Chabad of New Mexico VIPIsrael 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 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 & Check into your hotel to freshen up and relax.

• 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.

• Enjoy a Welcome Dinner at your hotel with JPost reporter Gil Hoffman for an update on Israeli politics & the state of the nation & also meet your Guide for a greeting and orientation.

• Overnight: Sheraton PlazaExcellent hotel afew minutes distance from the Old City Hotel, JerusalemThe capital of Israel

• After breakfast, 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.

• 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. View the unearthed main Roman thoroughfare and ancient marketplace lined with columns.

• Next, see the Davidson CenterThe Jerusalem Archaeological Park to 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

• We will end our day at 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.

• Overnight: Sheraton PlazaExcellent hotel afew minutes distance from the Old City Hotel, 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

• 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.

• Enjoy Lunch here in the nature of Ein Gedi.

• 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: Sheraton PlazaExcellent hotel afew minutes distance from the Old City Hotel, JerusalemThe capital of Israel

• After breakfast, 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.

• 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 Chabad Rabbi of Chevron.

• Return to JerusalemThe capital of Israel to spend the evening at leisure.

• Overnight: Sheraton PlazaExcellent hotel afew minutes distance from the Old City Hotel, 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.

• For those who are interested, take local transport to tour the new Yad VashemHolocaust Museum in Jerusalem Complex, was completed in the spring of 2005 a memorial to the six million innocent victims of the Holocaust.

• Located on Har Hazikaron, the Mount of Remembrance, in JerusalemThe capital of Israel, Yad VashemHolocaust Museum in Jerusalem is a vast, sprawling complex of tree-studded walkways leading to museums, exhibits, archives, monuments, sculptures, and memorials. (Children under 10 years of age not permitted entrance)

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

• Also on the museum grounds is a huge outdoor model of JerusalemThe capital of Israel during the second temple period, you don’t want to miss this.

• 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, Yemin Moshe, and the German Colony to see JerusalemThe capital of Israel’s oldest & most unique neighborhoods.

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.

• Enjoy Shabbat Dinner & Chassidic Farbrengen at the Tzemach Tzedek ShulChabbad Shul in Jerusalem in JerusalemThe capital of Israel’s Old CityThe Holiest Center in the World; this is an VIP exclusive experience.

• Overnight: Sheraton PlazaExcellent hotel afew minutes distance from the Old City Hotel, JerusalemThe capital of Israel

• After breakfast attend davening at the Mayanot shulJewish House of Worship.

• After davening we will join the Mayanot community in a Shabbat Kiddush in shulJewish House of Worship!

• Enjoy Shabbat lunch at your hotel led by Rabbi Chaim!

• After Havdallah in your hotel, 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: Sheraton PlazaExcellent hotel afew minutes distance from the Old City Hotel, JerusalemThe capital of Israel

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

• Our first 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!

• Visit Kfar ChabadLubavitch Village in Israel – visit with Children of Chernobyl, tour an etrog plantation, be inspired by the Israeli replica of “770Chabad World Headquarters”, see the “RebbeRabbi Menachem Schneerson the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s’ village (the largest and most active educational village in IsraelNation of the Jewish People).

• Head further south long the coast 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.

• Arrive in Kibbutz Lavi for dinner and relax for the evening.

• Overnight: Kibbutz Lavi, Hills of Galilee

• After breakfast, visit TzfatOne of the 4 Holy Cities which 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.

• Enjoy lunch at one of TzfatOne of the 4 Holy Cities’s many local cafι’s.

• 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.

• Here likes the Visit the Valley of Tears, where one of the bloodiest battles of the Yom Kippur WarIsrael defends itself in 1973 was fought. A great lookout to see the Heights, and especially the Syrian side of the border, is from the now abandoned Israeli bunker 4,000 feet (1,200 m.) above sea level on Mount Bental.

• Onward 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.

• Enjoy wine tasting at the Golan Heights winery.

• Return to Kibbutz Lavi for Dinner in your hotel & relax.

• Overnight: Kibbutz Lavi, Galilee

• After breakfast, ascend deep into the Golan Heights, where you will have the very special privilege of being the guest of an Armored Brigade at their IDF base, this is an amazing VIPIsraelDont Just See It... VIP It! experience!

• Next, 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- the City of Laish, which members of the tribe Dan captured for their homeland. Important remains were discovered in a Mycenaean grave from the late Canaanite period.

The tribe of Dan found it difficult to deal with the pressures brought by the Philistines, and therefore decided to go north and ultimately settled here in this amazing natural wonderland.

• Arrive in TiberiusOne of Israel's 4 Holy Cities & enjoy an evening cruise on the Sea of Galilee.

• Visit the Holy resting places of sages such as Rambam, Rabbi Meir Baal HaNess, Rabbi Akivaone of the most central contributors to the early Oral Torah and others.

• Enjoy the evening at leisure in Kibbutz Lavi.

• Overnight & Dinner: Kibbutz Lavi

• After breakfast, check out of your hotel and depart south along IsraelNation of the Jewish People coast.

• Arrive in Tel AvivIsrael's largest city and biggest commercial center & browse the shops and experience the unique flavors and ambience of the famous Dizengoff St., Shenken St. & Rothchilde Ave.

• The Carmel Market is imbued with oriental flavor, on of the few places in the city that reminds visitors of Tel AvivIsrael's largest city and biggest commercial center’s Middle Eastern location. Tour the aromatic and enticing stalls of fresh fruits and vegetables, hot breads and spices.

• 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.

• Visit Old JaffaWorld Heritage Site port that was the most important port at the ancient times. Through this port the cedars from Lebanon were imported in order to build SolomonThe Wise King of Israel's Temple in JerusalemThe capital of Israel, where fishing boats still depart and return daily with the fresh ‘catch of the day.’

• Visit the artist colony and the galleries of Old JaffaWorld Heritage Site.

• Enjoy a farewell dinner at one of Tel AvivIsrael's largest city and biggest commercial center’s fine restaurants (TBA)

• Transfer to Ben GurionFirst Prime Minister of Israel Airport for your temporary departure from IsraelNation of the Jewish People.

DESCRIPTION FOR DAY 11