We have provided the following sample itinerary to give you a better feel for this experience. The actual program will vary. A confirmed itinerary is distributed no later than two weeks prior to the start of the program.
UPDATED ITINERARY LAYOUT
DAY 1 | DEPARTURE FLIGHT
Meet your staff and teens at the airport before traveling together to Israel on an overnight flight. Once we land, your trip officially begins! We’ll break the ice with some fun and engaging activities so that you get to know everyone in the group. To learn more about how we organize travel to and from the program, click here.
DAY 2–5 | DEGANIA
Our journey begins with a drive north. First, we’ll stop at the beach of Caesarea for a Shehecheyanu blessing, which is a Jewish prayer said to celebrate special occasions. Once we make it to Degania, we’ll see all that the Galilee region has to offer. Climb the Arbel Cliff—the Sea of Galilee’s most prominent physical landmark towering Mount Arbel—for breathtaking views. Visit The Yigal Allon Center, home to the “ancient boat”—a 2,000-year-old boat found off the coast of the Sea of Galilee and a one-of-a-kind archeological discovery.
Spend an afternoon volunteering with children at Jordan Valley Village and hike the Hatsbani—also called Snir Stream—which is the longest of the Jordan River tributaries. Finish the day rafting down the Jordan River before we spend our first Shabbat together in the Holy Land relaxing by the pool and taking a walking tour around Degania.
DAY 6–7 | AKKO
As we inch towards Akko, we’ll stop to see Israel’s border with Lebanon and learn about the connection of these two lands. Walk along Nachal Kziv—one of the longest streams in the North of Israel—and explore Montfort Castle, a ruined Crusader castle in the Upper Galilee region. Make your way to Keshet Cave and hike along the cliff to see the Western Galilee. We’ll end the day by taking in the sunset at the ocean caves of Rosh HaNikra.
We’ll spend a day touring the markets, synagogues, and unique art galleries of mystical Tsfat, the historic center of Judaism’s Kabbalah movement and Jewish life during the exile period. See the awe-inspiring work of Kabbalistic artists in the artists’ colony and hear their story about how the movement inspires their designs. Before leaving Akko, we’ll explore the ancient Akko Seaport and beaches.
DAY 8–9 | CAMPING
What would a trip focused on outdoor adventures be without a camping experience? Start the day climbing to the top of Mount Hermon for a panoramic view of Syria, Lebanon, and Israel. Then, encounter with Druze culture and share a traditional meal in the Golan village of Ein Kinya. Hike the Zavitan Canyon in the Yehodiya Nature Reserve—one of the best-known sites in the Golan—and swim under the cool desert waterfalls of Zavitan Canyon. You’ll spend each night sleeping under the stars as you camp out in the desert with your new friends!
DAY 10–13 | TEL AVIV
Walk down to the Kinneret—or Sea of Galilee—from the Golan Heights via the Keren Ein Gen trail. Enjoy swimming in this freshwater lake and then get ready to soak in all of Tel Aviv’s energy. We’ll surf on the Mediterranean Coast with HaGal Sheli, an organization that uses surfing as an educational tool while providing at-risk youth the chance to ‘ride the wave’ and succeed. Explore the Carmel Market and see amazing works of art at Nachalat Binyamin Art Fair, the largest, oldest, and most esteemed art fair in Israel.
We’ll welcome our second Shabbat with a joyous, musical experience and spend the rest of the Sabbath relaxing in one of the most vibrant cities in the world. Take a walking tour of Tel Aviv’s historic Neve Tzedek during the day and night tour of Old Jaffa, a major port that offers a rich variety of culture, entertainment, and food.
Recount the amazing story and history of the Jewish people at ANU Museum of the Jewish People. Then, visit the Palmach Museum, an innovative and experiential museum that provides a peek at the history and founding of the State of Israel. We’ll learn how Israel became the “Startup Nation” at the Peres Center for Peace & Innovation in Jaffa before heading off to our next adventure.
DAY 14–17 | SDE BOKER
Join youth from all over the world for Gadna, an Israeli military program planned for teens introducing the daily life and values of Israeli soldiers. It includes basic training—like boot camp—where they’ll sleep in tents, learn IDF history, and study geography and Zionism. This four-day program takes place at Sde Boker in the Negev region of Israel.
DAY 18–20 | GIVAT HAVIVA
After our stay in Sde Boker, we’ll enjoy a day swimming on the beach and eating lunch in Caesarea. Before you know it, it’ll be time to welcome our third Shabbat together as a group. Spend the Sabbath at the pool and engaging in educational activities at Givat Haviva.
Volunteer with Leket, the National Food Bank and leading food rescue organization in Israel. We’ll drive south and meet with Jewish teens in Gaza border communities, then share lunch with them before continuing to Ein Gedi.
DAY 21–23 | EIN GEDI
Cool off under the waterfalls in Ein Gedi Nature Reserve and experience effortlessly floating in the salt water at the Dead Sea's Ein Bokek beach, the lowest point on Earth. Together, we’ll embark on a camel trek before sharing a Bedouin feast at one of their encampments.
One of the most anticipated moments of the trip, the group will take a pre-sunrise climb up Masada via the Roman Ramp Trail and arrive just as the sun starts to peek over the horizon. Teens will tour Herod’s desert mountaintop fortress and the bastion of an ancient Jewish rebellion before descending via the Snake Path or cable cars.
Hike away the afternoon in the Nachal Arugot Nature Reserve and stop at the crystal-clear pools. The group will head to Haifa, adventure the city, and explore the beauty of the Bahai Temple Gardens on Mount Carmel.
DAY 24–26 | JERUSALEM
Our trip ends in one of the holiest cities of Israel: Jerusalem. Teens will have almost four weeks of travel under their belt and a completely different perspective on Israel. We’ll begin by discovering how King David established a Jewish capital at the City of David archeological complex and then splash through Hezekiah’s underground aqueduct deep beneath the city. Walk along the ramparts of the Old City walls from Jaffa Gate to Zion Gate, explore the ancient squares and rooftops of the Jewish Quarter, then reflect on your time in Jerusalem at the Kotel, also known as the Western Wall.
Visit to the Theodor Herzl Museum and explore the grounds of Mount Herzl National Cemetery, honoring Israel's founders, national leaders, and fallen soldiers. Pay your respects at Yad Vashem—The World Holocaust Remembrance Center—and reflect on your visit as you walk through the colorful Mahane Yehuda open-air marketplace. Our final Shabbat will be spent at the Kotel, an emotional experience for all after the memories we’ve made together.
Tour the Knesset—Israel’s supreme state body—on your last day and learn about their parliamentary system and how it safeguards the Jewish State’s democratic laws and traditions. Spend the afternoon walking around to sites like Kiryat Hamemshala, The Israel Museum, and Gan Sacher. Afterwards, we’ll have one final Havdalah and dinner together before making our way to the airport for an overnight flight back to the U.S.
DAY 27 | RETURN FLIGHT
It’s never goodbye, just see you later. Give your friends one last hug and part ways once your flight arrives at the airport. While your summer trip with us is over, the memories you’ve made will last a lifetime!
