DEPARTURE: Sunday, May 15, 2016 RETURN: Thursday, May 26, 2016 OHEV SHALOM ISRAEL 2016 MAGICAL HISTORY TOUR Led by Cantor Paul and Arlene Frimark HOTELS: Accommodation at hotels includes full Israeli breakfast daily and hotel service charge. The price has been based on the following hotels: May 16 17 (1 night) David Intercontinental Hotel, Tel Aviv. (Classic rooms) May 17 20 (3 nights) Pastoral Hotel Kfar Blum, Galilee. (Premier rooms) May 20 25 (5 nights) David Citadel Hotel, Jerusalem (Superior rooms) MEALS: In addition to the complete Israeli breakfast served daily, we have included the following meals: Monday, May 16: Tuesday, May 17: Wednesday, May 18: Thursday, May 19: Thursday, May 19: Friday, May 20: Saturday, May 21: Tuesday, May 24: Wednesday, May 25: Dinner at David Intercontinental Restaurant, Tel Aviv. Dinner at Pastoral Hotel Kfar Blum, Galilee. Dinner at Dubrovin Estates Restaurant, Galilee. Lunch at Kibbutz Ortal, Golan Heights. Dinner at Pastoral Hotel Kfar Blum, Galilee. Shabbat Dinner at hotel in Jerusalem in a private room. Lunch at Fuchsberg Hall, Jerusalem. "Lunch and Swim" at a Dead Sea Hotel, Spa (first timers). Lunch at a local winery, Judean hills (veterans). Dinner at David Citadel Hotel in Jerusalem. Food sampling Mahane Yehuda Market (during culinary tour) Farewell Dinner ITINERARY Monday, May 16 "Welcome to Israel." A member of our staff will meet you upon arrival at Passport Control at Ben Gurion Airport to assist you with arrival procedures. He will then see you to your guide, driver and transfer vehicle that will drive you to your hotel to check in and freshen up. This evening enjoy a Welcome Dinner and Orientation at the hotel. Overnight David Intercontinental Hotel, Tel Aviv. Tuesday, May 17 "From Tel Aviv along the Mediterranean Coast." After breakfast check out of your hotel and head north along the coastline to the Carmel Range, to Ramat Hanadiv, a natural gem dedicated to the memory of Baron Edmond de Rothschild. Stroll through the spectacular gardens and see the memorial to Baron Edmond and his wife. Stop at Tzippori, one of the main centers of the Sanhedrin, where Rabbi Yehuda "Nassi" lived and compiled the Mishna, in the year 200 CE. See the remains dating back from the second century BCE through the Roman and Byzantine periods and walk through the ancient conduit, which brought water to the city. Also see some of Israel's most beautiful mosaic floors, one depicting the "Feast of Dionysos" and another, the "Nile Mosaic" dating back to the Roman period. Onwards via Tiberias to a private beach on the shores of Lake Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) for R & R and an opportunity to swim in the lake. Cross the Jordan River to the Golan Heights and head north along the battlefields of the 1973 war to an active IDF unit to meet with the troops, defending Israel's northern border (pending Military confirmation). Proceed through the Galilee to your hotel and check in. Dinner is 1 of 5
included for you tonight at your hotel. Spa treatments available this evening upon request (not included). **Overnight Pastoral Hotel Kfar Blum, Galilee. Wednesday, May 18 "The Hills of the Galilee." This morning, following breakfast, drive along the Lebanese border and see the front line where our soldiers crossed over into Lebanon during the second war with Lebanon and overlook the battlefields. Your guide will give you an overview of the current situation in this area. On through the Galilee to the ancient city of Akko, once the Crusader capital of the North and now a city of mixed Arab and Jewish populations. Walk on the city walls to the harbor, and through the colorful markets, to visit the huge underground Crusader Halls. In the hills of the Upper Galilee, visit the modern industrial park of Tefen, developed by entrepreneur Stefan Wertheimer, to see the unusual museum and sculpture garden, which is an integral part of the park. The flagship industry here was purchased by Warren Buffet of the USA. Here visit the Open Museum of Israeli Art under an open sky, consisting of some 100 pieces of art. On to the Druze village of Pekiin. During the time of the Second Temple this was an important Jewish village in the Galilee. Today the remains of an ancient synagogue still stand here, preserved and maintained by the one remaining Jewish family. Drive to Mount Meron the tallest mountain in Israel. Around the peak of the mountain runs a Loop Trail that allows you magnificent views of the entire Galilee region, Lebanon, the Golan Heights and the Mediterranean Sea. Return to your hotel to freshen up. Dinner is included for you tonight nearby at Dubrovin Estates Restaurant. Overnight Pastoral Hotel Kfar Blum, Galilee. Thursday, May 19 "The Golan Heights." Start the day at the Naot Shoe Outlet/Factory Shop. Then, head to the Agamon HaHula Nature Reserve. Here you may take a bicycle ride or electric golf cart ride through the natural vegetation along the waters' edge to see nature at its best. Spot many small animals and beautiful birds now living in the Reserve. The lake in the Hula Valley is one of the favorite resting places of migrating birds from Europe to Africa. Ascend the Golan Heights and stop at Kibbutz Ortal on the Golan Heights for lunch and a tour of the Kibbutz to see a communal lifestyle unique to Israel. Conclude the day at Safed, the city of the mystics to visit the synagogues of Rabbi Isaac Luria and Rabbi Joseph Karo. There will also be time to wander about the alleys, lanes and art galleries of the Old City of Safed. Return to your hotel. Dinner is included for you tonight at your hotel. Overnight Pastoral Hotel Kfar Blum, Galilee. Friday, May 20 "From the Hills of the Galilee to Jerusalem." Check out of your hotel this morning and drive along the shores of Lake Kinneret, stopping to pay your respects to famous Israeli artists and poets buried at the Kinneret Cemetery of the Pioneers on the waters edge. On along the Jordan Valley to the ancient remains of Beit Shean, one of the oldest settled sites in the country. In Roman times, this city was known as Scythopolis and was part of the great Decapolis. Amongst the ruins, you will see a theater, which was the main cultural and entertainment center during that period and accommodated over 6,000 people. Ascend to Jerusalem. Upon your first view of the eternal Holy City stop for a moment's reflection and prayer by saying the "Shehecheyanu" and "Borei Pri Hagefen" blessing as pilgrims did when approaching Jerusalem throughout history. Arrive at your hotel and check in. Then, head to the Old City to welcome the Shabbat at the Kotel (Western Wall) or at synagogue of choice. Return to your hotel where Shabbat Dinner is included for you tonight in a private room at your hotel. Overnight David Citadel Hotel, Jerusalem. Saturday, May 21 "Shabbat in Jerusalem." No guide or touring services are provided today. Take part in Shabbat services nearby at Congregation Moreshet Israel or at synagogue of choice. Lunch is included for you today at the Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure at the hotel swimming pool. Or, feel free to stroll about the alleys and byways, markets and museums of Jerusalem on your own. This evening, after Havdalah, you might stroll down Ben Yehuda Street or the Mamilla Pedestrian Mall. Overnight David Citadel Hotel, Jerusalem. Sunday, May 22 Touring in Jerusalem. This morning in a private room meet with Mr. Gil Hofman, senior political correspondent for the Jerusalem Post as well as a regular consultant on Israeli Television and other media outlets. He will give you a fascinating insider s look as to the Political Landscape in Israel Today. Drive to an observation point overlooking Jerusalem from the Haas Promenade. Enter the Old City through the Zion Gate to take an in-depth tour of the Jewish Quarter including the Cardo. While here see the Jewish Quarter from an unusual vantage point as you walk along the rooftops passing from one home to another. You will see the Temple Mount and the 2 of 5
ancient streets below. Continue to visit the Western Wall and Western Wall Tunnels for a tour and to see the archaeological discoveries excavated in a vast concealed tunnel along the Western Wall (pending confirmation). Veteran visitors are invited to visit the nearby Davidson Center/ Southern Wall Excavations. Return to your hotel for leisure time. In the evening there is the opportunity to visit the amazing Sound and Light Spectacular Show at the David's Tower (Jaffa Gate) where you will be treated to a colorful series of moving images that turn the massive walls, towers, turrets and archaeological ruins into lifelike depictions of events that took place over the millennia (optional, not included in the cost). Overnight David Citadel Hotel Jerusalem. Monday, May 23 For First Timers "Kings and Rebels in the Desert of Judah." This tour is for first time visitors to Israel. Depart Jerusalem and drive east through the Judean Desert, arriving at the mountain-top fortress of Masada for an in-depth tour of the site. Ascend the cliff top fortress by cable car. From the top of Masada, the outlines of the Roman encampments are still visible below. Continue to a hotel/spa on the shore of the Dead Sea for an afternoon of R & R. Enjoy the tasty buffet lunch (included). You also have use of the hotel's private Dead Sea beach and private outdoor pool. You may wish to reserve treatments at the spa (not included, should be reserved in advance). On the return to Jerusalem via the caves of Qumran where the Essenes lived 2000 years ago and where the original Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in 1947. Visit the ruins of this ancient desert village. Return to your hotel where dinner is included for you. Overnight David Citadel Hotel, Jerusalem. Monday, May 23 For Veteran Visitors. "The Judean Hills." This tour is for veteran visitors to Israel. Start the day with a Mitzvah Project as all visit Yad L'Kashish. At Yad L'Kashish senior citizens are treated with sensitivity, understanding and, above all, respect. At Yad L'Kashish in Jerusalem, the staff strive to teach new skills to elderly workers and integrate them in creative areas which best suit their abilities. Proceed through the green Hills of Judah to the Beit Guvrin region and the land of a thousand caves for a tour of the ancient excavated caves that different civilizations used for various purposes. While here you will have a chance to participate in an actual archaeological excavation and tour the caves (closed shoes should be worn at this site). Continue to a local winery for a tour and wine tasting followed by lunch on the premises. In the afternoon conclude with a visit to the Menachem Begin Heritage Center a national project to commemorate the sixth Prime Minister of the State of Israel, one of the great leaders of the Jewish People in the generation of the Holocaust and Heroism and is designed to provide hope and inspiration to future generations. Return to your hotel where dinner is included for you. Overnight David Citadel Hotel, Jerusalem. Tuesday, May 24 "The New City of Jerusalem." This morning after breakfast meet Colonel Bentzi Gruber, in a private room. He is a Reservist in the IDF and will present a briefing on "Moral Dilemmas Facing the IDF in their battle against terror in the southern sector." (pending final confirmation). First timers will then drive to Yad Vashem, where, accompanied by a local curator, tour the central memorial and museum dedicated to the Holocaust. Veteran visitors will drive to the renewed Israel Museum where a local curator will take you on a tour of Judaica and Ethnography All will then meet and head to Mahane Yehuda Market to meet a culinary expert who will take you on a special tour in the Market place. She will introduce you to some of the shop keepers to see their wonderful produce and hear their stories and sample their wares. Conclude the day at Mount Herzl Israel's "Arlington Cemetery", to pay homage to those who gave their lives defending Israel. Here visit the Herzl Museum atop Mount Herzl, telling the story of Theodore Herzl, founder of Zionism as a modern political movement. Overnight David Citadel Hotel, Jerusalem. Wednesday, May 25 "See you soon." Enjoy the morning at leisure, shopping and exploring the city on your own. First timers will visit Yad L'Kashish (until you've visited Yad L'Kashish, your tour of Jerusalem is incomplete). Here, seniors are treated with sensitivity, understanding and, above all, respect. People are never too old to learn. At Yad L'Kashish they strive to teach new skills to elderly workers and integrate those in creative areas which best suit abilities. In the mid / late afternoon check out of your hotel and drive to Rehovot for a guided tour of the Kaplan Medical Center, a hidden gem in the "heartland of Israel" which serves more than one million of Israel's citizens. It provides life-saving health services to a large population of Ethiopians, Russian immigrants, Sephardic Jews, as 3 of 5
well as Bedouin and other Arab citizens. Continue to a nearby restaurant for an Ohev Shalom Farewell Dinner. After dinner drive to Ben Gurion Airport for your departure flight, where a member of our staff will assist with departure procedures. COSTS: Adult Double Occupancy Per Person $4,400 Adult Single Supplement Per Person $1,650 TO RESERVE PLACES ON THE OHEV SHALOM ISRAEL 2016 MAGICAL HISTORY TOUR: (Because of Hotel Space, the Number of Participants May Be Limited) All checks payable to Ohev Shalom $ 500 Per Person Deposit Requested at This Time $1,000 Per Person July 31, 2015 Interim Payment $1,000 Per Person February 1, 2016 Interim Payment $1,900 Per Person April 1, 2016 Final Payment GROUP TOURING SERVICES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: Nine days of touring with a professional English speaking tour guide Nine days services of a driver in a vehicle licensed/ insured for tourism. Overnight stays away from home base and expenses for the tour guide and driver All mileage per the above program. One group VIP meeting/assistance upon arrival before Passport Control. Entrance fees to the various parks and sites as per the itinerary. Porterage at hotels. Bottled mineral water on touring vehicle One group VIP meeting/assistance upon departure in the Terminal. All tour coordination services. Overtime and night outings as per itinerary for the bus. Culinary tour at Mahane Yehuda Market. Curator at the Israel Museum. Curator at Yad Vashem Colonel Bentzi Gruber (including private room) Briefing with Gil Hofman (including private room) One group departure transfer from Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport. THE ABOVE TOUR IN ISRAEL DOES NOT INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: Cost of round trip airfare from country of origin to Israel. Any expenses of a personal nature. Meals other than those indicated. Sound and Light Spectacular Show at David's Tower Spa treatments. Beverages at meals. Early check in. Any guests at meals other than the participants of the party. Personal health insurance, insurance for baggage, personal items, trip cancellation or interruption. HOTELS IN ISRAEL: Please note that check-in at Israeli hotels is 2:00 PM 3:00 PM and check-out time is 11:00 AM - 12:00 noon. Should you want guaranteed early check-in or guaranteed late check-out, this may well involve a supplemental charge. Note also that check-in at many Israeli hotels on Saturdays is often two hours after sundown. Some Israeli hotels charge for wireless internet services GRATUITIES IN ISRAEL: Gratuities are included in the price of the trip for the tour guide and tour bus driver. Gratuities for airport drivers, bellboys and hotel staff is, of course, at your discretion. 4 of 5
PASSPORT / VISA INFORMATION: All passports need to be valid for at least six months from the date of departure from the USA. Note that upon entering Israel, your passports are no longer stamped. Instead you will receive a formal stamped form with a visa valid for 3 months. Please keep this form as you will need it for hotel check-in, car rental, bank affairs, entry to the Knesset, etc. NEW VAT TAX REGULATIONS Please be aware that according to the new Israeli tax laws, being strictly enforced by all hotels, all guests holding Israel citizenship, even those with dual citizenship/passports both for individual travelers and guests part of a group, or invited local guests, will be charged VAT tax. Therefore we need to receive this information in advance in order to finalize the bill. Should we not get this information in advance, and hotels charge us VAT tax, be aware that we will charge you with this extra amount retroactively. Should the Israeli Government change the VAT tax law for tourists holding foreign citizenship, a VAT tax will apply to all touring services. INSURANCE: Insurance for baggage, personal items, health coverage and trip cancellation and interruption is not included, but is highly recommended. We suggest obtaining coverage through your local provider. RESPONSIBILITY: Mabat Platinum Ltd., (hereinafter called the Tour Operator), acts only as an agent for the various companies, owners or contractors providing the means of transportation, accommodation and other services. All exchange orders, coupons and tickets are offered subject to the Terms and Conditions under which such services are offered or provided. The issuance and acceptance of such tickets shall be deemed to be consent to the further conditions that the Tour Operator shall not be in any way liable for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity in any vehicle, or through the acts or defaults of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger/s or of any hotel proprietor, personnel or servant otherwise in connection therewith. The airline and transportation companies concerned are not to be held responsible for any act; omission or event during the time passengers are not on board their planes or conveyances. The right is reserved to withdraw any tour announced in this program and to make such alterations to the itineraries as may be found desirable for the proper carrying out of the tours. In the event it becomes necessary or advisable in the Tour Operator's discretion to alter the arrangements or itineraries for the passenger/s comfort or welfare or for any reason whatsoever, such alterations may be made without penalty to the Operator. The Tour Operator reserves the right to change any hotel/s listed with one of a similar category if circumstances necessitate. Additional expenses, if any, shall be borne by the passenger/s. The right is reserved to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of any group at any time. 5 of 5