NESHAMA : ISRAEL
A 10 - day Soulful Adventure YOGA. CULTURE. HUMMUS led by
Rachelle Tratt of The Neshama Project and hosted by
Puzzle Israel June 8-17, 2014
Tour Overview Puzzle Israel and Rachelle Tratt of The Neshama Project have partnered up to offer you the most unique way to experience Israel. We invite you to join us on a ten day soulful adventure in the setting of Israel's finest and most magical landscapes. You may wonder, what does a soulful adventure mean? It is an opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone, adventure to a new destination, and experience the local culture. A soulful adventure is a way to celebrate your mind, body and soul. We will be spending time volunteering with local organizations as we believe in traveling with meaning and finding ways to give back. We will also practice yoga daily in Israel's magical landscape, explore historical sites, hike in various locations, swim with dolphins in Eilat, partake in wine tasting in the Golan, ride camels in the desert, relax by the beach, dance in the vibrant city of Tel Aviv, and enjoy local cuisine and eat some of the best hummus in the world! And oh, so much more! Come join us in June for a magical once-in-a-lifetime experience. Explore the land. Connect with your body. Expand your soul. *** Itinerary subject to change with more surpirse adventures!
Day 1 Tel Aviv – Jaffa
* Get a welcome kit at hotel reception while your host arranges smooth check in * Tour of Jaffa's Old City, getting familiar with the adventure itinerary * Sunset yoga session at Tel Aviv waterfront * Celebratory dinner at Jaffa's new port * Accommodations at Melody Hotel, Tel Aviv
Days 2-3 The Desert
* * * * *
Leaving Tel Aviv early morning, driving south into the desert VisitTheVertigo Eco-ArtVillage for a workshop with the local community Check in at Moa Oasis Eco Resort, Arava Yoga and workshops at this beautiful desert resort Accommodations at Moa Oasis Eco Resort, Arava
Day 4 Jerusalem – Getting to Know the City
* Tour the city from different observation points - learn what makes Jerusalem such a powerful center of spirituality and faith * Discuss the different fragments of society, and experience the multiculturalism of Jerusalem * Tasting tour at the famous Mahane Yehuda market * Free time at the market & lunch * Visit to Yad Vashem (Holocaust Museum) - optional activity * Sunset yoga session * Tower of David night spectacular * Accommodations at Arthur Hotel, Jerusalem
Day 5 Jerusalem
* Breakfast at hotel * Visit the Old City; walk through the narrow streets; visit the markets & taste the local sweets of the colorful vendors * Visit the quarters of the Old City of Jerusalem; • The Christian Quarter; Via Dolorosa; The Church of the Holy Sepulcher (Christ tomb) • The Armenian Quarter • The Jewish Quarter; The Western Wall; The Western Wall Tunnels – being at the center spot of monotheistic religion * Visit the Last Supper Room * Walk through the old City of David- a magical walk into the life of the local population * Pass through the underground tunnels through which past residents fled while the city was under repeated attacks * Special evening yoga session * Joint dinner at a local restaurant * Free time at the Mamilla Center * Accommodations at Arthur Hotel, Jerusalem
Day 6-7-8 The North Day 6 * * * *
Sunrise yoga session overlooking the northern Judean Desert hills Breakfast followed by a mud and floating experience at the Dead Sea Hike up David's Stream to find a natural pool for a short swim Innovation: Africa - stop at an Israeli production plant where solar igloos are being created to provide a solution to the electricity shortage in isolated African villages * Arrive in the Galilee and settle in at the Vered Hagalil Guest Farm
Day 7 * * * * *
Breakfast at Vered Hagalil Open air yoga session overlooking the Sea of Galilee Short hike in the Hermon River (Banias) Nature Reserve Rafting down the rushing waters of the Jordan River Drive to Ein Zivan and visit a boutique winery for lunch & wine tastings (Puzzle catering)
Day 8 * * * * * *
Visit the natural miracle of Rosh Hanikra Akko - walk through this magnificent old city Savor the taste of a bowl of fresh local hummus Kabbalah jam session at the most ancient city in the Holy Land, Safed Learn and connect to the new age spirituality of this mesmerizing city Arrive back at hotel
Day 9 Haifa * * * * * * *
Breakfast at hotel Open air yoga session overlooking the high mountains of the Galilee Arrive at Haifa Lunch in the Arab quarter, Vadi Nisnas Visit the magnificent Baha'i Gardens Drive south to Tel Aviv Accommodations at Melody Hotel, Tel Aviv
Day 10 Tel Aviv * * * *
Free time to explore the city Giving Back Program with Beit Ha Shanti Home Tour of Neve Tzedek and the Artists Market Join forces for a group scavenger hunt all over the busting city of Tel Aviv by bike or on foot * Accommodations at Melody Hotel, Tel Aviv
The Neshama Project Your tour leader and Yoga Teacher
Rachelle Tratt is a yoga teacher, founder and owner of The Neshama Project, an artist, momma to a fluffy golden-doodle named "bailey," a jewelry designer, a traveler, a free spirit, and an all-around beautiful soul. She shares her big love and deep connection for Israel, from the country’s complex history, its marketplaces, deserts and wine country, to her unmatched love of warm pita served with incomparable hummus. Join Rachelle for a 10 day Soulful Adventure to Israel this June 2014. Take the road less traveled, explore the land, connect with your body, and expand your soul. All yoga sessions will be about 1 hour and 30 minutes - Options for both restorative and a strong, sweaty soulful flow. Building inner and outer strength with elements of breath work and meditation so that we feel grounded, empowered, at peace, and full of energy to adventure all around Israel.
Puzzle Israel Your host in Israel
Puzzle Israel is an innovative travel company that provides highly professional “content and travel� services in Israel. The company focuses its activities on personalized hikes and off-the-beaten track tours and aims to expose its travelers to the contemporary human, cultural and geographic mosaic that can be found in every region of the country. The Puzzle team embraces an approach of building strong and long lasting relationships with their visitors. The Puzzle experience can include a large variety of activities; hiking (level matched to ability), off-road jeep rides, horseback riding, outdoor training (ODT) workshops, traditional and Israeli cooking, visits to heritage sites, and unique encounters with local residents from different cultures and ethnic groups. The Puzzle team, as of today, is made up of Nir, Guy, Elana,Tamar, and Anne. With each located in a different region in Israel, the team works in complete harmony. Every member adds their personal experience and expertise, creating a rich pool of ideas and charisma. They all share a love for the land of Israel, and wish to provide their travelers with an innovative and once-in-alifetime tourism experience. Puzzle Israel is a registered partnership (no. 558060919) and owns a comprehensive insurance policy provided by the Rozenman & Rozenman Insurance Agency.
Land Cost * The total land price for double occupancy is $3500 US per person * The total land price for single occupancy is $4200 US per person * The price is for the full 10-day itinerary as mentioned above * The total price includes VAT
Terms of Payment for Land Service * Reservations can only be confirmed once the non-refundable deposit of $250 US 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 PayPal Check in the mail to Israel 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 * 10 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) * 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 - $50 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 nonrefundable 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 Coordinator 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 traveling 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 * For additional questions, please contact: Nir Margalith – Puzzle Israel • Email: nir@puzzleisrael.com • Direct phone number: +972-(52)-226-1323 • American phone number: 215-764-6412 Rachelle Tratt – The Neshama Project • Email: theneshamaproject@gmail.com • Website: theneshamaproject.com * Feel free to contact us 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!
Puzzle Israel and The Neshama Project
Rachelle Tratt theneshamaproject@gmail.com www.theneshamaproject.com
Nir Margalith +972.52.226.1323 nir@puzzleisrael.com www.puzzleisrael.com