ride past bridges, amusement parks, a climbing wall, a small zoo, a bird safari, a mini-golf course, a lake with boat rides, and many other surprises. Bike Ride Option 2: Visit Tel Aviv s Safari Park, offering 250 acres of animal life. The uniqueness of the Safari is that many of the animals roam around freely, with no cages to confine them. Option 3: Spend an afternoon of relaxation on Tel Aviv s beach, situated along the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean. Tel Aviv beach Later this afternoon head to the port, with its huge wooden deck over the sea. Relax at a local restaurant or café, catch an outdoor performance or wander through the 30 or so stalls exhibiting the work of local artists. This evening, see an exciting performance by the Mayumana dance group. Inspired by the beat band Stomp, Mayumana adds uniquely Israeli elements to its pulsating mixture of music, beat, movement humor and joy. Following the show, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Old Jaffa. Jaffa Overnight, Tel Aviv 1
DAY 3 TEL AVIV This morning, choose from the following options: Bauhaus architecture Option 1: Take a walking tour through some of Tel Aviv s neighborhoods. Begin with a stroll down Rothschild Boulevard to see some excellent examples of Bauhaus architecture, which was all but destroyed in the bombing of Germany during WWII. Continue along the Tel Aviv Promenade to Jaffa. Explore Old Jaffa s ancient streets that are now filled with galleries, shops, restaurants and cafes. Proceed to Rabin Square, the place of former Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin s assassination, before the final stop in Neve Tzedek, the first neighborhood of Tel Aviv, built in 1909. Carmel Market Option 2: Take advantage of some of Tel Aviv s best shopping areas. Start at Nahalat Binyamin, the famous pedestrian street filled with musicians, handmade jewelry and artifacts. Continue to Tel Aviv s own Soho on Shenkin Street, the lively and colorful street especially known for its unique shops, café life and youthful ambiance before ending at the open-air Carmel Market. Option 3: Visit the Diaspora Museum, which tells the unique and ongoing story of the Jewish people. The tour brings to life the unity that underlies the diversity of the Jewish people and the bond shared with Israel. Azrieli Observatory This afternoon, go to the Azrieli Observatory, located on the 49th floor of Israel s highest building. View all of Tel Aviv from the highest perspective possible and see the 3D film on Tel-Aviv, an audio guide describing major landmarks, a gift shop, restaurant and temporary art exhibitions. Overnight, Tel Aviv Roman aqueduct in Caesarea DAY 4 WESTERN COAST / NORTH After checking out of the hotel, meet your guide and begin driving north to Caesarea, once the Roman capital of the region. See the excavations of the Crusader s city, the aqueduct and the amphitheatre that has been restored as a concert venue. Continue to the nearby Druze Village of Daliyat el-carmel, located high on the slopes of Mt. Carmel. During lunch in the village, dine on authentic Druze ethnic foods including olive oil, olives, pita bread, locally produced labaneh cheese and sweet baklava pastries. Following lunch, take a stroll through the bustling village and become immersed in the rich and unique culture of the Druze people. Druze Village An alternative to the Druze village is a visit to Zichron Ya acov, a town rich with Zionist history. Take a stroll through the town s cobblestone streets and 2
learn about the many challenges that Zichron Ya'acov s settlers faced in their attempts to establish the town and how Baron Edmond de Rothschild s vision for the growth of community and his commercial enterprise helped to establish the town. Zichron Ya acov Also known as the Napa Valley of Israel, Zichron Ya acov is home to several world famous wineries. Enjoy lunch and a wine tasting at the Tishbi Winery s restaurant overlooking part of the Tishbi Estate vineyards. Dine on local cuisine including fresh vegetables, homemade bread and fresh cheeses from the nearby Ya acov and Meiri Dairy farms, and taste some of the spectacular wines produced here. Next, choose one of the following options: Acco Option 1: Drive north to Acco, an underground crusader city and one of the only cities never conquered by sea. Explore the gates, towers, tunnels and secret passageways of this ancient city before visiting the famous Acco Prison, built by the Turks and later used by the British to imprison members of the underground. Option 2: Continue to the port city of Haifa. Go to Mt. Carmel for a panoramic view of the entire Haifa bay. Continue to the magnificent Bahai Hanging Gardens, an UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk through the garden terraces to witness the beauty that many describe as the eighth wonder of the world. Haifa Option 3: Drive to the Atlit Illegal Immigration Camp. Converted into a detention camp by the British Mandate, Atlit imprisoned thousands of Jewish immigrants upon arriving into Israel. During a tour of the camp, experience the trauma of the immigrants who were subjected to imprisonment so soon after their release from Nazi extermination camps. Later this afternoon, visit Rosh Hanikra, the northernmost point on the Mediterranean coast of Israel. Take an exciting cable car ride from the mountain top down to sea level to see the magnificent grottos carved out of the limestone cliffs over thousands of years. Continue to the hotel to check in. Rosh Hanikra Grotto This evening, enjoy dinner at Decks Restaurant overlooking the Sea of Galilee. Overnight, Tiberius 3
DAY 5 GOLAN HEIGHTS This morning, go to the Tel Dan Nature Reserve, one of Israel s most ancient and beautiful sites. Hike through Tel Dan s lavish scenery and see some of the archeological excavations that provide a glimpse into Biblical times. Banias Springs Next, head to the Banias Springs, one of Israel s most breathtaking natural treasures. Take a walk along the ancient paths to the Banias Waterfall, which gushes fresh water out of a limestone cave, creating natural pool-like enclaves. Afterward, take an exciting jeep ride to the foot of the Golan. During the jeep tour, stop in Mitzpe Gadot, a former Syrian base and site of particularly harsh battles during the 1967 war. Walk through an old army bunker to see what life was like for soldiers manning the outpost. Continue to Mt. Bental and visit a former IDF stronghold tunneled in the volcanic mountain overlooking Syria. Jeep Ride Later this afternoon, take an exciting kayak ride on the Jordan River. This evening, head to Beit She an and be transported through history to Israel s Roman period. After a short presentation, take a stroll through the streets of the excavated city of Scythopolis for a multi-sensory and multimedia experience. See audio-visual presentations projected onto giant screens on the columns, walls and even the tel behind the site. Meet local characters, experience the earthquake that destroyed the city in 749 C.E. and watch a performance in the Roman amphitheatre. Kayaking on the Jordan River Overnight, Tiberius Beit She an at night DAY 6 UPPER GALILEE After a delicious Israeli breakfast, head to the mystical city of Safed. Stroll through the blue-painted alleys of this mystical city and learn about the origins of Kaballah, the famous rabbis that lived here and the artist s community that remains. Afterward, we ll take an exciting ATV ride through the Upper Galilee s mountain streams, canyons and forts, and see some gorgeous cliff-edge panoramas. Following lunch, choose from one of the following options: Safed Option 1: Go to the Manara Cliff, the highest cliff in Israel. Take a cable car ride to the top, stopping at various stations along the way that offer bungee trampolines, rock climbing, repelling, water slides and apple picking. 4
Option 2: Visit the Top-Rope Adventure Park, located near Kfar Blum. Enjoy some of the ecxciting activities offered here, such as a rope-course, rock climbing wall and zipline. Later this afternoon, visit the Hula Valley for a golf-cart tour along the migration route for birds on their journey between Europe and Africa. Manara Cliff Mountain Slides Overnight, Tiberias DAY 7 NORTH / JERUSALEM After breakfast and checking out, head to Gan Hashlosha, located at the foot of the Mount Gilboa, where King Saul was killed in the battle against the Philistines. Take a dip in the natural hot springs and relax in the natural jacuzzi underneath the waterfalls. Gan Hashlosha Following a picnic lunch, continue towards Jerusalem and stop at the Yad Kennedy Memorial, built in honor of former President John F. Kennedy. Designed as a tree stump to symbolize a life cut short, it has 51 pillars representing the United States of America and is almost 24 feet tall. Here, each person will have the opportunity to plant a tree and contribute to JNF s ongoing afforestation efforts in Israel. Upon arrival, drive to the Haas Promenade for a beautiful panoramic view of the city. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Jerusalem. Planting a Tree If you are going to have your Bar or Bat Mitzvah ceremony tomorrow, then this evening, meet with the Rabbi for a private review session. Overnight, Jerusalem Jerusalem Western Wall Tunnels DAY 8 JERUSALEM This morning, join the guide for a walking tour through the Old City of Jerusalem. Enter through the Jaffa Gate and head straight to the Western Wall, the last remaining retaining wall which enclosed the Temple Mount in the Second Temple Period. Continue to the Southern Wall Excavations to explore the remnants of ancient houses and see where the original steps leading to the Temple Mount were located. Proceed to the Western Wall Tunnels for an exciting tour through an incredible labyrinth of tunnels, arches and passageways that expose Jerusalem s rich history, archeology and topography. Afterward, take a leisurely walk down the Cardo, the main street in Jerusalem 2000 years ago. 5
Following lunch in the colorful Mahene Yehuda Market, choose from one of the following options: Option 1: If you choose to have a Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony, proceed to the Southern Wall where you will meet the Rabbi for the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Ceremony. Ir David Tunnel Option 2: Visit Ir David for a tour of the City of David, which is the actual location of the Biblical City of Jerusalem captured by King David over 3,000 yrs. ago. Here, see the world's most significant archeological finds relating to the Biblical Period in Jerusalem, evidence of the more than 3000 year-long Jewish presence in the city beginning with King David. Tonight, celebrate this special Bar/Bat Mitzvah day with a B nai Mitzvah celebration and dinner at one of Jerusalem s exclusive restaurants. The City of Light depicted in the footlights at the Tower of David After dinner tonight, see the Light and Sound Show at the Tower of David, a cutting-edge pyrotechnics show that unfolds with a blaze of images that tell the story of Jerusalem s history. Overnight, Jerusalem Israel Museum DAY 9 JERUSALEM or MASADA/ DEAD SEA Today, choose to spend the day in Jerusalem or spend the day at Masada and the Dead Sea. IF YOU CHOOSE JERUSALEM: This morning, visit the Israel Museum, one of the leading art and archeology museums in the world. Tour the Shrine of the Book to see the Dead Sea Scrolls, the oldest biblical manuscripts in the world. Don t forget to also see the new Holy Land Model, a miniature replica of Jerusalem as it was during the Second Temple Period. Zip line After lunch, choose one of the following options: Option 1: Go to Deerland, a wildlife park with extreme sports and the longest zip line in Israel. Chagall windows Option 2: Spend the afternoon exploring parts of the new city of Jerusalem. Begin at the Knesset, Israel s Parliament building. Take a guided tour and learn about how Israel s government works. Afterward, stop by the famous Menorah, the emblem of the State of Israel. 6
Next, view the architectural splendor of Israel s Supreme Court building before driving to the Hadassah Medical Center in Ein Kerem to see the Chagall stained glass windows. Chagall s 12 exquisite stained-glass windows depict the blessings that Jacob bestowed to each of his 12 sons, who later became the founders of the 12 Tribes of Israel. Time Elevator Later this afternoon, the younger children will enjoy the Time Elevator, an exciting simulator ride through Jerusalem s rich 3,000 year history. Amid crashing ceilings, splashing water, billowing smoke, stunning computergenerated animation and other special effects, go on a journey through Jerusalem's historic turning points; beginning with the city of David and ending in the 1967 Six-Day war. Cable Car Ride over Masada IF YOU CHOOSE MASADA AND THE DEAD SEA: Depart the hotel and head south towards the Dead Sea. Along the way, stop in the ancient oasis of Ein Gedi and hike to the famous waterfall Nahal David. Proceed to Masada for a cable car ride to the top of the Herodian Palace Complex. This is the location of the ancient fortress where the Zealots made their last stand against the Romans before committing suicide in 73 AD. Next, descend to the depths of Dead Sea, for an afternoon at leisure. After lunch, take a swim in the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea, indulge in an optional spa treatment or simply relax at the beach. Return to Jerusalem this evening. Dead Sea Overnight, Jerusalem Yad Vashem B nai Mitzvah Wall DAY 10 JERUSALEM / EN ROUTE This morning, go to Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum & Memorial for a solemn tour. A sprawling complex of tree-studded walkways leading to museums, exhibits, sculptures, and memorials, Yad Vashem tells the story of the Holocaust from a uniquely Jewish perspective, emphasizing the experiences of the individual victims through original artifacts, survivor testimonies and personal possessions. Afterward, drive to JNF s American Independence Park, the site that commemorates the partnership between American Jews and the State of Israel. If you choose to have your child s name inscribed on the JNF B nai Mitzvah Wall, you will participate in a dedication ceremony. This stone wall, designed to look like a Torah scroll, has glass tiles embedded with the names of the B nai Mitzvah child, his/her hometown, date of the B nai Mitzvah and the name & home country of a child who perished at the hand of the Nazis. 7
Afterward, take a stroll down Ben Yehuda Street, Jerusalem s open-air pedestrian mall filled with cafes, shopping and musicians playing instruments on the street. Return to the hotel to freshen up and finish packing. Early this evening, head to the airport for the return flight home. Ben Yehuda Street Overnight, En Route 8