Summer 2017

Bar/Bat Mitzvah child goes FREE
sharing a room with parents

July 2-13, July 16-27, August 6-17, August 20-31, 2017

Ultimate Family Bar/Bat Mitzvah Experience
On this most comprehensive family tour offered in North America, you’ll be amazed, delighted and intrigued as each day unfolds. Meticulous planning by our team of experts insures a perfect blend of history, archaeology, adventure, action and just pure fun!
Join us for a life-altering experience you will never forget.
Summer Family Bar/Bat Mitzvah Experience

Eilat and Tel Aviv and other extensions are optional

Day 1 – Sunday
Israel here we come!!
Today’s a travel day – we’ll meet at the airport and enjoy getting to know our tour companions as we begin our fabulous journey….

Day 2 – Monday
Welcome to Israel
Welcome to Israel! Our representative will meet us at Ben Gurion Airport, facilitate our customs clearance and join us on our deluxe tour bus bound for Tel Aviv, the vibrant business and cultural centre of Israel, and get you checked into our luxurious, beachfront hotel. For some, the city beckons – shopping, cafes, museums, one of the world’s great beaches… for others, a nap and a coffee with a view of the sea might be just the way to spend the afternoon. Tonight we’ll gather for a welcome dinner, get a sense of the days to come and the things we’ll experience together. After, a stroll – there is no better antidote for jet-lag than a walk along bustling Dizengoff Street, flush with sidewalk cafes, or along the promenade, listening to the surf coming in…. Tonight, you will have our Welcome dinner and Overnight at the hotel and stay here at the Carlton Hotel, one of the city’s finest… Dinner

Day 3 – Tuesday
Tel Aviv area
After your delicious buffet breakfast, we’ll drive to nearby Rehovot and the Machon Ayalon, the pre-state underground ammunition factory and see how the early Israelis prepared for battle under the noses of the British Army – from past responses; this is invariably a highlight of the trip! From here we’ll continue on to Latrun and tour the Armored Corps Museum. A site of strategic importance in defense of the Tel Aviv – Jerusalem supply route during the War of Independence, today it stands as a monument to those who served. The collection of tanks and armored vehicles on display is fascinating to young and old. On our way back to Tel Aviv, we’ll visit Independence Hall, site of the establishment of the nation in 1948. We’ll learn of our first Prime minister, David Ben Gurion, and the early steps of the newly established Jewish state. Breakfast

Day 4 – Wednesday
Archaeological dig and the Dead Sea
Today we depart Tel Aviv for the desert. Our day begins with the chance to join a real archaeological dig at the Tel Maresha excavations. Here you’ll take part in the hands-on search for ancient objects, compare your finds and explore the other-worldly bell caves of neighbouring Beit Guvrin. Next is an exciting stop for the whole family — Kfar Hanokdim, and our Desert Experience, promises nothing but fun and relaxation. Here we’ll meet the Bedouin –a caravan of camels will carry us across the parched landscape to a traditional “Chafla” Lunch — a fabulous lunch and a unique way to experience the famed hospitality of these people for whom the desert is home. The Dead Sea, the day’s ultimate destination, is like no other place on earth — your unique experience here will be one you will always remember. Floating effortlessly in the warm waters, covering each other in the rich, therapeutic mud – it’s impossible not to have fun as a family…. After dinner at the hotel, you’ll meet the Rabbi and the bar/bat mitzvah children will have a chance to visit with him and rehearse individually. Your hotel is lovely and so is the sunset from poolside…. Breakfast Lunch and Dinner.

Day 5 – Thursday
Masada to Jerusalem
This is the day you came for and we’ve made sure that it’s everything you’ve hoped for and more. Before dawn, you’ll board a cable car and ascend the face of Masada to witness one of the most glorious sunrises imaginable – the ruins around you seem almost to glow…. The Bar/Bat Mitzvah service will take place in a special area, shaded and looking out over the great expanse of desert. Your child holds centre stage and the setting could not be more appropriate. Following the service, after the photos, after the hugs, take time to wander the site – from the palace of Herod, the early synagogue and the remains of the Roman siege camps, this is a marvelous chance to reflect on our shared history. Departing Masada, it’s time to play – back to the hotel for a bite and a swim, and then we’re off to Ein Gedi, a stunning oasis drawing a wide variety of wildlife to its refreshing pools and falls. From here we’ll head to Jerusalem, passing Qumran, find-spot of the Dead Sea Scrolls. As we approach the city, we’ll stop at a beautiful overlook and celebrate both the ancient and the new Jerusalem with a lovely “Shehechiyanu” ceremony. Tonight you will enjoy the inspiring Sound & Light Show at the Citadel Museum Breakfast and Dinner

Day 6 – Friday
Jerusalem New City
After breakfast we’ll make the short drive to Mt. Scopus, site of Ammunition Hill, and learn of the site’s epic battle between Israeli paratroopers and Jordanian legionnaires during the Six Day War – a battle resulting in the reunification of Jerusalem in 1967. On to Yad Vashem, Israel’s national memorial and Museum of the Holocaust. We’ll stop in the Grove of the Righteous among the Nations, continue to the Children’s Memorial, take part in a special “Yizkor” (memorial service) in Bikat Ha Kehilot (The Valley of Communities) and conclude our visit with the celebrated and evocative museum. A special programme will be provided for children (accompanied by one parent). Leaving Yad Vashem, we’ll stop at Mt Herzl, and visit the final resting place of the founders of modern day Israel and those of young men who paid the ultimate price to make the dream a reality. The rest of the day we’ll celebrate the vital city Jerusalem has become. A visit to Machane Yehuda Market — strolling the alleys of the market, taking in incredible mounds of spices, fruit and nuts, tasting locally- made halva, ice cream, fresh fruit drinks – a trip to the supermarket back home will never seem the again. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy as you wish. Before sunset, we’ll head to the Western Wall to witness Kabbalat Shabbat at the beginning of Friday evening prayers. The sight of Yeshiva students, joyously dancing their way to the Kotel, makes for a unique start to Shabbat in this, the holiest city of our people. We’ll share a traditional Shabbat dinner and take in the magic of the city at rest. Breakfast and Shabbat Dinner

Day 7 – Saturday
Jerusalem at leisure
Today is yours to spend at leisure. For some, a rest or catch up with friends and relatives might be just the thing, for others, a Shabbat service or a wander through the modern city’s sites might beckon – for others, we are pleased to offer an Optional morning walking tour through some of the Old City of Jerusalem’s diverse neighbourhoods. Be sure to leave a little time to rest up. Tonight we’ve planned a Festive Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration in honour of the hard work and dedication the children have shown. A very special dinner and live entertainment (subject to group size)will make it a night to remember…. Breakfast and Dinner

Day 8 – Sunday
Jerusalem Old City
Today you’ll head back in time…after breakfast we’ll begin our tour in the City of David. This is an exciting area of discovery in the heart of ancient Jerusalem and home to many of the most impressive finds of recent years. A true highlight of the trip is our visit to the underground water system including brand new discoveries of the Canaanite Period. Some might explore the cool, wet Hezekiah’s Tunnel, others might choose the recently opened (and dry…) tunnel which brought water to the city in the time of Herod . Either way we’ll reunite at the Southern Wall Archaeological Park / Davidson Centre and experience a fascinating presentation describing the Temple Mount and life as it was two millennia ago. Winding our way through the Southern Wall Excavations, we’ll arrive at the Kotel – the Western Wall, Judaism’s holiest site and finish the day’s adventure walking back in time through the Western Wall (Rabbinical) Tunnels, a fantastic route running under the Old City. Breakfast

Day 9 – Monday
Enroute to the Kinneret
Today we’ll bid farewell to Jerusalem and journey through the Jordan Valley, homeland of the Prophet Elisha – our destination: Beit Shean. The largest excavated Roman city in the Middle East, the magnificent amphitheater is still used for performances and the evidence of the earthquake that destroyed the city in 749 is most impressive. Our next stop is Safed: the ancient city that was home to the mystics of the Kabala. Wandering the twisting alleyways, we’ll encounter tiny, historic synagogues and have an opportunity to visit the galleries of Safed’s celebrated artists’ colony. We’ve found the perfect way to cool down this afternoon – we’ll all hit the Jordan River for a chance to play in kayaks and experience the rush of zip-lining! Refreshed, tonight we’ll share dinner at the hotel and spend the night in Kibbutz Kfar Blum. Breakfast and Dinner

Day 10 – Tuesday
Galilee and Golan
Today our journey through the Golan starts with a blast…. We’ll start out at Kibbutz Ayelet Hashachar’s shooting range to test our shooting skills –this is great fun for all and a highlight of the trip. Following this, we’ve arranged for a rare treat – subject to the political situation, we’ll visit an Army Base, speak with the soldiers who defend the northern borders and observe the life of an active combat unit. From this once-in-a-lifetime experience we’ll head down from the heights of the Golan, taking in spectacular views of the area as we make our way to Tel Dan. A town that has seen many different occupants of the course of 6000 years, its setting in the lush valley supplied by the Dan River makes it one of the loveliest to visit in North. Tonight will enjoy an outdoor B.B.Q dinner followed by an exciting jeep tour beginning in the twilight hour traveling into the darkness. We will travel in open jeeps, hear the sounds of the night and with strong projectors we will seek out the animals activity. Overnight Kibbutz Kfar Blum. Breakfast and Dinner

Day 11 – Wednesday
Haifa and Caesarea
After breakfast, we’ll have some fun…we’ll start at Mitzpeh Hoshaya’s Kfar Kedem, to learn of the ancient ways of life, make fresh cheese, bake bread and take to the trail on donkeys. In Haifa we’ll sure to see the luxuriant Baha’i Gardens and pay a visit to a lovely nearby Druze Village. After a chance to wander and shop – maybe a bite – we’ll head for Caesarea, Herod’s “Dream by the Sea”, for tour of the rich remains spanning Roman to Islamic: crusader walls, a Roman hippodrome, remains of Herod’s palace itself – all will be brought to life in a brand new multi-media show dedicated to the events and personalities who shaped this sea-side wonder. Sadly, our trip is winding down… we’ll head to Tel Aviv along the coast and share our farewell dinner at Maganda Restaurant one final time before we exchange contacts, say farewell to new friends and depart for the airport. Those who have elected to extend their adventure will stay the night here in Tel Aviv. Breakfast and Dinner

Day 12 – Thursday
Return to Canada or extend your trip
For those on their way back to Canada, an early morning departure awaits. You’ll fly back tired, but with memories and photos to last a lifetime. Those who choose to extend their trip will either fly to Eilat or stay in Tel-Aviv. Breakfast
Extensions of stay

Eilat extension – three nights if flying with Air Canada including Daily breakfast – optional tour to Petra

Day 12
Thursday
So far you’ve hit three seas on your journey: The Mediterranean, The Sea of Galilee (Kinneret) and the Dead Sea – it’s time for a fourth, the Red Sea…. We’ll fly to Eilat, check into our deluxe hotel and kick back. The rest of the day is yours — enjoy the fabulous facilities of your hotel (pools are serious business here) or explore the waterfront, the underwater observatory, VAT-free shopping or search out the perfect dinner spot…. Breakfast

Day 13
Friday
Optional: Tour to Petra. (Cost: $275 Per person, child under 12 $165. Please note that at the border you will be charged visa and crossing charges, approx. $125 per person)
It’s an early start, well worth it. After our clearance at the Arava Border Crossing (don’t worry, we’re with you all the way) we’ll drive to the entry point of one of the world’s truly great wonders. It’s impossible to prepare for your first glimpse of Petra. As you wind your way (either by foot or horse) through the Siq, the narrow gorge that is the fabled city’s only entrance, the sight of the Treasury hits you unexpectedly and profoundly, as it has every visitor for two millennia. With an expert guide you’ll spend the day exploring this remarkable Nabatean city – later, you’ll reflect on the day and see it as a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. After lunch, we’ll have a look at Aqaba, Jordan’s resort city, before we re-cross the border and return to Eilat. Time to find another great spot for dinner (or revisit last night’s…). Breakfast

Day 14
Saturday
Today is yours to relax, take in the wonderful beaches and attractions of this renowned resort. Did we mention the VAT free shopping? Those friends flying home with El Al will leave tonight for Tel Aviv and connect with the early morning return flight to Canada. Breakfast

Day 15
Sunday
Those friends returning via Air Canada will leave Eilat this morning to connect with their afternoon flight from Tel Aviv to Toronto. Breakfast

Tel Aviv extension – three nights including Daily breakfast at the Carlton Hotel

Want a little more time? You are welcome to extend your time in Tel Aviv for three more nights. Three additional days to enjoy the world-class beaches, culture, nightlife, food and shopping opportunities that only this city can offer.

Time Table:
Please note that the itinerary or even accommodations could change according to conditions.

1. Registration
2. Finalize extensions of stay, additional tours and other individual arrangements. It is highly recommended to finalize these arrangements no later than 6 months before departure!!
3. Final payments must be made 30 days prior to departure
4. Before departure an information meeting will be held to give participants an opportunity to meet. Valuable information and documents will be distributed
5. Travel insurance must be issued 3 months prior to departure

Hotel Accommodations:
Deluxe category *

• Tel Aviv – Carlton
• Dead Sea – Isrotel Dead Sea
• Jerusalem – Inbal
• Galilee – Pastoral
  Kfar Blum
• Eilat – Royal
  Gardens or Royal Beach

Terms and pertinent information
Air transportation is available from anywhere in USA and Canada. Airport transfers are included on the scheduled tour dates. All other dates are subject to a transfer charge. No refunds are made for missed sightseeing tours, missed transfers or unused hotel accommodations on tours.

Payments:
Partial payments can be made in Israel Bonds! Credit cards are accepted for all deposits, payments for the tour, insurance and air transportation.

Registration:
A deposit of $450 US per person is required to secure space on the tour and is not required for the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Celebrant (Deposit becomes non-refundable 90 days prior to departure).

Insurance:
Insurance will be issued 90 days prior to departure to protect your deposits and subsequent payments.

Passports:
Must be valid six months from the date of return. If you are not a US or Canadian passport holder please check visa requirements.

Cancellation Policy:
The deposit is 100% refundable up to 90 days prior to departure. Land services are subject to 50% cancellation fee up to 14 days prior to departure and 75% 14 days or less, prior to departure.

Extensions:
Special hotel discounts for additional nights. Special packages to
Eilat, Egypt and Jordan are available!!

Land
Rates:
Rates are per person in US Dollars
Single rooms: July $4990 August $5115

FREE LAND TOUR FOR THE BAR/BAT MITZVAH CHILD

Applies to ONE Bar/Bat Mitzvah child per family of 3 or more
* Bar/Bat Mitzvah child age must be 12 or 13.

Rooming for families that include Bar/Bat Mitzvah child
Couple, 1 double room – pays for 2 persons
Family of 3 – 1 triple room – pays for 2 persons – the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child is FREE
Family of 4 – 2 double rooms – pays for 3 persons – the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child is FREE
Family of 5 – 1 double and 1 triple room – pays for 4 persons – the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child is FREE
No discounts for other children
Maximum one FREE Bar/Bat Mitzvah child per family

Pre and Post tour nights in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem and Eilat Extensions are available at special rates

Terms and Conditions:
Dan Tours have gained an excellent reputation operating Family Bar/Bat Mitzvah Tours. In order to maintain this reputation we wish to advise you that minor changes may be made in the itinerary or the accommodations. These changes may occur prior to departure and even during the Tour itself. The changes are usually a result of insufficient space, changes in site schedules, safety and ease of transportation or the inability of the supplier to provide services to meet our standards. We will make every effort to ensure that any changes made to the Tour comply with our high standards. The terms and conditions printed on the back of the Dan Tours Brochure, apply to this Tour.

Tour Highlights