"WRAP AROUND THE WEDDING" TOUR

May 3, 4, 6 & 7, 2010
To guarantee a space,  please reserve a space by March 15, 2010.  Send in Application Form or email tasteisrael@gmail.com

 Monday, May 3 – "Masada,  Dead Sea and Henna Party"

We will depart the Dan Tel Aviv Hotel and travel south through the spectacular scenery of the Judean Desert to the lowest point on earth – the Dead Sea Region!  Arriving at Masada, we will ascend the cable car to explore this important site in Jewish history.  This impressive Palace/Fortress built by King Herod is an elaborate system of buildings, Roman bathhouses, and water storage facilities surrounded by watchtowers.  The tour continues to the Ein Gedi Dead Sea Spa where we will lunch and relax in the therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea.  Pack on the mud and experience the salt water pools!  Get ready for a very special evening!  You are invited to join Sivan's family at the Henna party, the Persian tradional bridal celebration.

Tuesday, May 4 – Jerusalem - "From Biblical to Modern Times"

From Tel Aviv we will travel to the Holy City of Jerusalem for the day.  We will begin our tour with a visit to the magnificent Chagall Windows located in the synagogue at Hadassah Hospital, Ein Kerem.   Our tour continues to the City of David, located just outside the walls of the Old City.  We will walk through the water tunnel, going back to Abraham’s time and see dramatic excavations from the time of King David and the Kings of Judah.  From there we will enter the  walled City of Jerusalem  and visit the Western Wall, part of the impressive retaining wall of the Temple platform.  Time for lunch at the Jewish Quarter Cafe.   From there wee will  visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, part of Via Dolorosa and sites in the  Jewish Quarter.  There will be time to do a little shopping, browsing, or enjoy a Israeli coffee before our return to Tel Aviv.

Wednesday, May 5 - "Wedding Ceremony & Reception"

This is the day we have all been waiting for - the wedding of Josh and Sivan.  You will have free time this day to enjoy the beaches, stroll the taylet (beach boardwalk) shop in the local boutique stores,  enjoy the many outdoor cafes or prepare for the wedding!   The ceremony begins promptly at 6:00 at Arca, at the Tel Aviv Port.    Join the simcha as Josh and Sivan become husband and wife under the Huppa.   Mazel Tov to the bride, groom and the Zalahian and Ravit families!

Thursday, May 6 – "Tel Aviv Walking Tour - The Early Years"

After celebrating Josh’s & Sivan’s beautiful wedding we will begin our Tel Aviv Walking Tour around noon.   Josh and Sivan have some favorite places they want you to see beginning with the historic Independence Hall on Rothschild Street.  Here David Ben-Gurion proclaimed the establishment of the State of Israel.   We will stroll through the old Tel Aviv neighborhoods,  some dating back to the Ottoman Period.  See the Bauhaus influenced style buildings on Rothschild Street and the boutique shops in Neve Zedek and browse through the colorful marketplace (shuk). Shop and eat!  You can't leave this area with having falafel or schwarma or coffee at one of the local outdoor cafes.  Enjoy the ambience  and charm of this vibrant city! 

Friday, May 7 – "Northern Israel"

We will depart Tel Aviv for the north, traveling along the Mediterrean Coast to.  Atlit, once a famous Crusader fortress.  Today, Atlit houses a restored detention camp, built by the British in 1939, to enforce their immigration ban on the Jewish refugees trying to escape Nazi persecution during WWII.  Continuing our journey along the coast,  to one of Haifa’s spectacular landmarks - the Ba ha'i Shrine and Gardens. The immaculately manicured gardens and terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  We will continue our tour north, along the coastline,  to the ancient port city of Acre, which was developed and fortified by the Crusaders. Walk through Crusader City and marketplaces and impressive passages, over 900 years old.   At the end of our day’s tour we will return to Tel Aviv for Shabbat. 

Included in the Tour:
English speaking Israeli licensed tour guide, 4 days guiding, coach transportation (as designated) including transportation to and from the Henna Party, entrance fees to all sites, 2 lunches (Dead Sea and Jerusalem),  and a towel and locker at Dead Sea. 

Ravit Tour Package Cost:
$490.00 per person