ISRAEL TREK

We have provided the following sample itinerary to give you a better feel for this experience. The actual program will vary. An updated itinerary, including confirmed accommodations, is distributed three to four weeks prior to the start of the program.

DAY #1 | Let’s Fly Away

• Meet at airport in departure city
• Orientation and meeting the group
• Depart on our group flight to Israel

Overnight: Departure Flight

DAY #2 | Baruch Habah—Welcome to Israel!

• Arrive at Israel's Ben Gurion Airport, meet our staff team, and travel to the Negev Desert
• Shehecheyanu—Welcome to Israel blessing and ceremony overlooking the Ein Avdat Canyon
• Check in, dinner, and orientation at our accommodations in the desert

Overnight: Negev Desert

DAY #3 | Discovering Beauty in the Desert 

• Morning hike to the hidden desert pools at Ein Avdat
• Sde Boker—visit David Ben Gurion's hut and learn about Israel's first Prime Minister and his vision for Israel thriving in the desert
• Lunch, swimming, and free time at Sde Boker
• Travel to the desert community of Yerucham, where we'll explore Israel's Mizrahi (Sephardic) culture with a Moroccan tile art project 
• Take part in preparing a traditional fresh-cooked "Poike Pot" meal in the desert

Overnight: Negev Desert

DAY #4 | Making the Desert Bloom

• Experience the thrill of sandboarding down natural dunes in the Negev Desert with Dror BaMidbar
• Learn how Israel makes the desert bloom at the Ramat Negev Desert Agro-Research Center
• Continue south to the Arava Valley and explore the world's largest erosion crater at the Ramon Crater Visitor Center
• Check in to our desert kibbutz accommodations and prepare for Shabbat
• Kabbalat Shabbat experience and oneg activity on kibbutz

Overnight: Arava Valley

DAY #5 | Shabbat in the Desert

• Staff-led Shabbat programming and group lunch at our accommodations
• Walking tour of the kibbutz and learn about the contemporary kibbutz community model
• Enjoy a relaxed Shabbat with pool, sports, and relaxation time
• Dinner at our accommodations, followed by Havdalah
• Guided desert stargazing experience led by a professional astronomer

Overnight: Arava Valley

DAY #6 | The Red Sea and Israel's Southern Borders

• Travel to Eilat–Guided snorkeling in the Red Sea at Coral Beach National Park
• Beach time and adventure water sports on the Red Sea
• View of the Red Sea and Israel's border with Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia
• Set up camp to begin our BaMidbar Wilderness Experience—learn how to survive and thrive in the desert as our ancestors did in Israel’s Harei Edom (Red Mountains) 

Overnight: Desert Tents

DAY #7 | BaMidbar Desert Wilderness

• Wake up early to begin our pre-sunrise hike to the summit of Mt. Shlomo—overlooking the Red Sea
• Return to camp for breakfast and wrap up our BaMidbar Wilderness Eperience
• Travel up to the Judean Desert via the Arava Valley—shared by Israel and Jordan
• Break for ice cream at Yotvata—Israel's famous desert dairy farm
• Experience effortless floating at the Dead Sea's Ein Bokek beach—the lowest point on Earth
• Learn about the Dead Sea's environmental challenges for Israel and Jordan with an expert from the EcoPeace initiative
• Check in and dinner at our accommodations near the base of Masada

Overnight: Masada

DAY #8 | Masada: Jewish Heroism, Dilemmas, and Leadership

• Pre-sunrise hike up the Roman Ramp to the summit of Masada
• Tour of Herod's desert mountaintop fortress and the bastion of an ancient Jewish rebellion
• Descend Masada via the Snake Path or cable cars and stop for breakfast at the base of Masada
• Nature walk in Ein Gedi National Park and cool off under the desert waterfalls at Nahal David
• Ascend to Jerusalem—stop for an introduction to the contours of Jerusalem at the Haas Promenade overlook
• Check into our hotel in Jerusalem and rest 
• Meet with Eylon Levy for a geopolitical overview of Israel and the Middle East today

Overnight: Jerusalem

DAY #9 | Foundations of Jewish History in Jerusalem 

• Walk the Rampart Walls of the Old City from Jaffa Gate to Zion Gate 
• Enter the Old City at Zion Gate and explore the ancient neighborhoods of the Jewish Quarter
• Free time to explore and shop in the Jewish Quarter, including a pizur lunch

• Reflections at the Kotel—the Western Wall—and explore the Western Wall Tunnels

• City of David Excavations—discover the foundations of Jerusalem dating back to King David's time—then cool off in the spring-fed Hezekiah's Tunnel below Jerusalem
• Pizur dinner and group night out at Ben Yehuda Street pedestrian mall

Overnight: Jerusalem

DAY #10 | Working With the Land of Israel

• Travel to Neot Kedumim Biblical Park for a tree planting ceremony, pita baking experience, and leadership training workshop
• Dig-for-a-Day Archaeological Seminar at Beit Guvrin National Park and explore the Bell Caves 
• Return to Jerusalem in the early evening, then attend an Israeli dance workshop

Overnight: Jerusalem

DAY #11 | Understanding Our Past to Guide Our Future

• Pay your respects at Yad Vashem—The World Holocaust Remembrance Center
• Reflect on your experience over a lunch at Jerusalem’s Mifletzet Park
• Mahane Yehuda—experience this colorful open-air marketplace as Jerusalem prepares for Shabbat
• Re-enter the Old City to experience Kabbalat Shabbat at the Kotel 
• Walk back to our accommodations for Shabbat dinner

Overnight: Jerusalem

DAY #12 | Shabbat in Jerusalem

• Staff-led Shabbat programming and lunch at our accommodations
• Visit the Israel Museum to discover the Dead Sea Scrolls, Temple Model, and Israel’s most prized cultural and historic treasures
• Spend the rest of the afternoon enjoying a Jerusalem-style Shabbat at Sacher Park
• Dinner at our accommodations, Havdalah, and group night out at the First Station Market

Overnight: Jerusalem

DAY #13 | Sacrifice and Sovereignty

• Visit the Theodor Herzl Museum and explore the grounds of Mt. Herzl National Cemetery—honoring Israel's founders, national leaders, and fallen soldiers
• Guided tour of the Knesset—discover Israel's democratic system at its parliament building

• Learn from Dov Lipman—a former Knesset member—as he discusses Jewish pluralism in Israeli society

• Explore the geopolitical complexity of Jerusalem in the Gilo neighborhood
• Dinner at our accommodations, followed by a t-shirt design project for a cause with NU Campaign

Overnight: Jerusalem

DAY #14 | Gadna: IDF Immersive Experience—Day 1   

• Travel to Haifa, Israel's most diverse city
• Visit the Bahai Temple Gardens and the Ahmadiyya Mosque, and meet with the Imam
• Hummus lunch in Wadi Nisnas
• Arrive at the IDF educational army base and begin Gadna

Overnight: Galilee 

DAY #15 | Gadna: IDF Immersive Experience—Day 2

• Continue Gadna experience

Overnight: Galilee 

DAY #16 | Gadna: IDF Immersive Experience—Day 3

• Continue Gadna experience

Overnight: Galilee 

DAY #17 | Gadna: IDF Immersive Experience—Day 4

• Conclude Gadna and travel to the Upper Galilee
• Cool off rafting down the upper Jordan River followed by a fresh-cooked pizza dinner

Overnight: Galilee

DAY #18 | Perspectives From the Golan Heights

• Get wet hiking down Nahal Jilaboun Canyon in the Golan Heights
• Explore the history and terrain of the Golan Heights on an off-road jeep tour
• View Israel's neighbors and navigate former IDF bunkers at the summit of Mt. Bental
• Return to our accommodations and prepare for a community Shabbat
• Kabbalat Shabbat and dinner at our accommodations

Overnight: Galilee

DAY #19 | Shabbat by the Beach

• Staff-led Shabbat programming and group lunch at our accommodations
• Relaxed Shabbat with pool, sports, and relaxation time
• Dinner at our accommodations, followed by Havdalah
• Cruise on the Sea of Galilee followed by a group night out in Tiberias

Overnight: Galilee

DAY #20 | Sea-To-Sea Trek—Day 1

• Travel to the Mediterranean Coast for the start of our Sea-to-Sea Trek
• Hike from the Mediterranean Coast to the Galilee highlands

Overnight: Camping in the Galilee

DAY #21 | Sea-To-Sea Trek—Day 2

• Hike across the Galilee highlands

Overnight: Camping in the Galilee

DAY #22 | Sea-To-Sea Trek—Day 3

• Hike to Mt. Meron—the highest point in the Galilee—and explore the mystical city of Tsfat along the way

Overnight: Camping in the Galilee

DAY #23 | Sea-To-Sea Trek—Day 4

• Wrap-up the hike with swimming in the Sea of Galilee and a BBQ lunch
• Travel to Tel Aviv—Israeli's cultural and financial capital
• Dinner at our accommodations, followed by a group night out at the Tel Aviv Port

Overnight: Tel Aviv 

DAY #24 | Exploration in Jaffa

• Krav Maga—Learn about the traditional Israel Martial Arts style

• Volunteer at the Jaffa Institute—an innovative charity dedicated to combating poverty in one of Israel's most diverse communities
• Take in the views from the ancient port city of Jaffa and browse the colorful Jaffa flea market
• Surfing class and beach time in Tel Aviv
• Enjoy a traditional Ethiopian meal while learning about the cultural and historical experience of Ethiopian-Israelis

Overnight: Tel Aviv 

DAY #25 | Looking to the Future

• Machon Ayalon—honor the bravery of the pioneers who helped establish modern Israel at this secret underground munitions facility 
• Learn how Israel became the "Startup Nation" at the Peres Center for Peace & Innovation in Jaffa
• Enjoy the colorful Nachalat Binyamin street festival and explore the Carmel Market
• Independence Hall—Visit the site where the State of Israel was first declared and learn about the Jewish State's founding vision
• Take part in a city-wide Kabbalat Shabbat at the Tel Aviv Port, followed by a final Shabbat dinner at our hotel

Overnight: Tel Aviv

DAY #26 | Shabbat in Tel Aviv

• Staff-led Shabbat programming and group lunch at our accommodations
• Free time to enjoy Tel Aviv’s beach culture and explore nearby Yarkon Park
• Walk to the Rabin Square Memorial—honor the life and accomplishments of Yitzhak Rabin, one of Israel’s most famous soldiers and statesmen
• Wrap-up session, celebration dinner, and final Havdalah ceremony
• Return to Ben Gurion Airport for an overnight flight home

Overnight: Return Flight

DAY #27 | Shalom U'lhitraot

• Arrive back from your group flight

Have questions? We’re here to help! Our most frequently asked questions for this program are answered below. Additional program-wide FAQs are also available. Schedule a call to learn more.

What are the rules for Israeli citizens or children of Israeli citizens?
If either of your parents is an Israeli citizen, or if you have ever lived in Israel, it is your responsibility to make sure your status with the Israeli Defense Forces is worked out and clear. Moreover, you may still have obligations to the State of Israel that must be resolved prior to your trip, even if you do not have an Israeli passport. These matters must be taken care of before you arrive in Israel.

Note: If you hold an Israeli passport, you must enter Israel with your Israeli passport.

If you do not take care of these matters prior to your trip, you may be obligated to stay in Israel by the State of Israel until resolution. If this applies to you, you will be solely responsible for your own situation and any costs involved. Again, we highly recommend you be extremely cautious about these matters and contact one of the regional Israeli consulate offices if you have any questions.

How will my teen travel to the program?
Your teen can travel to the program in multiple ways, at an additional expense for a group flight and domestic flight. The most common option is taking our supervised group flight, organized by our team. This flight often departs from the New York City area. Flight arrangements will be released in the spring and you are responsible for your teen’s transportation to and from the departure location. If you choose to book on your own but correspond with the supervised flight itinerary, you have the option to use miles or points. Alternatively, you can book a separate flight for your teen that meets the group at the first location (additional fees may apply if a special pick-up/drop-off is needed). Learn more about our supervised flights.

Where will my teen be sleeping?
Many of the accommodations we stay at are kibbutz-based guest houses that are located in Israel’s countryside and provide space for exploration within a secure environment. We use conventional hotels when we stay in cities. During the Sea-to-Sea Hike and BaMidbar Wilderness Experience, our overnights will be in nature, and all camping gear (including sleeping bags) will be provided. Finally, all accommodations in Israel have security, and we book rooms so that each teen has their own sleeping accommodation in rooms that typically accommodate 2 to 5 teens per room.

How is the program staffed?
Each group is accompanied by a team of madrichim (counselors) and a local Israeli guide. They are joined by an armed guard and bus driver. Senior field staff circulates between the groups for extra support as well. Staff names are sent out approximately 3-4 weeks prior to your departure as part of the pre-trip preparation email series. Staff are asked to make welcome calls to families before departure. Feel free to ask them any remaining questions you may have. Learn more about our staff team.

What’s the summer weather like?
Temperatures range from hot to hotter in the summer. Clothing should be lightweight and comfortable in the heat. Whenever outside for an extended period, teens will be required to have a hat, a shirt with sleeves, sunscreen, and water. Overexposure to the hot Middle Eastern sun can cause heatstroke, dehydration, and sunburns. The good news is the heat is mostly dry – there is very little humidity, and the chance of rain in Israel during the summer is practically zero- no umbrellas needed! Evenings in Israel tend to get chilly quickly – frequently into the 50s or 60s. Because we will not always return to our accommodations to change before an evening activity, always bring a day-pack with a windbreaker, long-sleeved shirt, or light sweater. Layers are key!

How do you approach security?
Since 1956, BBYO has organized teen programs in Israel with a fundamental commitment to providing a safe and meaningful experience. Our programs adhere to Israel’s comprehensive security policies and are centrally monitored by Israel’s Situation Room. Our itineraries are designed with caution in mind and our policies are calibrated to local conditions. Finally, each group is accompanied by trained staff and a licensed guard accompanies all touring-based activities. Learn more about our organization’s approach to safety and security as well as more specific details about our Israel policies.

What’s the typical group size?
Group size varies depending on the date of the program. Our average group size ranges between 20-45 teens. In some cases, multiple groups will travel on a similar path, although each group has its own dedicated staff, guide, and guard.

Note: There will be a way for teens to communicate with each other before the program in late spring.

What’s the food like?
As a travel-based program, our meals take a variety of forms and may include hotel buffets, restaurants, specially catered meals, and allowance funds for participants to purchase a meal on their own. All food provided by BBYO experiences in Israel is kosher. When a meal is served in a public buffet format (e.g. hotel breakfast), we will always ensure that there are
vegetarian or pescatarian options available, but we will also not restrict teens from eating the food of their choice. Some meals may be provided via an allowance system whereby teens will be given cash to purchase the food of their choice. Such meals are typically arranged in an area where there are multiple restaurant options, and teens can choose the food of their liking. In situations where time is of the essence, staff may choose to facilitate meal orders on behalf of teens using their allowance funds.

Participants with special dietary needs (i.e. lactose intolerance, gluten-free, kosher, etc.) should review our dietary restrictions commitment document and contact us in advance to be sure we can accommodate your needs during the program. Expect to eat Middle Eastern and Mediterranean foods such as falafel, hummus, schnitzel, shakshouka, bourekas, and much more.

Will I need a visa?
If you travel with an American, Canadian, or EU passport – good news! – you don’t need a visa to enter Israel. If you travel with a passport from another country, you may need a visa. Contact your nearest Israeli embassy or consulate for additional details.

What’s the Host Family Weekend?
The second Shabbat on all Israel Journey and Israel Trek programs is an optional Host Family Weekend. This is an opportunity to visit with relatives or family friends during your time in Israel. Host Family Weekend begins Thursday evening and ends on Saturday night. Typically, a third of teens take advantage of the Host Family Weekend, and we provide organized programming for the teens who remain under our supervision.

NOTE: Teens without family or friends they want to visit can join onto the plans of another teen in the group (if invited) and with parent authorization. We are unable to find host families for teens without local connections.

What are the payment and cancellation terms?
All of these details are available here: Registration Terms.

For more information, check out our general FAQs.

No connections or extensions are available for this program. View all connected program options here.