Join us for a life-altering experience – combining a Bar/Bat Mitzvah and the magic of Passover in the Holy Land is a rare treat.
Day 1
Departure
We’ll all meet at Toronto’s Pearson Airport, enjoy the hugs of friends and loved ones, meet fellow travelers and board our long-anticipated flight
Day 2
Arrival
Welcome to Israel! Our representative will meet us at Ben Gurion Airport, facilitate our customs clearance and join us on our deluxe tour bus bound for Tiberias. This is the perfect place to relax after a long flight – enjoy the view out over the Kinneret, take advantage of the spa or maybe just a stroll and a nap –tonight we’ll share a welcome dinner and a stunning sunset.
Day 3
Golan – Upper Galilee – Golan
After a fantastic breakfast, we’re off to Safed, one of the four holy cities of Israel and the birthplace of the Kabbalah. You’ll stroll through narrow cobblestone streets, visiting historic synagogues and admiring the diverse galleries of the celebrated artists’ quarter. From here we’ll travel through the Upper Galilee to picturesque Metula on the slopes of Mt. Hermon. Here you’ll have a blast — a chance to test your shooting skills on the range — this has proven to be great fun for all and a highlight of the trip. Nearby Banias, with its refreshing pools and waterfalls makes a wonderful rest stop at this point. Next, we hope to share a rare treat – subject to the political situation, we’ve arranged to visit an Army Base, speak with the soldiers who defend the northern borders and observe the life of an active combat unit! This evening you’ll find yourself cruising on the Kinneret and enjoying dinner at Decks, one of the most celebrated restaurants in Israel.
Day 4
Tiberias – Enroute to Jerusalem
Today we depart for Jerusalem — along the way you’ll take part in a Tree Planting ceremony, knowing that that the green hills before us were built seedling by seedling…. From here we’ll head for Kfar Kedem, a recreated biblical village offering a glimpse into the daily lives of our ancestors. A short drive will bring you to Beit Shean, the largest excavated Roman city in the Middle East. Its magnificent amphitheatre is still used for performances and the evidence of the earthquake that destroyed the city in 749 is most impressive. The route to Jerusalem will find you winding along the Jordan Valley and spectacular vistas to either side. As we enter the city we’ll take part in a traditional Shehechiyanu ceremony and take in the remarkable effect of the light on this city of golden stone – it is a view impossible to forget. Tonight we’ll share a traditional Shabbat Dinner, conversation and perhaps a stroll on this, the eve of Passover in our holiest city.
Day 5
Jerusalem
Today, the first day of Pesach, is yours – relax, visit with friends and relatives or explore the city and take in the special holiday spirit. Tonight we’ll share a special meal.
Day 6
Passover in Jerusalem, Old City
We’ll begin the day with a fabulous breakfast and an exploration of the new discoveries in the City of David, an archaeological site bearing witness to 3,000 years of Jewish history. You’ll visit the Davidson Centre and experience a virtual reality reconstruction of the Temple Mount prior to its destruction by the Romans. We’ll tour the excavations at the Southern Wall of the Temple, walk through the Kotel Tunnels, and end our visit to the Old City with a new connection to the history of our land.
Day 7
Masada – Dead Sea
This is the day you came for and we’ve made sure that it’s everything you’ve hoped for and more. We’ll depart early — before dawn, you’ll board a cable car and ascend the face of Masada to witness one of the most glorious sunrises imaginable – the ruins around you seem almost to glow…. The Bar/Bat Mitzvah service will take place in a special area, shaded and looking out over the great expanse of desert. Your child holds centre stage and the setting could not be more appropriate. Following the service, after the photos, after the hugs, take time to wander the site – from the palace of Herod, the early synagogue and the remains of the Roman siege camps, this is a marvelous chance to reflect on our shared history. Departing Masada, it’s time to play… Kfar Hanokdim, and our Desert Experience, promises a day of fun and relaxation. Here we’ll meet the Bedouin – people for whom the desert is home — a caravan of camels will carry us across the parched landscape toward a traditional “Chafla” lunch. We’ll go from the desert to the sea, but the Dead Sea is like no other place on earth and your experience here will be one you remember. Floating effortlessly in the warm waters, covering each other in the rich, therapeutic mud – it’s impossible not to have fun as a family. Rested and relaxed, we’ll make our way back to Jerusalem, stopping for dinner along the way.
Day 8
Jerusalem – New City
This morning we’ll head to Mount Scopus for a stunning, panoramic view of Jerusalem and the chance to gain a sense of the city both old and new. Our tour will take in the Security Wall, the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, and the impressive home of the Supreme Court. We’ll explore the fantastic collections of the Israel Museum, keeper of our cultural treasures (and an incredible model of the ancient city). Yad Vashem, the nation’s memorial to victims of the Holocaust, is an appropriate next stop. We’ll receive an introductory lecture, take our time touring the exhibits and grounds and participate in a moving “Yizkor” (memorial) service.
Day 9
Archeological dig/Latrun
This morning we’ll venture out of Jerusalem, head to the ancient city Beit Guvrin and have a chance to join a real archaeological dig at the neighboring Bell-Caves of Tel Maresha. Once we’ve examined our finds, we’ll head forward in time and proceed to Latrun. Here we’ll tour the Armored Corps Museum. A site of strategic importance in defense of the Tel Aviv – Jerusalem supply route during the War of Independence, today it stands as a monument to those who served. The collection of tanks and armored vehicles on display is fascinating to young and old. We’ll gather this evening for a very special meal — a dinner party in celebration of the work and dedication of the Bar and Bat Mitzvah children – from the fare to the entertainment, this will be a special night.
Day 10
Tel Aviv
This morning brings three very different adventures…. we’ll start with a visit to Independence Hall, site of the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948, and an opportunity to explore the early days of the newly established Jewish state. Our next stop will be the city of Rehovot, where we will tour the amazing Machon Ayalon, an underground factory used by the Haganah (Israel’s first army) to secretly manufacture ammunition during the time of the British Mandate. From here we make a trip back in time to neighboring Jaffa, occupied for 4000 years and affording inspiring views of both the sea and modern Tel Aviv. The narrow winding streets are filled with art galleries, cafes and shops of all description. We’ll break for lunch, explore the Carmel Market and mingle with the crowd in this bustling section of the city. For fans of architecture, there is no better place to take in the works of the Bauhaus movement. Tel Aviv has been designated a UN world heritage site based on its surviving examples of this style. We’ll hit all the highlights on our tour of the area, now termed: “The White City”.
Day 11
Tel Aviv, Tour Caesarea Haifa
Today you’re welcome to stay in Tel Aviv and explore – for those who wish to join us, we are proud to offer an expertly guided tour to Haifa and Caesarea. Our journey will begin in Haifa, Israel’s third largest city and one of its busiest ports. We’ll take a driving tour of some its famous landmarks, including the German Colony and the famed Baha’i Shrine and Persian Gardens. The view from here to the sea is stunning…. Our return south along the Mediterranean coast will bring us to the ancient Roman port of Caesarea. The seaside setting and fascinating ruins make this a special stop – the newly excavated hippodrome is the best-preserved in Israel. While here we’ll take in a new multi-media presentation that depicts the history of this ancient city, Herod’s “jewel on the sea”. Tonight, we’ll once again visit over a lovely meal.
Day 12
Tel Aviv
Today is yours to explore vibrant Tel Aviv – shopping, restaurants, museums and one of the great beaches of the world all await…. Those travelling with El Al will exchange their contacts and goodbyes this evening – in this short time, fellow travelers are no doubt, now friends.
Day 13
Departure
You’ve packed a lot into this short time and provided the kids and yourselves with memories for a lifetime – it’s a long flight, but Canada is on the other end.
11 nights deluxe hotel accommodations
8 dinners including 1st Seder, Shabbat & celebration dinners
1 Chafla lunch
Israeli buffet breakfast daily
9 days of sightseeing
Deluxe motor coach
An expert English-speaking licensed guide
Assistance at airport upon arrival and departure
Porterage at the airport hotels
Welcome kit upon arrival
All entrance fees to places of interest and activities mentioned in itinerary
All transfers, including those to restaurants for dinner outside the hotel
Gratuities to outside restaurants and hotel staff
All taxes and service charges in Israel
Peerless Travel special travel accessories
Services of our office in Israel
And much more……
Services of a personal nature
Meals and drinks not included in the program
Airport taxes and fuel surcharges
Insurance (must be in place by January 3 months prior to departure – see our payment policy)
Gratuities to driver and guide
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