The Holy Land: Views on Israeli-Palestinian Relations

The Holy Land: Viiews on Israeli-Palestinian Relations

October 6, 2010 - October 16, 2010

Group Size: 25

Starting from $7,795 per person

Explore the archaeological and cultural heritage of Israel and Palestine, and engage in the political issues that they face. Visit Jerusalem with its unique interplay of Jewish, Christian, and Muslim cultures and Ramallah, the political center of the Palestinian Authority.

Then travel through the Jordan Valley to Tiberias, your base for visits to ancient Capernaum and Beit She’an, a well preserved Roman and Byzantine city. Conclude in sophisticated and vibrant Tel Aviv, located on the sun-drenched Mediterranean Coast. Meetings with distinguished Israeli and Palestinian notables in the political and diplomatic worlds will enhance this unique journey.

Trip Highlights

Series of analytical lectures by Professor Everett Mendelsohn
Panel discussions at the Israeli Democracy Institute and Al-Quds University
Excursion to Bethlehem and Ramallah
Scrolls at the Israel Museum
Specially arranged visit with the International Christian Committee in Nazareth
Herod’s great Roman port city of Caesarea
Briefing at the U.S. Embassy

Schedule by Day

DAY 1: Depart the U.S. on an overnight flight to Tel Aviv

DAY 2: Arrive in Tel Aviv and transfer to Jerusalem / Introductory remarks by Professor Everett Mendelsohn

DAY 3: Jerusalem / Israeli Democracy Institute / Al-Quds University / Drive to the Mount of Olives for panoramic views / Stop at the Garden of Gethsemane / Old City / Walking tour of Via Dolorosa

DAY 4: Jerusalem / West Bank, beginning north of Jerusalem in Ramallah, where visits will be made to Birzeit University and a crafts project / Bethlehem / See the Church of the Nativity

DAY 5: Yad Vashem / Visits include the Avenue of the Righteous, the Historical Museum, and the poignant Children’s Memorial / View historic sections of Jerusalem and continue to the newly renovated Israel Museum / Panel discussion on current issues on Israel at Van Leer Institute

DAY 6: Drive through the Jordan Valley to Beit She’an, ongoing excavations have uncovered a city center, mosaic floors, and colonnaded shopping streets

DAY 7: Tiberias / See ancient Capernaum, where the disciples James, Simon Peter, John, and Andrew lived and where Jesus studied / Visit the synagogue which has been restored to its 4th-century beauty

DAY 8: Travel through the Galilee region for a visit to Nazareth, the childhood home of Jesus / Visit the International Christian Committee in Israel / View the remains of Herod’s great Roman port city of Caesarea / Travel to Tel Aviv

DAY 9: Begin the day at the U.S. Embassy / Continue south to Jaffa for a briefing at the Peres Center for Peace / Panel discussion with a retired general is arranged at The Institute for National Security Studies

DAY 10: Tel Aviv Museum of Art / the balance

of the day is at leisure and an optional architectural walking tour will be offered

DAY 11: Transfer to the airport for the flights home

Pricing

Land arrangements: $7,795
Single supplement: $1,570

Accommodations

Four nights at the American Colony Hotel, a 19th-century palace located near the Old City.
Two nights at the Historic Scots Hotel in Tiberias
Three nights at the Sheraton Hotel in Tel Aviv