RELIGION AND ARCHEOLOGY

• In Jerusalem, head to the Old City and experience this holy place for Jews, Christian and Muslim. Visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre,  the Western Wall, and the Dome of the Rock ñ the three most important sites for the three great monotheistic religions. Listen to the notes of a byzantine choir and immerse in a state of peace and extasy.
• Meet for dinner with Yiscar Harani, an acclaimed expert, lecturing and consulting on Christian affairs in the Holy Land in academic institutions and the for the Stateís ministries. Harani was the recipient of the Mount Zion Award 2013 for Interreligious activity. This briefing will deal with the three main religions of the country. We shall discuss what Jerusalem has meant to Jews, Christians and Muslims, and what it means to them today.
• Walk sections of the Via Dolorosa before visiting the Garden of Gethsemane and Mount of Olives, where youíll enjoy wonderful views over Jerusalem.
• With an archaeologist explore the Jerusalem Archaeological Park-Davidsonís Centre and pore over the remains of streets, columns, gates, walls, plazas and mikveíot (Jewish ritual baths) Here you will encounter the Southern Wall of the Second Temple, build by Herod, Robinsonís Arch, the Herodian Street, and huge building stones which are fallen remains from the Temple Mount as it stood in ancient times.

RELIGION AND ARCHEOLOGY

• Take a tour of the Western Wall Tunnels led by Archaeologist Dr. Avi Solomon, one of the archaeologists who unexpectedly discovered a small Roman Theatre directly beneath Wilsonís Arch and observe the hundreds of pilgrims praying, singing and crying at the Wall. Explore the  mysteries of Hezekiahís Tunnel, where water has flowed since the time of prophets. Get access to the hidden spring where kings were crowned.
• Explore Caesarea National Park , Israelís most impressive archaeological site. The beautifully restored harbour here was built by King Herod and is a work of engineering marvel.
• In the park of the Caesarea Amphitheatre, attend as VIP a concert of both local, and international acts.

HISTORY AND CULTURE

• In Jerusalem, visit the Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Centre, located on the Mount of Remembrance in Jerusalem, with justifiably international acclaim its in depth and powerful portrayal is extremely challenging material.
• Visit  the Herzl Centre. Herzl was an Austro-Hungarian journalist, playwright, political activist, and writer, the father of the State of Israel and of modern political Zionism.
• Meet with Dr. Khalil Shikaki, a Professor of Political Science and Director of the Palestinian Centre for Policy and Survey Research to get an overview of the Palestinian perspective in this region.
• In Nazareth, youíll visit the Church of the Annunciation and Grotto of the Annunciation.
• Continue to Capernaum where the discovery of a 2nd century synagogue shed a new light on the life of the community of that era.
• With a local professor visit the Israel Museum, one of Jerusalemís treasures. Following a multi-million dollar renovation the has been named one of the ten most impressive museums in the world. The Israel Museum is home to the Dead Sea Scrolls (the Shrine of the Book), the oldest known copy of the Bible. You will learn about the remarkable story of these manuscripts and how they were discovered. In addition, you will enjoy a special one-hour docent led tour focusing on your choice among archaeology, fine art, or Judaica.
• In Tel Aviv, converse with Jonathan Spyer, a writer, Security analyst and journalist focusing on the Levant and Middle East strategic affairs. He will provide an overview of the regional issues and challenges.
• Meet your expert art guide at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. She will walk you through the narrative of the history and development of art in Israel, outlining changes in themes and styles which reflected in the Israeli society. You will also view some of the museumís most treasured jewels and will discuss the celebrated architecture of the new wing of the museum.
• Explore the ancient city of Jaffa, which is a wonderful contrast from the modern Tel Aviv. Traditionally populated by Arabs, Jaffa is one of the places in Israel where Muslims, Christians and Jews have co-existed, albeit often uneasily, for centuries. Its crumbling, luminous sandstone and limestone buildings are built like layers of honeycomb around its ancient port. Jaffa is replete with history from the Bible (it is mentioned in the story of Jonah), ancient Egyptian, Roman, Napoleonic eras and more.

NATURE

• The road from Jerusalem to Galilee, following the Jordanian border, is a journey through biblical landscapes: vast undulating rocky deserts, majestic date palm groves.
• Ascend the Golan Heights ñ a rocky plateau of great strategic importance sitting above the sea of Galilee and stretching the border with Lebanon and Syria. Take a jeep or ATV ride for an overview on Israelís border with Syria and an on-site briefing by an Israel Defence Force officer.
• Visit the beautiful Mount of Beatitudes, with a  lovely octagonal church at the top, from where you can enjoy a magnificent view of the northern part of the Sea of Galilee.
• In the city of Tiberias, board a private boat to tour the Sea of Galilee, aka the Kinneret, a freshwater lake in the Holy Land which is located in the northern region of Israel. This is a breath-taking, spiritual and adventurous experience. You will feel the power of the Sea of Galilee where Jesus miraculously walked on water (Matthew 14:22-33).

FOLKLORE AND ART

• Not far from Haifa and in the foothills of the Carmel mountains, discover the village of Ein Hod with an expert. In the 50ís, a group of artists led by Marcel Janco decided to build a village that would provide a creative space for art and art education. Through the years, it has been transformed into a striking little village full of art studios, galleries, a museum and unique coffee shops. An interesting mix of history, culture, communal life and artistic wonder, Ein Hod is a hidden gem.
• Explore Jaffaís flea market, Shuk Hapishpeshim, which dates from the 1890s and has evolved into a hipster nexus on a par with east London, with industrial storage buildings and cavernous antique shops being taken over by cafÈs, restaurants and independent boutiques.
• Enjoy a magical ballet evening with the acclaimed Bathsheva Dance Company.
• Visit the Druze village of Isfiya, located on the top of the Carmel Mountain and commanding a panoramic view of the surrounding green hills. The village has a rich tradition of openness, hospitality, and warmth that is characteristic of the Druze community. Its special location and rich ethnic tradition and culture have proved especially attractive for travellers and tourists.
• In Nazareth, the boyhood home of Jesus, explore the colourful markets. This visit will focus on people and their beliefs, material and spiritual culture, traditions and customs. It will give you  an overview on the Christian religion, the history and ritual of various rites and ethnic communities in Nazareth through stories and rituals.
• Proceed to Rothschild boulevard and tour Tel Avivís White City to see the buildings of Bauhaus architecture (a UNESCO World heritage site), including Independence hall, where Ben Gurion declared independence in 1948.
• Take a private Graffiti and Street Art Tour that will allow you to follow the vibrant street art scene in Tel Aviv, as you will get to know the most important artists.

EPICUREAN

• In Jerusalem, join seventh generation Kebab Specialist, Muhamed Shahin and learn the mysteries of the Oriental Kabab Making. Dive into over 200-year-old tradition of making kebab with Ras El Hanout, creating your own hummus and salad, Kataif (a local type of savoury pancake) and finishing with Knafe, a sweet dessert treat.
• Experience Shabbat in the Holy City of Jerusalem with an opportunity to have a Shabbat meal at the home of a host family in the heart of Jerusalem.
• In the city where 3 religions meet, have a dinner with 3 chefs, Jewish, Muslim and Christian, and enjoy a conversation about the complexity of the coexistence over good food and wine at Ezra Kedemís private studio, located a top the Jerusalem hills in Ein Kerem.
• Be immersed in an authentic Middle Eastern Experience and enjoy dinner with Moroccan cuisine at the renowned Darna Restaurant. A belly dancer will join you for part of the night to set the tone for an evening with special entertainment.In Galilee, experience Chef Erez Komarovskyís cooking and baking workshop at his Matat home in the Galilee . Itís a wonderful culinary experience, using the finest, freshest local produce as well as seasonal vegetables in their prime freshly picked from the organic garden. Chef Komarovsky prepares and demonstrates memorable tasting dishes.
• On the way to Caesarea, stop at one of Israelís award winning Margalit winery for an explanation about the wine making process, and for a wine tasting and light lunch with local delicacies.
• Near Jaffa, visit the Milk and Honey Whiskey Distillery. You will learn about whiskey and have a private tour in the Cask room and enjoy some good whiskeys. Milk & Honey Distillery is the only distillery of its kind in the country and beyond making high-quality spirits, their ultimate goal is the creation of a top and local single malt whiskey.
• In Jerusalem visit the Mahane Yehuda market with a culinary expert. Here, you will find yourself surrounded by a plethora of sights, smells and tastes, and the colourful hustle and bustle of Jerusalem life. Your guide will show you little known, hidden away gems, and will also explain how Mahane Yehuda serves as a symbol of Israelís immigrant culture. You will see foods from all parts of the world, and will understand how culinary trends have mixed and influenced each other.