12 Days Israel Bar - Bat Mitzvah Tour March 2019

Tour Overview

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DAY 1 | 10 Mar 2019

USA | CANADA – TEL AVIV

Non-stop overnight flight to Tel Aviv.

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DAY 2 | 11 Mar 2019

ARRIVAL TEL AVIV & JERUSALEM

“Bruchim Habaim” and welcome to Israel. You will be warmly greeted by an IBMT Tours representative at the airport who will assist you through customs.
FREE transfer will be available for those arrive between 11:00am -12:30pm.On our way to Jerusalem if time permitting, we visit Rappaport’s stunning sculpture of the “Scrolls of Fire”. After you have checked into the hotel you are invited to join us in one of the private lounges of the hotel for a festive IBMT Tours welcome cocktail reception where you can mingle with your fellow travelers and enjoy hot canapes & hors d’oeuvres. Overnight in Jerusalem – Orient hotel. (Welcome dinner)

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DAY 3 | 12 Mar 2019

JERUSALEM (OLD CITY)

Begin the day with a trip to the top of Mount Scopus, one of the few places from which both the Dead Sea and the Dome of the Rock can be seen. Marvel at your first panoramic view of Jerusalem from the Haas Promenade. Together with the members of the tour, collectively we recite the “Shehechayanu” blessing and toast l’chaim to celebrate your visit to Israel. Enter via the Zion Gate which leads to the Armenian Quarter and walk through the restored Jewish Quarter passing the excavated Roman Cardo. Travel in time to see how the wealthy lived more than 2,000 years ago commemorated at the Herodian Mansions and the Burnt House once belonging to the priestly Katros family. At the revered Western Wall, a specially arranged walk takes us through a newly opened 1200-foot-long tunnel excavated at the time of King Herod used as an aqueduct to channel water to the Temple. On our way to Israel Museum we will pass by the Knesset, Israel’s Parliament, there stands the 5m – seven branched bronze Menorah, the symbol of the Jewish people. Across the way is the modern Supreme Court Building, the highest judicial court in Israel. Proudly sitting on a hill in Givat Ram, the Israel Museum was founded in 1965. The white domed Shrine of the Book represents the lids of the jars in which the famous Dead Sea Scrolls were found near Qumran. A cross the way is the Billy Rose Sculpture Garden, a unique blend of Zen and Western art principles. Marvel at the meticulously recreated 1:50 Scale Model of Ancient Jerusalem during the Second Temple period which was transferred to the Israel Museum in 2006 at a cost of $3.5 million dollars. Later at the hotel join the Rabbi for your Bar/Bat Mitzvah rehearsal. Free evening dinner is on your own. Overnight in Jerusalem – Orient hotel. (Breakfast)

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DAY 4 | 13 Mar 2019

JERUSALEM – MASADA – DEAD SEA – JERUSALEM (BAR MITZVAH DAY)

This is YOUR SPECIAL BAR/BAT MITZVAH DAY. Drive through the Judean Wilderness to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, some 1200 feet below sea level and continue to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Masada. An exciting 3-minute cable car ride will whisk you to the top to view the excavations of the Herodian palace, storerooms, bathhouse and water Reservoirs. Visit the ruins of the small Synagogue which served the Jews of Masada and the Beit Midrash (Torah Study Hall). Your guide will retell the harrowing tale of the 967 zealots (men, women and children) Here we will meet our Rabbi to witness the joy of your child coming of age. Descend by cable car and head to the Dead Sea. You are invited by IBMT Tours to one of the Dead Sea hotels for lunch & a swim and experience the unique sensation of “floating” in the unsinkable waters. Most facilities will be available for you. Adults will be able to enjoy the spa as well. Time for relaxation before your exciting evening. After a great lunch and relaxation at the Dead Sea and spa we head to the mountains between Jerusalem and Dead Sea. A convoy of camels will be waiting to pick us up at (Eretz Beresheet) where the story of Abraham will be recreated. In Abraham’s tent, enjoy an authentic Festive Bar/Bat Mitzvah Dinner followed by a Menorah Lighting Ceremony. An entertainment group will celebrate our Simcha through the evening with dancing, singing, at drummer circle and other surprises. A magical evening is in store for us. This will be an evening you will never forget! A short drive back to Jerusalem and overnight  Orient hotel. Dress code: casual (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

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DAY 5 | 14 Mar 2019

JERUSALEM – TEL MARESHA – REHOVOT – LATRUN – JERUSALEM

Now it’s time to roll up your sleeves to take part in a 3hr program of digging, sifting and touring Beit Guvrin National Park. Who knows what we might find on our archeological dig at Tel Maresha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to Rehovot to visit the Ayalon Institute, a secret underground ammunition factory where you will learn about the bravery and ingenuity of pre-state freedom Hebrew fighters. Pay a visit to the Yad La-Shiryon Museum in Latrun (between Jerusalem and Tel-Aviv/Jaffa). Famous around the world for its unique and diverse collection of tanks and armored vehicles, this is a `hands on` visit for the children as they can climb up on the combat tanks. This was the staging area for the Independence War. At the Armor Corps Museum learn about the battles that secured the road to Jerusalem which led to victory. Our last visit today would be to the Machne Yehuda Market (Shuk) participating in a taste bite tour trying from a variety of different type of cuisines which makes it a light dinner and an experience you have never had before. Overnight in Jerusalem – Orient hotel.  (Breakfast, Light Dinner)

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DAY 6 | 15 Mar 2019

JERUSALEM – YAD VASHEM

Return to the hotel in Jerusalem to dress for Shabbat. We are blessed to be able to celebrate Shabbat in Jerusalem. Your host for Shabbat will be waiting to take you on an IBMT Tours experience ``Shabbat of a Lifetime`` which includes Kabbalat Shabbat, dinner and hospitality, Jerusalem style. Afterwards a short walk back to the hotel. Overnight in Jerusalem – Orient hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)

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DAY 7 | 16 Mar 2019

JERUSALEM (SHABBAT) DAY AT LEISURE

In observance of Shabbat Today is a free day, families can explore the Old City and the Jewish Quarter, one of the four quarters of the Old City. Or simply relax at the hotel. Dinner is on your own. Overnight in Jerusalem – Orient hotel. (Breakfast)

 

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DAY 8 | 17 Mar 2019

JERUSALEM – KFAR KEDEM – SAFED – TIBERIAS

Leaving Jerusalem behind we head for the Galilee and Kfar Kedem situated between Tiberius and Haifa, next to Tzippori where a “hands-on experience” will transport us back in time to life as it was in a Jewish village in the Galilee some 2000 years ago. Wearing authentic clothing, you will ride donkeys, turn wheat into bread and feast on a rustic Galilean meal. This is an experience not to be missed. Light lunch will be served at the village before heading to Safed, one of the four holy cities is also the home of Kabballah (Jewish mysticism). This charming town filled with cobblestoned streets and lined with ancient synagogues and artists’ galleries, offers breathtaking views of the entire Upper Galilee. Arriving at your hotel, IBMT invites you to experience a Bonfire BBQ - POTJIEKOS Israeli style arranged by IBMT Tours out in the open under the stars accompanied by a guitar player singing Israeli Mediterranean songs and dancing. Overnight Kibbutz Kfar-Blum Boutique rooms
(Breakfast, Light Lunch, Dinner)

 

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DAY 9 | 18 Mar 2019

TIBERIAS – GOLAN HEIGHTS – KUNEITRA – EIN ZIVAN – TIBERIAS

Explore the geo-politically vital Golan Heights by private jeeps this morning. Travelling

along the off-beaten-track, we will hear about the decisive battles fought in this area. In Biblical times referred to as Bashan, the captivating beauty of the Golan becomes more beautiful the higher you go. Stopping at an observation point overlooking Kuneita and Syria, you will gain a meaningful perspective as to the significance of the strategic

Golan Heights. Now for some fun as we head to Ein Zivan to participate in chocolate making at the famous De’ Karina chocolate factory. Established by Karina Chaplinski, De Karina Chocolates has gained an impressive reputation as a gourmet chocolatier. Hear about the history and culture and take part in a “hands-on workshop”. For the adults, we will visit a winery and take part in wine tasting. This afternoon is set aside for more fun as you raft and zip line on the mighty Jordan River. Try not to get wet! Driving to our hotel along the shoreline of the Sea of Galilee, Israel’s sole source of fresh water and a favorite vacations spot. Tonight, a special dinner with members of the Kibbutz and engage with kibbutzim on the principals of kibbutz life. Overnight Kibbutz Kfar-Blum Boutique rooms (Breakfast, Dinner)

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DAY 10 | 20 Mar 2019

TIBERIAS – TEL DAN – DRUZE VILLAGE – TEL AVIV

We set our sights on the Tel Dan National Park combining a lush nature reserve with a Biblical archaeological experience with three easy hiking routes and a short wheelchair-accessible trail. At the heart of the park is Tel Dan, the capital of the ancient northern kingdom. The Dan River, one of the sources of the Jordan, flows through the reserve, its water coming from the snowmelt of nearby Mount Hermon. A wading pool offers a refreshing break. On top of Mt. Carmel, we stop at the Druze Village of Ussifiya for a traditional Druze lunch hosted by a Druze family and learn about these unique Israeli citizens. En-route to Tel Aviv we will visit the ancient port city of Caesarea built by King Herod the Great about 25-13 B.C.E. Your short introduction includes the arched amphitheater and aqueduct. In less than one hour we will be in cosmopolitan Tel Aviv with time to relax on the beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean. Tonight, you will be dropped off at Rothschild street in Tel Aviv a seen you have never seen before even South beach will be amazed. Time on your own to explore the great Cafes and amazing famous restaurants in the area where you will find different type of fusion food you can find only in Israel. You will receive “Envelope money” from IBMT and we will recommend some restaurants nearby for you. Overnight in Tel Aviv Royal Beach hotel.  (Breakfast, Druze Lunch & Dinner)

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DAY 11 | 21 Mar 2019

TEL AVIV – JAFFA – TEL AVIV OPTIONAL: POWERRED PARACHUTE AT GA’ASH

The morning is at leisure to spend time with your family swimming at the beach or at the hotel pool or walking along the promenade or you can take our Optional “Flying a Powered Parachute” program. You will be transferred to Kibbutz Ga’ash where you will meet your trainer / pilot and fly with him for about 20 minutes over the Mediterranean shore and will be able to see Israel from both sides.  (Ask for details). Around noon time we will start our day by visiting the famous in door Sarona Market and you will have time for taste a large variety of food & cuisine only created in Israel. Enjoy lunch on your own from a large variety of different cuisine the market will offer you. This afternoon moving on to ancient Jaffa where Jonah began his adventure with the whale. A perfect place for people watching and good food. Take a short walk through the restored town before returning to Tel Aviv with its narrow byways filled with artist galleries and cosmopolitan shops. A city full of secrets, surprises and adventures. We finalize our tour today with the Independence Hall, originally the Dizengoff House, where the Declaration of Independence was signed by the first Israeli Prime Minister David Ben Gurion in May of 1948. Tonight, enjoy a special farewell dinner at Goshen restaurant a five stars cuisine. Overnight in Tel Aviv Royal Beach hotel (Breakfast, Dinner)

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DAY 12 | 22 Mar 2019

TEL AVIV – HOME

After breakfast for those who book their return flight in the morning a transfer will be provided to the airport for your return flight home. For those who book their late-night flight you have a chance to enjoy a free day in Tel Aviv on your own. You can check out from the hotel between 11am - 12pm keep your luggage at the lobby with the bell boy and stroll along the Tel Aviv famous promenade, have a great lunch at one of the great restaurants at the port of Tel Aviv just 10-15 minutes by taxi from the hotel. Return to the hotel for your transfer pick up to the airport for your late evening flight departing right before or after midnight. (Breakfast)

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Dates & Rates

No Dates available

* All prices in USD

Inclusions

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Bar Mitzvah Child is FREE

 

Five stars deluxe hotels:

Jerusalem:                            Orient Jerusalem

Tel Aviv:                                 Royal Beach hotel

Galilee:                                   Kibbutz Kfar Blum – Pastoral Boutique rooms

UPGRADES TO SUITES ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST WITH EXTRA CHARGE
 

YOUR LAND TOUR INCLUDES

       v. Group meeting and assistance on arrival and departure at Ben Gurion Airport by a local IBMT Tours representative.
 

5. Transportation by deluxe late model air-conditioned motor coach.
5. Five Stars deluxe hotel accommodation.
5. Government licensed English speaking tour guide throughout.
5. Porterage of one normal sized piece of luggage per person at the airport and hotels.
5. 10 Full days sightseeing as per the program.
5. 10 night’s hotel accommodation at the above five-star deluxe hotels.
5. Full Israeli buffet breakfast at hotels daily.
5. 1IBMT Welcome dinner
5. 1Festive Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration dinner.
5. 1Machne Yehuda (Shuk) Taste bite tour dinner, an experience of different cuisine type.
5. 1IBMT Tours “Shabbat of a Life Time “dinner and hospitality.
5. 1 BBQ dinner with bonfire and entertainment under the open sky in the north.
5. 1 Kibbutz dinner.
5. 1 Envelope money (Lunch or dinner).
5. 1 Farewell dinner.
5. 3 lunches throughout the whole tour   
5. IBMT Tours special gift to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child.
5. Archaeological dig.
5. Local taxes and standard service charges on accommodation and meals included in the tour price.

 

YOUR LAND TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDE

5. Return airfare to Tel Aviv.
5. Travel Insurance.
5. Meals and beverages not mentioned.