Sample Itinerary for trips to Israel for seniors

DAY 1
 Jewish Tour to Israel

New, interesting sites will be added to the itinerary....

You arrive at Ben Gurion airport and then spend the night in Tel Aviv  initially to recoup your energy after the journey...this is an EASY tour!
Meet your fellow guests the first evening for welcome drinks and then have dinner together .
​After a good night's rest our tour starts by exploring Tel Aviv…
a vibrant city, mixed with history, religion and culture.​

DAY 2

Jaffa (Yafo) which is part of Tel Aviv steeped in history. 
Saladin, Richard the Lionheart and Napoleon all conquered it at different times. Jonah set sail from here before he ended up in the whale’s belly. 

Enjoy a magnificent view of Tel Aviv from here!

The Hall of Independence is closed until 2023 for renovations, but we stop and see the front of the building.
​If you arrive early, you may like to visit Ben Gurion’s home when he was in office is fascinating.
See the vast library of all the books he actually read!​

With a commentary from our guide, ​we drive you along the Rothschild Boulevard of today with its shops, high rise buildings and theatres.

​Can you imagine what it was like for the first sixty-six Jewish families who had to dig the first well ​in a sand dune and used sea shells as boundary fences?!
​
View the famous the UNESCO heritage ‘White City’ with 4,000 Bauhaus buildings, built by German Jewish architects. 

 ANU – Museum of the Jewish People. 
Telling the unique and ongoing story of the Jewish People
This unique global institution tells the ongoing and extraordinary story of the Jewish people connecting them to their roots and strengthens their personal and collective Jewish identity. This interactive experience conveys to the world the fascinating narrative of the Jewish people and the essence of the Jewish culture, faith, purpose and deed while presenting the contribution of world Jewry to humanity.

Bahia Gardens Haifa UNESCO World Heritage site

This World Heritage site has a spectacular view of the Bahai gardens and Haifa from the promenade at the top.

​An hour north of Tel Aviv, we visit Caesarea, an ancient Roman city and port built by King Herod, with an amphitheatre, ​hippodrome and aqueducts.
​
​We then head to the Galilee for a three night stay.

During our stay at Galilee and the Golan there are so many fabulous sites options in this beautiful scenery.
​Among them is visiting Tiberius to learn about famous Jewish sages Maimonides and Rabbi Akiva. ​

DAYS 3-5

​Everyone's favorite is a boat ride on the lake.

​Adjacent to where we catch the sailing boat, we visit an ancient fishing boat that was ​found  on the shores of Galilee
in1986 during a drought...estimated to be 2,000 years old!
Watch the short movie and hear the fascinating story about how international experts flew in to bring this relic out of the mud and restore it.

We visit Magdala, currently the oldest excavated in Galilee and one of seven from the first century in all of Israel.
​The famous Magdala Stone is part of the synagogue.
A coin minted in Tiberias in 29 CE was found inside the synagogue, proving that it was from the first century.
The synagogue is well preserved and included an entrance hall that also served as a study room (Bet Midrash),
​and a chamber for storing the Torah scrolls.

If time, we go to ​Gamla Nature Reserve. Enjoy a short accessible walk to a raptor observatory and ruins of an important archaeological site.
In AD67, Jewish residents fought Roman legionnaires to stop them from ruling over the Galilee.

Three small, but interesting museums that we sometimes visit....

Nili Museum tells the story of the courageous and heroic deeds of members of the Nili spy network
and memorialises their actions during World War 1 and their contribution to the ending of the Ottoman rule
and the entry of the British to the land of Israel

Kfar Tavor village museum presents the deeds and life of the pioneers of the first Aliya.

Moshava Kinneret Museum presents the history of the first Jewish settlements. Their work, health, education, security and public events. See artwork from the region including the poet Rachel.

​Kinneret Cemetery is set in a tranquil shaded hillside by the Sea of Galilee, this is the resting place if some of the leading figures of the Zionist movement. Also, two gifted women, Rachel Bluwstein and Naomi Shemer, who contributed so much to Israeli song and music culture.
 

​Mount Arbel. Take a short walk in this scenic place where there are caves that Jewish rebels dug out to hide from the Romans.
 

​We visit a JNF forest to give every guest the opportunity to plant a tree.
Often in memory of  your loved one or a spiritual way of planting yourself into The Land.
​This is also your part in the prophecy of helping 'the desert to bloom like a rose'!
​It's often surprising to see the emotional impact on the planters.

DAY 6

​Bio Tour of Sde-Eliyahu Kibbutz
This is still a traditional, fully socialist agricultural kibbutz, founded by German Jews in the 70’s. 
They were pioneers of organic farming, as well as world leaders in developing the bugs that eat the bugs that eat the fruit and vegetables.
​Their Bio bees will fascinate you as well.
We enjoy a light lunch here and meet some of the residents.

After leaving the Galilee, we drive south, down the Jordan valley,
past Jericho to the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth.

DAY 7

You really can float and read a newspaper at the same time!
We arrive here Friday afternoon and stay over Shabbat.
Rest or play in the Dead Sea and hotel pools...as you wish.
It's fun to sample the refined mud and be amused with the photo opportunities!

​Our hotel has a private beach right at the back door of our hotel.

​Trish, your physio escort/tour leader is available to accompany you ​to the Dead Sea with other group members for a  fun time!
Other guests prefer to go to the beach in their own time.

Trish Duke is the author of an e-book on Amazon called "The Dead Sea is Alive". 
Click here to get your copy 

​After checking out of our Dead Sea hotel ... as the scriptures say, we ascend to the Holy City, Jerusalem.

DAYS 8-11

​​​En route we visit famous Masada and then drive past Qumran where the Dead Sea scrolls were found.
On arrival into Jerusalem that afternoon we actually see the Dead Sea scrolls exhibited at the Shrine of the Book in the Israel Museum...
​as well as a huge model of Jerusalem in the second Temple era.

The spectacular Judean montains are behind us when we stay at the Dead Sea.
Jordan is on the other side.
We pass Ein Gedi nature reserve on the way to Jerusalem to enjoy the magnificence
​and maybe see ibex....

As we drive along the Dead Sea, we pass the caves at Qumran where the Dead Sea scrolls were found.
It would take us over an hour to hike on a rough path to reach them, and they are empty now, so we are satisfied to see the area.
Driving past Jericho we ascend up to Jerusalem!

Our first view of JERUSALEM is from Mount Scopus! Such an emotional moment.

In Jerusalem there is so much to see and experience.
There are obvious 'must see' places....

The Kotel (Western wall) is always a highlight.
There are plenty of chairs and ​bathrooms to make your time there comfortable.

Hurva Synagogue in the Jewish Quarter

​​We see as much as possible of the Old City Jewish Quarter, one of the most visited places in Jerusalem,
usually walking  along the Cardo to the lively Hurva square with the shops, eateries and beautiful synagogue.

​You will love our private tour of the Knesset. It's not just for the politically minded traveler. ​
The artwork inside is worth going to see.
Chagall's magnificent huge tapestries are memorable.

Knesset Menorah. After our tour of the Knesset, we cross the street to admire this magnificent Menorah. Made of bronze,
11 feet high and weighing 4 tons, it was designed by Benno Elkan, a Jewish sculptor who escaped from Germany to Great Britain. 

If possible, we include a tour around the Supreme Court in Jerusalem, the highest court in Israel.
A tour includes the courthouse, the architecture of the building, the history and structure of the judicial system.

​

​The Herzl museum details the life of Theodor Herzl, and describes the many contributions he made to the Zionist cause.
This dynamic, creative 'experience' (rather than a traditional museum) portrays the motivations and visions of the Zionist leader.
Harsh anti-Semitic sentiments in both Europe and the United States led to Theodor Herzl's pursuit of an entirely Jewish state.
If only he was here so see how much of his dream came true!

Adjacent to the museum is the Mount Herzl National Cemetery.
The burial place for prominent Zionist figures such as Theodore Herzl, Golda Meir and Yitzhak Rabin,
as well as all the young soldiers who have fought for the land of Israel.
It not accessible for our group, but if you stay on after the tour, you might like to visit on your own.

The Menarchem Begin Heritage Centre is an unconventional audio-visual experience takes you on a fascinating journey
​through time into the life of one of the most prominent leaders in Israel’s history.

​Of course, we visit the Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Museum
for 2 - 3 hours to take in enough for your emotions to handle
and pay ​respect to the victims and their families... possibly your own family.

Machane Yehuda market
​The largest market or shuk in Jerusalem is a microcosm of Jewish life in Israel.
Fascinating sounds, sights and smells.
Halva, spices, pastries, specialty cheeses, wine and beers, fruit and vegetables, fish...the list is endless with 250 vendors!
Grab lunch and 'people watch' as well as having a wander.

Mamilla is one of our lunch stops in this modern open-air street mall, a few steps away from the Jaffa Gate.
Cafes, outdoor sculptures, designer shops, all mixed with the rich history. 
​You might choose to return in the evening to soak up the lights, street performers and sophisticated atmosphere.

​Chagall's windows in the  Hadassah hospital Synagogue are special for art lovers.

​You can see his signature on the foyer of the ​King David hotel with other famous celebrities and politicians who have stayed there.

​In spite of new 5 star hotels in Jerusalem, this is still the hotel of choice for many important ​visitors.
​Photographs and signatures along the hallway floor of visiting dignitaries are fascinating.
Some of our guests like to visit the King David hotel for a drink to soak up the history and atmosphere.

​Even if you don't play an instrument, the Hebrew Music Museum is a colourful and fascinating place.
Another creative and interactive experience, rather than a 'museum''.
Visitors are delighted to see the ancient instruments played and even get to try out a few yourself!

​Just round the corner is the Friends of Zion 'museum'.
Again, Israel exhibits it's brilliance at making a heart warming place to visit as you discover
 just how many important people have been active friends to Israel.

​The Haas Promenade has a wonderful view of Jerusalem. 
It traces part of the route of an ancient aqueduct that carried water from Solomon’s pools, south of Bethlehem, to Jerusalem.
This is often the last place we visit together to say goodbye to Jerusalem!

Jerusalem can be an emotive city, with old and new battles, but you will agree that it’s the most important  city in the world.
​Volumes have been written about her history…with more to come!
​
You never run out of museums, sites, shops and restaurants in Israel… and traffic.
​
The 'museums' in Israel that we visit are definitely not the 'item in a glass case with a label to read'... boring!
Israel is so innovative with its technology and presentation of information.
It's more of an inspiring, experience with a 'wow' factor.
We arrange for you to have seating or stools to avoid standing.

Click here to contact Trish for more information or to register your interest​

We have limit of 25 places on each tour so book today to avoid missing out.

​​You will see and experience more on Easy Israel tours than on regular tours!
One way is by not having to stand around at each site (like regular tours).
Our guide shares their information as we travel before we get off the bus, so you are comfortable and can hear.

Traveling time
As you know Israel is a tiny, (but very significant) country. You can drive from top to bottom in a few hours.
In some places you can see from the eastern border to the Mediterranean in the west. 

You won't be 'stuck' on the coach for long periods.
Hourly bathroom stops are planned...and on request,  so no need to be
embarrassed if you have ancient personal plumbing issues!

The longest journey is about 3 hours, from Galilee to the Dead Sea, along the scenic Jordan valley.
We stop en-route to stretch our legs, so an easy and pleasant journey.
​
The pace of Easy Israel Tours is less tiring and frenetic than regular tours.
We aim to let you enjoy each place rather than rushing from one site to another.

​​Sure, we still have a timetable, but we try to avoid the ​'rush and push' of regular tours. ​You want to enjoy your full breakfast, visit the rest room and then feel eager and ready for the day!

Walkers, scooters and wheelchairs can be stored on the bus in transit, the driver can lift it on and off for you.

​​Each day will be different and varied.
Apart from Shabbat at the Dead sea, we gently continue all day with frequent stops, arriving back
at the hotel ​in time for a rest before dinner.

There will be good places to shop for souvenirs en-route, but no-one is trapped into shopping … 
some of us think ‘shop’ is a four-letter word!  
​Shopaholics can be directed to markets and shopping streets
​if their ‘itch’ isn’t scratched enough!

To register your interest click here

​or click here for costs

We would be highly honoured if you would join us for a fun and inspiring, trip of a lifetime!

​YOU are welcome to join our 10 day Jewish Highlight Tours
Israel past, present and future​!

6th - 16th May 2024

28th October - 7th November 2024

NEXT YEAR IN JERUSALEM!

​
​Click here for costs, inclusions, exclusions

Register your interest by email
trish@easyisraeltours.com
or calling +61 414 543 843
​or click on the contact page

To read and hear more REVIEWS from past guests, click here

Listen to Kathy talking about her recent tour with us.
​She loved it so much that she booked again for a year later!