Experience for yourself the epic journey of the Jewish people, exploring more than one thousand years of our rich European Jewish heritage. Visit medieval castles, wander through long-lost Jewish neighborhoods, and bring life to preserved pre-war synagogues. See the factory once owned by Oskar Schindler, made famous by the movie “Schindler’s List.” Deepen your understanding of the most challenging period in our collective history. Set the stage for your own Israel adventure.

Welcome to Israel! Start your journey with an opening ceremony at Tel Yafo overlooking ancient Jaffa, linking you into the chain of tradition of pilgrims throughout history who arrived through this port city. Spend three days trekking through the Negev desert just as our ancestors did. Swim in Eilat’s Coral Beach and snorkel in the cool water of the Red Sea. Take in countless breathtaking views and observe extraordinary wildlife. Explore the history, spirituality and magic of the ancient city of Jerusalem. Visit the Kotel (the Western Wall), enjoy a water-hike through an ancient underground aqueduct, and shop in Jerusalem’s vibrant open-air market.

The Judean desert is home to many of Israel’s most iconic experiences – camel rides, sleepouts in a Bedouin tent, and the ancient desert fortress of Masada overlooking the Dead Sea. Climb Masada in time for the stunning sunrise over the mountains of Jordan. Follow it up with a float in the Dead Sea, cover yourself with the famous black mud, and cool off in the refreshing waterfalls of Ein Gedi. Travel north to the Galilee region, where much of our modern ideas about Judaism took root, and where we share deep connections with our Christian and Muslim cousins.

Spend the second half of the week participating in your “Chavaya” intensive. Before leaving for Israel, you’ll select one of these exciting 4-day in-depth experiences (see “Choose Your Own Adventure” below). Pursue your own interests while in Israel and make new friends from other Yallah! Israel groups at the same time.

Wander the mystical city of Tzfat, high up in the mountains of Israel. Explore the ancient alleyways and centuries-old synagogues, as you discover the origins of Kabbalah and Tikkun Olam. Get closer to Israel’s natural beauty in the Arbel Nature Reserve. Your Israeli peers will join the group for a week – a short but sweet opportunity to make lifelong friendships. Sit atop the Golan Heights while examining the important beginnings of the dream of a Jewish state in Eretz Israel. Return to Jerusalem and begin to connect our ancient past to our recent past and our recent past to today.

Hit up trendy Tel Aviv for some beach time, and go shopping at the Nahalat Binyamin artists’ market. Go on a tour of the Yazamut Center, Israel’s exciting high-tech showcase for technological innovations. Discover the soul of modern Israel and explore the famous graffiti displays in the Florentine neighborhood of Tel Aviv. Wrap up your trip in Jerusalem, a last chance to deepen your bond to your groupmates, to your experiences, and to your Israel.