Itinerary Subject to Change
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Itinerary Subject to Change. • Welcome to Israel! Upon individual arrivals, meet your arranged transfer and head north to the luxurious Mizpe Hayamim Hotel & Spa in Rosh Pina. Check in with time to rest and relax and explore the hotel’s 5-star amenities. Early this evening, mark the beginning of Shabbat by reciting blessings and Mizpe Hayamim Hotel & Spa participating in a special candle lighting ritual with kids from Green Horizons, a JNF partner and young leadership group that cultivates growth, self-confidence and independence among Israeli youth. Enjoy Shabbat dinner on the beautiful outdoor patio of the hotel with special guest Janna Gur, famed chef, cookbook author, TV personality, and Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Israel’s leading culinary magazine, Al Hashulchan. Participate in an interactive activity based on Janna’s talk “The Israeli Dozen: the Story of Israeli Food through 12 Dishes and Ingredients,” which tells the captivating story of the progression of Israeli food from Biblical to modern times Chef Janna Gur through 12 delectable dishes and ingredients. Afterward, receive your very own copy of her book, which will be personally signed by the author. Overnight, Mizpe Hayamim Hotel & Spa, Rosh Pina • Today will be at leisure in honor of Shabbat. Consider attending optional Shabbat services, relaxing in the hotel’s tranquil atmosphere, taking a dip in the pool or indulging in an optional spa treatment*. (*Additional cost – not included in tour price) Mizpe Hayamim Spa Mark the end of Shabbat by participating in the ritual of Havdalah, a service infused with music, symbols, and meaning. Recite the blessings, sing the prayers, and learn more about the significance of using spices during the service. This evening, enjoy an exclusive cooking workshop with top-rated Chef Tal Zohar. His mobile kitchen comes fully equipped with all the necessary ingredients to make a delicious meal, paired with quality wine and beer. The food and drinks will only be a part of the fun, as Chef Tal is also known for his unique entertainment skills where he uses cookware as instruments to make impromptu music. Drum along with him on the pots and pans and singalong together under the night sky. Chef Tal Zohar Overnight, Mizpe Hayamim Hotel & Spa, Rosh Pina Itinerary Subject to Change. • Depart the hotel for a unique guitar-making workshop with a local artist and musician who specializes in crafting various string instruments from scratch such as guitars, mandolins, and ukuleles. Learn how he meticulously works to create a one- of-a-kind product before having the opportunity to partake in this intricate process Kibbutz Lotem balcony firsthand and make music together. Proceed to the nearby Kibbutz Lotem, situated on a hilltop that offers breathtaking views of the Sea of Galilee and surrounding valleys. Enjoy an interactive activity and refreshments on the scenic outdoor balcony. This afternoon, enjoy small plates and wine samplings upon arrival at Teva Ez Farm. Take a quick tour of the premises before a fun pizza-making activity that will provide insight into what it is like running a local farm in the Western Galilee. Milk the goats, prepare fresh cheese from the farm, and make your very own Shavei Zion beach personal pizza that will be baked and served for lunch. End the day on the beautiful Shavei Zion beach. Choose to engage in any of the various outdoor activities with Green Horizons kids including: paddle boating, volleyball, kayaking, or simply relaxing at the picnic tables. Shower and freshen up at tzimmers nearby before spending the evening with local Druze home-hospitality. Discuss the Druze religion while preparing and cooking delicious foods that will later be served as dinner. Druze feast Overnight, Mizpe Hayamim Hotel & Spa, Rosh Pina Itinerary Subject to Change. • Today will be spent exploring the wide array of diverse cultures and traditions that coexist within the Western Galilee. Following breakfast and hotel check-out, depart to the Arab city of Shefar’am for a one-of-a-kind pastry-making workshop at the local bakery. Founded by a Muslim Qatayef pastry family, the bakery attracts a diverse clientele of Muslims, Christians, and Jews from Israel. During a conversation with the owners, understand the traditions of Ramadan while preparing a delicious pastry called “Qatayef”, served specifically during the Ramadan holiday. Commonly referred to as “Arabic pancakes", these special desserts are made with dough and filled with sweet cheeses and nuts. Meet with local Oud players and hear about why the oud is central to Middle Eastern music and considered to be “the king of instruments” (pending confirmation). Oud instrument Proceed to Kibbutz Evron for a unique opportunity to learn about local Ethiopian- Jewish culture in the home of Yoney Skiba, who made Aliyah to Israel in 1994. See how she keeps tradition alive in her full-size hut by collecting various Ethiopian artifacts and artworks, preparing the ancestral sourdough flatbread called “injera”, and brewing classic Ethiopian coffee. Last but not least, Yoney heightens the experience with Ethiopian-Jewish music and dancing, so remember to bring Ethiopian hut in Kibbutz Evron your dancing shoes! Transition into local Georgian culture with an authentic lunch and music at Shota Restaurant. Help prepare some of the delicious foods while hearing from a live Georgian band. Afterward, take a brief Shuk tour in Akko with a local Arab guide. Stop at the JNF Western Galilee Visitor Center, a brand new facility that showcases the vast array Akko of activities and attractions in and around the Western Galilee. Unwind with drinks at the legendary Efendi Hotel rooftop with renowned Chef Uri Burri before enjoying a delicious dinner at the famous Efendi Restaurant. Following dinner, the group will proceed to Jerusalem and partake in a traditional Shehechyanu ceremony on the bus before checking into the luxurious David Citadel Hotel. Efendi restaurant Overnight, David Citadel, Jerusalem Itinerary Subject to Change. • Following breakfast, begin the day with a meaningful visit to the Kotel, where Jews from around the world gather to pray at this most holy of Jewish sites. Proceed to Ammunition Hill, site of the famous Six-Day War that is dedicated to all the brigades who fought in the battle for the liberation of Jerusalem. Hear the The Kotel story of how 182 olive trees were planted here in 1972 in memory of the each of the soldiers. Walk through the Commemoration Hall with Yoel Rosby, JNF- Ammunition Hill Liaison, to gain a better understanding of the events that occurred at this special heritage site. Afterward, participate in a symbolic oil-bottling activity where each participant will have the opportunity to pour olive oil from the on-site olive trees into their own individual bottles. Dedicate your personal bottle to either a loved one or to a veteran that fell in the war. Commemoration Hall Continue to the colorful Mahane Yehuda Market for a Jerusalem Shuk Tour with top Israeli Chef Assaf Granit, distinguished winner of Israel’s Iron Chef Competition and Co-owner of Machneyuda, an iconic Jerusalem restaurant. Meet local vendors, sample fresh foods, and get ingredients that will later be used to make lunch. Head to Yudale, referred to as the “sister restaurant” of Machneyuda, for your interactive cooking session with Chef Granit. Prepare a delicious lunch using locally-sourced ingredients while sipping on tasty wines and spirits. Mahane Yehuda Market Later this afternoon, visit the brand new JNF offices and hear from guest speaker Shimon Battat, an internationally-known Political Strategist & Consultant who specializes in Middle-Eastern affairs and Israeli security. Return to the hotel and enjoy free time by taking advantage of the five-star facilities. Consider relaxing at hotel lounge, enjoying a drink at the bar, taking a dip in the pool, or hitting the gym. This evening will be at leisure on your own Workshop with Chef Granit (Dinner not included). Overnight, David Citadel, Jerusalem Itinerary Subject to Change. • Following breakfast and hotel check-out, begin the day with tree planting at Neot Kedumim, Israel’s Biblical Landscape Reserve, with a diverse group of Nefesh B’Nefesh olim. Hear their personal stories of making Aliyah while contributing to JNF’s ongoing afforestation efforts in Israel. Tree Planting Afterward, enjoy lunch & wine at Barkan Winery, which spans over 10 square kilometers of vineyards. Taste some of the high-quality wines made from from top- grade breeds that are imported from all over the world. Spend the remainder of the afternoon in the trendy neighborhood of Sarona, a Barkan Winery vineyards former German colony that has been transformed into a booming culinary arena. After a walking tour, enjoy free time exploring the new urban complexes including various shops, cafés and art galleries. Head to Messa, a top restaurant in Tel Aviv, for a scotch tasting with whiskey expert Jonathan Ishai, President of the Israeli Whiskey Society. Enjoy the aromas and unique flavors of several scotch samplings, paired with gourmet dairy tapas. Scotch tasting This evening will feature a special treat. Following dinner, depart to Ra’anana Amphitheatre to see former Beach Boys member Brian Wilson perform live in concert! Brian Wilson is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and producer, often referred to as one of the most influential songwriters in rock 'n' roll history. Brian Wilson Overnight, Royal Beach Hotel, Tel Aviv Itinerary Subject to Change. • Following breakfast, depart the hotel and head to the Tel Nof Air Force Base in Rehovot. Gain exclusive insight into the inner workings of the Israeli Defense Forces and learn about the unique Special in Uniform program, one of JNF’s largest and most influential projects that empowers people with special needs by providing Special in Uniform them with opportunities to serve in IDF.