Sunshine Tour: For Active Adults 55+

WELCOME TO ISRAEL!

VIP Service and Individual Transfers to the hotel in Tel Aviv

OPENING DINNER AT THE HOTEL

OVERNIGHT: Sheraton Hotel, Tel Aviv

BREAKFAST AT HOTEL

PALMACH MUSEUM

Learn about the strike-force arm of the Haganah, Israel’s Pre-State underground defense organization. Here, a multimedia tour will share the stories, struggles, and motivations of the brave men and women who made declaring an independent State of Israel possible.

RABIN SQUARE

Site of the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin which has become a public square where many of the city’s events and concerts are held.

LUNCH ON OWN IN SARONA MARKET

A former German Templar colony that has transformed into a thriving urban complex with new restaurants, cafés, and beautiful outdoor spaces. This trendy neighborhood is now home to a contemporary urban market where Israel’s thriving culinary scene is on display.

WALKING TOUR OF JAFFA

One of the world’s oldest seaports now home to a multiethnic community of Muslims, Christians, and Jews. See the ancient ruins, explore the restored artists’ quarter, and stroll through the winding alleyways while learning about the rich history of the area.

OPTIONAL WALKING TOUR OF NEVE TZEDEK

The first Jewish neighborhood built outside of the old city of Jaffa in 1887 that now boasts various restaurants, galleries, and designer shops, breathing life into this up-and-coming area of Tel Aviv.

DINNER AT A RESTAURANT IN TEL AVIV WITH GUEST SPEAKER

BREAKFAST AT HOTEL

CAESAREA

The former Roman capital of the region, this ancient city’s excavations are from the time of the Crusades, the historic aqueduct, and the site of the old amphitheater which has been restored and converted into a concert venue.

ATLIT DETENTION CAMP

Where thousands of Jewish immigrants were imprisoned during the British Mandate upon arriving in Israel. Tour the barracks and restored Galina ship, that once carried 122,000 “illegal” immigrants in defiance of the British blockade. See the new C-46 Commando Airplane, used for an undercover operation in 1947 to fly over 150 Jews from Iraq.

TISHBI WINERY FOR LUNCH AND WINE TASTING

Offering stunning views of the lush surrounding vineyards, enjoy a wine tasting and lunch. The Tishbi Winery was the first modern vineyard in Israel, founded in 1984.

OPTIONAL VISIT TO NACHALAT BINYAMIN AND CARMEL MARKET

A vibrant outdoor market with various vendors selling original handmade items of art, ceramics, jewelry, and more.

DINNER AND EVENING ON OWN IN TEL AVIV

BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL AND CHECKOUT

SPECIAL IN UNIFORM

An innovative program that integrates special needs youth into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and assists in preparing them for career placement after army service. This program not only instills valuable social and personal developmental skills, but also helps graduates contribute to the workforce and Israeli society in meaningful ways after holding an empowering role in strengthening the security of Israel.

AYALON INSTITUTE

A clandestine bullet factory that was established by the Haganah in 1945. As the largest bullet factory during that time, it produced 2.25 million bullets from 1946-1948, in complete secrecy. Tour the grounds and learn how this restored heritage site played a major role in aiding the Jewish soldiers that fought for Israel’s independence.

LUNCH AT AYALON INSTITUTE

DEPART FOR MITZPE RAMON

DINNER AT BERESHEET

BREAKFAST AT HOTEL

HALUTZA

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-USA, Halutza’s pioneers laid roads, created infrastructure and housing sites, planted crops, built fields of solar energy panels, and more. Pick fresh produce in the flourishing greenhouses, tour the state-of-the-art Medical Center, and community developments.

LUNCH IN HALUTZA

GROOVETECH

A state-of-the-art, safe indoor playground and innovative learning center that is providing a welcoming space where kids can thrive during the day and after school hours. The center’s two stories house rock climbing walls, a “tree house” play structure, virtual reality rooms, a planetarium, science and robotics spaces, art workshops, and general social and gathering spots. It is quickly becoming the go-to place in the Eshkol region.

FREE TIME AT THE HOTEL FOR SPA TREATMENTS

Booked in advance and paid for on own.

DINNER AT BERESHEET

OPTIONAL STARGAZING

BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL AND CHECKOUT

BEN GURION’S HUT IN SDE BOKER

Site of the former home and gravesite of David Ben-Gurion, where he resided until his death in 1973. See how this well preserved heritage site has expanded to include an interactive museum that provides a behind-the-scenes look into his life and vision for the Negev.

BE’ER SHEVA RIVER PARK

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

LUNCH AT THE RIVER PARK

DEPART FOR JERUSALEM

STOP AT COMMISSIONER’S PALACE UPON ARRIVAL FOR SHEHECHEYANU

Upon arrival in Jerusalem, stop at a scenic overlook for a ceremony of Shehecheyanu, a blessing said to celebrate special occasions in thanks for new and special experiences and events, while taking in the sweeping views of the Old City.

KABBALAT SHABBAT AT THE KOTEL

CANDLE LIGHTING AT THE HOTEL

FESTIVE SHABBAT DINNER

At the hotel joined by Nefesh B’Nefesh Lone Soldiers, young Olim who volunteered to move to Israel and join the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL

SHABBAT SERVICES

Offered in the morning at the hotel.

OPTIONAL MASADA/DEAD SEA DAY TOUR*

Take a cable car up to Masada, the mountain fortress built by King Herod where religious zealots made their final stand against the Romans. Descend the mountain to the Dead Sea, the lowest place on Earth, to float in the buoyant waters and relax at the beach. Lunch is included for day tour participants.

LUNCH AND DINNER ON OWN

OVERNIGHT: Orient Hotel, Jerusalem

BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL

WALKING TOUR OF THE OLD CITY

Embark on a comprehensive walking tour including the historic Jewish & Christian Quarters, the Kotel (also known as the Western Wall), where Jews from around the world gather for prayer and silent contemplation, and other fascinating sites.

LUNCH IN THE OLD CITY

SEAMLINE TOUR

Learn about co-existence along the seamline in Jerusalem.

OPTIONAL DROP OFF AT MAMILLA MALL OR RETURN TO HOTEL

An open-aired shopping center often described as “Saks Fifth Avenue” of Jerusalem. Enjoy the various shops, cafés, and restaurants that the mall has to offer.

DINNER AND EVENING ON OWN IN JERUSALEM

BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL

AMMUNITION HILL

Site of the pivotal battle of the Six-Day War that led to the reunification of Jerusalem. Walk through the battlegrounds and bunkers to follow in the footsteps of the soldiers who fought here; see the multimedia exhibit and state-of-the-art Six-Day War Museum; conclude at JNF’s Wall of Honor, which commemorates Jewish veterans from around the world.

MT. HERZL – NATIONAL MEMORIAL HALL FOR THE FALLEN

Israel’s national cemetery, named for Theodore Herzl, who is buried there. The cemetary also includes the tombs of nearly all deceased former presidents and prime ministers of Israel as well as well-known Jewish and Zionist leaders.

LUNCH AT YAD VASHEM

YAD VASHEM

A sprawling complex of various exhibits, archives, monuments, and memorials which tell the story of the Holocaust from a unique, first-hand perspective using original artifacts, testimonies, and personal possessions of victims and survivors.

DINNER AT A RESTAURANT IN JERUSALEM

BREAKFAST AT HOTEL AND CHECKOUT

JERUSALEM WALKING TOUR

Explore some of the neighborhoods in Jerusalem and learn more about residential life in the city.

AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE PARK

Honors the support of generous JNF-USA donors and supporters of the land and people of Israel.

LUNCH ON OWN AND FREE TIME AT MACHANE YEHUDA MARKET

Immerse yourself in the bustling energy of Jerusalem’s “Shuk” (Hebrew for “market”). Wander around and taste from the many local vendors selling delicious cheeses, pastries, spices, and more. Enjoy the variety of items the market has to offer during the day.

ISRAEL MUSEUM

The largest cultural institution in the State of Israel and current home to the Dead Sea Scrolls.

FAREWELL DINNER AT A RESTAURANT