Sample Itineraries
ELEVEN-DAY CHABAD TOUR Day 1 – Monday - Depart from the United States to Ben Gurion Airport, Israel
Day 2 - Tuesday - Arrival Ben Gurion Airport, Jerusalem
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport where a representative of Heartland Tours will meet you and assist your with your arrival. Welcome drinks and light refreshments at your hotel. After check in you will tour the Western Wall Tunnels, followed by Maariv at the Kotel. After dinner there will be an orientation with the staff of Heartland Tours. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem
Day 3 – Wednesday – Jerusalem
You will explore the very earliest foundations and archeological wonders of ancient Jerusalem at Ir David, the City of David. You will see the city’s ancient water tunnels, the escape tunnel of King Hezekiah, the Gihon Spring and the pool of Shiloah. Then you will have the unique opportunity of participating in an actual archeological dig sifting through fascinating ancient artifacts found beneath Har Habayit. You return to the Old City of Jerusalem, where everyday life and customs within narrow, crooked streets have remained virtually unchanged for centuries. You will tour the Southern Wall excavations and the Davidson Center. Back to the hotel for a little relaxation then you’ll take you to the outdoor market of Machane Yehuda where you can enjoy the sights and smells of Jerusalem’s outdoor market. Dinner in a local restaurant, overnight in Jerusalem
Day 4 - Thursday – Coastal Plain
After breakfast you will visit Har Adar for a magnificent view and more…. Your next stop is Rechovot and the Ayalon Institute for a fascinating look at the clandestine manufacturing of bullets during the time of the British Mandate. You continue to Kfar Chabad, Israel’s first Chassidic settlement established by the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1949. At the Kfar you will see “Shtetle life” recreated, the matzah factory or Etrog Orchard and the famous brick replica of “770”. Then you travel to the Ayalon Valley where Yehoshua asked Hashem to make the sun stand still here you will visit Mini Israel with over 350 models of sites in Israel. Your last stop of the day is Mea Sharim/Geula where you will have the opportunity for shopping and to participate in the hustle and bustle of Shabbos Preparation. Dinner in a local restaurant, overnight in Jerusalem
Day 5 - Friday - Gush Etzion, Chevron
Traveling in a specially protected “secured” bus in the direction of Yehuda, the first stop is the place, which Avraham “saw from afar” as he gazed upon Har Moriah and prepared for the sacrifice of his son Yitzchak. You continue for an inspiring visit to Kever Rachel with time for prayer. Passing the thriving community of Efrat there will be a stop at Kibbutz Kfar Etzion where you can see an incredible audio video presentation depicting Israel’s struggle for independence. Then it’s on to Chevron, infused with the awesome sanctity of the Ma’arat Ha’machpala, burial place of Adam and Chava, Avraham, Yitzhak, Yaacov, Sarah, Rivka and Leah. In Chevron you will also see the possible archaeological site of King David’s Palace, when he ruled in Chevron for seven and a half years, and the graves of Ruth and Yishai and the Ohel of Menucha Rachel. You will also have the opportunity to meet some of the brave Jewish residents of Kiryat Arba and Chevron including the Chabad Rabbi of Chevron, Danny Cohen and security permitting, a visit to an army base and meet some of the young men and woman defending Israel’s borders. Back to the hotel to get ready for Shabbat, Kabbalat Shabbat at the Kotel followed by Shabbat dinner and overnight in Jerusalem
Day 6 - Shabbat - Jerusalem
You will have the opportunity to attend Shabbat Services at the Great Synagogue of Jerusalem, the Kotel or the Tzemach Tzedek Shul in the Jewish Quarter. Kiddush, Shabbat luncheon and a Farbrengen will take place at the hotel. During the afternoon you will have a walking tour of the reconstructed Jewish Quarter, you’ll walk on the rooftops see the Cardo excavations of ancient Roman marketplaces and Hezikiah's First Temple era broad wall. In the evening you can stroll of Ben Yehuda Street the famous pedestrian mall for dinner and shopping. Overnight in Jerusalem
Day 7 - Sunday – Jerusalem, Dead Sea
After breakfast and check out you pass the Knesset (Israeli Parliament) and the award-winning Supreme Court building stopping at Yad V'Shem the memorial to the six million Jews killed during the Holocaust. You will have your last view of Jerusalem as you descend to the lowest point on Earth the area of the Dead Sea. You continue south passing the ancient caves of Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. At Ein Gedi, where Dovid hid from King Shaul you can hike and see the flora and fauna of the area as well as an ancient synagogue with an amazing inscription on the floor. You check into your hotel and you can relax and enjoy one of the famous spas at the hotel or a separate beach at the Dead Sea. After dinner there will be a nighttime jeep tour of the desert and a walk in the “flour caves” an amazing geological wonder. Dinner and overnight at the Dead Sea
Day 8 - Monday – Dead Sea, Galil
After an early breakfast you’ll take the cable car to Masada, the spectacular mountaintop fortress built by Herod and renowned as the last stronghold of the Jewish Rebellion against the Romans. (There will be an option to climb Masada early to see the sunrise – breakfast will be a box breakfast). Once both groups meet you’ll be able to daven Shacharit on the summit. Back to the hotel for relaxation and enjoying one of the famous spas at the hotel, then you drive through the Jordan River Valley passing biblical Gilgal and the crossing point of Joshua Ben Nun and B’nai Yisroel. After check in to your hotel you drive to Tiveria where you can enjoy a boat ride on the Kineret and visit the Kever of the Rambam followed by dinner in a local restaurant or the hotel, overnight on or near the Kineret
Day 9 - Tuesday – Galil
Heading west the first stop of the day is Tzporri also known by its Greek name Sepphoris. Here Yehudah Hanasi set up the Sanhedrin and put the final touches on the Mishna. Then you travel to Pe’ekin where Shimon Bar Yochai hid in a cave with his son for 13 years, you’ll see the presumed cave and spring where he got water. Driving toward the Mediterranean Sea you’ll stop at Rosh Hanikra, where you will be transported in cable cars to see the fascinating grotto caves naturally carved into the rocky cliffs near the border. You continue to Akko (Acre), the ancient port immortalized by the Crusaders, the Turks and the British. You will see the prison where Jews were hung during the time of the British Mandate and one of the most fascinating synagogues in all of Israel. Dinner in a local restaurant or the hotel, overnight on or near the Kineret
Day 10 - Wednesday – Galill, Golan
After breakfast you climb to the Golan Heights, in the Golan you will visit Katzrin, the Capital of the Golan, where you will have the opportunity to visit the award-winning Golan Winery and tour the town. You continue to Mount Bental where you can explore this former Syrian Bunker as well as see a phenomenal view of the snow-capped Mount Hermon. Your next stop is Meron to visit the tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, the author of the holy book of Zohar. You continue to Tzfat one of the four holy cities in Israel. You will visit ancient synagogues, walk to the gravesite of the Ari zl and other holy mystics, visit the Ari’s Mikvah and meet with some of the prominent and flourishing Chabad community. Dinner in a local restaurant or the hotel, overnight on or near the Kineret
Day 11 - Thursday – Galill
After breakfast you stop at Kfar Kedem where you can ride on one of the well-trained and friendly donkeys and join the caravan, headed for the hills. Then you can hitch a plow to one of the donkeys and work the land in the style of our forefathers. Finally, put your shoulder to the wheel of an ancient grindstone to prepare the whole-grain flour. Back to the hotel for last minute packing and check out. On to Tel Aviv the first all Jewish City in modern times which was founded on sand dunes in 1909. Driving through Tel Aviv you will visit the famous Palmach Museum for an intriguing look at the clandestine operations during the time of the British Mandate. Your last stop of he day is the port city of Yaffo. You can walk the alleys and byways of this ancient city with historic evidence dating back to the Pharaoh of the Exodus. You'll experience the charm of the artists’ area. Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea you will have your Farewell dinner, you proceed to the airport where a representative of Heartland Tours will assist with your departure. Say goodbye to Eretz Yisroel until your next tripDay 12- Friday – USA
You return homeB’’SD SIXTEEN-DAY CHABAD TOUR From Heartland Tours
Day 1 – Sunday - Depart from the United States to Ben Gurion Airport, Israel
Day 2 - Monday - Arrival Ben Gurion Airport, Jerusalem
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport where a representative of Heartland Tours will meet you and assist with your arrival. As you ascend to Jerusalem, the City of Gold, think of the thousands upon thousands of people before you. You proceed directly to the Kotel for Maariv. Check into your hotel, welcome party. Dinner at the hotel, after dinner there will be an orientation with the staff of Heartland Tours and an introduction to the political situation in Israel. Overnight in Jerusalem
Day 3 – Tuesday – Jerusalem
You will explore the very earliest foundations and archeological wonders of ancient Jerusalem at Ir David, the City of David. You will see the city’s ancient water tunnels, the escape tunnel of King Hezekiah, the Gihon Spring and the pool of Shiloah. Then you will have the unique opportunity of participating in an actual archeological dig sifting through fascinating ancient artifacts found beneath Har Habayit. You return to the Old City of Jerusalem, where everyday life and customs within narrow, crooked streets have remained virtually unchanged for centuries. You will tour the Southern Wall excavations, the Davidson Center and the Western Wall Tunnels. Back to the hotel for a little relaxation then you’ll take you to the outdoor market of Machane Yehuda where you can enjoy the sights and smells of Jerusalem’s outdoor market. Dinner in a local restaurant, or the hotel, overnight in Jerusalem
Day 4 - Wednesday - Coastal Plain
After breakfast you will visit Har Adar for a magnificent view and more…. Your next stop is Rechovot and the Ayalon Institute for a fascinating look at the clandestine manufacturing of bullets during the time of the British Mandate. You continue to Kfar Chabad, Israel’s first Chassidic settlement established by the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1949. At the Kfar you will see “Shtetle life” recreated, the matzah factory or Etrog Orchard and the famous brick replica of “770”. Then you travel to the Ayalon Valley where Yehoshua asked Hashem to make the sun stand still here you will visit Mini Israel with over 350 models of sites in Israel. Your last stop of the day is Mea Sharim/Geula where you will have the opportunity for shopping and to participate in the hustle and bustle of Shabbos Preparation. Dinner in a local restaurant, overnight in Jerusalem
Day 5 - Thursday - Gush Etzion, Chevron
Traveling in a specially protected “secured” bus in the direction of Yehuda, the first stop is the place, which Avraham “saw from afar” as he gazed upon Har Moriah and prepared for the sacrifice of his son Yitzchak. You continue for an inspiring visit to Kever Rachel with time for prayer. Passing the thriving community of Efrat there will be a stop at Kibbutz Kfar Etzion where you can see an incredible audio video presentation depicting Israel’s struggle for independence. Then it’s on to Chevron, infused with the awesome sanctity of the Ma’arat Ha’machpala, burial place of Adam and Chava, Avraham, Yitzhak, Yaacov, Sarah, Rivka and Leah. In Chevron you will also see the possible archaeological site of King David’s Palace, when he ruled in Chevron for seven and a half years, and the graves of Ruth and Yishai and the Ohel of Menucha Rachel. You will also have the opportunity to meet some of the brave Jewish residents of Kiryat Arba and Chevron including the Chabad Rabbi of Chevron, Danny Cohen and security permitting, a visit to an army base and meet some of the young men and woman defending Israel’s borders. In the evening you will be driven to the area of Mea Sharim/Geula for shopping. Dinner in a local restaurant or the hotel, overnight in Jerusalem
Day 6 - Friday – Jerusalem
The first stop of the day is Ammunition Hill which is the main official memorial symbolizing the liberation and reunification of Jerusalem. It was here that many soldiers lost their lives and it was the capture of this hill that made it possible for the Israeli army to forge ahead into the Old City and eventually allow the paratroopers to take the Old City of Jerusalem in 1967. Entering the Old City through the Jaffa Gate you tour the reconstructed Jewish Quarter, you’ll walk on the rooftops, see the Cardo excavations of ancient Roman marketplaces, Hezikiah's First Temple era broad wall and evidence of the Roman destruction. Back to the hotel to get ready for Shabbat, Kabbalat Shabbat at the Kotel followed by Shabbat dinner and overnight in Jerusalem
Day 7 - Shabbat - Jerusalem
You will have the opportunity to attend Shabbat Services at the Great Synagogue of Jerusalem, the Kotel or the Tzemach Tzedek Shul in the Jewish Quarter. Kiddush, Shabbat luncheon and a Farbrengen will take place at the hotel. In the evening you can stroll of Ben Yehuda Street the famous pedestrian mall for dinner and shopping. Overnight in Jerusalem
Day 8 - Sunday – Jerusalem, Dead Sea
After breakfast and check out you pass the Knesset (Israeli Parliament) and the award-winning Supreme Court building stopping at Yad V'Shem the memorial to the six million Jews killed during the Holocaust. You will have your last view of Jerusalem as you descend to the lowest point on Earth the area of the Dead Sea. You continue south passing the ancient caves of Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. At Ein Gedi, where Dovid hid from King Shaul you can hike and see the flora and fauna of the area as well as an ancient synagogue with an amazing inscription on the floor. You check into your hotel and you can relax and enjoy one of the famous spas at the hotel or a separate beach at the Dead Sea. After dinner there will be a nighttime jeep tour of the desert and a walk in the “flour caves” an amazing geological wonder. Dinner and overnight at the Dead Sea
Day 9 - Monday – Dead Sea, Negev
After an early breakfast you’ll take the cable car to Masada, the spectacular mountaintop fortress built by Herod and renowned as the last stronghold of the Jewish Rebellion against the Romans. (There will be an option to climb Masada early to see the sunrise – breakfast will be a box breakfast). Once both groups meet you’ll be able to daven Shacharit on the summit. Traveling west through the desert to Tel Beersheva you will be able to explore the ancient city where Abraham settled, dug his well and made a covenant with the Philistine king. In Beersheva Isaac and Jacob grew up and Isaac and Rebecca settled. Driving through the modern city to your next stop, the Israel Air Force Museum an outdoor museum with hundreds of Israeli aircraft. The next stop is the Ramon Crater, which is the largest geological formation of its kind in the world. At 25 miles in length, this is one of the largest and most spectacular craters in the world. You might see one of the Ibex or wild leopards living in the area. You can have the option of rappelling off one of the crater's edges. There will be time for swimming in the Dead Sea and enjoying the facilities of the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the Dead Sea
Day 10 - Tuesday – Dead Sea, Galil
You’ll start your day by driving through the Jordan River Valley passing Gilgal and the place where Bnei Yisrael crossed into Israel. You stop for a visit at the excavated city of Beit Shean, where the Philistines hung King Saul’s body and one of the earliest and most important cities in Israel from the time of the Canaanites. Your next stop is a visit to Kibbutz Beit Alpha where you will see a beautiful, interesting, mosaic floor of a 6th Century synagogue. Pick up your swords for a mock battle at Belvoir a Crusader fortress that was conquered by Saladin. Your next stop is the Kangaroo Park on the way to the Kineret. Before check in to your hotel you will stop at the Arable Mountain and ride on donkeys to the top. Dinner in a local restaurant or the hotel, overnight on or near the Kineret
Day 11 – Wednesday - Galill, Golan
After breakfast you ascend to the Golan Heights stopping for an overlook of the Kineret from the top of the Golan. Your next stop is Gamla where the oldest Beit Knesset was found and where according to Josephus 5,000 people jumped to their deaths rather then be sold into slavery by the Romans. You proceed to Katzrin, the capital of the Golan, you will visit the Golan Winery, where you will sample some of the best wines in Israel, next will be the Talmudic Village, a re-created village from the time of the Talmud. You continue to Mount Bental where you can explore this former Syrian Bunker, see the magnificent view overlooking Syria and hear about the battles on the Golan during the 1967 and 1973 wars. In the evening you proceed to Tiveria, stroll in the town visit the tomb of the Rambam and the graves of other Talmudic Era sages. A lovely boat ride on the Kineret will complete this day of touring. Dinner in a local restaurant or the hotel, overnight on or near the Kineret
Day 12 - Thursday – Galill, Northern Golan
After breakfast you stop at Kfar Kedem where you can ride on one of the well-trained and friendly donkeys and join the caravan, headed for the hills. Then you can hitch a plow to one of the donkeys and work the land in the style of our forefathers. Finally, put your shoulder to the wheel of an ancient grindstone to prepare the whole-grain flour. Then climb up to the Northern Golan. Your first stop is at Tel Dan one of the sources of the Jordan River you’ll hike through the park see foliage, running water and the remains of an ancient altar from the tribe of Dan. At Banias you’ll take a short hike to see these wonderful waterfalls. You continue north in the Golan where you will pass a huge Crusader-like fortress that is called Nimrod’s fortress… no Nimrod did not live here! You’ll see friendly Druse villages and climb to the highest point in Israel, Mt. Hermon where you will take a ski lift to the top. To top off the day you will have a rafting adventure on the Jordan River. Bring a waterproof camera with you and be prepared to get wet! Dinner in a local restaurant or the hotel, overnight on or near the Kineret
Day 13 - Friday – Meron, Tzfat
After breakfast, high in the mountains we will visit Meron and the tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, the author of the holy book of Zohar. You continue to Tzfat one of the four holy cities in Israel. You will visit ancient synagogues, shop in the artists’ quarter walk to the ancient Jewish cemetery where the Ari Zl and many great Tzaddikim are buried, and meet with some of the prominent and flourishing Chabad community. As Shabbat beckons the men will have the opportunity to visit the famous Ari Zl’s Mikvah. You can daven on the site where the Cabbalists of Tzfat originated the Friday evening Kabbalat Shabbat service. Traditional Shabbat dinner and overnight in Tzfat
Day 14 – Shabbat – Tzfat
You will have the opportunity to attend Shabbat Services at one of the many Synagogues of Tzfat such as the: Abuhav; Ari-Ashkenazi; Alsheich; Ari-Sephardi; Avritch; Caro; or the Tzemach Tzedek Shul. After Shabbat luncheon and a Farbrengen in the hotel you can walk to Ascent of Safed and learn with some Chabad Rabbis. After Shabbat there will be a festive Maleva Malka. Overnight in Tzfat
Day 15 – Sunday – Tzfat, Western Galil
You will have the morning to enjoy the facilities of the hotel, shop or sleep late. After a late check out you depart Tzfat and drive west to Tzporri, here Yehudah Hanasi set up the Sanhedrin and put the final touches on the Mishna. Then you travel to Pe’ekin where Shimon Bar Yochai hid in a cave with his son for 13 years, you’ll see the presumed cave and spring where he got water. Driving toward the Mediterranean Sea you’ll stop at Rosh Hanikra, where you will be transported in cable cars to see the fascinating grotto caves naturally carved into the rocky cliffs near the border. You continue to Akko (Acre), the ancient port immortalized by the Crusaders, the Turks and the British. You will see the prison where Jews were hung during the time of the British Mandate and one of the most fascinating synagogues in all of Israel. You drive along the coast to Tel Aviv, founded on sand dunes in 1909 as the first all Jewish city in modern times. In the evening you can feel the pulse of the largest city in Israel. Dinner in a local restaurant or the hotel, overnight in Tel Aviv
Day 16 – Monday – Tel Aviv, Yaffo, Airport
Your last day in Eretz Yisrael you drive through the metropolis of Tel Aviv, the first all Jewish city in modern Israel. You’ll stop at the famous Palmach Museum for an intriguing look at the clandestine operations during the time of the British Mandate and the Diaspora Museum, which tells the story of forgotten Jewish communities. Back to the hotel for last minute packing and check out. You continue to Yaffo where the prophet Jonah set sail. You can walk the alleys and byways of this ancient city with historic evidence dating back to the Pharaoh of the Exodus. You'll experience the charm of the artists’ area, the flea market and the port area from. Your farewell dinner will be at a quaint Yaffo restaurant, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the skyline of Tel Aviv. You proceed to the airport where a representative of Heartland Tours will assist with your departure. Say Shalom until the next visit to Eretz Yisroel!
