My Turn in Israel 1 My Turn in IsraeI 8-12 Day Israel Experiences for Adults Start Your Journey! It's YOUR turn to experience the beauty of Israel on this 8-day or 10-day program with an optional 2- day extension to Eilat and Petra. My Turn brings together travelers from North America and beyond to explore Israel s rich history, modern culture and stunning landscapes. Experience the highlights of Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, the Dead Sea and the Galilee as well as Israel's off-the-beaten-path charm and delicious cuisine. My Turn is a pluralistic Jewish travel experience for all. The itinerary is ideal for anyone seeking a complete first-time experience in Israel or returning anew. My Turn is organized in-house by our Authentic Israel staff and led by our elite guides and educators which means we can provide a higher level of service, a truly authentic experience and a great value. We look forward to hosting you in Israel! Program Dates Page 2 Program Itinerary Page 3 About the Experience Page 5 What s Included Page 6 Program Costs Page 6 Get Registered! Page 7 Travel Insurance Page 10 Pre-Trip Preparation Page 12 Early Bird Discount + Risk-Free Registration Register at least five months in advance and receive a $100/person discount. Since all payments are fully refundable up to four months in advance, your savings are absolutely risk free and your spot on the program is guaranteed!
My Turn in Israel 2 PROGRAM DATES The following are guaranteed program dates. Private group dates may be organized by request. Tour Arrival Date 8-Day Tour End Date 10-Day Tour End Date Eilat Extension End Date Program begins on Thursday evening Program concludes Thursday evening Program concludes Saturday evening Add-on to the 8-day or 10-day program March 17, 2016 March 24, 2016 March 26, 2016 May 26, 2016 June 2, 2016 June 4, 2016 June 30, 2016 July 7, 2016 July 9, 2016 October 27, 2016 November 3, 2016 November 5, 2016 March 26, 2016 -or- March 28, 2016 June 4, 2016 -or- June 6, 2016 July 9, 2016 -or- July 11, 2016 November 5, 2016 -or- November 7, 2016 PROGRAM ITINERARY The My Turn itinerary tells the story of Israel through the lens of Jewish history. As such, we begin in Jerusalem, follow the path of the Exile to Masada and Galilee, and then conclude in Tel Aviv celebrating the establishment of modern Israel. Actual itineraries and final hotels may vary only slightly and will be re-confirmed about two months prior. Meals Included: B = Breakfast / L = Lunch / D = Dinner DAY 1 / Thursday / Arrival in Israel! Arrive to Ben Gurion Airport on own flights VIP greeting and transfer to hotel is included Introductions and welcome dinner at Joy Restaurant in the Mamilla pedestrian complex Evening Tower of David Sound & Light Show Overnight in Jerusalem: Prima Kings Hotel (standard) or Inbal Hotel (upgrade) [D] DAY 2 / Friday / Ancient Jerusalem Haas Promenade Panoramic intro to Jerusalem Tour of the City of David archeological park and walk through the Hezekiah water tunnel Enter the Old City via the Zion Gate to explore the rooftops snd alleys of the Jewish Quarter Reflections at the Kotel The Western Wall Go under the Old City on the Kotel Tunnel Tour Evening Shabbat dinner experience at hotel Option for Kabbalat Shabbat at the Kotel Overnight in Jerusalem: Prima Kings Hotel (standard) or Inbal Hotel (upgrade) [B / D] DAY 3 / Saturday / Shabbat in Jerusalem Options: Shabbat services at local synagogue, visit the Israel Museum on own or relax! Shabbat lunch included at hotel
My Turn in Israel 3 Beyond the Walls Montefiore s Windmill and the Yemin Moshe neighborhood Return to the Old City to explore the Christian Quarter and the Arab Shuk (bazaar) Evening: Jerusalem nightlife on the town at Ben Yehuda pedestrian mall Overnight in Jerusalem: Prima Kings Hotel (standard) or Inbal Hotel (upgrade) [B / L] DAY 4 / Sunday / Loss & Renewal Yad Vashem Holocaust Center and Museum Experience the color of Mahane Yehuda market Photo-op at the Knesset s National Menorah Mt. Herzl National Memorial The Zionist Idea Camel riding and desert tent dinner feast at Eretz Bereshit in the desert Overnight in Jerusalem: Prima Kings Hotel (standard) or Inbal Hotel (upgrade) [B / D] DAY 5 / Monday / Judean Desert Early wake up and descend to the Judean Desert Ascend Masada in the morning via cable cars Tour of the mountaintop fortress Floating time at the Dead Sea s Ein Gedi Spa Nature walk to the desert waterfalls at Ein Gedi Travel northwards to the Galilee via the Jordan Check-in and dinner at deluxe kibbutz hotel Overnight: Kibbutz Maagan Galilee [B / D] DAY 6 / Tuesday / The Galilee Explore ancient Tzfat Center of mystical Judaism and meet with Kabbalatic artist, Avrhaham Lowenthal in the artist quarter Bird watching at the Hulla Valley Reserve Riverside-dinner at Dagey Dafna Restaurant Overnight: Kibbutz Maagan, Galilee [B / D] DAY 7 / Wednesday / The Golan Heights Ascend the Golan Heights and tour of the region on an off-road jeep trek View across the region from Mt. Ben-Tal Tasting and tour at the Golan Heights Winery Guided tour and explanation of the kibbutz idea Sunset cruise on the Sea of Galilee and lakefront dinner at Decks Restaurant in Tiberias Overnight: Kibbutz Maagan, Galilee [B / D] DAY 8 / Thursday / Mediterranean Coast Tree planting ceremony in a JNF Forest Travel westwards to the Mediterranean Coast Overlook of Haifa from the Bahai Temple Gardens on Mount Carmel Druze hospitality and lunch at Ussafiya Village Caesarea Herod s Roman amphitheater and palace on the beach Arrive to Tel Aviv in the late afternoon Checkin to beachfront resort hotel in Tel Aviv Sunset walking tour of the ancient Jaffa seaport Overnight: Carlton Hotel, Tel Aviv [B / L] NOTE: The 8-day tour ends this evening with a transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for return flights or a domestic flight to Eilat for those extending. DAY 9 / Friday / Founding of Modern Israel Ayalon Institute The Haganah and the IDF Independence Hall Founding modern Nahalat Binyamin street fair & Carmel Market Walking tour of Tel Aviv s historic Neve Tzedek and Rothschild Blvd. neighborhoods Shabbat dinner served at hotel Option to attend Shabbat services in Tel Aviv Overnight: Carlton Hotel, Tel Aviv [B / D] DAY 10 / Saturday / Shabbat on the Beach!
My Turn in Israel 4 An optional day tour of Acco and Rosh Hanikrah is also offered this day (see below) Shabbat lunch is included at our hotel along with late check-out through 2:00pm Option to attend Shabbat services in Tel Aviv Experience a Tel Aviv-style Shabbat relaxing on the Mediterranean beach! Walking tour of Tel Aviv Rabin Memorial, HaBimah Theater Grounds & Dizengoff Square Wrap-up and farewells on the beach Evening: Transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for return flight or for domestic flight to Eilat [B / L] Optional Acco (Acre) & Rosh Hanikrah Day Tour A day tour of the Western Galilee is offered as an alternate to the final Saturday in Tel Aviv. This optional tour covers the Rosh Hanikrah ocean caves and the ancient seaport of Acco including the Templar Tunnels and Crusader-era castle. The tour starts in the morning at our Tel Aviv hotel and return to Tel Aviv that evening in time for connecting flights back to North America or on to Eilat. The cost of the Acco & Rosh Hanikrah Day Tour is $100 per person, and it covers all touring costs (lunch not included). Optional Eilat & Petra Extension Package Conclude your stay at the Red Sea resort city of Eilat with the option to visit Petra, Jordan s wonder of the world. The package includes two nights of hotel with breakfast daily, roundtrip domestic flights and all airport transfers. The Eilat extension is designed as a vacation package and is not guided. The guided day tour of Petra in Jordan costs an additional $375 per person. It includes round-trip transfers, entrance fees, border fees, the Jordanian visa fee, tips, and lunch (not kosher). DAY 8 or 10 / Thursday or Saturday Evening: Travel on domestic flight to Eilat Arrive and transfer to resort accommodations Overnight: Hilton Queen of Sheba, Eilat [B / L] DAY 9 or 11 / Friday or Sunday Option #1: Enjoy Eilat and the Red Sea Option #2: Petra tour, with lunch (not kosher) Overnight: Hilton Queen of Sheba, Eilat [B] DAY 10 or 12 / Saturday or Monday Relaxed day to enjoy Eilat and the Red Sea Evening: Domestic flight from Eilat to Tel Aviv Transfer terminals for return int'l flight [B]
My Turn in Israel 5 ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE Program Organizer My Turn is organized by Authentic Israel, an Israel-based tour operator with over three decades of leadership in the field of Jewish educational travel. In addition to our headquarters adjacent to Ben Gurion Airport, we maintain a Washington, DC-based office to better serve North American travelers. Choosing an 8, 10 or 12-Day Experience The core program is offered as an 8- or 10-day tour both of which can be followed by a 2-day extension to Eilat and Petra. The 8-day version ends in Tel Aviv on Thursday evening. The 10-day version includes additional touring in Tel Aviv on the final Friday and Saturday. Active Touring for Adults My Turn is an active tour designed for adults. Our days are full of experiences designed to provide you with the full flavor of Israel. Although the program does not have age guidelines, the itinerary involves a good amount of walking and some long days. Participants may take a break from the active schedule at their own discretion. Traveling Jewishly My Turn is a pluralistic Jewish travel experience for all. Group meals are kosher, and there is no busbased touring on Shabbat. The program is unaffiliated with any specific religious approach rather it is designed for travelers of all backgrounds seeking a complete first-time experience in Israel through the lens of Jewish history and identity. Group vs. Independent Travel Our goal on My Turn is to create a sense of community among individual travelers with participants gaining lasting new friendships and a richer experience as a result. There are also ample opportunities for personal exploration during the tour. In particular, Saturdays are designed to be less structured, and no programming is mandatory on any day. Participants are encouraged to arrive in Jerusalem earlier or stay in Tel Aviv longer to explore even more on their own. Group hotel reservations can be extended accordingly. Our Staff Team My Turn is co-led by a licensed Israeli guide and a program leader/educator both of whom accompany the group on a 24/7 basis. Our staff members are charismatic educators eager to share the beauty of Israel. Each group is also assigned a deluxe touring bus with a dedicated driver.
My Turn in Israel 6 WHAT S INCLUDED VIP greeting at Ben Gurion Airport and private transfer to Jerusalem for the start of program 4-star and 5-star centrally located hotels in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Eilat plus deluxe kibbutz accommodations in the Galilee with hotel porterage included Licensed Israeli tour guide and a tour leader throughout the program Luxury private air-conditioned touring bus with dedicated Israeli driver Two group meals daily, including tax and gratuities at restaurant meals Breakfast only is included for participants who include the Eilat Extension Site entrance fees, activity costs, and programming Not Included: Int ll flights, gratuities, one meal a day, hotel incidentals, travel insurance (optional), local medical insurance (optional), late check-out at Eilat hotel (optional) PROGRAM COSTS Register at least five months in advance and receive a $100/person discount. Save an additional 3% on all program costs when you pay by check. 8-Day Core Program Base Cost with Double Room Hotel Occupancy Supplement for Single Room Hotel Occupancy Supplement for 5-Star Jerusalem Hotel Upgrade* 10-Day Core Program Base Cost with Double Room Hotel Occupancy Supplement for Single Room Hotel Occupancy Supplement for 5-Star Jerusalem Hotel Upgrade* Eilat Add-On Package Base Cost with Double Room Hotel Occupancy Does not include optional Petra day tour Supplement for Single Room Hotel Occupancy Supplement for Guided Petra Day Tour from Eilat Includes Jordanian visa, border crossing fees and tips Acco & Rosh Hanikrah Day Tour Optional Day Tour from Tel Aviv on Day #10 $2,125/p $600/p $325/p $2,375/p $785/p $325/p $560/p $260/p $375/p $100/p *The 5-star Jerusalem hotel supplement is based on double room hotel occupancy. A $330 supplement applies for single room hotel occupancy.
My Turn in Israel 7 GET REGISTERED Participant #1 (Primary Contact) First Name*: Last Name: DOB: Passport #: Exp Date: Email: Tel (Cell): Tel (Other): Participant #2 (if applicable) First Name*: Last Name: DOB: Passport #: Exp Date: Email: Tel (Cell): Tel (Other): Mailing Address: *If your passport info is not currently available, it can be submitted at a later date. Please note that according to Israeli customs regulations, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your travel. Rooming Notes: Medical & Dietary Notes: Emergency Contact: Full Name: Relation: Email: Tel (Cell): Tel (Other):
My Turn in Israel 8 PACKAGE SELECTIONS Please indicate your package selections below. An itemized receipt will be included with your confirmation message soon after your registration is received. Trip Start Date: Core Program: 8-Day / 10-Day Eilat Extension: Yes / No Petra Day Tour: Yes / No Acco & Rosh Hanikrah Day Tour: Yes / No Travelers in Party: Single Rooms: Double Rooms: Upgraded Rooms: Yes / No Pricing for upgraded rooms available upon request Local Medical Insurance: Yes / No Details below in Pre-Trip Prep section Selection Notes: PAYMENT INFORMATION Deposit Due ($250/Person): $ Payment: Visa/MC/Amex: Check: Unless otherwise instructed, your credit card will be charged the deposit, and you will be sent a confirmation message with an itemized receipt. The balance is due within 60 days of arrival. Save 3% on all program costs when you pay by check. Credit Card #: Security Code: Exp. Date: Name on Card: Billing Address: Name: Signature: Date: Payment Notes:
My Turn in Israel 9 Early Bird Discount + Risk-Free Registration Register at least five months in advance and receive a $100/person discount. Since payments are fully refundable up to four months in advance, your savings are risk free and your spot will be guaranteed! Payment & Cancellation Terms In order to reserve your place on the program, a $250/person deposit fee is due with registration. If you qualify for the early registration discount, it will be posted to your account soon after we receive your registration. The trip deposit is fully refundable up to 120 days prior to the program start date. The balance of payment is due no later than 60 days prior to trip start date. Participants who cancel within 120 days of the program start date will receive a refund, minus the deposit. Participants who cancel within 60 days of the program start date are not entitled to a refund. Statement of Responsibility Except for the willful negligence of its direct employees, Authentic Israel assumes 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.
My Turn in Israel 10 TRAVEL INSURANCE We have partnered with Travel Insured International to provide an optional travel insurance package as follows: Eligible travelers must reside in the Unted States (all nationalities) on a trip no longer than 180 days Worldwide Trip Protector Worldwide Trip Protector PLUS BENEFITS MAXIMUM LIMITS MAXIMUM LIMITS Cancellation for Covered Reasons 1 Pre-Departure 100% of Trip Cost Trip Interruption for Covered Reasons 1 Up to 150% of Trip Cost Cancellation for Any Reason Pre-Departure 2 N/A 75% of Trip Cost Trip Interruption for Any Reason 3 N/A 75% of Trip Cost Travel Delay (at least 6 hours) $1,000 Maximum Missed Connection (at least 3 hours) $500 Maximum Medical Expense 4 $100,000 (Supp.) $100,000 (Primary) Emergency Evacuation $1,000,0000 Baggage and Personal Effects $1,000 ($250 per article limit) (Supplemental) $1,000 ($250 per article limit) (Primary) 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* 2. Cancel For Any Reason. This supplemental coverage can be selected if the plan is purchased within 21 days of the initial trip deposit or airfare payment and the premium paid covers all trip costs (land and air). Cancellation must be made at least two days or more prior to scheduled departure date. 3. Interrupt For Any Reason Supplement. Can be selected provided the plan is purchased within 21 days of initial trip deposit or airfare payment and the appropriate additional premium is paid. Trip must be interruted at least three days or more after actual departure date. 4. Option: Primary Baggage + Medical Coverage at $25 per person. Waives excess insurance limitation on Baggage & Personal effects and Accident & Sickness Medical Expense. 5. Option: Increase Benefit Limits at $35 per person: Additional $1,000 Travel Delay Additional $300 Baggage Delay Additional $1,000 Baggage & Personal Effects Additional $500 Missed Connection *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.
My Turn in Israel 11 Insurance premiums are calculated as a function of total trip costs as follows: AGE Worldwide Trip Protector $2,501- $3,000 Worldwide Trip Protector PLUS TRIP COST PER ADULT (18+)* TRIP COST PER ADULT (18+)* $3,001- $3,500 $3,501- $4,000 $4,001- $4,500 $4,501- $5,000 $2,501- $3,000 $3,001- $3,500 $3,501- $4,000 $4,001- $4,500 $4,501- $5,000 18-34 $117 $136 $157 $174 $194 $187 $218 $251 $287 $320 35-58 $144 $160 $185 $198 $237 $216 $256 $296 $317 $379 59-65 $166 $206 $251 $307 $343 $249 $319 $389 $467 $532 66-70 $189 $231 $276 $322 $361 $274 $335 $400 $476 $542 71-80 $356 $396 $440 $468 $504 $498 $594 $660 $772 $832 81-85 $415 $476 $590 $631 $712 $664 $762 $885 $978 $1104 86+ $498 $576 $655 $715 $792 $747 $864 $983 $1,073 $1,188 For trips over 30 days add $5/day/traveler Learn more, view additional trip cost options and order online at WorldwideTripProtector.com For trips over 30 days add $8/day/traveler Learn more, view additional trip cost options and order online at WorldwideTripProtectorPlus.com *All trip costs must be included with coverage, including flight costs not booked via Authentic Israel. All benefits subject to plan exclusions. See full policy for details can be found in links above. Questions? Contact info@travelinsuranceisrael.com or 1-888-747-3773.
My Turn in Israel 12 PRE-TRIP PREPARATION Detailed pre-trip preparation material and program luggage tags are distributed approximately three months prior to arrival and in advance of the payment due date. Participants will also be invited to a trip Facebook group in order to meet fellow travelers before the program and stay in touch afterwards. 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. NOTE: If you are traveling with us to Jordan on the Petra Day Tour, a visa will be issued at the border automatically if you are traveling on a USA, Canada, or European Union member country passport. Traveling to and from Israel Participants are responsible for arranging their own air travel to/from Israel. As part of the package, participants are met at the airport 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 those arriving to Ben Gurion Airport on the first day of the program regardless of arrival time. The program formally begins on Thursday evening with dinner followed by the Tower of David Sound & Light Show in the Old City. Participants planning to be in Jerusalem earlier can be accommodated at our group hotel by prior arrangement. At the end of the program, participants are escorted back to Ben Gurion Airport on the final Thursday/Saturday night in time to catch overnight flights back to North America (departing between 10:30pm and 1:00am the next day). Participants on return flights outside of this window can be accommodated by special arrangement, and additional fees will apply. Finally, participants wishing to extend their booking at our group hotel in Tel Aviv can do so by prior arrangement. Note for Eilat Extension The Eilat extension includes domestic roundtrip flights. The return flights from Eilat Airport to Ben Gurion Airport will be booked according to the traveler's schedule. Participants wishing to stay longer in Eilat may do so with prior arrangements.
My Turn in Israel 13 Local Health Insurance Separate from travel insurance (see above), 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 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 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 per adult traveler is appropriate or in the shekel equivalent. We recommend splitting that amount 1/3 for the driver (~$35) and 2/3 for the guide (~$65). Gratuities for hotel staff and wait staff at group meals are already included in the cost of the program. Israel Sources & Resources We hope you look forward to your Israel travel as an experience not just a tour. With that in mind, we have assembled a Sources & Resources document which you will receive in Israel. You can explore the material in advance at www.authenticisrael.com/sources to put your upcoming travels in context.