Bar Bat Mitzvah Family Tours
Day 1 - Tuesday / When You Come Into the Land (Deut. 26:1)
Arrive in Israel:
Hotel transfer arranged by Vip Luxury Travel , for those arriving on arrival day. Hotel check-in with time to relax before this evening’s “meet and greet” session and delicious welcome dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Jerusalem

Day 2 – Wednesday / Jerusalem of Old
The Journey Begins:
The day begins with a drive along the pre-1967 border of Jerusalem, continuing to the historic Mt. Scopus. Enter the Old City of Jerusalem via the Zion Gate, and experience the Kotel (Western Wall) with time for prayer and reflection. Explore the Southern Wall Excavations and learn more about the Jerusalem Temple at the Davidson Center. In the Kotel Tunnels walk alongside the Western Wall’s massive foundation stones.

Meet the Rabbi and Enjoy Dinner: Group dinner at Olive and Fish restaurant.

Overnight: David Citadel Hotel, Jerusalem

Day 3 - Thursday / The Bar & Bat Mitzvah Day
Early departure for the ascent by cable car to the mountain fortress of Masada for a tour of this amazing excavation, and a discussion of the terrible dilemma faced by its Jewish population during Roman times. Join together in Masada’s ancient synagogue for a meaningful and spiritual Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony.

Dead Sea Resort: Spend some time today at a Dead Sea resort hotel, enjoying its spa facilities (treatments not included in tour price), lunch, and the amazing Dead Sea. Enjoy a camel trek through the Judean Desert and biblical hospitality with a delicious celebratory dinner in Abraham’s Tent.

Overnight: David Citadel Hotel, Jerusalem

Day 4 - Friday / Those Who Made a Difference
Memories & Heroes:
Plant a tree in Israeli soil, in honor or in memory of a loved one. At the Har Herzl Military Cemetery honor the memory of Israel’s fallen heroes, who have given their lives to establish a secure Jewish homeland.

Yad Vashem: Visit the unforgettable Memorial Museum and Children’s Memorial at Yad Vashem (age 12 and over only); optional Biblical Zoo visit for younger children (must be accompanied by an adult, not included in tour price).

Machaneh Yehuda & Shabbat Welcome: Visit the colorful, bustling Machaneh Yehuda open-air market as Jerusalem prepares for Shabbat. An experience that will live on in your memory for years to come as we join together in the Old City of Jerusalem, and walk to the Kotel (Western Wall) to join the thousands gathering there. As a group enjoy Home Hospitality with a delicious Shabbat dinner in the home of a Jerusalem family, accompanied by a program of Sabbath blessings, stories and songs.

Overnight: David Citadel, Jerusalem

Day 5 - Shabbat / Shabbat in Jerusalem
The Tower of David, a Walking Tour & a Night on the Town: Explore the wonderful fortress that houses the Jerusalem Museum at the Tower of David to learn about the history of Jerusalem throughout the ages. Guided walking tour through the colorful quarters of Jerusalem’s Old City. Afternoon at leisure for Shabbat rest or time to visit with family and friends. Free evening “out on the town” in Jerusalem.

Overnight: David Citadel, Jerusalem

Day 6 - Sunday / Northern Journey
Dig for a Day & the Sea of Galilee:
At the “Dig for a Day” program at Beit Guvrin, have a hands-on archeological experience as you uncover actual artifacts while taking part in an ongoing dig; “cave crawl” also available for the adventurous. Travel North to Israel’s Galilee Region. Visit the magnificently excavated City of Tzippori and discover its ancient beauty. Boat Ride & Lakeshore Dinner: Enjoy a Lake Kinneret boat ride followed by a delicious lakeshore dinner at Decks Restaurant.

Overnight: Kibbutz Lavi, Galilee

Day 7 - Monday / In the Footsteps of the Kabbalah
The Mysteries of Tzefat & Kabbalistic Art: Tour the synagogues, courtyards, and shops of the mystical city of Tzefat. Meet with a Tzefat Kabbalistic artist in his gallery to explore Jewish mysticism through the prism of his creations.

Kayak Down the Jordan, a Golan Jeep Ride & Kumsitz: Enjoy gliding down the Jordan River in a kayak. Head off the beaten track for an exciting jeep ride through the Golan Heights. Dinner and night program at the kibbutz with Israeli Kumsitz - bonfire.

Overnight: Kibbutz Lavi, Galilee

Day 8 - Tuesday / Highlights of the Past and Building for the Future
Caesarian Excavations & Jaffa Institute Volunteer Project: See ancient history come to life at the multi-media center against the backdrop of ancient Caesaria. Excavations include the impressive amphitheatre and aqueduct. At the Jaffa Institute take part in a hands-on volunteer project for some of the over 4,000 children from neighborhood underprivileged homes. This is a wonderful donation “mitzvah project” opportunity for your child!

Enjoying Tel Aviv:
Travel south to Tel Aviv, and enjoy the colorful Nahalat Binyamin crafts market or take time for a Mediterranean Swim. Free evening in Tel Aviv.

Overnight: Carlton Hotel, Tel Aviv

Day 9 - Wednesday / Foundations of the Modern State
The Road to Independence: Visit the Ayalon Institute, climb down into the amazing underground, pre-State bullet factory built by the Haganah under the noses of the British. At the newly renovated Independence Hall, relive Ben Gurion’s powerful declaration of the State. Hear the original moving recordings of the Hatikvah.

Farewell Bar/Bat Mitzvah Dinner Party: Enjoy some free time at the beach before celebrating together at the Farewell Bar and Bat Mitzvah Dinner Party at the hotel, with special gifts, live music and dancing!

Overnight: Carlton Hotel, Tel Aviv

Day 10 - Thursday / Footloose in Tel Aviv
The Beaches, Markets & Cafes of Tel Aviv
After breakfast check-out from your hotel (late check-out available for additional cost). Enjoy a day at leisure exploring the beaches, or markets and cafes of Tel Aviv (independent touring suggestions can also be provided.) Those on the 12-day tour depart for the airport – group transfer from hotel to be provided.

Day 11 - A Temporary Departure
Return to USA:
Return to USA – the memories stay with you forever!

OPTIONAL EILAT EXTENSION

Day 12 - Thursday / Eilat Adventure
Flight to Eilat, Underwater Coral Reef Observatory & a Swim After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Tel Aviv and transfer to Tel Aviv Airport for your domestic flight to Eilat. After landing at Eilat Airport you will be met by an ITC representative and transferred to your Hotel. Enjoy a special visit to Eilat’s Underwater Observatory, one of the largest seaquariums in the world, built into a gorgeous coral reef. Free time for a swim at your hotel’s beautiful beach or pool.

Overnight: Royal Beach Hotel, Eilat

Day 13 - Friday / The Red Sea
Board a luxury touring yacht for a leisurely cruise and lunch on the Red Sea. Snorkeling equipment is available for those who would like to get “up close and personal” with the most exquisite coral reefs and tropical fish to be found in the world. Enjoy Shabbat dinner at the hotel.

Overnight: Royal Beach Hotel, Eilat

Day 14 - Shabbat, Shabbat in Eilat (with Optional Petra Day Tour)
Relax at the Beach or Adventure in Petra
Enjoy a day & evening at leisure on Eilat’s gorgeous beaches, or partake in an optional Petra excursion (not included in tour price). Our Petra excursion is an early departure from 7am to approximately 6pm. This extension requires preregistration in order to secure your Jordanian visa in advance.

Overnight: Royal Beach Hotel, Eilat

Day 15 - Sunday / Sun and Fun
Sample the Delights of Eilat:
Morning at leisure to sample the delights of Eilat, including water-skiing, paddle boats, windsurfing, banana boats, or even a swim with the dolphins (extra charges may apply for some of these activities).

Departure:
Early afternoon hotel check-out for flight to Tel Aviv.

Day 16 – Monday / A Temporary Departure
Return to USA
Package Includes:
5 nights in Jerusalem * 2 nights in Kibbutz * 3 nights in Tel Aviv Luxury air-conditioned motorcoach
Fully escorted by a hand-picked, family friendly English speaking guide
17 Meals: 11 full Israeli breakfasts and 6 dinners
Special Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony * Gala Bar/Bat Mitzvah dinner party
Enjoy the Sound & Light Show Spectacular at the Tower of David
Jeep tour in the Golan * Kayaking on the Jordan River * Swim in the thermal waters at Sachne
Bedouin hospitality including Camel Ride! * Archaeological Dig * Float in the Dead Sea
All entrance fees * Group transfers upon arrival and departure * Rabbi's fee Choice of Deluxe or First Class Hotels

Package does not include:
Airfare / departure taxes (contact Ayelet Tours for assistance booking flights)
Travel insurance (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)
Tips, meals not listed, or any item of a personal nature.

OUR GIFT TO THE BAR/BAT MITZVAH CHILD:
A FREE TOUR TO ISRAEL (Land only)