Travel > Israel (Hebrew Immersion)

Hebrew by Heart: A Language Journey from Vermont to Israel

Dates: Summer 2027
Prices (in US dollars): TBA
 
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure that brings Hebrew to life, right where it was born! Explore, connect, and experience Israel in the language of its people.
 
Join us in Israel for a fun and exciting Hebrew Immersion Journey.

In partnership with Middlebury Language Schools

In this unique program, offered in partnership with the School of Hebrew, you’ll travel through Israel speaking, hearing, and living entirely in Hebrew. Each day includes an hour of interactive, level-based Hebrew learning, followed by immersive touring and cultural encounters that make the language come alive.

You’ll connect with Israelis from every walk of life, taste foods from the many cultures that shape modern Israel, and visit bustling markets, boutique wineries, Arab and Druze villages, kibbutzim, and moshavim. You’ll wander both iconic sites and hidden corners, uncovering the stories, flavors, and rhythms that define this extraordinary country. Along the way, you’ll learn, laugh, share meals, and even cook together, all in Hebrew.

To participate, your Hebrew should be at an intermediate or advanced level.
  • Begin with two weeks of immersive Hebrew learning at the Middlebury Language Schools in Vermont
  • Live in Hebrew every day with our resident ulpan teacher, as your skills grow and deepen through constant practice
  • Step into daily life in Israel in Hebrew, ordering food, speaking with shopkeepers, and navigating markets and neighborhoods with increasing confidence
  • Gather for a meaningful opening at the Caesarea Aqueducts overlooking the Mediterranean
  • Share an intimate Druze culinary experience in the village of Julis
  • Wander the mystical alleyways of Tsfat and enter its centuries-old synagogues shaped by Kabbalistic tradition
  • Encounter the beauty of Hebrew through a hands-on experience with a traditional scribe
  • Explore the ancient port city of Akko, culminating in a hands-on cooking and shared dining experience
  • Experience the rhythm of Tel Aviv and welcome Shabbat together on the beach at sunset.
Please read Melton's comprehensive health policy HERE.

  • Hebrew by Heart: A Language Journey from Vermont to Israel
    (Sample itinerary subject to change)

    Summer 2027: Modern Hebrew program at the renowned Middlebury Language Schools in Vermont.


    Summer 2027: Israel portion

    Day 1: Monday – Welcome to Israel – ברוכים הבאים לישראל

    Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport.

    Begin together at the Caesarea Aqueduct, overlooking the Mediterranean, marking this moment with Shehecheyanu and the words of Hannah Senesh, grounding ourselves in gratitude, courage, and connection.

    Share an intimate Druze lunch in the village of Julis, hosted by Chef Basma Hameed, hearing her story of resilience and renewal as we are welcomed into her world.

    Continue to the hotel, check in, and take a moment to settle into the rhythm of the journey.

    Gather for a festive welcome dinner and orientation.

    Step into Hebrew through movement with an Israeli dance session, full of rhythm, laughter, and connection.

    Overnight: North


    Day 2 – Tuesday – Northern Exposure – חשיפה לצפון

    Begin the day with breakfast followed by a Hebrew learning session, as the language begins to move from classroom to lived experience.

    Travel to Tsfat and wander its ancient alleyways, where mysticism and memory are woven into the stones.

    Enter the Ari Ashkenazi Synagogue and the Karo Synagogue, spaces shaped by centuries of prayer and Kabbalistic thought.

    Witness the sacred art of Hebrew writing with a sofer stam and try your hand at forming the letters yourself.

    Savor a Yemenite lachoch tasting with local cheeses in the Artists’ Colony, surrounded by color and creativity.

    Take part in a hands-on experience with Adama LaAdam, connecting learning with action and community.

    Return to the hotel for dinner and time together.

    Overnight: North


    Day 3 – Wednesday – To the North with Love – לצפון באהבה

    Begin the day with breakfast and a Hebrew learning session that continues to deepen your connection to the language.

    Travel along Israel’s northern border with Alma Center experts, gaining insight into the landscape and lived reality of this region.

    Visit Kishor Winery, where vineyards and community come together. Walk the grounds, taste the wines, and enjoy a relaxed Galilean lunch rooted in place and purpose.

    Explore the ancient city of Akko, moving through layers of history and culture. Discover the exhibits at the Treasures of the Wall Museum.

    Gather for a hands-on cooking experience at Beit Elfarasha, preparing and sharing a meal together in a beautifully restored Ottoman home.

    Return to the hotel and unwind.

    Overnight: North


    Day 4 – Thursday – From Sea to Sea – מים לים

    Begin the day with breakfast and a Hebrew learning session.

    Check out of the hotel.

    Meet Uri Mayer-Chissick and step into a world of food, history, and healing through a hands-on exploration of local ingredients and traditions

    Continue to Tel Aviv and check into the hotel.

    Head out in the evening to explore Tel Aviv’s vibrant culinary scene, choosing from its many lively neighborhoods

    Optional: take in a performance and experience the energy of Israel’s cultural life.

    Overnight: Tel Aviv


    Day 5 – Friday – The City That Never Sleeps – עיר ללא הפסקה

    Begin the day with breakfast and a Hebrew learning session.

    Step into the story of the Jewish people at ANU Museum, exploring identity, history, and connection across time and place.

    Walk through Trumpeldor Cemetery with a local musician, weaving together memory, story, and song.

    Move through the Carmel Market and Nachalat Binyamin, where color, flavor, and creativity fill the streets.

    Continue to Old Jaffa, wandering its ancient alleyways and taking in sweeping views of the Mediterranean

    Welcome Shabbat on the beach at sunset, as the city slows down and the horizon glows.

    Gather for Shabbat dinner at the hotel.

    Overnight: Tel Aviv


    Day 6 – Saturday – Shabbat in Tel Aviv – שבת בתל אביב

    Begin the day at a relaxed pace with breakfast.

    Enjoy a slow morning, with time to rest or join local services.

    Take time for lunch at leisure.

    Stroll through Neve Tzedek and along Rothschild Boulevard, where Tel Aviv’s story unfolds through architecture, culture, and everyday life.

    Gather for a learning session with Rachel Korazim, entering the world of Israeli poetry, memory, and voice.

    Mark the close of Shabbat with Havdalah overlooking the Mediterranean.

    Enjoy dinner at leisure.

    Overnight: Tel Aviv


    Day 7 – Sunday – Building Bridges in Israel – בונים גשרים בישראל

    Begin the day with breakfast and a Hebrew learning session.

    Check out of the hotel.

    Step into Ethiopian Jewish culture at Beit Ambosa, sharing a meal and hearing stories of journey, identity, and home.

    Visit the Nova Festival site, standing together in a place of memory, reflection, and recent history. Continue to the Sderot Police Station Memorial, pausing to honor lives lost and the resilience of community

    Return to Tel Aviv for an evening at leisure.

    Overnight: Tel Aviv


    Day 8 – Monday – On Our Way to Jerusalem – בדרך לירושלים

    Begin the day with breakfast and a Hebrew learning session.

    Check out of the hotel.

    Visit Abu Gosh and meet a local voice, gaining insight into shared life and community. Enjoy a relaxed lunch in the village.

    Arrive in Jerusalem and gather for a Shehecheyanu moment overlooking the Old City, taking in the weight and beauty of arrival.

    Check into the hotel.

    Come together for a Moroccan-inspired dinner, reflecting the richness of Jerusalem’s diverse traditions.

    Overnight: Jerusalem


    Day 9 – Tuesday – The Layers of Jerusalem – רבדי ירושלים

    Begin the day with breakfast and a Hebrew learning session.

    Walk through the City of David and continue along ancient pathways that lead toward the Western Wall.

    Explore the Jerusalem Archaeological Park, where the physical remains of history bring the past into the present.

    Stand together at the Western Wall, a place of prayer, memory, and connection.

    Take time for lunch at leisure in the Jewish Quarter.

    Wander through the Quarter, along the Cardo and past the Hurva Synagogue.

    Enter the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, encountering another layer of Jerusalem’s sacred story.

    Enjoy dinner at leisure.

    End the evening with the Light Show at the Tower of David, where history unfolds across stone and sky.

    Overnight: Jerusalem


    Day 10 – Wednesday – The City’s Mosaic – הפסיפס של העיר

    Begin the day with breakfast and a Hebrew learning session.

    Ride the Jerusalem Light Rail through the city’s diverse neighborhoods, witnessing its many worlds side by side.

    Taste your way through Machane Yehuda Market, where each stop tells a story through flavor and people

    Gather for dinner at Tmol Shilshom, a beloved literary café filled with warmth and character.

    Overnight: Jerusalem


    Day 11 – Thursday – The Revival of Hebrew: תחיית העברית

    Begin the day with breakfast and a Hebrew learning session.

    Check out of the hotel.

    Visit the Knesset during an election year, gaining a window into Israeli civic life.

    Step into the story of Hebrew’s revival at the Academy of the Hebrew Language.

    Continue to the National Library of Israel, where texts, ideas, and history come together.

    Enjoy time for lunch and last moments of exploring.

    Visit the Museum of Tolerance, engaging with questions of identity, coexistence, and shared future.

    Gather for a farewell dinner and closing reflection.

    Transfer to the airport for your journey home.

  • While Melton oversees the educational aspects of our tours, it's important to note that we are not a travel agency. For the logistics of this trip, our travel partners in Israel will be responsible.

    Please note that Melton is not liable for any financial loss due to reasons beyond our control, such as health-related cancellations. We highly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation and health-related issues, including COVID, within a few weeks of paying your nonrefundable deposit.

    Thank you for your interest in travelling with Melton. We eagerly await the opportunity to learn and explore together with you.

    The Melton Travel Team


    Please notify me when registration opens >

  • Price Includes:

    • 10 nights' accommodation / 11 days of touring  
    • Touring via deluxe air-conditioned coach 
    • 10 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 7 dinners 
    • All educational programming and entrance fees 
    • Wireless audio guide system  
    • Porterage 
    • Water bottles on the bus 
    • Tips for local service providers including guides, drivers and wait staff 

     


    Hotels:

    North: Nof Ginosar, Ginosar, 1498000, Israel Tel: +972.4.670.0320

    Tel Aviv: InterContinental David Tel Aviv, Kaufman St 12, Tel Aviv-Yafo, 61501, Israel Tel: +972.3.795.1111

    Jerusalem: Cassia Jerusalem, King David St 32, Jerusalem, 9410158, Israel Tel: +972.2.569.5555

    Note: We will do our best to assist you with extensions both before and after the trip.


    Not Included:

    • Air Travel
    • Travel Insurance
    • Tips for housekeeping
    • Personal expenses

  • Need to Know

    A non-refundable deposit is due upon registration. If the trip is cancelled, the registration fee will be refunded.  

    All cancellations must be submitted in writing. After final payment is due, there will be no refunds, nor will there be refunds for unused services. Please purchase travel insurance within 21 days of making this deposit. 

    Meals are included as indicated in the itinerary. Group rates are per person and a minimum of 15 fully paying participants. 

    A Melton educator will be with the group throughout the tour. 

    Activity level: Participants should be comfortable getting on and off a bus multiple times a day, as well as walking and standing during site visits. Some days may be more physically demanding than others. If a day’s activities are too challenging, our staff and educators will do their best to arrange for the traveler to stay with the driver, relax at a nearby café, or arrange for a taxi, with costs covered individually.  

    All gratuities are included. 

    Baggage: Melton shall not be held responsible for any damage to or loss of luggage/personal items. All damage/loss must be reported at the time of the incident and documented in writing by local authorities for submission to the insurance company. Regarding airline baggage allowance, different carriers have different regulations for business and coach, please check with your individual carrier about permitted number of pieces, weights, and dimensions. Melton is not responsible for fees levied by any air carrier for the transport of personal belongings of any kind. 


    Not Included

    • Air Travel
    • Travel Insurance
    • Tips for housekeeping
    • Personal expenses


    Full Terms & Conditions:

    This tour is in partnership with Middlebury Language Schools. Participants are required to agree to Middlebury's terms, as well as Melton's terms.

  • Melton Travel recommends Forbes Advisor for the most up-to-date travel insurance comparisons. Consider travel protection for:

    • Trip Cancellation
    • Trip Interruption
    • Emergency Medical Expenses
    • Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation of Remains
    • Trip Delay
    • Baggage & Personal Effects
    • Baggage Delay

     

    Please Note: To be eligible for the waiver of pre-existing medical condition exclusion, the protection plan must be purchased within 21 days (about 3 weeks) from the time you make your initial trip deposit, the entire non-refundable amount of the trip must be insured, and you must be medically able to travel at the time the premium is paid. However, the travel protection plan itself can be purchased any time prior to departure.

    Additional Information

    Airline Security Measures: Your name must match the name on your tour reservation and airline ticket, or you may be denied boarding. If you are traveling from an airport outside the jurisdiction of the U.S., you will need to determine what travel documentation and identification are required for that airport.

    Due to heightened security regulations, certain items such as a metal nail file, pocketknife, cigarette lighter or tweezers, and some liquid, gel, or aerosol items may not be permitted in your carry-on luggage. Please call your airline prior to departure to obtain current information on non-permissible carry-on items and recommended airport check-in times. You may also wish to visit the Transportation Security Administration website at www.tsa.gov to obtain more information on acceptable identity documentation and prohibited luggage items.

    Holidays and Museum Closures: Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or state and local holidays observed in the destinations being visited.

    Photography During Tours: We will occasionally use photographs taken by fellow guests or your trip director for promotional purposes. If you prefer your photo not used in any marketing activities, please notify us at the start of your tour.


  • Frequently Asked Questions ...

    IS THIS TRIP RIGHT FOR ME?

    Who are these trips for?

    Our programs are designed for adult travelers who enjoy meaningful learning, cultural exploration, and engaging with fellow travelers. We welcome individuals, couples, friends, and multi-generational families traveling with adult children or grandchildren.

    Our journeys are thoughtfully paced to balance learning, exploration, and free time, making them comfortable and rewarding for a wide range of travelers.

    Participants must be 18 years of age or older.

    ABOUT MELTON WORLD TRAVEL

    Why should I travel with Melton World Travel?

    Our journeys are led by experienced educators and local experts who bring depth, context, and perspective to each destination. Through guided exploration, learning sessions, discussions, and meaningful encounters with local residents, travelers gain a deeper understanding of the places they visit.

    We go beyond landmarks to include conversations with local communities, visits to cultural institutions, and opportunities to hear firsthand stories that bring each destination to life.

    Each itinerary is thoughtfully designed to balance iconic sites, immersive learning, authentic local experiences, and time to explore independently, creating a travel experience that is both enriching and rewarding.

    BOOKINGS, PAYMENTS & POLICIES

    How much is the deposit and when is final payment due?


    A deposit is required to reserve your place on the trip. Deposit amounts vary by program and are listed on the individual trip page.

    PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP

    Do I need a visa?

    Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality, destination, and, in some cases, the countries through which you transit. Travelers are responsible for determining and obtaining any required visas and travel documents before departure.

    We recommend checking the requirements with the appropriate embassy or consulate well in advance of your trip. If you have questions or are unsure what is required, the Melton World Travel team is happy to serve as a resource and help guide you to the appropriate information and visa services.

    DURING THE TRIP

    What size are your groups?


    Group sizes vary by destination but are intentionally kept small, typically ranging from 15 to 25 participants. This allows for a more personal, engaging, and flexible travel experience.

    A minimum of 15 travelers is required for a trip to operate. Maximum group size depends on the destination and demand but is generally capped between 24 and 25 participants to ensure a comfortable, personal experience.

    We aim to keep groups small enough to allow meaningful connection and a high-quality travel experience, while also making space for more participants on particularly popular or bucket-list journeys.

    JEWISH PRACTICE & OBSERVANCE

    How is Shabbat observed during the trip?

    Shabbat is an important part of a Melton journey and is observed in ways that reflect the destination and itinerary. When possible, we include opportunities to enjoy Shabbat meals, attend services, participate in meaningful discussions or walking experiences, and enjoy time for rest, reflection, or personal observance.

    To respect a range of traditions and practices, we do not schedule group transportation on Shabbat. Travelers with specific Shabbat observance needs or questions are encouraged to contact us before registering so we can discuss whether a particular journey is the right fit.

    ISRAEL-SPECIFIC

    Is the trip suitable for first-time visitors to Israel?

    Absolutely. Many of our Israel journeys are designed with first-time visitors in mind, providing a meaningful introduction to the country while going far beyond the highlights. At the same time, returning travelers consistently tell us they discover new places, hear new stories, and gain fresh perspectives with every visit.

    Each itinerary has its own educational focus, so no two Melton journeys are exactly alike. Whether it is your first visit or your tenth, you'll experience Israel through the lens of history, culture, contemporary society, and meaningful encounters with the people who call it home.


    For more information ...

    For more information, please contact us here.

    T: 1–646–921–0747, Ext. 4