Shabbat Shalom! Heritage, History and rite of passage come together in our exclusive Bar/Bat Mitzvah tour. Becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah symbolizes the child's coming of age and the beginning of life as a fully participating Jewish adult. He/she will now accept religious responsibilities and can perform the important duties of Jewish life. The question is, why not experience this event surounded by loved ones in the Holy land of Israel? Complete with ceremony at an ancient synogogue in Masada, private touring will take you through Old and New City Jerusalem, Dead Sea and Ellah Valley, up north into Galilee and back down the coast ending in Tel Aviv covering all the essential highlights along the way. This itinerary is dedicated to making this special occasion a memory your family will always treasure. Mazel Tov!

Jerusalem for Christians, Jews and Muslims, is one of the most revered cities on earth. Attractions range from religious emblems and relics of antiquity to modern items of interest. Religious tours are available from West Jerusalem and include Mount Zion and the Tomb of David. Other sites are the Tomb of Judges; Yad Vashem, the memorial to the six million Jews who died in the Holocaust; and Mea Shearim (‘the hundred gates’). Visitors in East Jerusalem may follow the Way of the Cross, enter the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and see the Wailing Wall, the Dome of the Rock and the Jaffa and Damascus gates. The Israel Museum in Jerusalem houses the Dead Sea Scrolls and is worth visiting.

A private vehicle with driver will provide a transfer between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

The Inbal Hotel is situated at the core of Jerusalem, with a supreme view of the Old City and the New City. The hotel offers an abundance of amenities and personalized service. With 257 redecorated rooms, and endless lounge space, the hotel appeals to those possessing a defined appetite for crisp and tasteful surroundings. The restaurants are commended for their stylized menus, including a scrumptious breakfast buffet to start the day off. Within walking distance is Emek Refaim, a long stretch of restaurants and cafes. Follow up the evening with a stroll, stopping off at Liberty Bell Park for some serenity or play time for the kids. Unwind under the sun near the luxurious swimming pool. Open year-round, it is heated for winter swimming and bordered by seating and chaise areas.

Overnight at Inbal Hotel.

This tour begins with visits to the Western Wall, followed by a visit to the famed Temple Mount and Dome of the Rock. Next, make a stop at Al Aksa Mosque before continuing on, walking through the meandering streets towards the reconstructed Cardo, a shopping arcade which once existed during ancient times. Follow the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, for a short photo stop. Enjoy some shopping at the most atmospheric market of the Old city, offering variety handicrafts, clothes, foods, spices and local delicacies. End the tour at David’s Citadel and Museum, located near the Jaffa Gate.

Enjoy a once in a lifetime sound and light show during the Night Spectacular at the Tower of David. The walls of this ancient citadel are transformed into a stage for a sensational showcase of sight and sound. The ancient stories of Jerusalem’s history are revealed through giant, breathtaking, virtual images. This multi-sensorial experience uses Trompe L'oiel technology, which allows for vivid colours and images to show up brightly of the walls of the citadel, whisking the viewers back through time. Some 20 projectors, 15 computers, 15 speakers, 10 video players, and 10000 plus yards of cables are combined together creating the first show of its kind in the world, providing excitement for viewers of all ages. As this is an evening, open-air show, be advised to dress warmly. This is a 45 minute production, in which photography is prohibited.

Overnight at Inbal Hotel.

Early in the morning, travel via a privately driven vehicle to the Orthodox communities of Mea Shearim, to learn about the unique lifestyles of the locals. From here, travel to Knesset for some sightseeing of the Israeli Parliament buildings, and the biblical emblems of Menorah. Next, visit the Israel Museum, home of the Dead Sea Scrolls, and holy land model which replicates what Jerusalem looked like during the Second Temple period. After, travel to Mount Hertzel, the location of a military cemetery and Yad Vashem, the Holocaust memorial. A visit to the converted national memorial site and museum at the former Jordanian army base at ammunition hill is also planned. A return transfer back to the hotel is provided.

Overnight at Inbal Hotel.

The Dead Sea is an inland lake lying 400m (1320ft) below sea level in the lower part of the Jordan Valley, it has more minerals and salt than any other body of water in the world and is renowned for its rejuvenating and health-giving properties. Other interesting sights around the Dead Sea include Mount Sodom, a 13km- (8 mile-) long mountain range made up of pure salt which has many caves with extraordinary hanging salt formations, and Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls, written by Essene scribes, were discovered in ancient pottery jars. Masada (Mezada) - is on the left bank of the Dead Sea on a clifftop, where the once luxurious palace of King Herod still stands (and site of the famous seige). It can be reached by cable car or a winding footpath and there is a breathtaking view of the Dead Sea and the pink mountains of Moab from here.

Depart from Jerusalem and travel via Shaar Hagai, to Latrun to visit a former British police station, which is now a memorial site dedicated to armored corps of the Israel Defence Force. Also, while in Latrun, enjoy a visit to mini Israel, a park that features many of the important Israeli monuments, all built in miniature size. From Latrun, travel via the Ellah Valley, the famed location where David fought and defeated Goliath, to visit the monumental hand-carved Beit Guvrin Caves. Shortly after visit the Hatzerim Air Force Base, housing the Air force Museum, where a number of aircrafts from throughout Israeli Air force history are on display. Next, travel to Beersheva, known as the city of the patriarchs, to visit an authentic Bedouin tent. Here, learn about this unique culture, whilst enjoying their folklore and hospitality. This tour concludes as you descend to the lowest geographical point on earth, the Dead Sea.

Deep below sea level, at the lowest point on the face of the earth and by the shore of a unique natural phenomenon, Isrotel Dead Sea Hotel & SPa awaits you. Isrotel Dead Sea Hotel & Spa is a green oasis of health, tranquility, indulgence and spa, located in Israel, within dramatic views of desert mountains and elevated cliffs. Here too, the Isrotel chain tradition of excellence and hospitality is evident – professional spa treatments, healthy mineral mud baths, Yoga workshops, sweet water swimming pools, Dead Sea Water swimming pools, spacious rooms and the highest level of service – allowing a peaceful holiday, spa and leisure ambience, relaxation and health for your body and soul.

Overnight at Isrotel Dead Sea.

A private vehicle with driver will provide a transfer to Masada, where upon arrival, ascend via cable car to King Herod’s former mountain fortress. Here, marvel at the breathtaking views of the Dead Sea and the Judean Desert, while at a height of almost 1200 feet above. Next, join together with others to witness a compelling Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony held in a 200 year old synagogue. Upon descending via cable car, return to the hotel for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah brunch. After dining, take an opportunity to relax and float in the mineral enriched waters of the Dead Sea, or simply enjoy the rest of the day relaxing or trying some other leisurely activities. 

A local Rabbi will perform the Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony at Masada. Inspired by the location and archaeological findings of the site,  the ceremony is performed at Sunrise in the ancient synagogue discovered within the mountain fortress of Masada, on Mondays, Thursdays and on Rosh Chodesh, the first day of each Hebrew month.

Overnight at Isrotel Dead Sea.

Galilee and the North - Lake Tiberias (the Sea of Galilee) itself, Nazareth, the Bet She’arim Catacombs, Megiddo, Tiberias and the Mount of Beatitudes. Bethlehem - located 10km (6.2 miles) south of Jerusalem, it is most famous for being the birthplace of Christ, although it is also well known for olive woodcarving and mother-of-pearl jewelry, which, today, has developed into a modern industry. Jericho - dates back more than 10,000 years and is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited sites. Known as the ‘City of Palms’, the walls and towers of Jericho are 4000 years older than the pyramids of Egypt, and the domestication of animals took place 1000 years earlier in Jericho than in Mesopotamia and Egypt.

Enjoy the wonderful scenery as a private vehicle with driver provides a transfer through the Valley of Jordan, to the recently excavated city of Beit Shean.  This location is filled with a substantial amount of ancient monuments dating back to the Roman and Byzantine periods.  This trip continues onward for some sightseeing in Tiberias, which peacefully rests on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, a renowned, historically important center of rabbinical learning.  The day ends with a fun filled visit to the Water Park on the Sea of Galilee.

Mitzpe Hayamim Spa Resort lies on the eastern slopes of Mount Canaan, isolated from the concrete jungle and thriving on fresh air and tranquility. Overlooking the Golan Heights and the Sea of Galilee, each room has a natural, woody effect for those who require some grounding and subtle earthy tones. The resort and restaurants have been approved by Relais & Chateaux, an exclusive organization based on the principles of excellent French lifestyle and cuisine. Mitzpe Hayamim meets and surpasses these standards with its organic kitchens stocked with farm grown fresh fruit and vegetables. Nothing beats the sweetness of a tomato from the mountains. Detoxifying spa treatments prove the Mitzpe Hayamim is an all-around cleansing experience.

Overnight at Mitzpe Hayamim.

Tel Aviv is an exciting city offering commerce, culture, nightlife and sandy beaches. The Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra draws audiences from all over the world. The Museum of the Diaspora is internationally famous. The bustling Carmel Market is a popular place to visit. In 1950, Jaffa was united with Tel Aviv; situated a mile from the city, this is one of the oldest ports in the world. It has archaeological finds reaching back to the third century BC, a beach, lively nightlife in Old Jaffa and a flea market.

From Galilee, a private vehicle with driver will provide a transfer to visit Rosh Hanikra. Upon arrival, view the spectacular Grottos by way of a cable car, boasting a truly dynamic view of the area.  Next visit the seaport city of Acre, with monuments and sites dating back to the Crusader period.  After, continue to Haifa, before ascending Mount Carmel for some more spectacular panoramic viewing of the Haifa Bay and the Baha’i Temple.  The next stop visited is the ancient city of Caesarea, which boasts ancient ruins and monuments of the once Roman occupied area.  Visit the Crusader stronghold to view more archaeological treasures before heading toward Tel Aviv.

Lounging on the coast of the Mediterranean, the Dan Tel Aviv encompasses all things central yet reserved. Located within walking distance of lively bars, restaurants, and pubs, it allows the inquisitive traveler to scope out the city and later to find refuge on the promenade over a tranquil stroll. With 280 rooms and suites, this 7-storey building gently beckons the sea breeze into its rooms and lounging areas. The breakfast buffet is mouth-watering, with juicy fruits, vegetables, and pastries that meet your every fancy. The Gan Dan Patio Café seats guests in a refreshing atmosphere, to be served light snacks and dairy. Sunbathe on the giant deck above the beachfront, and take a dip to cool off from the Tel Aviv sun.

Overnight at Dan Tel Aviv Hotel.

A private vehicle will provide a transfer between Tel Aviv and the airport.

Depart from Tel Aviv international airport - end of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart.