Culinary Mission Highlights • Nov 2-12, 2023
HIGHLIGHTS
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Wine tasting at Domaine Costa Lazaridi, winner of over 1000 awards, medals and commendations in international competitions.
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Dine at Milos, one of the best Greek restaurants in the world with traditional farm-to-table values and high-quality cuisine.
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Visit Domaine du Castel winery, Israel’s flagship boutique winery that consistently receives the highest accolades from the world’s top wine critics.
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Thrill your palate at Hiba, where Chef Yossi Shitrit elevates fine, contemporary dining to a new level.
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A destination winery, Kitron showcases an extraordinary vista with a lush landscape and boasts the only gravity winery in Israel and one of the few in the world.
DAY 1 - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2023
Program begins at 4pm at the Xenodocheio Milos Hotel
There will be optional activities/tours for those arriving early. Activities and cost TBD.
4pm WELCOME COCKTAILS AT MILOS HOTEL
Overnight at Xenodocheio Milos
DAY 2 - FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2023
Breakfast at hotel.
PANORAMIC ATHENS CITY TOUR
As we tour the city of Athens, we observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city. Ancient Athens is one of Europe's oldest cities, one with a continuous history whose beginnings can be traced some 5,000 years ago.
LUNCH & WINE TASTING AT DOMAIN COSTA LAZARIDES
Enjoy a culinary wine experience with fine wine and food pairings at Domaine Costa Lazaridis. The winery, located in the picturesque region of Drama, north eastern Greece, is the winner of more than a 1000 awards, medals and commendations in international competitions. Known for its diverse portfolio of wines, ranging from crisp whites to robust reds, the winery promises an immersive experience in the world of Greek wine.
GUIDED ACROPOLIS TOUR
View breathtaking panoramic views of Athens and its surroundings as you tour the UNESCO World Heritage site that stands as a testament to the rich history, cultural heritage, and architectural excellence of ancient Greece.
DINNER AT MILOS RESTAURANT
Renowned for its exceptional, 5-star, Mediterranean cuisine, a dining experience at Milos Restaurant in the Milos Hotel promises an unforgettableg astronomic journey through the flavors of Greece. With its exquisite seafood, traditional dishes, and mpeccable service, you'll be immersed in the richness of Greek cuisine and hospitality.
Overnight at Milos Hotel
DAY 3 - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2023
Breakfast at hotel.
ACROPOLIS MUSEUM
Guided tour of the Acropolis Museum. Cleverly perched above Athens like a luminous box, the Acropolis Museum is consistently rated as one of the best museums inthe world.
BY THE GLASS: AN EXQUISITE WINE BAR IN THE CENTER OF ATHENS
Voted Best Bar Restaurant in Athens three year srunning, By the Glass is a sophisticated, elegant wine bar that serves more than 200 wines by the glass – using Coravin wine preservation systems and a 36-module wine dispenser. Sample some of the finest Greek wines paired with delectable Greek style cuisine.
FREE TIME
DINNER AT TAVERN AELIA, A TRADITIONAL GREEK TAVERN
Winner of the Lifestyles Awards Top Business of the Year, Taverna Eliais renowned for its authentic Mediterranean cuisine, traditional Greek flavors and welcoming hospitality.
Overnight at Milos Hotel
DAY 4 - SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2023
Breakfast at hotel.
Group transfer to airport for flight to Israel.
FREE EVENING
(Advanced bookings for a suggested list of restaurants will be available)
Overnight at Mamilla Hotel.
DAY 5 - MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2023
Breakfast at hotel.
MORNING AT HEBREW UNIVERSITY’S MOUNT SCOPUS CAMPUS
We begin our journey on Mount Scopus at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJI). Walking the path of HUJI founder, Albert Einstein, we tour the historical architecture created in Jerusalem Stone and participate in a fascinating morning of learning from the best and brightest at HUJI.
LUNCH
WINE TASTING AT DOMAINE DU CASTEL WINERY
We drive through the rolling Judean Hills to reach Domaine du Castel, one of Israel's top boutique producers with wines exported to over 20 countries and attracting the attention and recognition of the world’s most important wine critics. T here we will tour the winery and partake in premium wine tasting.
TOUR OF EIN KEREM & DINNER AT STUDIO ARCADIA
Before dinner wet our EinKerem, the hidden jewel in the heart of Jerusalem. Long an artists' quarter, this picturesque hillside village is also home to the unique glassen closed hilltop Studio Arcadia where we are joined by Arcadia’s creator, the founding far of the new Israeli cuisine, Chef Ezra Kedem. Against an intimate backdrop, culinary wonders await us, in one of the county’s finest restaurants.
Overnight at Mamilla hotel.
DAY 6 - TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2023
Breakfast at hotel.
MORNING AT HEBREW UNIVERSITY’S SAFRA CAMPUS
Tour the beautiful Givat Ram campus, visit the Albert Einstein Archives, home to over 80,000 items that document the fascinating life and career of Albert Einstein and learn about the innovation, partnerships and research at the leading-edge Center for Sustainability.
WINE TASTING & LUNCH AT KITRON WINERY
EnjoyaVIPtastingatthefamilyvineyardswhicharespreadover60acresinthefinestwineregionofIsraelinTheNorthernGolanHeightsandtheupperGalilee.KitronistheonlyGravitywineryinIsraelandoneofthefewintheworld.
TOUR OF TZIPORI NATIONAL PARK (time permitting)
In ancient times, Tzipori was a prosperous and well-endowed city with stone-paved roadways, a sophisticated water-supply system, a marketplace, bathhouses and a 4500-seat theatre. Today, the star attraction is a mosaic portrait of a contemplative young woman nicknamed the Mona Lisa of the Galilee, discovered inside the remains of a Roman villa. The Park is a breathtaking combination of nature, history, and ancient ruins.
CHECK-IN AND DINNER AT MIZPE HAYAMIM HOTEL AND SPA
Overlooking the magnificent Golan Heights and the Sea of Galilee, wrapped in tranquility and surrounded by forests, and flowing gardens, is the Mizpe Hayamim Spa Hotel. We’ll enjoy a night’s stay and dinner at the hotel's restaurant which serves a rich and creative menu using fresh produce collected from their organic farm.
Overnight at Mitzpe Hayamim hotel.
DAY 7 - WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2023
Breakfast at hotel.
4×4 JEEP TOUR
A fun and novel way to see and appreciate the country side and the wilderness of the Galilee and the Golan, you’ll enjoy access to pristine natural settings only accessible to off-road vehicles. Among the major highlights that we offer are: The Golan Heights, the mountainous course of the Jordan river, the Hula valley, the forests and many more. The tours are guided in fluent English explaining the history and heritage of the area.
WINE TASTING & LUNCH AT GOLAN HEIGHTS WINERY
For over thirty-seven years, the Golan Heights Winery has been the pioneering winery of Israel. They have led the way, not only in terms of quality of wines and awards won, but also intechnology at the winery and research and development in the vineyards. They have the honour of being the first Israeli winery to be certified as sustainable and the first international winery to be certified by Lodi Rules.
TOUR CAESAREA
VisitCaesareaNationalParkandviewtheancientruinsofthe city constructed during the reign of Herod the Great around 10-9 BCE. After the park we’ll stroll the beautiful beaches that complement the stunning nature of the archaeological site.
FREE EVENING
Overnight at Dan Tel Aviv.
DAY 8 - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2023
Breakfast at hotel.
MORNING AT THE FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE IN REHOVOT
Enjoy an interactive morning of fascinating research and innovation to learn how Hebrew University is committed to preserving the environment for future generations, and while doing so, continuously search for ways to increase sustainable food and water resources.
LUNCH
EXPLORING JAFFA & NEVE TZEDEK
Jaffa,a lso known as Yafo, is a vibrant and historically rich neighborhood located in the southern part of Tel Aviv. Jaffa's beauty lies in its historical significance, stunning seafront, bustling markets, vibrant arts scene, culinary delights, and warm hospitality. The combination of ancient charm and contemporary vibrancy makes Jaffa a truly captivating destination in Israel.
DINNER IN JAFFA
Overnight at Dan Tel Aviv.
DAY 9 - FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2023
Breakfast at hotel.
WALKING TOUR OF LEVINSKY OR CARMEL MARKET
The Levinsky Market is a culinary gem that offers a sensory feast for food lovers and exploring the market is like embarking on a culinary journey through the Middle East, where you can sample different flavors and ingredients that contribute to the diverse tapestry of Israeli cuisine.
The Carmel Market, also known as Shuk Ha Carmel, is bustling and vibrant and is one of the city's largest and most popular markets, attracting locals and tourists alike. Thrill your senses with an authentic and dynamic experience, allowing you to explore the local flavors and immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of Tel Aviv's vibrant market.
FREELUNCH
WINE TASTING AT TZORA VINEYARDS (optional)
Tzora Vineyards is at the forefront of the burgeoning Israeli wine scene, led by passionate winemaker Eran Pick, who holds the honour of being the first ever Israeli Master Of Wine. In 2018 Tzora Vineyards was awarded the maximum four stars in Hugh Johnson's Pocket Wine Guide, as tatus they have maintained since then.
DINNER AT HIBA
Hiba is high cuisine at its finest. The gorgeous restaurant room, decorated by the Pitsou Kedem architects, completely isolates us from the outside and busy world of Tel-Aviv. Immersed in another space and time, Chef Yossi Shitrit continues to plunge us in to an immersive culinary experience, mixing all contrasts and going above traditional rules. He sublimes Israel and Middle-Eastern culture and cuisine, making each forkful a discovery and a surprise.
Overnight at Dan Tel Aviv.
DAY 10 - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2023
Breakfast at hotel.
FREE DAY
OPTIONAL WALKING TOURS (ADDITIONAL COST):
TEL AVIV: STREET ART AND GRAFFITI TOUR
Tel Aviv street art and graffiti tell the story of the city’s constantly evolving culture — this introduction to graffiti in Tel Aviv is a colorfulway to see to art work you won’t find in a museum. Join a local guide for a walking tour that explores art, history, and style through street art while taking inside streets and alleys that are way off the tourist trail.
TEL AVIV: WHITE CITY BAUHAUS TOUR
Thistourwilltakeyouto the White City’s most prominent Bauhaus (InternationalStyle) buildings, built during the 1930’s and the 1940’s. Tel Aviv’s UNESCO-listed Bauhaus district is a window into the unique architectural legacy that has come to define the city. The most influential design school of the 20th century celebrates its centenary year in 2019. Bauhaus, also known as International Style, is a style of design characterized by functionality and clean aesthetics.
FREELUNCH
FAREWELL DINNER (TBA)
Overnight at Dan Tel Aviv.
DAY 11 - SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2023
DEPARTURE FROM TEL AVIV
Breakfast at hotel.
Group transfer to the airport