Jerusalem Wall Israel

My Turn

MY TURN

You’re invited to discover the very best of Israel on our signature 8, 10, or 12-day tour designed for active adults – with guaranteed small groups and guaranteed tour dates conveniently scheduled year-round.

ADULTS
8-12 DAYS

OVERVIEW

It’s YOUR turn to experience the beauty of Israel on this 8, 10, or 12-day fully guided small-group tour of the Jewish Homeland with guaranteed year-round travel dates.

My Turn brings together active adult travelers to explore Israel’s rich history, modern culture, and stunning landscapes. Experience the highlights of Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, the Dead Sea, the Galilee, Haifa, Golan Heights, and the Mediterranean Coast – with plenty of off-the-beaten-path discoveries and delicious meals to cherish along the way.

Choose from an 8-day or 10-day core itinerary with a 12-day Eilat Extension on the Red Sea with the option to explore the wonders of Petra in Jordan. Our fixed tour dates are scheduled throughout the year, and we guarantee no more than 26 travelers in a group.

My Turn is pluralistically Jewish in approach and welcoming to all. The itinerary is ideal for anyone seeking a complete first-time experience in Israel or returning anew. Best of all, because My Turn is organized in-house by our own Authentic Israel staff and with our own caring guides and tour educators, we can provide a higher level of service, a truly authentic experience, and excellent value.

NOTE: 2024 trip costs increase on November 30, 2023. Sign up now to guarantee current-year rates.

Dates  |  Cost  |  Included  |  Itinerary  |   FAQs  |  Register  |  Preparing
Early Bird Discount + Risk Free Registration = Act Now!

Sign up at least five months in advance to lock in your spot and receive a $100/person discount. All payments are fully refundable up to four months in advance, so your savings are absolutely risk-free.

More Than a Tour

Travel to Israel is unlike any other destination, which is why we strive to offer so much more than expected.

  • Thoughtful educational touring with a focus on more experiences, and fewer museums
  • Fantastic food – enjoy more authentic local flavors and fewer hotel meals
  • Guaranteed small group tours with guaranteed travel dates – plan with confidence
  • Led 24×7 by passionate staff and backed by an organization you can count on
  • Absolutely no hidden costs, no surprises, and a near all-inclusive package
  • A focus on creating a sense of community and connection as part of a shared journey

Program Highlights

For a more detailed view of the program, check out the Program Itinerary

Discover the four quarters of the Old City, explore millennia of history in the Western Wall Tunnels, and experience the quiet of Shabbat in Jerusalem
Descend to the lowest place on earth to float in the Dead Sea and scale the heights of Masada in the Judean Desert

Navigate the Negev Desert wilderness the old-fashioned way on camels, and enjoy a delicious desert tent dinner feast
Take part in Israel’s pioneering heritage planting a tree in a JNF forest and explore the Golan Heights terrain on an off-road jeep trek

Travel along the Mediterranean coast to view the stunning Bahà’í Gardens in Haifa, the ocean caves of Rosh Hanikrah, and the ancient Acco Seaport
Soak up the cultural riches, browse colorful street festivals and enjoy the always lively beach culture of Tel Aviv

Make a solemn visit to Yad VaShem World Holocaust Remembrance Center and celebrate Israel’s revival at Independence Hall
Sample Israel’s diverse cuisine at gourmet restaurants, in a Druze village, and in open-air marketplaces

Optional Add-Ons

Enjoy the tropical beaches and underwater wonders of the Red Sea while staying at a resort hotel in Eilat
Included with the 12-day tour
Explore hidden Nabatean Kingdom treasures on a guided Petra day tour in neighboring Jordan
Add-on to the 12-day tour

DATES

*2023 itineraries follow an alternate route. 

HOTEL PACKAGE OPTIONS

CLASSIC HOTELS

  • Offered on all dates
  • 4-star equivalent hotels
  • Centrally located hotels
  • Max group size of 26
PREMIUM HOTELS

  • Offered on select dates
  • Mostly 5-star equivalent hotels
  • Centrally located hotels
  • Max group size of 26
Nof Ginnosar Hotel, Galilee
ADDITIONAL NOTES

  • View the projected hotels we are offering.
  • When more than one hotel package option is offered on the same dates, travelers are typically accommodated in separate groups with separate staff teams.
  • Double occupancy rooms can be configured with either two twin beds or one queen/ full-size bed (varies by hotel).
  • Travelers opting for a triple room are typically accommodated in a standard-size double room with a rollaway bed.
  • We reserve the right to consolidate hotel package options on the same dates with a complimentary package upgrade.

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TOUR DURATION OPTIONS

My Turn can be experienced as an 8, 10, or 12-day tour. Here’s how it works:

TOUR ARRIVAL DATE
The program begins at either 12:30pm or 6:30pm at our hotel in Jerusalem on Thursday. Travelers are encouraged to arrive on Wednesday to acclimate and participate in the early touring on Thursday – and an additional Jerusalem hotel night is available on Wednesday evening. A complimentary airport transfer to our Jerusalem hotel is provided on Wednesday for flights arriving between 6:00am-5:35pm and on Thursday for flights arriving between 6:00am-4:20pm.

8-DAY PROGRAM
The 8-day itinerary covers Jerusalem, the Judean Desert, the Galilee, Golan Heights, Rosh Hanikrah, and Haifa – concluding as we arrive to Tel Aviv on Thursday evening. No hotel in Tel Aviv is included on Thursday night unless it is requested as an extra booking.

10-DAY PROGRAM
The 10-day itinerary covers Jerusalem, the Judean Desert, the Galilee, Golan Heights, Rosh Hanikrah, Haifa, and Tel Aviv. The 10-day experience concludes on Saturday evening. No hotel in Tel Aviv is included on Saturday night unless it is requested as an extra booking.

12-DAY PROGRAM
The 12-day itinerary covers Jerusalem, the Judean Desert, the Galilee, Golan Heights, Rosh Hanikrah, Haifa, Tel Aviv, and Eilat (via an included domestic flight). An optional guided day tour of Petra is available as an add-on. No hotel in Eilat is included on Monday night unless it is requested as an extra booking.

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COST

Early Bird Discount + Risk Free Registration = Act Now!

Sign up at least five months in advance to lock in your spot and receive a $100/person discount. All payments are fully refundable up to four months in advance, so your savings are commitment-free.

NOTE: 2024 trip costs increase on November 30, 2023. Sign up now to guarantee current-year rates.

Scroll right to see program costs.

8-DAY PROGRAM

CLASSIC HOTELS
Guaranteed small group

PREMIUM HOTELS
Guaranteed small group

Base cost with double room hotel occupancy $3,000/p $3,550/p
Supplement for single room hotel occupancy $800/p $1,350/p
Discount for triple room hotel occupancy -$75/p  -$100/p
10-DAY PROGRAM

CLASSIC HOTELS
Guaranteed small group

PREMIUM HOTELS
Guaranteed small group

Base cost with double room hotel occupancy $3,450/p $4,250/p
Supplement for single room hotel occupancy $1,000/p $1,700/p
Discount for triple room hotel occupancy -$100/p -$125/p
12-DAY PROGRAM

CLASSIC HOTELS
Guaranteed small group

PREMIUM HOTELS
Guaranteed small group

Base cost with double room hotel occupancy
The Petra Day Tour is extra
$4,200/p $5,000/p
Supplement for single room hotel occupancy $1,250/p $1,950/p
Discount for triple room hotel occupancy -$120/p -$140/p
Supplement for guided Petra Day Tour from Eilat
Excludes a border crossing fee of US$65 to be paid via credit card on the Israeli side and a visa fee of US$60 to be paid in cash on the Jordanian side. Government fees are subject to change.
$219/p $219/p

HOTEL PACKAGE OPTIONS

CLASSIC HOTELS

  • Offered on all dates
  • 4-star equivalent hotels
  • Centrally located hotels
  • Max group size of 26
PREMIUM HOTELS

  • Offered on select dates
  • Mostly 5-star equivalent hotels
  • Centrally located hotels
  • Max group size of 26
Nof Ginnosar Hotel, Galilee
ADDITIONAL NOTES

  • View the projected hotels we are offering by date.
  • When more than one hotel package option is offered on the same dates, travelers are typically accommodated in separate groups with separate staff teams.
  • Double occupancy rooms can be configured with either two twin beds or one queen/ full-size bed (varies by hotel).
  • Travelers opting for a triple room are typically accommodated in a standard-size double room with a rollaway bed.
  • We reserve the right to consolidate hotel package options on the same dates with a complimentary package upgrade.

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TOUR DURATION OPTIONS

My Turn can be experienced as an 8, 10, or 12-day tour. Here’s how it works:

TOUR ARRIVAL DATE
The program begins at either 12:30pm or 6:30pm at our hotel in Jerusalem on Thursday. Travelers are encouraged to arrive on Wednesday to acclimate and participate in the early touring on Thursday – and an additional Jerusalem hotel night is available on Wednesday evening. A complimentary airport transfer to our Jerusalem hotel is provided on Wednesday for flights arriving between 6:00am-5:35pm and on Thursday for flights arriving between 6:00am-4:20pm.

8-DAY PROGRAM
The 8-day itinerary covers Jerusalem, the Judean Desert, the Galilee, Golan Heights, Rosh Hanikrah, and Haifa – concluding as we arrive to Tel Aviv on Thursday evening. No hotel in Tel Aviv is included on Thursday night unless it is requested as an extra booking.

10-DAY PROGRAM
The 10-day itinerary covers Jerusalem, the Judean Desert, the Galilee, Golan Heights, Rosh Hanikrah, Haifa, and Tel Aviv. The 10-day experience concludes on Saturday evening. No hotel in Tel Aviv is included on Saturday night unless it is requested as an extra booking.

12-DAY PROGRAM
The 12-day itinerary covers Jerusalem, the Judean Desert, the Galilee, Golan Heights, Rosh Hanikrah, Haifa, Tel Aviv, and Eilat (via an included domestic flight). An optional guided day tour of Petra is available as an add-on. No hotel in Eilat is included on Monday night unless it is requested as an extra booking.

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INCLUDED

Benefit from our no-hidden-costs approach so that you can enjoy your experience to the fullest. Review the official My Turn Prep-Trip Prep Guide for even more program information.


What’s Included

Airport Transfer

An airport greeting and private transfer to our Jerusalem hotel are complimentary for travelers arriving by flight to Ben Gurion Airport on the:

  • First day of the program (Thursday) between 6:00am–4:20pm
  • Day before the program (Wednesday) between 6:00am–5:35pm

HOTELS ACCOMMODATIONS

Centrally located with porterage included
Classic and Premium options offered – Learn More

EDUCATIONAL STAFF

A licensed Israeli guide accompanies the group on 24 x 7 basis*
An additional program host joins groups with 20-26 travelers

Touring Bus

Deluxe motorcoach with AC and an experienced Israeli driver*
Saturdays in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv are walking tour days. Groups with 10 or fewer travelers may be accommodated with a guide who is the driver of an appropriate-sized touring vehicle.

Two Meals Daily

Including tax and tips at restaurant meals
For those adding the Eilat Extension, only breakfast is included

All Programming

Site entrance fees and all touring experiences noted in the itinerary

Israel Sources & Resources Booklet

Preview the booklet in advance of your trip

Wireless touring headsets

Don’t miss a word from our educational team
For groups with 20-26 travelers

Applicable Taxes

An additional VAT (tax) applies for Israeli citizens at group hotels.
Border-crossing fees are not included in the Petra Day Tour.

*The Eilat Extension (i.e. Days 11-12) is generally not escorted apart from the optional Petra Day Tour, which is provided via a trusted local partner.

What’s Not Included

Local medical insurance (optional)
Get peace of mind with a local health insurance policy and receive medical care without any co-pays, deductibles, or paperwork. LEARN MORE.
Travel protection (optional)
Prepare for the unexpected with a travel protection plan. LEARN MORE
Flights to/from Israel
Meals not included in itinerary
Hotel incidentals
Israeli staff gratuities
Suggested $100-$150 per traveler

REGISTER

HOTEL PACKAGE OPTIONS

CLASSIC HOTELS

  • Offered on all dates
  • 4-star equivalent hotels
  • Centrally located hotels
  • Max group size of 26
PREMIUM HOTELS

  • Offered on select dates
  • Mostly 5-star equivalent hotels
  • Centrally located hotels
  • Max group size of 26
Nof Ginnosar Hotel, Galilee
ADDITIONAL NOTES

  • View the projected hotels we are offering by date.
  • When more than one hotel package option is offered on the same dates, travelers are typically accommodated in separate groups with separate staff teams.
  • Double occupancy rooms can be configured with either two twin beds or one queen/ full-size bed (varies by hotel).
  • Travelers opting for a triple room are typically accommodated in a standard-size double room with a rollaway bed.
  • We reserve the right to consolidate hotel package options on the same dates with a complimentary package upgrade.

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ITINERARY

My Turn tells the story of Israel through the lens of Jewish historyWe begin where it started in Jerusalem, we follow the path of the Exile to Masada and Galilee, and then we conclude in Tel Aviv celebrating the establishment of modern Israel.

Final itineraries vary only slightly and are re-confirmed about two months prior. VIEW PROJECTED HOTELS WE ARE OFFERING. VIEW the 2023 PROGRAM ITINERARY HERE.

DAY 1 > THURSDAY | Baruch HaBah — Welcome to Israel!
NOTE: To best acclimate for the journey ahead, travelers are encouraged to arrive at least a day early. Group rates are available at the Jerusalem hotel.

  • Arrive at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport on your self-booked flight
    An airport VIP greeting and complimentary transfer to our Jerusalem hotel is included for all travelers arriving between 6:00am and 4:20pm today and between 6:00am and 5:35pm the day before
  • A complimentary “pre-tour” is available for anyone already in Israel from the night before or arriving to Ben Gurion Airport by 9:30am this day. Notify us at least a month in advance if you plan to participate.
    • Pick-up at 12:00pm from our Jerusalem hotel and travel to the bustling open-air Mahane Yehuda Marketplace for lunch on own
    • View the renowned Chagall Windows at Hadassah Hospital in Ein Kerem
  • Evening: Enjoy a welcome dinner at Joy Restaurant in the Mamilla Complex followed by the Tower of David Night Spectacular show in the Old City

Dinner
JERUSALEM

DAY 2 > FRIDAY | The Old City of Jerusalem

  • Experience a panoramic introduction to Jerusalem from the Haas Promenade
  • Enter the Old City via the Zion Gate – Explore the rooftops, alleyways, and ancient squares of the Jewish Quarter
  • Reflections at the Kotel – The Western Wall – explore the Southern Wall Excavations and go deep under the Old City in the Kotel Tunnels
  • Return to our accommodations – Freshen up, relax, and experience the quiet that descends on Jerusalem as the city prepares for the start of Shabbat
  • Evening: Option to experience Kabbalat Shabbat at the Western Wall followed by a festive Shabbat dinner as a group at our hotel
Breakfast & Dinner
JERUSALEM

DAY 3 > SATURDAY | Shabbat in Jerusalem
All touring today is on foot

  • Morning Option: Return to the Old City to tour the historic Christian Quarter and Arab Shuk (bazaar), including a visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher
  • Shabbat lunch is included at our hotel
  • Afternoon Option: Jerusalem Beyond the Walls – Montefiore’s Windmill, Yemin Moshe, Mishkenot Sheananim, and the First Jerusalem Train Station Market
  • Evening: Discover Jerusalem nightlife at Ben Yehuda Pedestrian Mall, the German Colony, the Russian Compound, and beyond (on own)
Breakfast & Lunch
JERUSALEM

DAY 4 > SUNDAY | Loss & Renewal in Israel

  • Docent-led tour of Yad Vashem World Holocaust Remembrance Center
  • Learn about the leaders who shaped the story of modern Israel at Mt. Herzl National Cemetery
  • Walking tour of the Knesset grounds, Israel’s parliament building, and stop for a photo-op at the Knesset Menorah
  • Evening: Travel to the near-desert for a short camel ride and a desert tent dinner feast at Eretz Bereisheit
Breakfast & Dinner
JERUSALEM

DAY 5 > MONDAY | Adventures in the Judean Desert

  • Rise early and travel into the deep Judean Desert
  • Ascend Masada via the cable cars or hike up the Snake Path – Tour of Herod’s desert mountaintop fortress and the bastion of an ancient Jewish rebellion
  • Experience effortless floating at the Dead Sea with access to the private beach and spa at the Crowne Plaza Resort
  • Travel northwards to the Galilee via the Jordan River Valley, part of the vast Syrian-African Rift
  • Check-in and dinner at our country resort accommodations in the Galilee
Breakfast & Dinner
GALILEE

DAY 6 > TUESDAY | Mystics in the Galilee

  • Relaxed morning to enjoy the hotel facilities
  • Explore ancient Tsfat – The historic center of Jewish mysticism in the Galilee
  • Lunch on own and personal exploration time in the Tsfat artists’ colony and meet with Kabbalistic artist, Avraham Lowenthal
  • Afternoon: Tasting and tour at the Dalton Winery in the Galilee highlands
  • Travel to the Kinneret – the Sea of Galilee – and embark on a festive cruise across Israel’s largest lake
  • Return to our hotel where dinner is included
Breakfast & Dinner
GALILEE

DAY 7 > WEDNESDAY | Perspectives from the Golan Heights

  • Ascend the Golan Heights and explore this rugged region of Israel on a historical off-road jeep trek
  • View Israel’s neighbors and navigate former IDF bunkers at the summit of Mt. Ben-Tal, a dormant volcano on the Golan overlooking Mt. Hermon and Syria
  • Travel to Ein Kinya village to learn about Druze culture over a traditional lunch
  • Continue on to Mitzpe Gadot to learn about the remarkable story of Eli Cohen, the Israeli super-spy who left his mark on the Golan Heights
  • The rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy the hotel facilities
  • Evening: Dinner on own and personal exploration time in the village of Rosh Pina, an early Zionist settlement founded with the assistance of Baron Edmond James de Rothschild
Breakfast & Lunch
GALILEE

DAY 8 > THURSDAY | The Western Galilee

  • Depart the Sea of Galilee region and travel to the Western Galilee
  • Descend into the ocean-swept caves of Rosh Hanikrah on Israel’s far northern border
  • Lunch is served at the Rosh Hanikrah restaurant overlooking Israel’s rugged coast
  • Continue to Haifa, Israel’s most diverse city, for a view of the Bahai Temple Gardens on the slopes of Mount Carmel
  • Caesarea – Discover Herod’s Roman amphitheater and grand palace on the beach
  • Arrive to Tel Aviv, Israel’s cultural and commercial capital, in the early evening
    • 8-day tour travelers booked on overnight flights this evening are offered a transfer to Ben Gurion Airport departing Tel Aviv at ~7:15pm and arriving to Ben Gurion Airport at ~8:00pm
      Accommodations in Tel Aviv are not included tonight for 8-day travelers unless otherwise requested
    • 10-day tour travelers check in to our hotel on the coast and enjoy a free evening with dinner on own
Breakfast & Lunch
TEL AVIV

DAY 9 > FRIDAY | Founding of Modern Israel

  • Visit the Ayalon Institute (“the Bullet Factory”) – Learn about the story of the Haganah and the quest to create a modern Jewish State at this secret factory
  • Tour the ancient port city of Jaffa and browse the Jaffa Flea Market
  • Spend the rest of the afternoon celebrating the spirit of Tel Aviv at Nahalat Binyamin street festival, the Carmel Market, the trendy Rothschild Boulevard, and Independence Hall where the modern State of Israel was founded (re-opening in 2024-25)
  • Program wrap-up and farewells on the beach followed by the option to attend a Kabbalat Shabbat service
  • Evening: Enjoy a festive Shabbat dinner experience as a group at our hotel
Breakfast & Dinner
TEL AVIV


DAY 10 > SATURDAY | Shabbat on the Beach
All touring today is on foot

  • Relaxed morning to explore Tel Aviv on your own or enjoy the city’s Mediterranean beach culture
  • Shabbat lunch is included at our hotel this afternoon
  • Walking Tour – Rabin Square Memorial, HaBimah Theater Grounds, and the “White City” Bauhaus architecture of Tel Aviv
  • Late afternoon/early evening transfer options:
    • 10-day tour travelers booked on overnight flights this evening are offered a transfer to Ben Gurion Airport departing Tel Aviv at ~7:15pm and arriving to Ben Gurion Airport at ~8:00pm
      Accommodations in Tel Aviv are not included tonight for 10-day travelers unless otherwise requested
    • 12-day tour travelers are transferred to Ben Gurion Airport for a late afternoon/early evening flight to Eilat (see below)
Breakfast & Lunch
TEL AVIV

EILAT EXTENSION | DAYS 11-12

Conclude your travels at the Red Sea resort city of Eilat – with the option to visit Petra, Jordan’s wonder of the world. The package includes two nights at a resort hotel with breakfast daily, round-trip domestic flights, and all airport transfers. The Eilat extension is designed as a vacation package and is not guided. The guided day tour of Petra in Jordan costs an additional $375 per person and is designed for active travelers. It includes round-trip transfers, entrance fees, border/visa fees (subject to change), tips, and lunch (not kosher).

DAY 10 > SATURDAY |
Flight to Eilat

For morning & afternoon programming – see above

  • Board a domestic flight to Eilat from Ben Gurion Airport
  • Arrive at Ramon Airport and transfer to our resort accommodations on the Red Sea
  • Check-in to our hotel and dinner on your own along the Red Sea
Breakfast & Lunch
EILAT

DAY 11 > SUNDAY |  Optional Petra Day Tour

  • Option #1: Guided day tour of Petra in Jordan
    Pick-up at 7:30am at our hotel; lunch and all border crossing fees are included (not kosher)
  • Option #2: Relaxed day to enjoy Eilat and the Red Sea on your own
Breakfast
EILAT

DAY 12 > MONDAY | Red Sea Relaxation

  • Relaxed day to enjoy Eilat and the Red Sea
    Check-out is at 11:00am, however, guests will retain access to hotel facilities all day
  • Transfer from the hotel to the Ramon Airport for a domestic flight to Ben Gurion Airport (see below)
    Accommodations are not included tonight unless otherwise requested
Breakfast


EILAT FLIGHT LOGISTICS

The Eilat (Days #11-12) begins with a 50-minute domestic flight from Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport on Saturday (Day #10) that we will book on your behalf and arrange for your airport transfer. Most flights will depart in the late afternoon and early evening and are not appropriate for Shabbat-observant travelers.

The Eilat Extension ends with a return domestic flight on Monday. If you are departing from Israel immediately after the Eilat Extension, we encourage you to book an international flight that departs Ben Gurion Airport between 10:30pm (Monday) and 1:00am the next day (Tuesday).

Unless otherwise requested by the traveler, your return domestic flight will be selected by our office according to a schedule that will bring you to Ben Gurion Airport’s international terminal 3-5 hours ahead of your scheduled international flight. If no such domestic flight exists we will contact you with alternate options. Domestic flight delays and airport transfer delays are infrequent but can occur. Any such delay resulting in a missed international flight is the responsibility of the traveler alone, and travel insurance is recommended accordingly.

If you are considering an international return flight that departs Ben Gurion Airport before 1:00pm, keep in mind that there are limited or no early morning flights from Eilat to Tel Aviv, and you will almost definitely need to spend the night before at a Tel Aviv hotel or at a hotel near the airport such as Sadot. Ground transportation is not provided by the program in such scenarios.

We can only book your domestic flights after we first receive your connecting travel plans. Since domestic flight availability is limited, we encourage you to send us your post-Eilat travel plans as soon as possible. If you have any questions about coordinating your international flights, please do not hesitate to contact us. Shortly before the start of the program, we will provide you with a logistics plan based on your personal travel arrangements to and from Eilat.

FAQS

You have questions? We’ve got answers! Our most frequently asked questions are answered below, and you can access the official Pre-Trip Prep Guide for even more background about the tour. Contact us if you have additional questions.


How do the 8, 10 or 12-day options work?

The program is offered as an 8-day, 10-day, or 12-day experience, but everyone travels as part of one group regardless of the duration chosen. The 8-day experience ends as we arrive to Tel Aviv on Thursday evening. The 10-day experience includes touring in the Tel Aviv region on the final Friday and Saturday, with two overnights at a beach-side hotel in Tel Aviv. The 12-day experience includes two nights and two days at the Red Sea resort city of Eilat with an optional day tour of Petra offered. No hotel overnights are included on the final day of the program unless arranged with us separately.

Although not formally offered, a 9-day program is possible including a full day of touring in Tel Aviv on Friday. Contact us for additional details.

Who staffs the tour?

My Turn is led by a licensed Israeli guide who accompanies the group on a 24/7 basis. An additional program escort joins groups with over 20 participants. Our staff members are charismatic educators eager to share the beauty of Israel. Finally, our travel takes place on a spacious, comfortable, air-conditioned bus with a dedicated driver

NOTE: The Eilat Extension (i.e. Days 11-12) is generally not escorted apart from the optional Petra Day Tour which is guided.

How active is the touring?

Because we want you to get the most out of your time in Israel, our touring days are full, and there is quite a bit of travel on foot. While none of the walks are strenuous, you will find at the end of the day that you have taken a large number of steps! Be prepared for an average of 3-4 hours of walking a day over all manner of surfaces (cobblestones paths, nature trails, uneven walkways, etc.). Additionally, the weather in Israel is warm, particularly from April to September, and the sun is more intense than you may be used to at home. Where necessary, we will adjust the itinerary for your comfort, and participants may take a break from the active schedule at their own discretion after coordinating with the guide.
NOTE: Travelers requiring walking support or with mobility constraints will not be well accommodated on this program. 

Who participates in the program?

My Turn typically attracts travelers from across North America and beyond. Travelers are adults seeking a first-time Israel experience or returning to Israel for a fresh perspective. Groups are comprised of solo travelers as well as travelers with a companion.

What's the typical size of the group?

A typical My Turn group brings together 15-20 travelers, however, group sizes can vary widely. There is no minimum participation (since all tour dates are guaranteed), and we limit groups to no more than 26 travelers. We also may host more than one group at a time, in which case each group will have its own staff team and travel independently. For your comfort, we normally use a 53-seat touring bus.

What's the difference between Classic and Premium hotel packages?

The Premium package is comprised of mostly 5-star equivalent, centrally located hotels with premium amenities and a pool. The Classic package comprises mostly 4-star equivalent, centrally located hotels with fewer amenities and usually without a pool.
NOTE: The typical hotels we use are noted in the program itinerary. In special circumstances where our typical hotels are not available, we will offer a hotel substitution of equivalent quality.

How Jewish is the experience?

My Turn is a pluralistic Jewish travel experience welcoming to all. Group meals are kosher, and there is no bus-based touring on Shabbat. The program is unaffiliated with any specific approach to Judaism. Travelers on My Turn arrive with varying degrees of Jewish affiliation, and non-Jewish family members and friends are welcomed. Our goal is to provide a complete first-time experience in Israel through the lens of Jewish history and identity.

How much of a group experience is this?

Our goal on My Turn is to create a sense of community among individual travelers – with participants gaining lasting new friendships and a richer experience as a result. There are also ample opportunities for personal exploration during the tour and many of the dinners are intentionally left free. In particular, Saturdays are designed to be less structured, and no programming is mandatory on any day. Participants are encouraged to arrive in Jerusalem earlier or stay in Tel Aviv longer to explore even more on their own. Group hotel reservations can be extended accordingly.

How all-inclusive is the experience?

In short, you’re responsible for arranging your own flights to and from Israel, and we take care of most everything else! The program covers two meals a day, all touring, a fantastic staff team, hotel accommodations including luggage porterage, and deluxe motorcoach transportation. An airport greeting and roundtrip airport transfers are offered on the arrival day, the day before the arrival day, and on the final evening of the program. You’ll be responsible for one meal a day, specialty beverages at group meals, and staff gratuities. Learn more about what’s included.

What's the suggested staff gratuity?

You’ll soon discover that our staff pours their hearts into the success of your experience, and at the end of the tour, providing a cash tip (dollars or shekels) is a customary and thoughtful gesture. Although the amounts and allocation are ultimately at your discretion, we recommend budgeting for a tip pool of $100-150 per traveler to be divided as follows:

  • 1/2 for the guide
  • 1/4 for the driver
  • 1/4 for the tour director/assistant (if applicable)

How are special dietary needs accommodated?

Be sure to note any special dietary needs as part of your registration. We will coordinate with our hotel and restaurant meal providers to arrange special accommodations as necessary. We make a good-faith effort to accommodate food allergy considerations, however, we can not make absolute guarantees on behalf of our meal-providing partners.

How do I get ready for the trip?

Take a moment to review the Pre-Trip Prep Guide. Luggage tags are distributed approximately a month prior to arrival, and you’ll also be invited to a program Facebook group to connect with fellow travelers before the program and stay in touch afterward.

How should I arrange my travel to and from Israel?

Basic guidelines for planning your travel to/from Israel are summarized below. More detailed advice is contained in the Pre-Trip Prep Guide. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or for advice on booking flights

TRAVEL TO ISRAEL

  • All participants are expected to make their own air travel arrangements to and from Israel (book your flights via a travel agent). The only international airport in Israel is “Ben Gurion” (airport code: TLV), located just 40 kilometers from Jerusalem (~25 miles) and 15 kilometers (~9 miles) from Tel Aviv. Non-stop flights are available from several major North American cities, including NYC, DC, Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Newark, Miami, Dallas, and Toronto. Many connecting flight options are available via Europe.
  • An airport greeting and a private transfer to our Jerusalem hotel are complimentary for anyone arriving at Ben Gurion Airport as follows:
    • The first day of the program (Thursday) between 6:00am and 4:20pm
    • The day before the program begins (Wednesday) between 6:00am and 5:35pm
  • NOTE: The transfers are private for My Turn travelers with a maximum wait time of 30 minutes if travelers on multiple flights are to be accommodated together. Due to logistical considerations, this transfer service is only available to travelers arriving at the airport by flight. 
  • Those travelers arriving outside of these covered times can receive the same airport greeting and transfer service to our hotel in Jerusalem for an additional fee depending on the size of the party (note: the cost of a standard taxi to Jerusalem is $80-$100)
  • Travelers arriving at Ben Gurion Airport after 4:20pm on the first day of the program will likely miss the welcome dinner and programming this evening and will be responsible for their own transportation to the restaurant. We do not recommend it!
  • Those travelers arriving in Israel early (which we recommend for acclimating in advance of the tour) can be accommodated by prior arrangement at our hotel in Jerusalem based on our group rates, which includes breakfast and our standard cancellation terms.

TRAVEL FROM ISRAEL

  • At the end of the core program (Thursday or Saturday night), participants will be escorted back to Ben Gurion Airport in time for overnight flights departing between 10:30pm and 1:00am the next day. No hotel is included this evening unless arranged separately.
  • Participants booked on return flights outside of this window can be accommodated with an airport transfer by special arrangement, and additional fees will apply (note: taxis from Tel Aviv to Ben Gurion Airport are inexpensive, ubiquitous, and reliable).
  • Those travelers extending their stay in Tel Aviv can be accommodated at our seaside hotel based on group rates, which include breakfast and our standard cancellation terms.

TRAVEL WITH THE EILAT EXTENSION
For those taking part in the Eilat Extension, we will arrange your connecting domestic flight from Eilat back to Ben Gurion Airport according to your connecting flight departure time. We encourage you to book an international flight that departs between 10:30pm and 1:00am the next day. If you are booked on a flight that departs Ben Gurion Airport after 1:00am you will likely need to spend the night at an airport hotel (additional cost applies) or make separate arrangements.

What are the passport and visa rules for Israel?

Check to make sure that you know where your passport is and that it is not expired or about to expire. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you arrive in Israel. If your passport expires within this period, please start the renewal process today. Many airlines will deny you boarding if your passport is not valid according to this policy. If you are traveling to Israel on a USA, Canadian, or European Union member country passport, a visa is not needed to enter Israel. If you are traveling on a passport from another country, you may need a visa to enter Israel. Our office is able to provide you with an official ticket confirmation if needed.

How does Authentic Israel approach safe travel in Israel?

Providing safe travel experiences is our guiding consideration. We appreciate our responsibility and the trust that travelers place in us. We care about their well-being like family. Key security-related protocols that we follow include:

  • Traveling on private transportation only
  • Traveling with a licensed Israeli guide at all times who has been trained in security response
  • Avoiding travel to areas of heightened concern
  • Use of hotels with a guard and a secure area
  • 24/7 support from our headquarters office in Israel
  • Close coordination with the Israeli security services via the “Situation Room”
  • Willingness and ability to modify our programming, staffing structure, and/or overall protocols as needed based on actual conditions where we travel.

Finally, in the rare event of an acute security event, we have issued full refunds in the past, and we will continue to follow this principle should we deem the situation appropriate.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us to learn more about our approach to providing travel experiences that are safe, meaningful, and joyous.

 

Page - My Turn - FAQ

REGISTER

To sign up, complete the online REGISTRATION FORM

Sign up at least five months in advance to lock in your spot and receive a $100/person discount. All payments are fully refundable up to four months in advance, so your savings are risk-free.

NOTE: 2024 trip costs increase on November 30, 2023. Sign up now to guarantee current-year rates.

Enrollment Terms

Be sure to review these simple enrollment steps and terms 

    • To reserve your spot, a $250/person fully refundable deposit is due at the time of your registration (all program costs are listed in US Dollars)
    • The deposit becomes non-refundable four months prior to the program start date
    • The balance is due no later than two months prior to the program start date after which all payments are non-refundable and exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis at Authentic Israel’s discretion
    • Cancellations must be made in writing, and we encourage you to consider purchasing travel insurance
      Must be issued before your final trip payment is made. Some benefits are only available if your travel insurance policy is purchased within 21 days of your initial trip registration.
    • Payment for the deposit may be made by check or credit card, and no credit card fees apply
    • Payment for the balance of program costs may be made by check or credit/debit card, however, a 3% processing fee applies for credit/debit card payments, and credit card fees are not refundable
    • All program dates are guaranteed, however, participation is subject to limited availability, and excess hotel rooms are typically released within 60 days of the program start date
    • Authentic Israel reserves the right to consolidate package options offered on the same dates according to its sole discretion – in such situations, complimentary upgrades will be offered
    • Authentic Israel reserves the right to deny acceptance to the program according to its sole discretion

SIGN UP


REAL REVIEWS FROM REAL TRAVELERS

We know you’ll love the My Turn in Israel experience, but don’t just take our word for it. Check out these real reviews from past travelers who have completed the journey.




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