Words cannot describe how fabulous our trip was. We have traveled a lot over the years and this is by far the best trip we have ever taken. Our tour guide was amazing. He was so knowledgeable and was able to answer so many of our questions. He was truly a walking Israel encyclopedia. The selection of hotels, restaurants, sightseeing spots were above our expectations. First class from the moment you land and every detail has been thought of. From the first night of the tour, the kids immediately bonded as well as the adults. It was such a joy to hear them have a great time. They will forever be friends after this trip.This was an experience of a lifetime. The Bar/Bat Mitzvah on top of Masada was so beautiful and meaningful. The Rabbi really made every child feel special and conducted a beautiful service as the sun was rising. We cannot thank IDT enough for creating a memorable ceremony and giving the gift to our daughter of understanding the true meaning of being Jewish. I don’t think anyone in attendance had a dry eye.The party in Tel Aviv was a good time for all. The kids and adults danced their hearts out. We truly cannot thank IDT enough for planning such a great tour and party at the end. My parents who were also on the tour, said this was the best Israel tour they had ever been on and this was their third trip.I have never been so sad for a trip to come to an end. Most kids cried our last night when we said our goodbyes. Although our Bat Mitzvah tour ended, we have lifelong memories and friendships. My kids only want to vacation in Israel from now on. We look forward to coming back to Israel soon and having IDT plan our next trip.
Candice & Mark P – San Diego, CA
We just returned from our tour with Israel Discovery Tours. Although I was leery of guided tours the trip wouldn’t have been nearly as wonderful without the expertise of IDT and our guide who was so informative, casual, funny, and thorough. He gave us a rich history of every area, was receptive to each and every question and made us all feel like long-lost friends. Starting in Jerusalem seeing the Old City and Yad Vashem set the stage for what would be amongst the most enlightening 10 days of my life. An early morning up to the top of Masada and watching our youngest become a bat mitzvah was unquestionably a highlight, and the guide and the Rabbi helped make the day and experience so memory-rich. It really couldn’t have been better…and yet it was.Arriving to Ben Gurion for our flight home, I realized I’d left my very expensive camera behind in the car. UGH!! Unlike the States, where I’d expect to never see it again, I called Israel Discovery Tours and they were able to track it down and had returned to me in the airport 20 min later!….Simply Amazing!!! I cannot give a more enthusiastically glowing review and recommendation of the IDT brand and its people. They helped us experience a trip of a lifetime!
Melissa & Steve L – Far Hills, NJ
The trip was amazing. We had such a wonderful time. Everything listed in the itinerary was done and our guide was great and very knowledgeable. We enjoyed all the places we visited and the activities we had.
Andrea H – Aventura, FL
On behalf of our entire family, I wanted to take a moment to tell you that our experience was beyond all expectations. The sights were heartwarming, and exhilarating. Our guide was a professor of knowledge at the very least. His explanations and responses to questions answered far surpassed our anticipations. He went out of his way to attend to all our needs. He should be complimented as a consummate professional. The accommodations, attention to detail, and efforts to create an overall pleasurable experience for all in attendance, were far beyond what we had hoped for. Also, the Bat Mitzvah service and party were simply CLASS-A.
On behalf of my wife and myself, thank you, and your entire organization for fulfilling a bucket list dream. For my son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter, thank you for making their dreams come true.
Mark & Bonnie E & Family – Round Lake, IL
We had an absolutely amazing trip to Israel this summer with Israel Discovery Tours. Our guide was wonderful- informative, interesting engaged, funny and terrific with the kids. The trip was incredibly well organized; everywhere we went we were expected and went right in. We saw an incredible amount in such a short period of time and also enjoyed the down time in Eilat. The Bar Mitzvah service was perfect – just beautiful at dawn. This was a trip of a lifetime.
Cindy & Roy D – New York, NY
Israel is even better the second time around. Nine years ago, my wife Laurie and I chose IDT to discover our first taste of Israel. This year I fulfilled a dream I’ve had for many years: a trip with my family for our granddaughters Bnai Mitzvah.The tour and our guide were extraordinary. The Bar/Bat Mitzvah service, the Rabbi and all the sightseeing were phenomenal. Every detail was taken care of- not a stone unturned. We highly recommend IDT to everyone – we couldn’t imagine going to Israel with anyone else
Laurie & Milt K – Boynton Beach, Fl
Everything was spectacular beginning with the ease of booking the tour, the customer service here in the US and especially the level of service we received once we arrived in Israel! Our expectations were exceeded from the get go!
The welcome party on the first evening gave the families on our tour an opportunity to meet and mingle. Before dinner, our hostess and tour guide welcomed us and explained what we can expect on our journey over the next few days.
Each morning at our hotels began early with the most sumptuous buffets and then we headed out for our day of touring in our luxury air-conditioned bus with our expert guide.. He was beyond knowledgeable. From ancient history, religion and politics to geography, topography and agriculture – our guide explained everything we needed to know about Israel in a way that captured the attention of both the adults and kids. Not a day went by where we did not laugh, cry or emphatically say, WOW!!
The purpose of this tour was for the bar mitzvah on top of Masada at sunrise. Our private ceremony, led by a wonderful Rabbi, was truly breathtaking and emotional. Israel Discovery Tours provided us with a professional photographer and videographer to capture this momentous occasion.
From the north to the south, there were so many amazing highlights on this Israel tour. But we especially adored the jeep ride through mine fields, river rafting in the Jordan River, floating in the Dead Sea, the camel ride with the Bedouins, the bullet factory and the archaeological dig – to name a few.
After our long days of touring, we were obviously exhausted. We always had free time in the late afternoon to rest at our beautiful hotels before dinner, which were always delicious with enough variety to please even the pickiest appetites. There was also a fantastic bar mitzvah party celebration including a DJ and dance floor where everyone got their groove on!
From arrival to departure day, everything was simply perfect and set to the highest standards of luxury travel. We can’t thank you enough for this extraordinary trip of a lifetime!
Andrea & Brian – Deerfield, IL
We want to thank IDT, for doing an outstanding job of making this an amazing and stress-free experience. They thought of every detail and really went above and beyond to see to it that all details were taken care of and that all our needs were met.Our tour guide was with us every step of the way from the hotel in Jerusalem all the way to the last night in Tel-Aviv. His passion for Israel, the land and its people and history really came through and made a real difference to the quality of the trip. Everyone on our bus loved him for his story-telling and ability to bring the past to life.
Even our bus driver was a cut above the rest. We felt safe and secure in his driving through tight alleys and navigating various different terrains.
The Bar-Mitzvah service on Masada was a remarkable experience. The rabbi was very welcoming and made the Bar and Bat-Mitzvah’s (and their parents) feel immediately at ease. He held a beautiful service that was deeply meaningful to everyone involved.
Overall, this trip surpassed our expectations in many ways. We had a great time and would highly recommend IDT to anyone thinking of taking a guided tour of Israel and in particular, a Bar/Bat Mitzvah tour.
Michelle & Loren S – Ontario Canada
All of the activities were incredible, the Bat Mitzvah ceremony atop Masada at sunrise was magical, and the rabbi was so warm and supportive. He truly helped make the service meaningful on a very personal level. This trip definitely strengthened our love for Judaism and for Israel.
Our daughter said to us that she was really glad she did her Bat Mitzvah “her way” on this trip, bypassing the traditional synagogue and party—it made it so much more meaningful for her.
It does not get more meaningful than learning the Torah herself and reading from it atop Masada, surrounded by like-minded children!
In summary, the friendships and experiences your team helped create for us in Israel will always be in our hearts, and we already can’t wait to visit again.
This trip was by far one of the best in our lives—
Molly & Joshua I – Naperville, IL
The whole tour was a never to be forgotten experience superbly organized from beginning to end – starting with all the attention you gave me and my family over every aspect of the planning and endless questions asked.
Personally it was beyond my wildest dreams – The itinerary was perfect with fantastic sightseeing building up to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah. The jeep rides and the rafting on the Jordan being highlights for fun and thrills. The way everything was made so special and personal for the children was excellent. We had a wonderful and passionate education from our guide, but with great sensitivity to all our needs and attention span. Emphasis on all the important historical aspects and how the children needed to think about Israel and their heritage.
The Bar Mitzvah service was really moving and sweetly done again involving the children and making each family feel like it was a personal event. Again it just could not have been more perfect.
I wanted to let you know immediately what a huge success it was for our family. We felt so very fortunate to have been so well looked after by such a wonderful team.
Julia M – Breckenridge, CO
When my daughter suggested we go to Israel for her Bat Mitzvah, the planning stages of this trip began. I was so happy to find Israel Discovery Tours. The information they provided by way of email, snail mail and personal phone calls was extremely helpful in making our decision to go with this tour company. Our time in Israel will be cherished forever. We spent 12 busy days learning about the history of our people and experiencing life as a Jew in our homeland. My daughter’s Bat Mitzvah, which was held in the oldest synagogue in Israel, on top of Masada, was beautiful and surreal. It was more than we could’ve ever hoped for! The hotels we stayed in were magnificent. The food we dined on was delicious. Our tour guide was animated and very knowledgeable. After 12 days in Israel, we left with unforgettable memories and the desire to return one day in the near future!
Lisa & John – Ellicott City, MD
Even before we left on our trip, the professionalism of the US staff in helping plan our Bar Mitzvah trip demonstrated the quality of the organization we chose as our tour company. We were very confident we made the right decision selecting Israel Discovery Tours.
We are now world travelers! Our son’s first trip on an airplane and his first trip, out of the USA was our 12 day deluxe “extravaganza” with Israel Discovery Tours. It all began as we landed at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. A staff person met us at the plane, and helped us collect our luggage. She walked us through customs, and to our transportation; which drove us to our hotel. The Guide, Field Coordinator, and Bus Driver, who executed our magnificent tour, were phenomenal!
Our guide educated us on the history of the vast array of sites we visited in Jerusalem, Caesarea, Haifa, Rosh Hanikra, Tiberias, The Jordan Valley, Mt. Gilboa, Masada, Eilat, Tel Aviv and more. He had such “passion” for everywhere we went. He felt like it was his personal duty to educate as many people as possible about Israel. Oh, we also knew where the best ice cream in the country was!
In addition to the many historical sites we visited, there was also time to relax. We floated in the Dead Sea; we swam and snorkeled in the Red Sea while we sailed on the yacht “Zorba”. We were served a wonderful buffet lunch prepared by the crew. Our son fell in love with the lamb kabobs! We also had time to swim and kayak in the Mediterranean Sea.
The accommodations were first class. We were treated like “royalty” in some of the most spectacular hotels Israel has to offer. The food at each hotel was just astonishing with breakfast and dinner buffets.
Our son connected beautifully with all the teenagers and their siblings on the tour. The kids on our bus organized a “Kid’s Club” in the back of the bus. We heard lots of singing and laughing from them during the bus rides to the sites we visited. Even the bus was top notch with lots of space, comfortable seats, and big panoramic picture windows!
One of our personal highlights was the sunrise B’nai Mitzvah Service on top of Masada. The view was breathtaking, as the sun rose over the Dead Sea. The service was held in the remnants of the old Synagogue. It was a very special and moving service in a very special and moving place. All the families celebrated with kiddish, cookies, then a tour of the ruins and the story of the events at Masada.
The celebration continued for the 17 Bar and Bat Mitzvah teenagers with an exceptional banquet and party at the Tel Aviv Hilton with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a delicious dinner. Israel Discover Tours made it extraordinary with a DJ, candle lighting, and a Torah cake-cutting ceremony.
Even our trip home was carefully planned. A representative met us at the airport, walked us through security, helped us check our bags, and made sure all our needs were met.
We have to say without equivocation the staff of Israel Discovery Tours was super- professional, quite friendly, and performed a first class tour. Our family loved every minute of this truly incredible adventure, and can’t wait to return someday in the future. We would like to give IDT our highest recommendation.
Paula, David and Logan D. – Coconut Creek, FL
Just Returned Summer 2017! Our family had the best time! The tour was very intimate and insightful. We had the nicest tour guide and driver. The knowledge they had of every detail in Israel was so amazing! All of the tours were with the most knowledgeable guides. All of the accommodations were first class and the staff was waiting for us on arrival with keys in hand. We ate the most delicious food and enjoyed every moment of this very special occasion. Thank you again for all of your hard work and efforts. I will recommend this trip to all of my friends for sure!!!
Danielle & Andrew F – Newport Beach, CA
Our Israel trip experience exceeded all our expectations. The depth and breadth of our guide knowledge was outstanding. The service was impeccable. From the minute we were met upon arrival at the airport to the minute we left when we were once again met at the airport to help us with our luggage and navigate the ticket counter.
I had been concerned about going as a family of just 3, but the other people on the tour were friendly, warm and welcoming. It truly was the trip of a lifetime!
Carol F – Glastonbury, CT
I cannot say enough regarding how wonderful our IDT trip to Israel was! First, it was always a pleasure to interact with the home staff at IDT – they were incredibly knowledgeable, responsive and helpful. Then from the moment we arrived in Israel until the moment we left, we all felt incredibly well taken care of. Our tour guide was especially wonderful- remarkably well informed, energetic, passionate, funny and fun. Adults and kids equally adored him. Our days were a perfect mixture of seeing both ancient and modern sites, cultural venues and surprisingly beautiful geological wonders. We loved seeing the Old City in Jerusalem, the high desert, the grottoes, the unique rock formations, and swimming in the Red, the Dead and the Mediterranean Seas. Our days were busy but never exhausting and planned to appeal to both adults and kids. We found our fellow travelers friendly and our guide encouraged us to get to know one another. By the second day, the kids were in the back of the bus hanging out together and often would all have breakfast together. When we all dined together at night, there was a spontaneously formed kids table to which they flocked. We felt that we got to know everyone by the end of the trip and it was hard to say goodbye. The Bar Mitzvah party was a wonderful end to a magnificent trip. We are recommending it to everyone we know.
Debbie W – Glen Mills, PA
My wife and two sons just returned from an Israel Discovery Tours Bar Mitzvah Tour in the summer of 2016. After careful consideration we chose IDT because of the efficient routing, quality of the itinerary, hotels, timing of the tour, and online reviews. I was very confident it was the right choice for us, and even with this high expectation, we were blown away by the experience. We saw nearly the entire country and had fun experiences along the way. The highlight was the Bar Mitzvah on Masada, but there were many others as well. Everything went smoothly and we were cared for from the time we arrived until the time we left. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and entertaining. IDT also handled special requests for us and were always available. Top notch all the way and we recommend other families taking the same tour. On a final note, even though my family wasn’t concerned about traveling to Israel, we understand other families are. We felt extremely safe the entire time. I am one that believes that anytime is a good time to visit Israel. People should not be deterred for any reason as it is extremely safe. People who choose not to go to Israel based on erroneous safety concerns are robbing themselves of a major life experience.
Jonathan F – Potomac MD
We decided to have our son’s Bar Mitzvah in Israel and we quickly realized that having a Bar Mitzvah tour would be the way to go. After looking around online, we chose Israel Discovery Tours, and I must say, IDT blew us away as far as professionalism, experience, quality of staff and quality of hotels we were staying. From day one to the day we came back from Israel, IDT guided us in every possible way. The tour guide, driver and the event coordinator truly made our experience in Israel a very memorable one. It was such a great feeling being in Israel, knowing that that place is like second home for us and all Jews around the world. We highly recommend Israel as a travel destination, Bar/Bat Mitzvah experience and without any hesitation Israel Discovery Tours. Once again, my family and I are very grateful to you, your company and all Israelis for making our son’s Bar Mitzvah a truly memorable one.
Ted M – Alpharetta, GA
We just returned from our trip with Israel Discovery Tours — a Bar Mitzvah tour for my son — and it was a truly memorable experience. It is a very full agenda and our tour guide was top notch – funny and informative, and the itinerary was interesting and worthwhile. The air conditioned bus was very comfortable, and the hotels were very nice. The Waldorf in Jerusalem was really outstanding and a super location. We felt well taken care of both before and during the trip, and it was a great bonding experience for families. Masada was a truly amazing place for a bar mitzvah and I can’t say enough about it. It was stunning and moving. Israel Discovery Tours is a class act, and I sincerely recommend their bar mitzvah trip for the experience of a lifetime.
Robin G – Great Neck, NY
My wife, two sons and I have now been back in the U.S. for about a week, having returned from our 12-day Israel Discovery Tours trip. While I’m not inclined to hyperbole, this was frankly the most amazing trip we’ve ever taken. Certainly, it was significant for several reasons: 1) it was our first trip to Israel – ever; and 2) our son had his Bar Mitzvah at dawn on Masada. It was also a trip which encompassed the entire country, from the northern Lebanese border to Eilat in the south, from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv, from the Jordan River to the Sea of Galilee to the Dead See to the Red Sea. Oh, and did I mention that we both drove and flew over the Negev, visited a Kibbutz, received and ongoing lesson in political science and history (our tour guide was nothing short of brilliant and funny, besides being incredibly informative). We also saw the Knesset, Yad Vashem, and the military cemetery which was more than poignant.
Throughout the entire trip, from the moment we stepped on the plane going to Israel, to when we stepped off the plane back in the US, every event and activity functioned like clockwork. Even the rabbi as arranged by IDT made our son feel that this truly was his Bar Mitzvah, along with the other boys and girls who were there for the same purpose. No event or activity was either too long or too short.
In sum, this was the most enjoyable trip we’ve ever taken
Thanks ever so much to IDT for giving us such a great experience.
– Christine & Dana L – Worcester, MA
We were thrilled with our experience. From start to finish, we enjoyed everything. We stayed at luxurious hotels (including the new Waldorf Astoria in Jerusalem) and our guide was smart, entertaining and informative. There were so many highlights, but the most memorable was the Bar Mitzvah service on Masada. It was a wonderful moment to share with family and new friends.
The attention to detail – from the hotels, the meals and the roomy bus (apples and water too!) made the trip carefree. It certainly surpassed our expectations
– Deborah & Jason T – Old Bethpage, NY
Our experience with the IDT Bar Mitzvah Family Tour this summer was amazing. I can’t say enough positive things about the staff, the itinerary and the experiences. We stayed at wonderful hotels and ate way too much great food. But, it was really our tour guide who made the trip so memorable. He was incredibly knowledgeable and fun. I think I’ll hear “yalla” in my sleep for a few weeks, but we all will cherish the experience learning the geography and history of our homeland.
– Beth & Matthew S – Richboro, PA
Our family had a fabulous time! I think from the kid’s perspective- a much better time than they thought they would. Initially they were humoring Grandma, but they really loved everything. The pace of the trip was perfect for the children. Busy, busy, busy from dawn ‘til dark and even later! We all were completely involved and incredibly active. An amazing, enriching experience. We look forward to returning for our other child’s Bat Mitzvah in 2016!
– Ruthann & Jerome F – Ventura, CA
What an amazing tour! It opened my eyes to information I was unaware of before leaving for the trip. Going on the tour has made me want to come back to Israel to study, have my own child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah at Masada and it also gave me friends whom I plan to stay connected with. I can’t wait to come back and learn more about our history and see even more of Israel!
– Dari W – Tampa, FL
Honestly, this tour blew my mind. I can’t even say enough good things about it. I cried my eyes out when we left. Our tour guide was OUTSTANDING! He is one of the most remarkable people I’ve ever met and I speak for everyone on the tour – we were so lucky to have him guide us through this journey. I’m going to remember this for the rest of my life. Nothing will ever be able to top it!
– Andrea K, Los Angeles, CA
What a wonderful trip! You should all be so proud of your tour that made every day so special and filled with memories that will last a lifetime. This grandma & grandpa wanted to give their grandchildren a taste of Israel, their heritage, the history of the country and that is just what happened. Everyone got along great together on our bus and the Bat Mitzvah went beautifully.
– Barbara & Gerald N – Wilmette, IL
We had an incredible time and everything was perfect! Our guide brought fun, laughter, knowledge and passion every day. He was able to connect with all of us, regardless of age. We all loved him. His personal experiences and incredible knowledge of the country and Jewish heritage kept everyone interested and wanting more. We couldn’t get enough!
– Meri & Ira G – Columbia, MD
We had an absolutely amazing trip to Israel this summer with Israel Discovery Tours. Our guide was wonderful- informative, interesting engaged, funny and terrific with the kids. The trip was incredibly well organized; everywhere we went we were expected and went right in. We saw an incredible amount in such a short period of time and also enjoyed the down time in Eilat. The Bar Mitzvah service was perfect – just beautiful at dawn. This was a trip of a lifetime.
– Cindy & Roy D – New York, NY
We had such a terrific experience with Israel Discovery Tours. Everything was literally perfect. Our guide was amazing. His knowledge was so vast of the history and the land. His patience and sense of humor with our group was outstanding. It was sad to say good-bye to him. Each and every one of the grandparents, parents and children became like family. In the end it was sad to see the trip come to a close. It seemed like we were destined to be on this trip with these people at this time. It truly was something that each and every one of us will cherish forever.
– Ellen & Geoffrey – Northbrook, IL
I just wanted you to know how grateful my wife and I are for your tour. We had a wonderful family time. The tour is all encompassing and everything went just right. From the excellent driver to the superb guide to the hotels and even the selection of restaurants – everything was just perfect. With Israel Discovery Tours we never had to stand in line at a museum, park entrance or even at the airport! My children truly appreciated the wealth of information and the profound story of our people and the modern State of Israel. What a great tour we had!
– Arnie & Joyce C – Pittsburgh, PA
I don’t even know how to begin to thank you for making my family’s first trip to Israel so unforgettable. It was a life changing experience. When our son started asking in first grade if we could someday take him to Israel, we knew we had to get him there for his Bar Mitzvah. We all fell in love with Israel and will never forget the things we saw, the people we met and the feelings we felt. We were guided through the history of our people in such a way that made us understand and really feel the feelings that our ancestors felt. This tour left a lifelong impression on my family that we will never forget
– Bonnie & Eric G- Richboro, PA
There are no words to capture what it meant to all of us to have this beautiful experience together as a family- a meaning far beyond anything we had anticipated. Of course the highlight was the B’nai Mitzvot ceremony at Masada. It was glorious beyond description; Hollywood could not have done it better. If ever there was a moment in our lives that I would wish to capture and never forget it was then on that historic spot on that perfect morning. There was literally not one day that we didn’t feel thoroughly and happily “filled” with an interesting, important and meaningful experience. Our guide’s passion for Israel was contagious, and his wonderful good spirit, his enthusiasm, his love for people, his vast knowledge and his non-stop positive outlook were truly inspiring and uplifting! All of the time and generous attention you gave us, all the phone calls answering questions during the many months of planning and all the little details you so carefully remembered – all of this is priceless and beyond measure. You have a “forever” place in our hearts for giving us an experience to treasure.
– Lee & Mel B – Winnetka, IL
The most amazing experience of my life! I loved Israel and every minute of the tour. You have it down to perfection. When the tour ended, I wanted more. I can’t wait to take my family back. I just wanted to thank Israel Discovery Tours for making the experience flawless.
– Leslie & Mike S- Buffalo Grove, IL
I wanted everyone to know what a fabulous time our family had on the tour. The beauty and meaning of having the Bar Mitzvah at Masada gave us very special memories. Most importantly, our children now feel meaningful ties to the Jewish homeland and its people. On the plane ride home they all said they love Israel, they want to go back soon and they are proud of their Jewish heritage
– Doris & Joshua L – Glencoe, IL
Before another minute goes by, I must let you know what a fantastic time we had on our Israel Discovery Tours trip. The guide and driver were truly awesome. The hotels were first rate, the excursions were fun and interesting and all the activities were relevant and enjoyable. Our tour combined the perfect amount of free time around all the planned activities. The memory of our son reading the Torah at the emotionally charged Bar Mitzvah service on Masada with the sun rising will stay with us forever. Everyone was professional, responsible and you could tell they take their jobs seriously. Thank you so much for the unforgettable memories.
– Susan & Ken H – Sandy Springs, GA
