Israel & Petra

By Webmaster • October 22, 2009   

Join your friends from Temple Beth Ami for an unforgetable two-week excursion to Israel.

Join your friends from Temple Beth Ami for an unforgetable two-week excursion to Israel with Rabbi Mark Blazer. 

Itinerary:

Day 1: Sunday June 6

Depart from Los Angeles International Airport for your over­night flight to Israel. Meals served on board.

Day 2: Monday June 7

Arrive Ben Gurion Airport. Transfer to the sparkling port city of Haifa, driving atop Mount Carmel for a panoramic view of Haifa Bay and hotel check-in. Dan Panorama Haifa.

Day 3: Tuesday June 8

Explore Haifa, driving atop Mount Carmel for a panoramic view of Haifa Bay and the golden-domed Bahai Shrine. A visit to Safed, center of Jewish mysticism since the Middle Ages. Tour the ancient synagogues and walk through the winding cobblestone streets of its charming Artist’s Quarter. Overnight at kibbutz hotel. (B)

Day 4: Wednesday June 9

Today we visit Tel Dan and Banias, one of Israel’s most beautiful natural sights and enjoy rafting on the Jordan River. We explore the natural, historical and strategic importance of the Golan and finish with a stop at its world famous winery. We end the day in the Galilee for overnight at kibbutz hotel. (B)

Day 5: Thursday June 10

We start in Tiberias on the shores of the Sea of Galilee to visit the tomb of Maimonides and the ancient synagogue of Hamat Tiberias and on to a tree planting at the Golani Junction. A stop for lunch at moshav Nahalal and visit Moshe Dayan’s kibbutz and pay our respects at the grave of astronaut Ilan Ramon. Driv­ing via the Jordan Rift we stop in Beit Shean and visit one of the largest excavated Roman cities including its beautiful Amphi­theater. We enter Jerusalem with a traditional “Shechayanu”, as we visit Mount Scopus and the Mount of Olives for a spectacular view of Mount Moriah and “Golden Jerusalem”. Overnight at the Dan Panorama hotel in Jerusalem. (B, L)

Day 6: Friday June 11

We visit the Davidson Archaeological Center to understand the Holy City before the Roman destruction. Subject to confirma­tion-We walk through the excavations below the Temple Mount and travel underground as we come as close as humanly possible to the site of the Holy of Holies. We tour the Old City to explore the underground wonders of the Herodian Quarter a complete residential quarter preserved with mosaic floors, frescoes, ritual baths and cisterns and Burnt House. Visit the Jewish Quarter, a visual and architectural delight and visit the Citadel Museum at David’s Tower, to learn more about Jerusalem’s 3000 years of history. Tour the excavated Cardo, once a main shopping street of ancient Jerusalem. In the evening we return to the Kotel where we welcome the Shabbat and celebrate with dinner and zmirot (songs) at the hotel in Jerusalem. (B, D)

Day 7: Saturday, June 12

Beginning with Shabbat services at Hebrew Union College. Afternoon walk to the world-renowned Israel Museum, where the Dead Sea scrolls are on display and see scale model of the Old City from the time of King Herod. At night enjoy the sights, sounds and shopping of vibrant Ben Yehudah Street. (B)

Day 8: Sunday, June 13

Visit Yad Vashem Memorial to the six million martyred Jews of the Holocaust. Walk along the Street of the Righteous, dedi­cated to those non-Jews who risked their lives to save Jewish lives during the Second World War. Continue via Mount Herzl Military Cemetery, where Israel’s heroes are buried (Herzl, Golda Meir and Dayan, among others). On to Hadassah Hos­pital to see the magnificent Marc Chagall windows. Overnight in Jerusalem.(B)

Day 9: Monday, June 14

Our day of touring begins with a drive through the Judean Des­ert, stopping at the Qumran Caves, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Drive to the Ein Gedi oasis along the shores of the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth, then to Masada. Ascend by cable car to view the last stronghold of the Zealots in their struggle against the Romans. Visit the excavations, Herod’s Palace, synagogue and bathhouses. Then on to the Dead Sea for an amazing experience in one of the world’s natural wonders. Continue along the Dead Sea with stop at Yotvata kibbutz for its famed ice cream. Overnight at the Dan Panorama hotel in Eilat.(B)

Day 10: Tuesday, June 15

After breakfast leave Eilat and cross the Arava border and drive to Petra through the scenic Jordanian desert and the Wadi Rum area. Enter the Rose City of Petra through the Siq, a narrow passage through the mountains that has inspired people for centuries. up to the treasury which suddenly appears at the end of the gorge, leaving the visitors breath-taken by it’s size, color and beauty. Continue into the heart of this ancient city carved into the mountains, passing hundreds of tombs and monuments and a spectacular Amphitheatre, which once held 3,000 specta­tors. Visit the Moses Spring before leaving wadi Moussa to the new town of Petra. Drive to Aqaba for a short city tour, return to the Arava border and overnight in Eilat. Please note Crossing fees are extra (about $35.00 per person)(B, L)

Day 11: Wednesday, June 16

Enjoy the day in Eilat, Israel’s beautiful Red Sea resort. Spend the rest of the day enjoying the water or nearby hiking trails. In the late afternoon fly back to Tel Aviv for overnight.(B)

Day 12: Thursday, June 17

Drive south along the coastal road to the ancient city of Cae­sarea. Explore the excavated Roman and Crusader ruins, in­cluding the Roman Theater, Aqueduct and Crusader Fortress. Relive history as you visit Independence Hall, where the State of Israel was born. Then to picturesque Neve Zedek, one of the first neighborhoods of Tel Aviv. End the day with a visit to Old Jaffa, where Jonah set sail. Farewell dinner at restaurant followed by a late evening transfer to the airport for late night flight back to Los Angeles.(B, D)

Day 13: Friday, June 18

Morning return to Los Angeles International Airport.

Trip Includes

• 10 nights deluxe accomodations featuring Dan Panorama Hotels
• Air and Land Package $3650 • Land Only $1945
• (Single Room Supplement $717)
• Reduction 3rd person child up to 12 years sharing with parents
• Not inlcuded tips for guide and driver @ $120

For booking and information please contact Teri at: 661-255-6410

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