COVID19 Update

Israel Discovery Tours - Family and Adult Tours

We are excited to see that the first steps in opening the economy for Israel are beginning.  Israel is starting the initial stages to lift their quarantine. They have recently released the guidelines for lifting restrictions and starting to return to a new normal.  As domestic travel resumes the Israel Ministry Of Tourism is building the foundations to welcome international travelers as well.  The Deep Knowledge Group, has named Israel the #1 country in their Covid-19 safety rankingmaking it an ideal destination to visit once we can travel again. While we do not know yet when Israel will open their borders to international travelers we can say with confidence when it does, Israel will be ready to welcome all our passengers.

As Israel starts to move towards a “new normal” when it comes to travelers, it is clear that social distancing and sanitation will play a big role in all of their travel decisions, including destination, hotel and airline choice. Though they will be taking these precautions, we still are confident that people will begin to resume travel with enthusiasm while doing it in a safe way. Israel is working to adapt to a new standard of travel that includes these social distancing and sanitation protocols, which include timed entries, contactless payments at top tourist destinations and new check in procedures.

The Israel Ministry of Tourism is working on our complete international reopening strategy, which will be announced soon.

Our tours for the Fall and Winter of 2020 are still on schedule to proceed as planned pending further directives from the government of Israel

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December 2019 Family Tour

Israel Discovery Tours - Family and Adult Tours

Our families have just returned from the completely sold out December tour and what an amazing time was had by all! This year’s departure was even more special as our group was touring during Hannukah. 

Starting out in Jerusalem the group spent three fabulous nights at the world famous Waldorf Astoria and toured of all the important sites in this magical city including the Old City, Western Wall, Tower of David, the Davidson Center, Mt. Herzl and much, much more. No tour of Jerusalem is complete without a visit to Yad Vashem, Israel’s national memorial the victims of the Holocaust where everyone participated in a meaningful and emotional private memorial service

From Jerusalem it was on to Northern Israel. So much to see along the way –  The aqueducts at Caesaria, the Bahai Gardens in Haifa, and an amazing cable car ride down to the  magnificent grottoes at Rosh Hanikra. While in the North the group visited the holy city of Safed with its artists’ colony (great shopping!), the Golan Heights and a fun filled stop at the Gan Garoo Australian Park to see the kangaroos and koalas.

Then from the North to the Dead Sea for the Bat/Bat Mitzvah ceremony.  But before the big event, the group had a fantastic desert jeep ride, a visit with the Bedouins and an “unsinkable” swim in the Dead Sea. Up early for the momentous day, our families ascended Masada by cable car. On this historic spot that symbolizes the spirit of the Jewish people, the celebrants became Bat/Bat Mitzvah. A beautiful service as the sun rose over the desert landscape.

No rest for the weary as the families made their way to vibrant Tel Aviv – the “Capital of Cool”.  While there the group visited the Ayalon Institute (Bullet Factory), a fantastic hands-on archeological dig at Beit Guvrin and the Palmach Museum.

Of course, an Israel Discovery Family Bar/Bat Mitzvah tour would not be complete without our gala banquet- a festive celebration with live music, dancing and candle lighting ceremony. What a fantastic way to commemorate an important milestone.

So many of the families called us the minute they returned to thank us for this once in a lifetime experience. It means so much to us as everyone at Israel Discovery Tours is committed to providing the finest Israel-Bar/Bat Mitzvah experience.

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Fall 2019

Israel Discovery Tours - Family and Adult Tours

Autumn in Israel – the perfect time to explore and tour.  Our Fall 2019 Adults Only tours had a fabulous time touring, eating (of course!), swimming, shopping and experiencing all of Israel.  From all the feedback we received an amazing time was had by all our passengers. There really is nothing like our tour. Whether you choose a Deluxe or Value departure, we always use the finest hotels in either class, unsurpassed routing, touring and service. Our staff gives 100% to insure that you have the best Israel experience

“I’m a pretty tough critic and customer from my career in NYC and my family and friends are shocked that I would not change anything about the tour. What made the trip for me was the combination of the itinerary, accommodations and our guide”

Starting with 5 nights in Jerusalem our passengers get to experience the city in an in-depth way. The Old City, Western Wall, Kotel Tunnel Tour, Tree planting at the JNF forest, Chagall Windows, Tower of David are just a few of the highlights they visited. Of course, no tour of Jerusalem is complete without a visit to Yad Vashem, Israel’s national memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. All of our tours participate in a private memorial service.

“Our guide was our Teacher, our Rabbi, our Cantor, our General, our Teller of Jokes, our Philosopher, our Scholar – he was all that and so much more. We want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for an itinerary that left us literally breathless and exhausted, intellectually stimulated and challenged, emotionally spent from laughing, crying, singing and dancing, and most importantly, connected to Israel,”

Leaving Jerusalem, the group travelled south to Masada and the Dead Sea. One of the most important sites in Israel, Masada, symbolizes the spirit of the Jewish people. An overnight at our Dead Sea Resort allows us to fully enjoy this unique region. We eliminate the exhausting pre-dawn trip from Jerusalem to Masada and back again. 

From Masada they continued further south to Eilat. Along the way the group stopped at the Ramon Crater and had a special visit with the Bedouins to enjoy their hospitality and learn about their culture. After the thrill and emotion of Jerusalem and Masada, Eilat is the perfect time to relax and enjoy the beach or take an options day trip to Petra, Jordan.

“The itinerary was so complete. Friends of mine (including a travel agent) who have been to Israel many times said they had not seen many of the sites I saw. Upon reflection it felt like it painted a picture of ancient history to today.”

After short flight, the group discovered the amazing North of Israel. Caesaria, Haifa, Safed, a jeep tour in the Golan Heights and the lovely seaside town of Tiberias. Then it was time to dance and sing aboard our “fun boat” as we cruise across the Sea of Galilee to meet Kibbutzniks and learn about the history and lifestyle of these Israeli pioneers. 

Their two week Israel experience culminated with a stay in Israel’s modern city of Tel Aviv where there is never a dull moment in this thriving metropolis. The group toured the famous Ayalon Institute (Bullet Factory) and the incredible Palmach Museum. They all enjoyed Shabbat at leisure with plenty of time to shop, enjoy the hotel pool or take an unhurried stroll along the Mediterranean Sea. 

No Israel Discovery Tour would be complete without a fantastic Farewell Dinner where the group celebrated their new connections to friends and to Israel.

“From the minute we arrived to the final moments before we boarded our El Al flight, we felt so truly cared for! Each detail of our trip was arranged with such care and thoughtfulness.”

 

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