November 23, 2010 My brother Jim leaves from Ft. Lauderdale and I leave from Tampa. We meet in JFK, have a 6 hour layover and then off to Tel Aviv on an overnight flight. The most harrowing part of the flight will be the six hours in JFK two days before Thanksgiving. We have an overnight flight landing in Israel on Wednesday afternoon.
November 24, 2010 Land at Tel Aviv, get to the hotel and force each other to stay awake and get on local time. We have reviewed lots of options for our free afternoon but have not decided where we will go. Knowing the two of us, the first thing we will do is take our iPads to a local café with free Internet. Geeks do vacation!
November 25, 2010 – Thanksgiving and Jim’s Birthday We have the day free until 7 pm when we meet the other travelers. Our Tauck guide will have probably made contact when we arrived, yesterday. Since it is Jim’s birthday, we will do whatever he wants. I cannot think of a bigger sacrifice on my part. Happy birthday Jim! (It is the big 50!)
Meals: Dinner
Lodging: InterContinental David Tel Aviv, Israel
November 26, 2010 - Ancient Jaffa and contemporary Tel Aviv Today reveals some of the striking contrasts that define Israel. Our guide will give you a little Hebrew lesson with handy words to know during our welcome briefing before you set off for a walking tour through the maze of narrow, cobblestone streets of 4000-year-old Jaffa, believed to be the oldest port city in the world. Explore the Visitors' Center in Kedumim Square and its museum with exhibits on the history of Jaffa and archaeological treasures. A special treat for Tauck guests is a private showing of the works of world-renowned artist, Ilana Goor, and a tour of her 250-year-old studio that she meticulously restored herself. An afternoon tour of Tel Aviv reveals its modern energetic and "happening place" ambiance and some of 4,000 Bauhaus-architecture buildings that give the city its nickname, the "White City."
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: InterContinental David Tel Aviv, Israel
November 27, 2010 - Herod's ancient Caesarea and Haifa' Shrine of the Bab Over a period of just 12 years, Herod transformed Caesarea into a grand city and major seaport - and dedicated it to Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus, who had returned it to Herod after wresting it away from Cleopatra. During a walking tour, view the spectacular Roman amphitheater, still used as a performing venue today; what was once the great harbor Herod built; the hippodrome that held 20,000 spectators for chariot races in its heyday; and what remains of Herod's palace. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue on to Haifa, international headquarters of the Baha'i Faith, and the Baha'i Shrine and Gardens on famous Mount Carmel. A succession of 19 manicured garden terraces lead down to the Shrine of the Bab, entombing the remains of the Bab, Baha'i Allah, the herald of the Baha'i Faith. You'll learn more about the Baha'i Faith as well as the other main religions in Israel - Judaism, Christianity, Islam and the Druze - during a special private "Prophet Sharing" panel discussion for Tauck guests only this afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: The Colony Hotel Haifa, Israel
November 28, 2010 - Along the Sea of Galilee The Sea of Galilee is a must-see place during an Israel travel experience. You'll be able to take photos of Nazareth from a scenic overlook en route to the Sea of Galilee. At the Yigal Alon Museum, you'll discover an archaeological treasure that rocked the worlds of archaeology, history and faith when it was found in 1986 - a fishing boat. Exhaustive scientific research places the fishing boat in the time and place of Jesus along the Sea of Galilee. Discover sites that are an integral part of Christianity during a boat cruise on the Galilee. Later, learn to dance the Hora, a traditional Jewish folk dance done in concentric circles, led by an instructor and accompanied by a private band. A visit to a kibbutz will reveal the history and modern-day life in these communities.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: The Colony Hotel Haifa, Israel
November 29, 2010 - Akko - a place ruled by many Today in Israel travel to one of the oldest continuously inhabited cites in the world, Akko (or Acre) dating back to the era of the Egyptian Pharaoh Thutmose. Begin your visit to this richly historical city with a visit to the Jezzar Pasha Mosque, an excellent example of Ottoman architecture, named for Ahmed al-Jezzar Pasha, who defeated Napoleon at the 1799 French siege of Acre. A walking tour through the walled city takes in the Knight's Hall, the citadel and prison, as well as the ancient tunnels. Traces of the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Muslims, Crusaders, Ottomans, Bedouins and the British, who have all ruled here, as well as of the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, can be seen. Next up is a Tauck Exclusive - lunch at Uri Buri Restaurant, justly famous throughout Israel; it is prepared for you by Chef Uri Yirmias, and is followed by a visit to the inn that he is restoring for dessert and coffee. Continue on to Jerusalem, with a stop at the Mount of Olives for a scenic view out over the city. Your hotel, the David Citadel, is one of the newest and most luxurious in the city, located at the doorstep of the Old City.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: David Citadel, Jerusalem, Israel
November 30, 2010 - Jerusalem, city of diverse cultures For three of the world's great religions, Judaism, Islam and Christianity, Jerusalem is indeed a holy city of great significance. A walking tour led by an expert local guide and your knowledgeable Tauck Director begins at the iconic Western Wall, a remnant of the Second Temple set beneath the site known to Jews as the Temple Mount and as al-Haram al-Sharif to Muslims. It has been among Judaism's most holy prayer sites for over 2,000 years - people of many religions leave prayer notes in the cracks and crevices of the wall. Continue on to the Jewish Quarter of the city and the Cardo, today a bustling marketplace with intriguing goods for sale built atop a site dating back, in part, to the time of Emperor Justinian in the 6th century BC. A visit to the Sephardic Synagogues reveals a restored complex of four synagogues, Yochanan ben Zakai, Istanbuli, Eliahu Ha'navi and Emtsai, each built in a different time period to accommodate the needs of the Sephardic community of the day.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: David Citadel, Jerusalem, Israel
December 1, 2010 - From the tomb of David's son to David's tower This morning, visit the traditional site of the tomb of King David's son, Absalom. Walk the Garden of Gethsemane, on the Mount of Olives; the garden's ancient olive trees, some believed to be approximately 2,000 years old, date back to the time of many Biblical events. At the Temple Mount, discover the most famous Islamic site in Jerusalem, the Dome of the Rock. For many Christian pilgrims, a walk on the Via Dolorosa, along which Jesus carried the cross to the site of the crucifixion after Pilate's condemnation, is a most meaningful experience. Explore it before continuing on to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built on the location of the crucifixion and one the holiest Christian sites in the world. After lunch on Refayim Street in the German part of the city, visit Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Authority, and explore this living memorial to the Holocaust and those who perished in it. Attend a private reception at the Tower of David Museum and, as the sun sets, watch the story of Jerusalem unfold in breathtaking images projected on the walls, archaeological ruins and hidden pathways of the Citadel, completely surrounding you in a multi-sensory experience.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: David Citadel, Jerusalem, Israel
December 2, 2010 - "Masada shall not fall again" This is part of the oath sworn by soldiers of the Israeli army at Masada. Travel to the cliff-top fortress at Masada, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by King Herod between 37 and 31 BC and the mighty stronghold of the Jewish Zealots who fled Jerusalem rather than submit to Roman rule during the First Jewish-Roman War in the 1st century AD. Take a cable car to the top of the mountain with a knowledgeable guide to explore the site, learn the story of what happened here over 2,000 years ago and discover why Masada has such tremendous significance today. Drive by the place where the Dead Sea Scrolls were unearthed and view them later at the Israel Museum, where they are enshrined.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: David Citadel, Jerusalem, Israel
December 3, 2010 - A visit to Bethlehem, back to Jerusalem, and on to Jordan Following breakfast, you have a choice of spending additional time in Jerusalem or joining us for a guided sightseeing excursion. Go through the checkpoint into Palestinian-controlled Bethlehem for a walking tour of the Church of the Nativity, built over what is traditionally thought to be the birthplace of Jesus, one of the oldest continuously operating churches in the world. Beneath the elaborate church lies the Grotto of the Nativity; a silver star in the floor marks the very spot where Christ is believed to have been born, with the Chapel of the Manger just steps away. Visit the Milk Grotto, and then return to Jerusalem. Following lunch, the Israel travel ends and the Jordan travel begins as you drive to the Dead Sea after crossing the border.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea, Jordan
December 4, 2010 - Journey to Jerash or a leisurely resort day - it's your choice You may be ready to just kick back and relax today, enjoying the amenities of your spa resort on the Dead Sea. Or, join your Tauck Director for a visit to the ancient city of Gerasa, today called Jerash. Step back in time 2,000 years as you explore the exceptionally well-preserved remains of Roman architecture in the Middle East, including Hadrian's Arch, the Hippodrome, the Oval Plaza, temples, theatres, arches, walls, baths and more in this fascinating archaeological site.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea, Jordan
December 5, 2010 - Along the King's Highway to Petra Today, your Jordan and Israel travel takes you along the King's Highway, the oldest continuously used trading route in the world, en route from the Dead Sea to Petra. Traveling south through ancient biblical lands, stop first in Madaba to visit St.George's Greek Orthodox Church to view an incredible 6th-century map of all the major biblical sites of the time. A part of the original Cathedral of Madaba, on the site now occupied by the Greek Orthodox Church, it is estimated that it would have taken 11,500 hours to complete. Enjoy a feast of authentic Jordanian cuisine at lunch before heading on to Bethany Beyond the Jordan, where Christians believe that John baptized Jesus the Baptist.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Mövenpick Resort Petra, Jordan
December 6, 2010 - The Pink City of Petra The 2,000-year-old city of Petra, which the ancient Nabataeans carved out of colorful sandstone cliffs, has recently been named one of the "New Seven Wonders of the World," and is quite simply amazing. Almost forgotten for over a thousand years and protected by the cliff of Edom, Petra is one of the best-preserved biblical sites in the world. You'll travel through the narrow, high-walled canyon called the Siq… and suddenly, there it is, the huge and world-famous Treasury - your first sight is one of those life-transformational moments. View Petra's tomb facades, royal tombs, temples and other structures on foot... the best way to really appreciate them. After lunch, return part way by camel.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Mövenpick Resort Petra, Jordan
December 7, 2010 - Mt. Nebo views, a marvelous journey ends in Amman On a clear day, Jericho, the Dead Sea, the River Jordan and even Jerusalem can be seen from Mt. Nebo, known as Pisgah in the Bible. Explore the Memorial Church of Moses and its well-preserved, 6th-century mosaics.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Le Méridien Amman
December 8, 2010 - Journey home.
Meals: Breakfast
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