Live Trip Updates – July 15, 2014

Every day we will post live trip updates. Check for the group code (starting with TL-30-) for a specific group…

TL-30-395 and TL-30-396: A banner day for these groups in what many call “the best day of any Birthright trip.” Waking up at 4:00 a.m., the groups ascended Masada via the Roman Ramp and enjoyed watching the sunrise from the ancient mountain-top fortress. After having breakfast at the base of the mountain, the participants went on hike in the canyon and to the waterfall at Ein Bokek and then continued to the Dead Sea for a world-famous float. From there, they continued to their accommodations for the evening – a night of hospitality in a Bedouin tent. First the hosts led the participants on a camel ride in the desert, and then it was time for a traditional Bedouin dinner…one of the best meals of the trip. What a day!

TL-30-397: The morning began with an early-morning hike of Nahal Haverim before hopping on camels for a ride through the desert. Then it was off to Sde Boker to visit the grave of Israel’s first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion. As a pioneer of desert life in Israel, Ben-Gurion would have been proud to see the group’s next stop, the Naot Farm. The Noat Farm is a family-owned goat and cheese farm. The participants toured the farm and met some of the furry residents. After a full day, the group headed north to Netanya for the final night of the trip.

TL-30-398: The group enjoyed one of Birthright Israel’s greatest highlights – riding camels in the desert! The day continued with one of Israel’s most popular  hikes, the Nahal Chaverim canyon and a visit to the desert grave of David Ben-Gurion, Israel’s first prime minister. Then it was off to Ein Gedi, a short hike to a waterfall in the middle of the desert for a welcome dip in the water. The group is now traveling north and will spend the final two nights in the beach town of Netanya. Check out some photos from the last couple of days…

TL-30-399: This group awoke at 4:00 a.m. and ascended Masada via the Roman Ramp, watching the sunrise from the ancient mountain-top fortress. After having breakfast at the base of the mountain, the participants went on a nature walk to one of Israel’s most famous waterfalls, Ein Gedi, and then floated in the Dead Sea. They wrapped up their day with a traditional Bedouin dinner and spending the night in the Bedouin tents at Chan Hashayarot. Wow…what a day! Check out a group photo from a few days ago…

TL-30-400: Today the group awoke very early to enjoy a sunrise hike up Masada. Atop Masada, the group participated in a Hebrew naming ceremony for participants who previously didn’t have Hebrew names. After heading back to the base of Masada, the group enjoyed a leisurely float in the Dead Sea. They stopped for a quick bite to eat in the desert city of Arad, and headed to the Bedouin tents in the Negev desert where they will spend the night. They enjoyed Bedouin hospitality, eating Bedouin food, and learning about traditional Bedouin music. Check out some photos from the last couple of days…

TL-30-401: After waking up at 4:00 am and ascended Masada via the Roman Ramp, this group watched the sunrise from the ancient mountain-top fortress. The participants enjoyed breakfast at the base of the mountain before going on a nature walk to one of Israel’s most famous waterfalls, Ein Gedi, and then floating in the Dead Sea. They wrapped up their day with a traditional Bedouin dinner and spending the night in the Bedouin tents at Chan Hashayarot. Wow…what a day!