Israel’s generosity extends to thousands. In fact, Israel once airlifted a total of 22,000 Ethiopian Jews at risk in Ethiopia to safety in Israel. People all around the world visit Israel only to be engulfed by its beauty. For this reason, Israel is the largest immigrant-absorbing nation on earth.
Read more interesting facts about Israel here: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1600302/posts
Gil Travel can take care of planning an unforgettable tours to Israel. For more information please visit http://www.giltravel.com or call 1-800-223-3855.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
A historic must see during your next trip to Cairo
In addition the splendors of Egypt, there is now yet another reason to take a tour to Cairo. The historic Maimonides' synagogue in the ancient Jewish quarter has been reopened after two years of restorations.
The synagogue, known in Egypt by its Arabic name of Musa bin Maymun, is named after the 12th century Jewish scholar, philosopher and physician. Maimonides was born in Cordoba, Spain, in 1135 and fled from persecution to Egypt where he died in 1204.
Read more here: http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3859474,00.html
For more information on our guaranteed tours of Egypt and Jordan, call 800-223-3855.
The synagogue, known in Egypt by its Arabic name of Musa bin Maymun, is named after the 12th century Jewish scholar, philosopher and physician. Maimonides was born in Cordoba, Spain, in 1135 and fled from persecution to Egypt where he died in 1204.
Read more here: http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3859474,00.html
For more information on our guaranteed tours of Egypt and Jordan, call 800-223-3855.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Interesting feature on CNBC on Israel's economic growth
Came across an interesting interview with Dan Senor, the co-author of 'Start-up Nation: The Story of Israel's Economic Miracle.'
http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?video=1311023934&play=1
Dan shared some interesting theories about some of the factors helping Israel's economic growth-- very interesting facts. Whether you take an Israel tour for pleasure or business, Gil Travel can help plan your trip.
http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?video=1311023934&play=1
Dan shared some interesting theories about some of the factors helping Israel's economic growth-- very interesting facts. Whether you take an Israel tour for pleasure or business, Gil Travel can help plan your trip.
Monday, March 1, 2010
How to Plan Jewish Heritage Travel for Children & Teens
Planning an Israel family vacation presents an exciting opportunity for children and teens to learn about culture and history. Israel offers a unique atmosphere of culture and adventure to give younger family members an educational experience that is not only informative, but fun. Susan Blum, manager of the Israel Department at Gil Travel a leader in Israel tours and Jewish heritage travel since 1974, shares insight into how an Israel vacation can be fun for all ages, especially children and teens.
Choose An Israel Tour Guide That Has Experience With Children.
According to Blum, choosing the right tour guide can play a major role in the overall quality of the tour.
“Some guides have more experience with children than others, but across the board the tour guides in Israel are the most renowned in the world. Many of our guides have taken psychology courses to better relate to and interact with children,” Blum reports. “We make a strong effort to match each guide with the type of people on a particular tour, in order to find the guide that is most suitable to each group’s age range and interests.”
Incorporate Adventure Into Your Family Tour To Israel.
“Jewish heritage travel is packed full of history, and we aim to present the information in a way that is interactive and fun for children,” Blum says. “Of course, not every group wants to dive into the water or go for a plane ride, but for those that do have an adventurous side, Israel offers many exciting opportunities to experience extraordinary adventure.”
Just some of Blum’s favorite educational Israel adventures include:
· A donkey ride at Kfar Kedem, where travelers can actually hitch a plow to one of the donkeys and work the land or put their shoulder to the wheel of an ancient grindstone to prepare the whole-grain flour.
· A jeep ride up the Golan Heights, one of Israel's most beautiful and controversial regions.
· A chance to pet the kangaroos at Gan Guru.
· A swim in the Gan Hashlosha water springs.
· A trip to the new Jerusalem Zoo and Wohl Archeological Center
· A (surprisingly affordable) plane ride over the Dead Sea.
Have a Bar or Bat Mitzvah In Israel.
“Celebrating your special day at a historic place, as part of an Israel tour, strengthens your family’s ties both to each other and to Judaism,” Blum explains.
“We have guided countless families in arranging for the Bar or Bat Mitzvah in Israel,” she reports. “From helping find a Rabbi for the ceremony to arranging all the details of the celebration, we’re experienced in every aspect of Bar or Bat Mitzvah planning. We can also plan anniversary parties, wedding vow renewals and any other special family celebrations in Israel.”
For more information about Jewish heritage travel, please visit Gil Travel at http://www.giltravel.com or call 1-800-223-3855.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
The New Israel Museum That We Can’t Wait To Show You! Built By Israeli Architect, Ron Arad
Exciting news for travelers scheduled to embark on their tours to Israel in March! The stunning Design Museum of Holon, the very first museum for contemporary design in Israel, will open its first exhibit to the public in March of 2010. The exhibit, “The State of Things” will feature over 100 objects representing issues of contemporary international design.
Designed by Ron Arad, the Design Museum of Holon will include exhibits of contemporary design ranging from two-dimensional works of art to complete cars.
Arad is known as one of the top five designers in the world, and you only have to see the museum’s exterior to understand why.
The building itself is a stunning work of contemporary design, featuring magnificent details that include 350 tons of steel bands designed to emulate the movement of ribbons. It is no wonder that the museum is already garnering international buzz, but it may come as a surprise that it is designer Ron Arad’s very first commercial development!
Born in Tel Aviv, Arad graduated from the Jerusalem Bezalel Academy of Art and Design in 1973. His worldwide design portfolio features an impressive collection of furniture, products and structures.
We can’t wait to show you his latest work. Contact us at 1-800-223-3855 to find out about our great rates on Israel tours.
Designed by Ron Arad, the Design Museum of Holon will include exhibits of contemporary design ranging from two-dimensional works of art to complete cars.
Arad is known as one of the top five designers in the world, and you only have to see the museum’s exterior to understand why.
The building itself is a stunning work of contemporary design, featuring magnificent details that include 350 tons of steel bands designed to emulate the movement of ribbons. It is no wonder that the museum is already garnering international buzz, but it may come as a surprise that it is designer Ron Arad’s very first commercial development!
Born in Tel Aviv, Arad graduated from the Jerusalem Bezalel Academy of Art and Design in 1973. His worldwide design portfolio features an impressive collection of furniture, products and structures.
We can’t wait to show you his latest work. Contact us at 1-800-223-3855 to find out about our great rates on Israel tours.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
5 Must-Try Wines For Your Next Israel Tour
In a land rich with history, culture and tradition, new developments continue to give travelers a fresh perspective each time they take a tour to Israel.
Over the past decade, one of the most prevalent new developments in Israel has been the growing number of wineries. In a land that was among the earliest regions to produce wine, Israel wineries have sprung up so quickly that 85% of the country’s current wineries were founded in the last ten years!
The rebirth of the Israel wine industry presents an exciting opportunity for travelers to explore the breathtaking regions of Gaililee, the Judean Hills, Shimshon, the Negev desert region and the Sharon Plain while sampling a wide variety of Israeli wines, many of which are kosher.
According to Robert Parker, a highly influential American wine advocate who has reviewed wines from over 40 Israeli wineries, you don’t want to miss these 5 wines on your next Israel tour:
• Red 2003 Yatir Forest: This wine is made by the Yatir Winery in Tel Arad. Located west of the Dead Sea, the Yatir Winery grows its own grapes on 100 acres of vineyards. Varieties include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Syrah, Malbec, Carignan, Tempranillo, Mourvedre and Viognier.
• 2005 Gewurztraminer Heights Wine Yarden: This dessert wine is made by the Goaln Heights Winery, one of the largest wineries in Israel. Each year, The Golan Heights Winery produces six million bottles of wine from its 1,600 acres of vineyards.
• Grand Vin: This wine, described by Parker as “beautiful” and “bursting with flavor” is made by Domaine Du Castel. Domaine Du Castel is a family-owned and operated vineyard located in the Judean Hills. Two other highly regarded wines from this 30-year-old winery include:
o Petit Castel: Described by Parker as “impeccably balanced”.
o Blanc du Castel: Parker’s favorite dry white wine.
Of course, a number of Israeli wines are receiving rave reviews from critics and tourists alike. Try them for yourself! Visit http://www.giltravel.com or call 1-800-223-3855 to find out more about touring the beautiful Vineyards in Israel.
Over the past decade, one of the most prevalent new developments in Israel has been the growing number of wineries. In a land that was among the earliest regions to produce wine, Israel wineries have sprung up so quickly that 85% of the country’s current wineries were founded in the last ten years!
The rebirth of the Israel wine industry presents an exciting opportunity for travelers to explore the breathtaking regions of Gaililee, the Judean Hills, Shimshon, the Negev desert region and the Sharon Plain while sampling a wide variety of Israeli wines, many of which are kosher.
According to Robert Parker, a highly influential American wine advocate who has reviewed wines from over 40 Israeli wineries, you don’t want to miss these 5 wines on your next Israel tour:
• Red 2003 Yatir Forest: This wine is made by the Yatir Winery in Tel Arad. Located west of the Dead Sea, the Yatir Winery grows its own grapes on 100 acres of vineyards. Varieties include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Syrah, Malbec, Carignan, Tempranillo, Mourvedre and Viognier.
• 2005 Gewurztraminer Heights Wine Yarden: This dessert wine is made by the Goaln Heights Winery, one of the largest wineries in Israel. Each year, The Golan Heights Winery produces six million bottles of wine from its 1,600 acres of vineyards.
• Grand Vin: This wine, described by Parker as “beautiful” and “bursting with flavor” is made by Domaine Du Castel. Domaine Du Castel is a family-owned and operated vineyard located in the Judean Hills. Two other highly regarded wines from this 30-year-old winery include:
o Petit Castel: Described by Parker as “impeccably balanced”.
o Blanc du Castel: Parker’s favorite dry white wine.
Of course, a number of Israeli wines are receiving rave reviews from critics and tourists alike. Try them for yourself! Visit http://www.giltravel.com or call 1-800-223-3855 to find out more about touring the beautiful Vineyards in Israel.
Friday, February 12, 2010
How To Prepare For Your Israel Christian Tour: Gil Travel Shares Tips For Holy Land Travel
For many Christians who dream of traveling to the Holy Land, a guided Bible tour of Israel presents the opportunity of a lifetime. Sharon Cheeseman, General Manager of Gil Travel, a leading provider of Israel tours since 1974, shares insight into what travelers should know in order to experience the best possible Christian Israel tours.
1. Bring your Bible. “It may seem obvious, but bringing a Bible is absolutely critical for any Christian Israel pilgrimage,” says Cheeseman. “It is truly an exceptional, indescribable experience for travelers when they see the Bible come to life before their eyes.”
Cheeseman emphasizes that having a Bible on the tour helps Christian travelers to embrace the significance of the gospels, from the annunciation of Christ to His crucifixion on the cross at Calvary. As tourists walk in the footsteps of Jesus, this enables them to follow along verse-by-verse to gain a renewed appreciation for His sacrifice and a deeper understanding of Israel’s culture, land and people.
2. Dress for Comfort. “The more comfortable you are during your trip to Israel, the more fulfilling and enjoyable your experience will be,” Cheeseman explains.
Israel’s rough terrain, rocks and sandy hills require that travelers wear comfortable, rubber soled shoes. Travelers should dress in plenty of layers as temperatures can fluctuate significantly in a single day. Hats, sunglasses and sunscreen are strongly recommended.
According to Cheeseman, dress is casual and modest, although many Holy sites require more formal attire. For men, hats are usually provided. Women should generally wear scarves to cover their heads and skirts that fall below the knee when visiting these Holy sites.
3. Choose a Comprehensive, Guaranteed Tour. Cheeseman emphasizes that tourists should choose a guaranteed tour in order to avoid having their trips cancelled or rescheduled at the last minute because of low participation.
Additionally, she recommends that Christian travelers take the time to research a tour’s itinerary to ensure a complete Israel tour experience. “Israel offers so many opportunities for the traveler to fully explore the land of the Bible,” she says. “It is important to choose a tour that includes a complete look at the Holy Land’s key Christian sites.”
Just a few of the sites on Cheeseman’s must-see list include:
Caesarea, the capital of Judea under the Romans. (Acts 9.30 Acts 10 24-48)
Tabgha, where Jesus performed the Miracle of the Bread and Fish. (Matt. 13, Mark .33-45, & John 21)
The Mount of the Beatitudes where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. (Matt. 5, 6, 7, 8)
Ein Karem, the birthplace of John the Baptist. (Luke 1.39-80)
The Banias Spring and Waterfall, where Jesus was recognized as The Messiah by His Disciples. (Matt. 16.13 and Mark 8.27)
Nazareth and Cana of Galilee. (Luke 1.26, 4.16-29, Matthew 2.23) (John 2.1-11)
Mount Zion, where travelers can see the tomb of King David and the nearby Room of the Last Supper. (Mark 14.13, Luke 22. 10-38, Matt 26 17-29, Acts 1.13 and Acts 2 The Pentecost).
For more information about Christian Israel tours, please visit http://www.giltravel.com or call 1-800-223-3855.
Want to share this article? Find more options here: http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Prepare-For-Your-Israel-Christian-Tour-Gi/
1. Bring your Bible. “It may seem obvious, but bringing a Bible is absolutely critical for any Christian Israel pilgrimage,” says Cheeseman. “It is truly an exceptional, indescribable experience for travelers when they see the Bible come to life before their eyes.”
Cheeseman emphasizes that having a Bible on the tour helps Christian travelers to embrace the significance of the gospels, from the annunciation of Christ to His crucifixion on the cross at Calvary. As tourists walk in the footsteps of Jesus, this enables them to follow along verse-by-verse to gain a renewed appreciation for His sacrifice and a deeper understanding of Israel’s culture, land and people.
2. Dress for Comfort. “The more comfortable you are during your trip to Israel, the more fulfilling and enjoyable your experience will be,” Cheeseman explains.
Israel’s rough terrain, rocks and sandy hills require that travelers wear comfortable, rubber soled shoes. Travelers should dress in plenty of layers as temperatures can fluctuate significantly in a single day. Hats, sunglasses and sunscreen are strongly recommended.
According to Cheeseman, dress is casual and modest, although many Holy sites require more formal attire. For men, hats are usually provided. Women should generally wear scarves to cover their heads and skirts that fall below the knee when visiting these Holy sites.
3. Choose a Comprehensive, Guaranteed Tour. Cheeseman emphasizes that tourists should choose a guaranteed tour in order to avoid having their trips cancelled or rescheduled at the last minute because of low participation.
Additionally, she recommends that Christian travelers take the time to research a tour’s itinerary to ensure a complete Israel tour experience. “Israel offers so many opportunities for the traveler to fully explore the land of the Bible,” she says. “It is important to choose a tour that includes a complete look at the Holy Land’s key Christian sites.”
Just a few of the sites on Cheeseman’s must-see list include:
Caesarea, the capital of Judea under the Romans. (Acts 9.30 Acts 10 24-48)
Tabgha, where Jesus performed the Miracle of the Bread and Fish. (Matt. 13, Mark .33-45, & John 21)
The Mount of the Beatitudes where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. (Matt. 5, 6, 7, 8)
Ein Karem, the birthplace of John the Baptist. (Luke 1.39-80)
The Banias Spring and Waterfall, where Jesus was recognized as The Messiah by His Disciples. (Matt. 16.13 and Mark 8.27)
Nazareth and Cana of Galilee. (Luke 1.26, 4.16-29, Matthew 2.23) (John 2.1-11)
Mount Zion, where travelers can see the tomb of King David and the nearby Room of the Last Supper. (Mark 14.13, Luke 22. 10-38, Matt 26 17-29, Acts 1.13 and Acts 2 The Pentecost).
For more information about Christian Israel tours, please visit http://www.giltravel.com or call 1-800-223-3855.
Want to share this article? Find more options here: http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Prepare-For-Your-Israel-Christian-Tour-Gi/
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