This is a general description of what is and what isn't included in the tour cost. For specific details please refer to the tour brochure.

Included in the Tour Costs:

Bat/Bar Mitzvah Ceremony

• Pre-trip preparation with Rabbi (Myra Hovav, Reform)
• Ceremony by the Dead Sea (Ein Gedi or Masada) 

11 Nights Hotels in Standard Rooms:

• Dec 21 – Dec 24: 3 Nights Tal Hotel in Tel Aviv
• Dec 24 – Dec 26: 2 Nights Prima Oasis Hotel by the Dead Sea 
• Dec 26 – Dec 28: 2 Nights Ramon Suites Hotel in Mitzpe Ramon
• Dec 28 – Jan 01: 4 Nights Dan Boutique Hotel in Jerusalem (Superior Rooms)

* Please remember some or all of the hotels can be categorized as 2-3 stars. Fairly basic but they do the job.

Meals:

• 11 Full buffet breakfast daily at all hotels

8 Dinners:

• 2 Hotel dinners in Tel Aviv (Dec 21 and Dec 23)
• 2 Hotel dinners by the Dead Sea (Dec 24 and Dec 25)
• 2 Hotel dinners in Mitzpe Ramon (Dec 26 and Dec 27)
• 1 Hotel dinner in Jerusalem (Dec 30)
• 1 Farewell dinner at the Mamilla Rooftop restaurant in Jerusalem (Dec 31)

5 Lunches:

• 1 light meal/home hospitality in Druze village (Dec 23)
• 1 Restaurant lunch in Abu Ghosh (Dec 24)
• 1 Hotel lunch by the Dead Sea (Dec 25)
• 1 Moroccan cooking session with lunch in Yeruham (Dec 26)
• 1 Lunch and hospitality in a Bedouin tent (Dec 27)

Bus, Touring and Transportation:

• Private airport transfers for each party/family (arrive and depart on any flight)
• 9 Days of touring with a professional, licensed guide
• 9 Days Bus services with a professional driver (Wi-Fi on the bus)
• Bus for evening group activities
• Headphones for touring, including at Yad Vashem.

Others:

• Tips to guide, driver, hotel staff and restaurants mentioned in the itinerary ($203 per person).
• All entrance fees to sites and activity fees mentioned in the itinerary. 
• Water on the bus (2 bottles per person, per day)
• All staff expenses for accommodations, meals and mileage.
• All hotel service charges and taxes. 
• Tour escort in Israel from Scopia LLC
• 24/7 Services of the local tour operator to ensure your comfort.

Not Included in the Tour Costs:

Not included are any service not mentioned above as included in the tour costs. Examples: meals on own, soft/alcoholic drinks during meals, touring outside of the itinerary, passports, visas, COVID testing, airline seat upgrades, Israel border taxes (when crossing into Jordan), expenses of a personal nature such as gifts, phone calls and data, mini-bar purchases, etc.

Specifically for this group:

• Transportation to/from O’Hare Airport
• Flights to Israel
• VAT (17% on hotels) for participants holding a dual US/Israeli citizenship.
• Any expenses related to COVID tests, quarantine (if required) or otherwise.
• Travel Insurance – Will be charged as a group policy (7.2% of the tour cost).

The itinerary is subject to change. Meals included in the tour cost are listed as (B, L or D). The tour will stop along the way for lunches (most not included) during touring days.

Tuesday, December 20: Depart the US for Israel

Depart for Israel onboard your chosen airline. 

Wednesday, December 21: Arrival in Israel, Tel Aviv (D)

Welcome home to Israel! Each family/party will be met at the airport by a local representative, assisted through customs (and COVID testing if needed) and transferred privately to the hotel in Tel Aviv. (Note: families and parties arriving on the same flights may be combined into a single transfer). In Tel Aviv, we will have a quick orientation meeting once everyone arrives and enjoy dinner at the hotel. 

OVERNIGHT – TEL AVIV

Thursday, December 22: Touring around Tel Aviv (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. We start the day with some nice and easy touring around the world-famous Tel Aviv. Touring will start with the beautiful and completely renovated Anu Museum (formerly the Diaspora Museum). From here it’s a short drive to the Palmach Museum, where we go back in time to the days of the Palmach. Kids, you’ll be happy to know we’re done with museums and it’s time for some fun! We head to southern Tel Aviv – the cool part of town – where we tour the hustling and bustling Carmel Market which is always fun to visit! At the end of the day, we return to our hotel. In the evening, enjoy dinner on own in any of the restaurants located nearby. OVERNIGHT – TEL AVIV

Friday, December 23: Mediterranean Coast (B, D)

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning we head north along the Mediterranean coast, with our first stop at Caesarea, the ancient Roman port city. We will tour the famous amphitheater, the hippodrome and other remnants. Then, we continue heading north to the city of Haifa, for a panoramic tour of the city on top of Mount Carmel. A few minutes away are the Druze towns of Daliat el Carmel and Isfiya, where we enjoy a local tour and home hospitality with a light meal. Then, we return to Tel Aviv in time for Shabbat dinner at the hotel. OVERNIGHT – TEL AVIV

Saturday, December 24: Tel Aviv to the Dead Sea (B, L, D)

Shabbat Shalom. Breakfast at the hotel. This morning we leave Tel Aviv for the Dead Sea, beginning our day with a visit to the Ayalon Institute, once a top-secret hidden bullet factory during the days of the British Mandate. From here, we drive toward the hills of Jerusalem and tour a kibbutz with a local guide. Shortly afterwards, we enjoy lunch in the Arab village of Abu Ghosh (arguably, Israel’s best Hummus!) and then continue our drive to the Dead Sea – lowest point on earth. We check in to our hotel and enjoy a free evening with dinner at the hotel. OVERNIGHT – DEAD SEA

Sunday, December 25: Mazal Tov! Time to Celebrate! Masada and some much deserved R&R by the Dead Sea (B, L, D)

Breakfast at the hotel. Today is the big day, when we celebrate the Bat/Bar Mitzvah ceremony, either at the top of Masada, or in the ancient Synagogue at Ein Gedi. Rabbi Myra Hovav will officiate. One thing is almost certain – it won’t rain on our event!  We ascend Mount Masada by cable car for a tour of the mountaintop fortress, known as one of Israel’s iconic historical sites. After our tour, we descend back to the Dead Sea. It’s time for lunch at the hotel followed by an afternoon of relaxation by the pool, beach or in the hotel spa. Dinner is at the hotel. Mazal Tov! OVERNIGHT - DEAD SEA

Monday, December 26: From the Dead Sea to the Negev Desert (B, L, D)

Breakfast at our hotel. We leave the Dead Sea this morning and begin our climb up to the Negev. We first stop at the desert town of Yeruham to enjoy a traditional Moroccan art workshop, during which we can make our own art to take home. Then, we partake in a fun cooking session and Moroccan lunch before continuing to visit Sde Boker, to visit Ben Gurion’s gravesite overlooking the Zin Valley below with beautiful desert scenery. We then drive to the town of Mitzpe Ramon, on the edge of the Ramon Crater, and check in to our hotel rooms in time for dinner. OVERNIGHT – MITZPE RAMON 

Tuesday, December 27: Fun in the Ramon Crater (B, L, D)

Breakfast at our hotel. We spend our day having lots of fun in the beautiful Ramon Crater, a geological formation unique to Israel. Those interested can partake in a rappelling activity on the cliffs of the crater, enjoy a jeep tour into the crater itself or simply stay at the hotel and enjoy some time to relax by the hotel indoor pool. After the activities, we enjoy lunch and hospitality in a traditional Bedouin tent before returning to our hotel for dinner. In the evening, the bus will take us out of the city lights to enjoy a guided stargazing exploration of the skies above! OVERNIGHT – MITZPE RAMON

Wednesday, December 28: From the Negev Desert to Jerusalem (B)

Breakfast at our hotel. So, you thought the fun is over? No way! We leave our hotel today and begin heading north through the Negev Desert toward Jerusalem. Along the way, we enjoy some time sandboarding on a desert dune and then continue to the site of Beit Guvrin, to partake in a real archeological dig. Lunch will be independent along the way. In the afternoon, we ascend to Jerusalem and check in to our hotel. Our hotel is located across the street from the “First Station” compound, with restaurants to choose from for dinner. OVERNIGHT – JERUSALEM.

Thursday, December 29: The Old City of Jerusalem (B)

Breakfast at our hotel. Today we enter the old city of Jerusalem, the crown jewel of every visit to Israel. During the way we will visit the City of David, the Kotel, take an underground tour of the Kotel Tunnels and walk along the ramparts of the old city. Of course, there will be time to shop in the Arab market. In the evening, be sure to dress warm as we go to the Tower of David for a 30-minute sound and light show, displaying the story of Jerusalem on the ancient walls. After the show, everyone is welcome to walk through the streets of Jerusalem back to the hotel, to enjoy dinner in one of the local restaurants, or some Ben-Yehuda Street food along the way. OVERNIGHT - JERUSALEM

Friday, December 30: Yad Vashem and the New City of Jerusalem (B, D)

Breakfast at our hotel. We start the day with a visit to Yad Vashem, memorial to victims of the Holocaust. Children under 10 years old can stay with the guide and tour escort for a visit to the Israel Museum or the Jerusalem Zoo. After Yad Vashem, we walk to Mount Herzl, Israel’s national cemetery, to learn about the founders and leaders of the State of Israel who are buried here. A short drive brings us to Jerusalem’s Bird Sanctuary (did you know there was one?) where we plant trees to commemorate our visit to Israel. We return to the hotel for Shabbat dinner. OVERNIGHT - JERUSALEM

Saturday, December 31: Shabbat in Jerusalem (B, D)

Shabbat Shalom. Breakfast at the hotel. Today is a free day to relax a bit in Jerusalem or do some independent touring to places in Jerusalem that are open on Shabbat (such as the Israel Museum or the must-see Museum of Islamic Art). In the evening, we enjoy a farewell dinner at the famous Mamilla Rooftop restaurant, overlooking the walls of the old city. Time to say “Shalom” to our guide and bus driver. OVERNIGHT - JERUSALEM

Sunday, January 1: Depart for the USA (B)

Breakfast at our hotel. Each family/party will transfer privately to the airport according to the departure flight (Note: families and parties departing on the same flights may be combined into a single transfer). We hope you enjoyed the tour and look forward to welcoming you back in Israel soon!

Please read all the terms and conditions before clicking the button at the bottom to register. 

Tour Difficulty – Is this tour right for you?

The tour is not sold or offered as ADA-compliant. Aside from the beautiful sites and lots of fun on the tour, there is important information you should consider:

• You will be boarding and getting off the bus several times per day, during touring days.
• Some of the days will entail several hours of walking on even and uneven pavements or roads, ascend and descend stairs (without railings), walk up or down hills, or stand in place for 20-30 minutes at a time, while listening to the guide’s explanations. 
• Some of the sites/activities are not designed to accommodate those with physical limitations.
• Some of the activities will be physical, such as rappelling, short hikes or bumpy jeep tours.
• Some of the days will entail bus rides of 3-4 hours between sites and activities.
• The bus on the tour is not ADA-compliant and does not have a bathroom. It is air conditioned. 
• It is possible to skip sites or activities, but there will be no refund for unused entrance fees. 
• Daytime temperatures will likely be in the 50’s – 70’s, depending on location. Evenings will likely be in the 40’s – 50’s and could be much colder in the mountains or the desert.  
• Food allergies may not be properly addressed at all restaurants or hotels.

Saftey and Health Information:

Please be sure to carefully read information provided in these websites:

• US State Department information and travel advisory for Israel. Click Here.
• CDC Health information for Israel. Click Here.

Travel Insurance:

Group Travel insurance is offered for this group and covers certain expenses resulting from cancellations, changes, medical care during the trip, flight delays or other unexpected circumstances as detailed in the Description of Coverage which will be provided when the insurance is purchased for the group. In the event of reimbursement by the insurance, the cost of the insurance is not refunded. 

Travel Insurance Disclaimer:

This plan provides insurance coverage that only applies during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home, and automobile insurance policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer or insurance agent or broker. Coverage is offered by Travel Guard Group, Inc. of Stevens Point, WI (800) 826-1300.

Terms and Conditions:

A. By paying any payments you signify that you represent the travel party and have read, understood, and agree to these terms, conditions, and disclaimer.

B. Payments are accepted by checks or wire transfers. Only initial deposits may be paid by credit cards with an added surcharge.

Important dates to remember:

C. Important dates to remember:

• May 1, 2022: Early bird registration deadline. Register and pay your deposit by this date to get $100 discount per person.
• July 1, 2022: Final registration deadline. A non-refundable deposit of $100 per person is due, plus $28 per person for the initial group insurance policy.
• September 1, 2022: An additional non-refundable deposit of $200 per person is due.
• November 15, 2022: Final payment (plus insurance balance, currently 7.2% of the tour cost) is due and is non-refundable.

D. There is no refund for unused services while in Israel.

E. Credit Card Chargebacks - Payments by credit card do not change these Terms and Conditions. Prior to initiating a "chargeback" with the credit card company, please try to resolve any disputes with Scopia LLC directly. In the event of a "Chargeback" investigation finding in favor of Scopia LLC, the customer will be charged a $100 administrative fee for each "Chargeback".

F. Insurance costs are not reimbursed by the insurance company in case of cancellation(s) due to a covered reason and submittal of a claim to the insurance.

G. Rate Calculations:

• Scopia LLC reserves the right to correct errors or omissions in calculations at any time.
• All rates are subject to change without advance notice until final payment has been made.

H. Others:

• These terms and conditions are separate and different from any terms and conditions set by the airlines or other suppliers paid directly.
• Unless purchased as an option, travel insurance does not cover adventure sports such as SCUBA diving, hang gliding, rappelling, snow or water skiing, etc.
• There is no refund for unused services while in Israel. Insurance costs are not reimbursed by the insurance company in case of cancellation(s).

Rate Calculations: Scopia LLC reserves the right to correct errors or omissions in calculations at any time. All rates are subject to change without advance notice until final payment has been made.

Others:

• These terms and conditions are separate and different from any terms and conditions set by the airlines or other suppliers paid directly.
• A touring day covers 200 kilometers of driving (accrued over entire tour) and 9 hours of guiding/driving (per day). Over mileage will be charged at $1.50 per kilometer and overtime will be charged at $60 per hour.
• Unless purchased as an option, travel insurance does not cover adventure sports such as SCUBA diving, hang gliding, rappelling, snow or water skiing, etc.

Disclaimer:

PLEASE READ THIS NOTICE. IT CONTITUTES PART OF YOUR CONTRACT FOR TRAVEL RELATED SERVICES. PLEASE CHECK THE RESERVATION CONFIRMATION FOR ERRORS. CONTACT SCOPIA, LLC WITH ANY QUESTIONS.

Scopia LLC (herein "Travel Agency") is acting as a mere agent for suppliers in selling travel-related services, or in accepting reservations or bookings for services that are not directly supplied by this Travel Agency (such as air and ground transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, tours, etc.). Travel Agency, therefore, shall not be responsible for breach of contract, failure to comply with any laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), or any intentional or negligent actions, omissions, or defaults on the part of such suppliers, which result in any loss, damage, delay, inconvenience or injury to travelers or travelers' companions or group members.

Travel Agency shall not be responsible for any injuries, damages, or losses caused to any traveler in connection with dangers and risks inherent in sporting/adventure activities, climatic conditions, accidents or illness, terrorist acts, mechanical or construction failures or difficulties, social or labor unrest, local laws, abnormal conditions or developments, acts of God, or any other actions, omissions, or conditions outside the travel agent's control.

Travel Agency does not guarantee any supplier's rates, bookings, reservations, connections, scheduling, or handling of baggage or other personal effects. Traveler assumes complete and full responsibility for, and hereby releases the agent from, any duty of checking and verifying any and all passport, visa, vaccination, or other entry requirements of each destination, and all safety and security conditions of such destinations, during the length of the proposed travel.

Traveler's payment for and retention of tickets, reservations, or bookings after issuance shall constitute a consent to the above and an agreement on his/her part to convey the contents hereto to his/her travel companions or group members. By embarking upon his/her travel, the traveler voluntarily assumes all risks involved in such travel, whether expected or unexpected, and traveler hereby expressly agrees to forever release, discharge and hold Travel Agency and its agents, employees, officers, directors, associates, affiliated companies, and subcontractors harmless against any and all liability, actions, causes of action, debts, suits, claims, and demands of any and every kind and nature whatsoever which traveler now have or which may hereafter arise out of or in connection with the trip or participation in any activities arranged for by Travel Agent.

Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all travelers to obtain coverage for themselves, travel companions, and family members to cover unforeseen travel issues such as cancellations, interruptions, delays, lost/stolen/damaged travel documents and personal property, medical expenses, and emergency transportation.