Winter 2018

Winter 2018

Dan Tours is proud to offer our Ultimate Family Bar/Bat Mitzvah Experience.
On this most comprehensive family tour offered in North America, you’ll be amazed, delighted and intrigued as each day unfolds. Meticulous planning by our team of experts insures a perfect blend of history, archaeology, adventure, action and just pure fun!

Join us for a life-altering experience you will never forget.
11, 12 and 15 days Tour
Winter Break Family Bar/Bat Mitzvah Experience

Dec. 23, 2018 – Jan. 1, 2019
Dec. 23, 2018 – Jan. 2, 2019
Dec. 23, 2018 – Jan. 6, 2019
Eilat and Tel Aviv and other extensions are optional

Bar/Bat Mitzvah child is FREE

DAY 1: Sunday
Dec 23
Today’s a travel day – we’ll meet at the airport and enjoy getting to know our tour companions as we begin our fabulous journey….

DAY 2: Monday
Dec 24 – Tel Aviv
Welcome to Israel! Arrive Ben Airport in Tel Aviv where you will be met and transferred to Tel Aviv, the vibrant business and cultural centre of Israel. For those who are arriving earlier, join an optional afternoon tour to get acquainted with chic Tel Aviv. We’ll head out for a drive through the city’s main streets dubbed as the “White City” driving past its well known landmarks and through Rothschild Boulevard to view the splendid Bauhaus Architecture. We’ll then continue to magnificent Sarona, a former Templar settlement recently restored to perfection with beautifully landscaped gardens and upscale restaurants. At sundown Sarona is magical! Head back to the hotel for a great dinner get together welcoming you to the start of our exciting Family Experience. Overnight is at the Carlton Hotel, one of the city’s finest.

Day 3: Tuesday
Dec 25 – Tel Aviv – Jaffa – Jerusalem
After your delicious buffet breakfast, we’ll visit Independence Hall, site of the establishment of the nation in 1948. We’ll learn of our first Prime minister, David Ben Gurion, and the early steps of the newly established Jewish state. From here we’ll head to the 4,000 year-old port city of Jaffa where you’ll enjoy the breath-taking views of both Tel Aviv and the sea. You’ll wander the narrow, picturesque streets of this ancient city, filled with galleries, cafes and studios, all the while trying to imagine why anyone would want to live anywhere else. We’ll continue with a great adventure: Drive to the ancient city of Beit Guvrin where you’ll participate in a real archaeological dig at the Bell-Caves of Tel Maresha.

Continue to Latrun, a strategic location on the road to Jerusalem during the Israel’s War of Independence. Tour the IDF Armoured Corps Museum, where the tanks used by the Israeli Army since 1948 are on display. We’ll then drive to Jerusalem, pausing to participate in a Shehechiyanu ceremony and take in the remarkable effect of the light on this city of golden stone – it is a view impossible to forget. Our downtown Jerusalem hotel, the Orient, is perfectly situated for exploring the city – but before, we’ll share a scrumptious dinner.

Day 4: Wednesday
Dec 26 – Old City of Jerusalem
After a second-to-none breakfast, we’ll explore the historic heart of the Jewish people – the Old City of Jerusalem. Our expert guide will provide us with rich and detailed background as we pass through gates erected by Suleiman the Magnificent — all have entered the same way, on the same stones, for 450 years. Our visit begins with the Jewish Quarter and the Cardo, the colonnaded main street of Jerusalem during the Roman, Byzantine and later eras. After, we wander down the winding streets lovingly rebuilt after the 6-Day war (1967) reaching the Kotel, the Western Wall, and the holiest site in Judaism. You’ll witness the devotion of our people to this place and again, have your own opportunity for prayer. We’ll visit the Rabbinical Tunnel under the Temple Mount (tunnel schedule permitting). We’ll then wander through the bazaar before visiting the innovative Time Elevator, a simulated multi-media ride through the last two millennia of Jerusalem’s history. On to the City of David and the Davidson Center where we’ll see a fantastic computer-imaging presentation of the Temple.

In the evening, the families will meet the Rabbi and the Bar Mitzvah & Bat Mitzvah children will have a chance to visit with him and rehearse individually. We’ll then enjoy Dinner out on the town!

Day 5: Thursday
Dec 27 – Masada- Dead Sea-Jerusalem
This is the day we’ve been waiting for and we’ve made sure that it’s everything you’ve hoped for and more. 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 Mitzvah & 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 Herod the Great’s palace, synagogue and bathhouse. This is a marvelous chance to reflect on our shared history. The Dead Sea, our next destination, is like no other place on earth and your unique experience here will be unforgettable. Floating effortlessly in the buoyant waters, covering each other in the rich, therapeutic mud – it’s impossible not to have fun as a family. On the way back to Jerusalem we’ll stop at Eretz Beresheet, Genesis Land; be a part of the Biblical story when you ride a camel to the tent and take a part in a special home-hospitality dinner. Return to Jerusalem for overnight.

DAY 6: Friday
Dec 28 – New City of Jerusalem – Shabbat of a Lifetime Dinner
After breakfast, we’ll shift our focus toward the “other” Jerusalem – the vibrant modern new city that grows daily. We’ll visit Yad Vashem, national memorial and museum of the Holocaust. Stop in the grove of the Righteous among the Nations. Continue to the Children’s Memorial before proceeding to a special “Yizkor” (Memorial) service in the Valley of the Communities. We’ll then continue to the famous Machane Yehuda Market and enjoy the “Shuk Bites” experience meeting with the colorful vendors who will captivate you with the personal stories shile you taste their Israeli grown vegetables, spices, Freshly baked breads, meat delicacies, falafel, pastries and so much more! And absolutely culinary delight.

It’s a very short drive or even walk to the Western Wall, a trip we’ll make together as we have an opportunity to participate in Friday night prayers, here at the central site of our people’s history. The memories of this night will last forever. We’ll continue to the home of a Jerusalem family to enjoy our “Shabbat of a Lifetime” experience as we share the traditional Friday night Dinner together. Return to the hotel. Overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 7: Saturday
Dec 29 – Jerusalem
Today is yours to spend at leisure. For some, a rest or catch up with friends and relatives might be just the thing, for others, a Shabbat service or a wander through the modern city’s sites might beckon. Those who wish may join us for a morning walking tour through some of the Old City of Jerusalem’s diverse neighbourhoods. Be sure to leave a little time to rest up. Tonight we’ve planned a Festive Bar Mitzvah & Bat Mitzvah celebration in honour of the hard work and dedication the children have shown. A specially arranged dinner planned around the freshest of local bounty and live entertainment (subject to group size) will make it a night to remember

Day 8: Sunday
Dec 30 – North
Today we leave Jerusalem and drive north via the Jordan Valley 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. Continue to the ancient holy city of Safed. Here we’ll have plenty of time to visit the artists’ colony and the tiny synagogues in the birthplace of Kabala. Drive to Kibbutz Ayelet Hashachar’s shooting range to test our shooting skills –this is great fun for all and a highlight of the trip. Dinner and overnight at Kibbutz Kfar Blum.

Day 9: Monday
Dec 31 – Galilee/Golan
Today our journey through the Golan starts with 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. We’ll drive to Kibbutz Manara for a cable-car ride that will take us to the top of the mountain and a breath-taking view of Lebanon and the Hula Valley. Nearby is the Banias, with its refreshing pools and waterfalls which make a wonderful rest stop. Mount Bental is our next stop. Site of one of the pivotal battles of the Yom Kippur War with spectacular views. Return to the Kibbutz for dinner and overnight.

DAY 10: Tuesday
Jan 1 –Haifa – Caesarea – Dinner in Tel Aviv – Enroute Home or Eilat:
Today we depart the Galilee driving to Haifa, Israel’s major port city. See the lovely Baha’i Shrine and its spectacular Persian Gardens. Drive to a Druze Village where you can learn about these unique Israelis’ life, walk through their bazaars and shops and have some free time for coffee, lunch etc. We’ll continue to Caesarea the celebrated port city of King Herod. The seaside setting and fascinating ruins make this a special stop – the newly excavated hippodrome is the finest in Israel. While here, we’ll take in a multi-media presentation that depicts the history of this ancient city, Herod’s “jewel on the sea”. After a lunch break (on own) we’ll continue to Tel Aviv for Early Dinner together.

Afterwards:

Option 3:

DAY 11: Wednesday
Jan 2 – Eilat
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight to Eilat.
Today you are free to enjoy fabulous Eilat; time for some scuba diving, snorkeling or an optional visit to the wonderful underwater observatory. Complete your shopping in this VAT Free city. (B)

DAY 12: Thursday
Jan, 3- Eilat – (Optional Petra Tour)
Today, continue your exploration of Eilat. Many optional tours are available from your hotel. Or, you can join the optional Petra Tour to Jordan ($275 per person, $165 child under 12). Visa and crossing fees are additional $130 per person (paid locally). This tour must be booked in advance. Tour includes lunch and returns to Eilat the same day. Overnight in Eilat. (B or BL if Joining Petra)

Day 13: Friday
Jan 4– Eilat
At leisure in Eilat. Overnight Eilat (B)

Day 14: Saturday
Jan 5– En Route
Today is yours to relax, take in the wonderful beaches and attractions of this renowned resort. Did we mention the VAT free shopping. Those flying home with El Al will leave tonight for Tel Aviv and connect with the early morning return flight. (B)

Day 15: Sunday
Jan 6 – Arrival Home
Those friends returning via Air Canada will leave Eilat this morning to connect with their noon flight from Tel Aviv to Toronto. (B)

Hotel Accommodations: Deluxe

Tel Aviv – Carlton – (Premium Sea View)
Jerusalem – Orient
Galilee – Kfar Blum
Eilat – Isrotel Royal Beach

Time Table:

Please note that the itinerary or even accommodations could change according to conditions.

1. Registration
2. Finalize extensions of stay, additional tours and other individual arrangements. It is highly recommended to finalize these arrangements no later than 6 months before departure!!
3. Final payments must be made 30 days prior to departure
4. Before departure an information meeting will be held to give participants an opportunity to meet. Valuable information and documents will be distributed
5. Travel insurance must be issued 3 months prior to departure

Terms and pertinent information
Air transportation is available from anywhere in USA and Canada. Airport transfers are included on the scheduled tour dates. All other dates are subject to a transfer charge. No refunds are made for missed sightseeing tours, missed transfers or unused hotel accommodations on tours.

Payments:Partial payments can be made in Israel Bonds! Credit cards are accepted for all deposits, payments for the tour, insurance and air transportation.

Registration: A deposit of $450 US per person is required to secure space on the tour and is not required for the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Celebrant (Deposit becomes non-refundable 90 days prior to departure).

Insurance: Insurance will be issued 90 days prior to departure to protect your deposits and subsequent payments.

Passports: Must be valid six months from the date of return. If you are not a US or Canadian passport holder please check visa requirements.

Cancellation Policy: The deposit is 100% refundable up to 90 days prior to departure. Land services are subject to 50% cancellation fee up to 14 days prior to departure and 75% 14 days or less, prior to departure.

Extensions: Special hotel discounts for additional nights. Special packages to Eilat, Egypt and Jordan are available!!

Land Rates:
Rates are per person in US Dollars
Single rooms: Price upon request

FREE LAND TOUR FOR THE BAR/BAT MITZVAH CHILD

Applies to ONE Bar/Bat Mitzvah child per family of 3 or more
Bar/Bat Mitzvah child age must be 12 or 13.

Rooming for families that include Bar/Bat Mitzvah child
Couple, 1 double room – pays for 2 persons
Family of 3 – 1 triple room – pays for 2 persons – the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child is FREE
Family of 4 – 2 double rooms – pays for 3 persons – the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child is FREE
Family of 5 – 1 double and 1 triple room – pays for 4 persons – the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child is FREE
No discounts for other children
Maximum one FREE Bar/Bat Mitzvah child per family

Pre and Post tour nights in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem are available at special rates

Terms and Conditions:
Dan Tours and Peerless Travel have gained an excellent reputation operating Family Bar/Bat Mitzvah Tours. In order to maintain this reputation we wish to advise you that minor changes may be made in the itinerary or the accommodations. These changes may occur prior to departure and even during the Tour itself. The changes are usually a result of insufficient space, changes in site schedules, safety and ease of transportation or the inability of the supplier to provide services to meet our standards. We will make every effort to ensure that any changes made to the Tour comply with our high standards. The terms and conditions printed on the back of the Dan Tours Brochure, apply to this Tour.

Tour Highlights