My Turn in Israel
You’re invited to discover the very best of Israel on a signature 8-12 day experience designed for active adults of all ages and with guaranteed dates conveniently scheduled year-round.
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ADULTS
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8-10 DAYS
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OVERVIEW
It’s YOUR turn to experience the beauty of Israel on this 8-day or 10-day tour with an optional 2-day extension to Eilat and Petra.
My Turn brings together adult travelers from North America and beyond to explore Israel’s rich history, modern culture and stunning landscapes. Experience the highlights of Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, the Dead Sea and the Galilee – as well as Israel’s off-the-beaten-path charm and delicious cuisine.
The program is pluralistically Jewish in approach and welcoming to all. The itinerary is ideal for anyone seeking a complete first-time experience in Israel or returning anew. And because My Turn is organized in-house by our own Authentic Israel staff and with our own elite guides and tour educators, we can provide a higher level of customer service, a truly authentic experience in Israel and an excellent value.
More Than a Tour
- Hands-on educational touring with a focus on more “experiences” and fewer museums
- Fantastic food! – Enjoy more genuine local flavor and fewer hotel meals
- Programming designed for active adults with a range of interests
- Absolutely no hidden costs, no surprises, and a near all-inclusive package
- A thoughtful itinerary through the lens of Jewish history and life welcoming of all
- Staffed by passionate Israeli guide and an engaging program leader (groups of 25+)
- Backed by a real organization you can count on at every step of the way
- A focus on creating a sense of community and connection as part of a shared journey
- Centrally located hotels with exceptional facilities, including outdoor pools
- Options to customize your experience, before or after the core program
Early Bird Discount + Risk Free Registration = Act Now!
Sign up at least five months in advance to lock in your spot and receive a $100/person discount. All payments are fully refundable up to four months in advance, so your savings are absolutely risk free.
Program Highlights
For a more detailed view of the program, check out the Program Itinerary
Optional Add-Ons
DATES
Choose from 100% guaranteed tour dates scheduled throughout the year. Private groups may be organized by special request.
2017 Tour Dates
| Tour Arrival Date Program begins Thursday evening |
8-Day End Date Program concludes Thursday evening |
10-Day End Date Program concludes Saturday evening |
Eilat Ext. End Date Add-on to the 8-day or 10-day program |
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October 19, 2017
LAST CHANCE! |
October 26, 2017 | October 28, 2017 | October 28, 2017 -or- October 30, 2017 |
NOTE: Availability notes by tour date are not updated in real time online
2018 Tour Dates
Lock in this year’s prices for next year’s tour dates for a limited time
| Tour Arrival Date Program begins Thursday evening |
8-Day End Date Program concludes Thursday evening |
10-Day End Date Program concludes Saturday evening |
Eilat Ext. End Date Add-on to the 8-day or 10-day program |
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February 22, 2018
Available |
March 1, 2018 | March 3, 2018 | March 3, 2018 or March 5, 2018 |
April 26, 2018
Available |
May 3, 2018 | May 5, 2018 | May 5, 2018 or May 7, 2018 |
May 10, 2018
Available |
May 17, 2018 | May 19, 2018 | May 19, 2018 or May 21, 2018 |
July 5, 2018
Available |
July 12, 2018 | July 14, 2018 | July 14, 2018 or Monday, July 16, 2018 |
October 11, 2018
Available |
October 18, 2018 | October 20, 2018 | October 20, 2018 or Monday, October 22, 2018 |
October 25, 2018
Available |
November 1, 2018 | November 3, 2018 | November 3, 2018 or November 5, 2018 |
NOTE: Availability notes by tour date are not updated in real time online
PACKAGE
What’s Included
Benefit from our no-hidden-costs approach so that you can enjoy your experience to the fullest. With the exception of one meal a day and gratuities, My Turn in Israel is an all-inclusive package. Scroll down to view Program Costs.
- VIP airport greeting and a private transfer to our Jerusalem hotel
Complimentary for anyone arriving to Ben Gurion Airport by 4:15pm on the first day of the program (view travel tips)
- 4- and 5-star centrally located accommodations with hotel porterage included
- Licensed Israeli guide accompanies the group on 24 x 7 basis
An additional program leader joins groups of at least 25 participants - Luxury private air-conditioned touring bus with dedicated Israeli drive
Saturdays in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv are designed as walking tour days without a bus - Two group meals daily, including tax and gratuities at restaurant meals
For those including the Eilat Extension, only breakfast is included in Eilat - Site entrance fees, activity costs and programming
- All applicable taxes
Additional VAT (tax) applies for Israeli citizens at group hotels
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- Flights to/from Israel
- Local medical insurance (optional)
- Travel insurance (optional)
- Meals not marked as included in itinerary
- Hotel incidentals
- Israeli staff gratuities (suggested $100/adult traveler)
What it Costs
Sign up at least five months in advance to lock in your spot and receive a $100/person discount. All payments are fully refundable up to four months in advance, so your savings are absolutely risk free.
8-Day Core Program |
Cost |
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| Base cost with double room hotel occupancy | $2,200/p | |
| Supplement for single room hotel occupancy | $675/p | |
10-Day Core Program |
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| Base cost with double room hotel occupancy | $2,550/p | |
| Supplement for single room hotel occupancy | $885/p | |
Eilat Add-On Package |
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| Base cost with double room hotel occupancy Does not include the Petra Day Tour |
$585/p | |
| Supplement for single room hotel occupancy | $260/p | |
| Supplement for guided Petra day tour from Eilat Includes Jordanian visa cost, border crossing fees and all tips |
$375/p | |
Acco & Rosh Hanikrah Day Tour |
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| Optional day tour from Tel Aviv on Saturday (Day 10) | $100/p |
Travel Insurance
We have partnered with Travel Insured International to provide an optional discounted travel insurance package. The policy includes coverage for medical-related cancellations, travel delays and luggage loss, trip interruption, and medical care. Cancel for any reason coverage is available as an add-on. View the policy for coverage details. The cost of the policy is a function of the total cost of your trip, including airfare booked on your own. The policy must be issued before final payment is made for the program, and some benefits are only available within 21 days of registration. Take advantage of it!
Local Health Insurance
Get peace of mind in Israel with a local medical insurance policy. Through a partnership with a leading Israeli insurance provider, Harel, travelers from abroad can obtain local health insurance in Israel that covers treatment and medication for non pre-existing conditions. This short term medical-only policy carries no deductibles or co-pays, and there are no claims or paperwork to submit for care. Even if you have coverage at home that extends abroad, you would still need to pay out of pocket in Israel, and then file a claim with your home insurance provider once you return. The same is true for travel insurance policies that include a medical benefit. In other words, the Harel local medical insurance policy is a convenient way to receive medical care in Israel without hidden costs or paperwork headaches. Learn More: Summary Policy | Detailed Policy
• Up to age 59 – $2.50/Day
• Ages 60-69 – $6.50/Day
• Ages 70-79 – $7.50/Day
• Ages 80-85 – $9.50/Day
To include a medical insurance policy as part of your travels, contact us at least 14 days in advance of your arrival date. For travelers age 66+, a health declarations form is required for coverage.
Additional Hotel Nights
Arriving to Israel early or extending your stay after the tour? Take advantage of our group rates at the Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Eilat hotels. All rates includes breakfast and are based on our standard cancellation terms. Hotel extensions are subject to availability and can only be booked contiguous to the program itinerary.
Mount Zion Hotel, Jerusalem
• Double Room: $260/night
• Single Room: $235/night
Carlton Hotel, Tel Aviv
• Double Room: $320/night
• Single Room: $300/night
ITINERARY
The My Turn itinerary tells the story of Israel through the lens of Jewish history. As such, we begin in Jerusalem, follow the path of the Exile to Masada and the Galilee and then conclude in Tel Aviv celebrating the establishment of modern Israel.
Actual itineraries and final hotels may vary only slightly and will be re-confirmed about two months prior.
Thursday: Baruch HaBah – Welcome Israel!
- Arrive at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport on your self-booked flight
An airport VIP greeting and complimentary transfer to our Jerusalem hotel is included for all travelers arriving by 4:15pm this day - Get oriented, and enjoy a welcome dinner at J’oy Restaurant in the Mamilla Complex
- Evening: Tower of David – Night Spectacular show in the Old City
Overnight: Mount Zion Hotel, Jerusalem
DinnerFriday: The Old City of Jerusalem
- Experience a panoramic introduction to Jerusalem from the Haas Promenade
- Enter the Old City via the Zion Gate – Explore the rooftops, alleyways and ancient squares of the Jewish Quarter
- Reflections at the Kotel – The Western Wall — explore the Southern Wall Excavations and go deep under the Old City in the Kotel Tunnels
- Return to our accommodations – Freshen up, relax, and experience the quiet that descends on Jerusalem as the city prepares for the start of Shabbat
- Evening: Option to experience Kabbalat Shabbat at the Western Wall or at a local synagogue
- Evening: Enjoy a festive Shabbat dinner as a group at our hotel
Overnight: Mount Zion Hotel, Jerusalem Breakfast & DinnerSaturday: Shabbat in Jerusalem
- Morning Option: Return to the Old City to tour the Christian Quarter and Arab Shuk (bazaar)
- Shabbat lunch is included at our hotel
- Afternoon Option: Jerusalem Beyond the Walls – Montefiore’s Windmill, Yemin Moshe, Mishkenot Sheananim, and the First Jerusalem Train Station Market
- Evening: Discover Jerusalem nightlife at Ben Yehuda Pedestrian Mall
Overnight: Mount Zion Hotel, JerusalemBreakfast & LunchSunday: Loss & Renewal in Israel
- Morning: Docent-led tour of the Yad Vashem World Holocaust Remembrance Center
- Experience the color and energy of the Mahane Yehuda open-air marketplace
- Learn about the leaders who shaped the story of modern Israel at Mt. Herzl National Cemetery
- Walking tour of the Knesset, Israel’s Parliament, and the Supreme Court grounds, stopping for a photo-op at the National Menorah
- Evening: Travel to the near desert for a short camel ride and a desert tent dinner feast at Eretz Bereshit
Overnight: Mount Zion Hotel, JerusalemBreakfast & DinnerMonday: Adventures in the Judean Desert
- Rise early and travel into the deep Judean Desert
- Ascend to the summit of Masada via the cable cars or hike up the Snake Path – Tour of Herod’s desert mountaintop fortress and the bastion of an ancient Jewish rebellion
An optional adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony is available on Masada for those who wish - Experience effortless floating at the Dead Sea with access to the Ein Gedi Spa
- Take a short nature walk to the desert waterfalls at Ein Gedi National Park and view wild ibex in their natural habitat
- Travel northwards to the Galilee via the Jordan River Valley, part of the vast Syrian-African Rift
- Check-in and dinner at our kibbutz accommodations on the Sea of Galilee shores
Overnight: Kibbutz Maagan Guest House, Sea of Galilee
Breakfast & DinnerTuesday: Mystics in the Galilee
- Walking tour of ancient Tsfat – The historic center of Jewish mysticism in the Galilee highlands
- Lunch on own and personal exploration time in the Tsfat artists’ colony and meet with Kabbalistic artist, Avraham Lowenthal
- Return to Maagan for free time to enjoy the Sea of Galilee shores and the hotel facilities
- Option: Visit the Kinneret Cemetery to discover the accomplishments of the poets and pioneers who shaped today’s Galilee
- Sunset cruise on the Sea of Galilee with Israeli dancing followed by a gourmet dinner at Roberg overlooking the water
Overnight: Kibbutz Maagan Guest House, Sea of Galilee Breakfast & DinnerWednesday: Perspectives from the Golan Heights
- Ascend the Golan Heights and explore the region on a historical off-road jeep trek
- View Israel’s neighbors and navigate former IDF bunkers at the summit of Mt. Ben-Tal
- Discover the Druze culture, enjoying traditional hospitality and lunch at Ein Kinya village
- Return to Maagan for a walking tour of the community and an explanation of the kibbutz idea
- Evening: Dinner on own in Tiberias along the Sea of Galilee waterfront
Overnight: Kibbutz Maagan Guest House, Sea of GalileeBreakfast & LunchThursday: Along the Mediterranean Coast
- Leave your mark taking part in a tree planting ceremony in the JNF’s Tzomet Golani Forest
- Travel westward toward the Mediterranean Coast
- Take in the views of Haifa from the Bahai Temple Gardens on the slopes of Mount Carmel
- Continue on to Zichron Yaakov, an early village founded by Jewish immigrants in the 1800’s
- Tasting, tour and lunch at the Tishbi Winery in the Carmel Mountains
- Explore Caesarea – Herod’s Roman amphitheater and grand palace on the beach
- Arrive to Tel Aviv, and enjoy a sunset walking tour of ancient Jaffa seaport*
- Check-in to our luxury hotel on the Tel Aviv beachfront
Overnight: Carlton Hotel, Tel AvivBreakfast & Lunch*NOTE: The eight-day option for My Turn ends this evening with a transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for return flights or a domestic flight to Eilat for those extending to Eilat.
Friday: Founding of Modern Israel
- Visit the Ayalon Institute – Learn about the story of the Haganah and the quest to create a modern Jewish State at this secret ammunition factory
- Independence Hall – Recount the creation of modern Israel where it happened and learn about the Jewish State’s founding values
- Celebrate the spirit of Tel Aviv at the Nahalat Binyamin street festival and the Carmel Market
- Explore Tel Aviv’s historic Neve Tzedek neighborhood and trendy Rothschild Boulevard
- Option to attend a Kabbalat Shabbat service on the beach or at a local synagogue
- Evening: Enjoy a festive Shabbat dinner experience as a group at our hotel
Overnight: Carlton Hotel, Tel AvivBreakfast & DinnerSaturday: Shabbat on the Beach
An optional day tour of Acco & Rosh Hanikrah is also offered this day
- Relaxed morning to explore Tel Aviv on own or enjoy the city’s Mediterranean beach culture
- Shabbat lunch is included at our hotel along with late check-out through 2:00pm
- Walking Tour — Rabin Square Memorial, HaBimah Theater Grounds, Dizengoff Fountain and the classic Bauhaus architecture of Tel Aviv
- Program wrap-up and farewells on the beach
- Evening: Transfer to Sde Dov Airport for flight to Eilat -or- Transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for overnight flights back to North America
Breakfast & LunchAcco (Acre) & Rosh Hanikrah Day Tour (Optional)
Eilat & Petra Extension (Optional)
Thursday or Saturday: Depart for Eilat
- Evening: Travel on domestic flight to Eilat
- Arrive to Eilat Airport and transfer to resort accommodations
Overnight: Herods Palace Hotel, EilatBreakfast & LunchFriday or Sunday: Optional Petra Tour
- OPTION #1: Guided day tour of Petra including lunch (not kosher)
- OPTION #2: Relaxed day to enjoy Eilat and the Red Sea
Overnight: Herods Palace Hotel, EilatBreakfast — Lunch included with Petra tourSaturday or Monday: Red Sea Relaxation
- Relaxed day to enjoy Eilat, pool & beach
- Transfer to Eilat airport for domestic flight to Tel Aviv*
Breakfast*Return flights from Eilat Airport to Ben Gurion Airport will be booked according to the traveler’s schedule. Participants wishing to stay longer in Eilat may do so with prior arrangements.
FAQS
You have questions? We’ve got answers! Our most frequently asked questions are answered below. Contact us for more.
How do the 8, 10 or 12-day options work?
Who staffs the tour?
How active is the touring?
What's the composition of the group?
How is this a Jewish experience?
How much of a group experience is this?
How all-inclusive is the experience?
What's the suggested staff gratuity?
How do I get ready for the trip?
How should I arrange my travel to and from Israel?
TRAVEL TO ISRAEL
- Participants are responsible for arranging their own air travel to/from Israel
- All travelers arriving to Ben Gurion Airport by 4:15pm on the first day of the program are entitled to a VIP greeting and complimentary transfer to our Jerusalem hotel
- Those travelers arriving before the first day or after 4:15pm on the first day can receive the same greeting and airport transfer service for an additional fee depending on the size of the party (note: the cost off a standard taxi to Jerusalem is $80-$100)
- Travelers arriving to Ben Gurion Airport after 4:15pm on the first day of the program will likely miss the welcome dinner and programming this evening and will be responsible for their own transportation to the restaurant
- Those travelers arriving to Israel early (which we recommend for acclimating in advance) can be accommodated by prior arrangement at the Mount Zion Hotel in Jerusalem based on our group rates, which includes breakfast and our standard cancellation terms:
Double Room: $260/night
Single Room: $235/night
TRAVEL FROM ISRAEL
- At the end of the core program (Thursday or Saturday night), participants will be escorted back to Ben Gurion Airport in time for overnight flights departing between 10:30pm and 1:00am the next day. No hotel is included this evening unless arranged separately.
- Participants booked on return flights outside of this window can be accommodated with an airport transfer by special arrangement, and additional fees will apply (note: taxis from Tel Aviv to Ben Gurion Airport are inexpensive, ubiquitous, and reliable).
- Those travelers extending their stay in Tel Aviv can be accommodated at the Carlton Hotel based on our group rates, which include breakfast and our standard cancellation terms:
Double Room: $320/night
Single Room: $300/night
What about arranging flights after the Eilat Extension?
Those travelers extending their stay in Eilat can be accommodated at the Herods Palace Hotel based on our group rates. Contact us for additional details.
What are the passport and visa rules for Israel?
NOTE: If you’re including Petra, a Jordanian visa and all border crossing fees are included as part of the day tour package.
REGISTER
To sign-up, download and complete the Registration Form
Your completed form can be submitted by fax to 1-202-315-3269, by email or by mail to:
Authentic Israel / 5185 MacArthur Blvd NW #640 / Washington, DC 20016
ENROLLMENT TERMS
Be sure to review these simple enrollment steps and terms
- To reserve your spot, a $250/person deposit is due at the time of registration
- The deposit is fully refundable up to four months in advance of the program start date, after which it is non-refundable
- The balance is due no later than two months in advance of the program start date, after which it is non-refundable
- Cancellations must be made in writing, and we encourage you to obtain travel insurance*
- A late registration fee of $50/person applies for enrollments within two months of the program start date
- Payments may be made by check or credit/debit card, however, a 3.5% processing fee applies for credit/debit card payments (fees are not refundable)
- All program dates are guaranteed, however, participation is subject to limited availability
- Authentic Israel reserves the right to deny acceptance on the tour according to its discretion
*Our travel insurance policy must be issued before final payment is made. Some benefits are only available if the policy is purchased within 21 days of your initial registration.
Statement of Understanding
Except for the willful negligence of its direct employees, Authentic Israel assumes no liability or responsibility for any injuries, inconvenience, illness, theft, property damage, irregularity, or incidental damages occasioned by circumstances beyond the control of the tour operator or by any person or reason whatsoever including but not limited to events such as strikes, revolts, wars, natural disasters, closures of airports and/or hotels, default or omission of any common or private carrier or the default, negligence or omission of and by any third party providing services or facilities to or included in this tour or any part thereof.
Any and all disputes between the parties arising out of or relating to this agreement, whether grounded in contract, tort or statutory law, shall be resolved exclusively by arbitration in Washington, DC. The arbitration shall be conducted in accordance with the Dispute Resolution Rules of JAMS. The prevailing party in the arbitration shall be entitled to its attorneys’ fees and costs plus any fees and costs incurred in connection with confirming the arbitrator’s award. Enrollment in and payment for the tour constitute your acceptance of the program conditions and this Statement of Responsibility.