Israel Offers - February

FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER

Israel Offers

In this Edition....

(Click on the Menu item to go straight there!)

1. First of all
2. Israeli tourism record
3. Special offer -Dan Panorama Eilat
4. Special offer -Crowne Plaza Jerusalem
5. Special offer - Carlton Hotel Tel Aviv
6. Passover -at the Mamilla Hotel Jerusalem
7. Land of Plenty
8. Ministry of Tourism and new hotels
9. Museum with a difference
10. Fatal Hotel update
11. Food & Israel
12. Travel tips
13. Mamilla - Quiz
14. Our products

First of all

There is not a year that goes by that in our office we comment on how expensive the Passover period is in Israel and even more the
cost of participating in the seder meal. Sometimes I think it would be cheaper to bring your own and be charged corkage! When I see
£120.00 per person for the Seder - it raises the eye brow.

An indicator of the ongoing tourism woes in Israel - is the ever changing hands of hotels. If that was all it would not be a problem
- but each new owner wants to re- brand their property. So we have a number of hotels that have had three even four different names.
This does cause slight confusion not only with the trade but also with clients, who think that they are going to a 'new' hotel, only
to a find out , when they arrive, that it is an old one with a new name!

This month we are featuring a Food and Israel group tour. This itinerary is the excellent endeavours of close friend of mine. This
tour highlights the fact that Israel has many tourism facets, which are featured in the article. If you would like to participate on
such a tour then kindly call me and I shall form a group. It would be great if we could find a culinary leader for it too!

Click here to go straight to the feature.

We are in the throws of setting up a marketing agreement with one of the world's largest escorted group tour operator - Collette
Worldwide Holidays. Their groups tours cover destinations in: North America, Latin America & the Antarctica, Asia, Africa,
Australia & New Zealand as well as Europe. Soon you will be able to view and book their holidays via a link from our web site.

A reminder regarding 'APC' - Air Passenger Contribution. The Government via the CAA have changed the procedure in which you the
consumer are protected regarding financial failure of your tour operator. In the past the tour operator gave to the CAA bonds, which
hopefully would suffice if the tour operator went in to liquidation. Sadly this procedure created a huge deficit for the CAA and
they have changed the rules and now have instigated a levy (APC). Originally it was £1.00 per person and from 1st October 2009 it
has been increased to £2.50 per person.

The article below is good news for Israel and not so good for visiting tourists. For we all know from experience, when the demand
increases - so do the prices.

Tourism Soars, With Record Set in December 2009
Israeli tourism is soaring higher than the planes that bring it. A new report issued by the Ministry of Tourism and the Central
Bureau of Statistics proudly proclaims December 2009 the most visitor-laden December in Israeli history, in which 225,000 tourists
set foot on the Holy Land.

The number is a substantial 11% increase from the same month in 2008.

Overall, 2.7 million tourists visited Israel in 2009, 10% less than in 2008, making 2009 the second highest tourism year on record.
The statistics for 2008 were 35% higher than those for 2007.

Tourism Minister Stas Misezhnikov said his ministry is beginning 2010 with a bang, aiming to achieve a goal of a million additional
tourists a year by the end of 2012. According to Misezhnikov, that would pour an additional NIS 18.5 billion into the economy and
increase tourism-related employment to 190,000 people.

Streamlining bureaucratic processes, increasing services, promotion, and information to tourists, and extending visa waivers to
tourists from certain countries are some of the areas of improvement the Tourism Ministry said it is attacking as a means of
increasing tourism to the Holy Land.

Dan Panorama Eilat
We are pleased to advise you that the Dan Panorama Eilat will be offering only the traditional Seder meal on the First Seder night.

For Guests wishing to join the Seder, there will be a supplement of GBP 42 per person.

As a result of the above, the half board on March 29, 2010 can only be taken as Lunch on that day and not as the evening meal.

Crowne Plaza Jerusalem

Kindly note the following special rates will apply at the above hotel during

March 29 – April 6, 2010

The rates are per day and subject to a minimum stay of 4 consecutive nights.

This offer is valid for bookings received at our office up to February 3, 2010.

$ 119 per person in double room
$ 207 per person in single room
$115 per person in triple room
$25 per child under 18 years, sharing room with parents

Supplement for Seder Dinner – March 29, 2010
$125 per adult § $100 per child under 18 years

Rates are based on standard type rooms and include full Israeli breakfast

Carlton Tel Aviv Hotel

We are pleased to offer the following special packages at the Carlton Tel Aviv Hotel as follows:

Minimum stay of 7 consecutive nights between

March 28 – April 3, 2010

$ 175 per person in double room

$ 325 per person in single room

$ 163 per person in triple room

$ 19 per child under 18 years, sharing room with parents

Supplement for Seder Meals

March 29, 2010

$ 112 per adult § $ 85 per child under 12 years

March 30, 2010

$ 88 per adult § $ 67 per child under 12 years

Rates are based on Superior City View rooms on bed and breakfast basis and includes the following:

· Free upgrade to Superior Sea View rooms.

When staying minimum 7 consecutive nights or more on half board basis, the Seder Dinner will be provided at no extra charge.

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Minimum stay of 11 consecutive nights between March 28 – April 7, 2010

$ 159 per person in double room

$ 293 per person in single room

$ 152 per person in triple room

$ 19 per child under 18 years, sharing room with parents

Supplement for Seder Meals

March 29, 2010

$ 112 per adult § $ 85 per child under 12 years

March 30, 2010

$ 88 per adult § $ 67 per child under 12 years

Rates are based on Superior City View rooms on bed and breakfast basis and includes the following:

· Stay 11 nights, pay for 10. Free night on bed and breakfast basis.

· One free midweek lunch per person during the stay

· Free upgrade to Superior Sea View rooms.

When staying minimum 7 consecutive nights or more on half board basis, the Seder Dinner will be provided at no extra charge.
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Minimum stay of 13 consecutive nights between March 26 – April 7, 2010

$ 163 per person in double room

$ 300 per person in single room

$ 155 per person in triple room

$ 19 per child under 18 years, sharing room with parents

Supplement for Seder Meals

March 29, 2010

$ 112 per adult § $ 85 per child under 12 years

March 30, 2010

$ 88 per adult § $ 67 per child under 12 years

Rates are based on Superior City View rooms on bed and breakfast basis and includes the following:

· Stay 13 nights, pay for 12. Free night on bed and breakfast basis.

· Two free midweek lunches per person during the stay

· Free upgrade to Superior Sea View rooms.

When staying minimum 7 consecutive nights or more on half board basis, the Seder Dinner will be provided at no extra charge.

Spend Passover 2010 at Mamilla Jerusalem
The Mamilla Hotel is located in the heart of Jerusalem with magnificent views of the Old City, the Tower of David, Jaffa Gate, and
alongside Jerusalem's new shopping and entertainment center, the Alrov Mamilla Avenue as know as "Mamilla Mall". The Mamilla Hotel
brings world-class superior design and lifestyle hospitality to Jerusalem and Israel. Guests and visitors will enjoy exceptional
accommodations together with exclusive dining and bar venues, a Holistic Well-being spa and gym, as well as events and banqueting
spaces, that blend sophistication and modern international style with the unique and rich culture of Jerusalem.
The hotel offers 194 luxurious guest rooms of various sizes: Studios, spacious Executive Rooms, Mamilla Suites, Residence Suites and
Presidential Suite. All the rooms in the Mamilla hotel includes cable television, LCD screen, Wireless internet, mini-bar, bathtub,
separate shower, personal safe and direct phone with voice mail.
· 131 Studios - a beautiful designed rooms for couples.
· 30 Executive guests rooms with a spacious bedroom and a comfortable sitting or dining area.
· 25 Mamilla Suites with a large bedroom and living-room. The Mamilla Suites have a view of Old City or Alrov Mamilla Avenue.
· 7 Residence Suites with spacious living-room and bed-room. The Residence Suites have a view to the Old City or Alrov Mamilla
Avenue.
· One Presidential Suite with spacious bedroom, very large living-room, kitchen and dining area. The Presidential Suite has a
breathtaking view of the Old City.
Hotel Facilities include:
· Rooftop sun balcony with views of the Old City.
· Spacious heated indoor swimming pool and children pool.
· Wide selection of venues, including restaurants, coffee shop and bars.
· Equipped high tech conference facilities and meeting rooms.
· Banquet room for a private dining, events or weddings.
· Intimate lounge, perfect for private business meetings.
· Holistic spa center for spa treatments includes gym facilities - Will open during 2010.
· Synagogue
· Underground parking
The hotel offers a wide selection of restaurants, dining rooms and bars:
· Mirror Bar – the place to enjoy classic drinks or exclusive cocktails in Jerusalem with live great music almost every night
enclosed Cigar Lounge.
· Mamilla Rooftop – magnificent outdoor brasserie with the breathtaking scenery of the Old City of Jerusalem.
· The Winery – a wine bar set amidst a modern 300 bottle of wine rack offers you one of the Israeli wines.
· The Patio – a beautifully and informal outdoor patio.
· Dining Room – the perfect way to start your day, capture the morning of Jerusalem light with fresh breakfast.
· Lobby Cafe – for informal relaxed dining in a charming atmosphere.
Special package based on a stay of 7 nights during the period March 29 – April 4, 2010

Studio room
$2,388 per person in double room
$3,725 per person in single room

Executive room
$2,969 per person in double room
$4,838 per person in single room
$2,425 per person in triple room
$913 per child under 12 years, sharing room with parents
$6,850 for 2 adults + 1 child under 12 years (in one room)

Mamilla Suite
$4,207 per person in double room
$7,513 per person in single room
$3,250 per person in triple room
$913 per child under 12 years, sharing room with parents
$9,325 for 2 adults + 1 child under 12 years (in one room)

Mamilla Family Suite
$4,257 per person in double room
$7,613 per person in single room
$3,284 per person in triple room
$913 per child under 12 years, sharing room with parents
$9,425 for 2 adults + 1 child under 12 years (in one room)
$10,338 for 2 adults + 2 children under 12 years (in one room)

Residence Suite
$5,588 per person in double room
$10,275 per person in single room
$4,184 per person in triple room
$1,375 per child under 12 years, sharing room with parents
$12,550 for 2 adults + 1 child under 12 years (in one room)
$13,925 for 2 adults + 2 children under 12 years (in one room)

Rates include full Israeli breakfast and the following meals
March 29: Seder meal ¦ March 30: Holiday Lunch
April 2: Shabbat Dinner ¦ April 3: Shabbat Lunch
April 4: 7th day Holiday Dinner ¦ April 5: 7th day Holiday Lunch

Check-in: March 29 and late Check-out: April 5

Land of plenty

With the age of feminism and bra-burning over, women having been successfully integrated into the fast lane of modern life, focus on
the bond of sisterhood seems to have been pushed aside, apart from rituals such as bachelorette parties and baby showers.

It seemed a shame, and the perfect solution, I had recently decided, was a mini-break at a spa.

A 24-hour stay at Safed's Canaan Spa Hotel with my best girlfriend last week was a welcome break from the daily grind. This
five-star luxury resort in the North is the perfect place for girls to be girls, though couples and mixed groups of friends should
love it as well.

Upon entering the lobby, I was struck by the effort made to appeal to all of the senses. The complex is tastefully decorated, with
classy artwork on every wall - some with price-tags available for purchase. A smell of lavender pervades all of the hotel halls for
an instantly relaxing effect, and soft rock music plays from speakers both inside and outside on the sprawling decks. The
comfortable couches bunched around wooden coffee tables in the lobby are a great place to dump your bags and enjoy a fresh tea or
sahlab before checking in and going up to your room.

In line with the rest of the hotel, the rooms are pleasantly decorated, spacious and well-equipped, with vanilla candles and
potpourri in the bathroom, a full mini-bar, tea and coffee facilities, and cable television. Our seventh-floor balcony, though too
small even for a table and two chairs, looked out over tennis courts and lush red and green trees, with a beautiful view of Mount
Meron on a clear day. A fresh fruit platter delivered to our room was another lovely touch. A note: make sure to let the hotel know
if you're coming with your girlfriends, so that one of you doesn't end up drowning in the men's size robe and slippers!

For me and my friend, our time at Canaan was all about the food and the spa facilities.

Let me first say this: don't expect to lose weight at Canaan. In fact, I'd recommend bringing some pants with a stretchy waistband.

We've all seen the amazing buffets Israeli hotels are capable of putting together, but this one was definitely a cut above the rest.
Our first meal upon arrival was lunch, and we entered the light, airy dining room to find a massive table in the middle of the room
covered with cheeses, salads, tofu stir-fry, gnocchi, stuffed cabbages, and, naturally, a humous section. Along one wall was a
selection of breads, potentially enough to feed an army for a month, while at the other end of the room, manning a station dominated
by a massive wok, a chef preparing ravioli, zucchini and eggplant dishes, served on slabs of Bulgarian cheese with cream and tomato
based sauces. All meals at the hotel are kosher.

We couldn't move for a few hours after our first culinary experience at Canaan, so it worked out well that after lunchtime came spa
time.

Downstairs, at the spa, a variety of eastern and western options are available, including facials, manicures, Thai massage, hot
stone treatments and body scrubs. I donned the plush white robe and slippers and arrived for my Swedish massage to find a beautiful
room with herbal teas and fresh juices while I waited. The massage itself was relaxing and gentle, and served as the perfect prelude
for a round of the spa facilities.

The highlight for us was the Turkish bath room, which was spacious and steamy, with a classic domed roof and tiled walls. We also
tried out the wet and dry saunas and the Jacuzzi, which, though more traditional, were well maintained and relaxing. Less relevant
to the chilly December afternoon was the indoor lap pool, though had it been a little hotter outside we would have enjoyed lying
down with a book on one of the wooden deck chairs laid out around the area.

After freshening up back in our rooms, where impressive water pressure and a massaging shower-head awaited, we headed down for what
was meant to be one of the highlights of our stay: the seven-course set menu in one of the banquet rooms. Ironically, it was the
only real disappointment of the trip, though to be fair, it wasn't for want of trying. Basically I think it all boils down to the
fact that Westerners expect a different level of service than Israelis are used to providing.

For a group of 30 people around a large table, one waiter and one server is simply not enough. In addition, owing to a failure of
table positioning, I was served each course first, while my friend received her portion last, so I was left trying to work out
whether to wait 15 minutes and let my food go cold, or eat and leave her watching me. Just a simple matter of timing, but it
definitely affected our enjoyment of the dining experience.

Having said that, the food was certainly above as is often the case, they turned out to be little more than a tasty series of potato
and vegetable combinations. Red and white wine was served throughout the evening, and Arabic coffee in traditional glasses finished
off the meal.

All in all, if you have a choice, I'd recommend going for the buffet, unless you don't mind spending three hours eating dinner
without having a say in what you eat.

Breakfast in the main dining hall the next morning was amazing, and I'm not exaggerating when I say I didn't think about food again
until the following evening. The selection of almost 30 different cheeses blew my mind, as did the slab of honeycomb dripping onto a
tray, an even more extensive selection of breads than at lunch the previous day, and omelets and espresso made to order.

After breakfast, we rolled ourselves up to a third-floor room where we sampled a guided imagery class, one of the many workshops
that run at the hotel throughout the week. Granted, this kind of thing isn't everyone's cup of tea, but it certainly is mine, and I
thought the concept, the teacher, and the setup of the room fitted perfectly with the theme of the hotel.

For a girls' weekend away, I honestly don't think it can get much better than Canaan. Not surprisingly, it is on the pricey side,
but check out the winter and midweek deals for more affordable options. Or do what I'm planning to do - get your family to take you
up there next time they visit!

The writer was a guest of the Canaan Spa Hotel.

During January, Canaan's house chef, Tamir Yehuda, will be hosting a series of top-tier culinary artists, including Sahar Refaeli,
Ronen Dovrat-Bloch, Miki Shemo and Charlie Fadida. For details call (04) 669-3000.

Tourism Ministry delivers plan to mend economic wounds with hotel construction

Tourism Ministry Director-General, Noaz Bar Nir, warned Tuesday of an expected shortage of thousands of hotel rooms in the coming
years. Bar Nir spoke at the Knesset State Control Committee on Tuesday during deliberations on the future of the Palmachim beach
resort.

"The existing supply of hotel rooms of various types does not match the demand that is expected to renew and increase in the coming
years and months as we gradually move out of the global economic crisis. The Tourism Ministry will continue to encourage
entrepreneurs from Israel and abroad to build hotels in Israel and increase the accommodation supply, thereby reducing prices and
meeting the expected demand," said Bar Nir.

Bar Nir added that the Tourism Ministry is working towards building an additional 2,500 rooms beyond the existing 48,000.

During 2009, 337 hotels operated in Israel. Jerusalem is home to 69 hotels with 9,000 rooms. Eilat has 50 hotels with 11,000 rooms.
Tel Aviv has 49 hotels with 6,000 rooms. The Dead Sea has 15 hotels with over 4,000 rooms, and in the Tiberias and Sea of Galilee
area there are 45 hotels with a total of 6,000 rooms.

Occupancy rates at hotels in 2009 fluctuated between 44% in January and 72% in August. Last year, which was a record-breaking year
in terms of incoming tourists, saw occupancy rates reach a high of 73.5% in May.

The Tourism Ministry is currently completing the process of transferring the tourism investment center from the Ministry of
Industry, Trade and Labor to the Tourism Ministry. Such a move would help simplify bureaucratic procedures, which are some of the
main impediments to the new investment. In addition, Bar Nir said the ministry is working towards increasing budgets for encouraging
capital investment for new hotel construction, locating and marketing land, and providing grants to help entrepreneurs.

First signs of new hotel industry activities came in the form of an announcement earlier this month that international hotel chain
Ritz Carlton will be opening a new hotel in Herzliya. The 12-story luxury hotel will have 110 suites and an additional 85 units for
sale to private owners. The company had originally planned to build a hotel in Tel Aviv in 2000, but the plan was canceled when the
second Intifada broke out that year. The new hotel is planned to be opened in March 2012.

In a press conference last week, Tourism Minister Stas Misezhnikov said he had presented his three-year plan to Prime Minister
Netanyahu and the cabinet, where it received wall to wall support. "We have a real partner with this government. Everybody realizes
that tourism is a major engine of growth for this country and have offered their support."

Misezhnikov said that the focus for development would be Jerusalem and the periphery regions, which the ministry has identified as
the places where most tourists desire to visit.

"The Tourism Ministry is an economic portfolio. As such it is measured according to two main parameters: creating jobs and balancing
income with expenses. For every 100,000 tourists, 4,000 jobs are created and 450 million shekels are invested in the Israeli
economy," said Misezhnikov.

During the debate on the Palmachim resort, Bar Nir noted that the Tourism Ministry will continue to support the project as long as
natural and environmental values and legislation are maintained, alongside the entrepreneurs' commitment that the project will be
reserved for hotel use exclusively.

Not your average museum

Fortunate indeed is the family graced with an elderly, elegant, eccentric maiden aunt. This is the aunt whom the family's children
love to visit because of her appealingly odd personality and her rambling old apartment crammed with fascinating things to look at
and touch.

The aunt, it seems, has been everywhere, and enraptures her visitors with anecdotes of lassoing wild horses with Texas cowboys and
drinking mares' milk in Mongolia. Her residence reflects her persona. Wherever one turns, there are china cabinets filled with
everything from eggs made of crystal to the tusks of wild boars; coffee tables groaning under the weight of more than 200 miniature
laughing Buddha figurines or intricately decorated sailing ships in antique glass bottles; walls covered with framed photographs of
long-ago excursions to Bali, Botswana and Machu Picchu. End tables are festooned with daguerreotypes of mid-19th-century ancestors
whose identities even the aunt does not know, along with Wedgwood bowls brimming with coins from pre-World War II Japan.

The place is a virtual treasure house, arranged according to the whim of its unconventional occupant, and every visit there is an
adventure.

The Eretz Israel Museum in Tel Aviv is the eccentric maiden aunt of Israeli museums. Spread across a sprawling expanse of hills and
gardens at the edge of the Tel Aviv University campus in Ramat Aviv, the museum is actually a complex of several large theme
pavilions, offering an impressive assortment of indoor exhibits that include ancient ceramics, glass, coins and metallurgy, as well
as a network of paths that wind their way past several much smaller pavilions and outdoor exhibits. The small pavilions display
reconstructions of ancient olive presses and flour mills; the outdoor exhibitions feature everything from Mameluke and
Ottoman-period drinking fountains to 20th-century railroad cars.

Although purportedly dedicated to the archeology and history of the land of Israel, the museum also features a planetarium for a
non-historical glimpse of our galaxy.

How did this eclectic mix of attractions come into being? According to spokeswoman Miri Tzdaka, 37, the Eretz Israel Museum began in
1953 as an on-site exhibition of the archeological excavations of Tel Qasile, a Philistine port city that flourished along the
Yarkon River from the 12th to the 10th centuries BCE. Among the first archeological sites unearthed within the new State of Israel,
excavation at Tel Qasile was started in 1948 by Prof. Benjamin Mazar. Subsequent excavations on three Philistine temples, built one
on top of the other, were conducted in 1971-1972. The Eretz Israel Museum grew around the Tel Qasile excavations, which continue to
be a focal point and major attraction of the museum.

The main pavilions are clustered not far from the entrance to the complex at Rehov Haim Levanon 2. First, however, the visitor
passes a vintage 1917 fire engine, rescued from a junk heap and lovingly restored at the instigation of Ilan Cohen, current director
of the museum.

The ceramics and glass pavilions are extensive, offering comprehensive displays of objects from this area's successive historical
periods. The Ceramics Pavilion tells the story of Neolithic people's discovery that fired clay becomes watertight; the introduction
of pottery; and the evolution of pottery designs and functions. The pavilion also contains a reconstruction of a biblical-period
home. The popular Glass Pavilion features rare and beautiful objects from 3,000 years of glass-making, from its introduction to
Israel in the 15th century BCE through the Medieval era.

The Kadman Numismatic Pavilion features an extensive collection of coins from all of the country's historical periods, right up
until today, as well as bank notes, certificates and other marginalia, like weights.

The museum's eclecticism continues at the Postal History and Philately Pavilion. Here, in the midst of a fine exhibit of
historically significant 19th-century stamps, letters and postcards of which any museum would be proud, stands a shiny, red,
mid-1950s postal delivery van - waxed, polished and gleaming with spotless whitewall tires. A few feet away is a collection of
vintage rotary telephones from the 1930s and '40s, not far from the printing press that produced some of Israel's first postage
stamps.

Also housed in this building is "The Secret History of Tel Aviv," an exhibition outlining Tel Aviv's little-known archeological
history, with pictures of ancient ruins in remote corners of the city. A true museum junkie could spend an entire afternoon in this
one building and go home happy.

Not to be missed, however, are the Nehushtan Pavilion and the Man and His Works Center. The former is a cleverly-designed
restoration of an ancient copper mine, with special emphasis on recent findings from the Timna archeological site. Man and His Works
attempts to recreate the industries and crafts of ancient Israel, with reconstructed workshops and extensive displays of ancient
tools. The Ethnography and Folklore Pavilion is also a popular exhibit, displaying a diverse array of arts, crafts, costumes and
ritual objects from Jewish communities around the world.

>From there, the trail leads outward through the sprawling back gardens and sometimes surprising outdoor exhibits. Although this
calm oasis in the middle of the city draws fewer visitors than the big pavilions, there are a lot of cool things to see out there.
These include a reconstructed olive press, a wine press and a flour mill. Especially interesting are the two huge Ottoman-period
drinking fountains, similar to those that dotted the landscape during the 13th-19th centuries.

At the end of this garden path lies what is perhaps the museum's best-known exhibit: the Roads and Railroads Site. This consists of
two small green locomotives, a wooden boxcar, a server locomotive and a recently repainted passenger car, complete with a
"streamlined" rounded rear-end. Even those who have never been to or heard of the Eretz Israel Museum may recognize these objects,
as they are all plainly visible from Namir Road, a major artery into and out of Tel Aviv.

According to Tzdaka, a lot of the quirky eclecticism of this museum can be traced to the late Rehavam Ze'evi. Although better known
as a Knesset member and tourism minister, "Gandhi" Ze'evi was also the Eretz Israel Museum's hands-on chairman of the board from
1981 to 1991. Deciding to breathe some new life into the place, Ze'evi was particularly interested in making it child-friendly.
That, says Tzdaka, accounts for the planetarium, which Ze'evi built to delight young audiences. It also accounts for the railroad
cars, which were to be part of an outdoor transportation exhibition featuring a full array of antique cars, trucks, buses, boats
and, of course, trains.

"But unfortunately, it didn't happen," says Tzdaka. "The railroad cars were as far as he got."

Always a popular destination for school groups - no fewer than nine busloads came and went during our three-hour visit - the museum
is becoming increasingly popular among the general population as well, thanks to more aggressive marketing, and the addition of new
permanent and temporary exhibits.

An example of the latter is the currently running "Tel Aviv: White City, Dark Days." Through an extensive collection of compelling
photos, documents and other memorabilia, this exhibit documents the natural and man-made calamities that have struck the city since
its founding in 1909. One can see Tel Aviv's inhabitants struggling with wars, riots, forced evacuations, floods, fires and terror
attacks. What is most impressive is the city's resilient determination to get back to its feet each time it is knocked down.

Another successful strategy for the museum has been its staging of huge, family-oriented activities during the summer. Examples of
these were two colorful Chinese culture festivals held at night on the museum grounds a few years ago, complete with large souvenir
arcades and Chinese food stalls.

What's planned for this summer? Tzdaka smiles and says, "Let's let it be a surprise."

Information about the Eretz Israel Museum's hours, prices and activities is available at http://eretzmuseum.org.il.

Fattal Hotel Chain – Update

As of January 1, 2010, the Fattal Hotel Chain is expanding and will now include the following hotels. Kindly note that some hotels
have changed their names, as indicated below.

Bat Yam
· Mercure Suites

Beer Sheva
· Leonardo Negev

Dead Sea
· Le Meridien Dead Sea
· Leonardo Club (previously Golden Tulip Club)
· Leonardo Dead Sea (previously Moriah Classic)
· Leonardo Inn (previously Tulip Inn)
· Leonardo Plaza (previously Moriah Plaza)

Eilat
· Club Med Coral Beach
· Golden Tulip Privilege
· Le Meridien Eilat
· Leonardo Club (previously Golden Tulip Club)
· Herods
· Magic Palace
· Magic Sunrise Club
· Leonardo Plaza (previously Moriah Plaza)
· Royal Tulip

Haifa
· Leonardo Haifa

Jerusalem
· Leonardo Inn (previously Moriah Gardens)
· Leonardo Jerusalem (previously Moriah Classic)
· Leonardo Plaza (previously Plaza Jerusalem)

Tel Aviv
· Leonardo Boutique
· Leonardo Basel
· Leonardo City Tower (previously Sheraton City Tower)
· Leonardo Plaza (previously Moriah Plaza)

Tiberias
· Leonardo Club (previously Golden Tulip Club)
· Leonardo Plaza (previously Moriah Plaza)
· Leonardo Tiberias (previously Moriah Gardens)

Food and Israel:

Israel's tourism industry has for many years focused on the huge resource of biblical sites dotted throughout the country.
Furthermore, they have created a few cultural festivals and international events in order to go after new markets. The main problem
seems to be infrastructure and vision. 'Infrastructure' in as much as a huge shortage of hotels in the budget 3 - 4 star range and
vision in as much as huge lack of new ideas and new products. I have been speaking to a number of colleagues about tours. Here are
just a few: events and parties for Jewish singles, special offers for senior citizens, learn Hebrew trips, shopping holidays at
Israel's (designer) factory outlet stores, cooking classes given in Israel's top 5 star hotels and even youth trips with the I.D.F-
just to mention a few. Below is a unique itinerary especially prepared for us and only available through us. If you would like more
details please email foodanddrinktour@itstravel.co.uk to register your interest and we shall send you departure dates and cost.

Kibbutz Galuyot is the Hebrew for Ingathering of the Exiles and Israel is indeed a gathering of people from all over the world, who
have brought with them rich and varied traditions, and none more rich or varied than food. Moroccan cigars, Kurdish kubbe, Ashkenazi
gefilte fish, Yemenite jachnoon, Arab matboocha salad and of course Israeli falafel are all common features in the country's
restaurants and homes, and from the background of this amazing selection Israel has developed a cooking style of its own, which can
be best described as Mediterranean/Jewish fusion and combines French cooking techniques, use of local products and ethnic touches.
Tel Aviv, in particular, boasts young and inventive chefs in excellent restaurants and throughout the country there are over 300
boutique wineries making fine wines to accompany the meals.

Our programme has been designed to give as broad an exposure to food as possible while touring the country and visiting the major
landmarks.

We trust that this journey will leave you with a longing to taste some more!

Day one: Sunday
Land at Ben Gurion Airport and transfer to Tel Aviv Check in to Dan Panorama Hotel Opening dinner at Lilith
Lilith manages to juggle between quality food, a kosher menu and a social conscience: Owned by Elem, a nonprofit organization for
teenagers at risk,
the kitchen at Lilith takes in youngsters from difficult backgrounds and gives them the opportunity to get a profession and learn
about the world of cooking.
Overnight: Dan Panorama Hotel

Day Two: Monday
Full Israeli breakfast at hotel Tel Aviv- the city that never sleeps. If Jerusalem is Israel's official and religious capital, Tel
Aviv is the country's business, cultural and fashion centre. Begin at Independence Hall, where David Ben Gurion read Israel's
Declaration of Independence in 1948. The room is kept exactly as it was on the day, and after the visit stop for coffee at the first
kiosk in the city, just outside the building on Rothschild Boulevard, and still operational today, admire some of the outstanding
examples of Bauhaus architecture on the boulevard: this very particular architectural style was brought to Tel Aviv by architects
fleeing Nazi Germany and to this day Tel Aviv is known as the "White City" because of the Bauhaus style and is a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. Walk to the Carmel Market, Tel Aviv's largest food and vegetable market and meet Yona Wiseman. Yona has lived in
Israel since 1961 and she will take you to her favorite haunts in the market, to meet with the sellers, shop owners and local
characters. Light lunch and lots of tastings are included Neve Tzedek was the first Jewish neighborhood to be built outside the
walls of the ancient port of Jaffa. Today is one of Tel Aviv's most fashionable and expensive districts. Stop at Pri Ha Geffen wine
shop to taste kosher Israeli wines. Tour of Old Jaffa and the Ilana Goor Museum, located in a structure overlooking the port of
Jaffa, which used to serve as a seaside inn for pilgrims who sought shelter on their way to Jerusalem. Two hundred and fifty years
ago this house was the first stop for pilgrims who entered the Holy Land. The Exhibition presents paintings, sculptures, furniture
of Israeli and foreign artists. Return to hotel and free evening (list of recommended restaurants will be given to participants)
Overnight: Dan Panorama Hotel

Day Three: Tuesday
Full Israeli breakfast Check out of hotel and proceed north, for one of the 2 following options:

Option One: Visit Caesarea; the ancient port city in use since the times of the Phoenicians. The spectacular ruins include the Roman
Amphitheatre, the Crusader port and the remains of a massive Byzantine Church. Continue to the Carmel Mountain and lunch and
hospitality at a Druze home. The Druze, a religious minority living in harmony in Israel, is an ethnic group known for their
hospitality and warm welcome of visitors. Overview of the Bahai Gardens, Haifa's most striking landmark. The gardens stretch down
from the top of the mountain to the port in Haifa,
over 19 carefully tended terraces. Drive east via the Jezreel Valley and the Bet Lechem Ha Glilit herb farm, a former Templar
colony located in the north of Israel.

Option Two: Drive through the Jezreal valley to Bet Lechem Ha Glilit and visit the herb farm there, and then on to Tzfat- Kabbala,
Artist's Colony and candle factory.
The city is considered one of Judaism's Four Holy Cities along with Jerusalem, Hebron and Tiberius From that time until today, the
city has been a centre of Jewish mysticism. Lunch at the Ha Meiri Cheese Factory, where the much loved local "Tzfatit" cheese
originated over 100 years ago. The cheese factory is run by the great-grandchildren of the founder Visit the picturesque town of
Rosh Pina and stop for tea on site. Check in to the Lave Kibbutz Hotel and tour the kibbutz Dinner tonight will be at Makom
B'Sejera, known for its authentic Kurdish cooking and lovely setting in an old stone house, For a change of scene, and weather
permitting, dessert and coffee will be served around a traditional kumsitz (bonfire) in the garden of the restaurant Overnight:
Kibbutz Lave

Day Four: Wednesday
Full Israeli breakfast, check out of hotel and head towards the Hula Valley Nature Reserve for an early morning viewing of the
thousands of birds that migrate over Israel twice a year, using Israel's unique position as a bridge between Europe and Africa.
Ascend the Golan Heights and visit the bunkers on Mt Ben Tal for a security briefing on and a clear view of the Syrian Border .This
was the scene of fierce battles in 1967 and 1973 and the site remains a memorial to those who fell in battle. The Golan Heights
Winery began operation in the 1980's and the excellent wines they have continued to produce ever since; they are a result of the
volcanic soil in which the grapes are grown and cutting edge technology and expertise. Tasting will be followed by a tour of the
winery. Next door to the winery is the Olive Press, a centre for the production and distribution of olive oil and its products.
Lunch will be on site. Depart for Jerusalem via the Jordan Valley, stopping at the Old Bridge at Gesher for tea and home baked
cookies Arrive in Jerusalem via Mount Scopus from which there is a magnificent view of the city as we says the Shehehyanu blessing.
Check in to hotel Tonight enjoy traditional Jerusalem/Canaanite cooking at the Eucalyptus Restaurant overlooking the Old City Walls,
with famed Chef Moshe Basson, a highly original dining experience that highlights Biblical dishes. Moshe's specialty is the use of
wild herbs and plants growing on the Judean Mountains – hyssop, Jerusalem sage, and freshly picked figs. The menu is therefore
always different and unexpected and always delicious Overnight: Mt Zion Hotel Jerusalem

Day Five: Thursday
Full Israeli breakfast Day at the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth. Stop at Ein Gedi .Known for its caves, springs and its rich
diversity of flora and fauna, Ein Gedi National Park was founded in 1972 and is one of the most important reserves in Israel. The
park is situated on the eastern border of the Judean Desert, on the Dead Sea coast. Continue to Massada, site of ancient palaces and
fortifications on top of an isolated rock, on the eastern edge of the Judean overlooking the Dead Sea. Lunch and swim at the Dead
Sea Spa Hotel and an opportunity for spa treatments. Early traditional Biblical dinner on the way back to Jerusalem at Eretz
Beresheet with pitta making and camel riding. Optional late evening activity: Western Wall Tunnels or the Sound and Light Show at
the Tower of David Museum. The walls of the Citadel serve as a stage for a night time show which is a celebration of sight and
sound. Amidst the archaeological remains in the Citadel's courtyard and to the sound of original music, the story of Jerusalem
unfolds through giant breathtaking, virtual reality images. Overnight: Mt Zion Hotel, Jerusalem

Day Six: Friday
Full Israeli breakfast Visit the Old City of Jerusalem: Four quarters, Cardo, City of David, Davidson Center, the Arab souk and the
Via Dolorosa. Traditionally, the Old City has been divided into four quarters: the Muslim Quarter, the Christian Quarter, the Jewish
Quarter and the Armenian Quarter. Each has its own characteristics and inhabitants Falafel lunch in the Jewish Quarter Visit the
Machnei Yehuda market for rogelech at the Marzipan Bakery and shofar blowing as the market shuts down for the Sabbath. Located
between Jaffa Road and Agrippas Street, apart from fresh fruits and vegetables, one can purchase baked goods, fish, meat, prepared
food, spices, clothing and shoes, house wares, textiles and even Judaica. Return to the hotel for rest and refresh .Kabbalat Shabbat
at the Wall Traditional Shabbat dinner at the home of Ruti Yudkevitz, who will demonstrate some of her cooking techniques used in
preparing her meal. Overnight: Mt Zion Hotel, Jerusalem

Day Seven: Saturday
Full Israeli breakfast Join a walking tour of Yemin Moshe: surrounded by gardens with a panoramic view of the Old City walls, the
original complex of buildings has been turned into a cultural centre and guesthouse for writers, intellectuals and musicians Lunch
at leisure Optional: Coffee and strudel in the garden of the Austrian Hospice (Hotel) on the Via Dolorosa As Shabbat draws to a
close, attend Havdallah in the gardens of the Mt Zion Hotel Farewell dinner at the Darna Moroccan restaurant,
an authentic Moroccan Glatt Kosher restaurant, located in a beautiful 200 year old building in the heart of Jerusalem Overnight: Mt
Zion Hotel, Jerusalem

Day Eight: Sunday
Full Israeli breakfast Transfer to airport for return flight

Travel Tips

Q. Do travel agents enjoy huge discounts when they travel?

A. Absolutely! Much more than your staff discount at any of the high street stores I can assure you. We have our own web sites that
feature discounted holidays and cruises; these are now available to 'family and friends' - so it is worth having a good friend who
is a travel agent. In addition to that, there are many accepted norms in the travel industry, both with hotels and airlines that
grant us major discounts.

I have heard of people 'printing' their own travel agents business cards in order to obtain and dupe hotels into giving them
discounts - more fool them... IATA have introduced a picture ID for travel agents thus foiling the fraudsters.

QUIZ THE MAMILLA HOTEL

The Latest 5 star deluxe hotel to open in Jerusalem!

Located in the heart of the City, with magnificent views of the Old City walls, the Tower of David, Jaffa Gate, and alongside
Jerusalem's new shopping and entertainment experience, the Alrov Mamilla Avenue. Mamilla Hotel, the newest of luxury hotels in
Jerusalem, brings world-class superior design and lifestyle hospitality to Jerusalem and Israel. Guests and visitors will enjoy
exceptional accommodations together with exclusive restaurant and bar venues, holistic well-being spa and gym, as well as events and
banqueting spaces, that blend sophistication and modern international style with the unique and rich culture of Jerusalem.

The prize….

The Mamilla Hotel agree to give the winner of the competition – 1 twin bedded room on bed and breakfast basis for 4 nights arriving
on a Thursday and departing on a Monday on a complimentary basis. The following conditions apply.

1. The validity of the prize is from 1st October 2010 till 1st March 2011
2. The prize is subject to availability and excludes peak periods, religious and national holidays.
3. The prize has no cash value
4. The prize in non transferable.

Question 1. What is the name of the Mamilla Hotel's sister property in Jerusalem?

Question 2. What and where is Mamilla?

Question 3. What specific feature will run throughout this hotel?

Question 4: The Mamilla Hotel is part of which hotel group?

Question 5: Name three of the hotels restaurants and/or bars.

Rules:

Each month a new question will be set till the 12th month and the last question.

Closing date for the 12 answers to be in is 15th September 2010

The correct answers and name of the winner will be published in the Israel Offers Newsletter for October 2010

Answers can be submitted by e-mail or posted to: -

ITS, 429 – 430 Royal Exchange, Old Bank Street, Manchester M2 7EP.

The judges will not enter into any correspondence regarding the quiz

The judges are made up from Management representatives of ITS and The Mamilla Hotel Jerusalem

OUR PRODUCTS

Visit our booking one stop shop Israel web site – www.israelin1.com - well worth a 'surf!'

Besides our reservations department dedicated to the individual traveller to Israel, we also have departments that handle cruises
and specialist group bookings.

Our groups department handles all types of groups on a worldwide basis. From pilgrimages to weddings* and from study tours to trade
missions to our most popular escorted tours.

Should you book a wedding/bar mitzvah group with us – we contribute £10.00 for each person (booked on a package) who attends the
function, in order to present a cheque for the bride/groom/bar mitzvah, as a present. So, if say 40 people flew to Israel and
stayed in hotels, to attend your family function, we would present you with a cheque of £400.00 made out to the person celebrating!

To arrange your bat/barmitzvah in Israel you should contact Tony Sachs at Jerusalem Property Management Services, 33 King George St.
POB 7217Jerusalem 91071 Tel: +972-2-6245977; Fax: +972-2-6234484; Mobile: +972-52-5319292; Email: jpms@netvision.net.il; Web:
http://www.jpms.co.il

To book your flights, hotel accommodation, car hire, airport car parking and travel insurance click here http://www.israelin1.com

Our reservations department handles bookings for individuals to Israel, to include fly drive, flights, and hotel accommodation and
regular day tours.

We also produce a Newsletter for the pilgrim market - you can subscribe by going to our web site and on our home page following the
link www.itstravel.co.uk

Not forgetting that we are bonded with ABTA as a tour operator (V1178) and as a travel agent (C6694), we are also licensed with the
Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL 2893) and an accredited IATA agent (91284771). So your payments are 100% protected, our
professionalism is assured and you are getting the best value, for we are licensed to deal directly with the airlines and all the
supplier.

Regards

Adrian

For more details on anything related to this newsletter call

Free phone 0800 0181 839