ISRAEL:  A WOMAN’S TOUR
Did you know that Israel has a feminine side? This beautiful land offers an abundance of cultural and sensual experiences for the women who love her. From the world-famous Batsheva Dance troupe to the mystical artists of Tzfat, from the Mediterranean coastline to Hot Springs and luxury Dead Sea and Galilean spas, Israel offers you an array of delights that restore the body and touch the soul. Gain insight into the role of women in politics, dine on freshly baked Moroccan breads, be regaled by the folktales of Yemenite women – your second home awaits you with open arms.

Day 01 Sunday Departure USA
Depart on your flights to Israel.

Day 02 Monday Tel Aviv
Arrival to Ben Gurion Airport. Welcome Home to the land of Israel! Transfer to Tel Aviv, which means "Hill of Spring" – a beacon of hope and renewal. En route to the hotel, enjoy an orientation city tour of Tel Aviv. What an enormous feeling of pride - this bustling city was built with blood, sweat and tears out of desolate sand dunes. It is hard to imagine that the entire country is only 59 years old! Welcome Dinner tonight. Sheraton Towers Tel Aviv.

Day 03 Tuesday Tel Aviv 
Full Israeli Breakfast. Today, begin with a visit to the moving, intimate Independence Hall, where Israel's Declaration of Independence was signed in 1948. You will also visit the lively marketplace of Nahalat Binyamin (featuring an abundance of arts, crafts, and street performances) and Neve Tzeddek, one of Tel Aviv’s most beautiful enclaves. There, enjoy a tour of the Suzan Dellal Center for the Performing Arts, home to the world-famous Batsheva Dance Troupe and School. Lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy time on your own to explore this exciting city, or, for those who are visiting Israel for the first time, embark on a trip to the unique Diaspora Museum, exploring the migrations of the Jewish people worldwide. Sheraton Towers Tel Aviv.

Day 04 Wednesday Tel Aviv – Dead Sea
Full Israeli Breakfast. Depart Tel Aviv and drive into the land of Israel. En route to the Dead Sea, be transported back to ancient Israel with a visit to “Abraham and Sarah’s Tent,” where you will enjoy a royal meal amidst carpets and camels. (Many Israelis celebrate weddings here.) Next, enjoy a visit to the Ahava factory, where the beautifying and rejuvenating products of the Dead Sea are produced for a world-wide market. Continue to Massada, one of the most significant spots in Jewish history. Ascending by cable car to the site, remember the courageous standoff of a small group of Jews against the domination of Imperial Rome; this history only accentuates the miracle that we are back, in freedom. Now, transfer to your luxury spa resort to soak in the Dead Sea, absorbing its rejuvenating qualities (not only are the concentrated minerals amazing, but the sea makes you weightless – without exercise or dieting!). Your hotel –  whose full name means “Glory of the Desert” - features gorgeous pools, whirlpools and a myriad of restorative and pampering treatments. Hod Hamidbar Resort, Dead Sea.

Day 05  Thursday Dead Sea – Jerusalem
Full Israeli Breakfast. Today, travel along the legendary Jordan Valley, stopping at the delightful, oasis-like nature reserve of Ein Gedi. You will also see Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered by a wandering shepherd. Continue towards Jerusalem. Upon arrival in the City of Gold, stop at Mt. Scopus for a panoramic view. Here, chant the blessing of "Shehecheyanu" – perhaps the world’s most beautiful prayer of appreciation – thanking God for bringing us to this time and place. Time to rest and refresh, or enjoy the hotel’s lovely pool, before Dinner. Inbal Hotel, Jerusalem.

Day 06 Friday Jerusalem
Full Israeli Breakfast. Today’s sightseeing will begin with a visit to the Old City, where you will enter on foot through the ancient Dung Gate to the Western Wall – our beloved Kotel.  See the ramparts of the Old City Wall, the fascinating Wall Tunnels, King David’s Tomb, and the City of David. Next, visit the new Davidson Center, a state-of-the art, interactive archaeological park. Later, ask yourselves – “Why is this night different from all the others?” Answer: “On this night, you will experience Shabbat in Jerusalem!” As dusk falls over the city, return to the Kotel to welcome the Sabbath Queen in her favorite place. Shabbat Dinner follows. Inbal Hotel, Jerusalem.

Day 07 Saturday Jerusalem
Full Israeli Breakfast. Today is at leisure to simply enjoy the Sabbath peace in the most radiant spot on earth. After Lunch, enjoy a guided walking tour. En route, you will visit Heichal Shlomo and the Great Synagogue, Yemin Moshe, the Montefiore Windmill, Mishkenot Sha’ananim and the Liberty Bell Garden – situated right outside your hotel. As night falls, enjoy Dinner in Jerusalem’s lively “Saturday night” atmosphere – nightlife thrives after Havdalah! Inbal Hotel, Jerusalem.

Day 08 Sunday Jerusalem
Full Israeli Breakfast. Sightseeing today will include the Israel Museum, and the Knesset (Israel's Parliament), where you will see the grand Menorah, the ancient and enduring symbol of our land. You will also gain an insider’s view of the role of women in Israeli society and government – no surprise in a country that elected the immortal Golda Meir! Lunch. Afterwards, proceed to Yad Vashem, the profoundly moving museum of the Holocaust, and of the Righteous Gentiles who did all they could to save Jewish lives. You will also pay tribute to our fallen Jewish soldiers at Mt. Herzl cemetery (where Theodore Herzl and Yitchak Rabin are buried).  Inbal Hotel, Jerusalem.

Day 09 Monday Jerusalem – Mitzpe Hayamim
Full Israeli Breakfast. Depart Jerusalem for a fascinating journey to the Jordan Valley and  Beit She’an, one of Israel’s prime archeological sites (indeed, it is a national park). Then, on to the ancient, curative Hot Springs of Hamat Gader. Continue to the charming city of Tzfat, home to Kabbalistic sages of the past and artists and mystics of the present. Many people feel that the city of Tzfat has a special atmosphere – timeless and peaceful. In the afternoon, arrive at your hotel – a Galilean spa full of delights for body and soul. From a 37-acre organic farm and gourmet kitchen to an array of restorative treatments, this resort (listed among the exclusive “Relais and Chateaux” of the world) will utterly spoil and delight you. Dinner tonight is at the hotel. Mitzpe Hayamim.

Day 10 Tuesday  Mitzpe Hayamim – Galilee – Mitzpe Hayamim
Full Israeli Breakfast. Today will bring one treat after the other. First, a jeep ride in the Biria Forest, followed by a visit to two wonderful Moshavim (collective settlements) in the Western Galilee, both of which feature womanly arts. First is Moshav Amka, a Yemenite farming village, where a delightful tea will be hosted by Carmela, an expert basket weaver and storyteller – followed by a display of belly dancing. Next, to Moshav Hosen, a Moroccan enclave, where Rimona invites you into her bakery, full of all sorts of Moroccan delicacies – from breads to cheeses to preserves – all home-made. Last but not least, travel to the exotic village of Piki’in and meet Jamila, a self-made woman who creates unique, all-natural soaps. Return to Mitzpe Hayamim to enjoy the spa before Dinner. Mitzpe Hayamim.

Day 11 Wednesday Mitzpe Hayamim – Galilee – Haifa – Tel Aviv – Flight Home
Full Israeli Breakfast. Then, on to Haifa, where sightseeing will include Mt. Carmel (for a panoramic view of the Bay), and the beautiful Bahai Gardens (the Bahai faith advocates harmony for all the world’s people). Next, visit Ussafiya, a Druze village in the Carmel Mountains, for Lunch and insight into the peaceful and hospitable Druze way of life. On to Zichron Yaakov, founded by Edmond De Rothschild – and named after his father, James (Yaakov in Hebrew), for a tasting at the Carmel-Mizrahi Winery – also founded by Baron Edmond.  Return to Tel Aviv for a Farewell Dinner in the atmospheric  port  of Jaffa, before checking in at the Ben Gurion Airport for the flight home – or should we say, your other home?

Day 12 Thursday USA
Morning arrival to the USA, inspired by the living dream that is Israel.