Flug von Deutschland nach Tel Aviv. Am Flughafen in Tel Aviv erwartet Sie Ihr israelischer Reiseleiter und ein Mitarbeiter von Amiel Tours.

Transfer nach Jerusalem, Heilige Stadt der drei Weltreligionen.

Abendessen und Übernachtung in Jerusalem.

Mo – 23.12

Morgens fahren Sie auf den Ölberg,  wo wir einen herrlichen Ausblick auf die Stadt genießen. Wir spazieren von dort aus auf dem Palmsonntagweg zum Garten Gethsemane mit seinen uralten Olivenbäumen. Auf dem Weg sehen wir die Kirche „Dominus Flevit“. Hier weinte Jesus um das Schicksal Jerusalems. Anschliessend fahren wir nach Herodion, eine zur Zeit von Herodes dem Grossen errichteten Festungs- und Palastanlage. Der Nachmittag steht mit dem Besuch des Geburtsortes Jesus im Zeichen der Weihnachtsgeschichte. Sie fahren nach Bethlehem, wo Sie die Geburtskirche und die Hirtenfelder aufsuchen.

Abendessen und Übernachtung in Jerusalem.

Di – 24.12

Am Morgen geht es zum Tempelberg. Dort stehen heute zwei Moscheen, der Felsendom und die El-Akza Moschee, zwei herrliche Gebäude aus dem 7. Jahrhundert n. Chr. und für die Moslems eines ihrer drei wichtigsten Heiligtümer. Die westliche Stützmauer dieses Plateaus ist der heiligste Ort der Juden, bekannt als die Klagemauer. Auf der Via Dolorosa folgen wir den Stationen des Kreuzweges bis zur Grabeskirche. Zurück geht es durch den arabischen Bazar ins jüdische Viertel und vorbei am Cardo, der antiken Einkaufsstraße. Anschliessend Besichtigung des Berg Zion mit dem Abendmahlsaal, dem Grab Davids und der Dormitio-Abtei.

Nach einem festlichen Abendessen mit Wein im schön geschmückten Hotel, können Sie entweder nach Bethlehem gefahren werden (nicht inkludiert), um dort der Übertragung der Mitternachtsmesse aus der Geburtskirche beizuwohnen, oder Sie gehen in die Altstadt, um an der Mitternachtsmesse in der Erlöserkirche teilzunehmen.

Abendessen und Übernachtung in Jerusalem.

Mi – 25.12

Heute geht die Fahrt Richtung Süden.

Zunächst zu einem Ausblickspunkt auf das  Wadi Qelt mit seinen  antiken Aquädukten. Weiter zum St. Georgkloster, das auf einer Klippe über der Schlucht vom Wadi Qelt steht. Hier wurde Jesus vierzig Tage lang nach seiner Taufe versucht. Am Ufer des Toten Meeres besichtigen Sie schließlich mit Qumran die Fundstelle der biblischen Schriftrollen, bevor Sie am frühen Nachmittag noch die Gelegenheit zu einem kurzen Bad im Salzsee haben.

Zurück in Jerusalem, sind Sie zu Kaffee und Kuchen im Österreichischen Hospiz eingeladen mit anschließender Messe.

Abendessen und Übernachtung in Jerusalem.

Do – 26.12

Am Morgen geht die Fahrt Richtung Norden nach Nazareth mit Besichtigung der Heiligen Stätten: Verkündigungsbasilika, Gabriels- kirche und Marienbrunnen. Anschließend fahren Sie weiter in das biblische Kana. Hier verwandelte Jesus der Überlieferung nach auf einer Hochzeitsfeier Wasser in Wein. In dem Ort besuchen Sie mit dem Reiseleiter christlich-arabische Familien, die dort seit Generationen leben. Danach besuchen Sie die Ausgrabungsstätte von Zippori. Die Stadt war als reiches Zentrum Galiläas bedeutend für die Aufträge der ortsansässigen Handwerker, zu denen Joseph der Zimmermann gehörte und wohl auch mit seinem Sohn Jesus arbeitete. In dieser talmudischen Stadt finden Sie unter anderem das berühmte Mosaik der “Mona Lisa von Galilaea”.

Abendessen und Uebernachtung in einem Kibbutz am See Genezareth.

Fri – 27.12

Den Vormittag verleben Sie am See Genezareth. Genießen Sie die herrlichen fruchtbaren Gärten rund um den See, wo Jesus wirkte und predigte. Es geht zunächst hinauf zum Berg der Seligpreisung, dem Ort der bedeutenden Bergpredigt, von dem Sie den gesamten See überblicken können. Wer möchte, ist herzlich zu einem Gottesdienst in der Brotvermehrungskirche eingeladen. Ihr Reiseleiter trägt Ihnen die acht Seligpreisungen, die einst von Jesus an diesem Ort verkündet wurden, noch einmal vor. Danach fahren Sie zum Fischerort Kapernaum, wo Jesus lehrte und mit seinen Jüngern lebte. Sie sehen die Reste der Synagoge und das Haus des Petrus. Mittags haben Sie die Möglichkeit, in einem typischen Fischrestaurant den berühmten Petrusfisch zu kosten (nicht inklusive). Anschließend fahren Sie mit einem originalgetreuen Nachbau der Holzboote von vor 2.000 Jahren hinaus auf den See. Am Nachmittag geht es zu den nahegelegenen Golanhöhen, wo Sie eine Olivenproduktion besuchen und die geschichtlichen Hintergründe zur Region erfahren. Den Tag runden Sie mit einer Weinprobe in den Golan Wineries, ab.

Abendessen und Uebernachtung in einem Kibbutz am See Genezareth.

Sa – 28.12.

Nach dem Frühstück geht die Fahrt nach Caesarea. Hier besuchen Sie in der antiken Hafenstadt das römische Theater und die Ausgrabungen des Herodespalastes. Entlang der ehemals römischen Handelsstraße Via Maris an Israels Mittelmeerküste gelangen Sie nach Tel Aviv, der ersten Metropole des modernen Israels. Sie besichtigen die besondere Bauhaus Architektur, der Tel Aviv ihre Anerkennung als UNESCO Kulturerbe verdankt. Danach geht es in die Altstadt von Jaffa, dem ältesten Teil Tel Aviv´s. Anschliessend werden Sie ein besonderes Erlebnis mit Erzaehlungen, Kaffeetrinken und Baklawa bei einer Familie in der Nachbarschaft Adjami erleben.

Abendessen und Uebernachtung in Tel Aviv.

So – 29.12.

Transfer zum Flughafen Tel Aviv und Rückflug nach Hause bzw. Verlängerung des Aufenthaltes in Israel in einem Hotel am Toten Meer, in Jerusalem oder Tel Aviv

Arrive at Ben Gurion International Airport where you will be met by our representative.  You will be provided assistance through luggage claim and customs and escorted to your transfer vehicle.

After checking in to your hotel, discover Tel Aviv’s gay night life on your own.

Overnight in Tel Aviv

June 02- Tel Aviv

We will start our day with a splendid Tel Aviv city tour of gay sites in an open bus with Tsiona, our amazing Drag Queen. Tziona will show you all the fabulous spots to party in Tel Aviv.

Then we will visit the Old Port City of Jaffa (Yafo), just south of Tel Aviv for a beautiful panoramic view of Tel Aviv and a sense of the first Jewish city of the modern era, established in 1909.

Walk along Rothschild Boulevard where you can see The White City of Tel Aviv (UNESCO World Heritage), where various architects created in the 1920s an outstanding architectural ensemble of Bauhaus style buildings.

Next we’ll enjoy a walking tour of Neve Tzedek, Tel Aviv’s new hip neighborhood where the intellectual elite lived during Israel’s early days. Shop till you drop in the chic and boutique galleries along this retro neighborhood.

After touring continue on your own and have fun in the sun on Tel Aviv’s Gay Beach.

At night party at one of the gay clubs that Tsiona showed you during the tour.

Overnight in Tel Aviv

June 03- Old City of Jerusalem

Today we will visit the wonderful city of Jerusalem. We will start at the Mt. of Olives for a panoramic view of the city: Overlooking the Old City, the Mount is covered partly in olive trees, cemeteries and churches. We will descend by foot towards the Old City, after visiting the Garden of Gethsemane with its ancient olive trees believed to date back two thousand years.

We’ll then pass Jaffa Gate and visit the Holy sites for Christianity, Judaism and Islam, making this city so special and unique.

Walk through the Arab Bazaar and see Middle Eastern life with its rich colors, flavors, and smells.

Visit Jerusalem Open House the city’s gay community center before going back to Tel Aviv enjoying a free evening.

Overnight in Tel Aviv

June 04- Coastal Highway

Today we will leave Tel Aviv and travel north to visit the ancient city of Caesarea, built by Herod the Great and once the seat of Roman rule. View the excavated Roman Theater, and the aqueduct that was once used for conveying water to the city.

Next we will visit Amphorae Winery for a delicious wine tasting.  Israel in recent years has gained notoriety for its fine wines, now you can taste for yourself.

Visit an Israeli Army base and meet with the soldiers. Israel is one of the only countries in the world that allows openly gay soldiers in its ranks. (Subject to final confirmation)

Afterwards cross the beautiful Galilee until you reach your hotel located on the shores of the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee).

Overnight in the Tiberias

June 05- Galilee

Start our day with a magnificent view of the Sea of Galilee from the Mount of Beatitudes.

Continue with a “wet and wild” adventure and an exciting kayaking trip down the Jordan River. Sit back and enjoy flowing waters of the river.

Next we’ll have a hands-on experience with the “fruits of the land” as we go fruit picking in the orchards of the Galilee. See why Israelis agricultural products are praised the world over.

Overnight in Tel Aviv

June 06- Dead Sea

This morning we will depart to the Dead Sea area. Traveling south we will arrive at the shores of the Dead Sea and descend to the lowest land point on earth at 1388 feet (423m) below sea level.

On the way we will stop for an adventurous Camel Ride in the Desert and learn all about the surrounding area and its rich history.

We will continue to the legendary mountaintop plateau of Massada.  Explore the ancient fortress with its synagogue and bathhouse. Here, was the last stronghold of the Jewish rebels in their struggle against the Romans.

We will enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure to put mud on ourselves or each other and to float in the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea.

Overnight in Tel Aviv

June 07- Gay Pride Parade

Enjoy on your own (or with your new friends) the Gay Pride Parade which begins at Gan Meir, a small park in the center of Tel Aviv. Follow the parade with its music floats and the diverse gay communities of Israel to its feisty finish at Gordon Beach – and we all know what that means: Beach Party!

Overnight in Tel Aviv

June 08- Free Day in Tel Aviv

Day of Leisure to recover and enjoy the sunny beaches and the warm Mediterranean waters of Tel Aviv.

Overnight in Tel Aviv

June 09- Departure

After breakfast depart for the Ben Gurion Airport for our international flight with everlasting memories of Israel!!

Past to the Future – Highlights of the Jewish state Is not the usual archeological, historical landscaping tour. It was designed to bring together The Israel vision of the state founders with the outstanding outcome of the young, vibrant and sizzling country Israel is.

This tour is great for families who seek the perfect holiday vacation and still create a linkage to their roots.   It is an excellent opportunity for second time visitors to experience many different highlights. It’s ideal for people who do not like to rush from one site to the other.

Group size will not exceed 20 passengers which will enable the guide to provide maximum attention.   It’s Israel time!

We offer 3 tour options:

11 days & 10 nights: http://www.highlightstoursofisrael.com/?p=1185

13 days & 12 nights: http://www.highlightstoursofisrael.com/?p=1249

15 days & 14 nights: http://www.highlightstoursofisrael.com/?p=1263

See you soon!

Our representative will meet you after the passport control upon your arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, assisting as you pick up your luggage and head out for the transfer to your hotel.

Check in at the hotel in Tel Aviv.

Overnight: Tel Aviv

Day 2 – Friday, Tel Aviv tour

Our first day of touring will begin immediately after breakfast.  An interesting walking tour through Tel Aviv and Jaffa is ahead of us. We will start on Rothschild Boulevard, where we will see Tel Aviv’s beautiful Bauhaus style architecture, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Amongst the buildings will be the newly renovated independence hall, the site commemorating the declaration of the founding of the state of israel on the 14^th of May 1948. We will continue on to Neve Tzedek – Tel Aviv’s very first neighborhood. The next stop will be Jaffa, the world’s oldest port city, for a view of the old city and its well known artist’s colony.

To end our day, you will enjoy free time at one of Tel Aviv’s busiest areas on Friday afternoons – the Nachalat Binyamin Crafts Fair and Carmel Outdoor Food Market – for great sounds, smells and of course, great shopping!

Overnight: Tel Aviv

Day 3 – Saturday, Free time

Day at leisure in Tel Aviv

Overnight: Tel Aviv

Day 4 – Sunday, Travel to the North

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and drive to Rehovot. Our first stop will be at the Weizman Institute which played a key role in the development of the state. We will enjoy the new amazing presentation of high technology and see the mansion house of Haim Weizman the first president of Israel. We will then continue on to Zichron Yaacov for a stroll through the historical streets of one of the earliest settlements from Israel’s first immigration period, followed by a visit to the Carmel Mizrachi Winery for a wine tasting tour. We will then drive to Daliat El-Carmel, a Druze village located on top of Mount Carmel, to learn about the unique Druze community and enjoy free time for an authentic Druze lunch (separate).  Finally, we go on to Haifa with a stop at the Louis Promenade for a great view of the Haifa Bay and the beautiful Baha’i Gardens.

Overnight: Haifa

Day 5 – Monday, Tzfat and the Golan Heights

Check out after an Israeli breakfast in the hotel. Our journey will begin with a short visit to Tiberias, a city located on the shores of Lake Kinneret and a significant spiritual center during the Mishna and Talmudic periods. Continue on to Tzfat, where we will walk through the mystic alleyways of city and hear stories of the Kabbalists & their ancient synagogues.  Our Tzfat tour will end with a visit to its famous artists’ colony where we will meet a Kabala artist and learn about his special techniques and context.  We will drive to Rosh Pina, originally founded in 1878 by a group of ultra-orthodox Jews intending to become farmers with the support of Baron Edmund de Rothschild. Rosh Pina is one of Israel’s oldest colonies but today boasts a small town known for great restaurants, cafes and art galleries.

In the afternoon, we will drive over to the beautiful Hula Valley, Israel’s first Nature Reserve. The HaHula Tourism Complex is located at the center of the Hula Valley and is considered to be one of the world’s most important centers for bird watching and ornithology.

Overnight: Kibbutz hotel

Day 6 – Tuesday, Adventure Day

This touring day will give you an opportunity to enjoy the North of Israel in a unique and exciting way. We will start our day by driving to Mount Bental, a beautiful spot for a panoramic view of the Upper Galilee, the Golan Heights and Syria. We will then continue on to Golan Magic, an entertaining 3-D multi-media adventure viewed on a 180-degree screen. After the film, a walk through the giant model of the Golan Heights, the largest of its kind in the world, accompanied by special narration, sound and light effects. Then, we will finish the first half of the day with a visit to The Golan Olive Oil Mill and Visitor Center.  As we walk through this uniquely-designed building with ancient ambience, our guide will explain the olive oil production process, including the evolution from antique tools to modern machinery.

The rest of day is free! We will be happy to provide you with a list of the options in the area and recommend the most suitable ones for your party.

Some options include: biking or hiking tour, rappelling, kayaks on the Jordan River or even participating in a gourmet chocolate workshop, and so much more…

Evening Option (Seasonal)– a lantern tour in either the valley of the lost river or Nimrod fortress

Overnight: Kibbutz hotel

Day 7 – Wednesday, Travel to Jerusalem

Check out from the hotel and depart for our touring day. Our first stop will be the Tel Hai Museum.  This memorial is dedicated to a dramatic battle in 1920 lead by Joseph Trumpeldor, a hero known for his loyalty to the nation.

Then, we will visit the “Naharayim Experience at Gesher.” Nicknamed the “start-up” of last century, this unusual light and sound show is filled with models demonstrating the dam system, running water and a combination of sounds and colors. The demonstration shows how the desert transformed into a symbol of – and a vision for – Jewish immigration and industrial development in Israel.

Our day will continue with a drive to Jerusalem through the Jordan Valley’s stunning landscape. We will stop at Mt. Scopus upon arrival in Jerusalem for a magnificent view of the city and a brief explanation about the capitol’s past and future.

Overnight: Jerusalem

Day 8 – Thursday*, Old City of Jerusalem

After breakfast, Start with the City of David for a virtual reality movie about King David’s historical city, and a “wet” walking tour of the ancient water system connecting Warren’s Shaft and to the Shiloah tunnels (Hezekiah’s tunnel).then the recently discovered Herodian Road  will lead you, as it once led so many worshippers during the Second Temple period, in the direction of the Western Wall and the Temple Mount,  to the Archaeological Garden & the new Southern Wall excavations (Davidson Center). See the restored Jewish Quarter, the Western Wall (HaKotel) and the colorful bazaars and the Cardo.

*Thursday is the day many Bar Mitzvah celebrations take place at the Western Wall.  During our walk, we will meet some of them and get to wish them a MAZAL TOV!

After dinner at the hotel, we’ll listen to a fascinating lecture entitled “Behind the Scenes” about Israel’s current events including recent highlights and future plans.

Overnight: Jerusalem

Day 9 – Friday, Jerusalem’s New City

Visit the graves of Israel’s former prime ministers and soldiers who died in battle at the Mount Herzl Military Cemetery. We will then continue to the new Museum at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial, including Valley of the Communities. We will pass by the Knesset – Israel’s Parliament building, as well as the famous Menorah and the new home of Israel’s Supreme Court.

We will visit the Israel Museum to see the Shrine of the Book with a display of Dead Sea Scrolls, and visit the model of Jerusalem during the Second Temple period.   Then, continue on for a neighborhood tour around the Mahane Yehuda Market to meet different local ethnic groups and taste some of their cultural foods.

Drive to the Western Wall to participate in millennium spanning tradition of Kabbalat Shabbat services as the Jewish Sabbath descends over Jerusalem.  Overnight: Jerusalem

Day 10 – Saturday, Free

Day at leisure in Jerusalem –

Evening Option: Enjoy a breathtaking night tour of the Old City, including a light and sound show combined with 3D slides projected onto the great wall in the Tower of David.  This show is highly recommended due to its unique way of depicting the different periods in Jerusalem’s long history. Duration: Around one hour.

Overnight: Jerusalem

Day 11 – Sunday

- Visit to the South – Masada and the Dead Sea

We will drive south, starting with the infamous Masada where we will ascend by cable car to see where Jewish defenders made their last stand against Rome in

AD 73. After a short drive, we will arrive at Ein Gedi Nature Reserve for an easy hike through this natural desert oasis. Next, continue to our hotel by the Dead Sea shore for free time at the hotel spa and floating on the salty waters.

Overnight: Dead Sea

Day 12 – Monday, travel to Eilat

Check out after breakfast,

Start the day with an exciting jeep tour to explore the wonders of the desert, salt pillars and powder canyons. Continue to Kibbutz Neot Smadar.  Founded in 1989 based on a shared desire to understand the spirit of cooperation and its expression in daily life, Neot Smadar’s main work divisions are organic farming, small scale organic food production (wines, cheese, olives, jams, nectars, etc.), the Art Center (offering workshops, galleries and gift shop), and a roadside restaurant. 

We will continue Last, we will end our day marveling at immense, multi-colored rock formations with a tour of the Timna Copper Mines and the spectacular King Solomon’s Pillars.  Our day will end with a drive to Eilat and check-in at the hotel.

Overnight: Eilat

Day 13 – Tuesday, Free day in Eilat

Large verity of activities to choose from, among them is a visit to Underwater Observatory, Ice Space Museum or even swim with the Dolphins at the reef.  

Option 2 – Free day in Eilat – Optional tour to the red city of Petra, famous for its rock cut architecture and recently nominated as one of the new 7 wonders of the world.

Overnight: Eilat

Day 14 – Wednesday, getting back.

Free day in Eilat – Optional tour to the red city of Petra (Jordan), famous for its rock cut architecture and recently nominated as one of the new 7 wonders of the world.

Check out at the hotel and transfer to Eilat airport for a domestic flight to Tel Aviv for overnight.

Day 15 – Thursday, Departure

Check out and transfer the international flight back home.

Our representative will meet you after the passport control upon your arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, assisting as you pick up your luggage and head out for the transfer to your hotel.

Check in at the hotel in Tel Aviv.

Overnight: Tel Aviv

Day 2 – Friday, Tel Aviv tour

Our first day of touring will begin immediately after breakfast.  An interesting walking tour through Tel Aviv and Jaffa is ahead of us. We will start on Rothschild Boulevard, where we will see Tel Aviv’s beautiful Bauhaus style architecture, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Amongst the buildings will be the newly renovated independence hall, the site commemorating the declaration of the founding of the state of israel on the 14^th of May 1948. We will continue on to Neve Tzedek – Tel Aviv’s very first neighborhood. The next stop will be Jaffa, the world’s oldest port city, for a view of the old city and its well known artist’s colony.

To end our day, you will enjoy free time at one of Tel Aviv’s busiest areas on Friday afternoons – the Nachalat Binyamin Crafts Fair and Carmel Outdoor Food Market – for great sounds, smells and of course, great shopping!

Overnight: Tel Aviv

Day 3 – Saturday, Free time

Day at leisure in Tel Aviv

Overnight: Tel Aviv

Day 4 – Sunday, Travel to the North

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and drive to Rehovot. Our first stop will be at the Weizman Institute which played a key role in the development of the state. We will enjoy the new amazing presentation of high technology and see the mansion house of Haim Weizman the first president of Israel. We will then continue on to Zichron Yaacov for a stroll through the historical streets of one of the earliest settlements from Israel’s first immigration period, followed by a visit to the Carmel Mizrachi Winery for a wine tasting tour. We will then drive to Daliat El-Carmel, a Druze village located on top of Mount Carmel, to learn about the unique Druze community and enjoy free time for an authentic Druze lunch (separate).  Finally, we go on to Haifa with a stop at the Louis Promenade for a great view of the Haifa Bay and the beautiful Baha’i Gardens.

Overnight: Haifa

Day 5 – Monday, Tzfat and the Golan Heights

Check out after an Israeli breakfast in the hotel. Our journey will begin with a short visit to Tiberias, a city located on the shores of Lake Kinneret and a significant spiritual center during the Mishna and Talmudic periods. Continue on to Tzfat, where we will walk through the mystic alleyways of city and hear stories of the Kabbalists & their ancient synagogues.  Our Tzfat tour will end with a visit to its famous artists’ colony where we will meet a Kabala artist and learn about his special techniques and context.  We will drive to Rosh Pina, originally founded in 1878 by a group of ultra-orthodox Jews intending to become farmers with the support of Baron Edmund de Rothschild. Rosh Pina is one of Israel’s oldest colonies but today boasts a small town known for great restaurants, cafes and art galleries.

In the afternoon, we will drive over to the beautiful Hula Valley, Israel’s first Nature Reserve. The HaHula Tourism Complex is located at the center of the Hula Valley and is considered to be one of the world’s most important centers for bird watching and ornithology.

Overnight: Kibbutz hotel

Day 6 – Tuesday, Adventure Day

This touring day will give you an opportunity to enjoy the North of Israel in a unique and exciting way. We will start our day by driving to Mount Bental, a beautiful spot for a panoramic view of the Upper Galilee, the Golan Heights and Syria. We will then continue on to Golan Magic, an entertaining 3-D multi-media adventure viewed on a 180-degree screen. After the film, a walk through the giant model of the Golan Heights, the largest of its kind in the world, accompanied by special narration, sound and light effects. Then, we will finish the first half of the day with a visit to The Golan Olive Oil Mill and Visitor Center.  As we walk through this uniquely-designed building with ancient ambience, our guide will explain the olive oil production process, including the evolution from antique tools to modern machinery.

The rest of day is free! We will be happy to provide you with a list of the options in the area and recommend the most suitable ones for your party.

Some options include: biking or hiking tour, rappelling, kayaks on the Jordan River or even participating in a gourmet chocolate workshop, and so much more…

Evening Option (Seasonal)– a lantern tour in either the valley of the lost river or Nimrod fortress

Overnight: Kibbutz hotel

Day 7 – Wednesday, Travel to Jerusalem

Check out from the hotel and depart for our touring day. Our first stop will be the Tel Hai Museum.  This memorial is dedicated to a dramatic battle in 1920 lead by Joseph Trumpeldor, a hero known for his loyalty to the nation.

Then, we will visit the “Naharayim Experience at Gesher.” Nicknamed the “start-up” of last century, this unusual light and sound show is filled with models demonstrating the dam system, running water and a combination of sounds and colors. The demonstration shows how the desert transformed into a symbol of – and a vision for – Jewish immigration and industrial development in Israel.

Our day will continue with a drive to Jerusalem through the Jordan Valley’s stunning landscape. We will stop at Mt. Scopus upon arrival in Jerusalem for a magnificent view of the city and a brief explanation about the capitol’s past and future.

Overnight: Jerusalem

Day 8 – Thursday*, Old City of Jerusalem

After breakfast, Start with the City of David for a virtual reality movie about King David’s historical city, and a “wet” walking tour of the ancient water system connecting Warren’s Shaft and to the Shiloah tunnels (Hezekiah’s tunnel).then the recently discovered Herodian Road  will lead you, as it once led so many worshippers during the Second Temple period, in the direction of the Western Wall and the Temple Mount,  to the Archaeological Garden & the new Southern Wall excavations (Davidson Center). See the restored Jewish Quarter, the Western Wall (HaKotel) and the colorful bazaars and the Cardo.

*Thursday is the day many Bar Mitzvah celebrations take place at the Western Wall.  During our walk, we will meet some of them and get to wish them a MAZAL TOV!

After dinner at the hotel, we’ll listen to a fascinating lecture entitled “Behind the Scenes” about Israel’s current events including recent highlights and future plans.

Overnight: Jerusalem

Day 9 – Friday, Jerusalem’s New City

Visit the graves of Israel’s former prime ministers and soldiers who died in battle at the Mount Herzl Military Cemetery. We will then continue to the new Museum at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial, including Valley of the Communities. We will pass by the Knesset – Israel’s Parliament building, as well as the famous Menorah and the new home of Israel’s Supreme Court.

We will visit the Israel Museum to see the Shrine of the Book with a display of Dead Sea Scrolls, and visit the model of Jerusalem during the Second Temple period.   Then, continue on for a neighborhood tour around the Mahane Yehuda Market to meet different local ethnic groups and taste some of their cultural foods.

Drive to the Western Wall to participate in millennium spanning tradition of Kabbalat Shabbat services as the Jewish Sabbath descends over Jerusalem.  Overnight: Jerusalem

Day 10 – Saturday, Free

Day at leisure in Jerusalem –

Evening Option: Enjoy a breathtaking night tour of the Old City, including a light and sound show combined with 3D slides projected onto the great wall in the Tower of David.  This show is highly recommended due to its unique way of depicting the different periods in Jerusalem’s long history. Duration: Around one hour.

Overnight: Jerusalem

Day 11 – Sunday

- Visit to the South – Masada and the Dead Sea

We will drive south, starting with the infamous Masada where we will ascend by cable car to see where Jewish defenders made their last stand against Rome in AD 73. After a short drive, we will arrive at Ein Gedi Nature Reserve for an easy hike through this natural desert oasis. Next, continue to our hotel by the Dead Sea shore for free time at the hotel spa and floating on the salty waters.

Overnight: Dead Sea

Day 12 – Monday, travel to Eilat

Check out after breakfast,

Start the day with an exciting jeep tour to explore the wonders of the desert, salt pillars and powder canyons. Continue to Kibbutz Neot Smadar.  Founded in 1989 based on a shared desire to understand the spirit of cooperation and its expression in daily life, Neot Smadar’s main work divisions are organic farming, small scale organic food production (wines, cheese, olives, jams, nectars, etc.), the Art Center (offering workshops, galleries and gift shop), and a roadside restaurant. 

Lastly we will continue to marvel at the immense, multi-colored rock formations with a tour of the Timna Copper Mines and the spectacular King Solomon’s Pillars.  Our day will end with a drive to Eilat and check-in at the hotel.

Overnight: Eilat

Day 13 – Tuesday, Departure

Check out and transfer the international flight back home.

Enjoy your ride back home, looking forward to see you here again,

The CTO staff

Every Monday morning we start the tour by picking you up from your hotel in Amman and then we drive on the desert highway for over two and a half hours (250 KM) to reach Wadi Mousa where Petra is located. The tour will take you to the highlights of Petra (the Treasury, Qaser Al Binit, and the Amphitheater among others). In the late afternoon we return to Amman in the early evening.

Languages: English and Spanish

Pick up from Hotel: Between 7 and 7:30 AM

Return to Amman: Around 7 PM

Business hours - General business hours extend from 9am to 6pm, Sunday through Thursday. Shopping centers  are usually open until 9pm.

Public transportation – Sunday to Thursday usually from 6am to midnight, Friday from 6am till 1 hour before Sundown and Saturday from 1 hour after sundown till midnight.

At some cities you can find public taxies (called “sherut”, up to 10 passengers) on Friday and Saturday as well, ask around for information.

If you take a taxi – make sure to either ask for the price before entering or ask for the “mone” = meter.

Rain or shine – put sunscreen at all times, Israel is a hot country and the radiation is strong even in the winter.

Security check – usually at transportation stations and shopping malls you will be asked to open your bag for security check – it is a very short check for your o safety

Asking for help – it is easy to find people who speak English & Russian most  of them will be pleased to assist you when asked.

WiFi – In the big cities it is easy to find many places with free WiFi; you will probably need to get a code. Most of the  hotels have the service.

Emergency numbers – you can call our office 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, one of our staff will get back to you after leaving a message after office hours.

Police – 100

Magen David Adom (first aid emergency) – 101

Fire department – 102

Enjoy your stay and we hope to see you again with us soon!

Highlights tours of Israel BY C.T.O

We will continue to Acre to visit the Knights Halls, the crusaders underground city and the authentic white market with some oriental food and spices. UNESCO has recognized this ancient route as a World Heritage site.

We Continue to Rosh Hanikra, the border pass to Lebanon, to visit the lovely caves created by the sea waves.

We will end our day with a visit to Haifa. We stop for a breathtaking panoramic view of the Haifa Bay and the golden domed Bahai Shrine, part of the exotic Persian Gardens.

Our representative will meet you after the passport control upon your arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, assisting as you pick up your luggage and head out for the transfer to your hotel.

Check in at the hotel in Tel Aviv.

Overnight: Tel Aviv

Day 2 – Friday, Tel Aviv tour

Our first day of touring will begin immediately after breakfast.  An interesting walking tour through Tel Aviv and Jaffa is ahead of us. We will start on Rothschild Boulevard, where we will see Tel Aviv’s beautiful Bauhaus style architecture, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Amongst the buildings will be the newly renovated independence hall, the site commemorating the declaration of the founding of the state of israel on the 14^th of May 1948. We will continue on to Neve Tzedek – Tel Aviv’s very first neighborhood. The next stop will be Jaffa, the world’s oldest port city, for a view of the old city and its well known artist’s colony.

To end our day, you will enjoy free time at one of Tel Aviv’s busiest areas on Friday afternoons – the Nachalat Binyamin Crafts Fair and Carmel Outdoor Food Market – for great sounds, smells and of course, great shopping!

Overnight: Tel Aviv

Day 3 – Saturday

Free time –Day at leisure in Tel Aviv

Overnight: Tel Aviv

Day 4 – Sunday, Travel to the North

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and drive to Rehovot. Our first stop will be at the Weizman Institute which played a key role in the development of the state. We will enjoy the new amazing presentation of high technology and see the mansion house of Haim Weizman the first president of Israel. We will then continue on to Zichron Yaacov for a stroll through the historical streets of one of the earliest settlements from Israel’s first immigration period, followed by a visit to the Carmel Mizrachi Winery for a wine tasting tour. We will then drive to Daliat El-Carmel, a Druze village located on top of Mount Carmel, to learn about the unique Druze community and enjoy free time for an authentic Druze lunch (separate).  Finally, we go on to Haifa with a stop at the Louis Promenade for a great view of the Haifa Bay and the beautiful Baha’i Gardens.

Overnight: Haifa

Day 5 – Monday, Tzfat and the Golan Heights

Check out after an Israeli breakfast in the hotel. Our journey will begin with a short visit to Tiberias, a city located on the shores of Lake Kinneret and a significant spiritual center during the Mishna and Talmudic periods. Continue on to Tzfat, where we will walk through the mystic alleyways of city and hear stories of the Kabbalists & their ancient synagogues.  Our Tzfat tour will end with a visit to its famous artists’ colony where we will meet a Kabala artist and learn about his special techniques and context.  We will drive to Rosh Pina, originally founded in 1878 by a group of ultra-orthodox Jews intending to become farmers with the support of Baron Edmund de Rothschild. Rosh Pina is one of Israel’s oldest colonies but today boasts a small town known for great restaurants, cafes and art galleries.

In the afternoon, we will drive over to the beautiful Hula Valley, Israel’s first Nature Reserve. The HaHula Tourism Complex is located at the center of the Hula Valley and is considered to be one of the world’s most important centers for bird watching and ornithology.

Overnight: Kibbutz hotel

Day 6 – Tuesday, Adventure Day

This touring day will give you an opportunity to enjoy the North of Israel in a unique and exciting way. We will start our day by driving to Mount Bental, a beautiful spot for a panoramic view of the Upper Galilee, the Golan Heights and Syria. We will then continue on to Golan Magic, an entertaining 3-D multi-media adventure viewed on a 180-degree screen. After the film, a walk through the giant model of the Golan Heights, the largest of its kind in the world, accompanied by special narration, sound and light effects. Then, we will finish the first half of the day with a visit to The Golan Olive Oil Mill and Visitor Center.  As we walk through this uniquely-designed building with ancient ambience, our guide will explain the olive oil production process, including the evolution from antique tools to modern machinery.

The rest of day is free! We will be happy to provide you with a list of the options in the area and recommend the most suitable ones for your party.

Some options include: biking or hiking tour, rappelling, kayaks on the Jordan River or even participating in a gourmet chocolate workshop, and so much more…

Evening Option (Seasonal)– a lantern tour in either the valley of the lost river or Nimrod fortress

Overnight: Kibbutz hotel

Day 7 – Wednesday, Travel to Jerusalem

Check out from the hotel and depart for our touring day. Our first stop will be the Tel Hai Museum.  This memorial is dedicated to a dramatic battle in 1920 lead by Joseph Trumpeldor, a hero known for his loyalty to the nation.

Then, we will visit the “Naharayim Experience at Gesher.” Nicknamed the “start-up” of last century, this unusual light and sound show is filled with models demonstrating the dam system, running water and a combination of sounds and colors. The demonstration shows how the desert transformed into a symbol of – and a vision for – Jewish immigration and industrial development in Israel.

Our day will continue with a drive to Jerusalem through the Jordan Valley’s stunning landscape. We will stop at Mt. Scopus upon arrival in Jerusalem for a magnificent view of the city and a brief explanation about the capitol’s past and future.

Overnight: Jerusalem

Day 8 – Thursday*, Old City of Jerusalem

After breakfast, Start with the City of David for a virtual reality movie about King David’s historical city, and a “wet” walking tour of the ancient water system connecting Warren’s Shaft and to the Shiloah tunnels (Hezekiah’s tunnel).then the recently discovered Herodian Road  will lead you, as it once led so many worshippers during the Second Temple period, in the direction of the Western Wall and the Temple Mount,  to the Archaeological Garden & the new Southern Wall excavations (Davidson Center). See the restored Jewish Quarter, the Western Wall (HaKotel) and the colorful bazaars and the Cardo.

*Thursday is the day many Bar Mitzvah celebrations take place at the Western Wall.  During our walk, we will meet some of them and get to wish them a MAZAL TOV!

After dinner at the hotel, we’ll listen to a fascinating lecture entitled “Behind the Scenes” about Israel’s current events including recent highlights and future plans.

Overnight: Jerusalem

Day 9 – Friday, Jerusalem’s New City

Visit the graves of Israel’s former prime ministers and soldiers who died in battle at the Mount Herzl Military Cemetery. We will then continue to the new Museum at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial, including Valley of the Communities. We will pass by the Knesset – Israel’s Parliament building, as well as the famous Menorah and the new home of Israel’s Supreme Court.

We will visit the Israel Museum to see the Shrine of the Book with a display of Dead Sea Scrolls, and visit the model of Jerusalem during the Second Temple period.   Then, continue on for a neighborhood tour around the Mahane Yehuda Market to meet different local ethnic groups and taste some of their cultural foods.

Drive to the Western Wall to participate in millennium spanning tradition of Kabbalat Shabbat services as the Jewish Sabbath descends over Jerusalem.  Overnight: Jerusalem

Day 10 – Saturday,

Day at leisure in Jerusalem –(or an Optional tour at extra cost to the Dead Sea & Masada )

Evening Option: Enjoy a breathtaking night tour of the Old City, including a light and sound show combined with 3D slides projected onto the great wall in the Tower of David.  This show is highly recommended due to its unique way of depicting the different periods in Jerusalem’s long history. Duration: Around one hour.

Overnight: Jerusalem

Day 11 – Sunday, Departure

Check out of the hotel following breakfast.

- Transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for the flight home

Enjoy your ride back home, looking forward to see you here again,

The CTO staff

Verdi’s opera La Traviata with the The Opera Orchestra – The Israel Symphony Orchestra Rishon LeZion under the baton of Daniel Oren

Festive concert with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
The Idan Raichel Project