USCJ Israel Journey ~ November 2 13, 2014

Transcription

1 An Israel Experience for Adults 55+ Join the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and fellow Jewish mature (and not so mature) adults 55+ as we journey to Israel for a memorable ten days of travel in the Land of Milk & Honey. Together we will experience the magic of Jerusalem, the thrill of the Dead Sea, and the beauty of the Galilee. The program includes Israel s must-sees along with wonderful cultural experiences, an authentic Shabbat in Jerusalem, insightful speakers, and meals at top Israeli restaurants. USCJ 55+ Israel Experience are organized and operated in-house jointly by USCJ and Israel Tour Connection, a leading provider of Jewish travel experiences. This means we can provide a higher level of customer service, a truly spectacular experience in Israel, and a good value. Our tours are appropriate for active Jewish adults of all backgrounds. Synagogue membership is not required. References are available upon request. Although designed as an adults 55+ experience, friends and family members of all ages are welcomed to join as well. To contact USCJ program leader Jo-Anne Tucker-Zemlak or zemlak@uscj.org ISRAEL WW W.ISRAELTOUR.COM

2 ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE Trip Staff USCJ 55+ Israel Experiences are led by Jo-Anne Tucker-Zemlak and other professionals. The tour is also led by an English-speaking, licensed Israeli guide who accompanies the group on a 24/7 basis. The program is also staffed by an Israeli host who supports the trip as a whole. Last but not least, we travel on a private luxury touring bus with a dedicated bus driver. More than just sharing the story of Israel, our staff strives to create a sense of community among the individual travelers. Participants often return home with lasting friendships and a more meaningful experience in Israel as a result. Organized in Partnership with the USCJ USCJ 55+ Israel Experiences are organized in partnership with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. USCJ is the umbrella of the Conservative Movement in North America, and our tour in Israel embodies the values and traditions of Conservative Judaism. An Active Tour Each day is full of travel experiences that are designed to provide you with the full flavor of Israel. Although the program does not have any formal age limits, the itinerary involves a good amount of walking and some long touring days in general. Participants who wish to take a break from the active schedule can opt-out of certain experiences along the way. Independent and Group Travel Although USCJ 55+ Israel Experiences are group tours, there are ample opportunities for personal exploration. In particular, Saturday and Sunday in Jerusalem are designed to be less structured days with many optional tours. In general, no activities are mandatory, and participants can opt out of any programming. We only ask that you coordinate with our guide in such cases. Finally, if you are arriveing early or extending your trip, we can extend your reservation at the group hotels accordingly ISRAEL WW W.ISRAELTOUR.COM

3 TRAVEL PACKAGE Services Included Roundtrip flights from NY area (optional) Flight information available ~10 months prior 4-star hotel and kibbutz guest houses Licensed English-speaking Israeli tour guide Deluxe touring coach bus All entrance fees and activity costs Local taxes, porterage, and gratuities at meals Services Not Included One meal per day on own Travelers insurance (optional attached) Guide/driver gratuities Petra border fees of $55 (applies to those joining the Eilat Extension s Petra tour) Getting to/from Israel Participants can opt to join a group flight from NY area airport or can be responsible for arranging their own air travel to/ from Israel. If you are arranging your own travel to Israel, we encourage you to book flights that mirror the group flight. If you are arriving on a separate flight, we will confirm a meeting plan with you. Participants planning to be in Jerusalem before the arrival date can be accommodated at the arrival hotel by prior arrangements. NOTE: Car transfers from the airport to our Jerusalem hotel is not included for travelers arriving to Israel on their own, but it can be arranged upon request. At the end of the program, participants will be escorted back to Ben Gurion Airport on Wednesday evening in time to catch overnight flights back to North America (departing between 10:30pm and 1:00am the next day). Participants on return flights outside of this window can be accommodated by special arrangement, and additional fees will apply. NOTE: Please send us your confirmed travel plans as soon as you have finalized them. Get Registered Vicki@IsraelTour.com Israel W. Mt. Pleasant Ave Ste 206 Livingston NJ ISRAEL WW W.ISRAELTOUR.COM

4 ITINERARY Draft itinerary. The confirmed itinerary will be distributed about two months prior to departure and will be subject to some change. Meals Included: B = Breakfast / L = Lunch / D = Dinner Sunday - Nov 2nd - DAY 1 Depart for Israel Group flight (non-stop overnight) departs from a NY area airport. Flight details will be posted about 8 months prior to departure. Or arrange your own flight to Israel. Monday - Nov 3rd - DAY 2 The Dream of the Modern State Morning arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, greeting by our Israeli guide,and ascent to Jerusalem. Recite the traditional shecheyanu prayer at the Haas Promenade with a panoramic view of the Old City.Next visit Mt. Herzl where Israel s founders and heads of state are buried and learn about Zionist thought from its beginnings to the present at the Herzl Museum. Afterward, check into our hotel in the heart of Jerusalem and relax before the formal program begins with introductions and a delicious dinner at Shayanne Restaurant. Overnight in Jerusalem, Prima Kings Hotel [D] Tuesday - Nov 4th - DAY 3 Contemporary, Cosmopolitan Israel Travel after breakfast to Tel Aviv to visit the Palmach Museum and learn about the struggle for a Jewish State. Then at Independence Hall we relive the founding of modern Israel. Next we stroll through the street festival along Nachlat Binyamin, a edestrian shuk, and experience the vibrancy of Tel Aviv. From there we continue through Tel Aviv s historic White City district, which UNESCO recently recognized as a world-heritage site for its unique ensemble of Bauhaus architecture. Our visit to Tel Aviv ends on a reflective note at the Rabin Square Memorial, the site of Yitzhak Rabin s assassination. In the early evening, we return to dine at Jerusalem s charming Anna Ticho Restaurant. Overnight in Jerusalem, Prima Kings Hotel [B / D] Wednesday - Nov 5th - DAY 4 Masada and the Dead Sea Depart after breakfast for the Judean Desert. Ascend to the top of Masada by cable car and tour Herod s fortress. Then on to the Ein Gedi Spa at the Dead Sea. Before returning to Jerusalem, enjoy a t raditional feast in a tent at Eretz Beresheit Overnight in Jerusalem, Prima Royale Hotel [B/D] Thursday - Nov 6th - DAY 5 The Old City of Jerusalem Step into antiquity and view the foundations of the Old City. Enter thru the Zion Gate and explore the narrow streets, squares, and rooftops of the Jewish Quarter. Shop the Cardo market. Then visit the Western Wall the Kotel and take a guided tour of the Kotel Tunnels and the excavations of the Southern Wall. Dinner at a local restaurant and an end-of-day Sound and Light Show at the Tower of David. Overnight in Jerusalem, Prima Royale Hotel [B / D] Friday - Nov 7th - DAY 6 Contemporary Jerusalem Your experience starts at the newly renovated Israel Museum where you ll view the Dead Sea Scrolls and the minutely detailed Temple Model. Since Friday in Jerusalem is no ordinary day, we will give you the unique pre-shabbat Jerusalem shopping experience at the market at Mahane Yehuda. Just before the sun starts to set we will return to the hotel to prepare for Shabbat a welcome day of rest. Optional: Join Kabbalat Shabbat services at a local synagogue or walk to the Kotel with the group leader. The whole group will reconvene for a festive Shabbat dinner. Overnight in Jerusalem, Prima Royale Hotel [B / D] Get Registered Vicki@IsraelTour.com Israel W. Mt. Pleasant Ave Ste 206 Livingston NJ 07039

5 ITINERARY (continued) (Breakfast = B / Lunch = L / Dinner = D) Saturday - Nov 8th - DAY 7 A Jerusalem Shabbat Optional Shabbat services will be followed by Shabbat lunch at The Fuchsberg Center. Take an afternoon walking tour of several colorful Jerusalem neighborhoods. After ending Shabbat with Havdallah, enjoy a free evening to discover Saturday nightlife. Overnight in Jerusalem, Prima Royale Hotel [B / L] Sunday - Nov 9th - DAY 8 Remembrance and Renewal On our last day in Jerusalem we begin with an early morning visit to Hadassah Hospital to see the Chagall Windows, then have a guided tour of the Yad VaShem Holocaust Memorial.You have the entire late afternoon for exploring Jerusalem on your own. Overnight in Jerusalem, Prima Royale Hotel [B] Monday - Nov 10th - DAY 9 The Scenic Mediterranean Coast We begin our travels northward along the Mediterranean Coast with a stop at the Caesarea amphitheater on the beach. Continue northwards and explore the Talmudic-era catacombs at Beit Shearim catacombs en route. We check-in this evening to kibbutz accommodations in the Galilee where we will take a short tour of the kibbutz community and enjoy a fresh dinner. Overnight: Kibbutz Lavi Guesthouse [B / L / D] Tuesday - Nov 11th - DAY 10 Kabbalists of the Galilee Our day starts with a visit to the Hula Valley Nature Reserve a world famous site to observe migratory birds. From there we go to Misgav Am, a highpoint that overlooks both Israel and Lebanon. Our Galilee tour ends in Tsfat the center of medieval Kabbalah. Here we walk through the ancient alleyways and have an introduction to the unique school of Jewish thought that developed there and continued through the course of Jewish history. The day ends at the Kineret (Sea of Galilee) for a sunset cruise followed by dinner along the shoreline at Decks Restaurant. Overnight in the Galilee; Kibbutz Lavi Guesthouse [B / D] Wednesday - Nov 12th - DAY 11 Views from the Heights On our final day in Israel, we go up onto the Golan Heights to view Israel from the lookout point at Mitzpe Shalom. From there we turn south through the Jordan Valley to take in the accomplishments of the early Zionist pioneers at Old Gesher. We will move on to Beit Shean to tour the extensive Roman-era archeological site. Next we will travel to Zichron Yaacov high in the Carmel Mountains for a walking tour of one of the first towns established by the Zionist Movement in the 19th century. After a farewell dinner we head back to Ben Gurion Airport to board the overnight group flight to NY. [B/ D] Thursday - Nov 13rd - DAY 12 SHALOM U L HITRA OT! In the early morning the group flight arrives in the New York area following 10 incredible days in Israel, packed with great experiences, fresh insights, and new friends. EEXTENSION PACKAGE TO EILAT + OPTIONAL DAY TOUR TO PETRA. Extend your stay in Israel with 3-nights/3-days in Eilat Israel s resort on the Red Sea. Unwind at the waterfront Dan Panorama hotel and enjoy Eilat s sunny weather, gorgeous views, and extraordinary tropical beach and coral reef. Package includes round trip flights to/from Eilat, rooms at the Dan Panorama Hotel, breakfast, and all Shabbat meals. Optional: a privately guided day-trip is available to see the ancient ruins of Petra in Jordan. Get Registered Vicki@IsraelTour.com Israel W. Mt. Pleasant Ave Ste 206 Livingston NJ 07039

6 Program Costs PROGRAM SELECTIONS / COST PER PERSON (Please indicate number of applicable travelers) Air & Land Package from NY Area [$3600]* Land-Only Package [$2,225] Single Supplement Fee [$695] Eilat Extension [$850] Eilat Single Supplement [$300] Petra Day Tour [$265] * Group flight pricing is approximate and prices are confirmed approximately 8 months prior to the start of the program. Airline may adjust fuel surcharge and tax until time of group ticketing. Pricing is based on payment by check. An additional 3% surcharge applies for participants paying by credit card. Payment & General Terms. Terms of Participation: A $250/person deposit is due with registration. The balance of program cost is due 120 days before the trip. Please note that participants who cancel within 120 days of the program start date will receive a refund, minus the $250/person deposit (plus any penalties applied by the airlines.) Participants who cancel between 90 and 45 days before the program start date will be eligible for a refund, minus a $1,000 cancellation fee (plus any penalties applied by the airlines.) Participants who cancel within 45 days of the program start date are not eligible for a refund. All cancellations must be made in writing, and participants are encouraged to take out trip cancellation insurance. Airlines may adjust fuel surcharges and taxes until time of ticketing. Program costs are subject to change accordingly. Travel Insurance. ITC has partnered with Travelex Insurance Services to provide an optional group travel insurance package (see details on final page.) The cost of the policy is a function of the total cost of your trip per person. The policy must be issued before final payment is made on the program, and some benefits are only available within 14 days of registration. Take advantage of it! Payment Information Deposit Due with Registration ($250/Person): $ Payment Method: Check: Visa/Mastercard Amex: (*If paying by Credit Card add 3%) If paying by credit card, complete the following section. Unless otherwise instructed, your credit card will be charged the deposit, and you will be send a confirmation message with an itemized receipt. Balance will be charged on March 1, If paying by check, send to ITC Tours / 66 W. Mt. Pleasant Ave. Ste. 206, Livingston, NJ Credit Card #: Security Code: Exp. Date: Billing Address: Name on Card: Signature: Date: Statement of Understanding. Except for the willful negligence of its direct employees or representatives, ITC TOURS and the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism assume no liability or responsibility for any injuries, inconvenience, illness, theft, property damage, irregularity, or incidental damages occasioned by circumstances beyond the control of the tour operator or by any person or reason whatsoever including but not limited to events such as strikes, revolts, wars, natural disasters, closures of airports and/or hotels, default or omission of any common or private carrier or the default, negligence or omission of and by any third party providing services or facilities to or included in this tour or any part thereof. Enrollment in and payment for the tour constitutes your acceptance of the program conditions and this Statement of Responsibility. The program conditions become a binding contract when your enrollment and payment is received. RETURN FORMS TO: Vicki@IsraelTour.com IsrAel w. Mt. Pleasant Ave Ste 206 Livingston NJ 07039

7 REGISTRATION Enter your name at it appears on your passport Participant #1 (Primary Contact) First Name: Middle Name: Last Name: DOB: Phone #: address: Passport #*: Participant #2 (if applicable) First Name: Middle Name: Last Name: DOB: Phone #: address: Passport #*: *Passport number not required with registration. Passport must be valid for at least six months following your arrival date. MAILING ADDRESS: ROOMING NOTES: Requests for a roommate will be accommodated where possible; and if not possible, the single room supplement applies MEDICAL & DIETARY NOTES: EMERGENCY CONTACT NAME: Relation: Emergency Phone #1: Emergency Phone #2: Synagogue Affiliation: * Name must appear exactly as it does on your passport. Passport number and date of birth are required. If passport information is not currently available, it can be submitted at a later date. Please note that according to customs regulations, your passport must be valid for at least six months after date of return. RETURN FORMS TO: Vicki@IsraelTour.com IsrAel w. Mt. Pleasant Ave Ste 206 Livingston NJ 07039

8 ITC has partnered with Travelex Insurance Services to provide an optional travel insurance package based on a group rate discount. The policy reimburses for medical expenses as well as covers cancellation fees based on health considerations as well as many other scenarios. Full details available online at: IsraelTour.com/documents/travelinsured.pdf Pre-Departure Trip Cancellation Post-Departure Trip Interruption Travel Delay (6 Hours or More) BENEFITS 100% Of Trip Cost 100% Of Trip Cost $150 Per Day $750 Maximum maximum limits Medical Expense/Emergency Evacuation $25,000 / $50,000 Baggage and Personal Effects / Baggage Delay $1,500 / $250 Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Cancel For Any Reason (Optional)* Covered 75% of non-refundable Trip Cost/cancellation must be two or more days prior to scheduled departure This table is a summary of benefits. Please refer to the policy wording for a complete description. All benefits subject to plan exclusions and will be paid exclusively by Travelex Insurance Services. Insurance is not included in the tour price. The cost is $169 per person for trips with total cost of $5,500 or less, or $210 per person for trips with total cost of $5,500 - $12,000. We strongly recommend that you purchase the appropriate offered travel insurance package. Group rate travel insurance will cover only what is purchased through ITC Tours and will cover pre-existing conditions only if purchased within 14 days of your deposit date. The insurance becomes effective when payment is received by the insurance company. We cannot accept responsibility for any losses or expenses, which you or any member of your party may incur as a result of failing to secure appropriate coverage. * Cancel For Any Reason Policy available at a rate of $253 per person for trips with total cost of $5,500 or less, or $315 per person for trips with total cost of $5,500 - $12,000. CFAR policy must be purchased within 14 days of tour deposit. Please list the name of the traveler(s) to be insured: NAME #1 NAME #2 TOTAL INSURANCE AMOUNT: $ DATE SUBMITTED: If paying by credit card, your card will be charged separately for the insurance and the program deposit. RETURN FORMS TO: vicki@israeltour.com IsrAel w. Mt. Pleasant Ave Ste 206 Livingston NJ 07039

9 PRE-TRIP PREPARATION Statement of Understanding. Except for the willful negligence of its direct employees or representatives, Israel Tour Connection and the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism assume no liability or responsibility for any injuries, inconvenience, illness, theft, property damage, irregularity, or incidental damages occasioned by circumstances beyond the control of the tour operator or by any person or reason whatsoever including but not limited to events such as strikes, revolts, wars, natural disasters, closures of airports and/or hotels, default or omission of any common or private carrier or the default, negligence or omission of and by any third party providing services or facilities to or included in this tour or any part thereof. Enrollment in and payment for the tour constitutes your acceptance of the program conditions and this Statement of Responsibility. The program conditions become a binding contract when your enrollment and payment is received. Detailed pre-trip preparation material, itinerary (subject to change) and program luggage tags are distributed approximately one month prior to arrival. Participants will also be invited to a trip Facebook group in order to meet fellow travelers before the program and stay in touch afterwards. Passport & Visa Rules All participants must have valid passports in order to travel to Israel. If your passport expires within six months of your entry date to Israel, you will need to get your passport renewed prior to arrival in Israel. If you have a passport from a country other than the United States or Canada, you may need to apply for a visa in order to enter Israel. Additionally, if you have an Israeli passport, you must present it upon entry to Israel. NOTE: Israeli citizens may be subject to VAT (tax) at hotels. Get Registered Vicki@IsraelTour.com Israel W. Mt. Pleasant Ave Ste 206 Livingston NJ ISRAEL WW W.ISRAELTOUR.COM