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 Israeli Culinary Blend
Tour in Israel
Set Departure Tour 2015
Puzzle Israel​
invites you to come and take a delicious bite out of Israel’s
world-acclaimed food culture. From the country’s north to south, experiences that
will pique each of your five senses. Fresh fruits and vegetables, locally pressed olive
oil, delicious oven-baked breads, boutique farm cheeses — tastes and aromas new
and different that explore a diversity of cultures. We aspire to accommodate every
palate and are confident that there is an amazing experience waiting for everyone…
come discover a unique fusion of cultures and traditions that join together to form
Israeli cuisine. Accompanying you on your tour will be our Israeli chef, Nir
Margalith, along with his professional logistics crew primed to meet any of the
traveler’s needs.
Each day of the culinary tour is meant to highlight certain elements and recipes of
Israeli food culture. Upon completion of the trip, each participant will receive a
Puzzle Israel recipe book​
, some that were taught during workshops, some that
were simply eaten in local restaurants, so you can enjoy the Israeli flavours and
dishes after the tour. This trip can be made completely Kosher, Kosher optional, or
non-Kosher at all depending on the clients’ requests
Day 1
Welcome to Israel: Old Jaffa and the Sea
This day is built based on an afternoon arrival in Tel Aviv - if arrival is in the morning or the
previous day, then more extensive arrangements will be made for the day
● Land at Ben Gurion International Airport, meet the
Puzzle representative and transportation to Tel
Aviv-Jaffa
● Settle in your hotel and relax
● Evening walk along the Tayelet (boardwalk) with a
short welcoming tour of Jaffa’s Old City.
● Dinner at local Greek restaurant “Kalamata” for the
ultimate Mediterranean welcome experience - meet the
chef and your Puzzle Team and have our first
“Lechaim”! (included)
● Accommodations at the ​
Accommodation at the​
Hilton​
​
/​
Carleton​
​
/​
David Intercontinental​
​
or
similar
Day 2
Tel Aviv: Open Markets and the Cafe Culture
● Morning activities at Shuk HaCarmel open market tastings of Israeli delicacies like halva (sesame snack),
challah bread, olives, local spices and cheeses .
● A tour of Neve Tzedek, the first Hebrew neighborhood
of Tel Aviv with tastings from a bunch of local
restaurants for lunch - explore Tel Aviv and see how it
is the melting pot of Israel’s cultures on one street.
● Transportation to Park Hayarkon - have an easy
relaxing stroll in the park, exploring the beautiful
nature in the middle of the city
● Free time at Tel Aviv’s refurbished port, the Namal explore coffee shops and stores (coffee shops and
snacks not included, expect to spend between $5-$15
dollars per person)
● Optional:​
“Bar-On-Wheels” tour - a group activity on a
mobile bar that moves around while everyone is
peddling! Enjoy local beers, drink, ride and explore the
park (extra cost)
● Dinner options (included)
○ Special way to get to know local cuisine: ​
Eatwith​
! be hosted at a local chef’s home
and eat with :)
○ Meshek Barzilai​
- a Farm to Table restaurant - one of the best in TLV
● Accommodations at the ​
Accommodation at the​
Hilton​
​
/​
Carleton​
​
/​
David Intercontinental​
​
or
similar
Day 3
Northern Cultural Expedition
● Breakfast at hotel
● Early wake up and travel to Caesarea for a guided
tour of the ancient ruins of the Roman city
● Continue northwards to the Muchraka - stop for a
beautiful lookout over the Jezreel Valley from the
top of the Carmel Mt. Learn about the fascinating
biblical stories of the area.
● Lunch at a Druze kitchen and tour the village and
learn about it from a local perspective (included)
● Continue to Haifa with a visit to the ​
Bahai Gardens
and the ​
German Colony
● “French cuisine can be Kosher!” - a cooking workshop
and dinner with Chef Nir Margalith and Chef Ran
Rosh from the ​
Namal 24 restaurant​
in Haifa (a special
Kosher menu available)
● Drive North to Mitzpe Hayamim
● Accommodations at ​
Mizpe HaYamim​
(spa packages
optional and available- not included)
Day 4
The Western Galilee
● Breakfast at hotel
● Late morning drive to the Upper Galilee and
visit Horfish ,
● Tour their local market and find herbs and
leaves you never seen or tasted before .
● Visit a local Arab chef and join him and Nir at
his restaurant kitchen “​
Aluma​
” to see and taste
the new arab cuisine .
● Finish with a sweet homemade Ice Cream
(some say the best in Israel!)
● Drive to the city of Acre and sail on a private
yacht around the ancient walls of the city
● Late lunch at ​
Michael's​
- a local bistro
Market-to-Table style restaurant (included)
● Options - choose 2:
○ Short hike through the central Galilee
region - around Mt. Meron/The
Rainbow Cave (depending on group’s
desired active level)
○ Small intimate concert with Shir Soffer - a local musician
○ Visit and tour of Mitzpe HaYamim’s fields and farm and enjoy a Farm-House
dinner (included)
● Accommodations at ​
Mizpe HaYamim​
(spa packages optional and available- not included)
Day 5
The Northern Border and the Golan Heights
● Breakfast at hotel
● Jeep tour along the expansive fields of the northern
border
● Visit and tour of Pelter winery - freshen up with
tastings of their fabulous wine and cheeses,
including lunch made from the local fields around
cooked by Chef Nir Margalith and the Puzzle
culinary team
● Optional:​
Cooking and drinking workshop of
matching wines to fish, veggies and meat.
● A tour of a chocolate factory & workshop - learn how to make your own chocolate and take
home for the kids
● Dinner by the local meat house Gilliz and Chef Nir Margalith
● Accommodations at ​
Mizpe HaYamim​
(spa packages optional and available- not included)
Day 6
Heading Southwards
● Sunrise yoga session (optional for those who
want to get connected to the green spirits of the
north)
● Breakfast at the villa
● Optional:​
Hot air balloon experience above the
Jezreel Valley - includes light beverages and
snacks and a round trip in a jeep (additional
cost of $250 per person for a 4 hour experience)
● Visit and tour the old city of Tzfat and the local
family-owned cheese factories that have been
there for over 100 years.
● Visit Kibbutz Harduf and meet the local people
and very learn about the special community life
● Pick your own veggies , fresh eggs and herbs and
cook your lunch together
● Drive to Jerusalem and settle in your hotel
● Evening tour of the Old City at night
● Free time and dinner in the Old City (not
included in the price - reservations and
recommendations will be made by Puzzle Israel,
expected costs $30-$50 per person)
● Accommodations at ​
David Citadel​
/​
Inbal​
or
similar
Day 7
Jerusalem’s 101 Layers of History
● Breakfast at the hotel
● Admire the spectacular view of Jerusalem from
the top of Mt. Olives and get an introduction of
the multiple and complex layers of the city
● Free time to roam around the street of the Old
City’s Jewish Quarter and then meet-up for
lunch at the best Hummus place in town
(included)
● Visit the Tower of David and the Kotel (Western
Wall)
● Tour of the Western Wall tunnels
● Tour of Mishkenot Sha'ananim to learn about
the first Jewish neighborhood to be built
outside of the Old City walls
● An authentic Jerusalemite dinner at Ima’s or Eucalyptus restaurant (included)
● Accommodations at ​
David Citadel​
/​
Inbal​
or similar
Day 8
Into the Wild Desert
● Breakfast at the hotel and an early departure down south
● Tour the ancient ruins of Masada (cable car tickets
included or hiking option available)
● Continue south and arrive at Makhtesh Ramon
(crater) and enjoy a short hike of the mesmerizing
vast crater
● Lunch and relaxation at the hotel (included)
● Special massage treatments in the outdoors of the
expanse desert views at sunset and eventually
under the stars (include)
● Dinner at the hotel​
(included)
​
● Accommodations at ​
Mitzpeh Ramon Suites hotel​
or
Beresheet hotel​
(Beresheet is with an extra cost of $150 per guest)
Day 9
Spices and Farms
● Breakfast at the hotel
● Drive up north through the famous Nabatean
Spice route and learn about their unique
desert culture that has long gone extinct
● Visit to the Nana farm and winery with
tastings and hear the story of this amazing
place
● Lunch at Neot Orlia lone-farm (a unique type
of local settlement) with the local chefs
(included)
● Return to Ben Gurion International Airport and say L’Hitraot (until we meet again)
● Dinner here depends on when the participants will depart Israel - should it be a very late
then departure dinner recommendations and reservations can be made by Puzzle Israel
(this meal is not included and should cost between $25-$40 per person depending on the
restaurant)
Pricing
● 4 pax minimum at $6,570 per person in a double room tour with guide/driver
● 5-7 pax at $5,360 per person in a double room tour with guide/driver
● 8-15 pax at $5,845 per person in a double room tour with guide and a driver
● 16-24 pax at $4,800 per person in a double room tour with guide and a driver
● Valet service can be provided at the airport at $116 per group of 1-4 passengers per flight
● Professional photographer at $2000 per shooting day
Terms of Payment for Land Service
● All reservations will be made following a credit card deposit on your name. This card ​
will not
be charged​
and will act as a security deposit on reservations
● A non refundable deposit of 10%​
of total trip price is required at the time of booking.
● Final and full payment is required ​
30 days prior to arrival​
.
● Payment may be made via check or wire
● All above prices and all payments must be made in U.S. Dollars
Touring Services Include
● VIP meeting / assistance upon arrival. Puzzle driver will await you as you exit customs.
● Transfer to and from Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport by van with plenty of space for luggage (van
size depends on size of group) ​
Transportation services for all tour sites and
destinations per itinerary
● 8 days touring with a professional English speaking tour guide and Puzzle Israel logistical escort
team member
● All tour coordination services
● All entrance fees to national parks, museums, and visiting centers
● Specified activities and attractions as listed in the itinerary
Accommodations
● As listed in itinerary
Food and Beverages
● All meals listed as included will be arranged OR catered by​
Margolis Catering​
​
lead by Chef Nir
​
Margalith (these meals include beverages i.e. wine and/or soda depending on the meal)
● Meals which are listed as not included will be at your own expense
● Approximate meal prices:
○ Lunch $20-$30 per person
○ Dinner $30-$40 per person
Gratuity in Israel
It is customary to tip your Israeli guide some $20 - per day, per guide (this sum will depend on the size
of the group and how many guides are assigned, our general policy is 1 guide per 20 participants). It is
customary also to tip your airport drivers, bellboys and hotel staff. This is of course to your discretion.
Passport Validity
All passports need to be valid for at least six months from the date of departure from your home
country.
Puzzle Israel Cancellation Policies
Any cancellations or request for refunds must be submitted in writing and will only be considered in
effect as of the date received.
1. Up to 30 days before arrival date - full refund will be made excluding non-refundable deposit of
10% as indicated.
2. Within 7 days of arrival 100% non-refundable
3. Cancellation of various elements in the program less than 48 hours prior to the event may well
result in a full cancellation penalty.
NEW VAT TAX REGULATIONS
Please be aware that according to the new Israeli tax laws, being strictly enforced by all hotels, all
guests holding an Israeli citizenship, even those with dual citizenship/passports both for individual
travelers and guests part of a group, or invited local guests, will be charged VAT tax. Therefore required
documentation must be received within 14 days prior to arrival in order to finalize the bill. Should we
not get this information in advance, and hotels charge us VAT tax, please be aware that you will be
charged with the VAT accordingly.
Responsibility
Puzzle Israel (hereinafter called the Tour Coordinator), acts only as an agent for the various companies,
owners or contractors providing the means of transportation, accommodation and other services. All
exchange orders, coupons and tickets are offered subject to the Terms and Conditions under which
such services are offered or provided. The issuance and acceptance of such tickets shall be deemed to
be damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity in any vehicle, or through the acts or defaults of any
company or person engaged in conveying the passenger/s or of any hotel proprietor, personnel or
servant otherwise in connection therewith.
The airline and transportation companies concerned are not to be held responsible for any act;
omission or event during the time passengers are not on board their planes or conveyances. The right is
reserved to withdraw any tour mentioned in this program and to make such alterations to the
itineraries as may be found desirable for the proper execution of the tours. We reserve the right to
amend or alter all or part of the arrangements scheduled in the event it becomes necessary at the Tour
coordinators discretion to ensure the safety or comfort of the passengers without penalty to the Tour
Coordinator. The Tour Coordinator reserves the right to change any hotel/s listed and replace with a
property of a similar category if circumstances necessitate. Additional expenses, if any, shall be borne
by the passenger/s. The right is reserved to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of any
group at any time should they require services beyond those which can be provided. If room
requirements are altered due to cancellation of one or more passengers, the passengers still travelling
must pay the applicable rate for the accommodation to be occupied. If you must leave the tour early,
regardless of reason, no refunds will be granted for unused services. Participants should expect to pay
extra for the use of facilities such as sauna, health clubs, safety deposit box, etc. Regardless of the flight
arrival or departure time, most hotels have a check in between 1 PM – 4 PM. Requests for immediate
check in outside of the normal check in times will be subject to additional fees. Prices quoted are based
on current tariffs and rates of exchange and are subject to change without prior notice. We reserve the
right to cancel a departure should there be an insufficient number of participants to make the tour
viable.
Important Resources
● Puzzle Israel website for sample itineraries, ideas, testimonials and pictures
www.puzzleisrael.com ○ We do our utmost to ensure that the information on our website is as accurate as
possible. However, pictures and descriptions are representations and not a guarantee
that everything will be exactly as described or operational year round.
● Margolis Catering website for reviews, pictures, sample menus and a bit about Chef Nir
www.margolisbynir.com
● Nir’s Direct Israeli Phone number: +972 (52) 226 1323, American Phone: 215-764-6412
● Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions, concerns or trip ideas. In addition, we’re happy
to connect you with our past participants so that they can share their wonderful experiences
We look forward to sharing this adventure with you!
The Puzzle Israel Team