DISCOVERING THE
LAND OF ISRAEL
With Atlanta Israel Coalition
& David Sussman
November 6 - 15, 2022
Dates:
November 6 – 15, 2022
Program highlights include:
- Engage with some of Israel’s most fascinating personalities
- Explore the history, culture, and spirit of Jerusalem
- Visit the first Hebrew City of Tel Aviv
- Walk through the quaint alleyways of the mystical city of Tzfat
- Sail on the breathtaking Sea of Galilee at sunset
- Welcome Shabbat at the Kotel (Western Wall) with the spirited services
- Indulge in Israel’s culinary scene & sip Israel’s top wine
- Pamper yourself at a Dead Sea Spa
- Delve into geopolitics on the Syrian/Golan Border with an Army Officer
- Revel in an outstanding Musical experience
- Enjoy a scrumptious Barbeque dinner at your tour guide’s home
- Experience off the beaten track encounters
AIC Israel Tour Info and Q & A Session
Join CHERYL DORCHINSKY, AIC Executive Director; tour guide DAVID SUSSMAN; and DAVID BRATSPIS and YAIR JABLINOWITZ from Israel Destination to learn the exciting details about our trip to Israel and the optional Petra/Eilat extension. If your questions are not answered, please email us at the addresses shown on the Our Tour Guide and Contact Us pages.
For any further questions please contact us at:
Tour operated and planned by
Israel Destination:
Project manager
David@israeldestination.co.il
+972-54-311-1039
Discovering the Land of Israel
with the Atlanta Israel Coalition (AIC)
November 6 - 15, 2022
Itinerary
Depart USA - Sunday, November 6, 2022
Arrange your flight to arrive at Ben Gurion Airport before 12 noon Israeli time on Monday, November 7.
Note: Israeli buffet breakfast included at each hotel
DAY 1 - Monday, November 7, 2022
Welcome to Israel.
You will be met and welcomed by a David Sussman Israel Tours representative upon landing. You will be transported in a bus to the hotel. Packaged Lunch Included after arrival.
Travel to Tel Aviv Hotel.
Our first stop is Tel Aviv, Israel’s “City that Never Sleeps. It is the financial and technological hub of Israel as well as a major center of culture and entertainment. Incredible architecture, museums, malls, outdoor markets, historic buildings and neighborhoods – and don’t forget the incredible stretch of beautiful sandy beaches!
Today’s touring depends on arrival time and Israel’s quarantine requirements.
Orientation, Introductions, and Included Dinner in Hotel.
Introductions will be made, itineraries and maps will be given out as well as a pamphlet with general information about Israel. In addition to these formalities we will play a few games to break the ice and get to know one another.
Overnight lodging: Herods, Tel Aviv
DAY 2 - Tuesday, November 8, 2022
Enjoy a guided tour of Ayalon Institute.
In 1945, forty-five members of a resistance movement called the Haganah established this secret factory. From above, the structure seemed to be the laundry center of the Kibbutz.Underground, though, 2.5 million bullets were being produced in a secret mission in preparation of the War of Independence. Did the British ever suspect? We’ll find out here.
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Carmel Market and Craft Fair (Lunch on your own).
Every Tuesday and Friday the Carmel Market turns into an amazing site of color and sound as 100’s of artists display their unique one of a kind designs alongside street performers and musicians. It’s also a great place to enjoy bourekas, an Israeli pastry from a street vendor or fresh bread from a delicious bakery, or maybe even stop at the Beer Bazaar – all good choices for a light lunch at Tel Aviv’s famous market place.
Tour the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation founded by and named for Israel’s former Prime Minister and President Shimon Peres. Utilizing interactive exhibits, Immersive VR, and a dazzling array of exhibits the local expert guides will show you generations of Israeli tech achievements that serve in support of prosperity and peace.
Walk the streets of Old City Jaffa.
Built 4,000 years ago, the Jaffa Port is the oldest port in the world. It was from here that the prophet Jonah embarked on his ill-fated journey, and building materials for the First and Second Temples were delivered to Jaffa as well. Besides continuing as an active port today, it has also been developed as a cultural attraction. Plenty of awesome food here, too!
Included Dinner in the hotel.
“From Dream to Reality to Dream” – Talk on the birth of Israel and how to advocate for it properly
Day 3 - Wednesday, November 9, 2022
Explore Caesarea National Park.
What a magnificent sight! This prestigious port city was established by Herod the Great and flourished during the Byzantine Empire. The remains of this incredible city are contained in the Caesarea National Park which we will visit, along with the Roman Amphitheater, the Hippodrome Horse Racing Arena and the ever-impressive Roman Aqueducts.
Wine tasting and Included Lunch at the Tishbi Winery. We will also tour the winery
Visit the Roman Era Fisherman’s village of Migdal.
Migdal was a 2nd Temple period fishing village located on the shores of the Sea of Galilee just north of Tiberias. Its ruins boast the earliest depiction of the menorah from the Temple, a 2nd Temple period synagogue, as well as a wall built to protect it from the Roman who destroyed the city in 67’ CE. It is also believed to be where Christians believe Mary Magdalene was from.
Travel to Tiberias.
Learn about Tiberias old & new, the ancient city founded in the 1st century sits on Israel’s main source of fresh water, the Sea of Galilee. Learn about the famous sages Rambam & Rabbi Akiva, their unique lives, and circumstances of death; both are interred in Tiberias.
Enjoy a Sea of Galilee Cruise at Sunset.
We will have the whole boat to ourselves to enjoy a beautiful sunset on the Sea of Galilee. The boat will take us to one of Israel’s 4 Holy cities and where we will be spending the night.
Included Dinner at HaBikta Smokehouse
Overnight lodging: Kinar Galilee Hotel, on the Sea of Galilee
DAY 4 - Thursday, November 10, 2022
Walk the streets of the Old City of Tzfat (Safed).
Can you feel it? Tzfat (Safed) is one of the four holy cities in Israel. It has served as a spiritual center since the 1600’s when famous Kabbalists roamed here. This beautiful city full of cobblestone alleyways attracts art lovers, soul-seekers, and historians with its medieval synagogues, galleries and undeniable mystical atmosphere.
Enjoy the sights and shopping during free time in the Artist Colony; Lunch on your own.
Enjoy a Marom Golan ATV excursion
Enjoy views of Syria along the Syrian border on Israel’s northern border. While blazing along the trails you will see the majestic Mount Hermon, the picturesque Druze villages of the Golan and bunkers and trenches left over from the Yom Kippur War.
Travel to Tel Saki to meet with Major (Res.) Yaakov Selavan, Founder and Program Director of “Slingshot”.
Encounter Israel’s most dynamic and unpredictable border from strategic lookouts facing Syria. Then, at an IDF training zone, hear personal accounts from a fighter in the 2014 Gaza Protective Edge campaign. Understand the IDF’s moral and professional challenges on the 21st Century battlefield.
Included Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight lodging: Prima Kings Hotel, Jerusalem
DAY 5 - Friday, November 11, 2022
Enjoy a Walking tour of Zion Gate & the Jewish Quarter.
Enter the Old City that the Jews were forced to flee from in 1948. Zion gate was the scene of many battles and the walls bear the scars to prove it. This will be a monumental moment as we enter the holy city and head straight for the Jewish Quarter.
Lunch on your own in the Jewish Quarter.
It is incredible to think how much history lies within this minute but extraordinary area of land! The Jewish Quarter is one of the four traditional quarters in the Old City of Jerusalem; it remains one of the single most-visited spots in all of Israel.
Explore the Old City and soak in the views. Aish Hatorah, Rooftop view and the Hall of Notes, short Western Wall visit.
The observatory on the rooftop of Yeshivat Aish HaTorah offers the most amazing views of the Western Wall and the Old City. This breathtaking sight, coupled with some short videos we will see at the Kirk Douglas Theater, is our introduction to the Western Wall.
Candle lighting.
Travel to Western Wall for Shabbat
Watch as Jerusalem transforms late Friday afternoon from busy, bustling streets to shut-down stores, silent streets and alleyways as buses stop running and the city prepares for Shabbat. You will pass through the Jaffa gate, proceed toward the Kotel, walk by the Golden Menorah and arrive at the Western Wall just as Shabbat begins.
Shabbat Services at the Kotel amongst the masses of visitors and worshipers.
Walk the cobblestone streets back to our hosts for Shabbat Dinner.
Included Dinner with fascinating local families or in the hotel. (According to your preference).
Overnight lodging: Prima Kings Hotel, Jerusalem
DAY 6 - Saturday, November 12, 2022
Revel in the tranquility of Jerusalem on Shabbat morning on your own. Options include a visit to one of the many local synagogues, museums, or monuments.
Included Lunch at the hotel.
Enjoy a walking tour of Old City – Jaffa Gate and the Armenian, Muslim, and Christian Quarters.
Begin at the iconic Jaffa Gate. Learn about who built the walls, when, and why. As we will follow the inside part of the wall to the Armenian Quarter. Ever wonder why there was an Armenian Quarter? It makes sense there is a Jewish, Christian, and Muslim quarters, but why an Armenian. Learn why and so much more.
Enjoy a walking tour of Old City – Jaffa Gate and the Armenian, Muslim, and Christian Quarters.
Begin at the iconic Jaffa Gate. Learn about who built the walls, when, and why. As we will follow the inside part of the wall to the Armenian Quarter. Ever wonder why there was an Armenian Quarter? It makes sense there is a Jewish, Christian, and Muslim quarters, but why an Armenian. Learn why and so much more.
Havdalah Ceremony
Included Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight lodging: Prima Kings Hotel, Jerusalem
DAY 7 - Sunday, November 13, 2022
Visit Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, a short jaunt to the waterfalls of David Stream.
Visit the historic Masada National Park.
Join us for an exciting ride via cable car to the top of Masada and explore what remains of King Herod’s palace. Take a peek into history as you view the preserved baths, cisterns and barracks of this ancient fortress. Many Israeli soldiers are sworn in on Masada today as it symbolizes courage and heroism. Learn about the heroes of this awe-inspiring place here.
Relax and enjoy the Included Lunch at the Ein Bokek Spa at the Dead Sea – Who wants to go floating??
The Dead Sea, the Yam Hamelach, literally meaning “Sea of Salt,” is 417 meters below sea level; the lowest place on earth. The density of the water allows us to float in a way not to be experienced anywhere else. The salty water also contains unique healing properties which, combined with the nutrient-filled mud found on its shores, creates one fun, luxurious and healthy day!
Meet Guy Erlich, Owner and Expert Cultivator of the Balm Of Gilead Farm.
“At the Balm Of Gilead Farm, we grow rare biblical plants and produce a wide range of products from them, including essential oils, incense, soaps, and more. We are the only place in the world that cultivates some of these plants, including the recently revived Balm Of Gilead, grown on the northern banks of the Dead Sea for the first time since Biblical times.”
Included Dinner at the hotel.
“Meet The Israelis”- Scintillating conversation program with not-so-ordinary Israelis, Meeting+Q&A.
Overnight lodging: Prima Kings Hotel, Jerusalem
DAY 8 - Monday, November 14, 2022
Tour Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum and Memorial.
So powerful. We will visit the museum established in 1963 as the world center for Holocaust research, education and commemoration. Along with survivor testimonies, powerful displays, exhibits and artifacts, Yad Vashem also honors the memories of and pays tribute to those who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust. Walk along the Valley of the Communities and be moved by this 2.5-acre monument, dedicated to those neighborhoods which no longer exist.
Get a peek into the Pina Chama, a refreshment station for soldiers and police serving in the area staffed by local “aunties and uncles” as a token of appreciation. Share our Lunch spread (included) with any service members that stop by. The Pina Chama is adjacent to the Oz VeGaon Nature Reserve established in memory of the “3 Boys” – Gil-ad, Naftali, and Eyal – at the Gush Etzion Junction.
Learn about the Values of the IDF and experience a hands-on adventure with IDF counter-terror trainers at the Caliber 3 Training Facility
Caliber 3 was established in 2007 by Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Col. Sharon Gat (Res.) and has since become the leading Counter Terror & Security training academy in Israel. Today Caliber-3, run by active military members of the IDF, offers top security solutions, high threat protection, intelligence operations and tactical training to military, law enforcement, government agencies and commercial clients around the globe.
This exhilarating activity is geared to tourists of any age who would like to learn about antiterrorism tactics. Experts in anti-terrorism combat tell true stories, explain the tactics used to fight terrorism and offer hands-on experience for all participants in shooting weapons.
Dialogue with an Arab Palestinian and an Israeli, members of “Roots, Judhur, Shorashim”, an organization dedicated to fostering a grassroots movement of understanding, nonviolence, and transformation among Israelis and Palestinians.
Included BBQ Dinner and entertainment at David Sussman’s home in Efrat.
Join my family and me in the beautiful Gush Etzion region and our incredible community of Efrat. I’ll invite some neighbors and we will enjoy the sunset with some amazing local wine and music. We will experience an intimate concert with local soulful musician. You are in for a night of incredible musicianship, inspirational storytelling, and delightful entertainment.
Day 9 - Tuesday, November 15, 2022
Visit with teachers and students at the Yad B Yad (Hand in Hand) Bilingual School in Jerusalem.
Hand in Hand is building inclusion and equality between Arab and Jewish citizens of Israel through a growing network of bilingual, integrated schools and communities. Launched in 1997 with 50 children, Hand in Hand now enrolls over 2,000 students in seven schools from Jerusalem to the Galilee. Learn how Hand in Hand combats one of Israel’s greatest existential threats: the growing social alienation and lack of trust between Jewish and Arab citizens of Israel.
Tastings and Tour of the Machane Yehuda Market. It will be our hearty Included Lunch.
Thrill your senses! With more than 250 vendors, this bustling outdoor marketplace is considered the heartbeat of central Jerusalem. You can find whatever you’re looking for at the shuk: clothing, fresh produce, beautiful Judaica, fragrant spices, bars, restaurants – and an incredible array of colorful characters and cool artwork throughout. Once we are done shopping we will have a class with a local chef on how to make the perfect Israeli meal.
Tour the Kotel Tunnel – The Western Wall Heritage Foundation.
Feel the years fall away! You will stand just a few feet away from where the Holy Ark stood, pass by ancient water trenches, view actual streets from the Second Temple era and feel the centuries-old yearning of the Jewish people for the Temple to be rebuilt. These famous underground tunnels contain pieces of entire rooms from the Second Temple period.
Included Farewell Banquet Dinner at a special chef restaurant and Trip Summary.
What an amazing trip and what great memories to take home with you! As you head back to the airport, know that we’re thrilled you could be here with us. We hope you’ve enjoyed your trip and we look forward to welcoming you back to Israel again soon.
Travel to the Airport to return home or continue on to the optional Eilat Petra Extension.
Travelers returning to the US are advised to schedule return flights after 11:30pm on November 15th.
Tour Package Includes:
- David Sussman, one of Israel’s premier English-speaking licensed tour guides will be with us for the duration of the tour and share his stories and insights into this beautiful, spiritual land. David is well-known to the AIC community as he led AIC’s Re-Discovering the Land of Israel virtual tours.
- Meeting & assistance by your Israel Destination representative within the arrivals terminal at Ben Gurion Airport
- Deluxe hotels in Jerusalem, Sea of Galilee, and Tel Aviv, as per itinerary
- Deluxe air-conditioned, comfortable modern motor coach, featuring large panoramic windows, reclining seats, and foot rests
- Porterage at airport and hotels
- Touring and entrance fees, as per your itinerary
- “Whisper” personal listening device to amplify the tour guide’s voice.
- Speakers fees, as per itinerary
- 2-3 meals per day, including daily buffet breakfasts, 9 dinners including Shabbat, and 6 lunches, per the itinerary.
- Full board on Shabbat
- Full support of logistical Israel Destination staff
- Health Insurance Coverage
Tour Package Does Not Include:
- Airfare
- Travel insurance – We highly recommend that each traveler purchase travel insurance through the vendor of their choice or through Mark Reinike, Travel Insurance Center, Toll Free:1-866-979-6753 Ext. 3648, Direct: 402-343-3648, mreineke@travelinsurancecenter.com, www.travelinsurancecenter.com
- Tips for Guide and Driver
- Any costs associated with Covid testing or any other checks required by the State of Israel
For any further questions please contact us at:
Tour operated and planned by
Israel Destination:
Project manager
David@israeldestination.co.il
+972-54-311-1039
Led by David Sussman Israel Tours:
Tour guide for AIC’s Re-Discovering the Land of Israel virtual tours.
David Sussman is well known for his mastery of story-telling, charisma, and colorful personality. David came to Israel on a visit in 2001 and never left. Since then he has immersed himself in the land and culture. After David’s service in the Israeli army in a combat unit as a lone soldier and his near-death experience in the Second Lebanon War, David realized the importance of educating people about Israel. He graduated from the Archeological Seminar’s two-year course in 2009 and become a licensed tour guide from the Israel Ministry of Tourism. David has appeared on television telling his amazing survival story and has spoken to a multitude of groups including many high schools, colleges, and independent groups as well as putting together many memorable trips to Israel for 100’s of people through his website – https://davidsussmanisraeltours.com/ David now lives in Efrat nearby Jerusalem with his wife and two children.
Trip costs:
$3,599
Based on double occupancy
$1,100 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
* Trip is based on a minimum of 30 participants.
For any further questions please contact us at:
Tour operated and planned by
Israel Destination:
Project manager
David@israeldestination.co.il
+972-54-311-1039
The Atlanta Israel Coalition was founded in late 2018 by a group of committed volunteers who strive to unite the pro-Israel community in Atlanta and beyond. AIC’s mission is to foster a non-partisan, multi-faith collective effort to amplify pro-Israel voices. We achieve this with programming which simultaneously educates, enlightens, and inspires while combating misinformation that fuels anti-Zionism. AIC’s vision is a world free of anti-Zionism. A world where people put aside their own differences and come together in informed support of Israel.
For any further question please contact us at:
Tour operated and planned
by Israel Destination:
Project manager
David@israeldestination.co.il
+972-54-311-1039
Eilat/Petra Optional Extension Package Includes:
- Travel from Tel Aviv to Eilat.
- Arrive at B Hotel Eilat
Day 2 – Wednesday, November 16, 2022
- Breakfast in the morning and then we will head to the Arava border crossing.
- Upon completing the border procedures, we will drive north to the enchanted city of Petra.
- Lunch upon arrival at the Movenpick Hotel – included and upgraded beyond standard.
- Guided tour of Ancient Petra
- Jordanian guide will take you into Petra and show you the highlights of the Rose Red Nabatean city. You will enter the city through the Siq and be rewarded with the most famous monument in Jordan: The Treasury. You will also visit the theater, the tombs and façades, the colonnaded street and more.
- Check in and Dinner at Movenpick Hotel.
- Option to return to Petra after dark for a self-guided experience of exploring Petra illuminated by night.
Day 3 – Thursday, November 17, 2022
- We will depart from Petra after breakfast and make out way to Wadi Rum
- Explore the desert nature with a two-hour Jeep tour
- Meet our experienced local English speaking Bedouin guide and explore Wadi Rum by 4×4 for 2 hours. Pass the famous seven pillars of wisdom described by Lawrence of Arabia and the Famous Ghazaly Gorge with its ancient Rock inscriptions. We continue the desert-adventure with a short view of the “Small Arch” and the Great Sand Dunes.
- Lunch included at a Bedouin encampment
- Cross back into Israel
- Visit the site of Um Rash Rash, and hear the thrilling story of the Ink Flag and conquest of this Red Sea port in 1948.
- Visit the Underwater observatory – time permitting
- Travel to the airport to return home / or travel to a central location in Tel Aviv
* Travelers returning to the US are advised to schedule return flights after 11:30pm * Meals will be Kosher Style and certified kosher standard might be available upon advanced request, at an additional cost.
Trip costs:
$1,850 Per Person
Dates:
November 15 – 17, 2022
Rate Includes:
- Transport Tuesday night to Eilat and Thursday back to Ben Gurion (flight one way and minibus one way)
- David Sussman will join with the group
- 1 night lodging in Deluxe Hotel in Eilat
- Breakfast in Eilat
- Entry fees to Eilat underwater observatory (time permitting)
- Transfer Eilat-Arava Border – Eilat
- Meet & assist at Arava border where permitted
- All transfers in Jordan as per above program.
- Jordanian English speaking Tour Guides for 2 days
- Entrance Fees to Petra both day and night & Wadi Rum
- Departure Tax, Visa & tips approx. $150 per person
- PCR Tests (in israel) – approximate $25
- 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
- 2 hrs. tour in Wadi Rum by 4X4 Jeep drive
- 1 night at a 5-star Hotel in Petra: Movenpick, or similar
Rate excludes:
- Personal Expenses and Private Insurance
- Anything that is not mentioned as included
Based on:
A minimum of 16 people in double occupancy lodging
For any further questions please contact us at:
Tour operated and planned by
Israel Destination:
Project manager
David@israeldestination.co.il
+972-54-311-1039
