day by day itinerary
July 27 - August 2, 2026 (Pre-trip July 25-26, 2026)
PRE-TRIP Day 1
Saturday
Shalom Yisrael! Welcome to Israel. Welcome HOME! Guests arrive per schedule. Once you have checked in to your hotel, enjoy the day in Tel Aviv. Even on Shabbat, many stores are open. You may visit the beautiful beaches, stroll through Old Yaffa, or visit one of the many museums.
Whatever your travel arrangements, we ask that you arrive in Tel Aviv by 5:00 pm. We are happy to help with any additional travel if you choose to arrive earlier.
Our trip officially begins as we meet together as a group for our festive welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
After dinner, take a walk on the beach promenade or maybe visit a beer garden.
Overnight: Royal Beach Hotel, Tel Aviv
Meals
Dinner
Included and optional experiences
Let's Tailgate
Welcome Dinner
Included with your pre-trip
PRE TRIP Day 2
Sunday
Our day begins with a guided tour of the ruins of the Roman port city of Caesarea, named in honor of Augustus Caesar. When this ancient city was originally constructed, it had an artificial harbor of large concrete blocks and typical Hellenistic-Roman public buildings. An aqueduct brought water from springs located almost 10 miles (16 km) to the northeast. Caesarea served as a base during the time of King Herod the Great through the time of the Crusaders.
Next we venture to the Sqaudron, Israel's one of a kind collection of F-16 and F-35 flight simulators. You'll suit-up and board your jet fighter for your real-feel adventure flying over area terrain, engaging enemy fighters, and meet with actual air force reservists.
We return back to "base" in the early afternoon, and you will have the opportunity to do some shopping, and sample one of the many food vendors at Carmel Market. Your evening is free to explore Tel Aviv and the opportunity to dine at one of the many amazing restaurants the city has to offer.
Overnight: Royal Beach Hotel, Tel Aviv
Meals
Breakfast
Day 1
Monday
Shalom Yisrael! For those who will be starting your journey at this point, welcome to the Holy Land! A member of the Tailgate Team will meet you at the Ben Gurion Airport to assist you.
When making your travel arrangements, we ask that you choose a flight that arrives no later than 9 am in order to join the rest of the group for our memorable day. Please let us know if you need assistance with your travel plans.
Those who are already in Tel Aviv for the pre-trip will have the morning to relax and shop.
Our air-conditioned motorcoach and professional guide will meet us as we begin our very busy day.
Our time centers around the sobering memorials to the October 7 attack. You will spend some introspective moments at the NOVA festival site to appreciate the personal stories that pay tribute to the young men and women who lost their lives here. We will also visit the town of Sderot and its awe-inspiring memorial to its fallen.
We will return to Tel Aviv to enjoy a free evening.
Overnight: Royal Beach Hotel, Tel Aviv
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 2
Tuesday
Our day begins with a hands-on experience at the IDF training center: Caliber 3. You will have the opportunity
to learn tactical skills from IDF soldiers and have some target practice with live ammunition.
From there we will visit the Gush Etzion Heritage Center for a very informative and amazing multi-media light and sound presentation, detailing the history of the region and struggles of the settlers with their unfriendly neighbors.
After lunch, we travel to the Dead Sea. You will have the afternoon to cover yourself in mud and float in it's salty and healing waters as well as relax at the hotel pool.
We will have dinner together and early to bed to prepare for the next day's (very early) exciting adventure.
Overnight: David Dead Sea Hotel
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Wednesday
Today we rise very early and hike 1500 ft upward to the top of Masada to witness the spectacular sunrise. (A cable car is available for those who do not wish to wake early or climb). Masada is the historic mountain fortress, build by Herod the Great as a refuge. It boasts panoramic views of the Dead Sea, Jordan, and the Judean desert. While atop this wonder, we will tour its ruins and learn of the tragic story of this inhabitants.
After our decent by cable car, we return to our Dead Sea hotel for breakfast and some relaxation time.
Our next stop with be the Ein Gedi nature preserve where you have the opportunity to hike through its paths and cool off under its waterfalls.
We then venture to Eretz B'reshit for a one-of-a-kind lunch hosted by none other than Abraham. Enjoy a camel ride to his welcoming tents followed by a delicious meal.
Then it's off to Jerusalem, our home base for the remainder of your trip. Enjoy a free evening to shop and dine.
Overnight: Inbal Hotel Jerusalem
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4
Thursday
After a good night's and well deserved rest, we spend the day with a walking tour of the fabulous Old City of Jerusalem. We will visit the Kotel (the Wailing Wall), the Kotel tunnel, as well as underground Jerusalem. You will have the opportunity to walk through the ancient watery route of Hezekiah's Tunnel (you'll need your bathing suit and water shoes!)
You will have time to enjoy lunch on your own at one of the many vendors.
After this full day of touring you will have the opportunity to explore Jerusalem on your own. Perhaps some shopping at Mamilla Mall, Ben Yehuda Street and the Machane Yehuda marketplace. Thursday nights are hopping and lively at Machane Yehuda when the bars open and the market is full of both young and not so young enjoying the end of the work week!
Overnight: Inbal Hotel Jerusalem
Meals
Breakfast
Day 5
Friday
Join us for a special Torah study session at one of the local synagogues followed by a volunteer opportunity.
The remainder of the afternoon will be free to shop and eat and prepare for Shabbat.
We will meet again at the Kotel for Kabbalat Shabbat and then for a festive Shabbat dinner.
Overnight: Inbal Hotel Jerusalem
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Included and optional experiences
Let's Tailgate
Kabbalat Shabbat at the Kotel and Shabbat Dinner
Included with your tour
Day 6
Saturday: Shabbat
Enjoy Shabbat in the Holy City and relax! Breakfast and lunch are at your leisure and included at our hotel.
Feel free to sleep-in, relax by the pool, have a leisurely stroll through the streets of the Old City, or attend services at one of the many synagogues throughout the city.
As Shabbat draws to a close, we will celebrate with a special Havdalah service.
Explore the city and its restaurants even more during your free evening in Jerusalem.
Overnight: Inbal Hotel Jerusalem
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7
Sunday
After breakfast and hotel check-out, we begin our final day with a fully guided tour of the world-renowned Holocaust Museum, Yad Vashem, A short hike follows to Har Herzl Cemetery to visit the gravesites of Israel’s soldiers, past leaders, and of course, Theodore Herzl.
You will have time to grab some lunch and finish any shopping before we depart for our farewell dinner at a local winery.
Then to our final destination: Ben Gurion Airport.
For guests returning home, airport transportation is included. For guests who wish to stay longer, we are happy to help make hotel and transportation arrangements for you, but these will be at your own cost.
We say l'hitraot! Goodbye for now! Come back again on another fantastic TAILGATE tour!
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Israel | Your Journey Begins
Uncover the wonders of Israel, from the ancient streets of Jerusalem to the beaches of Tel Aviv, to the serene beauty of the Galilee and everything in between. Imagine exploring the historic ruins of Masada, and soaking in the healing waters of the Dead Sea. This is your Israel and it's waiting for you.
Meals (formal trip)
7 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches,
3 Dinners
Activity Level
High 🔥
Notes:
The itinerary is subject to change based on current conditions. The substituted activity will be comparable.
Meals in the itinerary are kosher.
Activities and meals listed in the itinerary are included in the cost unless otherwise noted.
Alcoholic beverages are not included with meals unless indicated.
Hotel rooms are based on double occupancy. Single supplements are available for an additional cost.
Optional activities have an additional cost.
Security detail included where appropriate.