VOYAGER
- Carefully selected accommodations, offering comfort and quality.
- A seamless, fully curated experience, as outlined below.
- J² Customer Care available by phone and email.
- $50 travel credit per person for your next J² journey.
Program is tentative and subject to change. Connect with our Customer Care Team by calling: (888) 230-6008 Mon.-Thur. from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET).
YOUR journey
J² crafts journeys of inspiration, education, and Jewish connections to Israel and worldwide. We are guided by a simple but powerful concept: No two trips are the same; each experience should be personal, meaningful, and backed by superb service. Travel is not just about the places you visit, but the connections you make along the way.
Active 
Archaeology 
Art & Culture 
Urban Graffiti Tour 
Food & Wine 
Current Affairs 
Heritage 
Jeep Tour
Program Itinerary
DAY 1
OUR ISRAEL JOURNEY BEGINS
Wed. Dec 23, 2026
- Board your flight from Chicago and begin a meaningful multigenerational journey of discovery, connection, and shared Jewish experience in Israel.
Overnight: Flight
DAY 2
WELCOME TO ISRAEL: A LAND OF HISTORY AND HOPE
Thu. Dec 24, 2026
- Arrive at Ben-Gurion International Airport and meet your J² Expert Educator, who will accompany your family and community throughout this journey with insight, context, and inspiration.
- As you enter Tel Aviv, spend time at Hostages Square to reflect on Israel’s commitment to bringing every hostage home and hear the stories of resilience, courage, and community that shape this powerful place.
- Check into your hotel in Tel Aviv and settle in for the beginning of your adventure.
- Gather for a festive Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant, enjoying your first taste of Israel’s vibrant culinary scene along with an orientation led by your trip leader and Expert Educator.
Overnight: Tel Aviv
Meals: Dinner
DAY 3
TEL AVIV: WHERE ZIONSIM & MODERNITY CONVERGE
Fri. Dec 25, 2026
- Begin your morning with an abundant Israeli hotel breakfast, a feast of fresh flavors that reflects the country’s rich culinary diversity.
- Start your adventure at the Jaffa lookout with a panoramic introduction to Tel Aviv and an overview of your journey, then explore ancient Jaffa on a guided walking tour through its archaeological sites, historic port, and timeless role as one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities.
- Explore the lively Carmel Market, one of Tel Aviv’s most famous spots, and savor lunch on own while surrounded by colorful produce, local treasures, and a delicious mix of Israeli and international flavors.
- Wander through Nahalat Binyamin’s open-air arts and crafts fair, where local artisans showcase handmade treasures that celebrate the creativity and spirit of modern Israel.
- Return to your hotel to freshen up and prepare for Shabbat.
- Shabbat Shalom! Celebrate Kabbalat Shabbat at V'Ahavah, a Reform community in Shoham, joining Rabbi Rinat Safania-Shwartz and the local community in prayer and song.
- Share a Shabbat dinner, whether through home hospitality or a communal gathering, and connect with local congregants through food, conversation, and tradition.
Overnight: Tel Aviv
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4
SHABBAT IN TEL AVIV
Sat. Dec 26, 2026
- Walk along Rothschild Boulevard, the epicenter of the Tel Aviv scene, and follow the Independence Trail in Tel Aviv to embark on a remarkable journey that begins with the founding of Tel Aviv in 1909 and ends with the establishment of Israel in 1948.
- Take a walk through the Bohemian neighborhood of Florentine, Tel Aviv, and admire its ever-changing murals and street art, reflecting the city’s dynamic cultural energy.
- Enjoy lunch on own at the Sarona Market, which was once a colony of Templars, German Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land, and is now a center of Tel Aviv cuisine.
- Visit the Ayalon Institute near Rehovot for an eye-opening tour of the secret underground munitions factory hidden beneath a kibbutz bakery during the British Mandate.
- Join together for a communal Havdalah ceremony on the beach, marking the transition from Shabbat to the new week with song, spices, and shared reflection.
- Relish a free evening to experience Tel Aviv’s dynamic nightlife, whether it’s relaxing on the serene beachfront, enjoying bustling cafes, or exploring trendy local spots.
Overnight: Tel Aviv
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5
RESILIENCE & REBUILDING: LIFE NEAR GAZA
Sun. Dec 27, 2026
- Travel south to the Gaza Envelope.
- Get to know the South:
- ADULTS: Walk through a kibbutz on the Gaza border and hear firsthand from a resident about the events of October 7, its aftermath, and the community’s ongoing efforts to heal and rebuild.
- YOUTH: Taste the blooming desert through an interactive visit to the Salad Trail, an innovative northern Negev farm. Meet with the local farmer who is committed to making the desert bloom.
- Continue together to Sderot, the biggest town in the Gaza Envelope. Tour the town, engage with locals, and enjoy lunch in Sderot where there is a variety of diverse foods to choose from, each representing the different communities of people living in Sderot.
- Visit Givat HaTaspitaniot (Lookout Observers Hill) and hear stories about women in the military and those affected by the October 7 tragedy, reflecting on themes of equity and leadership in Israeli military culture.
- Pay your respects at the memorial site of the Nova Festival at Kibbutz Re’im and learn about the tragic attack that turned a weekend of celebration into a heartbreaking loss. Reflect on the memorial created by families and friends - a space of remembrance and heartbreak echoing the promise: “We Will Dance Again.”
- Devote time to reflection and processing the day’s experiences with your tour leader and educator before returning to Tel Aviv.
Overnight: Tel Aviv
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6
CONNECTION & SPIRITUALITY: A TALE OF NEW & OLD
Mon. Dec 28, 2026
- Check out of your hotel.
- Participate in a hands-on workshop with MOLET, building sustainable furniture for displaced families from the Gaza Envelope and learning about the resilience of these communities.
- Experience the dynamism of Jewish life at the newly-opened ANU Museum of the Jewish People, dedicated to telling their story and representing their diversity, highlighting the creative works and cultural riches of a variety of communities in different periods of history until the present day.
- Travel to northern Israel.
- Welcome to the capital of Jewish mysticism, Tsfat, with its medieval synagogues and modern art galleries. Learn about the roots of Kabbalah while touring the streets and alleys of the city. Your visit will include:
- Visit the Ari Synagogue and share in the inspiration and innovation that moved Rabbi Isaac Luria (the Holy Ari) and his fellow mystics.
- See the Caro Synagogue, built originally, in the 16th It is where Rabbi Joseph Caro, one of the greatest of all Jewish legal authorities, taught and lived.
- Walk through the cobbled streets and alleyways to the Artists' Colony with its galleries, shops, and studios.
- Visit the Tsfat Candle Factory, famous for its intricate and symbolic handcrafted candles.
- Drive to the Galilee, check into your kibbutz hotel, and enjoy dinner together.
Overnight: Upper Galilee
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7
NORTHERN EXPOSURE: NATURE & SECURITY
Tue. Dec 29, 2026
- Take a nature hike at the Tel Dan Nature Reserve, a beautiful and serene spot in the Golan Heights. Tour the remains of a 5,000-year-old city and find out why water is like gold in the parched Middle East.
- Gaze across the Golan and into Syria from the top of Mount Bental, while gaining valuable insights into the country’s geopolitical and security landscape from an expert at the Alma Research and Education Center.
- Experience the thrill of jeep tour through the Golan Heights, exploring rugged landscapes, ancient ruins, and stunning viewpoints. Experience the region's rich history, strategic significance, and vibrant nature, including lush valleys and volcanic rock formations.
- ADULTS: Savor the Golan Height’s finest wine at the Pelter Winery, owned by brothers who ran this winery out of their family farm backyard.
- YOUTH. Enjoy a chocolate workshop at the De Karina Chocolate Factory on Kibbutz Ein Zivan, where you will take part in a tour and workshop and sample handmade premium chocolate.
- Join an Israeli-Druze family at their home to talk, over tea and coffee, about their rich culture and daily life, followed by a hands-on GalilEat cooking workshop where you’ll learn authentic Druze recipes culminating in a traditional dinner.
Overnight: Upper Galilee
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8
MEMORY AND RENEWAL: A DAY OF REMEMBRANCE AND CELEBRATION
Wed. Dec 30, 2026
- Check out your hotel and travel the Trans-Israel Highway southward towards Jerusalem, where views of the Security Barrier offer a meaningful glimpse into Israel’s complex landscape.
- ADULTS & OLDER YOUTH: Visit Yad Vashem, Israel's national Holocaust memorial, where you'll pay tribute to the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust through moving exhibits, personal testimonies, and photographs. The museum includes the Hall of Names and the Children's Memorial, offering a powerful opportunity for reflection on the importance of remembrance and the resilience of the Jewish people.
- YOUNGER KIDS: Enjoy a day of discovery in Jerusalem at either the Biblical Zoo, where nature and Jewish heritage come alive, or the Bloomfield Science Museum, where hands-on fun makes learning unforgettable.
- Continue to Mount Herzl, Israel's national cemetery, to visit the burial site of Theodore Herzl, the visionary of the state of Israel. Pay respects to Israel former leaders and honor the fallen soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the people of the state of Israel.
- Take time to explore Jerusalem’s lively Mahane Yehuda Market, where you’ll immerse yourself in the vibrant sights, sounds, and scents of this dynamic hub. Wander through the colorful stalls and savor the flavors of the city’s diverse and dynamic culinary scene.
- Stop at a panoramic view of the Old City of Jerusalem and take part in a "Shehehiyanu" blessing to celebrate your arrival in the Holy City.
- Check into your hotel in Jerusalem.
Overnight: Jerusalem
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9
PASSAGES IN TIME: EXPLORING JERUSALEM’S ANCIENT LAYERS
Thu. Dec 31, 2026
- Climb to the rooftops of Jerusalem’s Old City to take in the views and reflect on the delicate balance of faiths that share this sacred space, overlooking the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the golden Dome of the Rock, and the Hurva Synagogue.
- Experience the power and presence of the Kotel (Western Wall), Judaism’s holiest site, where millions place handwritten prayers in its ancient stones and where past and present meet in quiet reverence.
- Walk through the Old City and the Jewish Quarter, tracing the heartbeat of Jewish life through narrow alleys and ancient stones that tell the story of faith, resilience, and renewal. Among the highlights will be:
- Visit the Jerusalem Archaeological Park, including the Davidson Center and Robinson’s Arch, to explore layers of history where Jewish life once flourished at the foot of the Temple Mount.
- Step along the Cardo, the main thoroughfare of Roman Jerusalem, and imagine the city’s vibrant past as you stroll among its restored Byzantine-era columns.
- Stand before King Hezekiah’s Broad Wall, an impressive 2,700-year-old structure that once defended Jerusalem and still stands as a symbol of endurance and faith.
- Gather in Hurva Square, the lively center of Jewish life in the Old City, where history, community, and spirituality intertwine in the heart of the Jewish Quarter.
- Explore Mount Zion and experience its rich layers of faith, visiting the Upper Room, revered by Christians as the site of the Last Supper and once a mosque, and the room below, where Jews pray at King David’s Tomb.
- In the evening, immerse yourself in Jerusalem's vibrant nightlife, including shopping at Mamilla Mall or exploring the First Station and Ben Yehuda Pedestrian Mall.
Overnight: Jerusalem
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10
MASADA AND THE DEAD SEA: A DAY OF HISTORY, MYTH AND WONDER
Fri. Jan 1, 2027
- Descend to the Dead Sea Basin, the lowest point on earth at 1,412 feet below sea level, and marvel at this one-of-a-kind natural wonder.
- Ascend Masada, a UNESCO World Heritage site, by cable car or the Snake Path, and uncover the story of the Jewish rebels’ heroic final stand against the Romans in 74 CE while soaking in the awe-inspiring desert vistas.
- Experience the joy of floating effortlessly in the Dead Sea, the saltiest body of water in the world at nine times the ocean’s salt, and feel the unique thrill of weightless fun in this extraordinary natural wonder.
- Hike through Nahal David, part of the lush Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, where you can explore waterfalls, wildlife, and desert landscapes. (Time Permitting)
- Return to your hotel and take time to prepare for the coming of Shabbat.
- Shabbat Shalom! Experience a musical Kabbalat Shabbat at the First Train Station, as you welcome the Sabbat together as one community.
- Enjoy a festive Shabbat dinner at the hotel, where you’ll share a traditional meal and reflect on the memories created over the last week.
Overnight: Jerusalem
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 11
THE CITY OF SHABBAT
Sat. Jan 2, 2027
- Enjoy a relaxed Shabbat morning, with time to rest, reflect, explore your surroundings, or attend services at a local congregation before checking out of the hotel.
- Explore the wonderfully creative Israel Museum, home to more than 5,000 years of cultural treasures including world-renowned biblical archaeology, Jewish art and life, fine arts, a serene sculpture garden, an open-air model of Second Temple Jerusalem, and the iconic Shrine of the Book where the ancient Dead Sea Scrolls are preserved.
- Tour Israel’s “Capitol Hill,” exploring the country’s centers of beauty, leadership, and justice with stops at the Rose Garden - home to over 400 rose varieties from around the world - the Knesset, Israel’s Parliament and heart of its democracy, where national laws are debated and shaped beneath the gaze of its iconic bronze Menorah, and the Supreme Court, whose striking architecture symbolizes the balance between Jewish heritage and democratic ideals.
- Gather as a community for a meaningful Havdalah and musical session led by Cantor Shani Ben Or, lifting melodies, spices, and candlelight into a shared moment of reflection on your journey in Israel.
- Celebrate the close of your Israel journey with a festive private farewell dinner at a local restaurant, sharing good food, laughter, and memories of your time together.
- Transfer to Ben-Gurion International Airport for your flight back to the US.
Overnight: Flight
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 12
HOME AGAIN
Sun. Jan 3, 2027
- Return home, bringing with you the memories and deep connections made during this memorable experience.
RATES & LODGING
Protect yourself from fraud by being cautious and vigilant when it comes to online theft. It is crucial to note that J² adventures will never send an email requesting you to transfer funds to a new account or to redirect a payment. We will never alter our account number or issue additional payment requests without first personally speaking to you and properly identifying ourselves. If you feel uncertain about any communication (scammers often impersonate legitimate companies via e-mail or by calling), halt and contact us directly through our toll-free number listed on our website to discuss any necessary payments. Refrain from responding to suspicious emails or clicking on links or attachments unless you are completely certain of their legitimacy. By following these guidelines and staying vigilant, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of fraud.
participants
25+
Cost p/p in double room
$5,750
Cost p/p in single room
$7,525
Child As 3rd (Reduction)
- ($970)
Tel Aviv: Carlton
- Nights: 4
- Room Category: Premium Side Sea View
- Hotel Website
Upper Galilee: Pastoral Kfar Blum Hotel
- Nights: 2
- Room Category: Classic
- Hotel Website
Jerusalem: The Inbal
- Nights: 3
- Room Category: Standard
- Hotel Website
Choose Your Way
What to expect
- 9 nights' accommodations.
- 10 days of touring with a J² Expert Educator (guide) in a luxury, climate controlled bus.
- Daily breakfast & 6 dinners.
- The J² adventures App available on the App Store & on Google Play (active 30 days before your departure and throughout your trip).
- Water on the bus.
- Porterage at the hotels.
- All site entrance fees & program fees as per your final program.
- This journey includes walking tours, cultural site visits, and hotel stays that may involve uneven terrain, stairs, and longer distances on foot. While we do our best to accommodate a range of mobility levels, a moderate level of physical fitness is recommended to fully enjoy the experience. For more information, please see the “Travelers with Physical Limitations” section in our full Terms & Conditions.
- Credit card fees.
- Flights to & from Israel.
- Late check out on the day of departure is not included.
- COVID related expenses, including tests.
- Evening transportation when dinner is not included.
- Amendments to the program: In the event that any sites, programs or meals etc. are added to the program, an additional fee may be required.
- Personal extras: Items of personal nature such as laundry, wines, mineral water, beverages, coffee, tea, food other than the table d’hotel menu, passport and visa fees, insurance, and foreign port taxes, unless otherwise specified.
- Gratuities: Recommend guidelines for tipping are provided in the terms section.
- US and foreign airport taxes, Q fuel surcharge and border taxes when applicable.
- Value Added Tax is currently not applicable to tourists visiting Israel. Should the law change, you will be notified accordingly, and VAT will be added to your final invoice.
- Peace of Mind Travel Protection Program (POM).
- This journey includes walking tours, cultural site visits, and hotel stays that may involve uneven terrain, stairs, and longer distances on foot. While we do our best to accommodate a range of mobility levels, a moderate level of physical fitness is recommended to fully enjoy the experience. For more information, please see the “Travelers with Physical Limitations” section in our full Terms & Conditions.
- Please review our terms & conditions (T&C’s) or request that we send you our full T&C’s. Until you do that, here is the small print, and other stuff you may want to know:
- Validity | All prices quoted are based on exchange rates as of the proposal date and are subject to change without notice. Rates are per person and are based on shared twin room occupancy.
- How to Make a Reservation | The quickest way to make a reservation is to register online or contact us by email. We accept VISA, MasterCard, and American Express credit cards. A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required in order to complete the registration process.
- For any assistance with this registration process or other trip-related queries, please email Customer Care: [email protected].
- Payments | The balance of your payment is due 90 days before your trip begins, or as specified in your invoice. You will receive an email reminder 2 weeks before this date. Various payment options are available as follows:
- Credit card | We accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express. Please check with your credit card provider regarding international processing fees. We are unable to process payments of over $1,000 over the phone. Please submit payment online via a credit card or by wiring funds via your bank.
- Domestic bank wire transfer | Payment should be wired in the same currency that is listed on your invoice. Please add the name of your group or invoice number as a reference and forward a copy of the transfer receipt by email. The bank transfer should clearly state the beneficiary’s name on the wire transfer.
- J² Adventures reserves the right to automatically cancel your reservation on that date and it may be subject to reconfirmation should the final payment not be received.
- Cancelation Policy | All cancelations need to be made in writing. The cancelation fee depends on the date when we receive written notification of your request to cancel your booking. Please note that the deposit is non-refundable.
- Cancelation fees | Cancelations made 90 or more days prior to departure incur the loss of the deposit. Cancelations made 89 to 46 days prior to departure incur the loss of 50% of the full trip cost. Cancelations made 45 days or less prior to the departure incur the loss of 100% of the full trip cost.
- Cancelation fees may also include: Hotel or supplier cancelation fees. J² Adventures reserves the right to adjust its terms of payment, including cancelation policies and initial deposits.
- This journey includes walking tours, cultural site visits, and hotel stays that may involve uneven terrain, stairs, and longer distances on foot. While we do our best to accommodate a range of mobility levels, a moderate level of physical fitness is recommended to fully enjoy the experience. For more information, please see the “Travelers with Physical Limitations” section in our full Terms & Conditions.
- Protect yourself from fraud by being cautious and vigilant when it comes to online theft. It is crucial to note that J² adventures will never send an email requesting you to transfer funds to a new account or to redirect a payment. We will never alter our account number or issue additional payment requests without first personally speaking to you and properly identifying ourselves. If you feel uncertain about any communication (scammers often impersonate legitimate companies via e-mail or by calling), halt and contact us directly through our toll-free number listed on our website to discuss any necessary payments. Refrain from responding to suspicious emails or clicking on links or attachments unless you are completely certain of their legitimacy. By following these guidelines and staying vigilant, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of fraud.
- Protect your investment for $495 p/p: Should you cancel your trip up to 5 days before your departure for any reason, our POM program offers you a trip refund. Call 888-230-6008 or e-mail: [email protected].
- Please click here to view our full terms (T&C's). These T&C's apply to all reservations created within J2 Adventures.
DISCOVER NEW WORLDS.
JOURNEYS.
A family vacation to Israel. An adventure of a lifetime traveling with friends to Morocco. A trip to Poland or Portugal with your community. What do these trips have in common? No matter where you go, you will come back with a fresh perspective and appreciation of the place you visited as well as a heightened awareness of your identity as part of the global Jewish community.
Stuff.
We have everything you need to know before you go. Check out our Instagram my_j2adventures for cool updates and interesting tidbits.
The J2 App
available on the App Store & on Google Play.
