Jewish Tours: Bar/Bat Mitzvah
Here is a sample itinerary:
Day 1: Tel Aviv
We'll begin our tour in Jaffa with an overview before a visit to its art galleries located in its ancient alleyways. Then into the heart of Tel Aviv to see Independence Hall where the modern state of Israel was declared, followed by a visit to the Nahalat Binyamin Street fair. At Beit HaPalmach we'll experience the dramatic history of Israel's pre state elite fighting unit.
Overnight in Tel Aviv
Day 2: Up the Mediterranean Coast
We'll head up the coast to Caesarea an ancient port city built by King Herod in honor of Caesar Augustus in the first century bce. We head further north to Akko: This city served as the Maritime capital of the Crusaders until its walls were penetrated in 1291 by Muslim forces. Akko prison tells the story of the ultimate price paid by those who resisted British rule of the Jewish homeland. Still further north, journey to Rosh Hanikra on the Lebanese border for breathtaking panoramic views of Israel's northern coast. Descend down to white limestone caves carved by the waves of the Mediterranean Sea.
Overnight in Haifa
Day 3: Galilee
Visit the Talmudic city of Zippori where Rabbi Yehuda Hanassi compiled the Mishnah and site of some of the most beautiful mosaics in the Middle East. Explore the ancient synagogues and artist colony in the mystical city of Zefat. (Safed) Enjoy Kayaking on the Jordan River.
Overnight in Upper Galilee
Day 4: Golan Heights and vicinity
At Tel Dan we'll learn about ancient Israelite history and archeology before an off road adventure in the footsteps of Israeli Soldiers who fought up the Golan Heights during the Six Day war. At OZ 77 on the Golan Heights, we’ll recount the stories of heroism and super human efforts which saved the day for Israel, during the 1973 Yom Kippur War. Ascend to Mount Bental for a birds’ eye view into Syria in order to consider the strategic significance of the Golan Heights.
Overnight in Upper Galilee
Day 5: Down the Rift Valley
We depart the north down the Rift Valley and enjoy a refreshing dip in the waters of Sachneh Springs or a hike through waste high water at Nahal Hakibbutzim. We’ll ascend the Gilboa to recount some exciting biblical stories before continuing on to Jerusalem. We enter the city as our ancestors did, taking in a breathtaking view from Mt. Scopus.
Overnight in Jerusalem
Day 6: Jerusalem
Visit the City of David, the original site of where King David established a capital for the Jewish people three thousand years ago. Bring flashlights and water shoes along for Hezikaya’s 2700 year old water tunnel. Then on to the Western Wall tunnels followed by a walk through the dramatic history of the Jewish quarter.
Day 7: Bar/ Bat Mitzvah in Jerusalem
Bar/Bat Mitzvah at the Western Wall or Southern Wall Excavations followed by a festive brunch at the hotel or local restaurant. Then off to an Archeological dig sifting through the sands of our ancient homeland.
Overnight Jerusalem
Day 8: The New City of Jerusalem
We learn and remember at Yad V’shem including the new historical museum and Children's Memorial. On to the adjacent Mount Herzl to visit the resting places of some of the Great Leaders of Israel. We will also remember Israel’s fallen heroes at the military cemetery. At the colorful Mahaneh Yehudah Market see Jerusalemites prepare for Shabbat. Experience Kabbalat Shabbat at the Western Wall (Kotel).
Overnight Jerusalem
Day 9: The Dead Sea and Vicinity
On our descent to the lowest point on earth we'll explore ancient Qumran where the world's oldest known Biblical scripts were discovered. Traveling further south in this stunning desert landscape we'll enter the lush wilderness and flowing water at Ein Gedi national park. Ascend the ancient mountain top fortress of Masada (optional climb for sunrise) where two thousand years ago a handful of desperate Jewish fighters faced the might of Rome. Experience weightlessness in the Dead Sea.
Overnight Dead Sea
Day 10
We'll continue south to the Negev stopping on the way at the Israeli Air Force museum in Beer Sheva. Visit the grave of David Ben Gurion at Sde Boker, and hike the beautiful Ein Avdat Canyon. Rappelling adventure down the rim of the Ramon Crater, a unique geological wonder. The scenery becomes even more dramatic as we wind through the Red Mountains towards Eilat.
Overnight Eilat
Day 11 Red Sea Red Mountains
Once in Eilat, enjoy snorkeling or scuba diving in the Red Sea, and desert mountain hikes against the backdrop of a setting sun.
Day 12: Day of Leisure in Eilat
Overnight in Eilat
Day 13: Departure