Sketches of Israel - www.groupist.com

HAIFA - JERUSALEM

A unique travel experience exclusively for AARP members

Israel, a land that evokes thoughts and emotions as diverse as the attractions and sites it contains, is truly a destination like no other. A treasure trove of natural, historic and cultural wealth, the country is one person's religious pilgrimage destination as easily as another's outdoor paradise, and yet another's wine and art fantasy. At Group IST, a leader in specialty travel to Israel for over thirty years, we believe that one's journey to Israel should be as unique as the land itself. Sketches of Israel was launched specifically for this purpose, to provide AARP members with the opportunity to construct their own ideal itinerary - a perfect sketch of Israel.

We begin with the most attractively priced product in its line, which includes: International return flights, 4 star accommodations, all transfers, 9 meals, 3 highlight tours, and welcome kits featuring orientation information and tips for sites and attractions throughout your stay. Next, you are able to choose from a superior selection of optional add-ons. These excursions and attractions include cooking seminars, curator tours of the Israel museum, and even spa days at the Turkish baths. ‘Color in' the itinerary for your own, unique sketch of Israel.

Hotel accommodations throughout this tour are at The Dan Hotels - the oldest, most prestigious hotel chain in Israel. The Dan Hotels collection includes 14 hotels and it is the most recognized name in the Israeli hotel industry. While each hotel has an individual character, all Dan Hotels share the same dedication to perfection.

International air travel features EL AL Airlines. Established in 1948 as the National Airlines of Israel, EL AL has grown into a prestigious international carrier. EL AL offers incomparable Israeli hospitality, a friendly and personalized touch that makes time fly and makes EL AL more than just a convenient mode of travel.

Highlights/Inclusions

Airfare: Round-trip from New York Area Gateway (ask about our add-ons from home cities) on EL AL Israel Airlines
Airline fuel surcharge
Accommodations: 3 nights at Dan Panorama Hotel in Haifa and 4 nights at Dan Jerusalem Hotel in Jerusalem
Meals: 7 breakfasts plus one dinner in Haifa and one dinner in Jerusalem
Welcome kit with guidelines for sightseeing, optional activities and restaurants
Airport-hotel transfers, hotel taxes, baggage handling
Touring by private air conditioned Motor coaches government licensed English-speaking guide
Rates include the AARP member discount of $50 per person on tours up to $2,500 per person and $100 per person on tours priced over $2,500 per person.

Rates listed are per person and based on double occupancy. Rates do not include government and airline taxes of approx. $120.

Wednesday , Day 1 - Departures

Board your EL AL flight for Israel. Dinner and breakfast will be served on-board.
(Dinner)

Thursday , Day 2 - Arrival at Ben-Gurion/Haifa

Welcome to Israel! Upon arrival at Ben-Gurion Airport, you will be met by a Group IST representative and be transferred to the Northern port city of Haifa for your first night at the splendid Dan Panorama. Living up to its name, the views from the hotel that soars atop the majestic Carmel Mountains are truly breathtaking. The hotel is situated within the city's ‘Café Boulevard,' so if you have energy in store following the flight, try and explore the surrounding area for a taste of the relaxed Haifa lifestyle. (Breakfast)

Friday , Day 3 - Haifa

Enjoy your first true Israeli breakfast, a savoring array of cheeses, cereals, breads, freshly cut fruits and vegetables. You will be picked up at the hotel for a tour of Haifa, an emblem of co-existence and harmony between religions and ethnicities. The Wondrous Baha'i Gardens, the picturesque German Colony, and the stunning views of the entire Northern region are all highlights of this fantastic 4 hour trip. Later, in the afternoon, you are invited to take part in a unique walking tour of Wadi Nisnas. As Shabbat arrives, stroll through the markets and cafes of the colorful neighborhood, and take in the ‘open museum,' an outdoor gallery of sculptures, murals, and other works by Jewish and Arab artists from around the country. (Breakfast and Dinner)

Saturday , Day 4 - Haifa

Following breakfast, get ready for an exciting day of touring the lush green landscapes of the North. Today's endeavor includes the mythic Sea of Galilee region, home to some of history's most influential events, including locations such as the Yardenit, baptismal site of Jesus, and Capernaum. Reaching Nazareth, your stop includes a visit to the Basilica of the Annunciation, the colorful old market in Nazareth, and the lookout from Mount of the Leap. Return to Haifa by evening to enjoy your final night in the Northern capital. Feel free to utilize your welcome kit for restaurant and attraction recommendations to be explored. (Breakfast)

Sunday , Day 5 - To Jerusalem

Following a leisurely breakfast, our representative will be awaiting you at the hotel lobby for your transfer to Jerusalem. Revered by multitudes as the very epicenter of the world, the capital city provides a dizzying array of opportunities and attractions for every type of traveler. Feel free to refer to our welcome kit as you make your way to the Holy City. Your hotel for the duration of the Jerusalem portion is the Dan Jerusalem, whose superior hospitality is accentuated by its beautifully renovated spa and the view from its immaculate Mount Scopus perch. Take the rest of the day for your own leisure, exploring the city and the treasures it contains. (Breakfast and Dinner)

Monday , Day 6 - Jerusalem

Following breakfast, take part in the classic overview tour of the Holy City. Following a brief orientation and classic panoramic view from the Mount of Olives, you will descend down the Kidron Valley, into the storied ‘Old City.' The Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and stations of the Via Dolorosa, are some of the monumental highlights to be visited during the excursion. Back at the Dan Jerusalem by afternoon, you will have the opportunity to do some exploring on your own, or perhaps take in a spa session or two. (Breakfast)

Tuesday , Day 7 - Jerusalem

Free day at your leisure. (Breakfast)

Wednesday , Day 8 - Jerusalem

Free day at your leisure. (Breakfast)

Thursday , Day 9- Jerusalem

Enjoy your final hours in Jerusalem, perhaps with a short early morning stroll through the city and another freshly prepared Israeli breakfast. Our representative will be waiting for you at the hotel lobby for your transfer to Ben-Gurion airport for the flight back to the United States OR you will begin your optional Tel Aviv add-on extension. We hope you left enough room in your luggage for those fond memories and fascinating anecdotes picked up along during your stay in this wonderful land. (Breakfast)

RETURN HOME OR TAKE THE OPTIONAL TEL AVIV ADD-ON EXTENSION

Thursday , Day 9- Tel Aviv

Enjoy your final hours in Jerusalem, perhaps with a short early morning stroll through the city and another freshly prepared Israeli breakfast. Transfer to Tel Aviv to begin your extension a 2 night visit to Israel's “city that never sleeps,” Tel Aviv. (Breakfast)

Friday , Day 10 - Tel Aviv

Free day at your leisure. (Breakfast)

Saturday , Day 11 - Tel Aviv

Our representative will be waiting for you at the hotel lobby for your transfer to Ben-Gurion airport for the flight back to the United States.

Masada and the Dead Sea - Price per person is $89.00

Day #7

Leave Jerusalem and head south, passing by the Inn of the Good Samaritan on the descent through the Judean Desert. Ascend Masada by cable car and visit the remains of the Herodian fortress, the setting for the dramatic final act of the Zealots against their Roman pursuers in 73 CE. Next, enjoy the therapeutic benefits of a mud bath and a swim in the Dead Sea. On the return journey view the oasis if Ein Gedi, the caves in which the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered at Qumran and Jericho, the oldest city in the world. Arrive back at your hotel in time for Dinner.

Bethlehem Half Day Tour - Price per person is $69.00

Day #8

Following breakfast, you will be picked up for your tour biblical Bethlehem, hometown of King David and birthplace of Jesus. Commencing at Manger Square, enjoy a guided walk to the Church of Nativity and descend to the grotto, the place where Jesus was laid in the manger. Also visit the Catholic church of St. Catherine, the Greek church, and the Milk Grotto where Mary fed Jesus and Shepherd's Fields. Return to Jerusalem by early Afternoon to take in the rest of the day at leisure.

Optional Tel Aviv add-on - Price per person is $349.00

Day #9

Extend your stay with an optional 2 night visit to Israel's “city that never sleeps,” Tel Aviv. Price includes transfer from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv, 2 nights at the Dan Panorama Hotel and transfer from hotel to Ben-Gurion Airport for return flight to the U.S.

Open Air Coach City Tour - Price per person is $19

Day #10

Discover the highlights and intricacies of the ‘White City’ at your own pace, with the Open Air ‘Hop On, Hop Off’ Dan tour bus. Stay on for the 2-hour guided tour, and take advantage of 28 different stops offered throughout the route for more extensive exploration. The Tour stretches from The Tel Aviv University in the northern outskirts of the city, to the winding alleyways and stone arches of ancient Jaffa, and stops right by your hotel!

Hands-on Cooking Experience in Tel Aviv - Price per person is $280

Day #10

Enjoy a culinary walking tour and cooking seminar in Tel Aviv, the tastiest way to discover the land of ‘milk and honey’. WE will begin the day with breakfast in the famous Carmel market, followed by a guided tour exploring the food & spices of the market. We will stop for delectable samples, and find ingredients for the cooking class. Next is a short drive to the private home of your guide, where we will prepare a feast of 7-8 dishes, all with the fresh ingredients from the market based on traditional - oriental recipes. Israeli wines will be served with the meal, while desert is accompanied by gifts of aprons & recipe booklets, to take back with you as a souvenir.