Southern Roots Tour

GROUP OR INDIVIDUAL TRANSFERS FOR JERUSALEM

CHECK IN TO HOTEL

WELCOME AND SHEHECHEYANU PRAYER AT HAAS PROMENADE

Formally kick of the group’s journey at this stunning promenade overlooking the Old City of Jerusalem. The shehecheyanu prayer is a common Jewish blessing used to celebrate special occasions.

GROUP DINNER AT LOCAL RESTAURANT

BREAKFAST AT HOTEL

 OLD CITY OF JERUSALEM

Embark on a comprehensive walking tour including the historic Jewish & Christian Quarters; the Western Wall (known as the Kotel), and other fascinating sites.

LUNCH IN THE OLD CITY

MOUNT OF OLIVES

The Mount of Olives is a ridge just east of the Old City of Jerusalem and separated from it by the Kidron Valley. Frequently mentioned in the Bible and later religious literature, it is holy to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

CHURCH OF THE NATIONS

Since 1924, the Church of All Nations (officially named the Basilica of the Agony) has rested on the foundations of earlier churches. The church is thus named because the funds that went into its construction were donated by a variety of countries. Each of these nations is commemorated with a coat of arms in the glass of the church ceiling.

RETURN TO HOTEL

SHABBAT DINNER AT HOTEL

Day at leisure in honor of Shabbat.

OPTIONAL WALKING TOUR IN JERUSALEM WITH GUIDE

OPTIONAL MASADA OR DEAD SEA TOUR (FOR AN ADDITIONAL COST)

Travel to the lowest place on earth and see the mountain fortress built by King Herod where religious zealots made their final stand against the Romans. Float in the salty Dead Sea and enjoy its mineral rich mud and skincare products.

DINNER AND EVENING ON OWN

SATURDAY EVENING OPTIONS (TBD):

City of David Light Show, Western Wall Tunnel Tour, David’s Tower museum

Day at leisure in honor of Shabbat.

BREAKFAST AT HOTEL

YAD VASHEM TOUR

A sprawling complex of various exhibits, archives, monuments, and memorials which tell the story of the Holocaust from a unique, first-hand perspective through the eyes of the victims and survivors.

LUNCH AT YAD VASHEM CAFETERIA

MOUNT HERZL

Israel’s national cemetery, named for Theodore Herzl, who is buried there, among fallen soldiers and many other former presidents and prime ministers of Israel.

AMMUNITION HILL

Site of the pivotal battle of the Six-Day War that led to the reunification of Jerusalem.

DINNER AT LOCAL RESTAURANT

OVERNIGHT: King Solomon Hotel, Jerusalem

BREAKFAST AT HOTEL & CHECKOUT

DRIVE SOUTH TO BE’ER SHEVA BE’ER SHEVA RIVER PARK

The centerpiece of JNF’s efforts to create a renaissance for the city. See how this urban renewal project has served as an anchor of tourism and recreation.

LAUDER EMPLOYMENT CENTER & LUNCH

Assists with employment opportunities in the Negev and the rapid advancement of the city of Be’er Sheva.

DRIVE SOUTH TO THE ARAVA SAPIR

• JNF Central Arava Medical Center & Emergency Rescue Center A newly renovated facility that provides health services and emergency care to Arava residents.

• Arava International Center for Agricultural Training (AICAT) This unique program is based on the principle of “Learning by Doing”—a winning combination of practical training and theoretical studies on an advanced, modern farm which provides students with an authentic and rich educational experience.

• JNF-USA Aquatic Center

DRIVE & CHECK INTO HOTEL

BARBECUE WITH RESIDENTS OF KIBBUTZ KETURA

BREAKFAST AT HOTEL

TIMNA PARK & LUNCH

One of the largest attractions in the south of Israel the park sits in a beautifully majestic desert setting. It has amazing history and geology. There are also a number of unexpected activities including those on the lake (yes, a lake in the desert!). It covers about 15,000 acres in a horseshoe-shaped valley surrounded by steep cliffs, with Mount Timna, the world’s first ever copper mine, standing tall in the center

DRIVE TO EILAT

FREE TIME IN EILAT FOR SHOPPING

DINNER ON OWN IN EILAT

BREAKFAST AT HOTEL & CHECKOUT

KIBBUTZ GROFIT & RED MOUNTAIN THERAPEUTIC RIDING CENTER

Red Mountain is committed to the principles of inclusivity in Israeli society, providing services to all who need, and helping each individual realize their own potential. Therapeutic horseback riding helps improve the lives of people with a range of cognitive, physical, and emotional disabilities, and Red Mountain ensures this level of care to anyone who makes the Arava their home.

DRIVE TO RAMON CRATER

MITZPE RAMON

Where you’ll visit the JNF Skate Park and Innovation Center. Also see the Fire Station, a part of JNF’s initiative that helps ensure the safety and security of local residents and the surrounding region.

BEDOUIN HOSPITALITY & DINNER CHECK INTO HOTEL

BREAKFAST AT HOTEL & CHECKOUT

DRIVE TO GAZA ENVELOPE

HALUTZA & LUNCH

Located in the Northwest Negev less than a mile away from the Gaza border, Halutza was founded in 2005 by a group of families that left their homes during Israel’s disengagement from Gaza. In partnership with JNF, Halutza’s pioneers laid roads, created infrastructure and housing sites, planted crops, built fields of solar energy panels, and more.

ESHKOL – GROOVE TECH

Here and in other parts of the country, Jewish National Fund invests in trauma resilience centers to provide emotional therapy to ease the stress caused by PTSD. GrooveTech provides a safe and welcoming space in which children can thrive during the day and after school hours. The facility offers innovative learning experiences that integrate play with education, while developing creativity, communication, and collaboration skills.

FAREWELL DINNER BY THE AIRPORT

TRANSFER TO BEN GURION AIRPORT

DEPARTURES L’hitraot!