Melton travel is open to adults of all ages.

We are so pleased that you are interested in travelling with Melton! As you may know, Melton provides the educational content for its tours, but is not a travel agency. VIA SABRA is the travel logistics provider for this tour and is responsible for the collection of all deposits and other fees. Because Melton does not collect any travel deposits or fees, it is not responsible for any financial loss associated with a cancellation of this tour for reasons beyond Melton’s control, including COVID.

We encourage you to read Via Sabra’s Terms and Conditions thoroughly, advising that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers both “cancellation for any reason” and for “COVID-related” reasons. Even where your destination does not presently restrict travel due to COVID, we still recommend you purchase a policy with such coverage.

Thank you for your understanding. We look forward to travelling and learning with you,
The Melton Travel Team

Please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you would like to be notified when registration opens.

Highlights

• Stay at the stunning Orient Hotel in Baka
• Unforgetable Old City 8th-night Hanukkiah tour
• Amazing underground tunnels and Bell Caves at Beit Guvrin
• Meet “the Jerusalem scribe” at work in the Old City
• Onsite food and wine tastings, and sufganiyot cooking demonstration
• Breathtaking panoramic views from 150ft at Tel Lachish
• Dinner at Foodish, the new culinary arm of ANU, the largest and most spectacular Jewish museum in the world

Includes

• Accommodations: 6 nights
• Meals: All breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners
• Educational Programming: All entrance fees and programs as per the Melton itinerary.

Hotels

• Jerusalem: The Orient Hotel, Emek Refaim 3 (Tel: +972 2-569-9090)
  
• Tel Aviv: Tel Aviv Royal Beach, 19 HaYarkon Street (Tel: +972 3-740-5000)

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

Does Not Include

• Flights and personal insurance
• Personal expenses, including meals or drinks not mentioned in the itinerary, unless specified.

Maccabees & Miracles: Hanukah Then and Now
(Itinerary subject to change)

Day 1: Monday – The Maccabean Victory and its Role in the new Jewish State

Arrive at the hotel

Welcome session and introduction to the two themes we will be tracking throughout the week: 1) the Maccabean struggle with Hellenism, and 2) how the Zionist movement embraced the victory of the Maccabees to enhance Jewish self-pride, military prowess, and self-reliance in the early years of the State.

Visit Maccabi Sports Museum, where we will see the development of sports that has galvanized the country since the 19th century, including a multi-media display of the Maccabi Games, first held in 1932 and named to honor the bravery and victory of the Maccabees.

Moroccan Hanukah Welcome Dinner at Ewa Safi – Ewa Safi features Moroccan soul food.

Candle lighting for the 5th night of Hanukah

Overnight: Tel Aviv

Day 2: Tuesday – Tel Aviv: The Center of Jewish Liberalism

Breakfast at the hotel

Framing Session: Tel Aviv and the “New Jew”

The Israeli Museum at the Yitzhak Rabin Center – This museum’s riveting exhibit contrasts the life of former prime minister Yitzhak Rabin, who was assassinated at a Peace Rally in 1995 by a Jewish extremist who opposed the signing of the Oslo Accords.

Tasting tour lunch in Levinsky Market – The Levinsky Market specializes in spices and Mediterranean delicacies. It is, in many ways, the best market in Tel Aviv, known for its variety, freshness, and special atmosphere. Whether you are looking for a rare Indian spice or some quality saffron – this is the place. Shops offer a cornucopia of excellent cheeses, smoked fish, wines, and other delicacies. Tour the market with "tastings" throughout, including sufganiyot, which are both delicious and eye-catching at this time of year.

Free time at Nahalat Binyamin Arts and Crafts Market – Visit Nahalat Binyamin, an open-air market in the heart of Tel-Aviv that has become synonymous with quality Israeli crafts and folk art. The market is comprised of over 100 stands representing specialty items and Judaica, in virtually every medium imaginable: wood, stone, sand, glass, ceramics, and various metals with most if not all, containing materials or themes found only in Israel.

ANU Museum of the Jewish People including Hanukah program and dinner with Foodish – join a fascinating journey that portrays the story of the Jewish people through the generations and up to the present time. The museum represents all parts of the Jewish people and highlights the creative works and cultural riches of a variety of communities in different periods of history. This story is about all of us, and each one of us is part of it. Foodish is the new culinary arm of ANU – the largest Jewish mMuseum in the world, which brings the story of Jewish food to the forefront.

Candle lighting for the 6th night of Hanukah

Overnight: Tel Aviv

Day 3: Wednesday – The Maccabees: Fanatics or Heroes?

Breakfast at the hotel

Framing Session: Today we will do a deep dive into the history of the Maccabees, who became the founders of the Hasmonean Dynasty that ruled Israel for nearly 80 years.
Check out of the hotel.

Tel Lachish – Tel Lachish is in the sh’felah, the lowlands, of Judea. Situated on a 150-foot mound, it provided a panoramic view of the lower sh’felah. The city was known as the defense center and fortress that monitored entrance into the Judean hill country from the west and southwest. Lachish is a very important archaeological site. Among the discoveries are the Fosse Temple, solar shrine, and numerous inscribed artifacts. Many of the events in the Book of Joshua took place in this area.

Beit Guvrin – At Beit Guvrin, there are thousands of underground caves dating back to the time of the Phoenicians. Discover the amazing Bell Caves here which house 800 bell-shaped caves in the park, some of which are linked by underground tunnels. These caves were quarried during the 4th-9th centuries when chalk was used to make roads, plaster, and mortar. Stop at the biblical hill of Tel Maresha.

Tzora Vineyards and Winery – Learn about the story of Judith as we taste wine and enjoy a light cheese lunch. The winemaker holds the title “Master of Wine.” He is an experienced agronomist and vintner, and is involved in the entire process, from growing and tending the vines, to the harvesting, and producing fine wines.

Emmaus Necopolis – Emmaus, also known as Hammat or Nekropolis (Necopolis), was a large city from the Hellenistic period through to the Byzantine period. It is strategically located on the main road from the plains to Jerusalem, near Latrun, and served as an administrative, military, and economic center. It was also a source of warm spring waters.

Ma'ale Beit Horon – The Battle of Beit Horon was fought during the Maccabean Revolt when the small band of Maccabees defeated the enemy’s large army, as recorded in the First Book of Maccabees.

Drive to Jerusalem and check into your hotel

Candle lighting for the 7th night of Hanukah

Dinner at leisure

Overnight: Jerusalem

Day 4: Thursday – Life in Jerusalem following the Maccabean Revolt

Breakfast at the hotel

Framing Session: The Role of the Holy Temple in Maccabean Times and Today’s Struggle over the Temple Mount.

The City of David – Visit the excavation of the City of David where King David captured a Jebusite citadel to build his capital. The city was well fortified with its own water source and Jerusalem was a perfect site for the new kind of national state that David envisioned.

The Temple Mount – Also known to Muslims as the Haram al-Sharif and the Al Aqsa Compound, this hill located in the Old City has, for thousands of years, been venerated as a holy site in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam alike.

The Hasmonean Aqueduct – The Hasmonean Aqueduct brought water into the city of Jerusalem from pools located in the area. It is located north of the northwest corner of the Temple Mount. In 19 BCE, Herod expanded the Temple Mount northward to include this area.

Lunch

Mount of Olives – The Mount of Olives offers a panoramic lookout over the city. There are countless Jewish, Christian, and Muslim traditions about Mt. Olives. Enjoy a beautiful lookout of the Holy Basin, including the old and the new city of Jerusalem.

Candle lighting for the 8th night of Hanukah

Hanukiyot Tour in Geula – On the last night of Hanukah, walk through the Jerusalem streets and gaze upon the hanukiyot fully lit, illuminating the hope that the Hanukah light ushers in, during the cold and darkness of the winter.

Dinner at Azura – Dinner at Azura, a family-run institution in the Iraqi section of the Machane Yehuda market, famous for its Turkish-inspired delicacies that are slow-cooked to perfection atop kerosene burners.

Machane Yehuda Market Nightlife – In the heart of Jerusalem Machane Yehuda is a bustling multi-ethnic market bursting with life, art, and flavor. Enjoy the hustle and bustle of the hottest nightlife scene in the city.

Overnight: Jerusalem

Day 5: Friday – The Role of the Temple in the Second Temple Period

Breakfast at the hotel

Framing session: Entering David’s City

The Jewish Quarter is best known for the Western Wall, but there’s a lot more to see and do here. See archaeological finds from the First and Second Temple periods, Roman ruins, vibrant synagogues, and learning institutions, all jostling for space in these busy, narrow stone streets.

The Western Wall Tunnels – Explore what’s under the Muslim Quarter through the Kotel Tunnels Tour. The Western Wall is impressive, but its greatness is truly discovered when you descend underground to the Western Wall Tunnels. The tunnels run along approximately 488 meters (1601ft) of the Western Wall, giving visitors a taste of the challenge that stood before Herod the Great during the biggest of all his immense building projects – the expansion of the Temple Mount.

Meet the Jerusalem Scribe – Kalman Gavriel Delmoor is a traditional Scribe with a modern lens. Through his unique perspectives and expertise in the ancient craft, Kalman brings the Torah to life in his art. Discover the fusion of artwork and tradition below. Meet Kalman, see him work, and learn about his mission.

Machane Yehuda Self-guided Tasting Tour – In the heart of the city sits a bustling multi-ethnic market bursting with life, art, and flavor. A tasting tour through Machane Yehuda Market is an adventure for your taste buds! Enjoy the hustle and bustle with all the rich fragrances, colors, and sounds this iconic Jerusalem market offers.

Free time

Kabbalat Shabbat

Shabbat Dinner at the hotel

Overnight: Jerusalem

Day 6: Saturday – Shabbat VaYinafash in Jerusalem

Breakfast at the hotel

Optional tour of The Israel Museum (30-minute walk) – Visit the unique collections and expansive grounds of the Israel Museum, the country’s national museum. Linger over renowned international and Israeli art, the world’s most complete Judaica collections, and the charming Billy Rose Sculpture Garden. You can also visit the Shrine of the Book, home to the exceptional archaeological finds of the Dead Sea Scrolls, and other rare ancient manuscripts.

Shabbat lunch at the home of Shana and Yonatan Neril – Rabbi Yonatan Neril is the founder and director of the Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development. Hear about Yonatan’s work in sustainability and enjoy lunch with his lovely family. Raised in California, Yonatan completed an M.A. and B.A. from Stanford University with a focus on global environmental issues and received rabbinical ordination in Israel. Yonatan is coauthor of the bestselling book Eco Bible, published by ICSD, which shines new light on how the Hebrew Bible and great religious thinkers have urged human care and stewardship of nature for thousands of years as a central message of spiritual wisdom.

Jason's Tomb – Jason's Tomb is a rock-cut tomb dating to the first century BCE of the Hasmonean period, discovered in the Rehavia neighborhood in 1956 when a charge was detonated to clear away rocks for a new apartment building. Jason was a High Priest in the Second Temple during the second century BC. He was instated in 175 BC by Antiochus Epiphanes.

Reflection session: What did the Zionist movement do with this story?

Havdalah as a group to end Shabbat

Dinner on your own

Overnight: Jerusalem

Day 7: Sunday – Modi'in: Hometown of the Maccabees

Breakfast at the hotel

Framing Session: How does the Hanukah story reflect modern Israeli/Jewish politics?

Check out of the hotel

Summary program with Kol Ha-Ot – Kol HaOt imparts Jewish values, texts, and history through a creative synthesis of the visual and performing arts. Explore the themes of the trip through an artistic lens with a local artist and creative activity.

Lunch on your own at Ishpro Center in Modi’in

Explore Modi’in city – the home of the Maccabees and, today, a modern thriving city.
Visit Latrun – One of the most fierce and important battles of the War of Independence was the fight for the fortress of Latrun, which commanded the main road between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

Final Dinner at AlaEsh in Modi’in

Need to Know

• Melton has offered quality educational travel opportunities for over 25 years, but it is not a travel agency and does not handle any payments made towards the tour. We have contracted this tour to Via Sabra  and it is essential that you read their Terms and Conditions prior to your actual registration.
•  Melton is not responsible for cancellation of this program for reasons beyond its control and your travel insurance should cover both "cancellation for any reason" and "COVID-related cancellation". This latter policy is being offered by a number of insurance companies (see Insurance, Health & Safety, on this page). 

Cancellations

Please refer to the Cancellation policy that appears in the Terms and Conditions of the Registration process with Via Sabra.

 Additional Information

•  Group rates are per person based on double occupancy and a minimum of 15 fully paying participants per bus. Should the number of participants drop below the minimum listed above, we will adjust the cost of the trip to reflect the additional expense of operating the program.
•  Tour prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All hotel accommodations, motor coach transportation, special dinners, sightseeing, admissions, luggage handling and the services of local guides, drivers, and the tour guide/educator are included.
•  Hotel Accommodations: The tour price includes all hotel accommodations, in hotel rooms with private baths. Our standard is to provide the best available hotels while considering value. Although the level of the accommodations may differ slightly from hotel to hotel, we are committed to your comfort. Two-bed rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples are two-bed rooms with a rollaway cot where available and are not recommended when considering the comfort of those in the room. King-size beds are not available in most hotels; what is considered king-size usually consists of two single beds pushed together and made up separately, but with one headboard. Some two-bed rooms may have two twin - not full- or queen-size - beds.
•  Meals are included as specified in the itinerary. In travel beyond Israel, not all communal meals are kosher certified, but fish- and vegetarian options will always be available and kashrut and other dietary requirements of group members will be taken into account. Participants can order additional kosher meals at prices set by our local agents.
•  All tours are led by a Melton educator  who remains with the group throughout the tour.
•  Gratuities: All gratuities for the educators, guides, drivers, and restaurant staff are included.
•  Baggage: The Travel Agent and/or Tour Operator shall not be held responsible for any damage to, or loss of, luggage/personal items. All damage/loss must be reported at time of the incident and documented in writing by local authorities for submission to the insurance company. With regard to airline baggage allowance, different carriers have different regulations for business and coach. Please check with your individual carrier with regard to permitted number of pieces, weights and dimensions. The tour operator is not responsible for fees levied by any air carrier for the transport of personal belongings of any kind.

• Airline Security Measures: In the U.S., you must provide identification in the form of a passport at the time of airport check-in for travel to international destinations. Your passport 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 is 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 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 religious, 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 that your photo not be used in any marketing activities, please notify us at the start of your tour.

Not Included

• Flights, personal and health insurance.
• Transfers from / to the airport unless as part of an organized group travelling together.
• Personal Expenses, including meals not mentioned above or drinks during meals, unless specified above; or room service.

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 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 particular 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.

For more information, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

T: 1–646–921–0747, Ext. 4