CO

ITINERARY

Important Notes:

Connect To Israel tours seek to bless Israel and the Jewish people. We do not use Palistinian bus companies or hotels in East Jerusalem. We do not tour in Palestinian controlled areas or support  the Palestinian economy.

HIGHLIGHTS

Walk through the ruins of Shiloh where the Tabernacle stood for 369 years

Talk with the son of the first Jew to purchase a home within the Old City walls after the 1967 war

Shabbat dinner and Torah study  in Jerusalem

Explore ancient, modern and future Jerusalem in a way you will never forget

Breathtaking views on the Golan and Galilee. Mikvah in the Jordan, if you desire.

Hike to the springs of Ein Gedi (where David hid from Saul) and view the waterfalls and wildlife

Wine tastings in the Shomron.  Swim in the Dead Sea. So much more!

DAY 1: FLIGHT TO ISRAEL

Our journey of connecting to the Land of Israel begins with flights from your home airports.  You will receive information prior to your departure with all the details you’ll need for both the flight and your Connect to Israel experience. Since we have people joining us from all over the US, Canada and other countries we will meet in Israel. We will be with you every step of the way to help with booking flights, passports and any other needs you may have.

DAY 2: ARIEL AND ESHEL HASHOMRON HOTEL

Mike and Hanoch will be waiting to greet you at Ben Gurion Airport upon your arrival in Israel.  We will meet with the rest of our group, arriving from all over the world and leave together on our bus.  To th west will be the Mediterranean Sea and to our east the Hills of Samaria as we head up to Ariel, the ‘capital’ of Samaria, where we’ll be spending our first two nights at the unique and beautiful Eshel Hashomron Hotel.  After checking in and having dinner, we’ll experience the Biblical Gardens and the incredible full-scale model of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) on site.

DAY 3: NORTHERN SAMARIA, ELON MOREH, MOUNT OF BLESSING, ITAMAR

Today we’ll begin seeing the sites of Northern Samaria including Elon Moreh and view the site of the promise that Abraham received.  Lunch will be a delicious meal coupled with a wine tasting at the Har Bracha (Mountain of Blessing) Visitor’s Center.  From there, we’ll go on to the town of Itamar where we will meet with former mayor, Moshe Goldsmith and his wife Leah. Itamar is the largest land mass city in Samaria. There will be many amazing surprises on this day. Prepare to leave a piece of you here.

DAY 4: SAMARIA, SHILOH, MA'ALE LEVONA AND JERUSALEM

The day begins with an olive oil and wine tasting at the Tura Winery. On to Shiloh, where the Tabernacle stood for 369 years. From Shiloh, it is “Up to Jerusalem” with a stop and tour of the Psagot Winery. Before checking into our hotel, we will spend some time in the Old City of Jerusalem. Time to meet new friends such as Moshe and Dov of the Shorashim Shop and Udi of the Blue and White Art Gallery. Time to check into our hotel and have a wonderful dinner and spend the evening on Ben Yehuda St. for those in need of "Retail Therapy."

DAY 5: WESTERN WALL (KOTEL) TUNNELS. DAVIDSON CENTER AND THE OLD CITY

Our first full day in Jerusalem will begin with an inspiring tour of the Kotel (Western Wall) Tunnels.  From there, we’ll visit the Davidson Center and the excavations of the Southern steps of the Temple Mount.  There will be time for personal prayer at the Western Wall, of course.  After lunch, we’ll visit with the son of the man who was the first one to buy a home in the restored Jewish Quarter after the June 1967 war.  Our dear friends, Moshe & Dov Kempinski of the Shorashim Shop, will talk to us about a range of topics – all fascinating!  Before heading back to our hotel for dinner, we’ll take some time for a bit of “retail therapy,” also known as shopping.  After dinner, it’s back to Ben Yehuda street for a true Israeli cultural experience.  A bit more retail therapy might be needed too.

DAY 6: TEMPLE INSTITUTE, BURNT HOUSE. THE OLD CITY AND SHABBAT PREPARATIONS This will be a short day as Israel prepares for Shabbat.  We will begin with a special tour of the Temple Institute and the Burnt House. We will spend more time in the Old City visiting the Broad Wall and the Cardo.  We will return to the hotel early to prepare for Shabbat and our special group Shabbat dinner.  This is always a very special occasion because we will have the opportunity to fellowship together.  There is nothing like the start of Shabbat in Jerusalem….

DAY 7: SHABBAT IN JERUSALEM

Shabbat – a day of rest and a chance to renew our bodies and our spirits.  After a leisurely breakfast, we will gather for our Torah study.  Afterwards, the options are to walk and experience the peace of Shabbat in Jerusalem or to rest some more.  Shabbat afternoons are always a meaningfull time for all of our groups.

DAY 8: BONUS DAY IN JERUSALEM

Though our time in Jerusalem has been filled with the sights, sounds and people of this amazing city, there is still more on our agenda. Yad Vashem (Holocaust Memorial) as well as a number of surprises will make this a very defining day for us all.

DAY 12: THE BEAUTY OF THE MEDITERANEAN

Our last day is spent along the Mediterranean coast.   Mt. Carmel, Caesarea, the Roman Aqueduct as well as an opportunity to sit, listen to the waves and reflect on our days together. Then it is on to Ben Gurion airport for your flight back to exile.

DAY 13: BACK TO OUR TEMPORARY HOMES

Time to get over jet lag and begin to plan for your next trip to Israel. Connect To Israel 2.o, "Next Steps Toward Home" is being planned now.

The above itinerary is a guideline. We make every effort to not only experience the places and people listed, but to give much more. Due to scheduling, weather and security issues, changes may have to be made.

For those who would like to arrive in Israel earier or stay later, we will be glad to work with you. Any transportaion, lodging or other incured expenses are your responsibility.

DAY 10: WALKING THE FOOTSTEPS OF YESHUA IN THE GALILEE

Time to take in the beauty of Northern Israel. A couple of surprise stops along the way and in the Galilee. From the breathtaking view from the Arbel Cliffs, Capernaum, Ginosar and a boat ride on the Kinneret - the Sea of Galilee - we walk in the steps of Yeshua..

DAY 9: SOUTHERN JUDEA AND THE JORDON RIVER VALLEY

This morning we leave Jerusalem and head down to the Jordan River Valley. We will visit Qumran, Ein Gedi and have time for a “float” in the Dead Sea. On our drive north we make a stop at Qasr el Yahud, which holds history from Abraham, the Hebrews, King Saul and the Gospels. Our evening will be a bonus night at the Eshel Hashomron hotel.

DAY 11: GOLAN HEIGHTS, GAMLA, MT. BENTAL, TEL DAN

Our day will be spent on the Golan Heights. We will visit Gamla, Mt. Bental, Katzrin, Tel Dan and many other sites of Israel’s past, present and future.