Travel Fitness
No matter what, touring is active. As with any mission to Israel, there are always parts of the trip that require activity.
You can expect our itinerary to include sightseeing tours on foot (walking moderate distances on uneven terrain) and often long periods of time standing. You should be able to get on and off the motor coach and climb stairs without duress. Our buses will not have bathrooms, however opportunities to stop will be available and carefully planned.
Sunday, March 12, 2023
Depart for Israel
Monday, March 13, 2023
Welcome!
- Official opening of the Motor City Mission with dinner and entertainment seaside by the Mediterranean
Overnight, Tel Aviv
Tuesday, March 14, 2023
Falling in Love with Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv is one of the most vibrant cities in the world. Titled the ‘Mediterranean Capital of Cool’ by the New York Times, this is a 24-hour city with a unique pulse, combining sandy Mediterranean beaches with a world-class nightlife, a buzzing cultural scene, incredible food, UNESCO recognized architecture and more.
- Hear from expert speakers as well as learn first-hand about the Start Up Nation
- Understand Israeli society through exclusive site visits with the Jewish Agency for Israel, World ORT and the JDC, Federation’s partners on the ground
- Explore Tel Aviv’s unique architecture, art, culture and hidden gems
- Free evening to enjoy the restaurants, clubs and night life of dynamic Tel Aviv
Overnight, Tel Aviv
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
Our Israeli Family. The Michigan Central Galilee Partnership Region
We’re heading north to Federation’s Partnership2Gether (P2G) region in the Central Galilee.
The Galilee is one of the most beautiful regions of Israel, characterized by its picturesque, lush landscape with agriculture, amazing natural landforms, historic sites and quaint rural villages. This is a place where Detroit Tiger baseball hats and Tamarack sweatshirts are commonplace. This is your home away from home. Where Detroiters are always welcome and treated like family.
- Choose your adventure. Areas of interest may include archeology, high-tech and innovation, geopolitics, pluralism and co-existence, medicine in Israel, wine tasting and much more.
Overnight, Northern Israel
Thursday, March 16, 2023
Israel’s Beautiful and Strategic North
Let’s keep going north. The Golan Heights region, in the far north of Israel, is steeped in history and natural beauty. Its remoteness and ‘off the beaten track’ feel, make for a truly awe-inspiring experience.
- Visit the Golan Heights and receive a security briefing with a military expert, plus discover the magic of Safed, the “City of Kabbalah”
- Enjoy a festive dinner and entertainment mega event with the Israelis of the Michigan Central Galilee Partnership
Overnight, Northern Israel
Friday, March 17, 2023
To the City of Gold
Jerusalem is the religious and historical epicenter of the world. Holy to Jews, Muslims and Christians, Jerusalem is as unique as it is special. Beyond its religious and historic significance, Jerusalem is the capital of modern-day Israel and an advanced, dynamic city. Quite simply, it must be seen to be believed.
- Visit Mt. Herzl, Israel’s national cemetery
- Enjoy a meal at Machane Yehuda Market — Jerusalem’s culinary paradise
- ”Shehecheyanu” and Kabbalat Shabbat ceremony
- Festive Shabbat dinner
Overnight, Jerusalem
Saturday, March 18, 2023
Shabbat in Jerusalem
Our second day in the capital includes moving Shabbat and Havdalah experiences with our mission Rabbis and your choice of sightseeing adventure.
- Optional morning services, text study and learning opportunities with our community Rabbis
- Optional Shabbat programing
- Community Havdalah Service with our Rabbis
- Free evening on your own in Jerusalem to enjoy local restaurants, shopping, visiting friends and family and more
Overnight, Jerusalem
Sunday, March 19, 2023
Jerusalem’s Cultural, Historical and Demographic Diversity
Our third day in Jerusalem features commemoration and celebration. Plus, another opportunity to pick the experience of your choice.
- Private guided tour of Yad Vashem — Israel’s National Holocaust Memorial and Museum
- Choose your adventure. Special interest excursions may include Masada and the Dead Sea, the dynamic outdoors, Israel 101 for first timers, Israeli artists and much more
- Evening mega event with dinner and entertainment
Overnight, Jerusalem
Monday, March 20, 2023
Lehitraot. Time to Say Farewell
“Goodbye” sounds so permanent. That’s why in Israel they say “lehitraot,” which means see you again soon. On our final Motor City Mission day, we’ll do even more sightseeing, and say farewell to our newfound friends from both Israel and our Detroit Jewish community.
- Understanding Israeli society through interactive site visits with JFMD’s partners in Israel, the Jewish Agency for Israel, World ORT and the JDC
- Closing ceremony and dinner on an IDF base
- Overnight flights to USA
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
Arrive in the USA
Please note: This itinerary is subject to change, but the spirit of your experience will stay.