Lessel Family Israel Trip

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 at the door of your plane as you exit the plane. You will be transported quickly through the airport, pass immigration at the flight crew counter where passport control is efficiently expedited and continue to facilitate 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 Has PromenadeProvides a tremendous view of Jerusalem and beyond., 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: Prima Kings HotelWonderful Hotel at the Heart of Jerusalem, JerusalemThe capital of Israel

After breakfast, tour the amazing City of King David.

Begin with a breathtaking observation overlooking Biblical JerusalemThe capital of Israel and observe 3,800 years of history dating back in time to the days of Abraham, when the first foundations of the city were laid.

The journey quickly heads underground to some of the newest archaeological excavations at the site. Here, while exploring the recently excavated fortresses and passageways, you will relive King David's conquest of the Jebusite city as described in the 2nd Book of Samuelan important leader of ancient Israel.. The underground tour finally ends at the Gihon Spring, the major water source of JerusalemThe capital of Israel for over 1,000 years and where, according to the Book of Kings, SolomonThe Wise King of Israel was anointed king. 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.

Enter the Old CityThe Holiest Center in the World walls and start at 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.

Visit the New Generations Center at the Western Wall Plaza where you will find an unusual and enchanting fusion of many creative elements: music, sculpture, archeology and light effects that together create a masterpiece to delight all the senses.

Descend to 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".

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 1967See The Herodian Mansions at The Wohl Archaeological Museum preserves the extraordinary discoveries made during excavations carried out between 1969 and 1983, that revealed remains of magnificent buildings from the time of the Herodian dynasty period 37 B.C.E. till 70 C.E.

Next view the excavated ruins of a “Burnt House,” home to Kathros, High Priest mentioned in the Talmud from the Second Temple period. These burned ruins remained undisturbed until they were uncovered in the 1970’s.

See the Temple Institute which houses a collection of artifacts from the First and Second Temple Periods.

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

After breakfast, enjoy the day at leisure in JerusalemThe capital of Israel.

JerusalemThe capital of Israel is full of amazing shops, cafes & boutiques and local artists display their work throughout the city, take some time to explore JerusalemThe capital of Israel or relax at your hotel.

Take some time to orientate yourself with JerusalemThe capital of Israel; spend the afternoon walking the neighborhood streets of Meah Shearim, NachlaotJerusalem's Central Most Neighborhood, RechaviaQuaint Jerusalem neighborhood, Yemin Moshe, and the German Colony to see JerusalemThe capital of Israel’s oldest & most unique neighborhoods.

Towards evening.....WELCOME SHABBAT AT THE KotelHoliest place on Earth

As the sun sets preparations will be made for welcoming the Shabbat with prayers and dancing at the KotelHoliest place on Earth. 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.

Enjoy Shabbat dinner at your hotel

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

In the morning, attend davening at the The Great Synagogue, Mayanot shulJewish House of Worship.or a shulJewish House of Worship of your choice.

Enjoy Shabbat Lunch at your hotel.

Rest of the afternoon is at leisure.

After Shabbat, You may like to take a walk down Ben Yehuda StreetJerusalem's Outdoor Pedestrian Mall. On Saturday nights, Ben Yehuda StreetJerusalem's Outdoor Pedestrian Mall is one of the favorite gathering places for many young Jerusalemites. There are many artists displaying their jewelry and crafts, as well as many wonderful sidewalk cafes.

Overnight: 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 MasadaAncient Fort on the shores of the Dead Sea - 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

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!

IsraelNation of the Jewish People’s Past Hands On!

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.

Digging at Tel MareshaFun and Unique Cave Experience, in the area of Beit Guvrin, ancestral home of King HerodA notorious king, ruled in the time of the second temple. Vast underground labyrinths of man-made rooms are being systematically cleaned and give evidence of underground industrial complexes dating from the Hellenistic period. Remains of olive oil production, weaving installations, water cisterns and baths confirm a high level of material culture. This site offers a wealth of discoveries and practical experience for those who want to "dig."

Return to JerusalemThe capital of Israel to spend the afternoon at leisure.

End your day at the JerusalemThe capital of Israel Time Elevator children’s show and enjoy a historical presentation. Combining film, motion platforms, and special effects, this 35-minute journey brings JerusalemThe capital of Israel’s most dramatic moments to unforgettable life through an original screenplay written in conjunction with leading historians and archeologists.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and head to Netanya to visit ‘The Ranch’ for horseback riding and other activities along the beach.

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 years old.

Walk on the city walls & Ramparts 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.

Travel inland toward the Golan Heights to Kibbutz Kfar Blum.

Arrive at your hotel and spend the evening relaxing.

Overnight: Kfar Blum Hotel, Golan Heights

After breakfast, travel 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.

View from the distance Kalat Nimrod (Nimrod’s Fortress) The fortress was founded in the 12th century, probably by the Crusaders, to defend the city of Banias in the valley below against Muslim incursions. Later, the Muslim rulers of Damascus rebuilt it to defend their border against the Crusaders. There is a farmers market and activities for kids!

Next take the ‘ski lift’ up Mt. Hermon for a brief hike and amazing views of IsraelNation of the Jewish People and a rare view into Syria! In the winter, this is IsraelNation of the Jewish People only ski resort!

The Tel DanAncient Canaanite Remains could be found at this location Nature Reserve is a nature reserve at the foot of Mount Hermonthe highest mountain in Israel which includes archeological remains from the ancient town of Dan.

Visit Tel Facher, and underground Syrian base, then continue onto the The Banias Spring which begins at the foot of Mount Hermonthe highest mountain in Israel. This is a wonderful nature reserve, prepare to get a little wet!

Overnight: Kfar Blum Hotel, Golan Heights

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and head Onward to TzfatOne of the 4 Holy Cities to absorb the special ambience of this town of contrasts, where ancient sites such as The ArizalRabbi Isaac Luria; Jewish Scholar and Mystic’s synagogue and the ancient burial site of Shlomo HaLevi (author of Lechah Dodi) exist side by side with today’s modern art galleries.

Visit TzfatOne of the 4 Holy Cities's restored Old CityThe Holiest Center in the World including the artists' colony. TzfatOne of the 4 Holy Cities has much to offer in the way of art galleries, gift-shops and restaurants found tucked away amongst the winding, cobblestone streets.

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, and take a dip in the famous Mikveh of the Ari z"l in the mystical city.

See the unique synagogues such as the Ari Sephardi, Ari Ashkenazi, Ari Beit Midrash, Caro Synagogue, Abuhav synagogue (built in 1490) and many more of the local ChassidimJewish Mystics.

Stop by TzfatOne of the 4 Holy Cities’s famous candle shop and visit art and sculpture galleries.

Explore the HaMeiri house, which contains a complex of rooms and artifacts from over the last 200 years of TzfatOne of the 4 Holy Cities inhabitants…

After lunch head south toward Beit ShearimBeit_Shearim houses catacombs from over 1700 years ago, the times of Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi. Yehudah HaNasi was buried in the Necropolis, an amazing underground network of tunnels stairways and caves.

These eerie caverns and chambers are fun for the adventurous child.

Next finish your trip south to Tel AvivIsrael's largest city and biggest commercial center and check into your hotel.

Overnight: Dan Panorama, Tel AvivIsrael's largest city and biggest commercial center

After breakfast, head out to view the White City of Tel AvivIsrael's largest city and biggest commercial center, whose outstanding architecture blends the various trends of the Modern Movement and town planning in the early part of the 20th century.

Browse the shops and experience the unique flavors and ambience of the famous Dizengoff St., Shenken St. & Rothchilde Ave

Continue to Visit "HaCarmel" market –the open air shuk (market) for the fresh fruit and vegetable of Tel AvivIsrael's largest city and biggest commercial center or the intriguing Nachlat Binyamin Arts & Crafts Fair (open every Tuesday & Friday) for more than 250 Israeli artists presenting their handcrafts, jewelry, judaica and interesting gifts; also live music, glassblowing, and life street performances on a regular basis.

Learn about the history of the modern state at the Hall of Independence where Ben GurionFirst Prime Minister of Israel, Declared State Independence in 1948 Declared Independence in 1948. This building was the first modern home in Tel AvivIsrael's largest city and biggest commercial center, later to become the Town Hall and eventually the place where we declared our independence as a Jewish Nation.

Visit the spectacular “Palmach MuseumA museum which gives a sense of the period that led to the founding of the state”. Through a modern multi-media presentation, view the history of the Palmachthe elite striking force of the Haganah from 1941 to the War of Independence and the establishment of the State of IsraelNation of the Jewish People

Tel AvivIsrael's largest city and biggest commercial center is the business and the cultural center of IsraelNation of the Jewish People.

Visit the Diaspora Museum at University of Tel AvivIsrael's largest city and biggest commercial center. The museum illustrates the life of the Jews in different communities around the world during 2000 years of exile.

In nearby JaffaAn ancient port city near Tel Aviv is a flourishing flea market (shuk hapishpeshimFlea Market) where you can test your bargaining power and pick up a few souvenirs and presents from the array of old, new, antique and odd objects on sale. These range from furniture, pottery, brassware, rugs and clothing.

As the sun sets, prepare for services at one of the many synagogues in the area (unknown to many, Tel AvivIsrael's largest city and biggest commercial center once had a tremenduous religious community) and enjoy Shabbat Dinner at your hotel

Overnight: Dan Panorama, Tel AvivIsrael's largest city and biggest commercial center

After breakfast, enjoy services at a local shulJewish House of Worship and Shabbat lunch at your hotel.

Enjoy the day at leisure in Tel AvivIsrael's largest city and biggest commercial center.

After Shabbat, prepare to Transfer to Ben GurionFirst Prime Minister of Israel, Declared State Independence in 1948 Airport for the departure flight home where you will be met by a VIPIsraelDont Just See It... VIP It! representative will be waiting to assist you in your temporary departure from IsraelNation of the Jewish People.