Sarto Family Israel Tour

WELCOME TO IsraelNation of the Jewish People

• Touchdown at Ben Gurion International AirportIsrael's only international gateway.

• Before clearing passport control a VIPIsraelDont Just See It... VIP It! representative will be waiting to welcome you. He will facilitate passport control, luggage identification and handling; escort you through customs.

• Ascend to JerusalemThe capital of Israel.

• Upon your first view of the eternal Holy City, stop for a moment of reflection and davening. Make the “shehehianu” prayer as you gaze upon the Temple MountThe Location of the Temple at Jerusalem from the Tayelet, as did Abraham when he prepared to sacrifice Isaac; take in the breathtaking view.

• Check into the hotel

• Spend the evening relaxing, and have Dinner at one of JerusalemThe capital of Israel’s many fine restaurants or the hotel

Overnight: The Prima Kings HotelWonderful Hotel at the Heart of Jerusalem, JerusalemThe capital of Israel

• After breakfast enjoy 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.

• 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.

• Visit the Tomb of King David. A solemn tomb which also contains the Torahthe central and most important document of Judaism ‘crowns’ from communities destroyed in the Holocaust.

• Enjoy a late lunch/ dinner at The Menorah Café in the Old CityThe Holiest Center in the World’s Jewish Quarter.

Overnight: The Prima Kings HotelWonderful Hotel at the Heart of Jerusalem, JerusalemThe capital of Israel

• After breakfast 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 before Shabbat, enjoy a walk through the Machane Yehuda MarketJerusalem's Vibrant Market (The Shuk) and experience a typical hectic Friday afternoon in JerusalemThe capital of Israel.

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

As the sun sets preparations will be made for welcoming the Shabbat at the KotelHoliest place on Earth (Western Wall). As you enter the Old CityThe Holiest Center in the World, look around you and notice how people from all corners of the world enter through the various gates with one purpose in mind, to welcome the Shabbat Bride at the holiest place on earth for JudaismThe religion of the Jewish people.

• Enjoy a Festive Shabbat Dinner at the hotels dining room.

Overnight: The Prima Kings HotelWonderful Hotel at the Heart of Jerusalem, JerusalemThe capital of Israel

• After a light breakfast, walk to The Tzemach TzedekChabbad Shul in Jerusalem Shull for Davening (or to a synagogue of your choice. A list of nearby synagogues will be provided.)

• Shabbat afternoon lunch at the hotel.

• Havdalah service in hotel

• 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.

Overnight: The Prima Kings HotelWonderful Hotel at the Heart of Jerusalem, JerusalemThe capital of Israel

• 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, acent 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.

• 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!

Overnight: Le MeridianWonderful Accomodation at the Shores of the Dead Sea Hotel, Dead Sea

• After Breakfast, check out of yoru hotel and travel at 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 with average temperatures of 82ºF.

• Travel 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. Today Beit SheanThe largest and most unique ancient site in Israel is a modern development town.

• In true Biblical fashion, we adorn traditional garb at Kfar KedemRecreated Ancient VIllage in Galilee (Ancient Village) and take a short donkey ride in the scenic hills of the Galilee. From our donkeys back we will be able to admire IsraelNation of the Jewish People’s countryside, which has hardly changed since days of old.

• Return to TiberiusOne of Israel's 4 Holy Cities and enjoy Dinner at Deck’s Restaurant, TiberiusOne of Israel's 4 Holy Cities.

Overnight: Kibbutz Lavi, TiberiusOne of Israel's 4 Holy Cities

• After breakfast, travel through the Golan Heights, off the beaten track, and gaze down over the Galilee as the Syrians once did.

• On to Gamla – the Massada of the north, to view the remains of the fortified village, which stood fast against the Romans and was an example to the Jewish nation of the time. At this battle, 5000 people died fighting the Romans. Gamla is located on a slope in the Golan Heights that looks like a camel’s hump.

• Onward further north to Katzrin, which was established in 1977 and was one of the first urban settlements in the Golan. While in Katzrin, see a fascinating audio-visual presentation describing the history of the Golan throughout the ages. Tour the ancient reconstructed Talmudic Village and a partially restored 1,500-year-old synagogue.

• Your next stop is the observation point on Mount Bental, overlooking the Mount Hermonthe highest mountain in Israel area and the entire Golan Heights. From here you can see the mountains of the Galilee and Lebanon, and eastward into Syria. A dormant Volcano, Mount Bental is also an eye-opening lesson in how this part of “Eretz Yisroel” was physically created.

• Visit Tzfas’s restored Old CityThe Holiest Center in the World including the artists’ colony. Tzfas has much to offer in the way of art galleries, gift-shops and restaurants found tucked away amongst the winding, cobblestone streets.

• Absorb the special ambience of the holy City of Tzfas, town of contrasts, where ancient synagogues and modern art galleries exist side by side. As you wander through the narrow, winding alleys, visit some of the beautiful synagogues and browse through the artists’ workshops and galleries found in the flourishing artists’ quarter. Embark on an in-depth tour of the synagogues, courtyards, cemetery, and the Mikveh of the Ari z”l in the mystical city.

• Return to your hotel to freshen up and enjoy dinner.

Overnight: Kibbutz Lavi, TiberiusOne of Israel's 4 Holy Cities

• After breakfast, check out of your hotel and head toward the Mediterranean.

• Visit scenic 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 grotto’s are the main attraction of Rosh Hanikrabeautiful location at the north of Israel.

• Continue south along the sea and 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 amazing Mini Israelwonderful site models built at a scale of 1:25. See The Parks displays of hundreds of models that are exact copies of sites, buildings and landscapes from around the country.(time permitting)

• Return to JerusalemThe capital of Israel and check into hotel.

• Dinner at hotel.

Overnight: The Prima Kings HotelWonderful Hotel at the Heart of Jerusalem, JerusalemThe capital of Israel

• 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.

• Tour Mt. Herzl's new Museum dedicated to the life of Theodore HerzlThe founder of modern political Zionism, the father of the Zionist Movement.

• At Mt. Herzl, visit the gravesites of Prime Minister Golda Meir, Theodore HerzlThe founder of modern political Zionism, Prime Minister Yitzhak RabinThe Assassinated Prime Minister [1922 -1995] & others.

• Learn about the Heroism of the 1967 battle for JerusalemThe capital of Israel at the Ammunition HillOne of bloodiest battles of the Six-Day War, once a Jordanian army camp, which in the time of the Six Day War1967 Arab-Israeli War became a symbol to the bravery of the Israeli soldiers in the battle in JerusalemThe capital of Israel.

• Start at the JerusalemThe capital of Israel Time Elevator children’s show and enjoy a historical presentation. http://www.time-elevator-JerusalemThe capital of Israel.co.il/

• Family dinner at Yoja Japanese RestaurantYoJa - wonderful Japanese restaurant in Jerusalem.

Overnight: The Prima Kings HotelWonderful Hotel at the Heart of Jerusalem, JerusalemThe capital of Israel

• After breakfast visit the Biblical Zoo in JerusalemThe capital of Israel. This is an excellent chance to visit and relax with your family outside in the fresh air. http://www.jerusalemzoo.org.il/english/upload//

• Return to hotel and prepare to welcome the ‘Shabbat Bride.’

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

• As the sun sets preparations will be made for welcoming the Shabbat at the KotelHoliest place on Earth (Western Wall). As you enter the Old CityThe Holiest Center in the World, look around you and notice how people from all corners of the world enter through the various gates with one purpose in mind, to welcome the Shabbat Bride at the holiest place on earth for JudaismThe religion of the Jewish people.

• Enjoy a Festive Shabbat Dinner at the hotels dining room.

Overnight: The Prima Kings HotelWonderful Hotel at the Heart of Jerusalem, JerusalemThe capital of Israel

• After a light breakfast, walk to The Tzemach TzedekChabbad Shul in Jerusalem Shull, Great Synagogue, or to a synagogue of your choice (A list of nearby synagogues will be provided).

• Shabbat afternoon lunch at the hotel.

• Spend the afternoon relaxing and reflecting on your family trip in IsraelNation of the Jewish People.

• Make the traditional Havdalah service in hotel.

After Shabbat

• Pack and transfer to Ben GurionFirst Prime Minister of Israel for ‘temporary’ Departure.