Israel and Palestine Cultural Immersion Journey with Butch Ferguson

      Jerusalem, Israel

      NJ
      37 reviews
      May 4 - 14, 2023
      Group size: 1 - 24
      Israel and Palestine Cultural Immersion Journey with Butch Ferguson
      Jerusalem, Israel

      37 reviews

      $NaN
      May 4 - 14, 2023
      Group size: 1 - 24

      About this trip

      Join us to explore the Holy Land, a region steeped in history, diversity and local traditions. Explore the many iconic highlights of the region while also experiencing the unique opportunity to connect with families and community members from a broad cross-section of multicultural backgrounds. You'll visit some of the most revered and historically important archaeological and religious sites including, Via Dolorosa, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Wailing Wall,  Sea of Galilee, Dead Sea,  and Megiddo.  Journey behind the scenes and join local families for a meal in their home; enjoy a local cooking class; meet the owner of a small coffee mill; visit with women from a local cooperative that is providing economic freedom for their families, and enjoy local dance performances. Journey with us to this Ancient Land to explore daily life and the many complexities of this beautiful and mysterious region. 

      DOWNLOAD DAY BY DAY ITINERARY HERE

      OPTIONAL EXTENSION: EGYPT

      Program Highlights

       Program Highlights 

      • Explore Tel Aviv, Haifa, Nazareth, Bethlehem, Dead Sea & Jerusalem. 

      • Optional post-program extension to Egypt. 

      • Many a bucket list includes taking a dip in the Dead Sea, one of the most spectacular natural and spiritual landscapes in the world. 

      • Explore Jerusalem including a visit to the Jewish Wailing Wall, a walk along the Via Dolorosa, the Church of Holy Sepulcher, King David’s tomb, the Room of the Last Supper and much more. 

      Cultural Exploration 

      • Explore Yad Vashem, a memorial to six million Jews who were killed in the Holocaust. 

      • Visit Nazareth Village to see and understand what life was like during the time of the Second Temple. Learn about the way of life in Israel thousands of years ago during the times of Jesus and his disciples. 

      • Visit Megiddo which was one of the strongest and most important cities of Canaan. The remains of the palaces, temples, gates, and the sophisticated water system of the city are evidence of its great power. 

      Community Focus 

      • Gain authentic cultural insight during a home-cooked meals with local families. 

      • Visit a family-owned coffee mill called El-Babo; meet the owner and learn about coffee making in the region. 

      • Visit Beit Hagefen, an Arab Jewish cultural center. Founded in 1963, their mission is to establish shared spaces that contain the diversity of identities and cultures in Israel and worldwide. 

      • Spend time with a local Bedouin woman, who will host you in her tent for a discussion on women in the Bedouin society, neighborly relations, traditions, and  modernization.

      · Have time to explore local markets and do a little retail therapy!

      What’s included

      • Airfare
        Roundtrip economy airfare
      • Hotel Accommodations
        4 star Hotels and daily breakfast
      • Entrance Fees
        All entrance fees and activities mentioned
      • Local Guide
        English speaking guide
      • Private local transport
        Private motor coach and driver
      • 24/7 Travel Support
        Nanda Journeys team support before, during and after travel. 24/7 during travel.
      • Most Meals
        5 Lunches and 6 Dinners as outlined in the daily itinerary
      • Unique itinerary
        Nanda Journeys has designed this program exclusively for Butch and his guests
      • Passport & Visas
        Passport application, renewal and visas are not included
      • Alcoholic Beverages
        Meals include soft drinks with alcoholic beverages being at your own personal expense
      • Meals
        Meals not mentioned in the program itinerary
      • Insurance
        Travel insurance is not included, but highly recommended. Nanda Journeys will provide recommendations
      • Tips
        Tips for driver, guide and hotel staff are not included. Suggested tipping $10-15 per day guide, $5-7 driver, $2-4 in room maid service.
      • Personal Items
        Any item purchased at the hotel or restaurant which is not mentioned in the daily itinerary

      Available Packages

      Shared Room with flights
      20 left

      Pricing per person including airfare, shared room with twin or double bed. Please review Booking Terms & Conditions HERE  

       ** Nanda Journeys will endeavor to assist persons requesting a roommate, however, a shared room cannot be guaranteed. Participants will be contacted to confirm space in a shared occupancy room approx. 90 days prior to travel. If we are unsuccessful in finding a suitable roommate, the enrollee will be invoiced the applicable single supplement ** 

      $6,299
      Deposit: $500
      Single Room with flights
      10 left

      Pricing per person including airfare and single room. Please review Booking Terms & Conditions  HERE  

      $7,798
      Deposit: $500
      Shared Room Land Only
      20 left

      By selecting this package you are electing to book your own flights. Pricing per person excluding airfare and single room. Please review Booking Terms & Conditions  HERE  

      ** Nanda Journeys will endeavor to assist persons requesting a roommate, however, a shared room cannot be guaranteed. Participants will be contacted to confirm space in a shared occupancy room approx. 90 days prior to travel. If we are unsuccessful in finding a suitable roommate, the enrollee will be invoiced the applicable single supplement ** 

      $5,299
      Deposit: $500
      Single Room Land Only
      20 left

      By selecting this package you are electing to book your own flights. Pricing per person excluding airfare and single room. Please review Booking Terms & Conditions  HERE  

      $6,798
      Deposit: $500

      Available options



      Itinerary

      Day 1
      Depart from U.S. to Tel Aviv, Israel

      Departure gateway tentatively set as Atlanta, GA. Gateway city is subject to change based on flight availability. Birmingham, AL will be explored as a priority as soon as flight schedules are known. Guests can book a land only package and use miles or airline credits to travel to Israel. Nanda Journeys will provide support and guidance on arrival and departure times approx 120-90 days before travel. 

      Your Organizer


      NJ
      Nanda Journeys
      37 reviews
      Nanda Journeys offers theme-focused trips to global destinations that speak to your interests, bringing together travelers with purpose and passion to explore the world in an meaningful way. We create travel programs for the diverse, adventurous explorer united in a desire: to not only experience a destination, but to truly experience a culture & connect with its people, visiting unexplored, off-the-beaten path destinations, that provide an opportunity to give back, and make a meaningful difference in the communities they visit.

      Reviews

      I have to compare this trip to the Austria trip we went on with Nanda Journeys last year which was well organized, did not feel rushed, and felt like a vacation. there was nobody to receive at the airport when we arrived around 8:30 am Some people were there since 6;00 am when the van arrived he did not have enough room to fit us in the van it took him quite a while to get another vehicle. Having been on the plane overnight, we did not feel like going on a walking tour on day 1. The hotel staff was good and welcoming. we had to get up early morning to be ready to leave by 8:00 a.m. after having breakfast at 7 a.m. It felt like work rather than vacation. The guide had messed up with renting the vehicle on 2 occasions. On a positive note: Guide Hafsteinn was quite knowledgeable, entertaining, and very accommodating. We had to fill out the evaluation form and comment on our group leader on day 3 and then hand it over to him. It would be difficult to make any negative comments about him On Friday, August 25 dinner was on our own but we were driven to a food court which we did not find appealing, we could have been dropped at the hotel and explored our dinner on our own farewell Dinner at Stracta Bistro was good but the server could not bring the coffee to the table when asked he basically told us coffee is over there, and go and get it yourself. We did not find servers in the restaurants very warm As I mentioned before I am comparing this with Austria Mental Health with Nanda Journey last year which I will give 5 stars
      By autar m for Iceland Mental Health Journey to Iceland with Tom Barrett on Aug 31, 2023
      Autar thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with you. I am so sorry we missed the mark on a couple of things during your Iceland journey and I will reach out to you so we can talk in person and review the areas where it didn’t go as well as Austria. Looking forward to chatting with you, and thank you for your loyalty and support for our international programs. Nicola
      By Nanda Journeys on Aug 31, 2023
      NJ
      WM
      An amazing experience exploring the wonders of Ancient Greece and the culture of music, food, countryside, and of course the warm and friendly people!
      By William M for Music Education Journey to Greece with Dr Lynn Brinckmeyer on Jul 01, 2023
      Bill, I am thrilled you enjoyed your Greek adventure. Thank you for your kinda words and for continuing to chose Nanda Journeys for your global adventures. Nicola
      By Nanda Journeys on Jul 03, 2023
      NJ
      Traveling with this group each year is like traveling with family. Greece was another I can’t believe I’m standing here moment as we viewed ancient history in person! The landscape as we road to the villages was divine! We loved sampling all the cultural foods and the musical experiences we were given! A huge plus was having the same guide that was with us everyday. They are an automatic translator and knowledge bank as you explore and end up becoming an international friend.
      By Sheri T for Music Education Journey to Greece with Dr Lynn Brinckmeyer on Jun 28, 2023
      Sheri, it is an absolute delight for us creating the annual Music Delegation for your group! I'm thrilled to hear that you enjoyed Greece and thank you for your kind words and all of your wonderful updates on Facebook. Thank you! Stay tuned for Austria 2024! Nicola
      By Nanda Journeys on Jun 30, 2023
      NJ
      I had a wonderful time with the group I traveled with. Our leader, Carol Huston was an advocate for us and ensured that we were able to do a variety of things and attend our professional meetings. Catherine Dunne, our guide was so kind and caring. She made sure we followed safe practices and didn't go into places that would not be safe. Loved it and would definitely go on another trip like this!
      By Leigh M for Ireland Interprofessional Healthcare Journey Dr. Carol Huston 2023 on Jun 16, 2023
      Leigh, thank you for your kind words. We are thrilled you were able to join Dr. Carol Huston in Ireland and that it was a rewarding experience for you. I hope you are able to join a future program with Dr. Huston. Thank you for being part of the Nanda family! Nicola
      By Nanda Journeys on Jun 19, 2023
      NJ
      I had an amazing experience. The country was beyond what I thought. It was a beautiful city, islands and the people were kind and friendly. The country was so clean. The food was very good and so much with every meal. Every vendors shop was unique. The honey shop, the distillery, the invisible streets, the pottery, the museum, my fav-The Acropolis. I loved it all. The traveling members were all kind, helpful, and pleasant to be around. I enjoyed each of them and would always desire these travelers to travel on any Nanda journey with me. Great guides and awesome Nanda Journey Nicola and Dominick. I had a blast!!
      By Petrina M for Journey of Purpose and Discovery to Greece on Jun 15, 2023
      Petrina, our Greek Dancing Goddess! Thank you for your kind words. We are thrilled that you enjoyed yourself in Greece. Welcome to the Nanda family! See you next time.
      By Nanda Journeys on Jun 15, 2023
      NJ
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