Excavation and Excursion in Israel  

Would you like to dig through the Bible?
Here is your opportunity to uncover the ancient foundations, stones, chambers and treasures of the palace of a king of Israel at the Archaeological Garden of Ramat Rachel.

Join us in this unique new holiday program in Israel , which includes both an archaeological dig at the site of a king's palace from the First Temple period, and excursions throughout Israel , which will fascinate and entertain you.
The recently opened Archaeological Garden (the largest site in Jerusalem with remnants of this period) is where the Biblical king Jehoakim is thought to have built his palace. Here you will find not only ancient remains dating back as far as 600 BC, but you will journey through three millennia, glimpsing the lives of all those who have made their home on this beautiful hill-top overlooking Jerusalem.  

The holiday program includes:  

• Archaeological excavations of four hours a day under the guidance of professional archaeologists from The Office of Antiquities, who will also provide information to participants about the discoveries they make.
  
• Fascinating tours of Jerusalem .
  
• Excursions throughout Israel .

Excavation and Excursion – Daily Program  

Day 1 – Arrival in Israel .  Transportation from the airport to Ramat Rachel Hotel .  Make yourself at home and get to know other members of the archaeological team after a buffet dinner in the Ramat Rachel dining room.  

Day 2 – After you enjoy your Israeli buffet breakfast, we will spend 4 hours at the archaeological site.  The team archaeologist will instruct you in the use of the necessary tools and then guide you to your assigned historical and archaeological site.  After lunch, you will enjoy an afternoon tour of the Old City of Jerusalem, including the Western Wall and ancient tunnels from the Second Temple Period, the Jewish Quarter, the Burnt House and the City of David .  You will return to Ramat Rachel for dinner and overnight at the hotel.  

Day 3 – Return to the archaeological site after breakfast for another 4 hours of exciting discoveries as you dig deeper into the ancient past.  After lunch, you will enjoy free time to rest, swim in Ramat Rachel’s pool or visit Jerusalem on your own.  Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 4 – Another 4-hour morning of digging and discovery at the site, followed by an afternoon excursion to the lowest place on the face of the earth:  the Dead Sea .  After an afternoon of floating and relaxation in the Dead Sea ’s therapeutic waters, you will return to Ramat Rachel for dinner and overnight.  

Day 5 – After breakfast, you will dig even further into history.  After lunch, you and your teammates will travel to the Galilee region.  Dinner and overnight at Ohalo on the Sea of Galilee .  

Day 6 – Begin the day by sailing across the Sea of Galilee .  You will have time to reflect on the wonders and beauty of the Galilee Region.  Continue the day with visits to ancient Biblical and archaeological sites such as Capernaum , the Mt. of Beatitudes and Tel Dan.  

Day 7 – Today’s excursions will take you through the Western Galilee to the ancient seaport of Caeserea Maritima, returning to Jerusalem via the coastel road.  Dinner and overnight at Ramat Rachel.  

Day 8 – Today you will return to the task of uncovering the past with another 4 hours at the archaeological dig.  In the afternoon you will have an opportunity to visit some of Jerusalem ’s modern institutions, such as the Knesset, Israel Museum and Yad VaShem Holocaust Memorial Museum .  Return to Ramat Rachel for dinner and overnight.  

Day 9 – This is your last day at our archaeological site.  Put in another 4 hours of fascinating discovery before lunch.  Your last afternoon will be free to rest, swim or spend one last afternoon in Jerusalem .  Our last evening will be spent together at Ramat Rachel before returning home.  

Day 10 – Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.

Price per person based upon double occupancy: $915

Additional fee for single room: $178

The price includes:

• Transfer to/from airport

• 9 nights accommodation with breakfast and dinner (7 nights Ramat Rachel, 2 nights Galilee )

• Entrance fees per program

• 6 half days archeological dig with professional guide

The price does not include:

• Airfare to/from Israel

• Tips and gratuities to guide, driver, hotel and restaurant staff

• Medical coverage and personal expenses

• Lunches

  Price per person based upon double occupancy: $915
Additional fee for single room: $178