Every family is special, and every family looks for something different; some thrive on their unique traditions, some wish to combine their trip to Israel with a Bar or Bat Mitzvah ceremony, and others may be looking to add more adventurous activities to their journey. Whether you want to celebrate a special day overlooking the sunrise at Masada, discovering the tunnels of the Western Wall, exploring the City of David, riding horses through the Galilee Hills, skydiving over the Carmel Mountains, or snorkeling in the Red Sea, we will accommodate to all your needs and desires.
We invite you to pick and choose from the variety of activities, sites and attractions that meet your personal interests, timeframe, and budget.
Want to know how to get the best out of this booklet? Simply follow these steps: 1. Take a pen and paper 2. Together with your kids, go over each
map (north, center, south) 3. Make a list of the activities you liked best in each region (we recommend you spend 3-4 days in each region)
4. Send the Puzzle team an email with
your choices
perfect tailor-made family trip!
See you in Israel!
5. We’ll put it all together and create your
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We invite you to join us on an unforgettable adventure!
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Nir Margalith, co-founder
and CEO, grew up in Yuvalim in the Lower Galilee, Israel. Hikes and trips in the nature have always been in his soul and over the years he has traveled extensively with his family, friends, and on his own. In addition, Nir developed a passion for cooking and cuisine and after years of experience, Nir established his own catering company that now works in cooperation with Puzzle Israel. Every single day Nir makes a habit of taking a moment to explore new areas, discover new places, and meet new people.
Guy Marom, co-founder
and president, was born and raised in Koranit in the Lower Galilee, Israel. Guy’s appreciation for nature and love for Israel stems from his grandparents’ pioneer history, building the land of Israel with their very own hands. Guy loves horseback riding, cooking, traveling, music, and has a B.A in behavioural sciences from Bar Ilan University. Guy’s extensive travels around the world have given him a fresh perspective and understanding of what makes his homeland unique, something he feels he must share with others.
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Northern Star: The Galilee and the Golan offer green landscapes rich with fascinating history, cultures, and distinctive traditions. We invite your family on an eye-opening journey which will combine rafting on the Jordan River, walking in the footsteps of Biblical characters, and hiking along the Kinneret. You will explore ancient ruins, exotic foods, and traditional customs and learn about the renewal of Zionist settlements in Israel. Touring along the northern borders, you will gain a greater understanding of the complexity of life in the north.
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Western Galilee (Route 1) • • • • • • •
Enjoy the impressive view from the Rainbow Cave observation point Hike from Nahal Betzet through Nahal Kziv, and up to the Montfort Fortress Visit the Rosh Hanikra Visitors Site Tour Acre’s must-sees; the Bahai Temple, Acre’s market, and the Knight’s Halls Enjoy watersport activities at the Achziv National Park Meet a Bedouin family and hear their personal story over a homemade meal Visit an aromatic fruit-drying and tea farm
Upper Galilee (Route 2)
• • • • •
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Enjoy an easy hiking trip around Mount Meron Visit an observation point overlooking Lebanon Descend into the Alma Cave followed by a sip of local wine at the Dalton Winery Tour the Old City of Safed and meet with local artists Tour the old colony of Rosh Pina and take in the breathtaking landscapes
The Hula Valley (Route 3) • • • • •
Visit the prehistory museum at kibbutz Ma’ayan Baruch Enjoy an easy hike along the rushing Snir Stream Cruise down the Jordan River with a fun and exciting rafting activity Visit the Hula Lake Park with a brief stop at the bird watching observation point Slide down the mountain at the Manara Cliff Visitors Center
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The Golan Heights (Route 4) • • • • • •
The Northern Golan Heights (Route 5) • • • • •
Learn about life in the region on a jeep tour along the northern borders Visit the unique crater lake, Birkat Ram, and learn about its history Get your hands dirty in a fruit picking activity in Ein Zivan (seasonal activity) Walk between the ruined walls of the Nimrod Fortress Admire the amazing view from the Mount Hermon observation point
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Catch a glimpse of the impressive vultures at the Gamla Nature Reserve Experience the region’s countryside through horseback riding Relax in the hot springs of the Hamat Gader Resort Sip a glass of Israel’s finest wines at a nearby winery Visit a local cheese farm and participate in an interactive cheese-making workshop Get ready for a challenging rappelling trip descending into magnificent natural pools
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Center Star: Visit Tel Aviv - the “White City�, the most bustling, progressive, and innovative city in the Middle East. Travel on foot and by jeep on the main artery connecting Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, discovering the endless caves, green forests, and natural springs along the way. Uncover the many tales and sites of a city desired for thousands of years, which today attracts millions of visitors and pilgrims. Descend toward the Dead Sea, experiencing the winding Judean riverbeds. Finally, as we make our way up the bended Snake Path, discover the beauty of Herod’s magnificent fortress, Masada.
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Tel Aviv - Jaffa (Route 1) • • • • • • •
Discover this vibrant city on a tour through the urban jungle (by bicycle/segway) Visit the museum at the Yitzhak Rabin Center and learn about the leader’s legacy Enjoy a competitive family treasure hunt across the city (for six participants or more) Visit an old weapon factory Tour the artists’ galleries hidden among Old Jaffa’s alleys Smell the aromatic spices on a tour of the Jaffa Flea Market and discover its many treasures Learn about Tel Aviv’s unique abundance of Bauhaus architecture
Jerusalem Part 1 - City History (Route 2) • • • • • • •
Climb up the winding old road to Jerusalem Admire the panoramic view from the Governor’s Palace Promenade (Armon Hanatziv) Walk along the ancient paths in the Old City of Jerusalem Hear the stories of the Second Temple Period Jerusalem at the biblical City of David Tour Nachlaot neighborhood and Mahane Yehuda Market Enjoy a cooking workshop using the fresh market produce Set out on an exciting rooftop journey discovering the hidden gems of the city
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Jerusalem Part 2 - City Life (Route 3)
• Tour the city neighborhoods and observe the modern life against the ancient setting • Visit different historic buildings telling the story of the presence of foreign nations • Night activity - The Tower of David Light Show
The Judean Desert (Route 4) • • • •
Hear the courageous and dramatic story of Masada Visit the beautiful Ein Gedi Nature Reserve Float on the Dead Sea water and enjoy the soothing effect of the black mud on your body Chop away in a group outdoor cooking workshop
Beit Govrin and Lachish (Route 5) • • • •
Discover the fascinating evidence left by past inhabitants at the Beit Govrin Bell Caves Explore the region on an adventurous jeep tour through its green hills Discover Lachish, the land of wineries, on a delicious wine-tasting tour Participate in a special and interactive activity learning about local agriculture techniques
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Southern Star: The Israeli desert makes up almost two-thirds of the country’s landscape, and contains incredible and dynamic scenery. Join us on a colorful journey! Stunning mountains, magical views and vast craters; traveling by ATVs, hiking, cycling, and camel riding, are just a few of the southern highlights. We will visit a city built by desert dwellers who are bringing David Ben Gurion’s vision to life, and are helping to advance the blooming of the desert. Experience the famous Bedouin hospitality and their traditional lifestyle. Participate in yoga and meditation workshops that will help you connect to the special tranquility of the wilderness. And finally, arrive in Eilat, Israel’s southernmost city, where you will visit the Dolphin Reef and learn about the role the beautiful coral reefs play in the hidden underwater world.
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The Small and Large Craters (Route 1) • • •
Enjoy the breathtaking view from the Ma’ale Ali observation point Get creative with a variety of artistic activities using the local naturally colored sand Stop at the Mount Avnon viewpoint to admire the beautiful Large Crater
Sde Boker (Route 2) • • • • • •
Mitzpe Ramon and the Surrounding Area (Route 3) • • • • •
Mitzpe Ramon Visitors Center - observation and explanation of the craters’ formations Hike through the Ramon Crater - Mount Ardon Alternative activity - Bike trip through the Ramon Crater Workshops for adults - yoga/meditation Visit the Mitzpe Ramon Astronomy Center
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Visit the gravesite of Israel’s visionary leader, David Ben Gurion Meet with Negev representatives and hear their personal stories (optional) Two optional hiking trips; Ein Akev/Ein Avdat Experience the welcoming Bedouin hospitality and an exciting camel ride Visit the historic Nabatean city of Avdat Enjoy evening desert activities; campfire cooking, sing-alongs, and more
Timna Park and Kibbutz Yotvata (Route 4) • • • •
Visit the Yotvata dairy farm and taste its classic Israeli chocolate milk Take the kids through the special safari at Yotvata Admire the stunning Solomon Pillars in the Timna Valley Enjoy a variety of activities at Timna Park; pedal boating on the lake, filling colorful sand bottles, mountain biking, and more
The Eilat Mountains (Route 5) • • • •
Experience the powerful scenery on a jeep trip through the glorious Eilat Mountains Hike through the region’s challenging terrain (trail difficulty level will be fitted to group) Relax at an observation point overlooking the Gulf of Eilat Visit Eilat’s underwater observatory (optional activity)
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Special Family Occasions 24
Bar/Bat Mitzvahs Join the Puzzle team for a spiritual coming of age celebration, marking your son or daughter’s symbolic entrance into adulthood. Whether at the Western Wall or Masada; there is no unimaginable venue for your special event. Together with you, we will think creatively to design a unique Bar/ Bat Mitzvah experience tailored to your family’s particular customs and traditions. After learning about your child’s personality and taste, we will choose the different elements that will ensure an original and personal nature to your event.
North
Celebrate your Bar or Bat Mitzvah ceremony between the walls of a historical synagogue, in the heart of the ancient Jewish city of Gamla, or overlooking the grottoes of Rosh Hanikra. To enhance the significance of this memorable family experience, we invite you to explore the mountainous terrain of the north, giving the biblical tradition your own modern interpretation.
Center
Jerusalem’s unique atmosphere has its magical way of changing one’s state of mind. Come and connect to the origins of Judaism, as you stand together, with family and friends, facing the sacred Western Wall. Hold your intimate and meaningful ceremony at the symbolic site of spirituality, heritage, and resurrection. If you’re feeling adventurous, navigate your way between tasks in the streets of the Holy City; feeling, touching, and uncovering the layers of Jewish history.
South
Reaching the desert landscapes, we invite you to climb up to the top of Masada, one of the most prominent symbols of Jewish selfsacrifice. Together as a family, look down the famous cliff and feel the magnitude of the historical drama. Have your child experience the Jewish tradition of becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah standing in the place where courageous and determined rebels stood more than two thousand years ago.
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Weddings Whether you choose a vineyard overlooking the Galilee Mountains, the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, or the vastness of the desert, Puzzle Israel will work around your desires to perfect this once-in-a-lifetime event. Together with the couple, we will work as a team, every step of the way, thoughtfully bringing together your particular wedding essentials; flower arrangements, centerpieces, chuppah designs, and personalized menus. To leave you with truly unforgettable memories, we strive to think creatively and outside the box when designing this memorable and important occasion.
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Center North
Northern Israel is full of lush fields, impressive observation points and dreamy beaches perfect backdrops for your important day. Together with our local experts’ assistance, we will build an amazing northern wedding experience in your dream location. In the middle of a field full of hay bales, on one of the sandy Mediterranean shores or on the highest mountaintop in the Galilee, all are possible venues!
When planning a wedding in the heart of Israel, there are plenty of magical locations to choose from. You could be holding hands facing the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem, dancing in a green pine tree forest, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea from the Jaffa Port, or embracing among a maze of vineyards in Binyamina.
South
In the south, we invite you to say your vows to the sounds of the whispering desert winds. Welcome your guests facing the magnificent Red Mountains or sink your toes into the smooth Samar sand dunes. For an adventurous couple who loves the outdoors, this option presents you the opportunity to dance into the night, under a blanket of sparkling desert stars.
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Workshops The Puzzle Israel team offers you a number of unique and enriching workshops to add a magical element to your trip in Israel. Each workshop highlights a different, richly engaging activity, set within some of the most beautiful sceneries in the country. Making fine delicacies in the middle of the forest, playing war games alongside elite IDF soldiers, or practicing yoga on the magnificent Arbel Cliff, are just a few of the Puzzle workshop options that await you.
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Forest Cooking Workshop
Getting hungry? Seeking to set out on a culinary journey? In Mahane Yehuda, the most famous market in Israel, we will begin our tour wandering through the colorful stalls and alleyways, discovering the hidden gems of this lively market. After tasting the large variety of divine cheeses, juicy olives, and sweet halva, we will pick the freshest fruits and vegetables for our interactive forest cooking workshop. After setting up a ‚field kitchen› on a hill overlooking Jerusalem, we will divide into small groups and each participant will help prepare one of the delicious dishes for our joint afternoon feast.
Army Workshop
Puzzle Israel invites you to take a deep breath and plunge into the world of IDF soldiers. For four hours, you will work and train alongside soldiers who fought in some of the most elite IDF units. Working with them as a group, you will get a unique glimpse into their world. Our professional staff of instructors will be in charge of constructing the different challenging tasks and activities you will experience during this workshop.
Yoga Workshop
We believe that yoga can be practiced anywhere and by anyone. Join us for our twohour workshop in which skilled teachers will guide you through various yoga exercises and mindfulness meditation. Leave your dayto-day worries behind and lose yourself to the mesmerizing landscapes Israel has to offer. Yogis on all levels are welcome to join this special experience.
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Contact Information: • 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 are not a guarantee that all activities will be exactly as described or operational year round. • Nir’s direct Israeli phone number: +972-(52)-226-1323, American number: 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 with you.
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We look forward to sharing this adventure with you The Puzzle Israel Team
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