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Home , Ariel Sharon Park, Carmel Winery, Dan Hotels, Egged (company), Highway 6 (Israel), Israel National Trail

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Many of us think we know Israel. We imagine placing our hands on the Western Site distinction for the Bauhaus and International Style architecture of ’s Wall, walking the path of Jesus’ final moments on theVia Dolorosa, seeing Ahuzat Bayit neighborhood. Israel is also a destination for diamonds and other the characters scrawled across the taut parchment of the Dead Sea Scrolls, luxurious little wonders, as a trip down Dizengoff Street or through the tony and standing before the very foundations of faith at the Church of the Holy Kikar Hamedina neighborhood in Tel Aviv makes clear. Wine and food lovers Sepulchre, the Dome of the Rock and the Temple Mount. We dream of walking will find a paradise in Israel, home to a wondrous assortment of international through Gate into the ancient splendor of , strolling down the cuisines as well as its world-famous hummus or falafel sandwiches and an modern streets of Tel Aviv, or floating effortlessly in the salty waters of the internationally lauded wine industry. For those who love getting out of doors, ISRAEL Dead Sea. Such images connect Israel to our cultural and religious heritage — Israel offers a number of attractions, including breathtaking natural wonders like indeed, they connect us to the heritage of the modern world. But, this is just the the Desert, world-class beaches along four impressive bodies of water, The Only Tour Company offering Escorted Tours to Israel beginning of the miracles Israel has to show us. and enough hiking trails, bike paths and rope course for a lifetime of adventure. 7 Days a Week You might be surprised to know, for example, that though today “green” is the In the following pages, you’ll learn about all of the adventures that await your topic du jour, Israel has been a laboratory for innovative, sustainable practices clients in Israel, where increased traffic is already evidence of growing since the turn of the 20th century when Zionist farming cooperatives literally consumer interest. More than 1.9 million tourists visited Israel from January to GUARANTEED DEPARTURES made the desert bloom. Today, Tel Aviv’s once-notorious Hiriya landfill is being July of this year, an increase of over 34 percent from last year, with 280,000 transformed into a 2,000-acre public park with bike paths, rivers and hiking in July alone. If you or your clients have any hesitations about safety, you can EXTENSIONS TO: JORDAN, EGYPT & GREECE trails. Further, Israel is investing $30 million over the next several years to rest assured. World-class security and screening measures have made Israel’s turn the country into an international biking destination. These impressive national airline, , the safest in the world, and the same goes for the country. Speak to a Destination Expert! CUSTOMIZED TOURS projects only scratch the surface of the eco-friendly activities taking place But don’t take our word for it — just look at the numbers! In 2009, 2.7 million by Private Car for Individuals and Families everyday in Israel. tourists came to experience the wonders of Israel, each and every one of them returning home safely. Israel is also a wonderland for aesthetes, epicures and shopaholics. Beyond its well-known ancient architecture, Israel has received UNESCO World Heritage So, dive in! The wonders of Israel are just waiting to be discovered!

3 Intro to Israel 4 Navigation Points 10 Going Green in Israel 14 Food and Wine 15 Food & Wine Itinerary 16 Leisure Time Expect the World of Us. 18 Israel’s Great Outdoors 21 Outdoor Itinerary 800-223-7460 22 art, ARCHITECTURE AND MUSIC www.isramworld.com 26 Art, Architecture and Music Itinerary

IT’S NOT JUST AN AIRLINE. IT’S ISRAEL. On the cover: Top: Design Museum Holon by Yael Pincus; Left: Jerusalem; Right: 3 navigation points Israel packs a lot into a little space. Bordered by Jordan, Syria, Egypt and Lebanon, this cosmopolitan nation of citizens hailing from more than 90 countries sits at the heart of However, while rental cars easily connect travelers to Israel’s lively and diverse the Middle East. regions, travelers spending time in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv may find it more expedient and affordable to use taxis, because traffic conditions can get quite Though its historic, geologic, religious and cultural sites were the major Civitavecchia (Rome) and Venice. RCL Vision of the Seas offers both 10- and congested, and tight, narrow metropolitan roads can be difficult for drivers. attractions for the over 2.7 million tourists who visited the country last year, 11-night excursions this fall, departing from Venice. Celebrity Equinox extends Israel also boasts an incredibly diverse terrain of world-class mountains, deserts the fun to 13 nights, taking off from Civitavecchia. For the more serious seafaring PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: Offering clients the chance to sit back and relax and beaches perfect for any traveler’s itinerary. It’s a trip your clients will set, clients traveling by private yacht can enter through ports in , , while taking in the gorgeous scenery of the Mediterranean Coast and Negev remember for a lifetime! Tel Aviv and Eilat before continuing on to the country’s numerous marinas in Desert, the national train network connects Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Acre and many Jaffa, Acre, and . other stops. Tickets can be purchased in advance from cashiers at train station GETTING THERE counters or at automated ticket kiosks. The rail station in is FLIGHTS: El Al, Continental, Delta, Air Canada and U.S. Airways operate over GETTING AROUND located on Level S. For more information, visit www.rail.co.il/EN. 10 daily non-stop flights to Tel Aviv from major U.S. cities, including New York AIRPORTS: Visitors will enter and exit Israel through the gates of Ben Gurion (JFK), Newark (EWR), Los Angeles (LAX), Atlanta (ATL) and Philadelphia (PHL), International Airport, conveniently located about 10 miles from Tel Aviv and , the country’s public bus company, offers a number of routes in and as well as a number of connecting flights to get your clients to these origin about 27 miles from Jerusalem. Travelers will lack no options for shopping, between Israel’s cities and major towns, with the exception of Tel Aviv and its cities. Non-stop flight times range from 10 hours (New York) to 15 hours (Los dining and relaxing while making their way among the swooping archways and surrounding suburbs, which are serviced by the Dan buses. Fares are Angeles). In addition, over 70 international airlines operate flights to Ben Gurion stone architecture of this breathtaking international hub. Transportation to and reasonable and tickets can be purchased either on the bus or at station kiosks. International Airport. from the airport and major destinations is easily managed across a network Though most routes are operated 24 hours a day, clients should be aware that of public bus and rail services. Rental cars, taxis, limousines and private car in some regions bus service is suspended during Shabbat, from sundown Friday El Al, Israel’s premier national airline, offers travelers an authentic introduction services are also easily arranged for visitors. night to sundown Saturday night. During this period of religious observance, to the Israeli experience and is regarded as the safest airline in the world, so travelers would do best to hail a cab to get to and from locations. For more your clients will enjoy a carefree flight. Onboard the plane, nibble hummus and DRIVING: Travelers can traverse the length of the country by car in about six information about Egged routes, schedules and fares including Egged tour pita while watching a selection of in-flight movies and American and Israeli hours, making auto rental an attractive option for clients who want to maximize buses, visit www.egged.co.il/eng. For information about the Dan bus service TV shows, or listen to provided music while enjoying the comforts of Israeli the breadth of their tour in Israel. Popular rental companies include Budget, Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, visit www.dan.co.il/english. hospitality. If you’re booking upscale travelers, be sure to check out the Avis, Eldan, Hertz and Shlomo Sixt. For clients who like the VIP service of a elegant King David Lounge at LAX, JFK and Ben Gurion airports for first and private car, there are several top-notch providers, including IsraLimo. business class! Israel has an impressive network, with signage in Hebrew, Arabic and CRUISES: A number of cruise lines make Israel’s Haifa and Ashdod ports a stop English, making navigation considerably easier than in many other travel on Mediterranean itineraries, and many of them offer detailed land excursions destinations. Major routes include , which stretches North-South into the historic cities of Jerusalem and . For example, Princess from Nahariya in the north to in the south, and Highway 1, A JOURNEY Cruises’ 12-day “Holy Land Cruise” stops at both ports this fall, departing from connecting Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Ben Gurion International Airport. YOU’LL FIND NOTHING SHORT Tel Aviv of divine. FEATURED VACATIONS FEATURED NEW! THROUGH THE AGES: ISRAEL, JORDAN & EGYPT 12 days from $3,079* TEL AVIV :: JERUSALEM :: EILAT :: PETRA :: DEAD SEA TRACE YOUR FAITH’S HISTORY AND AWAKEN YOUR SPIRIT. From the Mount where JOURNEY THROUGH Moses received the Ten Commandments to the Mount where Jesus delivered the Beatitudes, THE HOLY LAND 10 DAYS FROM $2,149* the stories of the Bible will be brought to life in their original settings for your clients. With eight TEL AVIV :: HAIFA :: LOWER decades of travel experience, we offer the perfect combination of faith and fun. IN A :: JERUSALEM To book a religious vacation you can have faith in, call 877.797.8793 or visit globusfaith.com.

4 *Land only prices. Air-inclusive prices available. 5 MONEY MATTERS WHEN TO GO CURRENCY: Israel’s currency is the New Israel Shekel (NIS), simply called SEASONS: When organizing a trip to Israel, it is important to consider the cycle “shekel” in the markets, restaurants, bars and attractions throughout the of the country’s tourist seasons alongside the needs of your clients. As with country. Each shekel is divided into 100 agorot, though transactions involving most of the world, Israel’s peak season is during July and August, when Euro- this penny-like denomination are rare for travelers. Bank notes are printed in pean and American travelers in particular take advantage of summer vacation 20-, 50-, 100- and 200-shekel denominations. There are also 1-, 5- and 10-shekel months and, along with many Israelis, flock to the beaches of Eilat coins, as well as the 5-, 10- and 50-agorot coins. At press time, the exchange rate and the Mediterranean Coast. Christian and Jewish high holidays are also for USD$1 is NIS3.82, a welcome relief for travelers who have had to grapple with popular, particularly Passover and Easter (March and April), Rosh Hashanah the lower exchange rates of the Euro and British Pound. (September or October) and Christmas (December). During these peak seasons, both airfare and accommodations will be at their most expensive, so if budget Currency exchange centers are easily located in major cities and do not charge is a concern, try to arrange a trip around the low season months of January, commission for transactions, though they provide a slightly lower exchange rate February, May and June. than banks, which may charge to four percent commission for their services. Automatic teller machines (ATMs) are also a readily accessible source of WEATHER REPORT: One of the great things about Israel’s climate is that it currency, though withdrawals may be subject to transaction fees in addition affords fairly warm, sunny weather year-round. Even in January and February, to fees associated with the client’s domestic U.S. bank. Travelers will have little temperatures across Israel stay in the moderate range of high 40s to 70 degrees trouble using their Visa cards at ATMs throughout the country, though those on average. During the hot summer months, temperatures climb into the 80s, wishing to use a MasterCard can only do so at Bank Hapoalim locations. hitting highs over 100 degrees in some of the country’s hottest regions. In general, travelers will find cooler temperatures in mountainous locations such Credit cards are accepted at most shops, restaurants and . MasterCard, as Jerusalem and Haifa, while warmer temperatures are the norm in the coastal Visa, American Express and Discover cards are universally accepted. Traveler’s cities of Tel Aviv, Eilat and the Dead Sea.

Eliat Globus Eilat is located along the on the southern tip of Israel where Globus offers eight decades of travel experience with its religious and you can swim with dolphins, discover the beautiful Underwater Experience Summer at Israel’s faith-based tour packages, giving travelers the perfect combination of Observatory and view life in its natural habitat. Boasting luxurious faith and fun. To book a religious vacation you can have faith in, call hotels and limited budget accommodations, Eilat offers aqua-based 877-797-8793 or visit www.globusfaith.com. sports, including water skiing, scuba diving, jet skiing and wind surfing. agent info agent info www.eilathotels.org.il Winter Riviera - EILAT Relax and enjoy the endless fun in the sun from fabulous water sports to cultural events. checks are typically only accepted at tourist destinations and are not a WHERE TO STAY recommended form of payment or currency. Like many top international destinations, Israel has a number of upscale and Wine, Dine and enjoy Eilat like never before. luxury chain hotels that will be both familiar and accommodating to foreign Sign up now for the magic of Eilat. TAXES: With the exception of accommodations, organized tours, car rentals and travelers. , Sheraton, Hilton and all have a number of flights paid either in foreign currency or with a foreign credit card, all prices properties across Israel’s popular locations. Adi Dalia Hotel Agamim Leonardo Plaza Eilat include a 15.5 percent value-added tax (VAT). However, tourists who purchase AFI Patio Eilat Dan Eilat Isrotel King Solomon’s Palace Magic Palace goods over $100 at shops advertising “Tax Refund/Tax-Free Shopping” can David Intercontinental iconic beach Americana Dan Panorama Eilat Isrotel Lagoona Magic Sunrise Club receive a VAT refund at their port of departure. Tourists should make sure that Astral Village Express Beat Isrotel Royal Beach Nova they receive a special invoice or receipt for such purchases to be submitted for Astral Seaside Golden Tulip Privilege Isrotel Royal Garden Orchid refund at the VAT office. Purchases of tobacco products, electric appliances and Caesar Premier Eilat Herods Palace Isrotel Riviera Club Prima Music Club Hotel Eilat Herods Forum Isrotel Sport Club Rimonim Eilat photography equipment do not qualify for a refund. Club In Eilat Herods Vitalis Isrotel Yam Suf Rimonim Marina Club Club Med Coral Beach Hilton Queen of Sheba Le Meridien Eilat Royal Tulip TIPPING: As in the U.S., 10 to 15 percent is typical for restaurant service, and ex- Crowne Plaza Holitel Siesta Leonardo Club Eilat Vista ceptional service may warrant a 20 percent tip at the diners’ discretion. In luxury hotels and restaurants, a 15 percent service charge may be included in the bill. Though it is not customary, tipping is appreciated by taxi drivers and hotel staff. Tour guides and drivers will usually expect a tip for service. Call your travel agent today for further information or contact: Eilat Hotel Association, Tel: 972-8-6338034 Fax: 972-8-6338151 Email: [email protected] www.eilathotels.org.il

6 A NOTE ABOUT SAFETY CONTACT US If you or your clients have hesitated to book a vacation to Israel because of safety concerns, rest assured that the headlines that have colored the country in the media Information Center Los Angeles In Jerusalem, clients will enjoy the luxury of the David Citadel hotel, a short American Colony Hotel bear little resemblance to the lived reality of its citizens and visitors. Tel: 1-888-77-ISRAEL or 1-212-499-5660 6380 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 1718 walk from historic Gate and the , or the Hotel, a Fax: 212-499-5665 Los Angeles, CA 90048 trendy spot located at the foot of a hot shopping area. The King David, one Travelers are pleasantly surprised by how different their perception of Israel is from Website: www.goisrael.com Tel: 1-323-658-7463 of the prestigious Dan Hotel properties, offers perhaps one of the finest their experience traveling about the Promised Land. In 2009, each and every visitor www.travelgreenisrael.com Fax: 1-323-658-6543 experiences in the city. Upscale travelers will also delight in the American traveling to Israel returned home safely. Information: [email protected] Information: [email protected] Colony Hotel in Jerusalem, a feature in the city for over 120 years where Arabian architecture and lavish accommodations have attracted major cultural In fact, many visitors feel more secure traveling to and around Israel than they do Atlanta New York and political celebrities. A bright future also awaits the Waldorf-Astoria anywhere else, with thorough screening procedures and enforcement that ensure 1349 West Peachtree St., NE. 800 Second Ave. Jerusalem, slated to open in 2011 with over 220 luxury suites and gorgeous every traveler a safe journey. Clients will find that the streets of Tel Aviv, Jerusalem Suite 1799 New York, 10017 views of the Old City and Independence Park. While taking in the restorative and many other cities throughout the nation are safe to walk at all times and are, Atlanta, GA 30309 Tel: 1-212-499-5650 waters of the Dead Sea and checking out nearby attractions such as Qumran, Ein especially in Tel Aviv, bustling with activity until the wee hours. Tel: 1-404-541-2770 Fax: 1-212-499-5655 Gedi and Masada, guests will no doubt be pleased with the luxury at Daniel Dead Fax: 1-404-541-2775 Information: Sea, owned by the Tamares Hotels Group, or the Royal Hotel, which features Information: [email protected] [email protected] an enormous spa with some 52 treatment rooms.

Chicago Canada In Tel Aviv, those who want to take in hotels, conveniently located near the area’s 205 North Michigan Ave. 180 Bloor St. West, Suite 700 gorgeous beaches, will find theDavid Intercontinental or Dan Panorama to be Suite 2520 Toronto, ON M5S 2V6 wonderful options, while others may enjoy the chic peacefulness of the boutique Chicago, IL 60601 Tel: 1-416-964-3784 Neve Tzedek Hotel. Tel: 1-312-803-7080 Fax: 1-416-964-2420 Fax: 1-312-803-7079 Website: www.goisrael.ca In Eilat, there are numerous options, but none so elegant as the Dan Eilat, Information: [email protected] Information: [email protected] Dan Panorama, Princess Hotel and Royal Beach Hotel, all of which boast top Tel Aviv Art Fair El AL The Inbal Jerusalem Hotel For over 60 years, EL AL has remained the most trusted airline to Live in the lap of luxury with executive suite deals through Feb. 28, Israel. Only EL AL offers the warmth, hospitality and professionalism of 2011, at the Inbal Jerusalem Hotel, discounted from $560 per room. Clients can enjoys an array of “Exclusive Executive” discounted ameni- the English speaking Israeli crew who make travelers feel at home. To ties, including complimentary access to the Executive Lounge, featur- receive the latest EL AL information, visit the airline’s blog at ing views of Jerusalem, snacks and drinks, free wi-fi and business www.skywordswithelal.com, Facebook EL AL Israel Airlines USA and agent info agent info services, and much more. (Subject to availability. Blackout dates may apply.) Twitter @ELALUSA. www.inbalhotel.com/suite-dream-package

notch accommodations along the stunning shoreline of this tony resort city. convention center, full service spa, and a department dedicated to making Beach-going guests might also enjoy the forthcoming Ritz Carlton property set tour arrangements for guests looking to experience the natural beauty of the to open in Herzliya in 2012, complete with all of the luxury amenities customers surrounding desert. In addition to the options sketched out here, there are a have come to expect from this storied name. wide range of boutique, upscale, family and economy hotels throughout Israel. For a unique experience, you might check out the popular zimmers (bed and If looking further south in the Negev desert, consumers booking trips in 2011 breakfasts), or the kibbutz guest houses, which while rustic in flavor, offer should consider the Beresheet Hotel, a 112-room complex that will include a visitors something of a retreat from the high traffic tourist areas.

King David David Citadel

8 5 going green in israel

Even before its foundation as a modern Jewish state in 1948, Israel has been a trailblazer Biking enthusiasts will find themselves in good company here, where for the development and perfection of sustainability and environmental consciousness. the government has committed about $30 million over the next few years to make Israel a global cycling destination, adding more than 3,000 miles of cycling paths. Whether it’s biking through the desert, along the In 1901, the Jewish National Fund (also known as Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael or ON THE KIBBUTZ coastline or cities that your clients want, there are a variety of tours for KKL) formed and made one of its top priorities the reforestation of Israeli lands Starting at the beginning of the twentieth century, kibbutzim, or collective all ages and experience levels. Biking tours, such as the annual Israel decimated during the rule of the Ottoman Empire when taxes were fixed accord- living communities, were Zionist agrarian projects that evinced the socialist, Ride from Jerusalem to Eilat, give participants a chance to witness the ing to the number of trees on a property. As a result of these and other efforts, pioneering spirit of the modern state’s early settlers. These innovative ventures country’s changing landscape while learning about the environment over 200 million trees have been planted in Israel, making it one of only two produce some of the tastiest dairy products, poultry, beef, vegetables, citrus and cultural history. For reasonably priced half-day to eight-day tours, nations in the world that has more trees per acre today than it did a century fruits and legumes you’ll find in Israel or anywhere else. Though today many of check out www.israelcycling.com, which lists a number of road bike ago. Long before conservation became chic in the west, solar water heaters were them have been privatized and expanded into non-agricultural sectors such as and mountain bike excursions through the Galilee, Dead Sea, the Negev a frequent sight atop most buildings in Israel. And you might not know that the technology, travelers and citizens alike still benefit from the experience of Desert and many other destinations. drip irrigation systems currently used by farmers in the U.S. and many other these unique social institutions. countries were first developed in Israel during the 1950s. Near the resort town of Eilat, take a camel ride through the mountains Camel Ride The best way to understand the kibbutzim’s contribution to Israel is to spend at the Camel Ranch. Only a 10-mile drive from most of the area’s resort More than just founding principles, sustainability is an integral part of life a holiday at a kibbutz guest house. The Israel Kibbutz Hotels website at hotels, the Camel Ranch is an exciting experience for the whole family. in modern Israel, where kibbutzim and moshav farmers produce roughly 75 www.kibbutz.co.il provides information on lodging options at kibbutzim Take the two-hour excursion which includes an hour of camel riding Ya’lla Tours percent of the country’s produce in a nation that has only 15 percent arable throughout the country. Running the gamut from full amenities to more around the scenic mountains and a light repast of traditional Bedouin Travel agents can earn $50 for each passenger they book on any land. Your clients can experience a sustainable Israel for themselves by rustic living, guests at kibbutz hotels invariably find the experience a relaxing pita, vegetables and dips alongside an earthy tea made from desert Israel program with a minimum seven-night hotel stay and six days of spending a holiday at a kibbutz guest house, taking a low-impact tour of major and peaceful one. One of the most popular is Kibbutz Lotan in the Arava herbs. The half-day tour goes up into the mountains, with a few stops escorted touring. Bookings must be made by March 31, 2011, for travel city sights, or marveling at the progress of one of the country’s — and perhaps Desert, where green architecture meets wild design in a village of adobe-like along the way to take breathtaking photos of the surrounding area as by September 28, 2011. www.yallatours.com even the world’s — most amazing reclamation projects: the transformation of the houses. Sustainability is the focus at this kibbutz where visitors can sample

well as nibbling on a light Bedouin supper spread before heading back agent info Hiriya landfill into a world-class green space, three times the size of New York’s eco workshops, holistic natural spa treatments, bird-watching excursions and to the ranch under the twinkling stars. For more information, check out Central Park. tours of the surrounding desert wonders. For more information, visit www1.camel-ranch.co.il/ or www.camel-riders.com. www.kibbutzlotan.com. Hiriya Park Yalla_TW_half tab_Israel_v2.qxd:Yalla Tours 8/17/10 10:30 AM Page 1 GREEN TOURING For clients looking to experience Israel while keeping a low carbon footprint, there are a number of running, biking, camel and horseback-riding tours of the country’s major attractions.

Runners will thrill at “sight jogging” tours available in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. For example, Run the City’s “Luxury and Diamonds” tour is a 10-kilometer run through Tel Aviv that passes by Philippe Starck’s Yoo Project building, the city’s Diamond District and the opulent houses of the city’s elite. Or, try the “Roots and Tradition” run, which follows the footsteps of Tel Aviv’s founders, including the American-German Colony, Old Jaffa Port, Meir Garden and the trendy Neve Tzedek neighborhood. For more information, check out www.run-the-city.com.

Planting trees in Israel

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A STORY OF RENEWAL Perhaps nowhere can the spirit of green innovation and sustainability be seen more than at the Ayalon Park. By 2020, the park will be a massive, 2,000-acre green space with a 45,000-person capacity amphitheater and an amazing network of streams, bike paths, running and hiking trails. There will also be a lookout spot from which visitors can take in an unparalleled panorama of Tel Aviv while sipping freshly brewed coffee and nibbling on tasty café fare. Carmel Forest Spa From this perspective, you might hardly imagine that this gorgeous property Resort was once Tel Aviv’s out-of-control Hiriya landfill. Since its closure in the nineties, Israel’s leading spa resort, environmentally conscious groups have been working to transform Hiriya into a where guests can relax and rejuvenate body and soul in monument to green living. Part of that process has involved harvesting biogas luxurious surroundings with released by for use by manufacturers, a botanical garden that filters gourmet dining. sewage water and an on-site recycling facility, all of which are helping to build a sustainable future for the park while setting a model for Israel and the world. Starting this month, visitors will be able to stop by the lookout point and take a run along the hiking and biking trails. At the visitor’s center, tourists can learn about rehabilitation efforts at the park and check out resident artist Brigitte Tel-Aviv Isrotel Dead Sea Cartier’s signature furniture, all constructed out of waste materials including Resort & Spa rubber tires, shopping bags and crushed aluminum cans. For more information, Isrotel Dead Sea – Ayalon Ariel Sharon Park a pampering dream vacation visit www.ayalon-park.org.il/eng. on the Dead Sea shores.

Perillo Tours The Isrotel Hotel Chain Dead Sea We all enjoy traveling for fun, to learn or simply to relax. But there’s The Isrotel Hotel Chain operates 12 hotels throughout Israel. Its 13th hotel, the Isrotel Beresheet on the Ramon Crater, will open by March Isrotel Tower one journey that’s in a category all its own — a place called ISRAEL! Tel-Aviv For information on tours to Israel, Italy and Hawaii, visit 2011 and offer guests a complete vacation experience with a range of activities, including sports facilities, diving and cruising in the Red Sea, Centrally located, this all suite www.perillotours.com. hotel mixes business with a Kids’ Kingdom, shopping centers, fine dining and the international pleasure for guests seeking agent info agent info Coming entertainment show WOW. www.isrotel.co.il/English comfort and convenience. Soon

Isrotel Beresheet Mitzpe Ramon A luxurious desert vacation on the edge of the Ramon Crater. Eilat Expect to be amazed!

Israel & The Holy Land...a Journey Your Clients Will Cherish Forever!

Israel is a destination like no other. We finest first- class, all-inclusive Israel tour • Complimentary wine, mineral water and Isrotel Royal Beach, all enjoy traveling for fun, to learn, or available today. coffee with dinners Eilat simply to relax. But there’s one journey • Gratuties for all meals, sightseeing All-inclusive land rate $1950 price per Isrotel’s flagship hotel for a that’s in a category all its own. and transfers person, double room including: prestigious holiday experience, Experience Perillo’s Israel: Shalom! A place deep in our soul that echoes • Superior First Class Hotels with gourmet dining and five through 5,000 years of history. A place • Bountiful Israeli breakfast daily star pampering. called Israel! Perillo Tours offers the • 3 Luncheons & 8 Dinners

Not a Perks member? Join today at www.PerilloPerks.com Call now and order your FREE Israel DVD and Brochure 1-800-431-1515 CST# 2023164-40 Isrotel offers these premium hotels and more in southern Israel and Eilat food & wine food & wine itinerary Integral to Israeli culture and lifestyle, local food and wine from the country’s natural DAY 1 bounty, predating Biblical times, never tasted as delicious as it does now in Israel. Start with a walking tour of Jerusalem’s Old City, including the Church of the Shakshuka Holy Sepulchre, the Dome of the Rock and the Damascus Gate. For lunch, take a tasting stroll of Mahane Yehuda market. Have dinner at the truly exceptional A WORLD OF CUISINES munch on an oval-shaped “Jerusalem bagel,” pop into a hummus restaurant for kosher restaurants that abound in the city. Overnight in Jerusalem. Home to Jews, Muslims and Christians from over 90 countries, gastroculture in a light lunch or grab a world-famous falafel from a nondescript stand. Beyond Israel is a veritable world tour sure to please any palate. The natural bounty of the markets and eateries that populate the cultural capitals of the country, Day 2 the and the fresh produce from the country’s kibbutzim and Israel boasts a number of truly exceptional upscale restaurants that show Take a morning drive up to the Galilee for a tour of the Winery. moshavim means that eating locally has never tasted as fresh and delicious as off their culinary prowess with skillful fusion dishes, particularly of the Drive to Rosh Pina, the oldest Jewish settlement, and stop for lunch at any of it does in Israel. As you venture around the cities, be sure to take advantage French-Mediterranean variety. the town’s precious eateries. Overnight in Jerusalem. of the numerous stands offering fresh squeezed fruit juices, pomegranates and olives — luxuries in other parts of the world, but everyday treats in Israel FRUITS OF THE VINE Day 3 — or take a taste of malabi, a light, creamy custard served with rosewater and Wine production in Israel predates Biblical times, and, much like the bottled Drive to Tel Aviv. Take a tour of the Shuk HaCarmel. Break for lunch at the chopped nuts. And no trip to Israel is complete without sampling its amazing vintages, Israeli vintners have only gotten better with age. Energized by the small, local eateries that dot the nearby Yemenite neighborhood. Make a stop dairy products, from creamy, tangy yogurts to wholesome milk and some of the legendary Baron Edmond James de Rothschild, who in 1882 established the at old Jaffa, and order a malabi from any of the many street stands before most decadent, delicious chocolates in the world. Carmel Winery near Haifa with imported French grape varietals, the modern taking a walking tour of the historic port. For dinner, sample some of the industry is a point of pride for the country. In 2007, prominent wine traditional Lebanese cuisine in Jaffa, taking care to include a taste of shakshuka, Jerusalem Jaffa Gate Bagels critic Robert Parker awarded 14 Israeli wines scores over 90 points, qualifying © Eric Newman a home-style dish of poached eggs cooked with tomatoes, onions and a variety them as outstanding, world-class vintages. Though the most popular wines of fragrant spices. Overnight in Tel Aviv. are Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Chardonnay, there are a surprising number of excellent Gewurztraminers and Rieslings. Day 4 Start off a day of intensive wine touring with a drive north to the Shomron Israeli wine production is divided among five major regions. In the northern area region, where you’ll sample the elegant Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir of Galilee, cooler mountain temperatures and rich soils produce what is widely vintages at the Tishbi and Amphorae wineries. Stop for a quick lunch in Tel Aviv before heading south to the Carmel Winery, the country’s largest and one of Mini Israel its most storied. Swing over to the award-winning Domaine du Castel Winery See it ALL Small in the Judean Hills, making sure to try the lauded Chardonnay and Grand Vin wines. Drive south through the Negev for a brief tour of the Yatir Winery before Food is integral to Israeli culture and lifestyle. One particular wonder is the Mini Israel is a unique and one-of-a-kind “Park of Miniatures” located continuing on to the resort town of Eilat. Overnight in Eilat. Israeli breakfast, which includes heaping platters of smoked or cured fish, a in the region. Exhibiting hundreds of amazingly exact models large variety of cheeses, grains, salads, fresh breads and egg dishes. A mainstay (scale 1:25) of the most important architectural, historic, archeological, DAY 5

at Israeli hotels, this morning smorgasbord blows the continental breakfast out religious and social sites in Israel, this model park represents all agent info Enjoy the sumptuous and plentiful of the water and is a beloved experience for all travelers. When dining out, be religions and cultures inhabiting the country. www.minisrael.co.il. Israeli breakfast in your hotel sure to sample the mezze-style appetizers, including spicy pepper dip, before taking a relaxing walk baba ghanoush and lemon-cured squash. Enjoy exquisite seafood in the coast along the beach promenade. cities of Eilat, Tel Aviv and Haifa, and while traveling in the Galilee, stop into considered to be Israel’s best wine. Of the numerous wineries in this region, In the afternoon, take a camel a Druze village for some traditional pita, covered with tart yogurt cheese and standouts include the Golan Heights Winery, Chateau Golan and tour at the nearby Camel sprinkled with aromatic herbs and spices. Tabor Winery. South of Haifa, the coastal plains of the Shomron region and Ranch, and enjoy some the fertile soils of the Carmel Mountains serve one of the country’s biggest traditional Bedouin cuisine Culinary tours have become increasingly popular here, and many guides grape-producing regions, which plays host to the Tishbi Winery and Amphorae for lunch. After taking a tour organize excursions to the country’s famous open-air markets, or shuks: Winery. The temperate climate of the central Samson region fuels the Carmel of the geological wonders of Jerusalem’s Mahane Yehuda and Tel Aviv’s HaCarmel. Walk along the rows of Winery, the country’s largest and close enough to Tel Aviv to make for an easy the surrounding area, have Put the EXCITEMENT back into your family vacation- vendors to sample some of the freshest olives, mangos, figs, cheeses and fruits, half-day visit. South of Jerusalem, the Judean Hills is a newcomer to the wine a family friendly, al fresco see Israel, feel the excitement and learn history in industry, but it’s the home of Domaine du Castel, one of Israel’s most award- Open-air market Israeli dinner at the casual this 7.5 acre wonder-park… winning wineries, as well as the Tzora Winery. A real bloom in the desert, the and leave the kids hungry for more. restaurants that dot the busy arid lands of the Negev have benefitted from breakthrough irrigation technol- Mini Is promenade. Overnight in Eilat. rael ogy, bringing consumers a small but intriguing array of wines from boutiques • 385 models & 25,000 miniatures • Unique children's attractions such as the Yatir Winery. • Nocturnal sound & light presentation • Customized private & corporate events While most wineries will be able to accommodate one or two visitors dropping in NEW!! Enjoy our 3D MiniMax to sample and shop, it is recommended that those wishing to tour wineries and Aerial movie of Israeli sites. Re-discover Israel and see its lanscapes in a way vineyards call ahead and make reservations, especially for the boutique opera- you've never seen them before. Breathtaking photography, tions. Guides specializing in wines are recommended for those who wish to do spectacular angles and Israeli landscapes – all in 3D. more thorough touring of the various wine regions of Israel. Whatever your desires, Mini Israel has it all…

14 leisure time

With shopping scenes hailed internationally and nightlife to satisfy a diverse clientele, An easy first stop isTel Aviv Port, where young people and soldiers on leave Although it doesn’t have the breadth of Tel Aviv’s nightlife, Eilat is perfect Israel’s wealth of leisure activities offer non-stop entertainment for any traveler. flock to party at the dance bars likeWhisky A-Go-Go, while diners of all ages for night owls. The lounges of the palatial resorts in this beautiful city on the enjoy some of the city’s best al fresco seafood. In Neve Tzedek, grab a drink at Red Sea boast lively dance parties and entertainment until the wee hours, while Jajo Vino, an eclectic wine bar where the wine list changes every week, before couples enjoy the romantic setting of a walk along the promenade after a leisurely with shops, eateries and bars. Take in some history while you shop in the SHOPPING grabbing a romantic, elegant dinner at any of the neighborhood’s chic eater- dinner. Many travelers also enjoy the quieter evenings of Jerusalem. Take a walk Shopping is something of a national pastime in Israel and yet another point Cardo, the main thoroughfare of the Jewish Quarter, where ancient Roman ies. Since most establishments in this residential neighborhood close around down Emek Refai’m Street for example, where evening hours bring out the lights where ancient tradition meets modern luxury in this charming, diverse country. columns still stand. Beginning in the Byzantine era, this long street has been a midnight, keep the party going over on Herzl Street with drinks at Weiss, a of the cafes, restaurants and bars, giving the street an aura of a festival. Tel Aviv and Jerusalem dominate the shopping scene with commercial zones commercial center, and today is no different with the typical souvenirs and popular bar with an open-air patio that many may not recognize is one of the that run the gamut from tony, high-end boutiques to breezy and affordable Judaica sold alongside quality jewelry and art in the tiny shops that line the Eilat oldest houses in Tel Aviv. Further down the street is Nanutchka, a funky, raucous open-air markets, where tourists can pick up the latest Israeli fashions, jewelry, street. For the shopper whose eye tends towards the extravagant and the bar with lively DJs and an even livelier crowd that parties all night long while ceramics and other unique items to bring back home. high-end, cruise down King David Street, Solomon Street or the Mamilla Mall. noshing on Georgian bistro fare. Take a cab to Carlebach Street for a tour of Tel All boast an impressive assortment of ceramics, apparel and jewelry from local Aviv’s hottest nightclubs, including The Cat and Dog, a tight subterranean dance As the shopping capital of Israel, Tel Aviv is full of boutiques, malls and stores and international names. bar with a chic, speakeasy feel that is slammed on Friday nights when Tel Aviv’s selling everything the sophisticated traveler could desire. One of the main in-crowd takes to the dance floor. Further off are the clubs ofHa’Masger and attractions is the well-known , a maze of boutiques, restau- Though Tel Aviv and Jerusalem are mainstays for shoppers, there are many Ha’Rehevet Streets, which have a reputation for bacchanal revelry. If you’re rants, movie theatres, and even a rooftop swimming pool and gym, which plays other spots to check out on a tour of Israel. In the northeastern town of , looking to wind down, head over to Rothschild Boulevard, where many visitors host to some 140,000 visitors a week! visitors can stock up on Judaica and jewelry while exploring the alleyways of and locals can be found taking a casual stroll or stopping for a game of chess by Collette Vacations this cradle of Kabbalah practice and study. Just slightly west lies Rosh Pina, the late-night lamplight. When travel agents make either three bookings or book six passengers For fashionistas looking for a survey course in Israeli style, stroll through the first Jewish settlement in Israel where travelers can delight in the galleries, gift by December 31, 2010, for travel through December 31, 2011, they can Kikar Hamedina area of northern Tel Aviv, where the city’s elite shop for shops and famous chocolatiers overlooking the and Mount Hermon. LGBT clientele will find a wealth of entertainment options in the cosmopolitan earn an easy $300*. www.collettevacations.com high-end looks from local designers, including Sigal Dekel and Ronen Chen, Beauty shoppers will thrill at the variety of Dead Sea-derived cosmetics available city of Tel Aviv, where an open and vibrant gay culture calls to mind progressive *Terms apply. Call for Details. in addition to international icons such as Gucci, Prada and Yves St. Laurent. all around Israel, particularly at Kibbutz Ein Gedi.

mainstays like San Francisco and Chelsea. Many clubs have dedicated gay nights agent info

(called “lines” by locals) during the week, and some of the most popular gay bars To the south, the casual backstreets of the chic Neve Tzedek neighborhood are NIGHTLIFE & ENTERTAINMENT are Zizi and Evita, which puts on an outrageous drag revue during the week. dotted with high-quality jewelry, crafts and apparel boutiques. Many shops stay Travelers who have experienced the high-throttle nightlife of cities like New open until sundown, making the area perfect for a leisurely trip before grabbing York, Paris and will be impressed with the non-stop electricity of Tel Aviv dinner at any of the neighborhood’s adorable and delicious restaurants. after dark. And because Tel Aviv itself is relatively small in size and cab fares are cheap, it’s easy to make a hot spot-hopping night on the town. Israel: Another boutique hot spot is Shenkin Street, where shoppers and café-hoppers $ Rosh Pina 300! A Journey to the Holy Land jam the streets on Fridays. At the tail end of Shenkin Street, visitors traveling EARN ents: s or * Ag 3 booking r from $1749 10 Days on a Tuesday or Friday will delight in the Nahalat Binyamin Arts & Crafts Fair, ke either 2/31/10 fo you ma 0 and 1 † When en 9/1/1 $300. ers betwe receive a wonderful resource for affordable, high quality handmade sculptures, jewelry passeng /11 – you • Visit the ancient cities of Bethlehem & Nazareth. book 6 ugh 12/31 /1/10 thro and craft art. travel 9 • Explore the oldest city in the world - the ancient ruins of Jericho. • Enjoy the wonder of the Dead Sea and “float” in its tranquil waters. Artists and art-lovers alike will definitely not want to miss the treasures they’ll • Relax for 4 nights in the holy city of Jerusalem find in the nearby port city of Jaffa. One of the oldest ports in the world, this breezy, seaside outpost is home to a number of artists’ boutiques specializing Israel and Jordan in metalwork, jewelry, sculpture, vintage artwork and fabric art. While passing from $2899* 13 Days through its streets, be sure to stop into Farkash Gallery for its amazing vintage • Visit the ancient cities of Nazareth, Bethlehem and Jericho. posters and framed reprints of mid-century nationalist, advertising and travel • Visit 5 UNESCO World Heritage sites: Baha’i Shrine & Gardens, Acre, campaigns. At the Frank Meisler gallery, visitors can find the artists’ iconic Petra, Masada and Jerusalem’s Old City. pewter figurines and sculptures. One of the must-see places in this area is the • Enjoy a typical Bedouin sunset dinner in Wadi Rum and learn about gallery and residence of Israeli artist and collector Ilana Goor, which houses the culture and traditions of the Bedouin people. • Relax for 4 nights in the holy city of Jerusalem excellent examples of Israeli metalwork, sculptural furniture, jewelry and abstract art.

In Jerusalem, shoppers will find almost as many wonders in the city’s shopping centers as they will areas of historic import. In the southwest corner of the city in the neighborhood of Malha sits the Jerusalem Mall, one of the biggest unearth A FREE RIDE! shopping centers in the Middle East. With almost 200 shops and restaurants, Receive complimentary roundtrip home to airport sedan service on all air-inclusive tours.** eight movie theatres, a department store and supermarket, it’s got something for every client. Visitors should also check out Emek Refai’m Street in the For a FREE Worldwide brochure call us at 800.611.3361 Israel’s or visit www.collettevacations.com/agents. historic German Colony, one of the city’s liveliest commercial streets, jammed Mention promotion code D109-AX1-918

Many Promises * ** Land only, based on double occupancy. Not valid on group travel, included in many US cities within a 50 mile radius of more than 90 airport gateways. Other restrictions may apply. †Offer is valid on new retail bookings only made between 9/1/10 - 12/31/10 for travel 9/1/10 - 12/31/11. Not valid on group or existing retail bookings. $300 payment will be received 16 after all qualifying passengers have traveled. $300 payment is payable per agent and bookings can not be combined with other agency bookings. Other restrictions may apply; call for details. THE BEACHES OF ISRAEL israel’s great outdoors While checking out the many wonders of Israel, make time to relax on the aqueduct that once serviced this ancient port city. In the southernmost tip of beaches that mark this country as a true oasis in the desert. Some of the most the country lies Eilat, a family friendly resort town that hosts most of Israel’s Though cultural and religious attractions could fill up even a month’s itinerary, any popular spots are in Tel Aviv, where tourists and sabras alike frolic in the gentle, beachgoers in its numerous high-end and mid-range hotels. Here, visitors trip to Israel would be incomplete without experiencing the country’s breathtaking cerulean waves of the Mediterranean and play volleyball or the paddle ball can relax on the pristine sand beaches along the Red Sea, take a camel tour natural world. (called matkot) in the shadows of the luxurious hotels that line the shore. Head of the surrounding mountains, or journey over to Jordan to see the ancient north to Herzliya’s Apollonia Beach, which used to be the ancient Phoenician city of Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Spa-seekers and Whether your clients are eco-tourists, geology buffs, sports enthusiasts or OUTDOOR ADVENTURES fishing village of Arsuf, orAccadia Beach, named after the upscale Dan Accadia medical tourists flock to theDead Sea for its naturally healthful, high-salinity simply sand-and-surf types, there are countless way to enjoy the great outdoors For those with a taste for the extreme, Israel offers a number of challenging Hotel and regarded as one of the most beautiful in the country. Caesarea’s mineral waters. The shoreline is dotted with tremendous spa-hotels offering relaxation and restoration with all of the chic comforts a luxury-minded in Israel. and beautiful hiking, kayaking, biking, rappelling and rock-climbing Habonim Beach, part of a reserve park that features various inlets, reefs, caves clientele expects. opportunities. Overlooking the (also known as Lake Kinneret), and wave fountains for exploration, boasts striking beach views of the Roman GEOLOGICAL TOURISM the Golan Heights area features some of the most incredible, natural views The southern parts of the country and the Negev Desert offer endless of this mountainous seaside region. It is also home to the Gamla Nature opportunities for clients who like to “rock out.” The strange geologic formations Reserve, the site of the earliest known synagogue in the world. Outfits springing from the barren grounds at Park, once the site of an such as Israel Extreme offer a variety of tailored tours in Eilat, the Judean ancient Egyptian copper mine, offer a glimpse into the region’s geological Desert, the Galilee and the Golan Heights, with activities including day-long history. Bring a camera to catch photos of wild ibex and gazelles scampering climbing, rappelling and swimming adventures in the caves near Jerusalem, around the towering rock walls rising skyward in all directions. Check out the or a breathtaking rappelling tour of the Atek River Canyon. See www.Israel- sublime grandeur of Solomon’s Pillars — soaring columnar rocks carved out by Extreme.com for more rates and tour information. Those who enjoy ocean centuries of erosion — and the temple to the Egyptian goddess Hathor before Rimonim Central Holidays taking a climb up the mountain steps for a truly awesome view. Deep in the heart adventures should check out the Dolphin Reef in Eilat, where visitors can The Rimonim Galei Kinnereth and Ruth Rimonim Safed hotels offer getaways Book early with Central Holidays to save from five to seven percent with full through Feb. 2011. Rimonim Galei Kinnereth is offering deals from $262, including payments at the time of booking, or save up to $150 per couple for booking with of the Negev lies the Ramon, an enormous crater-like depression swim with dolphins in the Red Sea, or paddle around this gorgeous little a 45-minute massage, while Ruth Rimonim Safed’s offer, starting from $226.00, a deposit of: cove. Snorkeling and scuba diving outfits abound along the vibrant reef, and formed over 110 million years ago. The process of its formation has left exposed includes a complimentary upgrade and a 45-minute spa treatment. For details, • $50 for purchases between $750 and $1,500 layers of igneous, sedimentary and composite rock that are a true storybook of the nearby Underwater Observatory Marine Park offers a great, contact [email protected]. • $100 for purchases between $1,501 and $3,000 • $150 for purchases over $3,000

family-friendly overview of the lush colors of the Red Sea’s flora and fauna. agent info the past 200 million years. At the visitor’s center, groups can learn about the site www.rimonim.com agent info www.centralholidays.com and stop by Bio Ramon, a small zoo that puts visitors face to face with desert Another great stop for active tourists is the mountain fortress of Masada, (Reservations are subject to availability, and minimum stay is required.) ביצוע: רימונים מס' בריף: 17337 שם קובץ: Rimonim Ad Eng גודל:7*10.7 אינץ' סוג: מודעה גרפיקה: ביצוע יערה רומן יערה תאריך: animals. A short drive from Jerusalem is the Soreq Cave, which contains a made famous by the Jewish rebels who held out against the Romans in King 29.8.10

InterContinental IsramWorld InterContinental David Tel Aviv combines the magic of the Mediterranean with The only company offering escorted tours seven days a week to Israel a metropolitan setting. Beautiful guest rooms overlook the sea and city, while with guaranteed departures and extensions to Egypt, Jordan and various dining options, including the Aubergine restaurant and Inca Cigar bar, Greece, is IsramWorld. Hosting tours for discerning travelers since 1967, serve excellent international cuisine. Facilities include 24-hour room service, IsramWorld is now featuring a new and exclusive Elite Israel program. seasonal kids’ club, Riki Spa & Gym and an outdoor pool. agent info www.InterContinental.com/TelAviv For more information, call 1-800-223-7460 or visit www.isram.com. agent info DISCOVER AND RELAX

variety of other worldly stalactites, some of them over 300,000 years old. Those Herod’s former strategic stronghold. Skip the cable car, and take an early RIMONIM HOTELS AND RESORTS who have an itch for archeology can take part in the Dig-for-a-Day programs in morning climb up the winding Snake Path to catch daybreak at the summit the untouched extremities of Tel , the ancestral home of King Herod, at and panoramic views of the Dead Sea. Beit Guvrin National Park.

Eilat Marine Park Solomon’s Pillars © Eric Newman RIMONIM RUTH RIMONIM RIMONIM NEVE ATIV RIMONIM NAZARETH RIMONIM GALEI KINNERETH SAFED HOLIDAY VILLAGE CENTRAL PARK

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outdoor itinerary HITTING THE TRAIL DAY 1 Day 4 One way for visitors to see it all is a hike along the , a Red Sea. However, the estimated 30 to 70 days of continuous hiking it takes to Drive through the Negev Desert, stopping at the village of Mitzpe Ramon. After Head northeast to the Golan Heights, for a trek through the Gamla Nature nearly 580-mile long network of paths that stretches from the Lebanese border complete the whole thing is beyond the scope of most itineraries. The trail is a quick lunch, check out nearby attractions such as the , before Reserve. Include a stop at the remains of Gamla’s ancient synagogue, believed all the way to the Red Sea. Along the way, travelers will see the verdant hills of broken into 12 parts, each of which could fill up a one-day or two-day adventure heading out to Timna Park for a tour of Solomon’s Pillars and the surrounding to be one of the oldest in the world. While hiking through the surrounding area, the Galilee, the Judean Mountains, the and the expansive sands of itinerary, a perfect alternative for the time-conscious traveler. geological phenomena. Overnight in Eilat. stop at Nahla Gamla Waterfall and check out the Griffon. After breaking for the Negev Desert, all before reaching the sun-kissed shores of Eilat on the lunch in the coastal city of Tiberias, head to the shores of the Sea of Galilee for Day 2 a relaxing afternoon. Overnight in Tiberias. Go for a mid-morning swim with the dolphins over at the Dolphin Reef, before toweling off and heading to the Underwater Observatory Marine Park. Take a scenic drive Sunrise in Tel Aviv along the coast to find a few excellent spots for snorkeling and scuba diving. Overnight in Eilat.

Day 3 Take an early morning drive to Tel Aviv, and rent a bike on Ben Yehuda Street. Take a two-wheeled tour down Rothschild Boulevard, then pedal over for a coffee break at the famous Café Tamar on Shenkin Street. Spend a few hours relaxing on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea before grabbing dinner at any of the city’s wonderful restaurants. Overnight in Tel Aviv.

Sea of Galilee

You will love Israel from the first Shalom! Beginning with Jerusalem, the jewel in the crown, both modern and timeless, Jewish, Christian and Islamic at the same time. A perfectly preserved town with more than 4,000 years of history. Descend to the Dead Sea or climb to the Herodian Fortress of Masada. Discover the remains of ancient synagogues and churches by the Sea of Galilee. Israel, the holy ground of Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

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Prices are per person, land only and are based on double room occupancy. Special airfares are available. Other exclusions and restrictions may apply. art, architecture and music whose Möbius strip like exterior is a vessel for the work of Israeli architectural The Israeli art world draws on a robust and complex melange of influences, and design students. Perhaps one of the most important of Israel’s museums, the Eilat Princess Hotel stylistic languages, subject matter and media. powerful Yad Vashem Holocaust History Museum is a stunning work of design, The Eilat Princess Hotel offers guests luxury and relaxation among its and its galleries feature work by survivors and other artists that approach and modern architecture and local landscape. Located near the hub of Eilat interpret the Holocaust in new and evolving ways. For a comprehensive list of art entertainment, the resort borders on a private beach. Winter rates start from $175 per person, with a special discount to travel From the iconic Armenian ceramic tiles commonplace in the markets of museums and galleries throughout Israel, check out www.ilmuseums.com. agents of 25 percent from November 15, 2010, till March 21, 2011, Jerusalem to the groundbreaking work of students at the Bezalel Academy of Art Sheraton Tel Aviv Hotel & Towers excluding Christmas. agent info and Design, the galleries and museums of the busiest cities to the chic grandeur ARCHITECTURE Sheraton Tel Aviv is located in the heart of the city overlooking the www.eilatprincess.com Israel excels at blending the new and the old, and nowhere can this refreshing of Tel Aviv’s Bauhaus architecture, the artisans and artists of Israel all speak the Mediterranean Sea. All 313 guest rooms, 24 suites, offer the ultimate in mix be seen more than in the international language of good design. For audiophiles, there is a wide variety luxury. Guests staying in the newly renovated Sheraton Towers, located of jazz, classical and popular music to be heard at the country’s many outdoor on the higher floors, can enjoy the Towers Lounge with its new butler architecture of its major venues and concert halls. Whatever your interest, Israel is a pleasure cruise for service offering complimentary pressing, newspaper and message cities. the aesthete, the museumgoer and the music lover. delivery, turndown and more. agent info www.starwoodhotels.com Walking down the palm ARTISTIC ADVENTURES tree-lined center path of Tel Aviv Skyline To get a handle on the breadth and depth of Israeli art past and present, visitors Rothschild Boulevard is a should check out The Israel Museum perched atop one of Jerusalem’s many tour through the tradition of picturesque hills. Recently reopened after a three-year expansion and renovation, Bauhaus and International the museum features strong collections of archeological works, fine art, video Style architecture from the art and an excellent exhibit on the Dead Sea Scrolls. In addition to its exhibitions 1920s and 1930s. Designated of international contemporary art, the museum has dedicated galleries a World Heritage Site by showcasing the work of Israeli artists that reflect the themes and movements UNESCO, these buildings from that have defined the country’s identity over the past 100 years. For information the Ahuzat Bayit — or on current and upcoming exhibitions, check out www.english.imjnet.org.il. “Homestead” — period reflect the uniquely Israeli incorporation Another worthy stop is the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, which boasts one of the of architectural themes most comprehensive collections of Israeli art as well as an impressive holding and features native to the of international works. For those interested in singular collections from some various countries from which the of Israeli art’s greatest luminaries, check out the Nahum Gutman Art Museum country draws its diverse in Tel Aviv’s trendy Neve Tzedek neighborhood, or the Rubin Museum, a small population. To contextualize a collection established in the former home of legendary Israeli painter Reuven walking tour, stop by the Rubin. In the Tel Aviv suburb of Holon, check out the Design Museum Holon, Bauhaus Foundation Museum on Bialik Street, where visitors can learn about these movements from within an original Bauhaus building. A few steps away, sample a bit of literary history at Bialik House, the former residence and current museum for seminal Israeli writer Hayim Bialik, whose poem “To the Bird” moved many Jews worldwide to emigrate to Israel. The house is one of the best examples of Israeli fondness for art nouveau and its search for a domestic cultural aesthetic. Moving deeper into the heart of the city, the architecture of the 1960s can be seen in the Migdal Shalom, Israel’s first skyscraper and a central spot where tourists can take a number of walking tours. ANYWHERE ELSE

The building also houses Nahum Gutman’s most famous mosaic murals, Jerusalem is bursting with historic, architectural and religious sites, so planning THIS WOULD JUST BE A LAKE. depicting the founding and development of Tel Aviv, and several wonderful a manageable tour is essential. Fortunately, Israeli guides are well trained and architectural exhibits. readily available to help you plan an itinerary that makes sense for your clients. You’ll have a wealth of options for trips tailored to Christian, Jewish, Muslim or Divided between the Jewish Quarter, Muslim Quarter, Christian Quarter secular clientele. and the Armenian Quarter, Jerusalem’s Old City gives travelers a sense of the varied and storied styles that form the architecture of this “golden city,” SOUNDSCAPES so-called because of the pale, yellow limestone brick exteriors of its buildings. For those who missed recent concerts by international luminaries such as rap and Stand before the Western Wall, one of the holiest sites in Judaism, or pass R&B star Missy Elliott, metal monster Ozzy Osbourne or soul crooner Seal, there through the majesty of the Damascus Gate. Follow the Via Dolorosa, or is a never-ending line-up of high-profile popular artists who grace the stages of Stations of the Cross, that Jesus took before his crucifixion, marveling not Israel, including the impressive amphitheater at Hayarkon Park, where Madonna only at the historical path these stations mark, but also the narrow performed last year. Classical music lovers will no doubt thrill at the opportunity passageways and domed arches that were the architectural breakthroughs of to catch a show at the Jerusalem Center for the Performing Arts, a four- their day. Pass alongside the lines of worshipers in the Church of the Holy auditorium space that is the home turf of the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, or Sepulchre, with its ornate décor, brilliant mosaics and mixture of Crusader, take in a few performances at the Israel Festival, an annual celebration of music Byzantine and Greek architecture. In the Jewish Quarter, stop by the renovated and performing arts that draws artists from around the world. Dates for 2011 have Hurva Synagogue, an important temple that was destroyed in the 1948 been set for May and June, when the Israel Festival celebrates its 50th anniversary. Arab-Israeli War. En route, get a lesson in Roman city planning as you pass If opera lovers regret missing the recent premiere of Verdi’s La Traviata at the through the central path, known as the Cardo, which still functions today as a Israeli Opera in the Tel Aviv Performing Arts Center, they can look forward to bustling and lively marketplace. 2011, when the company will stage Aida at the foot of Masada.

Nazarene Tours Dan Hotels: Golden 7 Nazarene Tours is one of the largest, privately run tour operators in Stay a minimum of seven nights at one of the Dan hotels or at a Israel, holding assets of multilingual staff/guides, over 500 coaches, combination of any of the 14 hotels, and save 13 percent off the plus airport and hotel reps. Offers range from individual, pilgrimage one-night rate (restrictions apply). and historical tours to conference, convention planning and www.danhotels.com incentive programs. www.nazarenetours.com agent info agent info

Opera , Tel Aviv BUT THIS IS THE SEA OF GALILEE From its shores, Jesus of Nazareth delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Only in Israel can your clients experience the places that make the Bible stories they grew up with come to life. Only here will they discover that the history that makes us who we are still lives.

Today: •More visitors are enjoying Israel in 2010 than ever before: a 34% increase for the January to July period over last year •More flights are being added by the 5 airlines that fly non-stop from North America to Tel Aviv: Air Canada, Continental, Delta, El Al and US Airlines •More hotels across the country, from major chains to luxury boutique hotels, to country B&B’s, are opening and being upgraded •National Geographic recently ranked Tel Aviv’s beach as one of the top 10 in the world There’s a little bit of Israel in all of us. Come find the Israel in you.

24 goisrael.com art, architecture and music itinerary DAY 1 Start out with a gallery walk in the port city of Jaffa before making your way Shrine of the Book Israel Museum, Jerusalem over to the restored Jaffa Train Station for a quick coffee or lemonade. Drive over to Neve Tzedek for lunch and head to Bialik House and the Nahum Gut- man Art Museum. Grab a quick bite at the kiosk that marks the beginning of Rothschild Boulevard, before taking a long tour of the Bauhaus architecture on either side of the tree-lined central path. Overnight in Tel Aviv.

Day 2 Start the day with a tour of the architectural exhibits and narrative mosaics at the Migdal Shalom, before moving on to a tour of the Museum of the Jewish Diaspora at the University of Tel Aviv. After breaking for lunch, make a visit to the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. Finish the day taking in a show at the Habima Na- tional Theatre, where groundbreaking performance pieces are made accessible to all visitors through simultaneous translation and/or closed captioning.

Day 3 Drive to Jerusalem. Follow the Via Dolorosa, which will take you through a great deal of the Old City. Make sure to notice the architecture, particularly the painted black lines that separate the original structure from that which was restored. Stop for lunch at a hummus restaurant before venturing over to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Hurva Synagogue and the Western Wall. Overnight in Jerusalem. Dan Hotels of Israel Where pleasure is a way of life DAY 4 Take an early tour of the Israel Museum, making sure to include the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit and well-curated collections of contemporary Israeli art in your Gorgeous beaches Thrilling destinations Endless sunshine itinerary. Move on to the Yad Vashem Holocaust History Museum. A full visit Come discover the ongoing pleasures of an unforgettable vacation requires at least a half-day, and visitors should know that children under 10 years old are not permitted. Take in an evening show at the Israeli Opera. Overnight in at Israel’s Dan Hotels. With luxury hotels covering the country and Jerusalem. all in prime settings, the Dan Chain is Israel’s premier hospitality provider, offering welcoming accommodations, fine restaurants, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and special activity programs. Whether it’s the legendary King David in Jerusalem or resort hotels on the Mediterranean and Red Sea, every Dan hotel is a landmark destination with a style and personality that reflects the spirit of its surroundings. And thanks to our wide range of locations, every place you want to be is practically on the doorstep, giving you endless options for enjoying the beauty, history and diversity of Israel. This vacation, indulge yourself at the Dans, where courtesy is genuine, service knows no bounds, and the welcome is suited to every budget.

www.danhotels.com

For information & reservations, please call your travel agent or ISRAEL: “Call Dan” Reservation Center: 972-3-5202552 USA: (212) 752-6120 / Toll Free: 800-223-7773/4

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