Sample Itinerary

Hike challenging trails in remote areas of Israel, confront Israel’s environmental challenges, visit Yad VaShem to understand how Holocaust memory is preserved in Israel, swim in the Dead Sea and the Mediterranean, discuss peace and security with important Israeli figures and everyday Israelis, experience Bedouin hospitality in the desert, participate in a meaningful community service project, make lifelong Israeli and American friends, and have lots of fun!

Sample Itinerary

The following is an actual itinerary from a previous program. Your itinerary may differ according to the actual dates, the time of year, availability of speakers, and other logistical concerns.

Accepted participants will receive their itineraries within several weeks of their departure.

Day 1: Bruchim Habaim/Welcome to Israel

Arrival Israeli participants welcome you. Together you travel south to the desert to begin your 10-day adventure on this Israel Adventure!
Travel North to the Galilee and Golan
Opening Ceremony at the Swiss Forest Start off your trip with a ceremony at an overlook of the Sea of Galilee.
Check in and Relax at the Hotel
Har Bental Take a short hike to a peak of the Golan Heights, with an overview of the Israel/Syria border.
Orientation Program You and your Israeli peers begin to learn about each other and review the goals and highlights of the program.
Overnight: Kibbutz Guest House--Golan Heights

Day 2: The Golan: Issues of Security and Ideology

Tzfat Wind through the blue-painted alleys of this mystical city and learn about the origins of the Kabballah, the famous rabbis that lived here, and artist community that remains.
Water Hike in the Jilaboon Hike along a stream in the Golan - an important tributary to the Sea of Galilee. Learn about the historic significance and the geological intricacies of the Golan.
Hamat Gader Relax in the natural hot springs along the Yarmuk River. Explore the ancient baths that date back to the second century.
Overnight: Kibbutz Guest House--Golan Heights

Day 3: The People Who Made Modern Israel

Community Service Participate in a Community Service Project. Make the bond with Israel a personal one as you give back the gift you have received.
Hike down Mt. Arbel Lookout over the entire Galilee onto the Golan Heights and climb down the cliffs on the shores of the sea of Galilee, stopping to explore ancient caves along the way.
Travel to Tel Aviv
Independence Hall The site where David Ben Gurion declared the Independence of the State of Israel. Learn about the challenges and emotion of that historic moment.
Yitzhak Rabin Square Learn about the life & legacy of Israel's Former Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. Israelis share with you their memories of his assassination and discuss the impact of his legacy on Israel.
Evening Walk through the Streets of Old Jaffa Stroll through the art galleries and eat some of Jaffa's famous hummus.
Overnight: Hotel--Tel Aviv


Day 4: Yerushalayim shel Zahav - Jerusalem of Gold

Travel to Jerusalem
Sataf Enjoy a leisurely hike on the outskirts of Jerusalem with many panoramic views.
Old City of Jerusalem - Jewish Quarter Explore the vast history within the walls of the ancient city. Share in the legacy of Jewish life spanning generations.
Western Wall Visit the wall and leave a note of prayer. Continue on a walking tour of the Jewish Quarter of the Old City.
Western Wall Tunnels Visit the excavation of the Temple Mount hundreds of feet below the Old City.
Overnight:Hotel--Jerusalem



Day 5: Jewish Learning/Jewish Memory

Yad Vashem Israel's Holocaust Memorial on Mt. Herzl - Participants with relatives that are survivors share their stories. Israelis share the impact that the Holocaust has on their life in Israel. Learn about the collective and the individual ways that Holocaust memory is preserved in Israel.
Bikur Holim Community service activity at a local hospital in preparation for Shabbat.
Ben YehudahTime for shopping at the Jerusalem Pedestrian Mall
Kabbalat Shabbat Experience the uniqueness of Shabbat in Jerusalem. Enjoy a festive Shabbat meal & singing.
Overnight: Hotel--Jerusalem





Day 6: Mah Yafeh Hayom - Shabbat Shalom

T'filot/Worship Options Discussion on Parashat Hashavua (Weekly Torah Portion)
Shabbat Lunch
Walking Tour of Jerusalem Neighborhoods
Havdallah
Travel South to the Dead Sea
Overnight: Masada Guest House


Day 7: Jewish Resistance and Persitence

Sunrise on Masada Hear the story of the heroic struggle of the Jewish People on Masada. Learn about the historical and contemporary significance.
Dead Sea Your chance to float in the Dead Sea - the lowest place on earth!
Sde Boker Visit the former home of David Ben Gurion, Israel's first Prime Minister. Learn about Ben Gurion and his passion for cultivating Israel's desert.
Desert Camel Trek On the back of a camel, enjoy the far reaches of the Negev desert.
Bedouin Hospitality Meal Enjoy a feast while learning about Bedouin life & culture.
Overnight: Ha'an Hashayarut Bedouin Tents


Day 8: Let the Desert Bloom...

Hike through the Natural Cliff Formations at the Ein Uvdat Preserve Learn about the ancient significance of this desert oasis, and prepare for a brief, but challenging ascent put of the gorge!
Rappelling in Machtesh Ramon - the largest naturally-formed crater in the world
Travel to Eilat
Um Rashrash Visit the site of the former Turkish outpost that would become the City of Eilat
Overnight: Kibbutz Guest House--Eilat

Day 9: The Challenge of the Desert

Har Tzfachot Challenge yourself and work together as a group as you climb through the foothills of Israel's Southern Desert.
Swimming on the North Beach and relax on Eilat's famous Beach along the Red Sea. Return to Jerusalem
Har Herzl Israeli peers lead you through Israel's military cemetery. They talk about the impact of army and war on their lives, and share stories of Israeli dignitaries, and of their own friends who are buried there.
Evening Cultural Program and Dinner
Overnight: Hotel--Jerusalem



Day 10: L'hitraot - Until We Meet Again...

Time to relax, shop, and say goodbye to friends
Final Discussion and Dinner
Return to the Old City and the Western Wall A chance to leave a final note of prayer and to see it again before you leave this special place.
Departure from Ben Gurion Airport