Israel
For centuries, Israel has been a focal point for three of the world’s major religions. This tiny nation, approximately the size of New Jersey, is replete with historic and spiritual milestones. Admire the architectural beauty of Tel Aviv and Haifa. Explore Roman ruins at Caesarea and the well-preserved Crusader fort at Akko. Walk along the storied shores of the Sea of Galilee. Learn about the struggle for settlement near the contested Golan Heights. Stroll the winding lanes of Jerusalem. Descend into the spectacular Jordan Valley and marvel at the Dead Sea—the lowest dry-land point on earth—and the fortress of Masada. See this enduring, evolving country on a comprehensive tour and discover the myriad and magnificent wonders of Israel. PLUS, don’t miss this opportunity to visit the “rose-red city” of Petra, Jordan, on a two-day Optional Post-Trip Extension in the port city of Eilat!
Exclusive Highlights
- Tour of the cosmopolitan city of Tel Aviv on the Mediterrean coast.
- Admire the lovely Baha'i Gardens in Haifa on the slopes of Mount Carmel.
- Visit both an historic and modern settlement in Upper Galilee near the Golan Heights.
- Trace sites referenced in the Bible along the shores of the Sea of Galilee.
- See the legendary lanmarks of Jerusalem, Israel's capital, including the Western Wall, the revered Temple Mount and the poignant Yad Vashem memorial museum.
- Experience the stark beauty of Masada and the calm ambience of the Dead Sea.
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart your gateway city for Tel Aviv, Israel, aboard scheduled jet service. (Flight provided for Air Package participants only.)
Day 2
Upon arrival, transfer by motorcoach to the Carlton Hotel. (Transfer provided for Air Package participants only.) En route, drive through the Old Jaffa district.
This evening, gather for a Welcome Reception and Dinner.
Day 3
Excursion: Tel Aviv. View the Bauhaus beauty of the White City.
Excursion: Mediterranean Coast. Travel to Caesarea, built from about 25-13 B.C., and explore the Roman amphitheater and aqueduct. Visit the port of Akko, a remarkably well-preserved Crusader fort.
Local Flavor: Lunch is served in Akko.
Upon arrival in Lower Galilee, check into the Kibbutz Lavi.
Educational Focus: Kibbutz—A Uniquely Israeli Experience.
Day 4
Excursion: Upper Galilee. Follow a route along the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee to the Mount of Beatitudes and, on either side, the ancient fishing villages of Capernaum and Tabgha. In the Golan Heights, visit the former Syrian town of Quneitra and historic Katzrin.
Local Flavor: A restaurant lunch is followed by a tour of an olive press and vineyard, and a wine tasting.
Excursion: Sail the Sea of Galilee. Embark on a boat cruise. (Weather permitting.)
Educational Focus: Meet the People.
Day 5
Special Event: Go Green. Participate in a tree-planting ceremony.
Local Flavor: Enjoy an authentic Druze lunch near Haifa.
Excursion: Haifa. In the city built on the slopes of Mount Carmel, admire the gold-domed Bahá’í World Centre.
Journey to Jerusalem and check into the Hotel Dan Panorama.
Day 6
Excursion: The Old City. Visit the revered Temple Mount, the amazing Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. At the Mount of Olives, see the Garden of Gethsemane.
Local Flavor: Savor a tasty felafel lunch at a restaurant in the Arab Quarter.
Educational Focus: Is it Finally Time for a Peace Deal?
Day 7
Excursion: A Poignant Monument. Visit Yad Vashem, the Holocaust memorial.
Educational Focus: A Holocaust Survivor Remembers.
Excursion: Modern Jerusalem. See Knesset, the Israeli parliament, en route to the bustling Machane Yehuda Market.
Independent Exploration: Enjoy some time in the market on your own.
Day 8
Excursion: Masada. Marvel at the magnificent fortress built by King Herod.
Excursion: The Dead Sea. Journey 1,378 ft. (420 m) below sea level to the deepest hypersaline lake in the world.
Local Flavor: After lunch at the Hod Hotel, you may opt to indulge yourself in a spa treatment, relax on the beach or swim in the mineral-rich Dead Sea.
Tonight, back in Jerusalem, gather with fellow travelers for a Farewell Reception and Graduation Ceremony. Dinner follows at a nearby restaurant.
Day 9
Independent Exploration: The morning in Jerusalem is at your leisure.
This afternoon, depart for Tel Aviv and board a flight to Frankfurt, Germany.
Upon arrival, check into a hotel located near the Frankfurt Airport. (Overnight provided for Air Package participants only.)
Day 10
Continue on the trans-Atlantic flight from Frankfurt to your gateway city. (Provided for Air Package participants only.)
Faculty Host:
A professor from Bates, Colby or Hamilton College will accompany this trip.
Please
contact the Alumni Office if you're
interested, 207-786-8344 or
lgailey@bates.edu!
