Sunshine Tour: for Active Adults 55+
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Jewish National Fund SUNSHINE TOUR: FOR ACTIVE ADULTS 55+ November 10 – 19, 2019 Chairs Hal Linden & Bernice Friedman Professional Matt Bernstein Sunday, November 10 – Arrival / Tel Aviv AM Welcome to Israel! Upon individual arrivals, meet your arranged transfer and head to the Sheraton Hotel in Tel Aviv, Israel’s most cosmopolitan city on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. PM This evening, your journey will officially commence with a welcome dinner in a private room at the hotel. Overnight Sheraton Hotel, Tel Aviv Tel Aviv Itinerary is subject to change. Monday, November 11 – Tel Aviv / Center AM Following a delicious Israeli buffet breakfast at the hotel, depart to the Palmach Museum to learn about the strike-force arm of the Haganah, Israel’s pre-state underground defense organization. Experience a multimedia tour that will share the stories, struggles, and motivations of the brave men and women who made declaring an independent State of Israel possible. Meet with Palmach veterans and hear their personal stories. PM Depart for the trendy Sarona neighborhood, a former German Templar colony that has transformed into a thriving urban complex with new restaurants, cafés, and beautiful outdoor spaces. Enjoy lunch on your own in the Sarona Market, a contemporary urban market where Israel’s thriving culinary scene is on display. Continue to Ayalon Institute, a clandestine bullet factory that was established by the Haganah in 1945. As the largest bullet factory during that time, it produced 2.25 million bullets from 1946–1948, in complete secrecy. Tour the grounds of Ayalon, which played a major role in aiding the Jewish soldiers who fought for Israel’s Independence. Take a walking tour in Old Jaffa, one of the world’s oldest seaports, and now home to a multiethnic community of Muslims, Christians, and Jews. See the ancient ruins, explore the restored artists’ quarter, and stroll through the winding alleyways while learning about the rich history of the area. Spend your free time exploring Jaffa’s flea market, boutique shops, galleries, and cafés. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant this evening with a special guest speaker. Overnight Sheraton Hotel, Tel Aviv Jaffa Itinerary is subject to change. Tuesday, November 12 – Coastal Route AM Following breakfast, depart north along the coastal route to explore Caesarea, the former Roman capital of the region. Tour the rich remains spanning from the time of the Romans to the Islamic period: the historic aqueduct, the 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheater that has been restored and converted to a concert venue, the Crusader harbor, and Herod’s palace. Proceed to the Tishbi Winery, which offers views of the lush vineyards of the Tishbi Estate. Enjoy a delicious wine and chocolate tasting followed by lunch. PM Visit the Aaronsohn House in Zikhron Yaakov, which was used during the First World War as the center for underground activity by NILI, an underground espionage network that provided valuable intelligence to British forces. Head to Atlit Illegal Immigration Camp, a historic detention camp where thousands of Jewish immigrants were once detained upon their arrival to Israel during the British Mandate. See the restored Galina ship, a replica of a ship that carried thousands of “illegal” immigrants in defiance of the British blockade of Israel. Tour the premises and see the plans for the new exhibit within a C46 airplane that will interactively tell the story of clandestine Jewish immigration by air, allowing visitors to feel as if they themselves were making the secret journey to Israel. Return to Tel Aviv for a free evening and enjoy dinner at your leisure. Overnight Sheraton Hotel, Tel Aviv Caesarea Itinerary is subject to change. Wednesday, November 13 – South Be’er Sheva River Park AM After breakfast and hotel check-out, head to an IDF base to see JNF’s Special in Uniform, a unique initiative that integrates youth with special needs into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and prepares them for career placement following military service. PM Continue south to Be’er Sheva, the capital of the Negev. Have an authentic Ethiopian lunch with social entrepreneur Naftali Aklum and hear his captivating story of being among the first group of Jews to make Aliyah via Sudan. Now, his inspiring work raises awareness about Jewish-Ethiopian history and strengthens Ethiopian-Israeli identity. Visit the Be’er Sheva River Park, the centerpiece of JNF’s efforts to create a renaissance for the city which serves as an anchor of tourism and recreation. See the beautiful promenade, manmade lake, and outdoor amphitheater – now the largest in Israel – before partaking in a ceremonial tree planting. Walk in the footsteps of Abraham, the founding father of the Covenant, during a visit to Abraham’s Well on the banks of the biblical Be’er Sheva River. Proceed to the luxurious Isrotel Dead Sea Hotel in Ein Bokek, located adjacent to the Dead Sea. Known for its medicinal qualities and minerals, it’s no surprise that the region has become the undisputed spa capital of Israel. Enjoy dinner at the hotel this evening. Overnight Isrotel Dead Sea Hotel, Ein Bokek Itinerary is subject to change. Thursday, November 14 – Masada / Dead Sea AM Following breakfast, ascend Masada, the mountain fortress built by King Herod where religious zealots made their final stand against the Romans. Take a cable car ride to the top of the Herodian Palace Complex and learn about the history of the Jewish fighters. Learn about JNF’s new Torah Scroll Initiative and have your own honorary letter written into a Torah by a Jewish Sofer (scribe), who spends his days in the ancient, glass-enclosed synagogue atop Masada. PM Afterwards, descend the mountain to the depths of the Dead Sea. Enjoy lunch, float in the buoyant waters, and relax at the beach. Spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure and consider indulging in optional spa treatments at the hotel.* Return to the Isrotel Dead Sea Hotel and enjoy dinner at leisure this evening. *Additional cost for spa treatments, not included in tour price Isrotel Dead Sea Hotel, Ein Bokek Overnight Masada Itinerary is subject to change. Friday, November 15 – Central Arava / Eilat Eilat AM After breakfast and hotel check-out, depart to the Vidor Visitor Center in Ein Hatzeva, a multimedia facility that offers a taste of the Arava in all its variety. Take a multi- sensory tour to learn about the advanced agriculture of the region; watch a 3D film screening to hear about its rich history; visit a greenhouse that showcases quality local crops; and journey through an interactive museum for an insider’s view into the lives of Arava families and farmers. PM Visit the new Central Arava Medical Center in Sapir. In partnership with the Central Arava Regional Council and the Israeli government, JNF has built a world-class medical center to replace the former dilapidated clinic and provide quality care to local residents and workers. Continue next door to the Arava Emergency Response Center, providing a facility to ensure the safety and security of the Arava’s residents and the thousands of annual visitors that come to enjoy the many desert adventures the region has to offer. Following lunch, enjoy a special treat at Kibbutz Yotvata, which is known for producing the best ice cream in all of Israel on its local dairy farm. Drive by Yahel and see the housing sites underway thanks to JNF’s Housing Development Fund, which aims to expand communities in the Negev and Galilee by offering affordable housing options. Arrive and check-in to the Royal Beach Hotel in Eilat, Israel’s most Southern city located along the Red Sea. Welcome Shabbat by reciting blessings and joining in traditional candle lighting before enjoying Shabbat dinner at the hotel. Overnight Royal Beach Hotel, Eilat Itinerary is subject to change. Saturday, November 16 – Shabbat in Eilat AM Today will be at leisure in honor of Shabbat, providing the opportunity to experience Eilat at your own pace. Services will be offered at the hotel for those who wish to attend. Consider relaxing on the beach, snorkeling around Eilat’s coral reef, or joining one of the following optional day trips: Petra, Jordan* • Begin at the Arava border point in Jordan and drive to the Rose City of Petra. Enter Petra through a long, winding sandstone canyon called the “Siq,” before viewing the jaw dropping grandeur of the Treasury. On a walking tour through the heart of this ancient city, see the spectacular architecture carved into the mountains, myriad tombs and monuments, and a one-of-a-kind amphitheater. Following lunch, walk or take a camel or donkey ride back through the modern city before returning to Eilat. Timna Park • Visit Timna Park, located 17 miles north of Eilat at the heart of the breathtaking Timna Valley. The site has a great historical significance and is a premier recreation destination for Israelis and tourists. Discover the park’s archeological and geological treasures, such as King Solomon’s pillars, ancient copper mines, lake, and mountains that afford spectacular views. PM Enjoy the evening and dinner at leisure experiencing the city at your own pace. Overnight Royal Beach Hotel, Eilat *Additional cost- not included in tour price and operated by a third-party provider. Petra Itinerary is subject to change. Sunday, November 17 – Jerusalem AM Following breakfast and hotel check-out, transfer to the nearby Eilat airport for your short flight to Tel Aviv. Then, travel to Jerusalem, the spiritual hub of Israel. PM Visit Ammunition Hill, site of a pivotal battle of the Six-Day War. After lunch, walk through the battlegrounds and bunkers to follow in the footsteps of the soldiers who fought here.