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Family Experience

Tentatively: Summer 2024

Join us for this life-changing experience

as you explore the Land of our Ancestors with the next generation

creating memories and instilling Jewish values that will last a lifetime!

Logistics and tours provided by the one and only Patrick Amar of Israel ETC

itinerary

Itinerary

See past itinerary below. This year's trip will include volunteer opportunities as well as age-appropriate opportunities to hear from October 7th heroes.

MONDAY 

Welcome Home

Arrival Transfer

You will be met at the airport by a driver who will take you to your hotel in the north.  According to current Ministry of Tourism COVID guidelines, you may be required to quarantine at the hotel until receiving a negative result of a COVID-19 test, which is taken upon arrival at Ben Gurion airport. As of today, the results normally take between a few hours, and up to 24 hours to be released. If allowed, we will add activities to this day.

If you want your arrival to be seamless, or you need a little extra assistance , we can arrange for a VIP representative to meet you at the plane, and walk you through passport control, baggage claim, and directly to the waiting driver with no delays.

Israeli Flags

TUESDAY 

Vineyard

The Land

Experience the special nature of the Land of Israel

Our first stop today will be a unique opportunity to learn about the agricultural laws and their significance to the land of Israel, based on the Torah laws for the Sabbatical year.

Mt. Arbel Hike

The view is worth it!

Time for a modest hike! lt's worth it! We will ascend Mt. Arbel, to the most iconic viewpoint over the Sea of Galilee. On the way up we will visit the ancient Arbel fortress built inside the rock. On the way down, we will visit The ancient Arbel synagogue and hike down the Arbel wadi under the cliffs.

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Rusty Window Frame

Safed

Explore the mystical city

Visit Safed and fall in love with the spiritual feeling while strolling the ancient alleyways. Safed is known for it's beautiful historic synagogues, jewelry and art made by local Israeli designers, homemade cheese and wines, and spectacular mountain top views. 

Decks

Dinner by the sea

If you've been on a Momentum trip you know that no trip is complete without a visit to Decks! Enjoy an elegant grill restaurant by the Sea of Galilee, followed by a night cruise around the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) 

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WEDNESDAY 

ATVs

ATV Adventure

Get ready for a 4 x 4 off road ATV adventure in the Galilee overlooking the Hula Valley! A local guide will lead the way to some of the most incredible views of Northern Israel. The ATVs are appropriate for all ages; anyone with a driver’s license can drive.

Mount Bental

Panoramic views of the Golan and Syria

We are heading up to the Syrian border for Mount Bental, one of Israel’s favorite mountain peaks to visit, partly due to the great panoramic views of the Golan and even Syria but also because Mount Bental was the site of a courageous battle fought during Israel’s war for the Golan. A short drive up, the mountain-top provides both scenic beauty and a glimpse back at the past – with bunkers open to visitors. Free time for lunch.

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Escape Room Items

Tel Saki

Bunker Challenge

Next we are off for a unique experience - the Tel Saki Bunker Challenge - we will descend into a real bunker opposite the Syrian border that turns into an educational ‘Escape Room’ experience, with unexpected challenges awaiting amidst fear and darkness.

Rafting

Rafting on the Jordan River

Before we leave the north, let's enjoy Rafting on the Jordan River. This is good for all ages, and a must-do in the hot summer. Don't worry, this ain’t the Colorado river, it’s Jewish rafting…. 

River Raft Rowing
Dead Sea

Dead Sea

Drive down to the Dead Sea  the lowest place on Earth! 

Overnight and dinner at Dead Sea hotel.

THURSDAY 

Applying Dead Sea Minerals

Enjoy the Dead Sea

Explore this natural marvel

Breakfast and time to enjoy a float in the Dead Sea or pamper yourself in the spa before checking out of hotel and heading to Masada.

Masada

The great desert fortress

We are up early for a climb up the "snakepath" of Masada, the Great Desert Fortress where Jewish rebels who fought the Romans 2000 years ago. (Option for B’nai Mitzvah ceremony on Masada). 

(For those who don't fancy such an energetic event there is a cable car  to meet us on the mountain top).

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Camel Tour

Eretz Bereist

Camel rides in the footsteps of our ancestors

As we head to Jerusalem we will stop off at Eretz Bereishit for camel rides and pita making in Abraham's tent.

 Jerusalem

Welcome to the city of gold

Welcome to Jerusalem! We will take a few moments on our arrival for an amazing view from the Mount Scopus lookout at the Hebrew University, and we will get our hands dirty sifting through 2,000 year-old rubble and artifacts at the Temple Mount sifting project - archaeological experience.

Old City Jerusalem
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Free Evening

Take in the sights, sounds and tastes of Jerusalem

Check into your apartment and then enjoy a free evening in this magical city.

FRIDAY 

Hurva Synagogue Jerusalem

The Old City

A walking tour of the holiest place on Earth

Walk through the Old City of Jerusalem, walking through the surrounding walls, the Roman Cardo, some of the 4 Quarters. Approach the Western Wall and walk through the underground tunnels along hidden parts of the Wall in the famous Western Wall Tunnels. 

Shabbat Prep

Experience the hustle & bustle of Jerusalem

Free time in the Machaneh Yehuda market or downtown Jerusalem for lunch, shopping and to prepare for Shabbat. Make sure to buy food for Saturday breakfast as most stores will be closed on Shabbat.

Food Market
By the Western Wall

Shabbat at the Kotel

Visit to the Western Wall for Shabbat Services as an active participant, not just a tourist. Be part of the amazing atmosphere of singing, dancing with visitors from around the world followed by Shabbat dinner in the Old City.

SATURDAY 

Do Not Disturb

Shabbat Rest

Enjoy a much needed day of rest

Today enjoy a much needed day of rest (no guide or driver)

Sleep late or visit the Western Wall, The Great Synagogue or The Italian Synagogue (all within walking distance).

Shabbat Lunch

Shabbat lunch with a local family

Enjoy a Shabbat lunch with a local English speaking family within walking distance to our apartment.

Festive Dinner
Old City Architecture

Optional Walking Tour

with Rabbi Menachem Lehrfield 

After lunch walk the streets of Jerusalem with Rabbi Lehrfield.

Third Meal & Shabbat Class

with Rabbi Menachem Lehrfield 

Enjoy an intimate, light third Shabbat meal with just the Denver group followed by a class about Shabbat with Rabbi Menachem Lehrfield.

Clapping Audience
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Havdallah & Free Evening

Say goodbye to Shabbat with Havdallah and then enjoy a free evening. 

 

Saturday night is perfect for the ‘Night Spectacular’ an amazing light and sound show where the history of Jerusalem is displayed on the Tower of David’s walls.

Enjoy dinner at the Mamilla Promenade, Ben Yehuda Street, the Tachana Rishonaor one of the other Jerusalem hot spots.

SUNDAY 

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Yad Vashem

Visit the Holocaust Museum and Memorial.

Visit to

Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum for a tour suitable for all ages.

Machane Yehuda

Lunch & shopping

Enjoy a tasting tour and free time for lunch and shopping at the Mahane Yehuda Market, the world’s largest kosher open street market.

Busy Market
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Hebron

Where it all began

Visit Hebron, home of the Cave of the Patriachs and Matriachs; the world's most ancient Jewish site and the second holiest place for the Jewish people.

Gush Etzion Winery

Dinner at the Gush Etzion Winery in honor of the Bnai Mitzvahs. Then head back to the apartment for our last night in Jerusalem.

Wine Barrels

MONDAY 

Western Wall Bar MItzvah

Bnai Mitzvah Ceremony 

Optional ceremony to mark a bar or bat mitzvah

Optional prayers and B’nai Mitzvah Ceremony at the Western Wall followed by a festive brunch. Make sure to indicate on registration if you would like to mark a bar or bat mitzvah on trip. Additional fees will apply.

Volunteer

Help those in need

Volunteer chesed project at one of the many non-profit organizations in Jerusalem.

Food Box
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Tel Aviv

Depart Jerusalem

Drive to Tel Aviv and checkin to the Inter Continental David Tel Aviv. Once you are settled enjoy a free evening on the town.

TUESDAY 

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Tel Aviv

Take a driving tour through Tel Aviv’s historic boulevards including Rothschild and Neve Tzedek. Learn about Tel Aviv's striking styles of architecture.

See Independence Hall where David Ben Gurion read the Declaration of Independence on May 14, 1948 and hear the exciting story of the establishment of the State of Israel. 

The Startup Nation

Visit the Peres Center

Visit the Peres Center for Peace & Innovation to learn more about Israel's technological advancements and why Israel is known as the "Start-up Nation"

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Seaside CItyscape

Old Jaffa

See the ancient port city

Visit the port city of Old Jaffa and discover why the name of the city means "beautiful" while walking through its ancient walkways and modern galleries.  Short cruise on the Mediterranean where we will also get amazing views of Tel Aviv, and learn more about this city that grew out of the sand dunes.

L'Hitraot

Good bye

Enjoy dinner followed by transfer to airport for those leaving tonight. This is not goodbye, but “l’Hitraot”, see you again soon....

Those who are joining the extension to Eilat will depart after dinner.

Seaside CItyscape
informatino

Information

Costs

Cost per person: 

$3,000 (approximately)- includes two nights accommodation in the north of Israel, one night's accommodation at Dead Sea four nights' accommodation in Jerusalem (high end apartment), one night's accommodation in Tel Aviv.

 

What's Included (and what isn't)

What’s included:

  • Private licensed tour guide (the one and only Patrick Amar) and luxury transportation 

  • All entrance fees to the sites and activities listed unless indicated as an optional activity

  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary

  • All lodging (double occupancy per hotel room. 2 bedroom apartment in Jerusalem. Single occupancy hotel rooms and larger Jerusalem apartments are available for an additional fee )

 

What's not included:

  • Airline Tickets

  • Cell phone rental (recommended) TalknSave or just get an overseas plan from your local cell phone provider

  • Travel and health insurance

  • Some meals

  •  Gratuities for guides and bus drivers

  • There may be additional fees for individuals going the tour who are not part of the group (such as Israeli relatives joining for the B'nai Mitzvah day).

  • Optional activities and others may be added as a surcharge. Fees will be detailed in advance.​

Terms & Conditions:

When/how do I need to pay?

We recommend that you book as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

You will be charged a $100 non-refundable deposit immediately (see cancelation policy below). Please note that this deposit can be transferred to a later travel date, if necessary.

Of course, you can choose to pay part of, or the entire balance, at that point. The balance is due by April 1.

We accept MasterCard, American Express, Visa and PayPal (Israel does not currently allow Venmo). If you wish to pay by Visa or Mastercard, we will charge an additional 2.5% service charge (3.5% for American Express; 5% for PayPal).

You can send a check made out to JOI (with Family Israel Trip in the subject line) to 9550 E Belleview Ave. Greenwood Village CO, 80111.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, even if you only paid so far the $100 deposit; the “clock” has now started ticking and it is important to insure what you have paid so far. But don’t worry if the trip details are not finalized yet. It doesn’t have to be. You only need to insure what you have paid so far. Unsure of your final costs? Not a problem. Insure now the amount you have paid for – and then after any future payments, notify your insurance agent within 7 days; and your policy will be revised for the increased trip cost.

We have made arrangements with Travel Insurance Center, a division of SMS (Senior Market Sales); members of UStiA (United States Travel Insurance Association). Worldwide travel insurance brokers headquartered in Omaha Nebraska with over 35 years’ experience. Coverage to all destinations.

Our contact person is Yonah Engel, Mention reference code: PATRICK AMAR - ETC email: travelinsurance36@gmail.com OR yonah@travelinsuranceisrael.com ; USA phone (402) 404- 5205 (Mon-Thurs 6am-2pm CT).

 

Please note:

● Trip costs are all pre-paid expenses no matter who the vendors are.

● Travel dates are for the entire period away from home. Travel dates can also be revised up until departure.

● Medical coverage is included in a comprehensive policy and covers unexpected medical expenses including those related to Coronavirus/Covid19.

● After purchase, a “consulate letter” will be issued. This one page “consulate letter” summarizes the coverage & clearly states that Coronavirus/Covid19 medical expenses are covered.

● It is in your interest to purchase a policy within 21 days of your first payment thus receiving maximum coverage (e.g. C.F.A.R., waiver for pre-existing conditions, bankruptcy insurance, supplier default, etc.).

What if I need to cancel?

In addition to the $100 deposit above, if the cancellation is within 45 days of the start of the trip 25% of the full amount will be charged, and 50% of the full amount for cancellations within 30 days of the planned trip. Cancellation within 10 days is liable for full payment of costs, in order to offset expenses paid in advance.

In the event that the trip has to be cancelled due to war, pandemic or government-directed instructions, we will endeavor to recoup as much of any fees paid as possible from our suppliers, beyond the above policy. We do highly recommend however that travel insurance is taken out and we will work with you to cover any outstanding payments made.

Please note that the client is responsible for following any COVID-related instructions including, but not limited to providing negative test results and documentation as requested by airlines, Israel Ministry of Health, etc.

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