• 1 Night overnight flight to Israel
• 3 Nights Tel Aviv
• 2 Nights Eilat (Red Sea & ancient Petra, Jordan)
• 2 Nights Dead Sea
• 3 Nights Jerusalem
• 1 Night overnight flight home

• A night of music with conductor Yaacov Bergman
• Two additional musical events
• Private archeology tours of ancient Cesarea Maritima, Massada, Jerusalem, Nazareth and the Dead Sea Scroll caves of Qumran
• An excursion to Petra, Jordan
• Old Jerusalem with visits to the Holy Sepulcher, Via Dolorosa, Western Wall, Jewish quarter and Arab bazaars
• Opportunities to snorkel in the Red Sea
• A morning spent soaking in the waters of the Dead Sea
• A small group of inquisitive travelers

• Fully guided by Hava Reshef
• A night of music with  Yaacov Bergman, Conductor of the Portland Chamber Orchestra
• Three musical events
• Eleven nights of accommodation in superior three and four star hotels
• All breakfasts, eight lunches and all dinners
• Entrances to all sites listed in your itinerary
• Transport by private air conditioned mini-bus
• Entry visa taxes for Jordan and Israel
• Gratuities for your guides and driver
• City and national maps (provided in country)
• A pre-tour informational gathering
• A donation on your behalf (see below for details)
• A small group of soon to be friends

March 11
Day 1: Depart for Israel

March 12
Day 2: Welcome to Tel Aviv, Israel
Tel Aviv- the first Jewish town built in 1909 – even before the state of Israel came into being. Tel Aviv is a multicultural town, the world center for some interesting architectural lines such as "White City" International Style (Bauhaus) which ruled in the 1930s or the neo-oriental intriguing mish-mash of the 1920s. Tel Aviv has a lovely promenade along the sea with lots of restaurants, cafes, and pleasant shops. There is the lively Carmel market, crafter’s street and little winding alleys each with particular wares: shoes, spices, housewares. A “Welcome to Israel” orientation and dinner will be hosted by Hava Reshef tonight.  Sleep in Tel Aviv

March 13
Day 3: An outing to Cesarea Maritima & Jaffa
This morning we drive north along the Mediterranean coast to Cesarea Maritima - Cesarea was built by King Herod (ruled between the years 37-4 BCE) to serve as his main port. Palaces, water systems, shops & storage, a theatre, amphitheatre & hippodrome were all part of this roman-style town. Herod named the city after his Roman patron Octavian Augustus Caesar.   Time permitting; we shall tour Jaffa, an ancient, biblical port which served for centuries as the gate to the Holy Land. Today the port has undergone renovation and now is a much loved promenade, retaining the views of narrow alleys and artists' studios. A concert is possible tonight.  Sleep in Tel Aviv

March 14
Day 4 - Discover Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee
After breakfast we drive to the historic site of Nazareth – where Jesus was raised and visit the Annunciation Basilica and the Greek Orthodox colorful church of St. Gabriel. We shall then drive to the Lake of Galilee (Kineret) and enjoy a traditional lunch on St Peter's fish. The remainder of the day will be a series of visits to sites along the shores of the Lake of Galilee-also called the Lake of Genezareth, Lake of Tiberias or Kinnereth – the Hebrew name. This is the land tightly connected with the teachings and miracles performed by Jesus. Cafarnaum – home town of Simon-Peter and a home for Jesus – is a most interesting excavation of a typical Jewish town from the 1st to the 6th century. There is the beautiful Church of Multiplication: traditional site of the miracle of feeding thousands on two fish and five loaves of bread (Matthew 14, 14-34). The present building is a replica of a 5th century church and built over its marvelous mosaic floor depicting flora and fauna of that time period. The Church of Beatitude overlooks the lake on the site where Jesus preached his “Sermon on the Mount” (Matthew 5). Sailing on the lake in a wooden boat brings to mind the fishermen Jesus called to join him or the wondrous calming of a storm or his walking on water (Matthew 14, 22-33).  Sleep in Tel Aviv

March 15
Day 5- South to Red Sea resort of Eilat
This morning we’ll drive south through Negev Desert to Eilat. En route we visit the village of Revadim (also called in the Bible Ekron).  This was the homeland of the “People of the Sea” as Egyptians called  the Philistines. Scholars believe that Philistines originally came from Greek islands.  They started to settle the eastern coast of the Mediterranean on a stretch of land from Dor (south of Cesarea Maritima) to Gaza at approximately the same time as the Hebrews started to organize their settlements in the eastern and central part of the country. Inevitably the two civilizations clashed, their conflicts are recounted on numerous occasions in the Bible.  A very interesting Philistine town was uncovered near kibbutz Revadim. This was probably the original town of Ekron. This is a wonderful place to learn about the history and culture of the long lost civilization of the Philistines.

Next on our route is the historic town of Avdat. The town was located on the ancient trade route between Petra and the Mediterranean coast. Today Avdat claims wonderful Byzantine ruins and is a fine archeological site.  We continue our drive to Eilat making one more stop to admire the look out point at Ramon crater. This is an erosive crater (not volcanic) and at 24 miles long is the largest in Israel!  Sleep in Eilat

March 16
Day 6- Archeological wonders:  Petra, Jordan
Perched on the edge of the Arabian Desert, Petra was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom of King Aretas IV (9 B.C. to A.D. 40). Petra is the treasure of the ancient world, hidden behind an almost impenetrable barrier of rugged mountains, boasting incomparable scenes that make it the most majestic and imposing ancient site still standing today. It has been said "perhaps there is nothing in the world that resembles it.” The rock-carved rose-red city of Petra is full of mysterious charm, it was "designed to strike wonder into all who entered it". Accompanied by your Israeli guide Hava and a Jordanian specialist, you’ll explore Petra’s many famous stone structures such as a 138-foot-tall (42-meter-tall) temple carved with classical facades into rose-colored rock. The ancient city also included tunnels, water chambers, and an amphitheater, which held 4,000 people. Note: The walking tour in Petra takes around 5 hours, so wear your most comfortable walking shoes today. Return to Eilat in the evening for dinner. Sleep in Eilat

March 17
Day 7- From the Red Sea north to the Dead Sea
Enjoy a relaxing morning and lunch in Eilat before driving north to the mysterious Dead Sea. Our three hour drive will take us through a Desert landscape to the shores of the Dead Sea. Sleep in the shadow of Masada/ Dead Sea.

March 18
Day 8- A Day of Relaxation
The name “Dead Sea” is actually a kinder, gentler translation from the Hebrew name “Yam ha Maved,” which means “Sea of Death.” It is some of the saltiest water anywhere in the world, almost six times as salty as the ocean! The Dead Sea is completely landlocked and gets saltier with increasing depth. The surface, fed by the River Jordan, is the least saline. Enjoy a day at the spa and the unique healing advantages of the mineral rich mud of the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea is some 1,300 feet below sea level.  Rich in minerals, it widely known that this is the best cure for all sorts of rheumatic pain, skin disease and most important –it is rejuvenating. Sleep in the shadow of Masada/ Dead Sea.

March 19
Day 9: Massada and the caves of Qumran
After breakfast we make the short drive to the Massada fortress.  Surrounded by deep ravines, Massada became a hiding place for runaway Jews and was transformed into a fortress.  It was a scene of one of the most dramatic and terrible events in Jewish history. Jewish fighters, who’d fled from Jerusalem when the Romans burned it in 70 CE, hid on Massada and held their ground through almost four years of determined Roman siege.  The end was tragic – once the Romans finally broke through the fortifications, they found that all of the fighters and their families were dead by their own hands.

After lunch we then visit Qumran, on the northwestern end of the Dead Sea. This is where a Bedouin boy chasing after a lost goat discovered an ancient script in 1947, known as the Dead Sea Scrolls.  This was the beginning of what is considered the biggest discovery of the 20th century.  Fragments of every book in the Bible were found.  We then continue to Jerusalem – and time-permitting we shall enter Jerusalem with a panoramic view of the city from the Mt. of Olives. Sleep in Jerusalem

March 20-
Day 10- An In-depth Exploration of Old Jerusalem
Enjoy an all day walking tour of Old Jerusalem, which is divided into four quarters: Moslem, Christian (both Arab), Armenian and Jewish.  Explore the Christian sites of the Holy Sepulcher and Via Dolorosa and Jewish sites: the Western Wall, Jewish quarter, as well as the Cardo and Arab bazaars. Sleep in Jerusalem

March 21-
Day 11: Discover New Jerusalem
Today we visit the Great Synagogue in order to gain a better understanding of the many Jewish rites and customs. After, we’ll drop in for a visit to the Bible Lands Museum – a wonderfully exhibited biblical account of the ancient Near East art from the dawn of civilization to the early Christian era.

No visit to Jerusalem is complete without a visit to Yad Vashem (Holocaust Memorial Museum).  Your visit will offer you an insight into the persistence of Jews in Israel to hold onto the only homeland they have, despite continuous fighting, terror and danger. Sleep in Jerusalem

March 22-
Day 12: Mt. of Olives, Bethlehem and evening flight home
This morning we visit the Mount of Olives. In the Old Testament the hill is first referred to when King David flees the city. It was in this place where King Solomon erected altars on the hill dedicated to false alien gods. They were later destroyed by King Josiah who "filled it with bones" to prevent future worship.  Prophet Zechariah talks about the day of Judgment, with Mount of Olives a the epicenter.   And in the New Testament the Mount of Olives is associated with acts in the life of Jesus. In the afternoon we will visit Bethlehem (security permitting).  If a visit to Bethlehem is not possible then we will visit the museum for the Dead Sea Scrolls and the see the model of Herodian Jerusalem.  Enjoy one final farewell dinner in Jerusalem before boarding your flight home.

March 23-
Day 13: Return home with a lifetime of memories

-Itinerary Details Subject to Change-

12 Nights/ 13 Days (when including overnight flight)
*$2,995 per person in a shared double room (land) based on 16-24 people
$959.00 Group Air on Continental Airlines (from Seattle or Portland)
$695.00 single supplement (waived if you are willing to share
Depart Seattle or Portland on Thursday, March 11, 2010
Return to Seattle or Portland on Tuesday, March 23
Limited to 24 guests

CONCERT SCHEDULE
As of October, the concerts for 2010 in Israel have not yet been fully published. Please note that the following options are being considered.

CONFIRMED CONCERT: March 13-
Tel Aviv Performing Arts Center concert conducted by Yaacov Bergman.
Israel Kibbutz Orchestra
Conductor: Yaacov Bergman
French Horn: Ruthi Varon
Rautavaara: Cantus Arcticus, Concerto for Birds and Orchestra
Mozart: French-Horn Concerto No. 3 in E-flat major, KV447
Beethoven: Symphony No. 6 in F major Op. 68 - "Pastoral Symphony"

CONCERTS AND MUSICAL EVENTS UNDER CONSIDERATION
1) Israel Philharmonic Orchestra directed by the renown Zubin Mehta. Note: Such is the level of devotion to the orchestra; the ensemble boasts almost 30,000 season ticket holders - the largest subscription public per capita in the world.
2) Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra
3) Felicja Blumenthal Music Center
4) Suzan Dellal Center  is the main dance venue featuring many interesting  dance performances
5) The Israeli Ballet
6) Batsheva Dance Company: The most famous Israeli Dance Group
7) Jerusalem String Quartet

Meet Your Guide Hava Reshef

Hava Reshef is an Israeli mother of five with a deep interest in the history her native country. Licensed as an official tour guide since 1987, Hava has worked with groups from all of the world. For several years she employed her skills with the Society for Protection of Nature. Hava enjoys introducing travelers to the long, varied and exciting history of what she calls "this little scrap of land." She is proficient in English (GCE in University of London), Hebrew, Polish and Czech and continues to study history & archeology through university courses. In 2007 Hava guided Earthbound Expeditions "In Search of the Dead Sea Scrolls"  adventure.

About Maestro Yaacov Bergman
Yaacov Bergman, Conductor and Music Director, has received consistent rave notices and standing ovations for his interpretations of a highly varied repertoire, and has been acclaimed world-wide as an intensely communicative musician. Maestro Bergman is Music Director of the Portland Chamber Orchestra, the Walla Walla Symphony, The Moscow ID Summer Rendezvous Chamber Players Ensemble, former Music Director of the Colorado Springs Symphony, The New York Heritage Chamber Orchestra, and the 92nd St. Y Orchestra in New York City. His versatility has led to frequent guest appearances across the globe conducting the symphonic, operatic, oratorio and pops repertoires.

Maestro Bergman's interest in new music and multi-arts concepts is reflected in his programming of many new works. He has presented premieres of pieces by noted American composers Robert Starer, William Bolcom, Duncan Neilson, John Verral, Gwyneth Walker, John David Earnest, Michael Valenti, and composers from around the world including Arvo Part, Gorecki, Kancheli, Avni, Shariff, and Ofer Ben-Amots.

His success in July of 1996 in Japan as conductor of the Osaka Opera Company's premiere performance of Verdi's opera Macbeth led to subsequent engagements which included La Boheme, La Traviata in Osaka and Kobe and symphonic concerts with the Osaka Symphonica.

Maestro Bergman guest conducted with the Buffalo Philharmonic, the San Diego Symphony, the Vancouver, the Edmonton and Kitchener-Waterloo Symphonys in Canada & the West Virginia Symphony, the Osaka Symphonica, repeat appearances with the Lodz and Bydgoszcz Philharmonics in Poland, a debut performance with the Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, a third appearance with the Brooklyn Philharmonic in New York and a concert tour with the Israel Sinfonietta and The Israel National Kibbutz Chamber Orchestra. He recently served as principal guest conductor of the "North Atlantic Summer Music Festival" in Denmark.

Maestro Bergman conducted a series of successful symphonic concerts in Cairo, Egypt in 1995 and 1996 as the first American/Israeli conductor to appear in an Arab republic. Past engagements also include a series of concerts with the Mostly Mozart Festival in the Philippines, for which he served as Music Director, a North American Tour with the Artur Rubinstein Philharmonic of Lodz, Poland, Concert tour of Porgy and Bess in Germany, and La Traviata with the Lodz Opera, performances of Les Contes d'Hoffmann, Don Giovanni, Turandot, Carmen and L'Elisir d'Amore in New York City, guest conducting appearances with the Manhattan Philharmonic in Carnegie Hall, engagements leading the Nebraska Chamber Orchestra, a series of performances of La Boheme, Carmen, and La Traviata for the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Manila, where he has also conducted numerous symphonic concerts as principal guest conductor of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra.

Born in Israel, Yaacov Bergman's early musical training began with violin and vocal studies, but he soon expressed an avid interest in composing and conducting. After graduation from the Rubin Academy of the Hebrew University, Jerusalem, with majors in conducting and composition, he completed post-graduate studies at the Mannes College of Music in New York as a student of Richard Westenburg. He pursued further conducting studies under the guidance of Charles Bruck, a disciple of Pierre Monteux, as well as private study under Leonard Bernstein. In 1998 he was the recipient of an Honorary Doctorate from Colorado Technical University.

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