Travel > Israel (Hebrew Immersion)
Hebrew by Heart: A Language Journey from Vermont to IsraelDates: Summer 2027
Prices (in US dollars): TBA
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.
Highlights:
- 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.
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
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.
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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.
What is the average age of participants?
Every trip is a little different, and the mix of travelers varies by destination and itinerary. Our groups bring together adults with a shared passion for learning, cultural exploration, and meaningful travel. Whether you're traveling on your own, with a partner, with friends, or as part of a multi-generational family, you'll find a welcoming community of fellow travelers who are curious, engaged, and eager to connect.
Can I join the trip as a solo traveler?
Yes. Many participants travel solo and pay a single supplement for a private room.Is this trip suitable for families?
While family members are welcome to travel together, our itineraries are not designed for children or family-focused travel. All participants must be 18 years of age or older and comfortable with the pace and structure of the itinerary.
Can teenagers participate?
Our programs are not designed for teenagers.
What level of physical activity is required?
Participants should be comfortable getting on and off a coach multiple times a day, as well as walking and standing during site visits. Some days may be more active depending on the itinerary and terrain.
If a particular activity is too challenging, our staff will do their best to assist with alternatives such as resting at a nearby location or arranging local transport to join the group, where possible.
If you have mobility concerns, we encourage you to contact us before registering so we can advise on suitability.
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.
What makes Melton World Travel different?
Melton World Travel combines immersive travel with structured, meaningful learning. Every journey is led by a trained Jewish educator and a historian, working alongside outstanding local guides and experts to provide rich historical context, multiple perspectives, and a deeper understanding of the history, culture, and contemporary life of each destination.
Our journeys begin long before departure. Travelers are invited to participate in online pre-travel learning, an informational orientation, and a meet-and-greet with fellow participants, building knowledge, community, and anticipation before setting foot on the plane.
To enrich the experience before and during the journey, travelers receive a comprehensive source guide filled with maps, timelines, articles, literature, recipes, and other resources that bring each destination to life. While traveling, participants also use an on-site primary source reader, allowing them to engage directly with historical documents and voices at the places where history unfolded.
We focus on small-to-medium group sizes, carefully curated itineraries, and meaningful encounters with local communities and individuals that go beyond sightseeing. The result is a thoughtful, engaging travel experience that combines learning, conversation, cultural immersion, and personal discovery -one that begins before you leave home and continues long after you return.
What is Melton School?
The Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning is an international organization dedicated to meaningful learning, lifelong engagement, and exploring Jewish history, culture, and ideas.
Melton Travel builds on this educational foundation by combining travel with learning, creating immersive experiences that explore Jewish history, culture, communities, and the broader stories and places that have shaped them.
Our journeys are open to everyone. You do not need to be a Melton student or have prior Jewish knowledge to participate. We warmly welcome curious travelers from all backgrounds who enjoy learning, meaningful travel, and engaging with history, culture, and diverse communities.
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.What is your cancellation policy?
A non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your place on the trip.Final payment due dates vary according to the trip and are clearly stipulated in the trip terms and conditions. Once final payment has been made, no refunds can be issued for cancellations, regardless of the reason.
All cancellations must be submitted in writing. We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance to protect against unforeseen circumstances that may require you to cancel your trip.
In the unlikely event that Melton World Travel cancels a trip, participants will receive a full refund of all payments made to Melton World Travel.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. We strongly recommend that all travelers purchase comprehensive travel insurance shortly after registering for a trip.
Trip deposits are non-refundable, and once the final payment deadline has passed, we are unable to issue refunds. Travel insurance can help protect you from financial loss due to covered events such as illness, injury, family emergencies, trip interruption, or other unexpected circumstances.
If you need to file a claim, our team will provide the documentation and supporting information required by your insurance provider to help make the process as smooth as possible.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking as early as possible. Each program requires a minimum of 15 participants in order to operate, and departures are confirmed once this threshold is reached.
Early registration helps secure your place and allows us to plan and confirm departures in a timely way.
Availability is limited and may vary by program, so we encourage travelers to register once they have decided on a trip.
What is included in the trip price?
Every Melton World Travel journey is thoughtfully designed to provide a rich, seamless, and educational travel experience. While specific inclusions may differ slightly by destination, you can generally expect your trip to include accommodation, ground transportation, expert local guides, entrance fees, gratuities, and various meals.Your journey also includes a robust educational program featuring pre-travel learning, an informational orientation, a comprehensive source guide, an on-site primary source reader, and the guidance of a trained Jewish educator and historian throughout the trip.
In addition, you'll enjoy daily breakfasts, welcome and farewell group dinners, reflection sessions, educational discussions throughout the journey, and meaningful opportunities to connect with fellow travelers. Individual trip pages provide complete details about the inclusions for each itinerary.
What is not included in the trip price?
Unless specifically listed as included on the trip page, travelers are responsible for all additional expenses. These may include, but are not limited to:- International and domestic airfare
- Travel insurance
- Passport and visa fees
- Airport transfers not specified in the itinerary
- Meals and beverages not listed as included
- Personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone charges, and room service
- Optional excursions and activities
- Excess baggage fees
- Medical expenses
- Transportation arranged outside of the group itinerary
- Costs associated with arriving early, departing late, or extending your stay
- Any expenses resulting from flight delays, cancellations, missed connections, weather events, illness, or other circumstances beyond our control
We encourage travelers to review the trip page carefully, as inclusions and exclusions may vary by program.
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.
What should I pack?
Before departure, we provide a recommended packing list tailored to your destination, season, climate, planned activities, and any cultural considerations. We will also advise you of any special clothing, footwear, or other items that may be needed for particular sites or experiences.Our packing list is intended as a helpful guide, and we encourage travelers to adapt it to their personal preferences and travel style. If you have any questions about what to bring, the Melton World Travel team is always happy to help.
Can I arrive early or stay longer?
Yes. For most of our trips, we assist with arranging pre- and post-trip extensions, as well as additional hotel nights before or after the program, subject to availability.
For destinations involving significant time zone changes, we often recommend arriving a day or two early. A pre-trip stay gives you time to adjust to the local time, recover from your journey, and begin the program feeling rested and ready to fully enjoy the experience.
How much luggage can I bring?
Luggage allowances may vary depending on the itinerary. While international airfare is not included in our trip packages, some journeys include domestic flights or other forms of transportation that have more limited baggage allowances.
To ensure a smooth travel experience, we encourage packing as lightly as possible. On some itineraries, smaller suitcases may be recommended due to airline baggage limits, regional aircraft, or ease of handling during the trip. If additional baggage fees are charged by an airline, they are the responsibility of the traveler.
Any luggage guidelines or applicable baggage allowances will be shared well in advance of departure, and the Melton World Travel team is always happy to answer questions as you prepare for your journey.
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.
Will I have free time?
Yes. While our trips feature a rich schedule of guided sightseeing, educational programming, and group activities, free time is intentionally built into the itinerary. These opportunities allow participants to explore on their own, relax, shop, visit sites of personal interest, or simply enjoy the destination at their own pace.What type of hotel accommodation do you use?
We typically use high-quality 4-star and 5-star properties carefully selected for their comfort, quality, location, and overall fit within the itinerary. While accommodation varies by destination, we strive to provide hotels that enhance the travel experience and offer a comfortable and enjoyable stay throughout the journey.
Can I request a roommate?
Yes. If you already have a preferred roommate, simply let us know when you register, and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
If you are traveling on your own and would like to share a room, we are happy to connect you with a traveler who has expressed an interest in being matched. While we cannot guarantee a roommate, we will make every effort to introduce compatible travelers who can decide whether they would like to share accommodations.
If a roommate is not available or a match is not confirmed, solo travelers will be accommodated in a private room, and the applicable single supplement will apply.
Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Yes. We make every effort to accommodate dietary preferences. We work closely with our local restaurants, hotels, and catering partners to ensure that every traveler feels welcome and well cared for.Meals included on our programs are always kosher-style. When meat is served, it is kosher, and any fish served is limited to kosher species. Unless otherwise specified, meals are not prepared under rabbinical supervision.
We are happy to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergy-related, and other dietary requirements whenever possible. While menu options may vary by destination and local availability, our team works in advance with our local partners to provide appropriate alternatives whenever we can.
If you have specific dietary needs, please let us know when you register. We are always happy to discuss your requirements and will do everything we can to ensure you are well accommodated throughout your journey.
Will there be Wi-Fi available?
Most hotels offer Wi-Fi, though service quality may vary by destination. Wi-Fi may also be available in cafés, airports, and public spaces.Please note that Wi-Fi is not guaranteed on buses. Travelers who anticipate needing consistent internet access may wish to check with their mobile provider regarding international plans or consider arranging an eSIM or other connectivity option before departure.
Are there toilets on buses?
It depends on the destination and the type of bus being used. Some buses are equipped with onboard restrooms, while others are not. Regardless, we schedule regular comfort stops throughout the day and as needed during longer drives to ensure everyone travels comfortably.
What happens in case of an emergency?
Your well-being is our highest priority. If you experience a medical emergency while traveling, our staff will help you obtain the appropriate medical care as quickly as possible and provide support throughout the process.While we may not always be able to remain with you at the medical facility, we will stay actively involved by communicating with your healthcare providers (when appropriate), contacting your designated emergency contact, assisting with translation or logistics when needed, and helping coordinate any necessary travel arrangements. We will continue to support you and your family until the situation is resolved and will do everything we reasonably can to ensure you are cared for every step of the way.
Our ground team is also available throughout the journey to assist with medical, logistical, and travel-related emergencies.
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.
Will there be opportunities for prayer services?
Each destination offers its own unique opportunities to experience Jewish life. Depending on the itinerary, there may be opportunities to attend Shabbat or holiday services, visit local congregations, or participate in other meaningful Jewish communal experiences.Whenever possible, we incorporate opportunities to connect with local Jewish communities in ways that reflect the character, customs, and traditions of each destination.
Are kosher meals available?
Yes. Whenever possible, we incorporate kosher meals into our group dining experience so that everyone can enjoy them together. When meat is served, it is kosher, and we serve only fish permitted under the laws of kashrut.Because the availability of kosher food varies from destination to destination, the number and type of kosher meals may differ by itinerary. In locations where kosher catering is available, we work closely with our local partners to include it whenever feasible.
If you have additional kashrut requirements beyond our standard meal arrangements, please let us know before you register. We are happy to discuss the options for your specific journey and will do everything we reasonably can to accommodate your needs.
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.
Will we visit major religious and historical sites?
Yes. Depending on the journey, you'll visit many of Israel's most significant religious, historical, and cultural landmarks, while also exploring lesser-known places and meeting the people behind today's Israel. Our itineraries are carefully curated to balance iconic sites with hidden gems, creating a richer, more authentic understanding of the country's past, present, and future.
What security measures are in place?
The safety and well-being of our travelers is our highest priority. For our Israel journeys, we work closely with the Israel Ministry of Tourism, which is in regular communication with the highest levels of Israel's security and government agencies. Our itineraries are reviewed daily in consultation with the Ministry and our trusted local partners to ensure they reflect the latest security assessments and current conditions.
Every travel decision is made based on real-time information and the guidance of experienced security professionals and local experts. If circumstances require, itineraries may be adjusted to maintain the highest standards of safety while preserving the educational integrity of the journey.
Our travelers can travel with confidence knowing that security is continuously monitored before and throughout the program, and that every decision is made with their safety and well-being at the forefront.
For more information ...
For more information, please contact us here.
T: 1–646–921–0747, Ext. 4
