ISRAEL REVISITED

2021 PROGRAM DATES

April 12 - April 17, 2021 | 6 DAYS
April 12 - April 22, 2021 | 11 DAYS

Program Itinerary

What's Included

Program Costs

Enrollment Terms

REGISTRATION UPDATE | No-risk registration is open for 2021 travel dates. For the duration of the public health emergency, program deposits are fully refundable until 45 days prior to your scheduled start date. Learn more and look ahead to a brighter future with confidence.

Return to Israel to cover new terrain and discover off-the-beaten-path treasures on a tour that coincides with Israel's major national holidays.

Together, we’ll explore the beautiful Carmel Mountain and the rugged Negev Desert. We'll revisit Jerusalem and Tel Aviv from a new perspective, and we'll tap into the innovative spirit that defines nearly every aspect of Israeli society today.

Israel Revisited is scheduled to coincide with the national holidays of Yom HaZikaron (Memorial Day) and Yom HaAtzmaut (Independence Day). Together we'll observe the national siren where the entire country stands in honor of those lost, and we'll experience the authentic joy of celebrating Israeli independence, dancing in the streets of Tel Aviv.

On Israel Revisited, you’ll broaden your perspectives and gain a fresh appreciation for a country small in size but big on wonders!

NOTE: Israel Revisited can be connected with a week-long travel experience in Poland as part of March of the Living for Adults

PROGRAM ITINERARY

Below is our projected itinerary, subject to reasonable change based on local considerations

MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2021 | The Land of Renewal

Arrive at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport on your self-booked flight
An airport VIP greeting and complimentary transfer to our Carmel Mountains hotel is included for all arriving by 4:20pm this day
Check-in to our hotel in Zichron Yaakov, an early Aliyah Movement town in the Carmel Mountains (breakfast included) – The rest of the day is free to relax, enjoy the hotel facility and explore the Zichron Yaakov community
Evening: Tasting, tour, and Israel welcome dinner at the Binyamina Winery

OVERNIGHT: Elma Arts Hotel, Zichron Yaakov
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2021 | A Young Nation of Immigrants

Short walking tour of Zichron Yaakov – celebrate the pioneers who risked it all for a new beginning in the Land of Israel
Atlit Detention Camp – Learn about the challenges faced by Jewish refugees arriving on the shores of Israel following the Holocaust
Experience how Israel absorbs its immigrants of today at Yemin Orde Youth Village – including a shared lunch with the student community
Ein Hod Artists’ Colony – Explore this picturesque village of artists and craftspeople in the Carmel Mountains
Evening: Attend a local ceremony marking the start of Yom HaZikaron – Israel’s Memorial Day
Dinner is included at the hotel this evening

OVERNIGHT: Elma Arts Hotel, Zichron Yaakov
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2021 | Remembering the Sacrifice

Today is Yom Hazikaron, Israeli Memorial Day

Depart from the Carmel Mountains and travel Jerusalem
Stop en route to visit Latrun Fortress, the site of a key battle for Jerusalem in the 1948 War for Independence (the national siren will be observed here)
Ascend to Jerusalem – welcome ceremony at the Haas Promenade overlook
Mahane Yehuda – Experience this colorful open-air marketplace and sample your way through the market with the "Shuk Bites" lunch card
Check-in to our central Jerusalem accommodations
Evening: Join Jerusalem’s local Yom HaAtzmaut celebrations!

OVERNIGHT: Herbert Samuel Hotel, Jerusalem
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021 | Celebrating Independence

Today is Yom HaAtzmaut, Israeli Independence Day

Option #1 – Day tour to Masada, Ein Gedi and the Dead Sea
Option #2 – Celebrate Yom HaAtzmaut marching from City Hall the Western Wall
Evening: Attend a special Yom HaAtzmaut concert and event sponsored by March of the Living International with dinner included

OVERNIGHT: Herbert Samuel Hotel, Jerusalem
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 2021 | Returning to the Old City

Option #1 – Old City tour including the Southern Wall and City of David Excavations
Option #2 – Geo-political tour of Jerusalem and a tour of Bethlehem
Return to our accommodations and prepare for the start of Shabbat in Jerusalem
Shabbat dinner is at our accommodations, joined by Lone Soldiers in the IDF

OVERNIGHT: Herbert Samuel Hotel, Jerusalem
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

SATURDAY, APRIL 17, 2021 | Shabbat in Jerusalem

All touring today is on foot

Shabbat programming options are available in the morning
Guided tour of the graffiti art at Mahane Yehuda, only visible when the market is closed
Lunch is included at our accommodations
Afternoon – Life Beyond the Old City Walls: Montefiore's Windmill, Yemin Moshe and the Jerusalem First Station Market
Celebrate Havdalah and the start of a new week – free evening and dinner on own

OVERNIGHT: Herbert Samuel Hotel, Jerusalem
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch

NOTE: Travelers have the option to end their program on Saturday night, and a transfer will be provided to Ben Gurion Airport this evening at no additional cost. This package option does not include the hotel in Jerusalem on Saturday night unless otherwise arranged through our office in advance.

SUNDAY, APRIL 18, 2021 | To the Negev Desert

Depart from Jerusalem, and head south towards the Negev Desert
Explore the Bell Caves at Beit Guvrin National Park
Take part in a traditional Ethiopian cooking workshop and lunch at Atachlit
Encounter Israel’s Bedouin community at the Lakiya women’s weaving initiative
Arrive in the Negev Desert and check-in to our accommodations above the Nahal Tzin Canyon
Evening: Dinner is included at the hotel followed by an optional night walk to view the desert stars

OVERNIGHT: Kedma Hotel, Negev Desert
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

MONDAY, APRIL 19, 2021 | The Desert Blooms

Discover how Israel is fulfilling their vision for a desert in bloom at the Ramat HaNegev desert agriculture research facility
Honor Paula & David Ben Gurion’s legacy at their modest desert home in Sde Boker
Learn about the geological phenomenon of the crater at the Ramon Crater Visitor Center, and explore the Crater’s stark features on a nature walk of the Crater’s floor
Discover the hidden beauty of the desert on an off-road jeep tour in Nahal Tzin with a professional geologist
Experience a traditional Poike Pot dinner and bonfire in the desert wilderness

OVERNIGHT: Kedma Hotel, Negev Desert
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2021 | Innovation & Adaptation

Continue to Sderot near the Gaza frontier – Learn how this community adapted to its reality visiting a fortified playground
Learn about how Israel has addressed its persistent water challenges on a tour of its world-leading desalination plant in Ashkelon (lunch on own in Ashkelon)
Arrive in Tel Aviv and spend the rest of the afternoon browsing the Nahalat Binyamin Street Festival and Carmel Market
Evening: Experience a gourmet meal in the dark with new senses at Blackout in Jaffa's Nalagaat Center – a performing arts center for deaf and blind artists

OVERNIGHT: Tal by the Beach Hotel, Tel Aviv
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21, 2021 | The Spirit of Tel Aviv

Relaxed morning to rest and enjoy Tel Aviv’s beach culture
Sample your way through the Levinsky Market on a guided culinary lunch tour of this Tel Aviv landmark
Learn how Israel became the “Startup Nation” at the Peres Center for Peace & Innovation in Jaffa
Tour of the Yaakov Agam Museum of Art, and discover the life story of Israel’s pre-eminent modern artist
Free evening and dinner on own

OVERNIGHT: Tal by the Beach Hotel, Tel Aviv
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch

THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021 | Shalom U’Lhitraot

Volunteer at the Jaffa Institute – An innovative charity dedicated to combating poverty in one of Israel's most diverse neighborhoods
Explore the ancient seaport of Jaffa and browse the Jaffa Flea Market
Independence Hall - Recount the story of modern Israel's creation and explore its founding values
The Rabin Center – Recount the story of the State of Israel through the lens of Israel’s most famous soldier-statesman – and stop at the Yitzhak Rabin Memorial
Final shopping time, wrap-up session and closing dinner at Goshen Restaurant
Evening – Transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for overnight flights onwards

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Benefit from our no-hidden-costs approach so you can enjoy the experience to the fullest!

Airport Transfer
A VIP airport greeting and a private transfer to our arrival hotel is complimentary for anyone arriving at Ben Gurion Airport between 6:00am and 4:20pm on the first day of the program
Deluxe Hotels
A combination of centrally located, 4-star and 5-star hotels per the itinerary
Guide and Program Leader
A licensed Israeli guide accompanies the group on 24 x 7 basis, and an additional program leader joins groups of at least 25 participants
Touring Bus
A luxury private air-conditioned touring bus with a dedicated Israeli driver
Saturday in Jerusalem is a walking tour day without a bus
Two Meals Daily
Includes tax/gratuities at restaurant meals
All Programming
Site entrance fees and all touring experiences noted in the itinerary
All Applicable Taxes
Additional VAT (tax) applies for Israeli citizens at group hotels
Remote Audio Headsets
Israel Sources & Resources booklet

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

Flights to/from Israel
Request assistance from a travel agent
Local medical insurance (optional)
Get peace of mind with a local health insurance policy and receive medical care without any co-pays, deductibles or paperwork. LEARN MORE.
Travel insurance (optional)
Insure your investment, and plan ahead for the unexpected with a discounted group travel insurance policy that is not age rated. LEARN MORE.
Meals not marked as included
Hotel incidentals
Israeli staff gratuities
Suggested $100-$125/person

TRAVELING TO AND FROM ISRAEL
Travelers are responsible for booking their own travel to and from Israel. A VIP airport greeting and transfer to our hotel will be provided for anyone arriving to Ben Gurion Airport between 6:00am and 4:20pm on the program arrival day. Guaranteed hotel check-in is available starting at 3:00pm (luggage can be stowed earlier). On the final evening of the program, a transfer will be provided back to Ben Gurion Airport in time for flights departing between 11:00pm and 1:00am. A professional travel agent is available for assistance booking your flights.

Travelers arriving in Israel early or staying beyond the tour dates can extend their stay at the group hotels based on our group rates. Contact us for additional details.

PROGRAM COSTS

Sign up at least five months in advance to guarantee your participation and receive a $100/person discount off the posted program costs. All payments are fully refundable up to four months in advance, so your savings are entirely commitment-free.

	Double Room Occupancy	Single Room Supplement
6-Day Program \| April 12 – April 17, 2021	$2,200/p	$850/p
11-Day Program \| April 12 – April 22, 2021	$3,300/p	$1,275/p

ENROLLMENT TERMS

Sign up for Israel Revisited by completing the online REGISTRATION FORM

NOTE: Israel Revisited can be connected with a week-long travel experience in Poland as part of March of the Living for Adults

To reserve your spot, a $250/person deposit is due at the time of your registration (all program costs are listed in US Dollars)
The deposit is refundable up to four months prior to the program start date, after which it is non-refundable
The balance is due no later than two months prior to the program start date, after which it is non-refundable
Cancellations must be made in writing, and we encourage you to obtain our group-discounted travel insurance policy
Payments may be made by check or credit/debit card, however, a 3% processing fee applies for credit/debit card payments (does not apply to the initial $250 deposit). Note: credit card fees are non-refundable
Authentic Israel reserves the right to deny acceptance on the tour according to its discretion

FAQs

Who staffs the tour?

Israel Revisited is led by a licensed Israeli guide who accompanies the group on a 24/7 basis. An additional program leader joins groups of at least 25 participants. Our staff are charismatic educators eager to share the beauty of Israel. Each group is assigned a deluxe touring bus with a dedicated driver.

How active is the touring?

Israel Revisited is an active tour designed for adults. Our days are full of experiences designed to provide you with the full flavor of Israel. Although the program does not have age guidelines, the itinerary involves a good amount of walking and some long days. Participants may take a break from the active schedule at their own discretion.

What's the composition of the group?

Israel Revisited groups generally range from 15-30 travelers. Average group size is 20 travelers.

How is this a Jewish experience?

Israel Revisited is a pluralistic Jewish travel experience open to all. Group meals are kosher, and there is no bus-based touring on Shabbat. The itinerary is designed for travelers of all backgrounds seeking a "second timers" experience in Israel through the lens of Jewish history and identity.

How all-inclusive is the experience?

In short, you’re responsible for arranging your own flights to and from Israel, and we take care of most everything else! The program covers two meals a day, all touring, a fantastic staff team, accommodations (including luggage porterage), deluxe motorcoach transportation, and round-trip airport transfers on the arrival day and on the last night of the program. You’ll be responsible for one meal a day, specialty beverages at group meals and staff gratuities.

How are special dietary needs accommodated?

Travelers be sure to note any special dietary needs as part of your registration. We will coordinate with our hotel and restaurant meal providers to arrange special accommodations as necessary. We try to accommodate all food and allergy considerations, however, we cannot make absolute guarantees on behalf of our meal-providing partners.

How do I get ready for the trip?

Approximately three months prior to your trip, we'll distribute a pre-trip package to help you prepare for your upcoming travels. You'll also be invited to a trip Facebook group to connect with fellow travelers before the program and stay in touch after.

Can I get professional assistance booking my flights?

Yes! Travelers are responsible for purchasing their own flights to Israel, but you can get all the peace of mind from having a professional travel agency book your international flights without paying a premium. Get started at www.authenticisrael.com/flights.

REAL REVIEWS FROM REAL TRAVELERS

We know you’ll love the Israel Revisited experience, but don’t just take our word for it. Check out these real reviews from past travelers who have completed the journey.