April 22nd-May 5th May 19th-May 29th July 22nd - July 31st
Welcome
Join us for a Culinary Adventure Puzzle Israel invites you to come and take a delicious bite out of Israel’s world-acclaimed food culture. From the country’s north to south, experiences that will pique each of your five senses. Fresh fruits and vegetables, locally pressed olive oil, delicious oven-baked breads, boutique farm cheeses — tastes and aromas new and different that explore a diversity of cultures. We aspire to accommodate every palate and are confident that there is an amazing experience waiting for everyone… come discover a unique fusion of cultures and traditions that join together to form Israeli cuisine. Accompanying you on your tour will be our Israeli chef, Nir Margalith, along with his professional logistics crew primed to meet any of the traveler’s needs.
DAY I
Tel Aviv Jaffa
The Old City of Jaffa and the Mediterranean Sea • Landing at Ben Gurion Airport, transportation to Tel Aviv-Jaffa will be provided • An evening walk along the boardwalk (Tayelet) combined with a tour of Jaffa’s Old City • Dinner at the local Greek restaurant “Kalamata” for the ultimate Mediterranean welcome • Accommodations at David Intercontinental hotel, Tel Aviv or similar
Your first day schedule is based on an afternoon arrival to Tel Aviv, the program will be modified in the case of a morning arrival
DAY II
Tel Aviv
The Open Markets and Cafe Culture of Tel Aviv • Morning activities at the Shuk HaCarmel open market; tasting Israeli delicacies like halva (sesame snack), challah bread, olives and local spices • Discover the enchanting restaurants of Neve Tzedek, the first Hebrew neighborhood of Tel Aviv • Self-guided tour of Tel Aviv’s reconstructed Port - the Namal - free time to explore coffee shops and stores (*) • Dinner options (**): ○○ The BlackOut Restaurant at the “Nalaga’at” Center for the deaf and blind- a pitch-black restaurant with a staff of blind waiters ○○ Yona Restaurant - Mediterranean cuisine at the historic Jaffa port • Accommodations at David Intercontinental hotel, Tel Aviv or similar * Coffee shops and snacks not included, estimated costs of 5-15 US dollars per person ** The menus are open for selection (cost not included unless requested differently)
DAY III
From Caesarea to Haifa
Explore the Culture of Northern Israel • Breakfast at the hotel • Admire the ancient ruins of Caesarea on a guided tour through this historically rich city • Visit the magnificent Baha’i Gardens and the charming German Colony of Haifa • Enjoy a French cuisine cooking workshop and dinner with Chef Nir Margalith and Chef Ran Rosh • Accommodations at the Carmel Forest Spa Resort, Haifa
DAY IV
A Perfect Northern Exposure
The Western Galilee • Breakfast at the hotel • Delight yourself at the pampering and relaxing resort spa (*) • Enjoy the cool breeze on a private yacht sail around the ancient city walls of Acre • Get your taste buds ready for a culinary tour of Acre’s open market • Savor the lunch at the famous local fish restaurant ‘Uri Buri’ • Attend a small intimate concert with local instrumental artist - Maya Isacowitz/Shir Sofer • Tour and dinner at the Hotel Spa Mitzpe HaYamim grounds and farm • Accommodations at the Hotel Spa Mitzpe HaYamim (**)
* Included for guests staying at the Carmel Forest Spa Resort ** Spa packages at Hotel Spa Mitzpe HaYamim are optional and available - not included in overall cost
DAY V
The Northern Borders
The Golan Heights Delicacies • Breakfast at the hotel • Admire the region on a jeep tour along Israel’s northern borders • Tour and lunch at the Bell Ofri Farm and Winery • Attend an optional workshop at the Bell Ofri Farm - experience the art of bread, cheese and wine making (*) • Indulge yourself at the De Karina Boutique Chocolate Factory in Ein Zivan • Enjoy a dinner by local Chef Yotam Givol and Chef Nir Margalith • Accommodations and evening activities at Mount Gilboa’s ‘Villa in the Village’
* No additional cost included - an optional activity of your choice
DAY VI
From the Golan Heights to Jerusalem
Heading South • Recharge yourself with a sunrise yoga exercise (optional activity) • Breakfast at the villa • Experience a hot air balloon ride through the Jezreel Valley - the ride includes light beverages, snacks and a jeep ride back (*) • Tour a vegetable and herb farm and enjoy a delicious lunch made by Chef Nir Margalith, prepared with the seasonal locally grown foods • Free time and dinner in the fascinating Old City of Jerusalem (**) • Accommodations at the David Citadel Hotel, Jerusalem or similar
* An additional activity cost of 250 US dollars per person for a 4 hour ride ** Reservations and recommendations will be suggested and made by Puzzle Israel, as the costs are not included and are estimated at 20-30 US dollars per person
DAY VII
Jerusalem
The Unique History and Cuisine of the City of Jerusalem • Breakfast at the hotel • Admire the view and hear a historical overview of the city from the Mount of Olives observation point • Stroll through the paths of Mishkenot Sha’ananim, the first Jewish neighborhood built outside the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem • Free time to explore and have lunch in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City (*) • Discover the underground Western Wall Tunnels on a professionally guided tour • Enjoy an authentic Jerusalem dinner at Ima’s / The Eucalyptus restaurant (**) • Accommodations at the David Citadel Hotel, Jerusalem or similar
* The costs are not included and are estimated at 1020 US dollars per person ** Estimated cost of 30-40 US dollars per person
DAY VIII
From Jerusalem to Mitzpe Ramon
Heading South to the Desert • Breakfast at the hotel • Discover the ruins of Masada - you can make your way up by cable car or by challenging yourself with an ambitious hike up to the summit (cable car expenses are included) • Take in the views during a short hike along the Ramon Crater cliff (Makhtesh Ramon) • Relax with special massage treatments at sunset while enjoying the outdoor air and the surrounding local scenery (treatment costs are included) • Dinner at the Mitzpe Ramon Hotel • Accommodations at the Mitzpe Ramon Hotel (*)
* If staying at the Beresheet Hotel, an additional cost of 150 US dollars per person will apply
DAY IX
From Mitzpe Ramon to Tel Aviv
Spices and Farms • Breakfast at the hotel • Visit and lunch at the Neot Ha’Midbar Farm • Drive back to Ben Gurion airport and say ‘Le’Hitraot’
Until We Meet Again!
* Dinner plans depend on the departure time of the group. In the case of a late departure, dinner reservations and recommendations can be made by Puzzle Israel, costs are not included and are estimated around 25-40 US dollars per person
Land Cost • $4850 US per person including VAT • SINGLE SUPPLEMENTARY COST - $550 US per person based on Mitzpe Ramon Hotel. If participants select the Beresheet Hotel, the supplement would then be $770 US per person Terms of Payment for Land Service • Reservations can only be confirmed once the non-refundable deposit of 10% has been paid by credit card at the time of booking ○○ Final and full payment is required 45 days prior to arrival ○○ Payment accepted by visa, mastercard or wire transfer ○○ All above prices and all payments must be made in US dollars Touring Services Include • VIP meeting / assistance upon arrival. Puzzle driver will await you as you exit customs • Transportation services for all tour sites and destinations per itinerary • 9 days touring with a professional English speaking tour guide and Puzzle Israel logistical escort • All tour coordination services • All entrance fees to national parks, museums and visiting centers • Specified activities and attractions as listed in the itinerary • Transfer to and from Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport by van with plenty of space for luggage (van size depends on size of group) Accommodations • As listed in itinerary Food and Beverages • There will be bottles of mineral water for the participants on the bus each morning • All meals listed will be arranged or catered by Margolis Catering (these meals include beverages i.e. wine and/or soda depending on the meal) except: ○○ Meals as per reservations - Those not explicitly listed are not included (reservation services are included as per request)
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Approximate meal prices according to region: ○○ Lunch in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem $15 US per person ○○ Dinner in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem $30-$40 US per person ○○ Lunch in Haifa $10-$15 US per person Please Note The above-suggested program includes many elements that have not yet been booked. They are pending final booking and confirmation. As such, there may be slight changes in the final program. The above cost is subject to change at any time as per notice from hotels and other suppliers of services. If the number of participants and/ or rooming arrangements and/or flights schedules is changed, an additional supplement may apply. Tour in Israel does not include • Cost of round trip airfare to and from Israel • Any expenses of a personal nature • Meals and dinners in restaurants as mentioned • Gratuities • Spa treatments or Spa packages not listed (these can range from 250 NIS to 600 NIS per person depending on the treatment or package) • Overtime for the driver or mileage beyond what has been allotted for the day at $30 US per hour for a 4 person taxi or $50 US for an extra hour’s usage of the van • Any guests other than the participants in the party • Insurance for baggage, personal items, health coverage and trip cancellation and interruption is not included, but is highly recommended. We suggest obtaining coverage through your local travel agent The Tour Day The above proposal has been quoted based on the itinerary, mileage and hours designated per day, and the other touring elements noted above. The base tour day is based on a maximum of ten hours per day. Any additional charges will be billed to the customer’s credit card at the end of the trip and must be settled locally prior to departure from Israel. Should you decide to extend your stay at the end of the program and require a taxi to join the group, this arrangement will be at your own expense.
Gratuity in Israel It is customary to tip your Israeli guide some $20 US per day, per guide (this sum depends on the size of the group and the number of guides assigned. The usual policy is 1 guide per 20 participants). It is also customary to tip your airport drivers, bellboys and hotel staff. This, of course, is left to your discretion. Passport Validity All passports need to be valid for at least six months from the date of departure from the US. Puzzle Israel Cancellation Policies Any cancellations or requests for refund must be submitted in writing and will only be considered in effect as of the date received. • Up to 45 days before arrival date full refund will be made less the non-refundable deposit of 10% as indicated • Within 10 days prior to arrival- the payment becomes 100% non-refundable • Cancellation of various elements in the program less than 48 hours prior to the event will result in the payment made being 100% non-refundable NEW VAT TAX REGULATIONS Please be aware that according to the new Israeli tax laws, being strictly enforced by all hotels, all guests holding Israeli citizenship, even those with dual citizenship/passports both for individual travelers and guests part of a group, or invited local guests, will be charged the applicable VAT tax. Therefore the necessary documentation must be received from the participants within 14 days prior to arrival in order to finalize the bill. Should this information not be provided in a timely manner, we reserve the right to charge the VAT accordingly. Responsibility Puzzle Israel (hereinafter called the Tour Coordinator), acts only as an agent for the various companies, owners or contractors providing the means of transportation, accommodation and other travel services. All exchange orders, coupons and tickets are offered subject to the Terms and Conditions under which such services are offered or provided. The issuance and acceptance of such tickets shall constitute your acceptance of the terms and conditions as set out. The airline and transportation companies concerned are not to be held responsible for any act; omission or event during the time
passengers are not on board their planes or conveyances. The Tour Coodinator reserves the right to cancel/alter any part of the itinerary above as may be found desirable for the proper execution of the tour and the safety and comfort of the passengers. This without penalty to the Tour Coordinator itself. The Tour Coordinator reserves the right to change any hotel/s listed and replace with a property of a similar category if circumstances necessitate. Additional expenses, if any, shall be borne by the passenger/s. The right is reserved to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of any group at any time should they require services beyond those which can be provided. If room requirements are altered due to cancellation of one or more passengers, the passengers still travelling must pay the applicable rate for the accommodation to be occupied. If you must leave the tour early, regardless of reason, no refunds will be granted for unused services. Participants should expect to pay extra for the use of facilities such as sauna, health clubs, safety deposit box, etc. Regardless of the flight arrival or departure time, most hotels have a check in between 1 PM – 4 PM. Requests for immediate check in outside of the normal check in hours will be subject to additional fees levied by the hotel. Prices quoted are based on current tariffs and rates of exchange and are subject to change without prior notice. We reserve the right to cancel a departure should there be an insufficient number of participants to make the tour viable.
Important Resources
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Puzzle Israel website for sample itineraries, ideas, testimonials and pictures: www.puzzleisrael.com ○○ We will do our utmost to ensure that the information on our website is as accurate as possible. However, pictures and descriptions are representations and not a guarantee that everything will be exactly as described or operational year round. Nir’s direct Israeli phone number: +972-(52)-226-1323, American Phone: 215-764-6412 Feel free to be in touch with any questions, concerns or trip ideas. In addition, we’re happy to connect you with our past participants so that they can share their wonderful experiences.
We look forward to sharing this adventure with you! The Puzzle Israel Team
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USA No. (215) 764-6412 Nir Margalith 972(52) 226-1323 w w w. pu z z l e i s r a e l . c om info@puzzleisrael.com