ISRAEL REVISITED

2024 PROGRAM DATES

7 Days | May 9-16, 2024
9 Days | May 9-18, 2024

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 Western 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 that is small in size, 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

FRIDAY | MAY 10, 2024 | Baruch HaBah – Welcome Back!

  • Arrive at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport and ascend to Jerusalem
    An airport greeting and a private transfer is complimentary for those arriving at Ben Gurion Airport between 6:00am and 4:20pm (guaranteed hotel check-in at 3:00pm)
    Afternoon: Welcome ceremony at the Montefiore Windmill overlook – a symbol of the Jewish community's expansion beyond the Old City walls during the 19th-century Aliyah Movement
  • Enter the Old City to experience Kabbalat Shabbat at the Kotel – the Western Wall – followed by a festive Shabbat dinner at the historic Sephardic Center in the Jewish Quarter joined by special guest Lone Soldiers in the IDF

OVERNIGHT: Leonardo Boutique Hotel – Jerusalem
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

SATURDAY | MAY 11, 2024 | Shabbat in Jerusalem

All touring today is on foot

  • Morning Options:
    • Relaxed morning to enjoy Jerusalem on your own or attend Shabbat services
    • An off-the-beaten-path walking tour of Jerusalem – The colorful Musrara district, the historic Russian Compound, and the Tower of David Museum
  • Shabbat lunch is included at our accommodations
  • Afternoon: Walking tour of Jerusalem's historic Nachlaot neighborhood and explore the graffiti art of Mahane Yehuda that is only visible after market hours
  • Evening: Group night out at the First Station – a vibrant cultural center on the site of Jerusalem's original train station

OVERNIGHT: Leonardo Boutique Hotel – Jerusalem
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch

SUNDAY | MAY 12, 2024 | The Fabric of Jerusalem

  • View Israeli society through the lens of film at Maale Film School – a Jerusalem institution devoted to exploring the intersection of Judaism and modern life
  • Wind through the storied Jerusalem neighborhood of Musrara and sample the multi-ethnic delicacies of Jerusalem's iconic Mahane Yehuda open-air market
  • Gain a new perspective on Haredi (ultra-orthodox) life at the groundbreaking Art Shelter Gallery
  • Evening: Take part in an English-language ceremony commemorating the start of Yom HaZikaron –
    Israel's Memorial Day – at the historic Latrun Fortress (dinner provided)

OVERNIGHT: Leonardo Boutique Hotel – Jerusalem
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

MONDAY | MAY 13, 2024 | Remembering the Sacrifice

Today is Yom Hazikaron, Israeli Memorial Day 

  • Relive the reunification of Jerusalem during the Six-Day War at Ammunition Hill
  • Re-enter the Old City at Zion Gate and explore the ancient Jewish Quarter, including a visit to the restored Hurva Shul and the four Sephardic Synagogues
    A minute of silence will be observed during Israel's national Memorial Day siren
  • Break for lunch on own in the Cardo area of the Jewish Quarter
  • View of the Temple Mount from the Aish HaTorah rooftop and explore newly opened discoveries within the Kotel Tunnels complex
  • Depart from Jerusalem and travel to our beachfront accommodations in Tel Aviv, Israel's cultural and commercial capital – dinner is included at our hotel
  • Evening: Join Tel Aviv's Erev Yom HaAtzmaut celebrations!

OVERNIGHT: Royal Beach Hotel – Tel Aviv
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

TUESDAY | MAY 14, 2024 | Celebrating Independence

Today is Yom HaAtzmaut, Israeli Independence Day

  • Option #1 – Day tour to Masada and the Dead Sea (extra cost)
  • Option #2 – Free day to enjoy Tel Aviv on your own, including the Israeli Air Force flyover
  • Option #3 – Celebrate Independence Day in Jerusalem, taking part in March of the Living's parade from City Hall to the Western Wall
  • Evening: Attend a special Yom HaAtzmaut concert and event sponsored by March of the Living International with dinner included

OVERNIGHT: Royal Beach Hotel – Tel Aviv
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

WEDNESDAY | MAY 15, 2024 | Arts & Culture in Tel Aviv

  • Volunteer at the Jaffa Institute – An innovative charity dedicated to combating poverty on one of Israel's most diverse and dynamic neighborhoods
  • Discover the secrets to Israel's success at the Peres Center for Innovation in Jaffa
  • Break for lunch on your own in Jaffa with time to explore the Jaffa Flea Market
  • Tour Independence Hall – Explore the story of modern Israel's creation and its founding values (view from outside while closed for renovations)
  • Dinner at Balinjera – Enjoy traditional Ethiopian food while being inspired by the restaurant owner's story

OVERNIGHT: Royal Beach Hotel – Tel Aviv
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

THURSDAY | MAY 16, 2024 | Adaptation & Resilience 

NOTE: Our itinerary programming for this day will depend on post-October 7th conditions closer to the time of the program

  • Travel to Netiv HaAsara – Learn how this community located along the Gaza border has adapted to its reality by hearing from a resident in this community and taking part in their Wall of Peace project
  • Continue on to Sderot for a view of Gaza, a visit to the innovative JNF underground playground, and a group lunch at Hummus Shel Tahina Restaurant
  • Explore the Bell Caves at Beit Guvrin National Park and stop at Tel Azeqa to learn about the battle of David and Goliath overlooking the site where it happened in the beautiful Ellah Valley
  • Program Options:
    • 7-Day – Return to Ben Gurion Airport for self-booked overnight flights
    • 9-Day – Head north and check in to our hotel in Haifa

OVERNIGHT: Dan Panorama Hotel – Haifa
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch

FRIDAY | MAY 17, 2024 | A Young Nation of Immigrants

  • Celebrate the pioneers who risked it all for a new beginning in the Land of Israel at the First Aliyah Museum
  • Experience how Israel absorbs its immigrants of today at Yemin Orde Youth Village
  • Learn about the remarkable story of Hannah Senesh, a poet and brave Holocaust liberator at Kibbutz Sdot Yam, her home in British Mandate-era Palestine
  • Atlit Detention Camp – Learn about the challenges faced by Jewish refugees arriving on the shores of Israel following the Holocaust
  • Evening: Option to attend Kabbalat Shabbat services at a Reform, Conservative, or Orthodox community synagogue in Haifa
  • Share a final Shabbat dinner at our accommodations

OVERNIGHT: Dan Panorama Hotel – Haifa
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

SATURDAY | MAY 18, 2024 | Shalom U'Lhitraot

  • Relaxed morning to enjoy the resort grounds and amenities
  • Shabbat lunch is included at our accommodations
  • Afternoon walking tour of Haifa's Bahai Gardens, German Colony, and Wadi Nis Nas neighborhoods
  • Final group reflections and farewells – an optional evening transfer to Ben Gurion Airport is included for self-booked overnight flights

Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch

Sign up at least five months in advance to guarantee your participation and receive a $100/person savings off the posted program costs. All payments are fully refundable up till January 10, 2024 – so your savings are entirely commitment-free.

NOTE: 2024 trip costs increase November 30, 2023. Sign up to guarantee current-year rates.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

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

  • Airport Transfer
    An airport greeting and a private transfer to our arrival hotel is complimentary for those 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
    For groups with 20+ travelers
  • Israel Sources & Resources booklet

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

  • Flights to/from Israel
  • 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 travel protection plan. 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.

Travelers arriving in Israel early can extend their stay at the group hotel based on our group rates. Contact us for additional details.

2024 PROGRAM FLOW

Map of Israel Travel Itinerary

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PROGRAM COSTS

Sign up at least five months in advance to guarantee your participation and receive a $100/person savings off the posted program costs. All payments are fully refundable up till January 10, 2024 – so your savings are entirely commitment-free.

NOTE: 2024 trip costs increase November 30, 2023. Sign up to guarantee current-year rates.

Double Room Occupancy  Single Room Supplement
Program Land Costs | 7 Days $2,850/p $1,000/p
Program Land Costs | 9 Days $3,450/p $1,400/p
Masada & Dead Sea Day Tour
Optional supplement on May 14		 $145/p $145/p

ENROLLMENT TERMS

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 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 by February 10, 2024, 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 obtain a 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 not refundable
  • Authentic Israel reserves the right to deny acceptance on the tour according to their sole discretion

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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?

Because we want you to get the most out of your travels, 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 (e.g., cobblestone paths, uneven walkways, etc.). Travelers requiring walking support or with mobility constraints will not be well accommodated on this program.

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.

How does Authentic Israel approach safe travel?

Providing safe travel experiences is our guiding consideration. We appreciate our responsibility and the trust that travelers place in us. We care about their well-being like family. Key security-related protocols that we follow include:

  • 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 and ability to modify our programming, staffing structure, and/or overall protocols as needed based on actual conditions where we travel.

Finally, in the rare event of an acute security event, we have issued full refunds in the past, and we will continue to follow this principle should we deem the situation appropriate.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us to learn more about our approach to providing travel experiences that are safe, meaningful, and joyous.

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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.

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