Custom Tour

Become an (Amateur) Archaeologist

November 28, 2017

One of the great joys of visiting Israel is seeing things created by our ancestors who lived one thousand, two thousand, three thousand years ago, or more! Israel was, and still is, a land bridge between culture and politics of ancient Africa and the lands of the Middle East.

In our little country, professional archaeologists have uncovered stone tools used by people who lived in the Jordan Valley nearly 800,000 years ago; discovered clay pots that held olive oil and wine, bronze and copper jewelry, statues carved by ancient artisans, and exquisite artwork designed by families who lived as the original Bible was being written; and restored many ancient sites that were home to the earliest Jews and Christians, as well as their Roman conquerors. It is one thing to read about these discoveries, but so much more meaningful to experience this history for yourself.

And archaeology is not simply for professionals. We regularly read about Israelis of all ages who go for simple hikes and suddenly find ancient coins or other artifacts. Not long ago two friends on a diving trip off the Israeli coast were on a simple diving trip in the Mediterranean when their excursion took a stunning turn. Sitting in rocks and silt they suddenly saw what appeared to be an ancient figure. Professionals were brought in and, according to the archaeologists, it was the largest cache of Roman objects to be found in Israel in 30 years!

Would you like to try YOUR hand at finding ancient artifacts? Israel Celebration Tours can provide you with truly memorable experiences by customizing your tour! Enjoy the rare chance to visit an active archaeological site. You’ll have the opportunity to walk through that which has already been uncovered, then dig and sift through sand and rock looking for new artifacts to add to our knowledge of our (and your) history! These digs are a wonderful programme for all ages.

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Zodiac Mosaic on Floor of Beit Alpha Synagogue

Customize your tour of Israel and experience an archaeological dig.

Coins issued by Judean rebel Simon Bar Kokhba, during his revolt against the Roman Empire of 132-135 AD.

You could find coins issued by Simon Bar Kokhba, during his revolt against the Roman Empire of 132-135 AD.

The St. Nilus church in the ancient Nabataean city of Mampsis (Nabatean) or Memphis (Greek) or Mamsheet (Hebrew).

Tour the St. Nilus church in the ancient Nabataean city of Memphis (Greek) or Mamsheet (Hebrew).

Hellenist Sarcophagus unearthed in Ashkelon

Might you find another Hellenist Sarcophagus in Ashkelon?

The Dead Sea Scrolls, found in Negev Desert

The Dead Sea Scrolls were found by shepherds in the Negev Desert.

1,600 Year Old Roman Antiquities Found by Divers near Caesarea

These 1,600 year old Roman antiquities were found by amateur divers near Caesarea.

What might YOU find?

Sukkot in Israel with Israel Celebration Tours

October 25, 2017

Visit Israel during the holiday of Sukkot!

If you plan your trip to Israel in the early autumn, you could be given a very special treat: the holiday of Sukkot!

Enjoy Sukkot with Israel Celebration Tours

Sukkot outside of apartments or on balconies in Jerusalem.

Sukkot for shepherds and herders.

A sukkah can be large enough for a community.

Sukkot for large families.

The army celebrates Sukkot wherever they are stationed, including the desert.

Sukkot for soldiers.

Enjoy a meal or snack in an Israeli sukkah.

Sukkot for evening snacks.

Sukkot for elegant meals.

Spend Sukkot in Israel with Israel Celebration Tours!

Sukkot (Hebrew: סוכות‎‎ or סֻכּוֹת, sukkōt), is a biblical Jewish holiday celebrated on the 15th day of the month of Tishrei (begins between late September to late October, based on the Jewish Lunar calendar). It is an annual reminder of the forty years during which the Israelites lived in the Sinai desert living in temporary shelters, which is called a sukkah or sometimes a “booth.” Sukkot is sometimes referred to as the Festival of Booths. As it turns out, this is also the time of year when certain agricultural crops are harvested, so the seven-day festival (eight days for Jews who live outside of Israel) is also known as [Read more…] about Sukkot in Israel with Israel Celebration Tours

The IDF – The Israel Defense Forces

August 10, 2017

Touring IDF Bases with Israel Celebration Tours

In coordination with Israel’s Ministry of Tourism, Israel Celebration Tours can schedule tours and meetings at IDF bases for groups visiting Israel. Groups are guided by military officers and can include lectures about the military and Israel’s geopolitical situation.

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Ancient Israel

Three thousand years ago, according to the Bible, God sent Abraham and his family to the land that became known as Israel. By 1,400 B.C.E., Israel had grown into a sovereign nation with business relationships, many trading partners, a growing population, and a standing military to protect itself against threats from other competing nations in the region.

By about 200 B.C.E, the powerful Roman army was invading and conquering peoples in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The Jews of ancient Israel tried to resist Rome’s seizure of their lands and assaults on their holy places. By 132 C.E. the Romans had defeated the Jews, made them slaves, and evicted the majority from their land. They renamed the land Palestina. For the next two millennia, bereft of its people, the land lay largely uncultivated, a way station between the lands of Africa and growing Arab kingdoms.

The Return to Israel

Throughout the next nearly 2,000 years, facing oppression in every country in which they lived, the exiled Jews never gave up hope of returning to their spiritual home, praying daily for deliverance back to Israel. Slowly, century by century, new waves of Jews braved a return to Eretz Yisrael, the home of their ancestors, slowly reclaiming the land. During these times, the Jews were not sovereign, not able to govern themselves independently in their ancient land, so they could not have an army to defend them.

Netanya: The Israeli Riviera

August 4, 2017

View of Elevator to Beach in Netanya, Israel

The Israeli Version of the Riviera

When you think of the French Riviera, the image is a seaside, a vacation resort, with a beautiful Mediterranean coastline. You picture a popular place to get away from the hustle and bustle for ultimate relaxation and entertainment. As it turns out, Netanya is the Israeli version of the Riviera, and highly recommended by world-wide travellers as a true resort town.

Netanya is a modern city, first developed in the 1920s, named honour of Nathan Straus co-owner of Macy’s department store. Located on the Mediterranean coast, the city is about 20 miles north of Tel Aviv and 35 miles south of Haifa. In Hebrew, the city of Netanya means “gift of God” and that is an apt description. Some of Israel’s most beautiful, golden beaches are found on the Netanya coastline.

February & March in Israel

July 12, 2017

February and March are quiet travel times in Israel. Fewer tourists are around, hotel prices and airline fares drop a bit. It brings deals on hotel rooms and some activities. In part this is because winter is Israel’s rainy season, which may also include some snow. But this time of year is also a hiker’s paradise, if you don’t mind the possibility of getting a little wet.

By the time early spring begins, the hills of Judea, Galilee, the Golan Heights and even the Negev are covered with wildflowers and grass, and the weather is cool—in the 50s and 60s. Israel has more marked hiking trails per square meter than any other country, and the end of winter is the perfect time to explore them, but bring your rain gear. If hiking isn’t your thing, just enjoy the flora and fauna. There are millions of European birds that ‘winter’ in Israel and bird-watching brings people from all over the world armed with binoculars.

Wildflowers in Israel in Spring

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Stand Up Paddle Surfing with Israel Celebration Tours

June 30, 2017

When you travel to a new place, do you want a chance to see it from a different vantage point? Custom tours from Israel Celebration Tours allow you to do just that! Today we’d like to tell you about a sport that is popping up all over Israel.

Stand Up Paddle Surfing or SUP is a quickly growing sport in the world and especially in Israel! Stand up paddle boarders stand on surfboards and use a special paddle to propel themselves through the water. Participants find it to be a great way to exercise, race, relax or go sightseeing. It’s a fun activity for all ages.

With the Mediterranean Sea to the West, the Red Sea and Dead Sea in the South, and the Sea of Galilee and Jordan River in the middle, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to practice this new sport when you visit Israel.

Paddle Surfing with Israel Celebration Tours

Boards and paddles are available for rent from many beaches. What you’ll experience depends on the body of water. In Eilat you’ll glide over coral reefs, from the Dead Sea you’ll view the stark beauty of the Negev desert’s mountains. While the calm waters of the Sea of Galilee will leave you feeling relaxed, on the Mediterranean you’ll be exhilarated by waves and scores of fellow paddlers, sailboats, and beaches.

For those who already know and love paddle surfing, here’s a little known fact: SUP was first developed by Tel Aviv lifeguards in the 1940’s so they could get out to people who had swum out too far from the shore. We just love those innovative Israelis!

Here’s a short YouTube video to see paddle surfing in Israel’s Dead Sea:

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Tour Israel as a Baby Boomer

June 18, 2017

You’ve always wanted to see Israel. Work, the children, taking care of parents always came first. Now you are ready to travel, but frankly you want a slower pace, and a tour that is easier on your knees.

We hear you!

You may have wondered if Israel is accessible for those who prefer a less taxing tour, and we are happy to report that it absolutely is! Not only that, Israel Celebration Tours has special expertise in Senior Tours. We designed our Baby Boomer Tour specifically for those looking for a less strenuous, but equally consequential Israel tour program. This tour will allow you, your friends or family members to enjoy Israel in a more leisurely manner at a pace that is suitable for the group. Yet the power and impact of a special experiential program in Israel is maintained.

With input from you and from our best-of-class tour guides, we can ensure that your trip to Israel is a balance between your unique requirements and the best that Israel has to offer. Israel’s tourist agencies have also put in a lot of effort to make the most meaningful places more readily accessible for all visitors.

So call us or write us or complete our contact form. Let Israel Celebration Tours design the perfect tour for you.

See Sample Baby Boomer Tour Now!