Synagogue Groups - Jews Reformed |
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The experts at Gil Travel have helped thousands of synagogue congregants - groups and individuals - travel to Israel by creating itineraries that meet the needs of each unique congregation. Below is a sample itinerary consisting of some great ideas of places and activities to do while on your trip to Israel. Please contact an agent to discuss and plan your personalized itinerary! |
Sample Itinerary- Jews Reformed Congregation |
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Day 1 En Route Today we leave the U.S in transit to Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International. Overnight en route. |
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Day 2 Jerusalem Upon our morning arrival at Ben Gurion International, we will be met by our bus and guide. First, we will drive to Rehovot to the Ayalon Institute (11:15 am & 11:30 am), which was a secret munitions factory during the British Mandate. Then, continue to Neot Kedumim for a look at the beautiful biblical landscape park. There we will plant a tree. Then, we will continue to Jerusalem. Stop at Haas Promenade for a blessing as you enter the city. Tonight, we will enjoy a welcome dinner together at Olive and Fish. Overnight, Mount Zion, Jerusalem. |
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Day 3 Jerusalem After enjoying an Israeli buffet breakfast, we will begin our day of touring the Old City of Jerusalem. We'll first walk through the Jewish Quarter and visit the Western Wall. Then, walk behind the wall through the extraordinary Rabbinical Tunnels (8:00, 8:20, 8:40, 11:00 am). We'll proceed to the Cardo, which was the main street in Jerusalem 2000 years ago. Next we'll visit the Davidson Center, which brings the Temple Mount ruins to life. We'll also see the Southern Wall Excavations where we can see steps that lead to the Second Temple. Time permitting, we will visit the Burnt house (dating back to 70CE). This afternoon, participate in a Scavenger Hunt with Neighborhood Games with Ross Culinar (1:00pm). You and your team will navigate short routes on foot through famous historical areas of Jerusalem, scavenging for clues along the way to help solve problems. The scavenger hunt provides a fascinating insight into the hidden mysteries of Jerusalem. Tonight, dinner will be on our own. Overnight, Mount Zion, Jerusalem. |
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Day 4 Jerusalem Today, head southwards for a relaxing day at the Dead Sea. We will stop first at Massada, sight of the Zealots last stand against the Romans in 73 C.E. You'll take a cable car ride to the top where you can explore the ancient Herodian palaces and synagogue. We'll then continue on to Dead Sea where we can float in the buoyant waters and enjoy lunch at Hod Dead Sea hotel. In the afternoon, we will go to the ancient oasis of Ein Gedi for a nature walk. Appreciate the unique and flourishing flora and fauna of this area. You may even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a few beautiful Ibex and Oryx hiding in the surrounding mountains. Hike deeper into the coolness of this desert oasis to enjoy the rush of a cascading waterfall in all its natural beauty. This is the place where King David hid from King Saul during biblical times. We'll then enjoy some Bedouin Hospitality, camel ride, and Hafla at Kfar Hanokdim before we return to our hotel in Jerusalem. Overnight, Mount Zion, Jerusalem. |
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Day 5 Jerusalem We'll begin our day with a tour of the New City of Jerusalem. First we will pay a somber visit to Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial and museum where we can walk through the Children's Pavilion, visit the Museum, and walk down the Avenue of the Righteous. Then, we will take a trip to the archaeological park of Beit Guvrin for a dig, where archaeological excavations are still taking place. Tonight, enjoy dinner at the lovely Anna Ticho House. Overnight, Mount Zion, Jerusalem. |
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Day 6 Jerusalem This morning visit the Time Elevator - an interactive ride that tells the story of Jerusalem in a modern multimedia production. Then continue to the Israel Museum where we will visit the Shrine of the Book where the Dead Sea Scrolls are housed and the miniature model of Jerusalem as it was 2000 years ago. This afternoon, walk along Machane Yehuda, the largest and busiest outdoor market in all of Israel. Buy all sorts of fresh fruit and vegetables and experience the excitement as everyone prepares for Shabbat. Tonight, enjoy Shabbat Dinner at the hotel. Overnight, Mount Zion, Jerusalem. |
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Day 7 Jerusalem Shabbat Shalom! This morning we'll have a morning Bar/Bat Mitzvah service at Beit Shmuel. We will then have lunch there together after the service. After lunch, enjoy a walking tour together in the Old City. Or, enjoy leisure time on your own. Consider visiting the David Citadel Museum (closes at 2 pm). Sitting in a beautiful location at the heart of Jerusalem, the museum offers the best introduction to Jerusalem's long, rich and colorful history. Or, take a taxi to visit the Tisch Family Biblical Zoo to see all sorts of animals. Tonight walk along Ben Yehuda Street and shop for souvenirs. Also, stroll along Nachalat Shiva, a quaint oasis in the middle of Jerusalem full of cafes, pubs and small galleries. Tonight, dinner is on our own. Overnight, Mount Zion, Jerusalem. |
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Day 8 Golan Heights/Safed Today we'll begin the day by touring northwards to the Galilee. Take an exciting jeep ride through the Golan Heights. Weather permitting, we'll visit the Banias Springs. Then proceed to the Orthodox community of Safed, the center of Jewish mysticism (kabala), where you will visit the Joseph Caro and Ha' Ari synagogues, the most important synagogues in the city and stroll down the famous Artists quarter. Return to our hotel for dinner. Tonight, we'll take a cruise along the Sea of Galilee. Overnight, Ma'agan, Galilee. |
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Day 9 Coastal Route Boker Tov! Begin to work our way down the coast to Tel Aviv. First, visit the Phoenician turned Crusader city of Acco where we can see the Old Prison, walk through the Templar's Tunnel, and do some shopping at the Turkish Market. Stop at a Druze Village for lunch and hospitality. Proceed to the ancient ruins at the spectacular site of Caesarea. Be sure to check out the myriad of multimedia forums that bring the ancient city to life. Afterwards we'll proceed to our hotel in Tel Aviv. Tonight, we will have dinner at Badolina Restaurant in Tel Aviv. Overnight, Dan Panorama, Tel Aviv. |
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Day 10 Tel Aviv After an Israeli buffet breakfast, we'll visit the Diaspora Museum to learn the story of the Jewish people from the time of their expulsion from Israel 2,500 years ago to the present time. Then, we'll visit the Yitzhak Rabin Memorial. Afterwards we'll enjoy a visit to the interactive Palmach Museum (10:00, 10:30, 11:00am) where we'll learn about the Israeli War of Independence and the development of the renowned Israeli army. Then, we'll continue to the lively outdoor market at Nachalat Binyamin where we can buy all manners of goods. Explore the Carmel Shuk, Israel's largest open air market with fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese, meats, and much more. This evening we will enjoy a delicious dinner at our hotel. Overnight, Dan Panorama, Tel Aviv. |
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Day 11 Tel Aviv This morning, proceed to Independence Hall to see a short film about Ben Gurion's declaration of Israeli Independence in 1948. Afterwards, we'll head to the port town of Jaffa for a short walk through the old town to a beautiful panoramic view of the city. Then, visit the Yitzhak Rabin Center for Israel Studies (pending confirmation), established to commemorate the life of Yitzhak Rabin. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner together at Maganda. Then, transfer to the airport for our flight home. For those extending, return to our hotel in Tel Aviv for overnight. Overnight, Hilton Queen of Sheba, Eilat. |
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Day 12 Eilat For those extending their trip, today travel south to the Negev Desert. Visit Israel's Air Force Museum at Hatzerim to view the planes and equipment and to hear the story of this brave fighting force. Visit Sde Boker and see Ben Gurion's desert home and final resting place overlooking the magnificent Zin Valley. Stop in Mitzpe Ramon to gaze into the amazing Ramon Crater, the largest of its kind in the world. Continue to the Alpaca farm. Next, drive to Timna to see the copper mines and King Solomon's Pillars. Proceed to Eilat for the evening. Overnight, Hilton Queen of Sheba, Eilat. |
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Day 13 Petra Enjoy an optional full day tour to the amazing Rose city of Petra. Transfer from your hotel to the Arava border point in Jordan and proceed to Petra. Visit the wonders of the ancient city carved by the Nabateans out of solid rock. A visit to Petra is one of the true hightlights of any tour to the Middle East. For hundreds of years, Petra was forgotten until it was rediscovered in 1812. The entire city is hewn into the sides of a deep gorge, which is entered on foot or by horse-drawn carriage. In the late afternoon, return to your hotel in Eilat. We will have a Shabbat service in a private room at the hotel. Then we will have Shabbat dinner at the hotel. Overnight, Hilton Queen of Sheba, Eilat. |
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Day 14 Eilat Shabbat Shalom! Today, enjoy the day at leisure in Eilat. Then transfer to the Eilat Airport for our flight back to Sde Dov. Transfer from Sde Dov to our hotel in Tel Aviv. |
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En Route Today we return home with memories to cherish for a lifetime. Arrive U.S.A. |
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