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
Jeep Tour Local Specialists
Cooking Workshop
Home Hospitality
Current Affairs
Family Friendly Food & Wine
Rafting & Kayaking Urban Graffiti Tour
Program Itinerary
- Board your flight and embark on your journey of discovery and connection with the people, history, and culture of Israel!
- Arrive at Ben-Gurion International Airport and meet your J² Expert Educator, who will guide your family through this exciting journey of discovery, education, and inspiration.
- Begin with a stop at the Jaffa lookout for a panoramic introduction to Tel Aviv and an overview of your adventure in Israel.
- Check into your hotel in Tel Aviv.
- Come together for a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant, where you'll savor your first taste of Israel's vibrant and diverse culinary scene, and orientation with your trip leader and expert educator.
- Start the day with a traditional Israeli breakfast, featuring a delicious spread of fresh salads, cheeses, pastries, and local delicacies.
- Walk along the Independence Trail in Tel Aviv and 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 Nahalat Binyamin, an arts and crafts market, where you can discover handmade jewelry, textiles, and artworks.
- Visit Carmel Market, one of Tel Aviv’s most famous markets, filled with colorful produce, unique local goods, and a mix of Israeli and international cuisine.
- Take a stroll through the bohemian neighborhood of Florentine and dive into Tel Aviv’s creative spirit with a Graffiti & Street Art Workshop. Explore colorful murals and create you own vibrant artwork in this interactive and inspiring experience.
- Return to the hotel to freshen up and get ready for Shabbat.
- Welcome the Shabbat with Kabbalat Shabbat services at Kehilat V’ahavta, the an inclusive Reform congregation in Shoham, led by Rabbi Rinat Safania-Shwartz.
- Home hospitality dinner with local congregants from the Shoham community.
- Visit the Ayalon Institute near Rehovot for an eye-opening tour of a clandestine munitions factory used during the British Mandate.
- 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.
- Pause at Hostages Square and reflect on the powerful history of Israel’s relentless efforts to bring every hostage home. Discover the emotional stories of resilience and heroism, and gain a deeper understanding of how this site symbolizes the nation's unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of its people.
- Enjoy a free afternoon at the Tel Aviv beach or the hotel pool.
- Participate in a communal Havdalah ceremony on the beach, as we take the time to say goodbye to Shabbat and usher in a new week of exploration.
- 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.
- Travel south to the Gaza Envelope.
- Meet a desert agronomist and experience the Salad Trail, a hands-on adventure on a northern Negev farm where innovative agriculture and environmental vision turn the desert into a place of growth and taste.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Check out of the hotel and drive toward northern Israel.
- Visit Caesarea, one of Israel's most significant archaeological sites from the Roman period. Walk through its ancient ruins, including the theater, hippodrome, and bathhouse.
- Embark on a guided snorkeling adventure through the underwater archaeological park in Caesarea, where you’ll explore ancient ruins beneath the crystal-clear waters.
- 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:
- See the Ari Synagogue and Caro Synagogue, both built originally in the 16th century.
- Walk through the Artists’ Colony and take the opportunity to shop in the many boutique galleries.
- Meet with renowned Tsfat artist Sheva Chaya in her studio, where you’ll learn about her unique glassblowing and watercolor art, which reflects the intersection of nature, spirituality, and Jewish themes.
- Drive to the Galilee to check into your kibbutz hotel and enjoy dinner.
- Take a nature hike at the Tel Dan Nature Reserve, a beautiful and serene spot in the Golan Heights.
- 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.
- 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.
- For a family adventure, raft or kayak down the Jordan River, enjoying the beautiful landscape and making unforgettable memories together.
- Join an Israeli-Arab family at their home to talk, over tea and coffee, about their lives and to join them for a GalilEat cooking workshop, followed by a traditional dinner.
- Return to the hotel.
- Check out of your hotel.
- Visit the Hula Nature Reserve, a paradise for thousands of migrating birds like storks, cranes, pelicans, and flamingos, and enjoy the beauty of the wetlands by bike or golf cart.
OR
Swim in the crystal-clear freshwater pools and natural springs of Gan Hashlosha (Sachne), a lush oasis where history and nature meet in the heart of the Galilee. - Engage in a hands-on archaeological dig at the Beit Guvrin Caves, designed for all ages. This exciting experience allows your group to uncover ancient artifacts, offering a fun and educational way to connect with history and share in the thrill of discovery.
- Travel to Jerusalem and stop at the Haas Promenade for 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 the hotel.
- Discover the excavations at the City of David, the very core of ancient Jerusalem, view the Gihon Spring, and wade through the 2,700-year-old water tunnel of King Hezekiah. Walk through the recently-opened Second Temple-period tunnel under the walls of the Old City, emerging in the Jerusalem Archaeological Park.
- Mazal Tov! Celebrate your Bar/Bat Mitzvah at Azrat Yisrael, the pluralistic section of the Kotel (Western Wall), a meaningful and memorable moment for the families and the whole community.
- No visit to Israel is complete without experiencing the Kotel (Western Wall), widely considered Judaism's holiest site. Each year, over one million notes containing prayers and wishes are placed in the cracks of the wall. We'll discuss the wall's historical and contemporary importance and experience its unique atmosphere.
- Explore the Western Wall Tunnel, the underground continuation of the Kotel, and examine important archaeological discoveries that are revising our understanding of daily life in ancient Jerusalem.
- Tour the Jewish Quarter and experience the heart of Jewish life, history, and holiness as you walk the ancient Roman-era Cardo, stand before King Hezekiah’s Broad Wall built 2,700 years ago, and gather in Hurva Square, the vibrant center of Jewish life today.
- Wander through the vibrant Old City market, the Shuk, taking in its colorful stalls and fragrant spices, sampling local flavors, and pausing to enjoy lunch on your own amid the lively atmosphere.
- Discover Jerusalem’s Christian Quarter as you walk along the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, experiencing the historic path that has drawn pilgrims and shaped faith traditions for centuries.
- Stop in the neighborhood of Mea She’arim for a glimpse into the traditions, rhythms, and lifestyle of Jerusalem’s Ultra-Orthodox Jewish community.
- Return to the hotel.
- In the evening, immerse yourself in Jerusalem’s vibrant nightlife, including shopping at Mamilla Mall and Ben Yehuda Pedestrian Mall.
- Adults and youth over the age of 12:
- Visit the Yad Vashem complex, the Jewish National Memorial to the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust, including:
- The Avenue of the Righteous.
- The Historical Museum.
- The Children’s Memorial.
- A concluding Memorial Service.
- Children under 12 with an adult:
- Visit Ein Yael, an interactive museum located on a 2,000-year-old archaeological site. Take part in weaving, ceramics, painting, and other crafts typical of life in ancient times.
- Give back at Pantry Packers: Roll up your sleeves and pack food for families in need, making a real impact through hands-on volunteer work.
- 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.
- Return to the hotel to get ready for a meaningful Shabbat experience in Jerusalem.
- 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.
- Start the day with a scenic drive down to the Dead Sea Basin.
- Ride the cable car OR hike up the Snake Path to the top of Masada, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Learn about the heroic final stand of the Jewish rebels against the Roman Empire in 74 CE and take in the breathtaking desert views.
- Experience the one-of-a-kind sensation of floating effortlessly in the Dead Sea’s mineral-rich waters, a joyful and rejuvenating adventure for the whole family.
- Drive back to Jerusalem and return to the hotel for late checkout.
- Gather as a community for a meaningful Havdalah service to bid farewell to Shabbat, lifting the sweet melodies, spices, and candlelight into a moment of reflection on your shared 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.
- Return home, bringing with you the memories and deep connections made during this memorable experience.
RATES & LODGING
Tel Aviv: Carlton
- Nights: 4
- Room Category: Premium Partial Sea View
- Hotel Website
Upper Galilee: Pastoral Kfar Blum Hotel
- Nights: 2
- Room Category: Classic
- Hotel Website
Jerusalem: Orient
- Nights: 3 + LCO
- Room Category: Orient
- Hotel Website
What to expect
- 9 nights' accommodations. Late check out on the day of departure is included.
- 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.
- Credit card fees.
- Flights to & from Israel.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
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