Winter 2021

Winter 2021

Dan Tours is proud to offer our 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.
12 days Tour
Winter Break Family Bar/Bat Mitzvah Experience
December 22, 2021 – January 2, 2022

Bar/Bat Mitzvah child is FREE

DAY 1 – Wednesday
Israel here we come!
Depart on your flight to Israel and begin an unforgettable journey.

Day 2 – Thursday
Welcome to Israel
Welcome to Israel! Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport where you will be met and assisted for your transfer to the beautiful Orient Hotel in eternal Jerusalem.
Take some time to refresh after the flight, enjoying the facilities and the wonderful “Tachana”, the open air pedestrian mall located behind your hotel. (D)

Evening: Meet your guide and enjoy a delicious welcome dinner.

Overnight: Orient Hotel, Jerusalem

Day 3 – Friday
Jerusalem Overview (Eve of the Sabbath)
After enjoying a delicious buffet breakfast at the hotel, drive to the top of Mt. Zion for a Shehecheyanu ceremony, a blessing that celebrates special occasions in thanks for new and unique events, while taking in the sweeping views of the incredible Old City.

On to the historic heart of the Jewish people – the Old City of Jerusalem. Our expert guide will provide us with rich and detailed background as we pass through gates erected by Suleiman the Magnificent — all have entered the same way, on the same stones, for 450 years. Our visit begins with the Jewish Quarter and the Cardo, the colonnaded main street of Jerusalem during the Roman, Byzantine and later eras. After, we wander down the winding streets lovingly rebuilt after the 6-Day war (1967) reaching the Kotel, the Western Wall, and the holiest site in Judaism. You’ll witness the devotion of our people to this place and again, have your own opportunity for prayer. We’ll visit the Rabbinical Tunnel walking back in time on this fantastic route running under the Temple Mount (tunnel schedule permitting).

Continue to the Southern Wall Archaeological Park (Davidson Centre) and experience a fascinating presentation describing the Temple Mount and life as it was two millennia ago. On to the City of David, an exciting area of discovery in the heart of ancient Jerusalem- home to many of the most impressive finds of recent years including brand new discoveries from the Canaanite Period. (B, D)

Evening: A unique and moving experience as we join Jerusalemites welcoming Shabbat at the illuminated Kotel (Western Wall) followed by the traditional Shabbat Dinner at your hotel.

Overnight: Orient Hotel, Jerusalem.

Day 4 – Saturday
Jerusalem

Spend the day at leisure in honour of Shabbat. Consider resting or catching up with friends and relatives, attending a Shabbat service, or enjoying Jerusalem at your own pace. An optional walking tour will be arranged by your guide.

Evening: Get ready for the “Night Spectacular” Sound & Light Show at the Citadel Museum.
The walls of the Citadel serve as a stage for a nighttime show which is a celebration of sight and sound. Amidst the archaeological remains in the Citadel’s courtyard and to the sound of original music, the story of Jerusalem unfolds through giant, breathtaking, virtual reality images using spectacular laser technology. Show runtime: 45 minutes. The Night Spectacular will not take place in the event of rain. Return to the hotel.(B)

Overnight: Orient Hotel, Jerusalem

Day 5 – Sunday
Jerusalem Old City

After breakfast at your hotel, we’ll head to Mount Herzl, the site of Israel’s national cemetery and see the final resting place of the founders of modern day Israel including former prime ministers and presidents.

Continue to Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum & Memorial- strategically situated on the green slopes of Har HaZikaron (“Mount of Remembrance”). The museum tells the story of the Holocaust from a unique perspective by emphasizing the experiences of Jewish victims and survivors using original artefacts, testimonies, and personal possessions. Tour this sprawling complex and visit the Grove of the Righteous among the Nations, the Children’s Memorial and take part in a special “Yizkor” (memorial service) in Bikat Ha Kehilot (The Valley of Communities). A special program will be provided for children (accompanied by one parent).

After, enjoy famous Machane Yehuda Market and immerse yourself in the bustling energy of Jerusalem’s Shuk (market). Wander around the many local vendors selling delicious cheeses, pastries, spices, nuts and much more. Taste halva, ice cream and fruit drinks. Return to your hotel.

This evening, meet with the Rabbi for a final rehearsal before tomorrow’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony. (B)

Overnight: Orient Hotel in Jerusalem

Day 6 – Monday
Masada, the Dead Sea-Ceremony Day

The big day is here and we’ve made sure that it’s everything you hoped for and more. Following breakfast at the hotel, descend through the Judean Desert to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Planet earth, continuing straight to Masada. Ascend the mountain by Cable Car to this last stronghold of the Zealots who chose death rather than surrendering to the Roman Legion in the Jewish Revolt against Rome some 2000 years ago. Masada is not declared a UNESCO “World Heritage Site”. Join the Rabbi for the Bat/Bat Mitzvah service at a select location overlooking the Dead Sea and the Mountains of Moab. After, tour Herod’s Palace, the synagogue, the bath house, the water system and the fascinating storage rooms.

Descend Masada and enjoy the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea floating effortlessly in the therapeutic mineral rich waters.

We’ll then proceed to Ein Gedi for a hike through this beautiful oasis to the spectacular waterfalls.

In the later afternoon, continue to Genesis Land (Eretz Beresheet), located in the heart of Judean Desert. Have a chance to experience life as it was in biblical times. You will be greeted by Eliezer, Abraham’s servant, and by a train of camels which lead you down to Abraham’s tent, where you will have the “Hafla”, local dinner. Return to Jerusalem with memories of this day to last a lifetime. (B, D)

Overnight: Orient Hotel Jerusalem

Day 7 – Tuesday
Galilee
Today we depart Jerusalem and drive north via the Jordan Valley to Beit Shean, the largest excavated Roman city in the Middle East. Its magnificent Amphitheatre is still used for performances and the evidence of the earthquake that destroyed the city in 749 is most impressive.

At Old Gesher you’ll enjoy the Naharayim Experience, a visitor center where flowing water, sounds, voices and colored lights bring the fascinating story to life. We’ll enjoy a light lunch before continuing to the Galita Chocolate Farm at Degania. Enjoy a mouthwatering, colorful tour and workshop through chocolate, designed to teach participants how to begin working with the marvelous raw material – simply, at home – including some great recipes.

End this delightful day at your Kibbutz Guesthouse for Dinner and overnight.(B, L, D)

Overnight: Pastoral Kfar Blum

Day 8 – Wednesday
Galilee – Golan

Following breakfast, our adventure continues with a thrilling Jeep Ride through the rolling hills of the Golan Heights. Continue north to the Banias Waterfall which is, without a doubt, the most impressive waterfall in Israel. The Banias Spring comes out of the foot of Mount Hermon, flows for a powerful 3.5km and becomes the waterfall.

We’ll then continue to Mt. Ben Tal, the site of a courageous battle fought during Israel’s war for the Golan. A short drive up, the mountain-top provides both scenic beauty and a glimpse back at the past – including former bunkers.

We’ll continue to Metulla for great fun for the whole family as we test our skills at a shooting range. Onward for a visit to an Army Base; speak with the soldiers who defend the northern borders and observe the life of an active combat unit.

Return to the Kibbutz Guesthouse for Dinner.(B, D)

Overnight: Pastoral Kfar Blum

Day 9 – Thursday
Tel Aviv

Following breakfast, drive to Safed, the ancient city that was home to the mystics of the Kabala. Wandering the twisting alleyways, you’ll encounter tiny, historic synagogues and have an opportunity to visit the galleries of Safed’s celebrated artists’ colony.

Then, head to Haifa; see the meticulous Bahai Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, often described as the “eighth wonder of the world.”

Drive to Caesarea, the “Dream by the Sea” constructed by Herod the Great between 22 and 10 BC and named after Caesar Augustus. Enjoy a tour of the rich remains spanning from the time of the Romans to the Islamic period: the 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheatre, the Crusader harbour, and Herod’s palace– all will be brought to life in a brand new multi-media show dedicated to the events and personalities who shaped this seaside wonder.

Continue to Tel Aviv, Israel’s most cosmopolitan city and check in at your spectacular hotel on the Mediterranean Sea.

Tonight, we’ve planned a Festive Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration in honour of the children’s hard work and the dedication they have shown. Enjoy a specially arranged dinner with live entertainment (subject to group size). Another special evening to be remembered.(B, D)

Overnight: Carlton Hotel.

Day 10 – Friday
Archeological Dig, Tel Aviv

Following breakfast, head to Tel Maresha in the area of Beit Guvrin, ancestral home of King Herod, and participate in an archaeological dig. This hands-on experience includes digging, sifting, pottery examination and a tour in Beit Guvrin National Park with an exciting crawl through unexcavated cave systems.

Drive to Machon Ayalon, a secretive bullet factory established by the Haganah underground movement in 1945. As the largest bullet factory during that time, it produced 2.23 million bullets between 1946- 1948, while keeping the secret from the ruling British military.

On to Tel-Aviv’s popular Nachalat Benyamin, an open pedestrian Arts and Craft Fair where you will find a variety of hand made products as well as performance artists making this a lively Friday afternoon event in Tel Aviv.

Back to the hotel to refresh before our farewell Shabbat Dinner.(B, D)

Overnight: Carlton Hotel.

Day 11 – Saturday
Shabbat & New Year’s Day

A full day at leisure to relax, pack, visit with friends and enjoy Tel Aviv.

For those who have a late evening flight, a departure transfer will be arranged.
For others, final overnight at the Carlton Hotel in Tel Aviv.(B, D)

Day 12 – Sunday
Departure and Arrival Home

Unfortunately, our journey has come to an end……
Check-out from the hotel and transfer to the airport for your departure flight arriving Canada on the same day.

Click to View Large Version

Tour Highlights