HMI Alumni
Journey to Israel

Sep 1, 2026 - Sep 6, 2026

  • DESTINATION Israel
  • Who's Going HMI Alumni Couples
  • Duration 6 DAYS
  • Group Size 20+
  • Price From $2,185
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.

  •   Local Specialists
  •   Current Affairs
  •   Active
  •   Archaeology
  •   Art & Culture
  •   Home Hospitality

Program Itinerary

DAY 1
WELCOME TO ISRAEL!
Tue. Sep 1, 2026
  • 12:00 PM: Meet your J² Expert Educator in lobby of the hotel, who will guide you through this exciting journey of discovery, connection, and inspiration.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Stroll through the colorful streets of Neve Zedek, one of Tel Aviv’s earliest neighborhoods, and continue along Park HaMesila, the beautifully reimagined railway park that reflects the city’s blend of history, renewal, and shared public space.
  • Check into the hotel in Tel Aviv.
  • 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 2
THREADS OF IDENTITY
Wed. Sep 2, 2026
  • Start the day with a traditional Israeli breakfast, featuring a delicious spread of fresh salads, cheeses, pastries, and local delicacies.
  • Experience the dynamism of Jewish life at the 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.
  • 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.
  • Stop at the Jaffa lookout for a panoramic view of Tel Aviv, 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.
  • Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Jaffa's Flea Market - Shuk Hapishpeshim, where the bustling stalls, eclectic treasures, and rich history create a sensory adventure.
  • Savor a behind-the-scenes tour and tasting at the Milk & Honey Distillery, Israel’s pioneering whisky maker blending craftsmanship with local innovation.
  • 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 3
RESILIENCE ON THE BORDER
Thu. Sep 3, 2026
  • Check out of your hotel in Tel Aviv and travel south to the Gaza Envelope.
  • Hear from a speaker from The Task Force on Arab Citizens of Israel, gaining insight into the role of Arab citizens as an integral part of Israel’s society, economy, and democracy, exploring key issues, and the lived realities shaping shared society today.
  • Volunteer with Yahel Israel, working alongside local community partners in hands-on projects that blend meaningful service with deep learning about Israeli society.
  • Continue to Sderot, a city on Israel’s border with the Gaza Strip. Take time to have lunch, tour the town, and engage with locals - offering a glimpse into the challenges and resilience of the community since October 7.
  • Visit Givat HaTaspitaniot (Lookout Observers Hill) to learn about the women who serve in these frontline roles and hear how their experiences were shaped by the October 7 attacks, opening conversations about equity and leadership in the IDF.
  • 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 educator before driving to Jerusalem.
  • Arrive in Jerusalem and stop at a panoramic view of the Old City to take part in a "Shehechiyanu" blessing to celebrate your arrival to the Holy City.
  • Check into your hotel in Jerusalem.
Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4
FROM REMEMBRANCE TO RENEWAL
Fri. Sep 4, 2026
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Participate in a hands-on challah-baking workshop at the Teamim Cooking School, where a local chef guides you through the tradition, flavors, and shared joy of preparing this beloved ritual bread together.
  • Return to the hotel for to freshen up for Shabbat.
  • Welcome Shabbat together in an uplifting Kabbalat Shabbat ritual at Ezrat Israel, the pluralistic section of the Kotel (Western Wall), followed by a festive Shabbat dinner celebrating community and connection.
Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5
NARRATIVES OF A NATION
Sat. Sep 5, 2026
  • 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.
  • Climb 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.
  • Return to Jerusalem and Explore the landscape of the city on a guided geopolitical tour, delving into the city's complex demographics, shifting borders, and challenges that shape its vibrant and often fraught reality.
  • Pause at Mount Scopus to mark the end of Shabbat with a communal Havdalah ceremony while taking in the sweeping panoramic views where the golden city of Jerusalem meets the vastness of the Judean Desert.
  • 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 6
LAYERS OF JERUSALEM AND JUDAISM
Sun. Sep 6, 2026
  • "The Five Legged Table": Engage in an inspiring conversation with Avraham Infeld, a leading voice in Jewish education and Honeymoon Israel board member, as he explores belonging and Jewish peoplehood, inviting reflection on how each person finds their own place at the table.
  • Checkout of your Jerusalem hotel.
  • Walk through the Old City and the Jewish Quarter, tracing the heartbeat of Jewish life through narrow alleys and ancient stones as you step along the Cardo with its restored Byzantine columns, stand before King Hezekiah’s 2,700-year-old Broad Wall, and gather in Hurva Square, where history, community, and spiritual resilience continue to shape the heart of Jerusalem.
  • 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.
  • Wander through the vibrant Old City Shuk in the Christian Quarter, taking in its colorful stalls, rich aromas, and lively atmosphere as you explore and enjoy lunch on your own.
  • Visit the significant Christian sites of the Old City, walk along the Via Dolorosa past the Ecce Homo Arch and Sisters of Zion Convent, ending at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a crossroads of history and faith. 
  • Climb to the rooftops of the Old City for a shared look at the spiritual ties and real-life tensions among Jerusalem’s diverse faith communities, with views of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the golden Dome of the Rock, and the Hurva Synagogue all in one extraordinary panorama.
  • Celebrate the close of your Israel journey with a festive private farewell dinner at a local restaurant, enjoying good food and shared reflections on the meaningful experiences and connections you’ve made together.
Overnight: Flight Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

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
20+
Cost p/p in double room
$2,185

Tel Aviv: Gymnasia

  • Nights: 2
  • Room Category: Gymnasia room with Balcony
  • Hotel Website

Jerusalem: Nucha Hotel

Choose Your Way

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.

What to expect

  • 5 nights' accommodations.
  • 6 days of touring with a J² Expert Educator (guide), 4 days of touring in a luxury, climate controlled bus.
  • Daily breakfast & 3 dinners.
  • The J² adventures App available on the App Store & on Google Play (active 30 days before your departure and throughout your trip).
  • Porterage at the hotels.
  • All site entrance fees & program fees as per your final program.
  • Credit card fees.
  • Flights to & from Israel.
  • Group arrival transfers.
  • Group departure transfers.
  • Arrival and departure assistance at the airport.
  • Late check out on the day of departure.
  • COVID related expenses, including tests.
  • Water on the bus.
  • Gratuities: Recommend guidelines for tipping are provided in the terms section.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 $675 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.
  • 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.
  • Please click here to view our full terms (T&C's). These T&C's apply to all reservations created within J2 Adventures.

Stuff.

We have everything you need to know before you go. Check out our Instagram my_j2adventures for cool updates and interesting tidbits.