Mordechai Family Summer Vacation

• In the morning after you arrive and settle in, take a tour of The City of David. This is the original site of JerusalemThe capital of Israel from the times of King David. It lies South of the Temple MountThe Location of the Temple at Jerusalem and is surrounded by hills on all sides, hence where it says in Psalms, "JerusalemThe capital of Israel with hills around her". The water source of First TempleBuilt by King Solomon, Son of King David JerusalemThe capital of Israel, the Shiloach SpringThe Ancient Spring in Jerusalem, lies here. You will hike down the shafts excavated and stand at the spot where SolomonThe Wise King of Israel was anointed King and have an opportunity to walk through the water spring tunnel which provided fresh water to the city in times of war.

• Next see the monument of Av-Shalom, son of King David.

• In the afternoon enjoy a walk & test your “Israeli bargaining skills” at the Machne YehudaJerusalem's Vibrant Market Shuk (open market).

WELCOME SHABBAT AT THE KotelHoliest place on Earth (WESTERN WALL)

As the sun sets preparations will be made for welcoming the Shabbat

• Upon reaching the steps leading down to the KotelHoliest place on Earth, look around and notice people from all corners of the world converging together with one purpose in mind; to welcome the Shabbat at the holiest place on earth for JudaismThe religion of the Jewish people. Singing and dancing with true Chabad spirit.

• After a light breakfast, walk to The Tzemach TzedekChabbad Shul in Jerusalem Shull for Davening (or to a synagogue of your choice.

• After Shabbat, enjoy shopping and dinner at JerusalemThe capital of Israel’s Ben Yehuda Outdoor MallJerusalem's Outdoor Pedestrian Mall, where the young JerusalemThe capital of Israel comes to life.

• Start your day with a guided tour of the archaeological discoveries excavated in the Western Wall Tunnelslabyrinth of passageways at the Temple Mount. Inside, a most interesting model shows the different dwelling periods and history of the inhabitants of JerusalemThe capital of Israel. Stand on the site believed to be the nearest spot to the "Holy of HoliesThe room in the Jewish Temple where the Ark of the Covenant stood".

• Enjoy a visit to the Davidson CenterThe Jerusalem Archaeological Park – the newly opened visitors’ center, located at the JerusalemThe capital of Israel Archaeological Park.

• Tour the Southern Wallone of the most important archeological projects in recent history Excavations where some of the most important archaeological discoveries have been unearthed, proving this to be one of the key areas of JerusalemThe capital of Israel. Amongst these remains is a complex of royal palaces dating back to the 7th century.

• Take a Guided tour of the Jewish Quarter that was reconstructed after the city was unified at the conclusion of the Six-Day War in 1967. A special point of interest in the restored Jewish Quarter is the "CardoThe heart of Jerusalem's Old City Jewish quarter", meaning the "heart" of this ancient Byzantine City. View the unearthed main Roman thoroughfare and ancient marketplace lined with columns. Nearby see the four Sephardic synagogues.

• Stop over at the Tzemach TzedekChabbad Shul in Jerusalem Shull, established by the Chasidim of the Tzemach TzedekChabbad Shul in Jerusalem. The only Shull that survived the war in ’48.

• Visit the excavated ruins of a “Burnt House” that was part of JerusalemThe capital of Israel during the Second Temple period. These burned ruins remained undisturbed until they were uncovered in the 1970’s.

• On to the excavations of the Herodian Mansions, located beneath the present-day Jewish quarter, showing how the high priests and wealthy Jerusalemites of old lived.

• Then visit the remarkable JerusalemThe capital of Israel Museum, (David’s Tower Museum) located in the impeccably restored ancient Citadel.

• Spend the evening at leisure

• After breakfast depart to the Dead Sea area traveling south through the Judean Wilderness.

• Arrive at Massada - Ascend the cliff top fortress by cable car, or for the more daring, ascend the snake path just as the Jews did thousands of years ago.

• Explore the ancient remains of the fortifications, King HerodA notorious king, ruled in the time of the second temple's palace, storerooms and baths. Discuss the terrible dilemma faced by its Jewish population during Roman times with your guide

• Descend by cable car. It is possible to descend on foot via the old Roman RampWall erected by the Romans in 72 CE, or again via the snake path.

• Take in the beauty of the natural Ein Gedi WaterfallJust north of Masada, a desert oasis of hiking trails, waterfalls and lush greenery, take a light hike along a waterfall oasis, whose beauty exudes vibrant hues of green, red, blue and yellow, a small slice of heaven.

• Travel by Jeep through the Judean desertJudean desert.

• Continue along the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, and a rich source of minerals for export. Take a swim or ‘float’ & let the buoyant waters support you as you relax on your back and think of nothing else but the sea and the salt all around you!

• Late return to JerusalemThe capital of Israel

• Depart in an armored vehicle and then stop for TehillimBook of chants composed mainly by King David and supplication at the very special site of Rachel’s Tomb. (Pending military approval)

• Stop for a moment of reflection and take a small piece of authentic Red String. Although not written about in any Kabbalistic sources, the red string is an old tradition. A thread is wrapped seven times around the Tomb of RachelRachel, beloved wife of Jacob, mother of the Jewish people is buried here., and then cut into little cords. It is then said to give protection from the "Evil Eye" for one who wears it on his or her wrist.

• Learn about the history of the struggle for Gush Eztion in a moving multimedia sound a light presentation at Kefar Etzion.

• Onto the holy city of Chevron, visit Ma’arat Hamachpela where our patriarchs and matriarchs are buried: Avraham, Yitzchok, Yaacov and their wives. Walk in their footsteps and those of King David, Ruththe great-grandmother of King David, and the holy Tzadeket Menucha Rochel. Tradition also holds this to be the burial place of ‘Adam & Eve.’

• Meet some of the very special families who live in this special neighborhood & Rabbi Danni Cohen the Rabbi of Chevron.

• Tour of the new Yad VashemHolocaust Museum in Jerusalem, the memorial to the six million innocent victims of the Holocaust. Walk through the Museum escorted by a holocaust survivor who will share his personal story with us as we walk through the exhibitions.

• Continue on to visit the famous and remarkable Israel Museum where you will be met and addressed by one of the Curators of the Museum. On the premises, housed in a specially built structure - an architectural masterpiece, The Shrine of the BookHome to the Dead Sea Scrolls, where you will be able to view the Dead Sea Scrolls

• Spend the evening at leisure

• After breakfast check out of your hotel and head north to the ancient remains of Beit SheanThe largest and most unique ancient site in Israel – one of the oldest settled sites in the country. This is where, in biblical times, the bodies of King Saul and his sons were nailed to the city walls by the Philistines. The Beit SheanThe largest and most unique ancient site in Israel National Park houses incredible archeological treasures. If the day is too hot, cool off in the Ma’yan Harod Pool or Huga Park.

• Visit Gan Guru Australian Park in Nir David (Between Tziporritranquil location in the Galilee & Bet Shean). This is one of the few places outside of Australia which hosts pet-able Koalas and Kangaroos.

• Visit Gan Hashlosha and relax in the natural pools and rejuvenate in the natural jacuzzi that occurs underneath the flowing stream of an invigorating waterfall

The warm waters of the Amal River flow through the length of the park and can be enjoyed year round temperatures in the 80’sΊF. A fantastic place to relax and re-charge for the remainder of your trip.

• Travel to TzfatOne of the 4 Holy Cities to check into your hotel.

• Spend the evening exploring the Old CityThe Holiest Center in the World in TzfatOne of the 4 Holy Cities!!!

• After breakfast, hit the ArizalRabbi Isaac Luria; Jewish Scholar and Mystic’s mikveh and attend davening at one of TzfatOne of the 4 Holy Cities’s many minyanim.

• check out of your hotel and head toward the Mediterranean Sea to Rosh Hanikrah, the northernmost point on the Mediterranean shore of IsraelNation of the Jewish People, where a chalk mountain range meets the sea. The sea carved out a chain of grottoes in the foot of the chalk cliffs. These beautiful grottoes are the main attraction and the view is breathtaking.

• Spend Shabbos with Family in Rosh Hanikrabeautiful location at the north of Israel.

• Shabbos in Rosh Hanikrabeautiful location at the north of Israel

• Further along the coastline, visit the ancient city of AccoAncient Northern Israel Port City (Acre) 14 miles above HaifaIsrael's third largest city, once known as the Crusaders capital of the north. This city is almost 4,000 yars old.

• Walk on the city walls to the harbor, then through the colorful markets to visit the huge, cool yet spooky Subterranean Crusader Halls. Explore gates, towers, tunnels, and secret passageways!

• Situated above these halls is the notorious Acco PrisonAncient Crusader Prison that was built by the Turks and later used by the British to imprison Jewish underground fighters during their struggle against British rule. See a model of a mass escape of over 200 prisoners in May 1947, later made famous by the movie Exodus.

• Visit the ancient city of Caesarea, built by HerodA notorious king, ruled in the time of the second temple the Great and once the seat of Roman rule.

• Visit the Caesarea Harbor Project where a fascinating cinematic exhibition will take you on an enchanted voyage through the history of Caesarea. Along the route, you will be exposed to the various civilizations which ruled the city, including the Romans, Byzantines, Arabs and Crusaders.

• Visit the Caesarea National Park contains an impressive Roman Ampitheatre, the Hippodrome, a horse-racing arena that could seat 20,000; also a giant headless statue on Byzantine StreetAncient Street of Shops, and the Roman AqueductsAncient Roman Structures.

• Travel back to JerusalemThe capital of Israel for late night arrival.

• After breakfast travel south and participate in Archeological Seminar's "Dig for a Day" program at Beit Guvrin, uncover actual artifacts as you participate in an ongoing archeological dig. The Bet Guvrin National Park has limestone caves, underground cisterns, make sure to get a map at the entrance!

• We will have the opportunity to view the beautiful wonders of nature, when we pay a visit to the Stalactite and StalagmiteLearn more about stalagmite while you Tour Israel! Caves situated near Beit ShemeshAncient Canaanite City that Precedes the Modern Israeli City. These caves were discovered by pure accident. A short film gives you an introduction to understanding the caves, paths are well lit for you to explore the area inside!

• Bar Kichkab/ Hazan Caves were used during the revolt against the Romans. A series of 35 caves consists of narrow passages were only one person can enter at a time.

• Evening to relax in JerusalemThe capital of Israel

• After breakfast, check out of your hotel and our next stop will be at the Ayalon InstituteSecret Underground Ammunitions Factory Museum, situated north of the city of Rehovot. This was the first clandestine bullet production factory operated by members of the Hatzofim Aleph, Palmachthe elite striking force of the Haganah, and Habonim pioneer groups during the British Mandate rule. After viewing an audio-visual presentation we will discover the secret entrance to the underground bullet factory, which was so successfully disguised from the British!

• Cross the Ayalon ValleyAncient Israel Battleground, a major battlefield throughout history. The Latrun Police StationAn old British police station and prison. located here was the scene of much bloodshed during the War of LiberationThe 1948 Arab-Israeli War in 1948 and was liberated from Jordanian rule in 1967. Visit the Memorial Wall and view a short, moving audio-visual documentary offering a more in-depth explanation of the battles fought here.

• Tour the Armored Brigade MuseumExhibitions of the Armored Corps Legacy housing an impressive exhibit of armored vehicles.

• Tour the brand new “Mini-IsraelNation of the Jewish People,” where you can see over 350 detailed, miniature crafted exact replica models of historical, religious, archeological and modern sites throughout IsraelNation of the Jewish People – those you have just seen during this trip and those you will want to see next time!

• Arrive in Tel AvivIsrael's largest city and biggest commercial center and check into your hotel.