May 3 (SUN)
. Later we will stoll in the local market (Suq ), and walk along the “Stations of the cross” (Via Dolorosa ), to the Western wall and the Jewish Quarter .
After the lunch break we head to Western Jerusalem and review the highlight of the Israel Museum .
20:30 Dinner at Mahane Yudah Restaurant
O/N: Orient Hotel, Jerusalem.
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May 4 (MON)
An early start (7:30) will enable a visit to the Temple Mount , appreciating the current Muslim architecture at the site, we will also examine the rare remains of the Jewish Temple period on the Temple Mount
.
We then return to the bus and drive along Mea Shearim and learn about the Ultra-Orthodox and their unique conservative life style. We continue to Mahane Yehudah Market , where we can also have lunch, and later head to the National Memorial and institution in memory of the Holocaust – “Yad Vashem” where we have a private guided tour.
19:30 – Dinner with chef Atalya at Ein-Karem.
O/N: Orient Hotel, Jerusalem.
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May 5 (TUE)
we first visit the site where the famous Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered – Qumran . We then head to the hotel located in Kibbutz Ein Gedi famed also for its unique Botanical Gardens , and thoses who wish can go for a swim at the Dead Sea .
At 17:00 we are set for a Sailing experience on the Dead Sea
O/N: Ein-Gedi Guest House
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May 6 (WED)
An early start will get us to Masada before the heat and the crowds, and those who wish can leave earlier to hike by foot to the top of summit (!). We could then drive back to the hotel for breakfast, and after check-out we head up north, stopping at the Baptism site (qasr el-Yahud) on the way, and upon reaching the Sea of Galilee we visit the significant Holy Christian sites by the Sea of Galilee – Capernaum
, and Mount of Beatitudes .
O/N: Mizpe hayamim Spa Hotel
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May 7 (THUR)
This day is devoted to exploring the Golan Heights. We start with a drive to the top of Mt. Bental for a stunning panoramic view, including into Syria, and review the unique Geo Political history of this region. Next we buckle up for an ATV tour along the Syrian Border , ending in a Druze village where we have a special Druze lunch experience at a private home of the Naseeba Samara, perhaps the first Druze Feminist!.. We end the day with a drive along the northern border of Israel, possibly visiting Caesarea Philippi (Banias) .
O/N: Mizpe hayamim Spa Hotel
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May 8 (FRI)
Heading towards Tel-Aviv, we possibly stop at the site of the “First Miracle” of Jesus – Cana followed by a visit to his hometown – Nazareth . Strolling in the local market, and admiring the special size and design of the Church of Annunciation , we also have lunch at the best kebab place in Israel – Diana restaurant :-).
, and explore the ruins of the ancient Metropolis Caesarea , which has just opened a new Visitors Center. In the afternoon we reach Tel-Aviv and if time and will permits we experience the Unique atmoshphere of Friday Afternoon at the local Flea Market .
SHABBATH SHALOM!
O/N: Rothschild 65 Hotel, Tel-Aviv
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May 9 (SAT)
will start with a walk in the alleys of ancient Jaffa , combining an appreciation of Ottoman era architecture, Archaeological finds, and local art galleries (this can also be done on wheels as – Jaffa on Segways ).
Next we drive through Neve Tzedek to the heart of the Tel-Aviv, at Rothschild Boulevard , where we will learn about the declaration of the state of Israel at Independence Hall . After a lunch break we review Rabin Assassination site , and tour the Tel-Aviv Museum of Art .
O/N: Rothschild 65 Hotel, Tel-Aviv
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May 10 (SUN)
Your last day in Tel-Aviv can defined as a free day, or set a Culinary tour of the local markets, and possibly combine it with a Cooking Workshop .
Bon Apetit!
22:00 – Transfer to the Airport (T.B.D.)
