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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.
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Program Itinerary
DAY 1
DEPARTURE
Sun. Oct 8, 2023
- Depart the USA.
DAY 2
BEN GURION’S DREAM
Mon. Oct 9, 2023
- Group arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport. Our representative will be on hand to assist with all formalities and ensure your journey has the smoothest of starts.
- Meet your tour educator who will accompany you on this journey of education and inspiration.
- The Old Man and the Desert: Drive south and stop to visit the grave and the house of Israel's “founding father”, David Ben-Gurion at Kibbutz Sde Boker. We’ll discuss why Ben-Gurion, the “grand old man” of Israel’s public life and the country’s first Prime Minister, abandoned the political scene for life in an isolated kibbutz in the Negev Desert.
- Continue to the hotel for check-in, followed by dinner.
Overnight: Mitzpeh Ramon
Meals: Dinner
DAY 3
FROM CRATER TO CREATIVITY
Tue. Oct 10, 2023
- Breakfast at an Israeli hotel is an experience in itself. Start the day with a bounteous buffet. The Heart of the Negev: Makhtesh Ramon (Ramon Crater) is the world's largest erosion crater, nearly 25 miles long and between 1-6 miles wide, shaped like an elongated heart.
- Marvel at the striking red and yellow layers and unique geologic formations. Explore this geomorphic wonder with:
- A two-hour Jeep tour, where we'll start at the edge of the crater for an overview before descending to Wadi Ramon. Learn about the Maktesh and its formation before continuing our trek to the summit of Mount Gvanim for a stunning view of the entire Maktesh. Our journey will continue along Wadi Gvanim, stopping in the shade of an acacia tree to point out the flora and fauna of the region before we return to Mitzpe Ramon.
- A walk to the unique natural phenomenon known as HaMinsara (The Carpentry Shop), which looks like a pile of wooden blocks, but are actually black basalt rocks. Along the way, explore the rock formations that were created by thousands of years of erosion.
- Wisdom in the Wilderness: Explore the harsh beauty of the desert and the insights of the people who make their home there. Desert experts from local Bedouin clans will accompany us on a camel ride into the astonishing Ramon Crater and reveal some of the secrets of traditional desert life. Our journey will conclude with an authentic local meal, where we'll experience how hospitality remains central to Bedouin culture.
- Stargazing on the edge of the Maktesh. With its lack of light pollution and vast darkness, this is one of the best places in Israel for viewing the night sky. Enjoy the solitude as we identify some of our favorite constellations and perhaps spot a shooting star or two.
Overnight: Mitzpeh Ramon
Meals: Dinner
DAY 4
THE NEW HEBREW CITY
Wed. Oct 11, 2023
- Check out of the hotel.
- As we drive north on the Trans-Israel Highway, there will be plenty of opportunities to see the Security Barrier which runs along the seam zone between Israel and the Palestinian Territories, and to learn about the barrier’s effects on Israeli security and Palestinian communities.
- Beginnings: Modern Tel Aviv grew out of ancient Jaffa. Gaze out over the Mediterranean Sea; learn why Jaffa, mentioned in the biblical story of Jonah and the Whale, is so historically important; and see how its Old City reflects the present as well as the past.
- Walk through Jaffa's famous flea market – Shuk Hapishpeshim.
- Walk through colorful Neve Zedek, one of Tel Aviv’s earliest neighborhoods, nowadays a cultural mecca hosting small boutiques, galleries, and the Suzanne Dellal dance and theater center.
- Walk through the quaint streets and restored buildings of old Rosh Pina, one of the first communities established at the dawn of the Zionist era.
- Continue to the hotel for check-in, followed by dinner.
Overnight: Upper Galilee
Meals: Dinner
DAY 5
NORTHERN EXPOSURE
Thu. Oct 12, 2023
- Israel's Security Challenges on the Northern Borders: At the Har Adir lookout point hear from a research expert from the Alma Research and Education Center about some of the challenges facing Israel on its northern border. Some topics that will be discussed include: How has the civil war in Syria changed the IDF's security doctrine on the border? How is Hezbollah preparing for the next conflict with Israel? What are the solutions and how is the US involved?
- Visit Kfar Baram synagogue the ruins of two ancient Jewish synagogues at the site of Kafr Bir'im, an ancient village depopulated during the 1948 Palestinian exodus and learn how ancient history and recent history come alive in one place.
- The Sweet Science of Ice Cream: Coexistence sure tastes good at Buza (Arabic for ice cream). This Arab-Jewish joint venture uses natural ingredients and Italian techniques to create Galilean glida (Hebrew for ice cream). We’ll learn about – and try our own hand at – the science and art of making ice cream, tour Buza’s production area and laboratory, then settle in for some serious ice cream heaven with a “five -type” tasting session.
- Cooking a Love Story: Join Liz and Shai in their home on the Merom Golan kibbutz for a meal and an occasion to savor. As we feast on Shai's "enchanted soup", smoked entrecote and fabulous vegetarian options, Liz, an actress and raconteur, will explain how this couple's love story came to include providing great food and the warmest of hospitality.
Overnight: Upper Galilee
Meals: Dinner
DAY 6
SPIRTUALITY AND MORE
Fri. Oct 13, 2023
- Check out of the hotel.
- Explore Tsfat, a center of Jewish mysticism for hundreds of years and a contemporary artists’ colony, including:
- Guided visit to the Ari, Caro or Abuhav Synagogues, each with its great stories and mystical messages.
- A stroll through the quaint Artists’ Colony, shop in the galleries and crafts shops and engage in dialogues with local artisans inspired by the messages of Kabbalah.
- Drive south past Tiberias, an ancient/modern city located on the shores of Lake Kinneret (Sea of Galilee). One of Israel’s four holy Jewish cities, this is where the “Jerusalem” Talmud was codified and where Maimonides is buried.
- Drive to Jerusalem.
- Welcome to Jerusalem: Enter the vibrant and colorful ancient city of Jerusalem and experience the convergence of the old and the new.
- We'll stop at the Haas Promenade for a stunning overview of the city and celebrate our arrival with a special ceremony and the traditional “shehechiyanu” blessing of thanksgiving.
- Check into the hotel.
- Kabbalat Shabbat services at Azarat Israel, the pluralistic section of the Kotel (Western Wall).
- Friday night dinner is the traditional highlight of the Jewish week. It’s also a favorite time for the Jewish stomach! We’ll share in the rituals, the recipes, and the relaxation of Shabbat in Jerusalem and talk with Lone Soldiers – young men and women who have come to Israel without their families to serve in the IDF – about their experiences.
Overnight: Jerusalem
Meals: Dinner
DAY 7
SHABBAT IN JERUSALEM
Sat. Oct 14, 2023
- Ascend the Old City Ramparts for a walk along the ancient walls of the city.
- Enter the Tower of David Museum of the History of Jerusalem, for a walk through the city’s history – with observation points, an animated film and visual and audio-visual aids – from the time of Abraham to the end of the British Mandate over Palestine.
- Yemin Moshe and Mishkenot Sha'ananim: Get to know the great banker and philanthropist Sir Moses Montefiore as you explore the pastoral neighborhoods, famous windmill and the artists’ colony that he developed and which transformed Jerusalem in the nineteenth century. En route, view two of modern Jerusalem’s most storied and important landmarks: the King David Hotel and the YMCA building.
- Three Stars in the Sky: At nightfall, we will mark the end of a special Shabbat with a communal Havdallah ceremony with members of the Kehillat “shoham” Reform community led by Rabbi Rinat Tzfania.
Overnight: Jerusalem
DAY 8
LAYERS COME TO LIFE
Sun. Oct 15, 2023
- Discover the archaeological treasures and other highlights of the Jewish Quarter:
- Climb to the rooftops to see and discuss the ties and tensions between the different faith groups and communities of the Old City. From this one spot, we’ll look out over the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, venerated by Christian groups as the burial place of Jesus; the golden Dome of the Rock, which is sacred to Islam; and the Jewish Quarter’s famous Hurva Synagogue.
- Walk through the Cardo, the main street of Roman-controlled Jerusalem and its spectacular Byzantine-era columns.
- Stop next to King Hezekiah's “Broad Wall”, a massive wall built to protect Jerusalem from invasion 2,700 years ago.
- 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. Continue Southern Wall steps used by Jewish pilgrims to enter the Temple, 2,000 years ago. But there is much else to see, including Robinson’s Arch, and the remains of a major Second Temple-period street.
- Going Under, Going Deeper: 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.
Overnight: Jerusalem
DAY 9
THE POWER OF MEMORY
Mon. Oct 16, 2023
- Together at the Wall: Celebrate Rosh Chodesh with a prayer service at the Kotel (Western Wall). We’ll join Women of the Wall, leaders in the struggle for religious freedom in Israel, in welcoming the arrival of the new month with a service of joy and togetherness.
- Visit Yad Vashem, the national memorial to the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust, an essential emotional and educational experience. Your guided tour will include:
- The Avenue of the Righteous, where trees symbolic of the renewal of life have been planted along with plaques honoring brave non-Jews who saved Jews during the Shoah.
- The Historical Museum, a state-of-the-art interactive display reflecting decades of research and educational expertise. The story of the Holocaust, with an emphasis on individual victims, is told through survivor testimonies, original artifacts, and personal possessions saved from the ghettos and camps.
- The Children’s Memorial, commemorating the 1.5 million children lost during the Holocaust.
- A memorial service where we will pay tribute to those who were lost. It will include the opportunity to talk about family members and loved ones who died during the Shoah.
- Drive through the Israeli “Capitol Hill”: along the Knesset – Israel’s Parliament and its famous Menorah, the Supreme Court building, the Prime Minister’s Office, the Israeli National Bank, and the future Site of the Israel National Library.
- High Times in the Holy City: Jerusalem at night provides a very different vision of the Holy City. Check out how the locals let their hair down during a free evening and explore Jerusalem nightlife.
Overnight: Jerusalem
DAY 10
THE DEAD SEA BASIN
Tue. Oct 17, 2023
- Enjoy an early breakfast at the hotel before setting out to explore the Dead Sea region.
- As Low as It Goes: We'll drive to the Dead Sea Basin, 1412 feet below sea level and the lowest place on earth. The desert, the landscape, and the views are breathtaking.
- The Last Stand: take the cable car to the top of Masada with its extraordinary views and fascinating archaeological remains. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is where Jewish rebels are believed to have made their final attempt to resist Roman invaders (c 74 CE). We'll learn about Masada's importance as a symbol of Jewish defense and discuss its influence on modern Israel.
- The Sea of Salt: Float into happiness at The Dead Sea. Not much can live or swim in what is the saltiest piece of water in the world, nine times saltier than the ocean, but the weightless feeling of floating is great fun.
- We'll drive by Qumran, where a separatist Jewish sect from the Second Temple period created an isolated community and where the Dead Sea Scrolls, some of the most ancient and important religious manuscripts in existence, were discovered.
- Return to Jerusalem and to the hotel.
Overnight: Jerusalem
DAY 11
QUESTION OF SOVEREIGNTY
Wed. Oct 18, 2023
- King Herod – Villain, Visionary, or Both? Visit Herodian, where King Herod built an impressive palace-fortress and where he is believed to have been buried in 4 BCE. This archaeological Site is the ideal place to explore the clout and character of one of ancient Israel’s most influential and polarizing figures.
- Is Religion the Way Forward or an Obstacle to Peace? We’ll go beyond the Green Line to meet with Ali Abu Awwad and Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger/ Rabbi Shaul Judelman from Shorashim (Roots), a program bringing West Bank Palestinians and their Jewish neighbors together despite their fears and suspicions.
- Navigate Your Way Through the Labyrinth of Israel Politics: Join Professor Reuven Hazan of the Political Science Department at Hebrew University for an introduction into Israel's turbulent political scene where coalition governments and powerful ideological divisions are a fact of life.
- Take a multi-cultural tasting journey through the hustle and bustle of Jerusalem’s Mahane Yehuda open-air market: Enjoy the sights, smells, tastes, and sounds of this vibrant area where Jerusalemites shop. This doubles as a delicious as a meal.
- Late check out from the hotel.
- Farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
- Group transfer to Ben Gurion International Airport for your departure flight.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
DAY 12
UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN
Thu. Oct 19, 2023
- Return to the USA.
RATES & LODGING
participants
30+
Cost p/p in double room
$5,980
Cost p/p in single room
$8,478
Mitzpe Ramon: Beresheet
- Nights: 2
- Room Category: Beresheet
- Hotel Website
Upper Galilee: Pastoral Kfar Blum Hotel
- Nights: 2
- Room Category: Boutique
- Hotel Website
Jerusalem: David Citadel
- Nights: 5+LCO
- Room Category: Superior New City View
- Hotel Website
What to expect
- 9 nights' accommodations. Late check out on the day of departure is included.
- 10 days of touring with a tour educator (guide), in a luxury, air-conditioned bus.
- 1 Group arrival transfer & assistance at the airport.
- 1 Group departure transfer & assistance at the airport.
- Daily breakfast, 1 lunch & 6 dinners.
- Water on the bus.
- Porterage at the airport & 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.
- 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.
- Gratuities: Recommend guidelines for tipping are provided in the terms section.
- 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 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.
- Please use the following information: Citizens Bank: 1 Citizens Drive, Riverside, RI 02915 Routing number: 021313103 (Domestic only) ACH: 036076150 SWIFT Code: CTZIUS33 (International only)
- Beneficiary Instructions: For the benefit of J2 Adventures. Account number: 1001858331
- 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 before January 29th 2024 incur the loss of the deposit. Cancelations made from January 30th 2024 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. Please refer to the small print tab on your trip’s webpage or in your proposal for your cancelation policy and fees.
- 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.
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