Sample 16 Day Itinerary for Jewish Travellers
Day 1 – Monday: We Are Going: United States, Israel
Depart from the United States to Ben Gurion Airport, Israel
Day 2 - Tuesday: Enter the Land: Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport where a representative of Heartland Tours will meet you and assist us with your arrival. We will drive through Tel Aviv, the first Jewish city in modern times, founded on sand dunes in 1909. We check into our hotel, where we can enjoy the facilities. We will meet before dinner for a briefing of our exciting tour. After dinner at a local Tel Aviv restaurant we can stroll down some of the famous streets in Tel Aviv visiting its shops and cafes. Overnight in Tel Aviv
Day 3 – Wednesday: Prophets and Freedom: Yaffo, Rechovot, Tel Aviv
After a late breakfast we drive to the Independence Museum where David Ben Gurion dramatically declared the establishment of the State of Israel on May 14, 1948. We continue to Yaffo (Jaffa), one of the oldest biblical cities in the world and an important seaport since antiquity. We’ll explore the flea market where you can test your bargaining power and pick up a few souvenirs and presents from the array of old, new, antique and odd objects on sale; the alleys and byways of the artist quarter and the port area where the prophet Jonah set sail. We drive south Rechovot where we will visit Ayalon Institute, this was the first clandestine bullet production factory operated by members of the Palmach during the British Mandate rule. We then visit the Weizmann Institute a major center of scientific research. We will see some of the work that is being done here as well as the home of the first President of Israel, Chaim Weizmann. Our last stop of the day is the Palmach Museum, which tells the story of the Palmach, the precursor of the Israeli Army. Dinner in a local restaurant, overnight in Tel Aviv
Day 4 - Thursday: Layers of History: Coastal Area, Galil
After breakfast and check out we visit the Diaspora Museum, which is located on the campus of the Tel Aviv University. Represented at the museum are 2,500 years of Jewish life in the Diaspora (the settling of Jews outside Israel), beginning with the destruction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. One highlight is a replica collection of miniature synagogues throughout the world, both those destroyed and those still functioning. Another is the computerized genealogy section, where it is possible to look up Jewish family names to determine their origins. Driving north along the coast our next stop is Caesarea, capital of Judea under the Romans. Founded by King Herod, Caesarea was named for Herod’s Roman patron, Augustus Caesar. We will sit in the theatre and walk the floor of the great Hippodrome where chariot races were held and get our feet wet in the Mediterranean Sea at the Roman aqueducts. Driving through Haifa Israel's third largest city and one of the main commercial ports. The tour of Haifa will begin at the summit of Mount Carmel where you will take in a breathtaking panoramic view of the Haifa Bay and Western Galilee. Continue on to the golden domed Ba’ahi Shrine to visit the exotic Persian Gardens. On a clear day, you can see everything as far north as Mt. Hermon. We continue to Akko (Acre), the ancient port immortalized by the Crusaders, the Turks and the British. We will see the underground Crusader City and the prison where Jews were hung during the time of the British Mandate. Our last stop of the day is Rosh Hanikra on the extreme northwestern border we descend by cable car into the magnificent limestone Grottoes. We travel through the Galil to Tzfat (Safed) for dinner and overnight in Tzfat
Day 5 - Friday: The Mystics: Tzfat
After breakfast we will have an orientation session on our next two days in the mystical city of Tzfat. Tzfat is one of the Four Holy Cities according to tradition and is known for its mystical atmosphere and Kabalistic studies. This town was a center of 16th century mysticism and is still a magnet for spiritual 'searchers'. We will have an in-depth tour of the fascinating synagogues, cobblestone courtyards, ancient cemetery, where many of our holy mystics are buried, and the Mikvah of the holy Ari. We walk back to the hotel for candle lighting, welcoming the Shabbat and dinner. After dinner we’ll have a late night walk - the “Bubemaises Tour” of Tzfat. Traditional Shabbat dinner and overnight in Tzfat
Day 6 - Shabbat: Dimensions of Kabala: Tzfat
After a continental breakfast at the hotel we will attend morning prayers in an ancient and mystical Tzfat synagogue or tour some the interesting synagogues of Tzfat. After our tour we will enjoy a lavish Kiddush and luncheon at the hotel. There will be time for rest and relaxation before we meet for a lecture on “living a meaningful life according to Jewish mysticism and the Zohar, the book of the Kabala”. After the traditional third meal of Shabbat, there will be a musical Havdalah, and then a musical concert for Malava Malka. Shabbat Lunch and overnight in Tzfat
Day 7 - Sunday: Wars in the North: Golan
After breakfast our first stop of the day is Tel Dan, a beautiful nature reserve with trails leading through a dense forest. This is the site where the tribe of Dan settled, when the Jewish kingdom was divided into two parts. From this area the Dan River flows into the Jordan. Our next stop is the observation point on Mount Bental, a former Syrian bunker, overlooking the Mount Hermon area and the entire Golan Heights. From here you can see the mountains of the Galilee and Lebanon, and eastward into Syria. We will have an understanding of the wars that Israel fought with Syria at a brand new audio video presentation. On to the “capital” of the Golan, Katzrin where we will tour the ancient reconstructed Talmudic Village and a partially restored 1,500-year-old synagogue, the famous Golan Winery and a fascinating audio-visual presentation describing the history of the Golan throughout the ages. Next we will have the special privilege of being the guests of an Armored Brigade on their base. During our visit we will meet and talk with soldiers and officers stationed there. (Pending Military Authorities' permission) Then we board jeeps for an off-road adventure. Dinner in a local restaurant, overnight in Tzfat
Day 8 - Monday: Sages, Mystics and Fun: Galil
After time for shopping and browsing through the artists’ workshops and galleries we travel to Meron. In the central building stands the tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai Rabbi Bar Yochai fled the oppressive Romans and sought shelter in a cave with his son. Tradition has it that while dwelling in the cave he wrote the “Zohar” – the “brightness” – the standard work of the Kabala. Then, in true Biblical fashion, we adorn traditional garb at Kfar Kedem and take a short donkey ride in the scenic hills of the Galilee. From our donkeys back we will be able to admire the countryside, which has hardly changed since days of old. Depending on the season, our next adventure is a rafting trip down the Jordan River, bring a towel and be prepared to get wet! In Tiberias we can visit the tomb of the Rambam and enjoy a boat ride on the Kineret. Dinner in a local restaurant, overnight in Tzfat
Day 9 - Tuesday: Romans and Kings: Jordan River Valley, Dead Sea
After breakfast and checkout we drive to Beit Shean the largest archeological park in Israel with beautiful excavations from Roman and Byzantine periods. Among the ruins, you will see a 6,000-seat theater and a Roman bathhouse covering one and a half acres of floor space. We travel south along the Jordan Rift passing the Gilboa Mountains where King Saul was killed in the battle against the Philistines. We will pass biblical Gilgal, the crossing point of B’nai Yisroel and the ancient caves of Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. We continue along the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth to Ein Gedi, where David hid from King Saul, we’ll stop for a short hike and experience a small slice of heaven as we hike along a waterfall oasis whose beauty exudes vibrant colorful hues. We’ll check into our hotel on the Dead Sea and spend the rest of the day resting, relaxing, bathing in the Dead Sea or enjoying the spas and facilities of the hotel. After an early dinner we will view the spectacular Masada Sound and Light show on the cliffs of Masada. Dinner and overnight on the Dead Sea
Day 10 - Wednesday: Freedom Fighters or Fanatics: Dead Sea, Negev Desert
After an early breakfast we’ll take the cable car to the top of Masada, (option of climbing up to see the sunrise) and have a first-hand account of the archeological excavations at Masada. Masada was built and fortified by King Herod and was a stronghold during the time of the destruction of the Second Temple. We’ll descend on foot via the old Roman Ramp and travel to Tel Arad, the only Canaanite city in the world that was not altered by subsequent civilizations. Arad also has an ancient “temple” used by Israelites, indicating a disregard for the ban on worship outside of Jerusalem. We continue through the Negev Desert to Kibbutz Sde Boker, where David Ben Gurion, who was the first Prime Minister of Israel, made his home in 1953. The kibbutz is his realization of making the desert bloom. Besides seeing the cabin where he lived we will also visit his gravesite, which overlooks Nachal Zin, which the Children of Israel passed through in their 40 years of wandering. We drive to 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. We might see one of the Ibex or wild leopards living in the area. We can have the option of rappelling off one of the crater's edges. Our last stop of the day is a camel ranch in the desert, we’ll ride on camels through the desert passing sand and palm trees and have dinner in a Bedouin tent. Overnight on the Dead Sea
Day 11 - Thursday: Beginnings of the Modern State: Beersheva, Jerusalem
After check out we drive along the Dead Sea and venture into the caves of Mount Sdom where a surprise awaits us. We travel west to Beersheva where we’ll 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. We’ll drive through the modern city to our next stop, the Israel Air Force Museum an outdoor museum with hundreds of aircraft from the air force, we’ll be able to see them up close and climb on some. Our next stop is Kibbutz Yad Mordechai where we will learn about the Battle of Yad Mordechai. The battle took place at the beginning of the Israeli War of Independence, on May 19, 1948, five days after Israel's declaration of Independence. Our next stop is the Latrun fort. In Israel's War for Independence, some of the fiercest fighting of the war took place at Latrun. From 1948 to 1967, the Israelis were unable to gain control of the road and had to build a detour to circumvent the Arab legion. On the way to Jerusalem we will stop and plant trees and help reforest the hills of Jerusalem. We arrive in Jerusalem as we enter the eternal Holy City, stop for a moment for reflection. We proceed directly to the Kotel (Western Wall) where we can participate in an age-old tradition by saying the Shehecheyanu prayer. Dinner in a local restaurant or the hotel, overnight in Jerusalem
Day 12 - Friday: Foundations: Jerusalem
Our first stop in Jerusalem is the “original” Jerusalem, the City of David which David made his capitol 3,000 years ago. We will explore the city’s ancient water tunnel, the Gihon Spring, pool of Shiloah, the escape tunnel of King Hezekiah, and the newly found Palace of King David. Finally, we will have the unique privilege of working alongside archaeologists as we sift through soil from beneath the Temple Mount looking for ancient Temple-era artifacts. As the sun sets we make preparations to welcome the Shabbat with prayers and dancing at the Kotel. As we enter the Old City, look around you and notice how people from all corners of the world enter through the various Gates with one purpose in mind, to welcome the Shabbat Bride at the holiest place on earth for Judaism. Traditional Shabbat dinner and overnight in Jerusalem
Day 13 - Shabbat: The Holy: Jerusalem
We will have the opportunity to attend Shabbat Services at the Great Synagogue of Jerusalem, the Kotel or a synagogue of your choice. Kiddush and Shabbat luncheon will take place at the hotel. After lunch we will have a walking tour of some of the neighborhoods in Jerusalem. As Shabbat comes to an end, we will perform the traditional Havdalah service under the stars. As the city becomes active again we can enjoy shopping and dinner on Ben Yehuda Street the outdoor pedestrian mall. Overnight in Jerusalem
Day 14 – Sunday: Jerusalem the Ancient: Jerusalem
After breakfast we will walk through the walls to the Old City of Jerusalem, where everyday life and customs within narrow, crooked streets have remained virtually unchanged for centuries. We ascend to the Temple Mount, the holiest spot on earth! In the Kotel Tunnels one of the most amazing archaeological sites in all Israel, we can walk alongside the Western Wall's massive foundation stones and stand opposite the place where the Holy of Holies once stood. We will explore the Southern Wall Excavations and take a virtual, computerized "walk" through the Second Temple, where we will be able to understand what life was like at the time. We will walk through the “shuk” to the restored Jewish Quarter; we will see the Cardo, the unearthed main Roman thoroughfare and an ancient marketplace lined with shops; the Burnt House, which tells the story of the Priest's house and how it was burned along with the Temple; the Herodian Quarter where we can see the opulence of the Cohanim; and Hezikiah’s Broad Wall dating back to the First Temple. Back to the hotel for a little rest before we venture to Machane Yehuda the wonderful outdoor market where native Jerusalemites buy their food. Dinner in a local restaurant, overnight in Jerusalem
Day 15 – Monday: Jerusalem the Modern: Jerusalem
We start the day by driving past the Knesset (Israeli Parliament) and the Supreme Court building and continue to Mount Herzl for a tour of the Herzl Museum for an understanding of the life of the founder of modern Zionism. We continue to Yad Vashem, the Jewish people’s memorial to the murdered Six Million during the Holocaust. Our next stop is the Hadassah Hospital to see the famous Chagall Stained Glass Windows. The Israel Museum is next, the museum houses the Shrine of the Book, the home of the Dead Sea Scrolls and the miniature model of Jerusalem as it was during the Second Temple period. Before dinner in a local restaurant we’ll stop in Mea Shearim where we can shop for Judaic items with exceptional values and learn about the unique lifestyle of this ultra orthodox community. Dinner in a local restaurant, overnight in Jerusalem
Day 16 – Tuesday: Say Shalom: Jerusalem, Airport
After a late breakfast and check out we begin our last day in Israel with a visit to 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. Then we go back to the Old City and say our goodbyes to Jerusalem with a walk around the walls ending up at the Kotel for a final prayer. Our farewell dinner will be in a local restaurant in Jerusalem. We proceed to the airport where a representative of Heartland Tours will assist with your departure. Say Shalom until the next visit to Eretz Yisroel!
CONSIDER THESE FANTASTIC OPTIONS IN ISRAEL
Bar–B-Que - in the desert
Crawl - in caves, search for pottery and unearth fascinating facts about life in ancient times
Fly - in a small plane over Israel for a heavenly bird’s eye view of the Holy Land
Hospitality - in Abraham's tent on the edge of the desert
Join - an archaeological dig
Meet - with residents of Israel
Participate - in marches, races, concerts, festivals and religious events
Pick - fruit from Israel
Reenact -an ancient ceremony by climbing the Sartaba Mountain to light signal a fire
Reforest - the Hills of Israel by planting olive trees on her barren hills
Ride - on the back of a camel or donkey
Savor - the bouquet of wine made from the grapes of Israel
Seminars or Lectures - on timely Biblical, archaeological and current events
Sleep - in a Bedouin Tent
Spa Treatments – at the Dead Sea
Spend - a night cooking over an open fire and sleeping under the stars
Travel - by jeep to places that most tourists can't go
Touch - replicas of objects from daily life in the time of the Talmud
Visit - a kibbutz, a pioneering hilltop settlement
AND MUCH MUCN MORE.....
BUT THAT'S NOT ALL:
Extend your adventure with an option to experience Judea and Samaria the Heart of the Tanach with site such as:
Ai - where Joshua fought his first losing battle
Bethel - where Isaac dreamed of a ladder and angels
Elon Moreh – where Abraham first entered the land
Hevron - home of the biblical giants; the place where Abraham purchased a cave to bury his family
Herodian - site of King Herod's grave
Mount Gerizim – the mountain of blessings, home to the remnants of the Samaritan people
Shechem - where God first appearance to Abraham in the Promised Land
Shiloh - where Joshua placed the Tabernacle during the time of Eli the high priest and Samuel the prophet
AND MUCH MUCN MORE.....
AND THERE'S MORE:
You can also choose an extension to the beautiful Negev Desert and the Red Sea resort of Eilat the ultimate tourist destination
Israel's Airforce Museum - view planes from Israel’s wars
Jo Alon Museum - Bedouin Culture
S’de Boker - desert kibbutz where David Ben Gurion settled after his term as Prime Minister
Timna - Solomon's pillars and the ancient copper mines
Camel Safari - at dusk into the desert
Dolphin Reef - swim with dolphins
Scuba Dive - under the Red Sea to see one of the world's best coral reefs
Underwater Observatory - see the extensive and magnificent corals and sea life of the Red Sea
AND MUCH MUCN MORE.....
AND STILL THERE'S MORE:
Travel to Egypt to see Mount Sinai, the Pyramids, the Nile and Cairo and stop in Jordan to tour the fascinating lost city of Petra
Cairo - where east and west come together; Ben Ezra Synagogue and the ancient Jewish quarter
Cairo Museum - that houses Tutankhamen’s Treasures and the mummy of Rameses II
Giza - Great Pyramid and the Sphinx
Nile River - dinner cruise
Maskhuta - Biblical Pithom
Moallaka Church - where the Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus took refuge
Mount Sinai – Moses viewed the burning bush and received the ten commandments
Nuweiba – tranquil seaside resort
Saqqara - Step Pyramid of King Zoser
Amman - the capital of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan since 1950
Aqaba - the king's highway meets the Red Sea at the port-resort of Aqaba
Bethany - the site of Elijah’s ascent
Jerash - the best-preserved and most complete provincial Roman city
Madaba – see the oldest know map of Eretz Yisrael
Mount Nebo - from where Moses viewed the Promised Land
Petra - the jewel of south Jordan is Petra, the unique, 2,000-year-old rock-carved city, the pink and salmon colored capital of the Nabataeans
Wadi Ram - a vast, silent landscape of ancient riverbeds and pastel-colored sandy desert
AND MUCH MUCN MORE.....
Accolades
Each statement that follows is the heart-felt expression of tourists from one of our previous tours:
"I cannot describe the impact the entire experience had on me personally"
"Thank you, thank you, for making my dream of a family trip to Israel a reality!"
"I would most heartily recommend this tour to anyone. Not just tourist traps and time-worn sites, but a living history that comes to life right from the pages of the Tanach."
"Could not have been any better."
"...an experience I will cherish the rest of my life."
"The trip was great, and never for one moment did I feel that I was in danger. The security provided us was superb."
"My expectations were so high I honestly expected to be disappointed; however, this trip was much more than I had ever thought it could be."
"We have been back nearly four weeks and we simply cannot seem to get back to the routine of life. We truly were so amazingly and profoundly changed by the trip! We have spent the better part of four weeks talking about the Land, the people, and the impact made on our understanding of the Bible."
"Our children discovered a world they had only read about and dreamed of; as parents, we knew their understanding of that world grew immeasurably."
"Having a guide who was clearly devoted to God's word was central to this experience."
"Having the opportunities to meet, spend time with, and talk to Israeli citizens, was a true highlight."
"I've been to Israel many time before, this has been by far the greatest and full experience and more than I could have wished for. You did it!"
"It was incredible to see the sites, smell the smells, hear the Word of God and interact with the people."
"You may be uncomfortable at times-thirsty, hot and dirty-but you come home with such memories that all those things seem insignificant."
"You did a fantastic job, and the experience was over and above all that we could have hoped for or imagined. Thank you again for all your work and vision for this experience. It has forever changed our lives!"
"This trip changed my life and that of my children forever. This is an educational and spiritual opportunity I will be eternally grateful for."
"The beauty and history of Israel is surpassed only by the depth and passion of the people. As visitors to Israel there is joy in both praying at the Wall and swimming in the Mediterranean Sea. There is excitement in making your way through Hezikiah's ancient tunnel and walking through one of Jerusalem's gates for the first time. The smells, flavors and colors of the markets and shops are intoxicating. We enjoyed every minute!"
Is Israel Safe?
We have never taken a group to Israel where anyone felt the first sense of concern while in the Land. When asked how secure our people felt in Israel, the unanimous response has been as follows (these are direct quotes from two people)...
"The trip was great, and never for one moment did I feel that I was in danger. The security provided us was superb."
"Safety was a true concern - we always felt cared for. Thank you for all the extra effort on your part."
Tourism is Israel's second most important industry (next to diamonds), and the State of Israel goes to great lengths to safeguard every tourist that comes. Today many people fear to leave their homes to go anywhere, even in the U.S. If so, you are safer in Israel than anywhere in the world!
Benefits of a Tour to Israel
Imagine visiting the sites mentioned in the Bible and walking where Avraham, Yaacov and Yitzhak walked. Imagine reading from the Bible of how David conquered Jerusalem and of how Hezikiah dug his tunnel; of being in the room where Independence was declared; standing on the mountain where the zealots held the mighty Roman army at bay; or standing a few feet from where the Holy Temple stood.
Many people have a better understanding of the Tanach and to Judaism as a whole as a result of a trip to Israel. Also, as the spiritual leader of this trip you will find that a great bond will form between you and your congregation. All leaders travel free of charge and arrangements can be made for relatives to travel for free as well. In addition to your presence we will have an Israeli guide that can show your group the many faces of the land, such as only experienced experts know.
You can achieve all of these benefits and more by leading a tour for the members of your synagogue or group.
This Sounds Like Hard Work, Is It?
We understand that with your demands within your congregation you may feel that you simply do not have time to arrange such a trip. However, at Heartland Tours we take great pleasure in taking all the hard work away from you. All that you have to do is simply announce the trip, provide us with the names and addresses of those people within your congregation that have expressed an interest and we will take care of the rest leaving you to look forward to the very pleasant task of leading the group when you safely reach your destination.
How Do I Begin to Plan My Tour
The most important factor in the success of your tour is your own firm decision that you are going to Israel, and that you are going to take a group of your parishioners, ministry supporters, and other friends with you. Set your trip date immediately. Once you have taken this step of faith yourself, the rest is easy. Contact Heartland Tours to begin planning your tour.
How far in advance should I plan my trip?
We suggest that you plan to allow yourself at least six to nine months before departure. A longer period is even better, since time is nedded to promote your tour and solicit participants.
Who will meet my tour group once we arrive in Israel?
Heartland Tours will meet your group upon arrival and handle all the arrangements in the country. In addition, an English-speaking, government-licensed guide will accompany your group throughout its stay in Israel. Your guide will not only lead your tour of historic sites, but will also help with all arrangements and with any problem that may arise. You are free to relax and enjoy leading the spiritual aspects of your tour— teaching from the Bible, conducting worship services, and any other ministry events you may desire!
How long should my tour stay in Israel?
Many options are available to you, beginning with a one-week stay. For example, an 11-day trip would give you 9 full days to tour Israel, and you would miss only one Sunday at your church. Remember that once you have paid the airfare, an extra week costs very little.
Promotional Materials
If you feel that promotional material will be of use do not hesitate to contact Heartland Tours, we can put you in touch with a representative of the Israel Government Tourist Office in your area. They can help you with promotional materials, special arrangements for your group and more.
How Can I Promote My Tour Successfully?
1. Identify the key benefits of travel to Israel
2. Make announcements
3. Invite everyone to go
4. Distribute brochures
5. Seek local media coverage
6. Don't forget the individual approach
7. Ask for a commitment to go
8. Hold Israel orientation meetings
9. Make small group presentations
10. Announce everyone who joins
11. Contact a wider circle of prospects
12. Write letters to tour group members and prospects
A tour of Israel is the trip of a lifetime and an unforgettable time of spiritual renewal. After you have hosted your first tour, you will discover that more people want to go. Your tour may even become an annual tradition in your ministry.
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