TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Discover the diverse cultures, communities, and religions that were born in Israel and coexist today.
- Explore Jerusalem's landmarks from ancient times to modern day, which make the city the religious and historical epicenter of the world.
- Savor authentic, multi-ethnic cuisine and dine with Israelis from all walks of life.
- Witness the deserts blooming with agricultural advances, new communities, and population growth through the lens of Jewish National Fund-USA's Blueprint Negev initiatives.
* Flights and pre- and post-tour extensions are NOT included and may be arranged upon request

Expert Israeli Tour Guide

High Quality Accommodations

Luxury Dining

Tours As Listed On Itinerary

Welcome Dinner

WiFi-Equipped Bus
Pricing
Double occupancy:
$6,390 per person
Single occupancy:
$860 per person
TOUR ITINERARY
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Southern Roots Day 1
Thursday, October 12 – Arrivals & Jerusalem
See detailsGROUP 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
OVERNIGHT: King Solomon Hotel, Jerusalem -
Southern Roots Day 2
Friday, October 13 – Old City of Jerusalem
See detailsBREAKFAST 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
OVERNIGHT: King Solomon Hotel, Jerusalem -
Southern Roots Day 3
Saturday, October 14 – Shabbat
See detailsDay 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
OVERNIGHT: King Solomon Hotel, Jerusalem -
Southern Roots Day 4
Sunday, October 15 – New Jerusalem
See detailsDay 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
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Southern Roots Day 5
Monday, October 16 – Arava
See detailsBREAKFAST 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
OVERNIGHT: Kibbutz Ketura Guesthouse -
Southern Roots Day 6
Tuesday, October 17 – Eilot & Eilot Region
See detailsBREAKFAST 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
OVERNIGHT: Kibbutz Ketura Guesthouse -
Southern Roots Day 7
Wednesday, October 18 – Mitzpe Ramon
See detailsBREAKFAST 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
OVERNIGHT: Desert Irus, Yerucham -
Southern Roots Day 8
Thursday, October 19 – Gaza Envelope/ Departure
See detailsBREAKFAST 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!

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