Jewish National Fund Sample Family Trip 2

Transcription

1 Jewish National Fund Sample Family Trip 2 7 days 6 nights DAY 1 ARRIVAL / EILAT Upon arrival in Israel, proceed to the domestic gate for the flight to Eilat. After checking into the hotel, spend the remainder of the afternoon relaxing on the beach or exploring some of Eilat s exciting activities in Eilat such as swimming with the dolphins, snorkeling or one of the many other water sports offered. Eilat Additional options for this afternoon include: Additional option 1: Visit the Underwater Observatory, one of the largest sea aquariums in the world. Built into the coral reef, the underwater observatory allows visitors to encounter the reef up close and see rare and exotic fish living in their natural environment. Underwater Observatory Additional option 2: Spend the afternoon enjoying the wonders of the Red Sea on a private boat. Instructors from the Red Sea Sports Club will join the group for an afternoon of scuba diving and snorkeling. From the boat, the group can explore the amazing flora and fauna of the Coral Reef. Red Sea Additional option 3: Visit Timna Park, an important centerpiece in the Negev that is helping to fulfill David Ben Gurion's dream of drawing people to the region. Pass through the front gates to the chronospheres to see the spectacular beauty of Timna. Tour the fascinating 360 degree multimedia experience called the Mines of Time. Through dramatic audio, visual reality, computer simulation, and state of the art animation, the presentation introduces the ancient Egyptian and Midianite cultures dating from the time of the Exodus, which is merely a prelude to what you will encounter further into the park. After lunch in the park, spend the remainder of the afternoon enjoying some of the other activities that Timna has to offer, such as hiking, biking, boating and repelling. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Eilat. Kayaking in the Timna Park Lake Overnight, Eilat 1

2 DAY 2 SOUTHERN ARAVA After breakfast, check out of the hotel and head north. Along the way, meet archeology expert Yankele Shavit for an exciting jeep ride through Maktesh Ramon, one of the largest craters in the world. Camel Ride Afterward, take an exciting camel ride along the ancient spice route and experience the same breathtaking views and sights as the ancient merchants who traveled along the same route thousands of years ago. Continue to Sde Boker for its stunning views and to visit the final resting place of Ben Gurion, Israel s first Prime Minister and visionary for developing the Negev. Early this evening, check into the hotel. Tonight, enjoy dinner at the hotel, consisting of authentic home cooking prepared by renowned chef Joe Eisenberg. Ramon Crater Overnight, Isrotel Ramon Inn, Mitzpe Ramon Cable Car Ride over Masada DAY 3 MASADA / DEAD SEA After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive north to Masada and the Dead Sea. Head to Masada for a cable car ride to the top of the Herodian Palace Complex, where the Zealots made their last stand against the Romans before committing suicide in 73 AD. Next, descend to the depths of Dead Sea. After lunch, take a swim in the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea, indulge in an optional spa treatment or simply relax at the beach. Later this afternoon, return to Jerusalem for the evening. Dead Sea DAY 4 JERUSALEM After breakfast go to Jerusalem s Old City for a walking tour. Enter through the Jaffa Gate and head straight to Ramparts Walk and take a jaunt along the walls of Jerusalem to see fascinating views of the Old City. Continue to the Western Wall, the last remaining retaining wall which enclosed the Temple Mount in the Second Temple Period. Continue to the Western Wall Tunnels, an incredible labyrinth of tunnels, arches and passageways that expose Jerusalem s rich history, archeology and topography. Western Wall Tunnels Following lunch in the colorful Mahene Yehuda Market, choose from one of the following options: 2

3 Option 1: Visit Emek Zurim Park and participate in an exciting (and easy) archeological dig: sifting through the debris taken out of Solomon s stables under the Temple Mount. So far, many exciting objects have been found, from Second Temple pottery to Crusader ceramics, not to mention an inscription or two, coins, and all types of other things that were thrown into the cisterns under the Temple Mount platform over the last 2,000 years. Kotel Option 2: Visit Ir David for a tour of the City of David, which is the actual location of the Biblical City of Jerusalem captured by King David over 3,000 yrs. ago. Here, see the world's most significant archeological finds relating to the Biblical Period in Jerusalem, evidence of the more than 3000 year long Jewish presence in the city beginning with King David. The City of Light depicted in the footlights at the Tower of David After dinner tonight, see the Light and Sound Show at the Tower of David, a cutting edge pyrotechnics show that unfolds with a blaze of images that tell the story of Jerusalem s history. Yad Vashem Memorial DAY 5 JERUSALEM This morning, go to Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum & Memorial for a solemn tour. A sprawling complex of tree studded walkways leading to museums, exhibits, sculptures, and memorials, Yad Vashem tells the story of the Holocaust from a uniquely Jewish perspective, emphasizing the experiences of the individual victims through original artifacts, survivor testimonies and personal possessions. While some people are at Yad Vashem, take the children to the world famous Biblical Zoo, which houses animals from Biblical Times, a children s petting zoo, Noah s Ark Sculpture Playground and many other fun activities. If the kids don t feel like walking, take the zoo train, which provides riders with a general overview of the zoo. Petting Zoo at the Biblical Zoo After lunch, spend the afternoon exploring parts of the new city of Jerusalem. Begin at the Knesset, Israel s Parliament building. Take a guided tour and learn about how Israel s government works. Afterward, stop by the famous Menorah, the emblem of the State of Israel. Chagall windows Next, view the architectural splendor of Israel s Supreme Court building before driving to the Hadassah Medical Center in Ein Kerem to see the Chagall stained glass windows. Chagall s 12 exquisite stained glass windows depict the 3

4 blessings that Jacob bestowed to each of his 12 sons, who later became the founders of the 12 Tribes of Israel. Time Elevator Later this afternoon, the children will enjoy the Time Elevator, an exciting simulator ride through Jerusalem s 3,000 year history. Amid crashing ceilings, splashing water, billowing smoke, stunning computer generated animation and other special effects, journey through Jerusalem's historic turning points beginning with the city of David and ending at the 1967 Six Day war. Ayalon Institute DAY 6 TEL AVIV After breakfast, check out of the hotel and make your way to Tel Aviv. Along the way, visit the Ayalon Institute, a secret bullet factory established by the Haganah in As the largest bullet factory during that time, it produced 2.25 million bullets from , completely in secret. After lunch in Tel Aviv, choose from one of the following options: Carmel Market Option 1: Visit Tel Aviv s Safari Park, offering 250 acres of animal life. The uniqueness of the Safari is that many of the animals roam around freely, with no cages to confine them. Option 2: Take advantage of some of Tel Aviv s best shopping areas. Start at Nahalat Benyamin, the famous pedestrian street filled with musicians, handmade jewelry and artifacts. Continue to Tel Aviv s own Soho on Shenkin Street, the lively and colorful street especially known for its unique shops, café life and youthful ambiance before ending at the open air Carmel Market. Tel Aviv Option 3: Spend a leisurely afternoon relaxing on the beach. This evening, see an exciting performance by the Mayumana dance group. Inspired by the beat band Stomp, Mayumana adds uniquely Israeli elements to its pulsating mixture of music, beat, movement humor and joy (TBC). Following the show, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Old Jaffa. Overnight, Tel Aviv Tel Aviv beach 4

5 DAY 7 TEL AVIV/ EN ROUTE After checking out of the hotel this morning, visit the multimedia Palmach Museum, to learn more about the fight for Israeli independence and the development of the renowned Israeli army. Palmach Museum Afterward, enjoy lunch at a beachfront restaurant followed by an afternoon of relaxation on Tel Aviv s beach, situated along the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean. Early this evening, head to the airport for the return flight home. Overnight, En Route 5