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Posted By : admin
Posted At : 12/23/09 4:57 PM
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BIBLE LAND FLIGHTS - ARCHAEOLOGY FROM THE AIR

Bible Land Flights offers a high quality sightseeing experience for the discerning traveller.   It provides a bird's-eye-view of Israel, emphasizing the geographical and historical contexts of the magnificent archaeological sites where Biblical events took place, ranging through the pre-historic, Canaanite, Israelite, Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Crusader periods.

THE FLIGHT
We start with a pre-flight briefing on the route and the highlights of the sites to be viewed during the 2 hour flight. Each passenger receives a carefully prepared information kit with background material, map, diagrams and pictures, and this, together with the briefing, enables you to make the most of this unique experience. It is also a fine souvenir to take home. Depending on visibility and weather conditions the pilot will circle over the main viewing points, giving passengers a dedicated photo opportunity of some of the most famous Biblical sites. On the trip to Masada we typically fly over the Judean Hills, the Old City of Jerusalem, Herodium, the Judean Desert, Dead Sea, Masada, Tel Arad, Beersheba, and return along the coast via Ashkelon and Jaffa. On the trip to the north we fly over Mount Tabor, Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, Tabgha, and the Mount of Beatitudes.  
                    
 
THE AIRCRAFT
We use the Cessna 172 aircraft, accommodating 3 passengers and the pilot, providing an exclusive personalized experience. The Cessna 172 is the most popular general aviation aircraft in the world, and is well suited for aerial sightseeing with high wings offering unobscured viewing, large windows and a speed appropriate for sightseeing and photography. 
 
START AND FINISH
The flights take off from and return to the Sde Dov airport, conveniently located approximately 10' drive from the Tel Aviv beach hotels. In accordance with Israeli government regulations all passengers must go through a security check. This involves presenting passport or Israeli ID card, and screening by Israeli security officials.
 
THE TEAM
Professor Shimon Gibson of the University of North Carolina and the University of the Holyland, Jerusalem, and Associate Fellow of the Albright Institute of Archaeological Research, Jerusalem, has conducted many archaeological digs in Israel and published numerous articles on his research. Professor Gibson is the co-author, together with Duby Tal and Moni Haramati, of "Flights into Biblical Archaeology", a highly regarded photographic survey of Biblical sites from the air.
Zeev Manobla is an experienced pilot-navigator with many years of flying in the Israel Air Force and in civilian aviation. He is a graduate of the Tel Aviv School of Tourism, and has had much experience in guiding visitors from overseas
 
EXTRAS AND ALTERNATIVES
On request and at additional cost, extras can be added as follows: landing at Masada, with cable car to the summit, guided tour of the site on foot, coffee in a Bedouin tent. If arranged in advance Professor Gibson can be engaged to accompany the tour and give specialized guiding of the sites. A custom-built itinerary can be arranged to suit your special interests. Also available "Flights into Biblical Archaeology", text by Professor Gibson, a magnificent photographic survey of Israel from the air.
 
Please contact us for more information.

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Posted By : admin
Posted At : 12/23/09 9:28 AM
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Join Congregation Tchiyah & Rabbi Jason Miller on the Israel Discovery Tours 2010

May 16-28, 2010

 

Full Itinerary & Application can be viewed & downloaded at: www.israeltour.com/rmiller.php

 

Sunday, May 16 USA Departure

Monday, 17 May - When You Come Into the Land (Deut 26:1)

Mid-afternoon arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport, to be met and assisted by your ITC representative - Ascent to Jerusalem Gaze upon the Old City of Jerusalem from the Haas Promenade, as did Abraham at the dawn of Jewish history; take in the breathtaking view Hotel check-in and welcome dinner Overnight: King Solomon Hotel, Jerusalem

Tuesday, 18 May - Jerusalem of Old

Enter the Old City of Jerusalem for the first time and stop for prayer and reflection at the Kotel. In the Kotel Tunnels, walk alongside the massive foundation stones of the Western Wall. Explore the Southern Wall Excavations and take a virtual, computerized "walk" through the ancient Temple Mount at the Davidson Center. Travel through many centuries as you encounter the Jewish Quarter, including time for lunch (on one's own) in the Cardo. Return to the hotel to rest and prepare for the evening's program. Early evening: Shavuot evening services at a choice of local synagogues (suggestions, directions to be provided) Festive holiday dinner at the hotel. Evening: Participate in a choice of engaging Torah study programs (in English) at a variety of wonderful Jerusalem venues Very early (Wednesday) morning: Join with thousands of others as they walk through the streets of Jerusalem in the ancient tradition of Jewish holiday pilgrimage to the Temple Mount. Then, at dawn, take part in egalitarian Shavuot services at Robinson's Arch (the "Masorti Kotel") Walk back to the hotel for (Wednesday) breakfast followed by time to catch up on well-deserved sleep! Overnight: King Solomon Hotel, Jerusalem

Wednesday, 19 May - Shavuot in Jerusalem

Early afternoon wake-up - Sumptuous Shavuot lunch buffet at the hotel Late afternoon walking tour to Montefiore's Windmill and through the Yemine Moshe Neighborhood; continue to Ketef Hinom to view the site of one of the most ancient archeological discoveries in Jerusalem Havdalah under the stars with Rabbi Miller Free evening in Jerusalem Overnight: King Solomon Hotel, Jerusalem

Thursday, 20 May - Making a Difference

Stumble across many authentic archeological finds in a hands-on dig through archeological matter that has been dumped into Emek Tzurim from under the Temple Mount. Visit the new state-of-the-art Memorial Museum, Children's Memorial, and Valley of the Communities at Yad Vashem Take in a truly enjoyable multi-media presentation about the life of the Father of Modern Zionism at the newly opened Herzl Museum Visit colorful, bustling Mahaneh Yehuda open-air market as Jerusalem prepares for Shabbat. Evening: Attend The Night Spectacular, the fabulous new sound and light show at the Tower of David Museum. Free time for dinner (on one's own) in the new Mamilla Mall. Overnight: King Solomon Hotel, Jerusalem

Friday, 21 May - Freedom Fighters or Fanatics?

Early departure for the Dead Sea Region Ascend Masada by cable car for a tour of this magnificent excavation and a discussion of the terrible dilemma faced by its Jewish population during Roman times. Enjoy a walk through the beautiful Ein Gedi Nature Reserve and review the biblical story of kings David and Saul "on site" Stop for a dip in the amazing Dead Sea Return to Jerusalem to prepare for Shabbat Kabbalat Shabbat as a group overlooking the Old City or at a choice of neighborhood synagogues (suggestions,  irections to be provided) Shabbat dinner at the hotel Overnight: King Solomon Hotel, Jerusalem

Shabbat, 22 May - Shabbat in Jerusalem - Parashat Naso

Shabbat services at the synagogue of your choice Sumptuous Shabbat lunch buffet at the hotel Shabbat walking tour into Old City. Visit the Tower of David Museum for a wonderful presentation of the history of the city. Continue the walk through the colorful quarters of Jerusalem's Old City including a visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and the Coptic Village Havdalah with Rabbi Miller Free evening out on the town in JerusalemOvernight: King Solomon Hotel, Jerusalem

 

Sunday, 23 May - The Jordan River Valley

 

Visit Lifeline for the Old, a moving crafts workshop that employs Jerusalemelderly. Enjoy shopping for unique hand-crafted Judaica items in their store. We depart Jerusalem and travel north along Israel's border with Jordan Group may split: Tour the remarkable excavation of the ancient Roman city of Beit Shean, including a magnificent Cardo, Roman baths, many residences, and amphitheatre OR Swim in the wondrous natural pools at Sachne,fed by underground springs (towel needed) Continue north for hotel check-in and dinner Overnight: Kibbutz Hagoshrim Hotel, Galilee

Monday, 24 May - In the Footsteps of Defenders and Pioneers

Ascend the Golan Heights and gaze down over the Galilee from Tel Faher,as the Syrians once did; enter former Syrian bunkers and learn how master spy, Eli Cohen, revealed their secrets; discuss the geopolitics of the region Take a nature walk through the scenic Saluki Springs and see ruins of both a Hasmonean village and a Syrian army encampment; dip your toes in cool natural waters. Visit Gamla, called the "Masada of the North," and learn about its valiant story; take in beautiful views and the spectacle of eagles swooping in to roost. Visit the charming new artist village at Moshav Aniam on the Golan Heights, followed by dinner there at the lovely Suzanna Bistro (steak) Overnight: Kibbutz Hagoshrim Hotel, Galilee \

Tuesday, 25 May - In the Footsteps of Sages and Mystics

Explore the magnificently excavated ancient city of Tzippori, home to Rabbi Judah the Prince; discover ancient beauty and evidence of a community in which Jews and Romans coexisted peacefully Tour the synagogues,  courtyards, and shops of the mystical city of Tzefat. Meet with a Tzefat kabbalistic artist in his gallery to explore Jewish mysticism through the prism of his creations. Enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Kinneret (from Ginnosar) Free evening on the Tiberias promenade. Overnight: Kibbutz Hagoshrim Hotel, Galilee

Wednesday, 26 May - Israeli Communities

Bid farewell to the eastern Galilee as we plant a tree in Israeli soil in honor or in memory of a loved one. Please choose one for the group: Visit our Partnership 2000 Region in the Central Galilee and spend some time this morning with our Israeli peers; lunch in our partnership region and lunch to be arranged by P2K); OR Visit the cultural museum of Kfar Kama, home to Israel's Circassian community; learn about their unique customs and traditions and taste some of their special foods Walk through the fascinating, ancient, underground Roman water system at Alona Park near Binyamina (strap-on water shoes, small towel needed) Enjoy a tour and taste the fruits of the region in the form of award-winning wines at the lovely Tishbi Winery Continue south for hotel check-in, followed by a free evening in Tel Aviv. Overnight: Dan Panorama Hotel, Tel Aviv

Thursday, 27 May - The Modern Hebrew State

At Independence Hall, relive Ben Gurion's moving declaration of the State Enjoy an impressive presentation of the amazing achievements of the Palmach at the multi-media Palmach Museum (if available) Give something of yourself to Israel as you take part in the mitzvah of "leket" and harvest crops to be distributed to the poor at Table to Table Return to the hotel to freshen up, pack Delicious farewell dinner at Maganda Yemenite Restaurant Depart for the airport

Friday, 28 May - A Temporary Departure

Return to the USA

Begin planning your next Israel trip with Rabbi Miller and ITC Tours!

For information and application forms, please contact ITC Tours: 800-247-7235 Or Rabbi Jason Miller: 248-535-7090 or rabbi@tchiyah.org

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Posted By : admin
Posted At : 11/18/09 2:26 PM
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Passover Tour March 25 - April 6th 2010

 

ITC TOURS PASSOVER
 
March 25 – April 6, 2010
12-DAY TOUR
 
“When You Come Into the Land” (Deut. 26:1)
 
 
Thursday, March 25 – USA Departure 
 
Friday, March 26 – When You Come Into the Land (Deut. 26:1)
  • Arrive in Israel to be met and assisted at Ben Gurion Airport by your ITC representative
  • Our tour begins this morning as we depart the airport for Israel’s north (today’s program depends on arrival time of group flight)
  • At Kibbutz Ein Shemer, enjoy hands-on group activities that simulate the life of Israel’s early kibbutz pioneers, such as baking bread in their original wood-burning oven, pitching a tent, building a mosaic floor, and solving early kibbutz members’ dilemmas
  • Meet members of Israel’s Druze community in Dalyat al Karmel, shop in their colorful market, hear about their fierce patriotism, and enjoy their warm hospitality for lunch
  • Continue to Tiberias for hotel check-in and rest
  • Delicious Shabbat dinner at the hotel
  • Overnight: Tiberias
 
Shabbat, March 27 – Shabbat in Tiberias
  • Morning at leisure
  • Shabbat lunch at the hotel
  • Walk to Dona Gracia House to become acquainted with the fascinating life of this 16th century Jewish heroine and Tiberias financial leader, via dramatic story-telling and an opportunity to try on period clothing
  • Evening: Spend some time soaking in the hot springs of Hammei Teveria, an ancient Roman spa
  • Overnight: Tiberias
 
Sunday, March 28 – In the Footsteps of Mystics and Pioneers
  • Tour the synagogues, courtyards, and shops of the mystical city of Tzefat
  • Travel to the Golan Heights by jeep, off the beaten track, and stop to gaze down over the Galilee as the Syrians once did
  • Ascend to the peak of Har Bental, where you can enter army bunkers and take in a panoramic view at the crossroads of three countries; discuss the significance of the Golan Height in today’s geo-political reality
  • Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Kinneret and a delicious lakeshore dinner at Decks Steak Restaurant
  • Overnight: Tiberias
 
Monday, March 29 – The Jordan River Valley
  • Travel south, along Israel’s border with Jordan
  • Stop at the ancient Beit Alpha Synagogue to examine its striking mosaic floor; enjoy a short, amusing film about plans to renovate this ancient synagogue two millennia ago
  • Tour the remarkable excavation of the ancient Roman city of Beit Shean, including a magnificent Cardo, Roman baths, residences, and amphitheatre
  • Continue south for the ascent to Jerusalem
  • Take in a breathtaking view of the Old City of Jerusalem
  • Hotel check-in
  • Moving Passover Seder and sumptuous seder feast at the hotel
  • Overnight: Jerusalem
 
Tuesday, March 30 – Passover Pilgrimage in Jerusalem
Yom Tov
  • Walk into the Old City, as our ancestors did for the three pilgrimage festivals. Visit the Kotel, where the ancient Temple once stood and the holiest site to Judaism today
  • Continue our walking tour through the Jewish quarter, the colorful Arab shuk (market) and the Old City’s Christian, Armenian, and Moslem Quarters
  • Free time to rest and swim
  • Afternoon walking tour to Nahlaot, one of Jerusalem’s first neighborhoods outside of the city walls
  • Free evening to enjoy Jerusalem night life
  • Overnight: Jerusalem
 
Wednesday, March 31 – Jerusalem of Old
  • Walk alongside the Kotel’s massive foundation stones in the Kotel Tunnels
  • Tour the Southern Wall Excavations and experience a multi-media, virtual tour of the ancient Temple at the Davidson Center
  • Free time for lunch and shopping in the Jewish quarter
  • Learn about Jerusalem of King David’s time in David’s City and enjoy sloshing through Hezekiah’s water tunnel (strap-on water shoes, flashlight, and shorts needed)
  • Dinner at Jerusalem Restaurant
  • Overnight: Jerusalem
 
Thursday, April 1 – Foundations of the Modern State 
  • At the “Dig for a Day” program at Beit Guvrin, uncover actual artifacts as you participate in an ongoing archeological dig. Spelunking (cave crawling) also available for the adventurous
  • Proceed to Tel Aviv
  • At Independence Hall, relive Ben Gurion’s moving declaration of the State
  • Enjoy an impressive presentation of the amazing achievements of the Palmach at the new multi-media Palmach Museum(if available)
  • Delicious dinner in Tel Aviv
  • Overnight: Jerusalem
 
Friday, April 2 – Freedom Fighters or Fanatics?
·        Early departure for the ascent by cable car to the mountain fortress of Masada. Tour this amazing excavation and discuss the terrible dilemma faced by its Jewish population during Roman times; take part in a moving Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration
·        Enjoy an unforgettable dip in the Dead Sea
  • Walk through the beautiful Ein Gedi nature reserve and learn the stories of kings David and Saul that took place there
  • Join with thousands of others welcoming the Sabbath at the Western Wall
  • Delicious Shabbat dinner at the hotel
  • Overnight: Jerusalem
Shabbat, April 3 – Shabbat in Jerusalem
  • Visit the wonderful Jerusalem Museum and at the Tower of David for a fascinating overview of the history of Jerusalem
  • Take a walking tour through Ketef Hinom, Mishkenot She’ananim, and Yemin Moshe – historic neighborhoods near our hotel
  • Shabbat lunch at the hotel
  • Shabbat rest or time to explore the city on your own
  • Evening: Attend The Night Spectacular, the fabulous newsound and light showat the Tower of David Museum
  • Overnight: Jerusalem
 
Sunday, April 4 – Those Who Sacrificed
  • Visit the new, state-of-the-art Memorial Museum at Yad Vashem (age 12 and over only). Walk through the haunting Valley of the Communities and participate in a moving “Yizkor” service; alternative, interactive tour available for younger children on site
  • Take in a truly enjoyable multi-media presentation about the life of the Father of Modern Zionism at the newly-opened Herzl Museum
  • Visit the colorful, bustling Machaneh Yehuda open-air market as Jerusalem prepares for the Festival
  • Delicious holiday dinner at the hotel
  • Overnight: Jerusalem
 
Monday, April 5 – Final Yom Tov of Passover
  • Day at leisure to rest and explore Jerusalem on one’s own
  • Optional: Visit the new Shrine of the Book, the Second Temple Model of Jerusalem, the Weisbord Pavillion (modern art), and the Children's Wing and the Billy Rose Sculpture Garden at the Israel Museum
  • Depart for the airport
 
Tuesday, April 6 – A Temporary Departure
  • Return to the USA
  • Begin planning your next Israel trip with ITC Tours!
 

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