JERUSALEM, GALILEE, NAZARETH, DEAD SEA, MASADA, TEL AVIV

ON SALE!!!
Save up to $800 per couple!!!
For a limited time only save up to $800 per couple
on this fascinating journey to the wonders of Israel!
Reserve by August 31, 2010
to qualify for the early booking discount.
Space is limited so please reserve early.

YOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Depart USA. Your fascinating journey begins
this afternoon with an overnight flight to Israel.

Day 2: Arrive Tel Aviv. Welcome to Israel! Upon arrival at Ben Gurion airport this afternoon you’ll be greeted and escorted to nearby Tel Aviv, a bustling seaside metropolis representing the modern face of Israel and the center of commerce and culture. En route, see Rabin Square and the memorial to Nobel Peace Prize winner, Yitzhak Rabin. Drive along the road hugging the promenade stretching along the Mediterranean seafront before arriving at your upscale sea-facing hotel. Grand Beach Hotel



Day 3: Tel Aviv/Jaffa. This morning your tour director holds a welcome briefing.  Following the briefing, enjoy a guided morning walk of the picturesque neighborhood of Neve Zedek, dating to the early 1900’s. Walk along the maze of narrow streets lined with restored historic Bauhaus and Art Deco buildings, galleries and quaint shops. The afternoon is at leisure to stroll along the lively seaside promenade or relax at an outdoor cafe. This evening delight in a tour of Old Jaffa where you’ll visit the Artists Quarter and savor dinner. (B,D)

Day 4: Caesarea/Haifa/Nazareth/Tiberias. Stroll this morning through the exotic Carmel Market before departing Tel Aviv, traveling north along the coastal road. Visit Caesarea, with its ancient Roman port and aqueduct, Byzantine streets and Crusader ruins. Visit the fascinating archeological discoveries and learn about the rich history of Caesarea. Ascend scenic Mt. Carmel for splendid views of the sparkling bay below and visit the colorful market of the Druze village. Arrive in Haifa and see the impressive golden-domed Baha’i Shrine and the stunning surrounding Persian gardens. Proceed to Nazareth and visit the Basilica of the Annunciation, traditionally built above the home of the Virgin Mary and the place where the imminent birth of her son was announced to her. Arrive in Tiberias, a popular resort town. Your hotel overlooks the Sea of Galilee. Ron Beach Hotel ◊◊ (B,D)

Day 5: Optional Golan & Galilee Excursion. Today is at leisure. You may join a full day excursion ($79, lunch included) to some of the northern Israel’s prime attractions. Ascend the Golan Heights, a volcanic plateau, and enjoy spectacular vistas of the Sea of Galilee and fertile valley below. Here, tour a local winery and sample the wines. Next, learn about one of Israel’s most unique traditions as you visit a Kibbutz, where members follow communal living. You’ll tour the Kibbutz and enjoy lunch before continuing to Safed, the mystical Kabbalah center and a thriving artists' colony. This evening you may sample the Sea of Galilee specialty, St. Peters fish, in one of the lakeside restaurants. (B)

Day 6: Capernaum/Tabgha/Beth Shean/Dead Sea. Delight this morning in a boat ride on the tranquil Sea of Galilee. Visit Capernaum, site of an ancient Byzantine synagogue and a church believed to be on the site of St. Peter’s house. Continue to Tabgha, traditional site of the Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes. Drive south to Beth Shean to view the stunning remains and amphitheater of a well-preserved Roman city. You’ll also stop in Beth Alpha to admire the magnificent mosaic floor of the 6th century synagogue. Voyage through the lush Jordan River Valley to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth! Arrive at your spa-hotel late this afternoon. Daniel Dead Sea Hotel & Spa (B,D)

Day 7: Masada/Jerusalem. With an exceptionally high content of salt and minerals, the Dead Sea offers an opportunity to “float” on the water as well as therapeutic qualities. This morning, take advantage of the optional activities offered at your hotel’s spa or float on the Dead Sea! Depart for Masada, an isolated mountain-top fortress. Ascend by cable car and visit the remains of the fortress built by King Herod and the last stronghold of the Zealots resistance against the Romans. Journey along the shores of the Dead Sea past Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Tour Ahava Laboratories where beauty products are made with minerals from the Dead Sea before proceeding through the Judean Desert and Hills to Mt. Scopus for a traditional welcome to Jerusalem. Arrive at your hotel located near the Old City walls. Prima Royale Hotel. (B,D)

Day 8: It is difficult to imagine a city quite as unique as Jerusalem anywhere in the world. Tradition has it that Jerusalem is where King Solomon built the great temple, Jesus was crucified and Muhammad visited on his Night Journey. From the Mount of Olives, admire the stunning views of the city below. An expert guide leads you today on a walk of the Old City. View up close the Western Wall (Wailing Wall), the remnants of the Second Temple and visit the Davidson Center, where fascinating multi-media exhibits, including a reconstruction of the Herodian Temple Mount, bring to life the various periods in Jerusalem's history. Later, stroll through the magnificently restored Cardo, the old Roman Road. Follow the ancient Via Dolorosa and the Stations of the Cross to the Christian Quarter and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the traditional site of the Crucifixion. Later tour Mount Zion and view King David's Tomb and the Room of the Last Supper. Balance of the day is at leisure to enjoy Jerusalem’s unique atmosphere at your own pace. (B)

Day 9: This morning, visit Yad Vashem, a memorial dedicated to the remembrance of the Holocaust. Later, tour the renowned Shrine of the Book at the Israel Museum, where the exceptional 2000 year-old Dead Sea Scrolls are housed and stroll through the lovely Billy Rose Sculpture Garden. In the afternoon, you may choose an optional tour to Bethlehem, visiting the Church of the Nativity ($30). (B)

Day 10: Enjoy a guided walking tour of the Old City today. Walk through the winding alleys housing the colorful bazaar where you may find unique souvenirs. Tour David's Citadel and visit the engaging Tower of David Museum where you can explore the entire history of Jerusalem. Afternoon at leisure. This evening celebrate with your fellow travelers at a farewell dinner. (B,D)

Day 11: Jerusalem/USA. Early this morning, transfer to the airport for your return flight home. Your magical journey to Israel ends as you arrive the USA later today.

YOUR TOUR INCLUDES:

• Round-trip airfare from New York (JFK) via Austrian Airlines
  
  
• Airline fuel surcharge
  
  
• All intra-Israel ground transportation and transfers
  
  
• Accommodations at superior first class hotels
  
  
• 13 meals: 8 buffet breakfasts (B), 5 dinners (D)
  
  
• Comprehensive sightseeing tours and entry fees
  
  
• English-speaking Tour Director throughout

TOUR COST AIRFARE INCLUDED*
DEPART THUR	RETURN SUNDAY	RESERVE BY AUG31'10	RESERVE AFTER AUG 31
2010
Sep 30	Oct 10	$ 2399	$ 2799
Oct 7	Oct 17	$ 2399	$ 2799
Oct 14	Oct 24	$ 2399	$ 2799
Nov 4	Nov 14	$ 2299	$ 2699
Nov 18	Nov 28	$ 2299	$ 2699
Dec 9	Dec 19	$ 1999	$ 2399
2011
Jan 13	Jan 23	$ 1999	$ 2399
Feb 10	Feb 20	$ 2099	$ 2499
Feb 24	Mar 6	$ 2199	$ 2599
Mar 17	Mar 27	$ 2299	$ 2699
Mar 31	Apr 10	$ 2399	$ 2799
EILAT EXTENSION: Add $499 pp double/$699 single.
Rates are per person based on double occupancy. Single room supplement add $499. *Government taxes and fees are not included. Visa required for Jordan (Petra optional excursion) and can be obtained at the border. Visa fee and border crossing fees are not included. ◊◊ Oct 14, Mar 17 & Mar 31 tour may stay at Lavi Kibbutz Hotel in Galilee.
Add four days in the sun-kissed resort of Eilat on the Red Sea with an opportunity to join a full day optional excursion to world-renowned Petra. Your extension includes one extra night in Jerusalem, transportation to Eilat and 3-nights at a superior first-class resort overlooking the lagoon & marina. YOUR EXTENSION ITINERARY: Day 11: Jerusalem/Eilat. After breakfast travel to Eilat, Israel’s southern-most city located on the Red Sea. Arrive at your resort hotel and enjoy leisure time to relax at your hotel’s pool or on the beach, stroll along the seafront promenade and dine in one of the outdoor cafes and restaurants. Dan Panorama Hotel (B) Day 12: Optional Petra Excursion. A day at leisure. We recommend an unforgettable optional full day excursion ($189 Sep - Oct. 2010, $229 Nov. 2010 - Mar. 2011) to mystical Petra, Jordan. Built over 2000 years ago as the Nabatean capital, Petra is one of the world’s most marvelously preserved archeological sites. With a local expert you'll explore the rose-colored city carved out of rock face. Discover the imposing facades of the awe-inspiring palaces, temples and tombs before returning to Eilat late today. (B) Day 13: Day at leisure for sun & surf. You may visit the Coral Reef Underwater Observatory and the Dolphin Reef or join a jeep excursion to view desert wildlife. (B) Day 14: Eilat/Jerusalem. Today, travel back to Jerusalem where the remainder of the day is at leisure for independent activities. (B) Day 15: Jerusalem/USA. Early this morning, transfer to the airport for your return flight home. Your magical journey to Israel ends as you arrive the USA later today.