TEMPLE BETH SHALOM 2022 ISRAEL TOUR

Date: June 22, 2022 - July 06, 2022
Led by: Rabbi Ari Goldstein
Guided by: Gil Zohar

Base Price for:

Land & Air: $6,300.00

Land Only: $4,950.00

Please Call Us to Check for Last-Minute Availability

Final 2022 dates and a group airfare option (direct flight) now posted!

Once again, Rabbi Ari Goldstein is leading a fabulous 13 day/12 night on land bar/bat mitzvah tour of Israel with an option to visit Petra, Jordan.

Expert guide, Jerusalem post writer, and multi-book author Gil Zohar will be the guide for the tour first part of the tour, and Eitan Chamberlin will be our guide in the Galilee and towards Eilat.

For complete family pricing, children pricing and discounts see the brochure or the Get Prepared section. Discounts are applied at checkout and/or after check-out from the Add-Ons section of your My Account area.

Included &
Excluded

Travel
Insurance

Day 1 - Wednesday - June 22nd, 2022

▪ 14:00 – Group departure on El Al Airlines LY28 from Newark, NJ (EWR)

Note: If you are arranging your own flights, try to follow the same flights or you may be subject to special airport transfer costs.

Day 2 - Thursday - June 23rd, 2022 - (B/)

06:55 – Group arrival to Ben Gurion International Airport
Upon arrival, you will be met by our airport representative (after Passport Control) who will assist you through baggage, customs and to your transfer vehicle
We’ll begin our tour with a visit to the Latrun Battle Site & Tank Museum
We’ll then travel via Beth Shemesh, the area where biblical Samson lived. The area is filled with biblical stories and stalactite caves.
Next, we’ll make our way “up” to Jerusalem, where we’ll look out over the Old City from Mt. Scopus and say Sh’hechiyanu together.
Our next stop will be at Ammunition Hill, where we’ll learn another incredible story of Israel’s struggle for Independence and the Battle for Jerusalem.
For lunch, you’ll have the chance to enjoy many of the outdoor bars, cafes and restaurants in New Jerusalem, along Ben Yehuda street.
In the afternoon, we’ll check in to our hotel and you can enjoy the rest of the day resting up from your journey.
Overnight: Lady Stern Hotel. Note: This new hotel is a short walking distance to the light rail, Jaffa Street, the Machane Yehuda market and some of the best restaurants and city life in the heart of the city.

Day 3 - Friday - June 24th, 2022 - (B/)

This morning we’ll enter the Old City of Jerusalem through Jaffa Gate, along the David Street Market. Along the way, we’ll take a short stop along the rooftops of the city to experience its many incredible landscapes. We’ll walk about through the Christian Quarter, and those that want may visit the Church of the Sepulcher.
We’ll make our way through the Jewish Quarter to visit the Hurva Synagogue.
Next, we’ll take a tour of the Western Wall Tunnels as well as their “Look in the Past” Virtual Reality exhibit.
In the early afternoon, we’ll head over to the Ben Yehuda Street area where you can have lunch out on and exploring on your own. (Family idea: Jerusalem Time Elevator or nearby museums).
We’ll join back together at Zion Square and then walk down Jaffa Street together to visit the famous Machane Yehuda Market. Here you’ll find the intoxicating smells of rugelach and challah bread and the city bustling as it gets ready for Shabbat.
In the evening, those that want can join Rabbi Goldstein for a Sabbath service.
Overnight: Lady Stern Hotel

Day 4 - Saturday - June 25th, 2022 - (B/)

This morning, you have the option to visit, with Rabbi Ari Goldstein, the Hebrew Union College (the Reform Rabbinical School) for a Sabbath morning service.
Afterwards, those that want, can walk with Rabbi Goldstein to the Kotel and have study sessions along the way, through some unique locations like in the Valley of Hinnom, Mt. Zion, Schindler’s Tomb and then to King David’s Tomb on Mt. Zion.
In the afternoon, you have the option to visit the Israel Museum or the Jerusalem Zoo.
In the evening, we’ll enjoy the Sound & Light Show together at the Tower of David – The Night Spectacular (included).
Enjoy dinner out on your own at the Tachana, the old Turkish train station that’s full of restaurants and bars or just enjoy a stroll through the German Colony to one of the many restaurants.
Overnight: Lady Stern Hotel

Day 5 - Sunday - June 26th, 2022 - (B/)

This morning we’ll have an early departure from the hotel for those who want to go up to the Temple Mount to see the former site of the Temple and today’s Al Aqsa Mosque and Dome of the Rock.
Next, we’ll visit the Southern Wall Excavations & the Davidson Center to walk on the first century streets and see actual ruins from the 2^nd temple period.
After this, we’ll experience the City of David and have the option to walk through Hezekiah’s water tunnel (Reminder: bring a backpack with shorts, sandals, and a small flashlight).
In the afternoon, around 3pm we’ll visit the Begin Center to learn about the life of Menachem Begin OR you may participate in a live terrorism training experience or learn the basics of Krav Maga at Caliber 3.
Overnight: Lady Stern Hotel

Caliber 3participants, please note:

- Please bring passports on this day!

- Please wear closed shoes (not sandals).

- Please note that children under 18 participate in the shooting program just like the other participants, however they will shoot a paintball gun.

- Please keep in mind that your group may be part of a larger group session.

- Please note that in order to make a booking, we do need your credit card details for booking references. We will not charge your card before you arrive and you will have the choice of your preferred method of paying, once you arrive.

- A fee of 50% of the entire cost of the booked activity will be charged in the case of cancellation 48 hours or less before your scheduled reservation and if canceled the day of, then a fee the full price of the activity will be charged.

Day 6 - Monday - June 27th, 2022 - (B/)

This morning, we’ll depart Jerusalem and head towards the Galilee. It’s going to be a very full day, so relax as much as you can during your 3-hour ride.
Our first stop is Tzfat (Safed), the city of Kabbalah. We’ll tour the Old City and have plenty of time for perusing the galleries.
Next, we’ll drive to the Golan Heights to visit Mt. Bental, an ancient volcano that sits along the Syrian border with Israel controlled Golan.
After this, we’ll take self-driving ATVs (4-5 passengers per ATV) from Kibbutz Marom Golan through the apple orchards of the Golan, witnessing the ruins of war and conflict amidst beautiful agriculture. Note: Bring your driver’s license if you can/want to be a driver.
We’ll then travel to the Golan town of Katzrin to visit an army base to visit with the soldiers and learn about their day to day life.
We’ll return to the Sea of Galilee.
Enjoy dinner out on your own at one of the many restaurants in Tiberias.
Overnight: U Boutique, Tiberias

Day 7 - Tuesday - June 28th, 2022 - (B/)

Before departing Tiberias this morning, we’ll learn the importance of Tiberias in Judaism, explore the tombs of the great rabbis such as Maimonides who are buried in this sacred city, where the “Jerusalem Talmud” was born.
Next, we’ll travel along the route of the Mishnaic rabbis (such as Yehuda Hanasi) who lived at towns such as Sephoris and Beit Sh’earim
We’ll then take a tour of Kibbutz Magal where we’ll learn about the Netafim drip system, Israeli greenhouses, and the kibbutz life.
We’ll continue to Caesarea National Park, the site of the remarkable ruins of this ancient Roman city.
At Caesarea, you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel and see ancient underwater ruins.
Overnight: Royal Beach Tel Aviv

Day 8 - Wednesday - June 29th, 2022 - (B/)

We’ll have a more ‘restful’ start this morning with a departure around 09:30.
Visit Jaffa, the oldest port city in the world.
We’ll continue by exploring Rothschild Street and visit the outside of Independence Hall (undergoing renovations), where the Declaration of Independence was signed on May 14, 1948
Next, we’ll make our way to Rehovot, where we’ll visit the Ayalon Institute, a secret bullet manufacturing facility during the pre-state era
We’ll then make our way to the perimeter of Gaza, where we’ll have a lookout from one of the neighboring towns such as Sderot and/or Yad Mordechai
Time permitting, we’ll visit Ashkelon National park.
Overnight: Royal Beach Tel Aviv

Day 9 - Thursday - June 30th, 2022 - (B/)

This morning, we’ll drive to the ancient town of the Maccabees to visit the nature reserve known as Neot Kedumim.
In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Rabin Museum and the Israel Olympics Museum
Enjoy the rest of your day at the beach or exploring Tel Aviv
In the evening, you have the opportunity to experience the Nalagaat Dinner Show (please reserve with our office prior to departure).
Overnight: Royal Beach Tel Aviv

Day 10 - Friday - July 1st, 2022 - (B/D)

This morning, we’ll head into the Shephelah Region to join an actual archaeological dig at Beit Guvrin (Tel Maresha), the hometown of the prophet Micah and the site of a large Hasmonean city during the time of the Maccabees. Note: Must have closed-toed shoes for the archaeological dig.
We’ll make our way to Beersheva where we’ll meet with local Bedouin in a very authentic Bedouin hospitality experience.
We’ll then continue to the Dead Sea where we’ll be staying the next few nights
Enjoy your private Dead Sea beach and spa time (spa services not included).
Overnight & Dinner: Herods Dead Sea

Day 11 - Saturday - July 2nd, 2022 - (B/D)

07:30 – Departure
08:00 - Masada, Herod the Great’s desert fortress and the last battle of the Jewish Revolt. You will have the option to hike up or take the cable car. Here, we’ll take out the Torah Scrolls to experience a never-forgetting opportunity for Bar and Bat Mitzva Ceremony inside the actual synagogue – one of the three oldest synagogues in the world!
Return to the hotel (Note: anyone departing this day, will checkout by 11:00 but will have facilities available such as the spa until your transfer to the airport at 18:30 (6:30 pm).
For those remaining, you’ll have a free afternoon on your own and an optional desert hike through Ein Bokek
Overnight & Dinner: Herods Dead Sea

Day 12 - Sunday - July 3rd, 2022 - (B/)

This morning, we’ll have a relaxed breakfast with a more relaxed departure time.
Around 10:30, we’ll depart the Dead Sea for Eilat, driving down the Aravah Valley, seeing ancient terrain along the way such as Mt. Sodom and the Wilderness of Zin
Along the way to Eilat, we’ll stop for a visit to Kibbutz Yodfata where you can taste some delicious ice cream in the desert and have a tour of the kibbutz.
Check-in early to our hotel
Enjoy dinner out on your own and a fun time out on Eilat’s boardwalk by the Sea
Overnight: Herods Eilat

Day 13 - Monday - July 4th, 2022 - (B/)

Today, you will enjoy a free day on your own in Eilat.
In the morning, you may choose to have a completely optional hike with Rabbi Goldstein (Nahal Tzefahot). Those who join will take taxis to/from with rabbi.Enjoy dinner out on your own
Overnight: Herods Eilat

Day 14 - Tuesday - July 5th, 2022 - (B/)

Enjoy a free morning on your own.
13:00 (1pm) – Late checkout from the hotel. By 13:00 (1pm) please have your suitcases ready for pickup.
15:15 – Meet in the hotel lobby and be prepared to identify your luggage for loading
15:30 (3:30pm) – Transfer to the Eilat Airport
18:10 (6:10 pm) – Depart on Arkia Airlines IZ 822
In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the Eilat airport for your domestic flight (included) to Ben Gurion International Airport where you will connect with your international flight home.

Day 15 - Wednesday - July 6th, 2022 - (B/D)

00:30 - Group flight back to the USA on El Al Airlines LY 27
05:15 – Arrive at Newark, NJ

Group airfare option announced.

We're now offering a direct flight group airfare option on El Al Airlines from Newark. See the itinerary for more details.

Land Options (per person)	June 22-July 6 with Eilat	June 22-July 3 without Eilat
Per adult in a double/twin room	$4,950.00	$4050.00
For 3^rd Person (ages 13+) in a shared room (cot or pullout couch)	$4,650.00	$3750.00
For the 1st Child (ages 2-12) in a shared room with Adults	$3790.00	$3240.00
For the 2^nd Child (ages 2-12) in a shared room with Adults – Includes a Supplement for larger 2+2 Family-Style Room at certain hotels	$3990.00	$3440.00
Single Supplement – for a single room throughout	+$2100.00	$1700.00
Note: If departing on July 2, then the discounts will be applied after your checkout. Select your discounts from the Add-ons section of your My Account area.
Add-On Options (per person)
Direct, International Group Airfare on El Al Airlines from Newark (we are holding 25 seats for June 22-July 6 dates)	$1350.00
Pre-Arrival & Post-Departure Hotels	Upon Request
Private Airport Transfer (for individuals booking their own flights)	$75.00
All inclusive gratuity package (all bell staff, guides, drivers and service people)	+200.00
Petra Day Tour Optional Extension Per Person (includes special visa, border taxes, transfers, guide, and entrance fees)	+$490.00
Discounts (per person)
Discountfor single supplement for traveler who departs early on June 28	-$-300.00

Samson Tours, Inc. is registered with the State of Florida as a Seller of Travel. Registration No. ST39934. We are bonded, licensed and insured and provide a 100% Force Majeure Policy. We are also a proud member of the Israel Incoming Tour Operators Association. We lead the industry with the fairest and most transparent Policies and are here to ensure you have a safe, reliable trip with us. Feel free to contact us anytime with your questions.

Deadlines

Deadlines	Due Date
Last day for Early-bird Registration discount	Feb 28, 2022
Final Payments are Due	March 22, 2022
All Final Passenger Info is Due (Passports, Roommates, etc.)	March 22, 2022

Inclusions

Assistance and Transfers to/from all airports
Bellboy services at all hotels
13 days/12 nights in solid 4-Star accommodations throughout on land
Licensed, English-speaking guides for all touring days.
Private driver and luxury, airconditioned bus with WIFI throughout
Daily buffet breakfast
2 Dinners
1-way domestic airfare from Eilat to Ben Gurion Airport at end of tour
Welcome kit
ALL Entrance fees per the itinerary, unless otherwise specified:
Credit card fees for Initial Deposit Payment

Exclusions

International Roundtrip airfare
Lunches & most dinners (except 2)
$180 per person for gratuities for all services, guides and drivers throughout. Payable by credit card.
$60 per person optional dinner at Nalagaat Dinner Theatre (Tel Aviv)
Caliber 3 Option – approx. $140 per person (pay on-site via c/c)
1-day Petra optional tour from Eilat include visa and taxes
Additional overnights and transfers not mentioned in the schedule
Soft drinks and special drinks at meals.
All gratuities for all services, including guide/driver ($200 per person).
C.C. Fees for Balance Payment (Make your final balance payment by check).

Policies

Final Hotels & Itinerary: We typically post final hotel choices 6 months in advance and you may find links to them in the itinerary itself. Along the way, we reserve the right to update the hotel, change a site or replace any service with an equal or better-quality experience or value.
Group Minimum: A minimum of 20 paying adult passengers are required. If this minimum is not reached by the Early-Bird special date, we may either a.) request that all adult tour members pay a supplement for the increase in costs of no greater than $500.00 per person and operate the group at the same quality; b.) lower the hotel class by at least 1 star to offset the increased costs; or c.) postpone the dates until a minimum number of participants are achieved.
Deposit & Payments: This tour has a non-refundable (but transferable) $500.00 deposit per person upon signup. The deposit can be paid by debit/credit card, check, money order, over-the-counter deposit. You can make monthly payments of any amount toward your balance from your online account or contact us for setting up a payment plan. Important Note: We provide a significant discount for paying your final balance by check (see add-ons).
Late Registrations: Any registration beyond the Early-bird deadline will be subject to a strict, minimum $200 per person fee (see add-ons) due to the amount of work involved with updating hotels, airlines and service providers on your behalf.
Group Airfare: A group airfare must have 10 or more passengers on the same group flight. Group flights are not always more affordable, but they are far more flexible in terms of cancellations and deposit refunds than individual airfares. Typically, only 10% of the tickets may diverge from the main group international flights. Passengers may book their own domestic airfare to/from the main group departure hub or ask us to get a quote for your connection.
Individual Airfare: If we do not offer a group airfare for your tour, you or we may book your flight individually. We’re happy to do the job for you and provide the best airfare for the best quality versus price for just a $50.00 fee + the actual cost of the flight that you. To book your individual airfare, send us your passport, credit card details, seating preference, and Miles card if you have one. Individual airfares are non-refundable, but typically can be changed up to 1 year for a fee.
Diversions & Add-Ons: If you arrive either before or after the scheduled group departure and arrival times you may and most likely will be subject to additional costs for airport transfers and/or overnights. We are happy to provide our customer with every possible experience and service that is needed from Door to Door, so please contact us if you wish to extend your package to other countries like Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Rome, Jordan, Petra only or any other experience or activity you might want to have to make your experience 100%.
Refunds: Your initial deposit is non-refundable; however, it can be fully transferable to another passenger or may be used for future travel dates with us. The following balance refunds apply to non-insured travelers only:

▪ 90+ days before departure – full refund less deposit

▪ 89-60 days before departure – minimum 75% refund

▪ 59-30 days before departure – minimum 50% refund

▪ 29-0 days before departure - minimum 0% refund

Force Majeure and Postponements: If Samson Tours decides to postpone the tour due to political unrest or for any reason beyond our company’s control that could compromise your security, then your tour will be postponed, and your entire balance will carry over to new tour dates. Depending on the new dates, there may be an increase in costs for tours that are rescheduled later than one year from the time of postponement. If you are unable to join the new tour dates and are not insured, then you will be entitled to a refund, less any other non-refundable deposits that may be imposed on us by suppliers.
Travel Insurance – Samson Tours does not require travel insurance. It is, however, strongly advised that all travelers equip themselves with a comprehensive travel insurance plan through World Nomads. You can obtain an individual travel insurance quote, by visiting our Insurance page and clicking on any of the ‘Get a Quote’ links that refer you to our partner’s website. Travel Insurance coverage begins ONLY from the time you have purchased travel insurance. It is advisable only to purchase travel insurance when you have made non-refundable payments that exceed the amount of travel insurance purchased.
Your Health: This program is active and involves a lot of walking over uneven surfaces and climbing stairs. All locations may not be accessible for the disabled. Having a disability does not disqualify you from joining any tour. However, be advised that you may have to forgo portions of the said itinerary by waiting on the bus or in a safe location until the main group has returned. If you require special accommodation, please report this at the time of your reservation so that we can better serve you.
Single Supplement: For single travelers, a single supplement fee for the hotels is required. This usually amounts to around 85%-90% of the Double Room cost. If a person has ordered a double room and his or her roommate cancels his or her tour, then the individual holding a double room must find a new roommate or pay the single supplement.
Exchange Rate: Samson Tours, Inc. reserves the right to charge a supplement to the price if the dollar falls below the 3.5 threshold. To date, we have never yet had to charge an exchange rate surcharge.
Government Imposed VAT or taxes: Currently there are no VAT taxes for foreign on tour land packages to Israel. Should such a tax be imposed before the start of the tour, even after ‘final payment’ has been made, Samson Tours will notify all of its participants in writing. In order to participate in the tour, you will be required to pay all such taxes before the start of the tour. If you are an Israeli citizen, you will be asked to pay VAT at the time of your final payment.
Responsibility - Samson Tours, Inc., its agents, suppliers, guides, leaders and representatives shall be, in no way, liable or responsible for any personal or property loss, damage or injury however caused.
Update – These policies may be updated from time to time. Upon update, you will be notified by Samson Tours, Inc. or its group leader. Always feel free to check your Group Page and/or contact us to better serve you or to get the latest details about your tour.

Deadlines	Due Date
Last day for Early-bird Registration discount	Feb 28, 2022
Final Payments are Due	March 22, 2022
All Final Passenger Info is Due (Passports, Roommates, etc.)	March 22, 2022

You can get an instant quote from our partner World Nomads on our Insurance page.

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Testimonials

The experience of a pilgrimage tour with Samson has been truly outstanding. Our party benefited from superb organisation and care right through from landing to departure. Each day brought a fascinating selection of places to visit, together with knowledgeable information setting the relevant history and archaeology in context.

- Carolyn Hampson