Itinerary Details
The Mystical City & Artist Colony of Tzfat
Located in the hills of the Galilee overlooking the Sea of Galilee to the south, Tzfat has long been a center of Jewish mysticism and intrigue. This ancient city is full of stone alleys, rich history, and very colorful personalities. There's nothing quite like Tzfat. In more recent times, a unique artist colony has found a home in Tzfat. Well worth a stroll.
Relaxed rafting & tubing on the upper Jordan River
On a warm summer day in Israel, there's no better way to beat the heat than to cruise down the lazy Jordan River on a raft or a tube. The legendary Jordan River may not be quite as large as it is famous, but it's still a great chance to relax, take a dip, and enjoy the scenery of the Galilee.
Dinner overlooking the Sea of Galilee with Shopping
Although the Sea of Galilee is technically just a lake, it's a beautiful body of water surrounded by the mountains of the Golan and the Galilee and the site of so much history. This evening, we'll be eating by the shores of ancient Tiberias by and having free time for shopping or soaking in the sights.
View of the Region from the Heights of Mt. Ben Tal
Situated on the far eastern border of the Golan, Mount Ben Tal offers a panoramic view of Israel, Lebanon, Syrian, and Jordan (all from a very safe distance!!!). On a very clear day, you can even look out onto Damascus. Visiting Mount Ben Tal helps put the geography & geo-politics of the Middle East into a better perspective. The top of the mountain also contains a well preserved Syrian bunker from the Yom Kippur War in 1973. It's a fascinating window into Israel's more modern history.
Hike Down the Lush Jilaboun Canyon on the Golan
This beautiful gorge cuts its path through the rocks of the Golan Heights. Get ready to hike down the canyon along the course of the riverbed with occassional opportunities to take a dip in the cool water.
Winery Tasting & Tour at the Golan Heights Winery
The Golan Heights Winery is Israel's most internationally famous winery located atop the Golan. At the winery, we will learn about how wine was made in ancient times and how it is made today. There will also be time, of course, to sample the final product.
Jerusalem promenade - panoramic intro to an ancient city
Welcome to Jerusalem! The Haas Promenade of Jerusalem offers a sweeping view of the Old City as it opens up across three converging valleys below. From this magnificent viewpoint, we will be introduced to the story of Jerusalem, its topography, major landmarks, and the arc of its history.
King Hezekiah's Water Tunnel in David's City
As we begin our descent into the many layers of history of Jerusalem, one of the first interesting things to note is that there are actually two "Old City's" in Jerusalem. The famous one that is still so prominently on display today is from the time of King Herod in the Roman Era of Israel. The older Old City dates back to the time of King David well before the Common Era. To access the original "City of David" you need to go underground a bit...including a walk through King Hezekiah's water tunnel. The tunnel was built in order to move water from a natural spring source to a place where it could be used by the people. Today, we can walk through the pitch dark tunnel filled with knee deep (and sometimes waste deep) water. Think of it as Jerusalem's version of a water park.
Old City & Jewish Quarter Walking Tour
The Jewish Quarter of the Old City sits at the heart of the ancient and modern Jewish World. History comes alive as we walk along rooftops, alleys and tunnel ways. Our experience in the Old City culminates at the Western Wall, which is a treasured relic of the 2nd Temple that once stood in Jerusalem. The Western Wall is a one-of-a-kind symbol that connects the Jewish people back to their history.
Mahane Yehuda marketplace at Jerusalem prepares for Shabbat
Jerusalem is both an ancient city and a modern one. Nothing defines Jerusalem modernity more than the Mahane Yehuda "shuk" or marketplace. Everything edible is for sale at Mahane Yehuda, including super fresh produce and plenty of local delicacies. On a Friday afternoon, the market is literally buzzing with frenetic energey as the people of Jerusalem complete their last minute shopping before the start of Shabbat.
Friday Night Lights at the Western Wall
No matter what your Jewish background, there's something very special about a Friday night at the Western Wall. As the Shabbat day of rest begins, thousands of Israelis descend upon the Western Wall complex for traditional Friday night prayers & song. Not every Israel Free Spirit group is able to spend Shabbat in Jerusalem, but if your group is one of the fortunate ones, you are in for a special treat.
Walking Tour of Jerusalem Neighborhoods
The "modern" neighborhoods of Jerusalem (post 1800's) are full of colorful charm. These neighborhoods also contain the living history of Jewish communities from various all corners of the world which have made their way to Jerusalem. Each established its own unique neighborhood where their respective cultural life is preserved to this day. You'll find that a lot can be learned about the story of the Jewish people on a simple walk through Jerusalem's neighborhoods.
Current Trends in Israeli Politics & Peace
What is the Arab-Israeli conflict? Is it a 'war' or a 'situation'? Is anyone right, and when will it all end? We will use this program to explore Israel's political situation and current predicament in the Middle East. The subject matter will be presented in an even-handed and thought provoking manner with special attention paid to fostering a productive discussion among participants. This program is meant to impart an objective foundation while fostering an atmosphere where constructive questioning is encouraged.
Yad Va-Shem Holocaust Memorial
Yad Va-Shem is Israel's national Holocaust memorial. Situated in wooded hills of Jerusalem, it is a uniquely solemn complex. After walking through the main museum area, we will walk through central shrine area, the Sculpture Garden, the Forest of the Righteous Gentiles, and the especially powerful Children's Memorial.
Tree Planting in the Jerusalem Foothills
One of the truly noteworthy achievements of the modern State of Israel is that it succeeded to plant trees on a massive scale throughout Israel. Many areas of the country which had become desert after centuries of mis-use have been transformed into lush forests. It's a process that continues today, and one that you can take part in with your own hands.
Mifgash Discussion with Israeli Peers
Each Israel Free Spirit trip is joined by a group of Israeli peers for at least four days of the trip. Usually the Israeli peers are chosen from among those currently serving in Israel's Defense Forces. The purpose of the mifgash (which loosely translates as "an encounter") is for Israelis and North Americans to get to know each other on a personal level and to better understand each side's world view and identity. One component of the mifgash is a formal discussion session which will explore topics such as: What is the impact of terrorism on society? What does it mean to be Jewish in the modern world? What binds North American Jews and Israelis together? The only way to understand a country is to understand its people. This is your chance to really get to know Israel through Israelis your age.
Sunrise Ascent to Masada via the Snake Path
Masada is a desert fortress built on the heights of a flat-topped mountain that overlooks the Dead Sea. After climbing to its plateau summit along the Snake Path route, we will tour Masada's ancient ruins and hear the epic famous story of the breakaway band of Jewish rebels that fled from the Roman army to Masada some two thousand years ago for a final stand.
Desert Waterfalls in Ein Gedi Park
Along the shore of the Dead Sea rises the Judean Mountains. These mountains contain some of the driest land on earth -- with a couple of significant exceptions. One of those oases in the desert is Ein Gedi. A steady stream of water runs through this national reserve year round giving life to a narrow band of desert. A large number of Ibex and other desert mammals call Ein Gedi home and can nearly always be found along the water's edge. This short hike contains plenty of opportunities to swim and is especially relaxing and refreshing.
Desert Outpost at Sde Boker
Located on the rim of the Zin Canyon wilderness, Sde Boker is a desert kibbutz (agricultural commune). In addition to being a pioneer in desert agriculture, Sde Boker is well know for one of its most famous members in the past -- David Ben Gurion, Israel first prime minister and one of the central founders of the modern Israel.
Camel Tour & Traditional Bedouin Hafla Dinner Feast
No visit to Israel would be complete without a camel ride. These land cruisers of the desert are famous for their hardiness. We'll have the chance to mount up and go for a spin in the desert. Camel riding is followed by a traditional hafla feast in a Bedouin tent. The Bedouin are famous for their hospitality and truly delicious food. Relax on floor pillows in the tent as we dine in style the Bedouin way.
Archeological Caves of Hirbet Midras
This intricate network of underground caves was built during the Roman Era as a hideaway for members of the Bar Kochbah rebellion. As we venture deep down into these once-inhabited caves and tunnels, we will learn about how the community was able to survive underground. And since Beit Guvrin is still an active archaeological site today, we will also learn about the science/techniques of archeology and even try our luck digging in a special section of the ruins. No, you can not keep what you find…
Nahalat Binyamin Craft Market and Street Festival
Located in the Yemenite Quarter, one of the Tel Aviv's earliest neighborhoods, Nachalat Binyamin pedestrian mall is a colorful open-air bazaar of handicrafts, street performances, pantomime and live music. Twice a week, the street becomes full of tourists and Israelis alike who wander among the stands, sit at the fashionable outdoor cafes, and simply share the lively atmosphere that is all around. Nahalat Binyamin is trendy Tel Aviv at its finest.
Historic Jaffa on the Mediterranean Shores
Our journey in Israel began along the shores of the Mediterranean and concludes on the same shores (a little to the south...). Jaffa is an ancient city that has now been incorporated into modern Tel Aviv. In addition to a maze of stone alleys and a local artist community, perhaps one of the most memorable places in Jaffa is shopping in the Shuk. A perfect way to close out a once-in-a-lifetime 10-day Israel experience.
