Arts 'N Israel Sample Itinerary

Are you an artist, an art student or involved in creative visual arts? Join this special hands-on artistic experience in Israel funded by the CRB70FUND. You’ll get the full Taglit-Birthright Israel experience with a special twist! This unique trip will combine multiple hands-on artistic experiences and workshops throughout Israel, meetings with local artists, travel with Israeli peers and a special view of Israel through the special artistic lens. Experience the spirituality of Shabbat, visit galleries in Tel Aviv, swim in the Dead Sea, ride a camel and so much more on this ten day artistic extravaganza.

This trip is geared for 18-23 year olds from all backgrounds that have a specific interest in the visual arts.

Day 1

Afternoon Arrival in Israel
Opening Ceremony
Check into rooms and rest
Meet Israelis (Mifgash)-Icebreakers Activity
Walking tour of Tel Aviv: Bauhaus Architecture

Day 2

Israel Update with Neil Lazarus
Kikar Rabin (Yitzchak Rabin Square)
Visit to Shenkar Art School/Meet David Polonsky, animator of well-known Israeli film "Waltzing with Bashir"
Nachalat Binyamin artist market
Walk through picturesque Neve Tzedek, oldest neighborhood in Tel Aviv
Na'Lagaat Center at Jaffa Harbor – a unique center for deaf and blind artists

Day 3

Travel to Jerusalem Choice of workshops in "The Merkaz" residence and activity center
Haas Promenade – Introduction to Jerusalem
Tour of the Jewish Quarter and the Kotel
Machaneh Yehudah outdoor market
Evening out in Jerusalem

Day 4

Depart for Judean Desert
Ein Gedi – walk in the largest oasis in the region
Swim in the Dead Sea
Meet with local artists in Arad: explore the desert through art and meditation!
Bedouin Hospitality and Dinner

Day 5

Climb Masada
Travel to Jerusalem
Ben-Yehudah Street – join Jerusalemites as they prepare for Shabbat in the city's bustling pedestrian mall
Kabbalat Shabbat at the Kotel
Shabbat Dinner
Fun Shabbat activity

Day 6

Morning services at local synagogues
Kiddush
Shabbat discussions
Visiting Hours for Friends and Family
The Israel Museum, exploring the quiet of Jerusalem on Shabbat
Havdalah
Walking tour in Nachlaot, enjoying the beautiful Hanukkah candles/chanukiot
Preparation for Yad Vashem

Day 7

Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial
Art of the Holocaust
Mt. Herzl Military Cemetery
Travel north
Fun group activity

Day 8

Hike the Gilabun valley
Visit to Aniam art village in the Golan
Har Bental: Yom Kippur War
Valley of Tears
Winery in the Golan
Night out in Tiberias

Day 9

Tour of Acco: Zionist heroes of Israel and Crusader fortresses
Meet community of young artists in Haifa
Ein Hod Artists Village
Cultural activity: concert of Israeli band!

Day 10

Tsfat – Tour of the Old City, artist markets, and introduction to Kabbalah
Kinneret Cemetery: Israeli Pioneers
Travel south
Program evaluation
Visiting Hours for Friends and Family
Studio time: Final expression of trip
Depart for the airport

*The Taglit-Birthright Israel gift includes the roundtrip airfare from Newark or JFK to Tel Aviv. Participants are responsible for the cost of transportation to and from Newark or JFK. The Taglit-Birthright Israel gift also covers hotel, transportation, most meals and other associated land costs in Israel. Gratuities, personal purchases and travel medical insurance are not included.