Thank you for your interest in the upcoming May 2024 Canadian Magen David Adom Solidarity Mission to Israel. You’re in for a Treat!!!
DAY 1: Wednesday, May 8 – Israel, we are here!
Bruchim Ha’Baim’ Le’Israel. Meet our professional guide and driver at Ben-Gurion airport and/or additional pre-scheduled ‘pick up’ points as needed. We head north and stop on the way at the informative Israel Intelligence Heritage and Commemoration Centre (IICC) where research, analysis and imparting knowledge are gathered and studied on Israel´s Intelligence and security concerns. From there we drive directly to the new ‘Botanika Hotel’ in Haifa, presenting a world of luxury right at the foot of the fabulous Baha’I Gardens. Welcome dinner.
DAY 2: Thursday, May 9 – Akko, Rosh Hanikra and Safed
After a lavish breakfast we start the day with a tour of Akko, one of the most important cities of the crusaders, over 800 years old. We’ll visit its underground Museum and tour the Hospitaller Fortress and the Templar Tunnels. From there we continue north to Rosh Hanikra, the farthest northern point on Israel’s Mediterranean Coastline with its magnificent grottoes and caves, a result of thousands of years of sea power. We’ll ascent down the cliff with an exhilarating cable car. A light lunch and wine tasting will wait for us at the Kishor Winery.
We then a drive east to the ancient and mystic Kabalistic city of Safed with its magical picturesque narrow alleys and galleries, with its ancient seepages going back to the second Temple era.
Overnight at Kar Blum for a lavish Kibbutz style dining room buffet Dinner
DAY 3: Friday, May 10 – Har Bental and the Kineret (Sea of Galilee)
Checkout after breakfast heading to the Golan Heights, with a stopover at the Kinneret,(Sea of Galilee) the lowest Fresh-Water Lake in Israel, fed by underground spring with its main source deriving from the Jordan River. We then continue to Har Bental overlooking the site of one of the most critical battels of the 1973 Yom Kippur War. After a short drive up combining scenic beauty with a glimpse at the past, we’ll get an informative strategic security briefing.
DAY 4: Saturday, May 11 – Jerusalem the Old City
Optional walking tour to the Kotel and/or visit to the Citadel Museum with its new exhibits. In the evening, we’ll watch the Walls of the Citadel come alive as they become a stage for a nighttime Light and Sound Show celebrating Jerusalem’s 4000 year old history. Return to our Hotel at your leisure.
DAY 5: Sunday, May 12 – The ‘Dead Sea’ and MDA’s Bloomberg Centre
Early departure from the hotel heading down to the lowest point on earth, to enjoy a ‘float’ in the therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea, guarantee to make you feel young again. We’ll have lunch at a hotel on-site allowing us to shower and change, for a drive back to Jerusalem to get ready for ‘Erev Yom Hazikaron’ visit and ceremony at the Magen David Adom Bloomberg Command Centre. Dinner at our Hotel
DAY 6: Monday, May 13 – Jerusalem and Ramleh (Yom Ha’zikaron)
Check out of our JLM hotel and head to the Kotel and a magnificent 3D experience where ancient Jerusalem comes to life taking us back to an unforgettable journey 2000 years ago. We then drive to Ramleh for lunch and a special ‘boat ride’ in the ‘Pool of Arches’ located deep within the most significant building left from the time when the Abbasid caliphs ruled in the Land of Israel over 1,200 years ago. We’ll then visit Magen David Adom’s new State-of-the-Art Underground Blood Centre - the only one of its kind in the world to get a special briefing from Prof. Eilat Shinar, Director of Israel’ National Blood Services.
Check-in at the elegant Kempinski Hotel to freshen up before a night Celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut - Israel Style
DAY 7: Tuesday, May 14 – Tel Aviv (Yom Ha’atzmaut)
Free day to enjoy this vibrant and exciting modern city and Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrations. Some suggestions; the Sarona Complex and Market, Tel Aviv Port and ‘Park Hatachana’ and of coursed don’t miss the very special Israeli Air-Force ‘Yom Ha’atzmaut ‘Matas’ along the Promenade. Overnight Kempinski Hotel
Day 8: Wednesday May 15 – Tel Aviv Jaffa
We start the day with a drive thru Tel Aviv’s unique Bauhouse buildings onto a walking tour in the Port City of Jaffa and its most diverse colourful and fun galleries and structures. We’ll head back to Tel Aviv to explore and experience the artistic Neve Tzedek and Nachalat Binyamin Pedestrian Mall, followed by a Chef guided culinary Tasting Tour of Levinski Market. Afternoon at Leisure. We will meet back at the Hotel for a Cocktail Reception followed by a ‘farewell dinner’ at a nearby restaurant. Overnight Kempinski Hotel
COST: LAND ONLY
$4,939 USD per person (double occupancy). Single supplement + $2,460 USD
A Registration donation in the amount of $180 p.p. to CMDA is required to Register for this Mission
CMDA will contact you directly for additional information (valid for Income Tax purposes).
Rates will include the following services:
- 6 touring days starting from arrival + 1 day walking tour.
- Air conditioned Deluxe bus
- English speaking guide on all touring days and transfers
- 8 night accommodation at above hotels on BB basis.
- 5 dinners and 4 lunches (4 hotel dinners + Farewell dinner, 4 lunches as per outline above)
- Entrance fees and activities as per outline program
Rates will not include:
- Air Fare
- Meals not mentioned below
- Tips to guide driver and hotel staff
Hotels:
- 1 Night at the brand new picturesque Botanika Haifa
- 1 Night at the Pastoral Kfar-Blum Kibbutz Hotel
- 3 Nights at the luxurious Mamilla Hotel in Jerusalem
- 3 Nights at Kempinski Tel Aviv DLX City (stand rooms)
Travel Insurance:
Comprehensive Travel Insurance is strongly recommend that covers trip cancellations, interruptions, medical emergencies, and other unforeseen circumstances.