11
Days / 10 Nights
Whether this is your first or twenty-first visit to the Promised Land, there has never been an Israel itinerary of such scope, intelligence and elegance. From Tel Aviv along the coast to the verdant Galilee to the landmark King David Hotel, you will encounter Israel with unparalleled fluidity, luxury and freedom. We include private tours, wine tasting, concerts, meetings with academics, scholars and an unprecedented sense of the extraordinary.
Special accommodations have been selected at the most luxurious hotels. You’ll arrive in style and be whisked through formalities while relaxing in the comfort of the airport lounge. Travel with your Private Chauffeur Guide in a Mercedes Benz or Viano, with replenished refreshments daily. Dine at the most exclusive restaurants in Israel. Enjoy a rejuvenating Spa treatment at the Dead Sea. And, as an extension, we recommend Elite Jordan and Eilat or Elite Egypt!
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| COUNTRY | CITY | NIGHTS |
HOTEL |
| Israel | Tel Aviv | 3 |
Hilton Tel Aviv Corner Executive Suite |
| Israel | Tiberias | 2 |
Scots Hotel Antique Lakeview Room |
| Israel | Jerusalem | 5 |
King David Hotel Executive Room |
| DAY 1: En RouteDepart the U.S.A. on your flight to Israel. |
| DAY 2: Tel Aviv Welcome to Israel! Arrive Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv; you’ll be greeted at the door of the aircraft and whisked to the VIP lounge. Our staff will attend to all of the formalities while you relax and unwind. Meet your Private Guide and transfer to your deluxe hotel overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Suite accommodations have been reserved for you with access to the Executive Lounge. Tonight, experience vivacious Tel Aviv on an evening tour of the various areas of this exciting city including Old Jaffa. We’ll end at one of the finest restaurants overlooking the Mediterranean Sea for an unmatched dining experience. Your guide will arrange for your transportation back to the hotel following your leisurely dinner. (D) |
| DAY 3: Tel Aviv Begin the day driving south to the Ayalon Institute (Machon Ayalon) where a Private Tour has been arranged. Visit the site of the secret factory established by the Haganah that manufactured ammunition under a limestone hill. Driving back to Tel Aviv, celebrating it’s 100th birthday, you’ll be introduced to the contrasting cultures and architecture of this city. Despite a burgeoning of new architectural styles and skyscrapers, Tel Aviv has held on to the city’s famous spirit of Bauhaus tradition. Drive past some of the classic and renovated buildings, built in the 1930s and 1950s. Continue on a Private Tour of the famous Rubin Museum, dedicated to the extensive collection of Reuben Rubin’s colorful images, now icons of early settlement of the State of Israel. End at Neve Tzedek (Tel Aviv’s “Soho”) at a trendy café for a light meal. Tonight, you’re invited to attend a concert of the world-renowned Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra or a performance at one of Tel Aviv’s theatres or the Opera (seasonal). (B.LM) |
| DAY 4: Tel Aviv / GalileeDepart for the ancient city of Caesarea. Here, explore the astounding Roman and Crusader ruins including the impressive theater and aqueduct. Visit Caesarea Harbor with its thrilling, multi-media presentation. On to Ein Hod, a picturesque artists’ village, the only one of its kind in Israel. Meet with local artists as you tour through this perfect setting, a paradise for lovers of art, landscape and nature. Then on to Atlit, with its reconstructed detention camp where illegal immigrants and underground fighters were confined before 1948. We continue to the timeless Crusader City of Acre; explore the subterranean city and bazaars. Arrive at your hotel in the Galilee for overnight. (B) |
| DAY 5: Galilee Drive to wondrous Mt. Bental for a magnificent view beyond the border into Syria. On to a local winery, one of the finest in Israel, for a Private Tour and Wine Tasting. Continue on a unique visit to an army bunker where you will be met by a commander or representative of IDF and hear firsthand the fascinating story of the war fought in the Golan Heights. Drive to rustic Bat Yaar to enjoy a Barbecue Lunch; horseback riding is available along the forest trails (optional). We then visit the ancient city of Safed, one of Judaism’s holiest cities; meet with a mystical scholar or artist. Walk through the winding lanes where Kabbalah flourished during the golden age and understand why this mystical town is the center of torah study. Return to your hotel for overnight. (BL) |
| DAY 6: Galilee/Jerusalem Visit Capernaum; see the ruins of an ancient 5th century synagogue. Then, on to the Mt. of Beatitudes, for a panoramic view of the Galilee. Proceed to “Beit Gavriel” where, in 1994, the peace treaty between Israel and Jordan was reconfirmed by Jordan’s King Hussein and Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. Enjoy lunch and visit to the Art Gallery and the Enchanted Garden of this very unique home. On to extraordinary Bet Shean, for a tour of the excavations of this ancient city from the time of King Saul. Continue to the “Golden City” of Jerusalem! Arrive at the renowned King David Hotel, home to many dignitaries and where the movie “Exodus” was filmed. Tonight, see the illuminated city of Jerusalem on a drive around the Walls of the Old City followed by dinner at a trendy restaurant. (BLD) |
| DAY 7: Jerusalem Drive along the shores of the Dead Sea to Masada. Ascend by cable car to this last stronghold of the Zealots in their struggle against the Romans. Visit the excavations, Herod the Great’s palace, synagogue and bathhouse. (If you prefer an “adventure” today, a private helicopter trip can be arranged that takes you over the southern coast to Masada; please inquire for this optional service). On to a luxurious Dead Sea Spa Hotel for lunch and an optional Spa Treatment ! (Please advise your Guide so we can reserve in advance.) Changing rooms will be provided for your convenience. Enjoy floating in the “unsinkable” mineral rich waters of the Dead Sea before returning to Jerusalem. Tonight a lovely and relaxing dinner at the La Regence Grill at the King David Hotel. (B.L.D) |
| DAY 8: JerusalemYour discovery of Jerusalem begins at the Mt. of Olives for spectacular view of the city. Then, enter the Old City from the Jaffa Gate. Follow the Via Dolorosa (“way of the sorrow”) through the narrow alleys and souks to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Then, on to the Jewish Quarter visiting the Davidson Center with its hi-tech presentation of the ancient Temple. Visit the Cardo, the colonnaded main street of Byzantine Jerusalem. Continue for a walk through the Hasmonean Tunnel, under the Temple Mount. Visit the Western Wall, the only remaining portion of the Second Temple. Evening: Stroll through the lively Midrehov ending with another fabulous dinner at one of Jerusalem’s finest restaurants. (BD) |
| DAY 9: Jerusalem Morning Visit to Yad Vashem (Private Museum Guiding), memorial to the Holocaust; visit the Museum, Children’s Pavilion and walk along the Avenue of the Righteous. Visit the newly opened Archive Center and the Valley of the Lost Communities. On to Mt. Herzl and the Military Cemetery to pay respects to Israel’s fallen heroes. Visit the Herzl Museum. Continue to the Israel Museum, to walk through the museum with a Curator who will introduce you to some of the treasures in the museum’s collection. See the Scale Model of ancient Jerusalem from the time of the Second Temple and the Dead Sea Scrolls at the Shrine of the Book. Time to linger in the Sculpture Garden before returning to your hotel. Tonight, a traditional Shabbat Dinner at your hotel. (BD) |
| DAY 10: Jerusalem Day at leisure to enjoy all the delights of this extraordinary city — on your last day in Jerusalem. (B) |
| DAY 11: En Route Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Our representative will assist with passport and check in formalities and escort you to the VIP lounge to await departure of your flight. Arrival in the U.S. on the same day. |
| $11,450.00 per person, double occupancy | Valid March 2009 - February 2010 |
| Special booking and cancellation policy applies. Please inquire. | |
