MY TURN
You’re invited to discover the very best of Israel on our signature 8, 10, or 12-day tour designed for active adults – with guaranteed small groups and guaranteed tour dates conveniently scheduled year-round.
OVERVIEW
It’s YOUR turn to experience the beauty of Israel on this 8, 10, or 12-day fully guided small-group tour of the Jewish Homeland with guaranteed year-round travel dates.
My Turn brings together active adult travelers to explore Israel’s rich history, modern culture, and stunning landscapes. Experience the highlights of Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, the Dead Sea, the Galilee, Haifa, Golan Heights, and the Mediterranean Coast – as well as Israel’s off-the-beaten-path charm and delicious cuisine along the way. Our fixed tour dates are scheduled throughout the year, and we guarantee no more than 26 travelers in a group.
My Turn 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. Best of all, because My Turn is organized in-house by our own Authentic Israel staff and with our own caring guides and tour educators, we can provide a higher level of service, a truly authentic experience, and an excellent value.
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- Israel Family Journey | Authentic Israel
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.
More Than a Tour
Travel to Israel is unlike any other destination, which is why we strive to offer so much more than expected.
- Thoughtful educational touring with a focus on more experiences, and fewer museums
- Fantastic food – enjoy more authentic local flavors and fewer hotel meals
- Guaranteed small group tours with guaranteed travel dates – plan with confidence
- Led 24×7 by passionate staff and backed by an organization you can count on
- Absolutely no hidden costs, no surprises, and a near all-inclusive package
- A focus on creating a sense of community and connection as part of a shared journey
Program Highlights
For a more detailed view of the program, check out the Program Itinerary
DATES
HOTEL PACKAGE OPTIONS
CLASSIC HOTELS
- Offered on all dates
- 4-star equivalent hotels
- Centrally located hotels
- Max group size of 26
PREMIUM HOTELS
- Offered on select dates
- Mostly 5-star equivalent hotels
- Centrally located hotels
- Max group size of 26
- View the projected hotels we are offering.
- When more than one hotel package option is offered on the same dates, travelers will be accommodated in separate groups with separate staff teams.
- Double occupancy rooms can be configured with either two twin beds or one queen/ full-size bed (varies by hotel).
- Travelers opting for a triple room are typically accommodated in a standard-size double room with a rollaway bed.
- We reserve the right to consolidate hotel package options on the same dates with a complimentary package upgrade.
TOUR DURATION OPTIONS
My Turn can be experienced as an 8, 10, or 12-day tour. Here’s how it works:
TOUR ARRIVAL DATE
The program begins at either 12:30pm or 6:30pm at our hotel in Jerusalem on Thursday. Travelers are encouraged to arrive on Wednesday to acclimate and participate in the early touring on Thursday – and an additional Jerusalem hotel night is available on Wednesday evening. A complimentary airport transfer to our Jerusalem hotel is provided on Wednesday for flights arriving between 6:00am-5:35pm and on Thursday for flights arriving between 6:00am-4:20pm.
8-DAY PROGRAM
The 8-day itinerary covers Jerusalem, the Judean Desert, the Galilee, Golan Heights, Rosh Hanikrah, Acco, and Haifa – concluding as we arrive to Tel Aviv on Thursday evening. No hotel in Tel Aviv is included on Thursday night unless it is requested as an extra booking.
10-DAY PROGRAM
The 10-day itinerary covers Jerusalem, the Judean Desert, the Galilee, Golan Heights, Rosh Hanikrah, Acco, Haifa, and Tel Aviv. The 10-day experience concludes on Saturday evening. No hotel in Tel Aviv is included on Saturday night unless it is requested as an extra booking.
12-DAY PROGRAM
The 12-day itinerary covers Jerusalem, the Judean Desert, the Galilee, Golan Heights, Rosh Hanikrah, Acco, Haifa, the Carmel Mountains, the Mediterranean Coast, and additional experiences in the Tel Aviv region. The 12-day experience concludes on Monday evening. No hotel in Tel Aviv is included on Monday night unless it is requested as an extra booking.
COST
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.
HOTEL PACKAGE OPTIONS
CLASSIC HOTELS
- Offered on all dates
- 4-star equivalent hotels
- Centrally located hotels
- Max group size of 26
PREMIUM HOTELS
- Offered on select dates
- Mostly 5-star equivalent hotels
- Centrally located hotels
- Max group size of 26
- View the projected hotels we are offering by date.
- When more than one hotel package option is offered on the same dates, travelers will be accommodated in separate groups with separate staff teams.
- Double occupancy rooms can be configured with either two twin beds or one queen/ full-size bed (varies by hotel).
- Travelers opting for a triple room are typically accommodated in a standard-size double room with a rollaway bed.
- We reserve the right to consolidate hotel package options on the same dates with a complimentary package upgrade.
TOUR DURATION OPTIONS
My Turn can be experienced as an 8, 10, or 12-day tour. Here’s how it works:
TOUR ARRIVAL DATE
The program begins at either 12:30pm or 6:30pm at our hotel in Jerusalem on Thursday. Travelers are encouraged to arrive on Wednesday to acclimate and participate in the early touring on Thursday – and an additional Jerusalem hotel night is available on Wednesday evening. A complimentary airport transfer to our Jerusalem hotel is provided on Wednesday for flights arriving between 6:00am-5:35pm and on Thursday for flights arriving between 6:00am-4:20pm.
8-DAY PROGRAM
The 8-day itinerary covers Jerusalem, the Judean Desert, the Galilee, Golan Heights, Rosh Hanikrah, Acco, and Haifa – concluding as we arrive to Tel Aviv on Thursday evening. No hotel in Tel Aviv is included on Thursday night unless it is requested as an extra booking.
10-DAY PROGRAM
The 10-day itinerary covers Jerusalem, the Judean Desert, the Galilee, Golan Heights, Rosh Hanikrah, Acco, Haifa, and Tel Aviv. The 10-day experience concludes on Saturday evening. No hotel in Tel Aviv is included on Saturday night unless it is requested as an extra booking.
12-DAY PROGRAM
The 12-day itinerary covers Jerusalem, the Judean Desert, the Galilee, Golan Heights, Rosh Hanikrah, Acco, Haifa, the Carmel Mountains, the Mediterranean Coast, and additional experiences in the Tel Aviv region. The 12-day experience concludes on Monday evening. No hotel in Tel Aviv is included on Monday night unless it is requested as an extra booking.
INCLUDED
Benefit from our no-hidden-costs approach so that you can enjoy your experience to the fullest. Review the official My Turn Prep-Trip Prep Guide for even more program information.
What’s Included
Airport Transfer
An airport greeting and private transfer to our Jerusalem hotel are complimentary for travelers arriving by flight to Ben Gurion Airport on the:
- First day of the program (Thursday) between 6:00am–4:20pm
- Day before the program (Wednesday) between 6:00am–5:35pm
HOTELS ACCOMMODATIONS
Centrally located with porterage included
Classic and Premium options offered – Learn More
EDUCATIONAL STAFF
A licensed Israeli guide accompanies the group on 24 x 7 basis
An additional program host joins groups with 20-26 travelers
Touring Bus
Deluxe motorcoach with AC and an experienced Israeli driver*
Saturdays in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv are walking tour days. Groups with 10 or few travelers may be accommodated with a guide who is the driver of an appropriate-sized touring vehicle.
Two Meals Daily
Including tax and tips at restaurant meals
All Programming
Site entrance fees and all touring experiences noted in the itinerary
Israel Sources & Resources Booklet
Preview the booklet in advance of your trip
Wireless touring headsets
Don’t miss a word from our educational team
For groups with 20-26 travelers
What’s Not Included
Get peace of mind with a local health insurance policy and receive medical care without any co-pays, deductibles, or paperwork. LEARN MORE.
Suggested $100-$150 per traveler
HOTEL PACKAGE OPTIONS
CLASSIC HOTELS
- Offered on all dates
- 4-star equivalent hotels
- Centrally located hotels
- Max group size of 26
PREMIUM HOTELS
- Offered on select dates
- Mostly 5-star equivalent hotels
- Centrally located hotels
- Max group size of 26
- View the projected hotels we are offering by date.
- When more than one hotel package option is offered on the same dates, travelers will be accommodated in separate groups with separate staff teams.
- Double occupancy rooms can be configured with either two twin beds or one queen/ full-size bed (varies by hotel).
- Travelers opting for a triple room are typically accommodated in a standard-size double room with a rollaway bed.
- We reserve the right to consolidate hotel package options on the same dates with a complimentary package upgrade.
ITINERARY
My Turn tells the story of Israel through the lens of Jewish history. We begin where it started in Jerusalem, we follow the path of the Exile to Masada and Galilee, and then we conclude in Tel Aviv celebrating the establishment of modern Israel.
Final itineraries vary only slightly and are re-confirmed about two months prior. VIEW PROJECTED HOTELS WE ARE OFFERING.
DAY 1 > THURSDAY: Baruch HaBah — Welcome to Israel!
NOTE: To best acclimate for the journey ahead, travelers are encouraged to arrive at least a day early. Group rates are available at the Jerusalem hotel.
- 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 between 6:00am and 4:20pm today and between 6:00am and 5:35pm the day before - A complimentary “pre-tour” is available for anyone already in Israel from the night before or arriving to Ben Gurion Airport by 9:30am this day. Notify us at least a month in advance if you plan to participate.
- Pick-up at 12:00pm from our Jerusalem hotel and travel to the bustling open-air Mahane Yehuda Marketplace for lunch on own
- View the renowned Chagall Windows at Hadassah Hospital in Ein Kerem
- Evening: Enjoy a welcome dinner at Joy Restaurant in the Mamilla Complex followed by the Tower of David Night Spectacular show in the Old City
Dinner
JERUSALEM
DAY 2 > FRIDAY: 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 followed by a festive Shabbat dinner as a group at our hotel
JERUSALEM
DAY 3 > SATURDAY: Shabbat in Jerusalem
- Morning Option: Return to the Old City to tour the historic Christian Quarter and Arab Shuk (bazaar), including a visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher
- 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, the German Colony, the Russian Compound, and beyond (on own)
JERUSALEM
DAY 4 > SUNDAY: Loss & Renewal in Israel
- Docent-led tour of Yad Vashem World Holocaust Remembrance Center
- Learn about the leaders who shaped the story of modern Israel at Mt. Herzl National Cemetery
- Walking tour of the Knesset grounds, Israel’s parliament building, and stop for a photo-op at the Knesset Menorah
- Evening: Travel to the near-desert for a short camel ride and a desert tent dinner feast at Eretz Bereisheit
JERUSALEM
DAY 5 > MONDAY: Adventures in the Judean Desert
- Rise early and travel into the deep Judean Desert
- Ascend 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
- Experience effortless floating at the Dead Sea with access to the private beach and spa at the Crowne Plaza Resort
- Travel northwards to the Galilee via the Jordan River Valley, part of the vast Syrian-African Rift
- Check-in and dinner at our country resort accommodations in the Galilee
GALILEE
DAY 6 > TUESDAY: Mystics in the Galilee
- Walking tour of a local kibbutz (groups staying at Ginnosar only) or relaxed morning to enjoy the hotel facilities
- Explore ancient Tsfat – The historic center of Jewish mysticism in the Galilee
- Lunch on own and personal exploration time in the Tsfat artists’ colony and meet with Kabbalistic artist, Avraham Lowenthal
- Embark on a Sea of Galilee cruise from Tiberias followed by dinner on the waterfront at Decks Restaurant
GALILEE
DAY 7 > WEDNESDAY: Perspectives from the Golan Heights
- Ascend the Golan Heights and explore this rugged region of Israel on a historical off-road jeep trek
- View Israel’s neighbors and navigate former IDF bunkers at the summit of Mt. Ben-Tal, a dormant volcano on the Golan overlooking Mt. Hermon and Syria
- Break for lunch on own in the Golan Heights city of Katzrin followed by a tasting and tour at the Golan Heights Winery
Continue on to Mitzpe Gadot to learn about the remarkable story of Eli Cohen, the Israeli super-spy who left his mark on the Golan Heights - The rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy the hotel facilities with dinner included
GALILEE
DAY 8 > THURSDAY: The Western Galilee
- Depart the Sea of Galilee region and travel to the Western Galilee
- Descend into the ocean-swept caves of Rosh Hanikrah on Israel’s far northern border
- Lunch is served at the Rosh Hanikrah restaurant overlooking Israel’s rugged coast
- Explore the ancient seaport of Acco, including the Knights Hall and Templar Tunnels
- Continue to Haifa, Israel’s most diverse city, for a view of the Bahai Temple Gardens on the slopes of Mount Carmel
- Arrive to Tel Aviv, Israel’s cultural and commercial capital, in the early evening
- 10-day and 12-day tour travelers will check-in to our hotel on the coast and enjoy a free evening with dinner on own
- For 8-day travelers flying home tonight on an overnight return flight, an optional transfer will depart from Tel Aviv for Ben Gurion Airport at 7:30pm
Accommodations in Tel Aviv are not included tonight for 8-day travelers unless otherwise requested
TEL AVIV
DAY 9 > FRIDAY: Founding of Modern Israel
- Tour the ancient port city of Jaffa and browse the Jaffa Flea Market
- Continue on to explore Tel Aviv’s trendy Rothschild Boulevard, and tour Independence Hall where the modern State of Israel was founded (re-opening in 2023)
- Spend the rest of the afternoon celebrating the Tel Aviv spirit at the Nahalat Binyamin street festival and Carmel Market in the historic Neve Tzedek neighborhood
- Program wrap-up and farewells on the beach followed by the option to attend a Kabbalat Shabbat service on the beach (summer only) or at a local synagogue
- Evening: Enjoy a festive Shabbat dinner experience as a group at our hotel
TEL AVIV
DAY 10 > SATURDAY | Shabbat on the Beach
- Relaxed morning to explore Tel Aviv on your own or enjoy the city’s Mediterranean beach culture
- Shabbat lunch is included at our hotel this afternoon
- Walking Tour – Rabin Square Memorial, HaBimah Theater Grounds, and the classic “White City” Bauhaus architecture of Tel Aviv
- For 10-Day travelers flying home tonight on an overnight return flight, an optional transfer will depart from Tel Aviv for Ben Gurion Airport at 7:30pm
TEL AVIV
DAY 11 > SUNDAY | Along the Mediterranean Coast
- Travel along the Mediterranean Coast to explore Caesarea – Herod’s Roman amphitheater and grand palace on the beach
- Honor the immense bravery of Hannah Szenes in the place she called home along Israel’s Mediterranean shores
- Continue up into the Carmel Mountains and discover the culture of Israel’s Druze community, where we will enjoy traditional hospitality and lunch at Ussafiya village
- Afternoon: Tour the Museum of the Jewish People (Diaspora Museum) on the campus of Tel Aviv University
- Evening: Free time for personal exploration and dinner on own in Tel Aviv
TEL AVIV
DAY 12 > MONDAY | Looking Back and Looking Ahead
- Travel to Neot Kedumim Biblical Park to plant a tree in a JNF forest and discover the natural world of ancient Israel
- Visit the Ayalon Institute (“the Bullet Factory”) – Learn about the story of the Haganah and the quest to create a modern Jewish State at this secret ammunition factory
- Learn how Israel became the “Startup Nation” at the Peres Center for Peace & Innovation in Jaffa
- Discover the richness of Jewish Ethiopian culture and enjoy a traditional meal at the Battae Heritage Center in Tel Aviv
- For 12-day travelers flying home tonight on an overnight return flight, an optional transfer will depart from Tel Aviv for Ben Gurion Airport at 7:30pm
Accommodations in Tel Aviv are not included tonight for 12-day travelers unless otherwise requested
FAQS
You have questions? We’ve got answers! Our most frequently asked questions are answered below, and you can access the official Pre-Trip Prep Guide for even more background about the tour. Contact us if you have additional questions.
How do the 8, 10 or 12-day options work?
The program is offered as an 8-day, 10-day, or 12-day experience, but everyone travels as part of one group regardless of the duration chosen. The 8-day experience ends as we arrive to Tel Aviv on Thursday evening but does not include any touring in Tel Aviv. The 10-day experience includes touring in the Tel Aviv region on the final Friday and Saturday, with two overnights at a beach-side hotel in Tel Aviv. The 12-day experience continues from our Tel Aviv basis with touring in the Carmel Mountains, along the Mediterranean Coast, and in the greater Tel Aviv region.
Who staffs the tour?
My Turn is led by a licensed Israeli guide who accompanies the group on a 24/7 basis. An additional program escort joins groups with over 20 participants. Our staff members are charismatic educators eager to share the beauty of Israel. Finally, our travel takes place on a spacious, comfortable, air-conditioned bus with a dedicated driver
How active is the touring?
Because we want you to get the most out of your time in Israel, our touring days are full, and there is quite a bit of travel on foot. While none of the walks are strenuous, you will find at the end of the day that you have taken a large number of steps! Be prepared for an average of 3-4 hours of walking a day over all manner of surfaces (cobblestones paths, nature trails, uneven walkways, etc.). Additionally, the weather in Israel is warm, particularly from April to September, and the sun is more intense than you may be used to at home. Where necessary, we will adjust the itinerary for your comfort, and participants may take a break from the active schedule at their own discretion after coordinating with the guide.
NOTE: Travelers requiring walking support or with mobility constraints will not be well accommodated on this program.
Who participates in the program?
What's the typical size of the group?
What's the difference between Classic and Premium hotel packages?
NOTE: The typical hotels we use are noted in the program itinerary. In special circumstances where our typical hotels are not available, we will offer a hotel substitution of equivalent quality.
How Jewish is the experience?
How much of a group experience is this?
How all-inclusive is the experience?
What's the suggested staff gratuity?
- 1/2 for the guide
- 1/4 for the driver
- 1/4 for the tour director/assistant (if applicable)
How are special dietary needs accommodated?
How do I get ready for the trip?
How should I arrange my travel to and from Israel?
TRAVEL TO ISRAEL
- All participants are expected to make their own air travel arrangements to and from Israel (book your flights via a travel agent). The only international airport in Israel is “Ben Gurion” (airport code: TLV), located just 40 kilometers from Jerusalem (approx.25 miles) and 15 kilometers (approx. 9 miles) from Tel Aviv. Non-stop flights are available from several major North American cities, including NYC, DC, Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Newark, Miami, Dallas, and Toronto. Many connecting flight options are available via Europe.
- An airport greeting and a private transfer to our Jerusalem hotel are complimentary for anyone arriving at Ben Gurion Airport as follows:
- NOTE: The transfers are private for My Turn travelers with a maximum wait time of 30 minutes if travelers on multiple flights are to be accommodated together. Due to logistical considerations, this transfer service is only available to travelers arriving at the airport by flight.
- Those travelers arriving outside of these covered times can receive the same airport greeting and transfer service to our hotel in Jerusalem for an additional fee depending on the size of the party (note: the cost of a standard taxi to Jerusalem is $80-$100)
- Travelers arriving at Ben Gurion Airport after 4:20pm 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. We do not recommend it!
- Those travelers arriving in Israel early (which we recommend for acclimating in advance of the tour) can be accommodated by prior arrangement at our hotel in Jerusalem based on our group rates, which includes breakfast and our standard cancellation terms.
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 our seaside hotel based on group rates, which include breakfast and our standard cancellation terms.
Can I have a professional book my flights?
What are the passport and visa rules for Israel?
How do we approach safe travel in Israel?
- Traveling on private transportation only
- Traveling with a licensed Israeli guide at all times who has been trained in security response
- Avoiding travel to areas of heightened concern
- Use of hotels with a guard and a secure area
- 24/7 support from our headquarters office in Israel
- Close coordination with the Israeli security services via the “Situation Room”
- Willingness to modify our programming, staffing structure, and/or overall protocols as needed based on actual conditions where we travel in Israel.
Finally, in the rare event of an acute security event in Israel, we have issued full refunds at our own discretion in the past, and we will continue to do so in the future should we deem the situation appropriate.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us to learn more about our approach to providing travel experiences that are safe, meaningful, and joyous.
REGISTER
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 risk-free.
Enrollment Terms
Be sure to review these simple enrollment steps and terms
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- To reserve your spot, a $250/person fully refundable deposit is due at the time of your registration (all program costs are listed in US Dollars)
- The deposit becomes non-refundable four months prior to the program start date
- The balance is due no later than two months prior to the program start date after which all payments are non-refundable and exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis at Authentic Israel’s discretion
- Cancellations must be made in writing, and we encourage you to consider purchasing travel insurance
Must be issued before your final trip payment is made. Some benefits are only available if your travel insurance policy is purchased within 21 days of your initial trip registration. - Payment for the deposit may be made by check or credit card, and no credit card fees apply
- Payment for the balance of program costs may be made by check or credit/debit card, however, a 3% processing fee applies for credit/debit card payments, and credit card fees are not refundable
- All program dates are guaranteed, however, participation is subject to limited availability, and excess hotel rooms are typically released within 60 days of the program start date
- Authentic Israel reserves the right to consolidate package options offered on the same dates according to its sole discretion – in such situations, complimentary upgrades will be offered
- Authentic Israel reserves the right to deny acceptance to the program according to its sole discretion
REAL REVIEWS FROM REAL TRAVELERS
We know you’ll love the My Turn in Israel experience, but don’t just take our word for it. Check out these real reviews from past travelers who have completed the journey.
