The bicultural village of Neve Shalom-Wahat al Salam

The Levantine Cultural Center "Building Bridges Tour" of Jordan ♦ Palestine ♦ Israel

Oasis of Peace sign in Hebrew and Arabic: Signs are always bilingual or trilingual (English) in Neve Shalom-Wahat al Salam25 June-7 July, 2011, you'll go on a very special journey to participate in a cultural bridge-building opportunity few travelers get to experience, including a visit to the bicultural town of Neve Shalom-Wahat al Salam (Oasis of Peace). Jordan, Palestine (West Bank) and Israel are places filled with history and culture as well as the religious traditions and myths of the three great monotheistic religions.

This special Levantine Cultural Center tour provides unique insight to the people of the region—Muslim, Christian and Jewish—and a better understanding of the long-standing issues in the region between Arabs and Israelis. Participants will have many opportunities to meet people of the region who will be part of shaping the future...people-to-people encounters that few Americans ever experience. You will meet people who against all odds, have chosen to work together, to find the humanity in the other...Jews and Arabs, Israelis and Palestinians; people who are determine to live together.

the bicultural city of JaffaOur guide will be Jerry Sorkin, is a Middle East and North African specialist with both undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Pennsylvania (PENN), where he specialized in Middle East studies and international business, respectively. Jerry also taught for nearly a decade at PENN's College of General Studies, an unusual course, "Oriental Rugs: A Reflection on Culture", an ethnographic/historical perspective of Oriental rugs. He has traveled widely and frequently throughout the Middle East, North Africa and the India sub-continent. Jerry is a frequent lecturer on topics regarding the Arab-Israeli conflict, unique approaches to cultural bridge-building, an entrepreneurial approach to cross-cultural opportunities and the cultural aspects of Oriental rugs. He is conversant in Arabic, French and Hebrew and resides part-time in Tunis, Tunisia, with his primary residence being Philadelphia.

This small-group tour provides unique opportunities to build cultural bridges in a meaningful way, while also providing an opportunity to enjoy the historic and cultural wonders of the Holy Land.

Proposed Itinerary - June 25 to July 7, 2011
(Subject to Change) [key: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner]

Petra, a must-see site in JordanDay 1, Saturday - Arrival in Amman
Upon arrival, participants will be met at the airport and transferred to their hotel in central Amman. After having an opportunity to check into your room, we will have a pre-dinner orientation and opportunity to meet your fellow travelers, as well as your guide in Jordan. Welcome Dinner and overnight in Amman. (D)

Day 2, Sunday - Amman/Baka Camp/UNRWA
This morning you drive to the Citadel in Amman, the historic heart of Amman. Your visit will include the National Museum and Amphitheater. From the Citadel, you drive to the Palestinian Baka Camp, a refugee camp that was started in 1948 following the establishment of Israel, an event Palestinians refer to as the nakba. Baka is a short 10km from your hotel. At the Baka Camp, you will have an opportunity to meet representatives of UNWRA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) and learn about the schools, clinics and other support networks provided for the refugees by UNRWA.

From Baka, you continue to Jerash. The city's golden age came under Roman rule and the site is now generally acknowledged to be one of the best-preserved Roman provincial towns in the world. Hidden for centuries in sand before being excavated and restored over the past 70 years, Jerash is a fine example of the grand, formal provincial Roman urbanism that is found throughout the Middle East, comprising paved and colonnaded streets, soaring hilltop temples, handsome theatres, spacious public squares and plazas, baths, fountains, and city walls pierced by towers and gates. The well-preserved Roman city is where you will visit the temples, theaters, Byzantine churches, colonnaded streets and the forum. Following Jerash, return to the hotel in Amman. Guest speaker at the hotel, followed by dinner. Overnight in Amman. (B, L, D)

MadabaDay 3, Monday - Amman and Madaba
Amman is a sprawling city spread over 19 hills, or "jebels", and is the modern as well as the ancient capital of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Known as Rabbath-Ammon during the Iron Age and later as Philadelphia, the ancient city that was once part of the Decapolis League, now boasts a population of around 1.5 million. Often referred to as the "White City", Amman offers a variety of historical sites. Your visit to Amman will include the Citadel, the National Museum, the Amphitheater, as well as an opportunity to visit Jabal Weibde, an old part of Amman that is undergoing renovation and gentrification. From Amman, you drive to Madaba. Best known for its spectacular Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics, Madaba is home to the famous 6th century mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land. With two million pieces of colored stone, the map depicts hills and valleys, villages and towns as far as the Nile Delta. Other mosaic masterpieces, found in the Church of the Virgin and the Apostles and the Archaeological Museum, depict a rampant profusion of flowers and plants, birds and fish, animals and exotic beasts, as well as scenes from mythology and everyday pursuits of hunting, fishing and farming. Literally, hundreds of other mosaics from the 5th through the 7th centuries are scattered throughout Madaba's churches and homes. Continue along the scenic King's Highway south with a late afternoon arrival at your base near Petra, the beautiful Movenpick Petra Resort. Dinner and overnight in Petra. (B, L, D)

Day 4, Tuesday - Petra/Nebo/West Bank crossing/Bethlehem
Today your touring begins early and concentrates on the vast and impressive site of Petra, the Nabatean capital from the 2nd half of the second century, BCE, through the year 3, CE. The ancient city of Petra is one of Jordan's national treasures and by far its best known tourist attraction. Located approximately three hours south of Amman, Petra is the legacy of the Nabateans, an industrious Arab people who settled in southern Jordan more than 2000 years ago. Admired then for its refined culture, massive architecture and ingenious complex of dams and water channels, Petra is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your tour starts from the visitor's center by horseback to the Dam, where you dismount and continue your journey through the Siq to the Treasury, the Theater, the Court, and the Roman columns to the basin and to the monastery. Following your tour of Petra, you drive north along the Jordan with a stop at Mt. Nebo and lunch. After lunch, proceed directly to the bridge for the crossing to the West Bank. Your bus drive over the King Hussein Bridge, also known as the Allenby Bridge, brings you to the Israeli checkpoint. Once you clear Israeli customs and exit, you will be met by our Palestinian hosts and continue on to Bethlehem. Dinner tonight will be traditional Palestinian cuisine in an enjoyable setting in Beit Sahour. Overnight in Bethlehem. (B/L /D)

Day 5, Wednesday - the West Bank
After breakfast, we have a morning visit of Bethlehem and then a visit to the Deheishe refugee camp where you will have a tour of what started in 1948 as a tented camp of Palestinian refugees, and learn about the stages of development of Deheishe to its present state through meeting with residents.

From Deheishe, you drive to Ramallah, where you will visit Arafat's Tomb and either this afternoon or tomorrow morning, (depending upon appointment schedules) you will have a meeting with a representative of the Palestinian parliament and/or the Palestinian Authority. Dinner this evening in Ramallah. Overnight in Ramallah. (B, L, D)

Day 6, Thursday - the Palestinian West Bank
Today continues with visits in the West Bank, including a meeting at Bir Zeit University and a visit to Taybeh, a village where one Palestinian business has worked to overcome not only the normal obstacles faced by entrepreneurs, but the added effort of being a Palestinian owned business with a large Israeli client base. Afternoon return to Ramallah. This evening, dinner is independent, with suggestions to be provided. Overnight in Ramallah. (B, L, D)

Day 7, Friday - Jerusalem
This morning you drive to Jerusalem to meet with people who will provide a tour that will both visually and verbally provide insight at to why the settlement and home building in greater Jerusalem is such a crucial issue for Palestinians. This afternoon, we will have a tour of the old city of Jerusalem, learning about the importance of Jerusalem as viewed by both Palestinians and Israelis. This evening, prior to dinner, we will be joined by our Israeli guide for dinner, along with the final night of our Palestinian guide. Overnight in Jerusalem. (B, L, D)

Day 8, Saturday - Masada/Jerusalem
This morning your Israeli guide will begin leading the remainder of the tour, as you head south from Jerusalem into the desert area with your first stop being Masada. This mountain top fortress plays a significant role in ancient Jewish history, as it was the site of Jewish zealots sacrificing their lives in their attempt to thwart the Romans in the first century, CE. This siege and sacrifice history has had a psychological impact on many Israelis over the years who have compare the story to the threat of surrounding Arab armies during the 20th and now, 21st centuries. You will have time to explore this site's archaeological remains as well as taking a cable car ride to the top where you can explore the ancient remains of Herodian's palaces and a synagogue.

Afternoon visit to the Dead Sea, where you will have lunch and the opportunity to swim in the Dead Sea. Late afternoon return to Jerusalem. Dinner tonight is independent, with dining suggestions to be provided. Jerusalem has many good dining options of all types, within a short walk or taxi ride of your hotel. Overnight in Jerusalem. (B, L)

Day 9, Sunday - Jerusalem
This morning you will visit what is often referred to by Israelis as West Jerusalem. Today's itinerary starts with a visit to Yad Vashem, a memorial dedicated to the millions of Jews who perished during World War II. You will hear about how this period of history contributed to the creation of the state of Israel. Following the visit to Yad Vashem, you drive west of Jerusalem to visit a unique community, Neve Shalom-Wahat al Salam, a community equally divided between Jews and Arabs who share in the governance of the community and the educational system, underscored by the premise of equality and peace between the two peoples. We will have the opportunity to hear about the ups and downs that have come within the community and how the residents are influenced by political realities coming from outside their village. Return to Jerusalem for tonight's dinner and overnight in Jerusalem. (B, L, D)

Day 10, Monday - Jerusalem/Drive to the Galilee
This morning we will have a walking tour of those portions of the old city which were not visited previously, followed by our departure along the Jordan valley to the Galilee. Dinner is at Dubrovin in Yesod Hamaala. Overnight in Tsfat. (B, L, D)

Day 11, Tuesday - Golan/Nazareth/Tel Aviv
This morning we drive to the Golan Heights, a beautifully scenic area that came under Israeli control following the Syrian involvement in the June 1967 "Six Day War". You will learn about the importance of this region vis-à-vis the longtime issue of risks versus rewards of Israel returning the Golan as part of a possible Syrian-Israeli peace treaty. We will also have an opportunity to visit a Druze village in the region. From the Golan, you drive to Tel Aviv, with a stop in either Nazareth or Haifa in the afternoon, before continuing directly to Tel Aviv. Dinner and overnight in Tel Aviv. (B, L, D)

Day 12, Wednesday - Tel Aviv and departure
Tel Aviv is Israel's dynamic city of art, sea and Mediterranean atmosphere that has led to Israelis comparing their two major cities by saying, "Jerusalem Prays, while Tel Aviv Plays". Visits to include Jaffa and central Tel Aviv, with lunch being independent - recommendations provided. Dinner tonight will be in one of Tel Aviv's restaurants, which has earned a reputation for bringing together the culinary influences of the many ethnic backgrounds that make up the people of Israel. Overnight in Tel Aviv.

Day 13, Thursday - departure from Tel Aviv
Early morning transfers to Ben Gurion airport. (B, D)

HOTELS

Jordan
Amman: Hisham Hotel Hotel de Charme
A relatively new boutique hotel in a quiet, residential section of Amman. The setting, the management and the terrace bar provide a personalized ambiance that makes this hotel an enjoyable property.
http://www.hishamhotel.com.jo/

Petra: Movenpick Resort Petra ★★★★★
Located near the entrance to Petra, the Movenpick Resort Petra provides comfort and luxury in a rugged setting of the desert hills near Petra. All the amenities of a 5 star resort.
http://www.moevenpick-hotels.com/en/pub/your_hotels/worldmap/petra/overview.cfm

The WEST BANK PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY
Bethlehem: Jacir Palace Intercontinental ★★★★★
Located in the heart of historic Bethlehem, the Jacir Palace is an historic property that has been renovated with spacious rooms and a short walk from the check-point crossing into Israel, making one very aware of the separation between what the Palestinians refer to as Palestine and the Israeli controlled areas. It is Bethlehem's only 5 star property. This deluxe hotel offers a quiet base of comfort just steps away from Bethlehem's historical sites.
http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/intercontinental/en/gb/locations/bethlehem

Ramallah: Movenpick ★★★★★
Opened in 2010, the Movenpick is situated in the heart of Ramallah's government and business district and is a source of pride for Palestinians, as it represents Ramallah's first international, five star property.
http://www.moevenpickhotels.com/en/pub/service/about_us/development_strategy/future_projects/openings_2010/ramallah.cfm

ISRAEL
Jerusalem: The Jerusalem Hotel Hotel de Charme
Located on Nablus Road in a renovated historic property in a part of Jerusalem that prior to June 1967, was part of Jordan, the Jerusalem Hotel is a short walk to both East and West Jerusalem and attracts a clientele that appreciates its character and charm, as well as the political sensitivities of the Israel-Palestine issue.
http://www.jrshotel.com/

Safed/Tsfat: Ruth Rimonim Residence de Charme
In this historic town in the Galilee, the Ruth Romonim provides boutique hotel type atmosphere, with stylish rooms and nice views.
http://english.rimonim.com/safed-hotels/ruth-rimonim-safed-hotel

Tel Aviv: The Carlton Hotel Hotel de Charme
A luxury boutique hotel in the prime Tel Aviv location, steps from the beach and a short walk to the trendy Tel Aviv neighborhoods. Recently renovated, the Carlton has tastefully designed rooms, wonderful views of Tel Aviv, good dining and is the best place to be in Tel Aviv.
http://www.carlton.co.il/

COST per person, for land package, is based on double occupancy in deluxe/first class hotels.
All touring, entrance fees on sites noted in itinerary, baggage handling and all meals as indicated by B, L and D and airport transfers for those arriving in Amman on Saturday and departing from Tel Aviv on Thursday. Any other reference to meals is for logistical purposes, only. Transportation within Jordan, the Palestinian West Bank and Israel will be via primarily via luxury coach bus.

Cost per person:
8-10 participants @ $6,100 per person, based on double occupancy.
11-15 participants @ $5,100 per person, based on double occupancy.
16 - 23 participants @ $4,800 per person, based on double occupancy.
Single supplement is: $1,100.

International Airfare is additional. TunisUSA or assigned ticketing agent will be happy to assist in air arrangements.