CulinaryTour
Milk & Honey
Milk & Honey
Milk & Honey
Multi-culinary experiences with microcultures living in Israel
Cooking Classes
Immersion into minority cultures and traditions
Touring of historic and religious sites
Cultural highlights:
Druze
Circassian
Armenian
Jewish
Bedouin
Samaritan
See what we have planned for you…
Day 1
Arrival at Ben Gurion Airport and transfer to the Sea of Galilee region.
Day 2
Feel the breeze on your face with a morning boat ride on the Galilee Sea followed by a tour of a local church in Capernaum. Your morning adventure concludes with your choice of visiting Gamla, an ancient Roman city, or Hula Valley Nature Reserve. An afternoon in Ein Kenya, a Druze Village, opens the door to your first culinary experience in the Holy Land. The Druze are an ancient microculture in Israel and are known for their Dabke dancing, a traditional Middle Eastern dance.
Day 3
Step back in time as you tour the ancient ruins of a Roman Market in Beit Shean. Additional adventures for the morning include a trip to Gideon’s Spring and Galbo Mountain for stunning panoramic views of Jezreel Valley. Welcoming appetizers are warmly provided by the colorful Circassian community. Following an intimate tour of their village and lifestyle, a traditional Circassian lunch is provided. The afternoon concludes with your choice of time spent at the Transfiguration Church or wine tasting at a local winery.
Day 4
Checking out from your hotel, you will be visiting Tzipori National Park, the ancient capital of the Galilee area and the site of the “Mona Lisa Mosaic” said to be the world’s most beautiful. The morning concludes with a walking tour of Nazareth and spice shopping at a traditional spice shop. Your afternoon will be spent in the First Century! The Nazareth Village is a re-creation of a First Century Village. With the guidance of the staff, you will be preparing your own first century meal in customary fashion. After a wonderful meal and tour of the ancient village, you will travel to Jerusalem.
Day 5
Your first day in Jerusalem begins with a panoramic view of the city from the Mount of Olives. Passing through the Dung Gate, you view the Western Wall and tour the underground tunnels. Your morning concludes with a tour down the Via Dolorosa into the Holy Sepulcher Church. You will also have a shopping opportunity at an Old City spice market. Lunch is hosted in traditional fashion by an Armenian family. Enjoy free time this afternoon to explore the Old City in all its grandeur. Optional afternoon helicopter tour of Jerusalem is available for an additional fee. Optional tours for the evening include a night tour of the Old City followed by dinner at Jerusalem Jewel, the only rooftop venue in the Old City affording an unobstructed 360-degree view of the Old City and surrounding areas, or you may prefer dinner and cocktails at a local restaurant or in the forest.
Day 6
The Mahna Yahoda Market tour in West Jerusalem will entice you with its exotic scents as you sample some local delicacies and finish with a light lunch at midday. Driving to Bethlehem, you will see their local market and the Nativity Church. The afternoon is spent in Bateer Village with a local farming family. You will have the opportunity to harvest seasonally available food and help prepare a traditional meal with the family.
Day 7
Enjoy the one-hour drive to the port city of Jaffa, followed by a brief tour of the clock tower area, where a sailing vessel awaits for your next adventure. After a refreshing boat ride in the Mediterranean, you will hop over to Tel Aviv’s famous Carmel Market where you will shop for ingredients for your afternoon cooking class. You and your friends will prepare a 7-course meal, including desert and enjoy local beer and wine options.
Day 8
Today you are heading south to Shilo and Mt Gerizim, the home of the Samaritans. This area is deeply steeped in historical significance. While lunch is being prepared, you will tour the Samaritan museum and a local Tahina factory. A traditional Samaritan lunch of zierb lamb (whole lamb traditionally prepared and cooked underground) is the highlight of the day. After lunch, you will take in Nablus, Old City, and visit some underground sites. Traditional knafeh dessert awaits you to celebrate the end of your day.
Day 9
Passing the observation view at Mt of Olives, you will be transported into the Judean Wilderness to Ein Prat Nature Reserve. This desert canyon hosts an ancient drinking water spring as well as a 4th century Hariton Monastery. At lunch, relax in the tent as you delve deeply into the Bedouin culture with a traditional Bedouin meal and cultural exploration, complete with camel riding. The afternoon is spent relaxing at the Dead Sea, allowing the therapeutic mud and waters to restore your senses. Refreshments, cocktails, and light appetizers are available.
Day 10
Depart for airport and return home.