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Wine Seven Two

For those of you who missed the pun, Israel's International area code is +972.

After the huge success of last years expo January 28 - 31, 2013 will play host to the second annual kosher wine festival in Jerusalem.  

Over 40 wineries, will be hosted at the International Convention Centre (Binyanai HaUma) for three days of fabulous tastings, gourmet cooking classes with chefs Segev and Aviv Moshe, and Shaul Ben Aderet, sushi and cheese samples to clear your pallet and stalls for purchasing your favourite new wines and wine accessories; from books to glasses and much much more.

Cost for the thousands of wine lovers who will attend is 80 NIS for which you receive a souvenir glass for the tastings. Hours are from 15:00 - 23:00 on all three days.   Note that parking is free and that the location is completely wheelchair accessible.

Note that last year there were discounted tickets via Group-e, if there are again I'll post the info.

See you there!

ISC in the Winnipeg Jewish Review

Recent article on Israel Simcha Central in the Winnipeg Jewish Review

http://www.winnipegjewishreview.com/article_detail.cfm?id=2767&sec=2&title=Former_Winnipegger,_Jenni_Heltay_Menashe_launches_new_event_planning_and_tourism_business_in_Israel

Knights in the Old City - Jerusalem

Due to it's success over the last four years this has been returning and it's now become a fall tradition in Jerusalem.  Every Thursday evening between October 18 and November 8, 2012  is the Knights in the Old City festival.  

There are Jesters, musicians, medieval street performers and more at various stations around the Christian Quarter.  Maps and information are available at the Jaffa Gate, as are the first two stations.  Come and enjoy the atmosphere, cooling fall weather and great performances, with or without the kids.  Food available in the Mamila mall or around the Old City.  Entrance if free.

It's great fun, so if you're here don't miss it!!!!

Why a personalized itinerary?

One of our most popular services is the personalized itinerary.  So why is this useful?

First of all paying for a tour guide each day, of say a 14 day trip is costly, minimum $250 a day.  Second, many of the sites in Israel today provide in house guides who are far more informed about the particular location than your regular tour guide.  There is often no additional cost for this service and for these guides this is their specialty.  Third you can do things at your own pace and you don't have to feel pressured to keep up with the tour guide's scheduled plans.  Last but not least, we tailor the itinerary to your family or group according to age, interest and priorities.

Cost for the personalized itinerary service, for up to 14 days is $300.  That's a little more than the cost of a tour guide for one full day.  That mean that you have a huge savings. 

A number of popular sites in Israel, The Kotel Tunnels or the Palmach Musuem to name just a few, need advance booking.  If you are unaware of this you may have to miss out on them until your next trip.  Paying for a guide to take you to these types of sites is a waste.  These site's own guided tour is included in your admission price at no extra cost to you.   

Go with the flow.  Sometimes you'd rather sleep in, you are on vacation after all.  We are always available for last minute changes when there is a need and where it is possible.  If you're not paying for a guide, then you feel free to take a break when you want to or reschedule something of importance.  We are always happy to recommend restaurants and make reservations.  Bottem line, you are in control; you manage your itinerary.

Travelling with both kids and grandparents can be challenging.  Need wheelchair access?  Been here before and want to do something really different?  When planning your personalized itinerary we look at the group's needs and wants and then plan accordingly.  Most tour companies have set tours that they'll offer you, just like a set menu in a restarurant.  Each itinerary Israel Simcha Central plans is uniquely yours.  From boutique wineries and agriculture, indepth with the military, art and culture, medical and industry, multicultural, settlements and natural growth, tzedaka (charities), hesed (good will) and even personal shopping are just some of the areas we cover. 

A few years ago a good friend of mine in education back in the US came to collect photos and info about teaching Israel in the new millenium.  She told me that in her community they were still teaching about kumzitz (campfire), hora (the dance) and kova tembel (the famous sun hat) things that we connect to the early days of the country.  She wanted to get her teachers into modern Israel and look at the start up nation as it is now, the computer Industry, medical advancements, scientific achievments and a record number of Nobel Prizes.  If you're still seeing Israel as it was, take another look and see Israel like you've never seen it before.   

 

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