8.375” x 10.875 Front cover Israel is enjoying an unprecedented tourism boom. More visitors came to Israel in 2018 than ever before, and 2019 is expected to break the 2018 record! What’s happening and why? Simply stated, Israel is happening. It’s a proud, high-tech, culturally advanced and extraordinarily successful Israel that more and more travelers of every faith, hue, interest and orientation want to discover. Of course, there’s the traditional Israel – the 4,000-year-old holy and historic Promised Land, the homeland reborn 71 years ago, the land that is home to 8 million Israelis who love America and Americans. But there’s more. Throughout Israel, phenomenal new and luxurious hotels are opening, at the same time as Israel’s wealth of more historic properties are undergoing dramatic facelifts. Israel has become a new star in the world’s culinary scene – with gorgeous restaurants offering an old-new fusion cuisine that international food and wine critics are applauding. And Isram-Israel is part of that surge in 21st-century tourism – the acknowledged leader and trendsetter in American tourism to Israel. As Israel becomes increasingly in demand, more and more tours, trips and opportunities are available, so ensuring you select the right provider is vital. With so many offers out there – it’s hard to know what’s what and whom to trust with your epic vacation plans. Here’s the lowdown…Isram-Israel knows Israel better than anyone else – and knows what Americans want better than anyone else. Because of our buying power we can obtain the room you want when others can’t, even at the height of the season. We never cram our motor-coaches – invariably leaving plenty of room to enable guests to spread out. Whether you’re taking a motor-coach tour or a private customized trip, you need a provider that knows not just the sites, but what makes Israel’s growth, culture and dynamism so exceptional. And we insist our staff and expert guides are up to date with everything that’s newest and hottest. For decades we’ve specialized in ensuring our guests’ visits are innovative, smooth, efficient, wondrous, breathtaking and inspiring. Israel in 2019 awaits you. And so does Isram Israel. Ilana Apelboim Shaanan Kraus Simon Wynick General Manager, USA Chief Executive Officer Managing Director Rosh Hanikra F Acre F F Safed F Haifa F Tiberias Sea of Galilee Caesarea F F Nazareth Ajloun Netanya F F F Megiddo Jerash Sheikh F Herzliya F F Hussein Crossing Tel Aviv F F Jaffa Allenby Q H Mediterranean Sea Bridge F Ben Gurion Airport H Amman Jerusalem F Bethlehem F Mt. Nebo F Madaba Masada F Israel Dead Sea F Kerak F Beersheba Mitzpe Ramon F F Petra Egypt Jordan F Wadi Rum F Eilat F Aqaba 4 | www.isramisraelusa.com Contents Isram Israel FAQs 6-7 About Hotels … 8-10 WEEKLY GUARANTEED TOURS Prelude (Thu or Sat) – 9 Days 16-19 Minuet (Fri) – 10 Days 20-21 Overture (Thu) – 11 Days 22-23 Rhapsody (Wed) – 12 Days 24-25 Serenade (Tue) – 13 Days 26-27 Fantasia (Mon) – 14 Days 28-30 Jerash Symphony (Sun) – 15 Days 32-34 Sheikh F Israel plus Eilat & Petra Overday – 15 Days, 14 Days or 13 Days 36-39 F Hussein Touring by Private Car (Price Supplements) 40 Crossing SPECIAL INTEREST TOURS The Ultimate Family Bar/Bat Mitzvah Tour – 12 Days Featuring Free Land Tour for Bar/Bat Mitzvah Child 41-43 Best Value Tour of the Month – 11 Days 46-47 Holyland Pilgrimage – 9 Days or 12 Days (includes Eilat) 48-49 Tierra Santa – 9 Days Spanish Language Touring Plus Jordan Extension (En Español) 50-52 SPECIAL INTEREST TOURS EXCLUSIVELY BY PRIVATE CAR Discover the Holyland by Private Car – 12 Days – A Christian Spiritual Tour . 54-55 Israel Heritage by Private Car – 11 Days – A Jewish Interest Tour – NEW . 56-57 Sights, Sounds and Tastes of Israel – 12 Days – Cultural & Culinary Highlights – NEW . 58-59 Israel 360° – 15 Days – NEW North to South, East to West, this in depth tour of Israel has got it all 60-62 ISRAEL & BEYOND Israel & Jordan – 13 Days 64-65 Exploring Jordan by Private Car – 2-4 Days – Plus VIP Crossing across the Border at Allenby Bridge 66-68 Historic Journey – 15 Days – Israel, Jordan & Egypt Combined 69-71 Cairo City Package – 4 Days – With Day Tour to Luxor 72 Egypt & The Nile – 8 Days – Includes Cruising on the River Nile 73 ISRAEL INDEPENDENTLY Best of Eilat – 3 & 4 Nights Stays plus Petra (Jordan) One-Day Tour from Eilat 74-75 Shore Excursions By Private Car – From Ports of Ashdod or Haifa 76-77 VIP Club Services By Laufer – At Ben Gurion and other Airports 78 Hertz Self-Drive Car Rental 80 HOTELS A-LA-CARTE Popular Hotels and their descriptions throughout Israel 82-95 Dan Hotels Ultimate Luxury Package & “Goldan 7” Special Savings Promotion 83 & 87 GENERAL TRAVEL INFORMATION Jewish National Fund – Plant a Tree or Join a One Day JNF Tour 103 Private Custom Tours – Groups and Individuals 104 Travel Insurance 105 General Information 106 Isram Israel (844) 9-ISRAEL www.isramisraelusa.com | 5 FAQs Jerusalem We’ve updated the most “Frequently Asked budget and help you make the perfect choice. And Questions” and hope that much of what while you’re browsing the hotel choices, take note of you’ve been wondering about will be covered the special room categories included at many of these in these 2 pages. fine hotels, some with use of the exclusive Executive lounges! Exceptionally this year, some extra perks are The tour programs referred to are our ever- offered by each hotel which you’ll find in the listing so-popular Israel Prelude, Minuet, Overture, on pages 10-12. Rhapsody, Serenade, Symphony and Israel Plus Eilat and Petra. Our staff is at your service Q: What is not covered in the price of to assist in making your travel experience with these tours that will cost me extra? Isram Israel, second to none. A: Our tour inclusions are very clearly outlined on every program so that there is no guess work. Cutting corners and offering a list of “optional” services for an Q: How do I know which hotel will be extra cost is not our thing. We believe in providing you the most suitable for us? with the best value for every dollar you spend and mak- ing sure that the most interesting sites in Isram Israel A: We’ve made a careful selection of the topmost hotels are covered on the program you’ve selected. Prior to in the country, according to price ranges. And we’ve even departure you’ll receive our special “Bon Voyage Gift added the newest most trendiest properties to the selec- Pak” including information on suggested gratuities tion. Each property is centrally located, has a welcoming (guide, driver, hotel personnel) which are not included lobby lounge, fine dining outlets and a swimming pool. in the cost of your tour. Tips for included meals are So you can’t go wrong. Let us know if you favor the more covered by Isram. Rest assured that on an Isram Israel traditional old-world charm hotels or the contemporary tour, you’ll see and experience more than you’ll ever style hotels with that modern vibe. We’ll consider your imagine. 6 | www.isramisraelusa.com Isram Israel (844) 9-ISRAEL Q: Where can I rent a phone for Israel? Q: Are Visas required for Israel or A: Many are now using their own cell phone provider’s Jordan and Egypt? services to tap into special deals allowing them to utilize A: For American or Canadian Citizens, visas are not their own mobile phones abroad. Don’t forget the various required for Israel. Visas are required for Jordan and in apps (Whatsapp, Viber, etc.) allowing you to stay connected most cases, Isram Israel will be responsible to secure this without extra cost as long as you’ve arranged for interna- visa on your behalf as detailed in the description of your tional service to be available during your trip. Feel free to tour. For Egypt, visas are required and may be included use the services of IsraelPhones for your cellular phone in the cost of your tour as indicated or may be obtained rental or for the purchase of a SIM card. Call 1-800-897- upon arrival. For all travelers, you must be in possession 9393 or go to www.israelphones.com/IsramIsraelusa.htm of a valid passport with an expiry date not earlier than six months following the date of your return. Q: Where will I be met when I arrive in Israel from abroad? Q: Do you offer Trip Insurance? A: Our representatives will meet you inside the baggage A: We do and at an affordable rate that is not regu- claim area and will accompany you to secure your luggage lated by age or how much your tour costs. One flat and to the awaiting vehicle for the transfer to your hotel. rate which will include flight insurance if it’s booked And on departure from Israel, you’ll be amazed at our with Isram Israel. See page 105 for full details. special VIP service at Ben Gurion Airport. No waiting on long security and airline check-in lines. We’ll whisk you Q: I have a late evening flight back. right through and then, you’ll relax and enjoy the great Must I check out of my room at noon? amenities in the private Dan VIP Lounge while you await your flight’s departure! A: Most U.S.