Israel

Explore Jerusalem, sacred to three major religions. Visit a unique community of 120 families, equally divided between Jews and Arabs, and experience Yad Vashem, a living memorial to the Holocaust. Journey to Masada and float in the Dead Sea. Travel to Bethlehem and Ramallah in the West Bank. Experience Tiberias, Galilee, Caesarea and visit a Druze village in the Golan Heights. See Haifa’s Bahai Gardens. Learn why Israel is called the “Start Up Nation” during our time in cosmopolitan Tel Aviv. 

Dates
Nov 7 - Nov 17, 2018  (11 Days)
Cost

$6,195 per person, double occupancy

For more Information
travel@commonwealthclub.org

(415) 597-6720

    Wednesday, November 7
    U.S. / Tel Aviv, Israel

    Depart on flights to Israel.

    Thursday, November 8
    Tel Aviv / Jerusalem

    Upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, transfer to Jerusalem and check into our centrally located hotel. As ­ flights arrive in the evening, there are no group activities this day. Herbert Samuel Jerusalem

    Friday, November 9
    Jerusalem

    This morning we explore the Old City of Jerusalem and sites important to the three major monotheistic religions. Visit the Western Wall and the Dome of the Rock on the Temple Mount. Walk portions of the Via Dolorosa and visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, said to be the site where Christ was cruci ed and buried. We stop for lunch at a local spot in the old city, followed by free time to browse the alleys and shops. Tonight gather for a welcome dinner. Herbert Samuel Jerusalem (B,L,D)

    Saturday, November 10
    Masada / Dead Sea / Jerusalem

    This morning we drive to Masada, the location of the mountain top fortress where Jews sacri ced their lives rather than succumb to the Romans. ‑ e importance of Masada remains in the psychological and political mindset of many Israelis. ‑ en travel to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on the earth. Swim or ­ oat in the relaxing salt waters and experience the health bene ts of its natural minerals. Return to Jerusalem for dinner on your own. Herbert Samuel Jerusalem (B,L)

    Sunday, November 11
    Bethlehem / Ramallah / Jerusalem

    Today we visit the West Bank, starting with Bethlehem to see the Christian holy sites, including the Church of the Nativity, said to mark the place of Jesus’ birth. We continue to Ramallah, the provisional capital of the Palestinian Authority, where we hear from Palestinians about the issues they face and their hopes for a settlement in this long, unresolved issue. Return to Jerusalem. Tonight explore Mahane Yehuda, once a popular fruit and produce market, it’s now a vibrant hub of gourmet food stalls, restaurants and cafes. Herbert Samuel Jerusalem (B,L)

    Monday, November 12
    Jerusalem / Nazareth / Galilee

    Visit Yad Vashem, a powerful living memorial dedicated to the Holocaust. Continue northwest of Jerusalem to Neve Shalom Wahat al Salaam, to meet with people living in a unique community of families, equally divided between Jews and Arabs. Continue to Nazareth, the largest Arab town in Israel where we see the Church of the Annunciation, believed to be where archangel Gabriel visited Mary. Continue north to Lake Tiberias, and the more rural area of Upper Galilee. Learn about the important role of kibbutzim in the development of Israel in the 20th century. Meron Golan (B,L,D)

    Tuesday, November 13
    Galilee / Golan Heights

    This morning we visit with people in a Druze village in the Golan Heights area. Druze are an Arab speaking sect found primarily in the mountainous areas of northern Israel, Syria and Lebanon. Their religious practices and beliefs are known to few outsiders. We also meet with a retired General of the IDF (Israel Defense Forces). In the afternoon visit a winery, sample wines, and learn about Israel’s growing wine industry. Meron Golan (B,L,D)

    Wednesday, November 14
    Haifa / Tel Aviv

    This morning we head to Akko, a mixed Arab-Jewish city with architecture from the Crusader period. We continue to the city of Haifa to see the incredible Bahai Gardens and visit an Arab owned tech  rm. ‑ en explore the archaeological site and Roman city of Caesarea. Arrive in Tel Aviv in the early evening for dinner on your own. ­ The Carlton (B,L)

    Thursday, November 15
    Tel Aviv

    Learn about Tel Aviv’s various neighborhoods and architectural styles. See Bauhaus architecture, Dizengoff Street, Neve Tzedek, and the Florentine district. In the Ramat Aviv neighborhood, meet with a guest speaker at the Rabin Center. We then visit with an innovative Israeli startup incubator. Tonight we enjoy a dinner in a private venue. ­ The Carlton (B,L,D)

    Friday, November 16
    Tel Aviv

    Jaffa, also known as Yafo in Hebrew, is a mixed Jewish-Arab town, a few minutes south of Tel Aviv. We visit the Friday ­ ea market with its wonderful mix of foodie opportunities, art and antiques. Enjoy lunch on your own, and a free afternoon. Visit art galleries, the beach, or rent bikes to travel the coastal path around Tel Aviv. Gather tonight for a special farewell dinner. ­ The Carlton (B,D)

    Saturday, November 17
    Tel Aviv / U.S.

    After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for ­flights home. Or extend you time to experience more of this vibrant city. (B)

    COST:
    $6,195 per person, double occupancy
    $1,485 single room supplement

    INCLUDED:
    All activities as specified; airport transfers on designated group dates and times; transportation throughout; accommodations as specified (or similar); meals (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner) per itinerary; bottled water on buses and during tours; special guest speakers; local guide; gratuities to local guide, driver, and for included group activities; predeparture materials; Commonwealth Club representative with 15 travelers.

    NOT INCLUDED:
    International air; meals not specified as included; optional outings and gratuities for those outings; alcoholic beverages beyond welcome and farewell dinners; travel insurance (recommended, information will be sent upon registration); items of a purely personal nature.

    What to Expect

    To enjoy this program travelers must be in overall good health and able to walk 1-2 miles a day (on average) and be able to stand for several hours during touring. Participants should be comfortable walking on uneven surfaces such as dirt paths and cobblestone streets, and getting on and o tour buses without assistance. In keeping with the Commonwealth Club’s mission of being a non-partisan platform, this tour will provide insight and access to political and community leaders, and stakeholders from both sides of di cult issues. We ask that all participants who join this trip do so with open minds, the spirit of listening, and a desire to understand different points of view.

    Trip Educators
    JERRY SORKIN

    Jerry Sorkin has been involved with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for more than three decades, having quietly brought together people from both sides of the issue. Conversant in both Arabic and Hebrew, Jerry has traveled extensively throughout the Middle East and North Africa, returning to the U.S. in 2016, after being based more than six years in Tunisia. He has organized and led many trips to Israel, all using his unique contacts to provide an exclusive and enlightening educational experience.

    The Commonwealth Club (CWC) has contracted with Iconic Journeys Worldwide (IJW) to organize this tour.

    Reservations: A $1,000 per person deposit, along with a completed and signed Reservation Form, will reserve a place for participants on this program. The balance of the trip is due 90 days prior to departure and must be paid by check.

    Cancellation and Refund Policy: Notification of cancellation must be received in writing. At the time we receive your written cancellation, the following penalties will apply:

    • 91 days or more prior to departure: $250 per person
    • 90-60 days to departure: $1,000 deposit
    • 59-1 days prior to departure: 100% fare

    Tour can also be cancelled due to low enrollment. Neither CWC nor IJW accepts liability for cancellation penalties related to domestic or international airline tickets purchased in conjunction with the tour.

    Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance: We strongly advise that all travelers purchase trip cancellation and interruption insurance as coverage against a covered unforeseen emergency that may force you to cancel or leave trip while it is in progress. A brochure describing coverage will be sent to you upon receipt of your reservation.

    Medical Information: Participation in this program requires that you be in good health. It is essential that persons with any medical problems and related dietary restrictions make them known to us well before departure.

    Itinerary Changes & Trip Delay: Itinerary is based on information available at the time of printing and is subject to change. We reserve the right to change a program’s dates, staff, itineraries, or accommodations as conditions warrant. If a trip must be delayed, or the itinerary changed, due to bad weather, road conditions, transportation delays, airline schedules, government intervention, sickness or other contingency for which CWC or IJW or its agents cannot make provision, the cost of delays or changes is not included.

    Limitations of Liability: CWC and IJW its Owners, Agents, and Employees act only as the agent for any transportation carrier, hotel, ground operator, or other suppliers of services connected with this program (“other providers”), and the other providers are solely responsible and liable for providing their respective services. CWC and IJW shall not be held liable for (A) any damage to, or loss of, property or injury to, or death of, persons occasioned directly or indirectly by an act or omission of any other provider, including but not limited to any defect in any aircraft, or vehicle operated or provided by such other provider, and (B) any loss or damage due to delay, cancellation, or disruption in any manner caused by the laws, regulations, acts or failures to act, demands, orders, or interpositions of any government or any subdivision or agent thereof, or by acts of God, strikes, fire, flood, war, rebellion, terrorism, insurrection, sickness, quarantine, epidemics, theft, or any other cause(s) beyond their control. The participant waives any claim against CWC/IJW for any such loss, damage, injury, or death. By registering for the trip, the participant certifies that he/she does not have any mental, physical, or other condition or disability that would create a hazard for him/herself or other participants. CWC/IJW shall not be liable for any air carrier’s cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable ticket to or from the departure city. Baggage and personal effects are at all times the sole responsibility of the traveler. Reasonable changes in the itinerary may be made where deemed advisable for the comfort and well-being of the passengers.