Israel: Beyond the Expected
Experience Israel like never before through the people, ideas and energy driving it forward.
Join us for an extraordinary five-day journey to Israel — curated exclusively for Beit Issie Shapiro’s friends and supporters.
You’ll savor world-class cuisine, go behind the scenes with Israel’s defense and tech leaders, and witness first-hand the life-changing impact of Beit Issie Shapiro, Israel’s leading disability organization.
This mission is about connection — to the land, to its people, and to the impact you make possible. Along the way, you’ll discover how Israel’s spirit of resilience, creativity, and compassion shines through its people, culture, and innovation.
Program Highlights
November 15-19, 2026
This extraordinary journey to Israel is a mission of hope that will showcase the good Israel has to offer through its people, food, culture, defense, and innovation. Along the way, you’ll experience firsthand the life-changing impact of Beit Issie Shapiro, Israel’s pioneering leader in the field of disabilities, and the difference you help make possible.
Jaffa & Tel Aviv
Wander the ancient port of Jaffa, explore Tel Aviv’s vibrant culture and high-tech scene, and trace Israel’s spirit of innovation at the Peres Center for Peace & Innovation.
Beit Issie Shapiro
Connect with the people behind Israel’s leading disability organization and discover four decades of innovation, inclusion, and impact changing lives in Israel and around the world.
The South
Bear witness at Kfar Aza and the Nova Festival Memorial, and meet the people sustaining life along Israel’s southern border.
Defense & Security
Go behind the scenes with top security briefings, exclusive IDF base access, and hands-on experiences with the people protecting Israel.
Savor Israel
Enjoy top cuisine including a private wine tasting at Domaine du Castel in the Judean Hills
The Shuk
Lose yourself in Machane Yehuda Market, where Jerusalem's iconic shuk comes alive after dark with music, light, and local flavors
Meet Israel's Leadership
Meet the leaders, innovators, and influencers shaping Israel’s future across government, high-tech, policy, and public life.
Old City
Descend 3,000 years into history at the City of David, pause at the Western Wall, and toast from a rooftop above the Old City of Jerusalem
Price
Double room / per person
$6,350 USD
Single room / per person
$7,750 USD
Included
- 3 nights at The David Kempinski Hotel, Tel Aviv
- 1 night at The Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Jerusalem
- All meals included (this is a full-board program)
- Full-time program tour guide
- Full-time logistical manager
- Full-time armed escort
- All programming
- Applicable taxes
- An additional VAT (tax) applies for Israeli citizens at group hotels
Not included
- International flights
- Local medical insurance or travel insurance
- Airport transfers on arrival & departure day
- Donation to Beit Issie Shapiro
Registration terms
A $1,500 USD per-person deposit is due with your registration; please see the Terms & Conditions section regarding cancellations & refunds
The balance is due no later than 45 days prior to the program start date after which payments are non-refundable
Cancellations must be made in writing via email to ian@authenticisrael.com
Force majeure
In the event that the mission cannot take place due to circumstances beyond the reasonable control of either party—including, but not limited to, acts of God, war, government-issued travel restrictions, natural disasters, or civil unrest, all fees collected from participants will be refunded in full, less the standard 3% credit card processing fee. The organizer shall not be held liable for any unrecoverable external expenses incurred by participants (such as independent airline bookings).
Terms and Conditions
If you cancel on or before September 25, 2026 you will receive a 100% refund of all monies paid, less a 3% credit card processing fee.
If you cancel between September 26, 2026, and October 15, 2026 you will receive a 50% refund of all monies paid, less a 3% credit card processing fee.
If you cancel after October 15, 2026, due to non-refundable vendor commitments, advanced logistical bookings, and final guarantees, no refunds will be issued for cancellations made after this date.
Note on Insurance: Because individual cancellations after October 15, 2026, are completely non-refundable, we strongly advise all participants to purchase comprehensive “Cancel For Any Reason” (CFAR) travel insurance at the time of registration.
Extra services
Optional add-ons to personalize your trip
Extra hotel nights
Extra Nights at hotel before the Mission (Superior/Deluxe/Grand City View Rooms) | $665 per room per night | |
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Hotel Room Upgrades – Core Trip (covers all 3 nights) |
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The David Kempinski – Deluxe Seafront | $405 | |
The David Kempinski – Deluxe / Grand City Horizon Lounge | $765 | |
The David Kempinski – Executive Suite | $1,665 | |
The David Kempinski – Executive Suite Horizon Lounge | $2,430 | |
Upgraded Hotel Rooms before the Mission (all prices per room per night)
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The David Kempinski – Deluxe Seafront | $800 | |
The David Kempinski – Deluxe / Grand City Horizon Lounge | $920 | |
The David Kempinski – Executive Suite | $1,220 | |
The David Kempinski – Executive Suite Horizon Lounge | $1,480 | |
| Extra Nights at hotel after the Mission (Superior/Deluxe Rooms) | $630 per room per night |
| Hotel Room Upgrades – Core Trip (covers 1 night) | |
| The Waldorf Astoria – Premier Room | $115 |
| The Waldorf Astoria – Premier Deluxe Balcony Room | $185 |
| The Waldorf Astoria – Premier Grand Deluxe | $235 |
| The Waldorf Astoria – Junior Suite | $345 |
| The Waldorf Astoria – One-Bedroom Suite | $510 |
| The Waldorf Astoria – Premier One-Bedroom Suite | $795 |
| The Waldorf Astoria – David Tower Suite | $1,700 |
| The Waldorf Astoria – Ambassador Suite | $2,575 |
| Upgraded Hotel Rooms – Extra nights after the Mission | all prices are per-room per night |
| The Waldorf Astoria – Premier Room | $745 |
| The Waldorf Astoria – Premier Deluxe Balcony Room | $815 |
| The Waldorf Astoria – Premier Grand Deluxe | $865 |
| The Waldorf Astoria – Junior Suite | $975 |
| The Waldorf Astoria – One-Bedroom Suite | $1,140 |
| The Waldorf Astoria – Premier One-Bedroom Suite | $1,425 |
| The Waldorf Astoria – David Tower Suite | $2,330 |
| The Waldorf Astoria – Ambassador Suite | $3,205 |
VIP ARRIVAL
Representatives will meet you at the connection of the sleeve to the airplane, immediately upon disembarkation. They will then escort you to Passport Control hall, thereafter going through Passport Control at a fast-track desk, baggage claim procedure, claiming duty free items (if needed), followed by an escort through Arrivals Hall to transportation.
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1-5 passengers $275 (price is constant up to and including the 5th passenger)
Representatives will meet you at the connection of the sleeve to the airplane, immediately upon disembarkation. They will then escort you directly to the Fattal Lounge in Terminal 1. While you enjoy light refreshments, beverages and the use of basic office services, baggage is collected, all incoming flight procedures are processed privately: security check, Passport Control, etc. and you are then escorted to your transportation.
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1 passenger $805
2 passengers $1,295
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To add a transfer to Tel Aviv on arrival, the prices are as follows:
Vehicle Type | Capacity | Photo (for illustration purposes only) | Ben Gurion Airport |
2-seater Sedan | 2 Passengers | | $130 |
| 2 Suitcases | ||
| 1 Trolley | ||
VIP Mini-Van | 6 Passengers | | $165 |
| 6 Suitcases | ||
| 2 Trolley | ||
| |||
Premium Sedan | 2 Passengers | | $205 |
| 2 Suitcases1 | ||
Trolley | |||
Mercedes S-Class | 2 Passengers | | $335 |
| 2 Suitcases | ||
1 Trolley |
VIP departure
You will be met at Gate 32 of the Departures Level at Tel Aviv International Airport, where a representative will escort you through expedited security procedures, assist with check-in for your flight (at the designated counter), and then escort & fast track you through passport control. Once cleared, you will be escorted through the duty-free hall and a quick procedure at the gate.
1-5 passengers $275 (price is constant up to and including the 5th passenger)
This service starts with meeting you at the Fattal Lounge, located in Terminal 1. While you enjoy light refreshments, beverages and the use of basic office services all outgoing flight procedures are processed privately: security check, Passport Control, flight check-in, etc. Once cleared, you will be escorted through the duty-free hall and to the gate.
.
1 passenger $805
2 passengers $1,295
TERMS & CONDITIONS
- Prices are per flight (meaning: if three people are arriving/departing on 3 separate flights at the same time, they require three separate reservations)
- Please note that the price for the VIP service does not include transportation. For transportation options, please refer to the next page.
- For VIP Silver level, the price for 1-6 guests is the same.
- No shows and cancellations less than 24 hours in advance will be fully charged.
- The mandatory meeting time in Fattal lounge is two hours prior to departure. Late arrival could cause disembarkation. Punctuality is the guest’s responsibility.
- The Fattal lounge is located in Terminal 1.
- Platinum Service’s price includes up to 90 minutes’ stay in the lounge. Over-stay will be charged extra.
To add a transfer to Ben Gurion Airport on departure, the prices are as follows:
Vehicle Type | Capacity | Photo (for illustration purposes only) | Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport |
2-seater Sedan | 2 Passengers | | $205 |
| 2 Suitcases | ||
| 1 Trolley | ||
VIP Mini-Van | 6 Passengers | | $265 |
| 6 Suitcases | ||
| 2 Trolley | ||
| |||
Premium Sedan | 2 Passengers | | $335 |
| 2 Suitcases1 | ||
Trolley | |||
Mercedes S-Class | 2 Passengers | | $505 |
| 2 Suitcases | ||
1 Trolley |
TRANSFERS
Vehicle Type | Capacity
| Photo (for illustration purposes only) | Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv | Ben Gurion Airport to Jerusalem | Jerusalem to Tel Aviv |
| Tel Aviv to Ben Gurion Airport | Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport | Tel Aviv to Jerusalem | |||
2-seater Sedan | 2 Passengers | | $150 | $275 | $340 |
| 2 Suitcases | ||||
| 1 Trolley | ||||
VIP Mini-Van | 6 Passengers | | $165 | $325 | $375 |
| 6 Suitcases | ||||
| 2 Trolley | ||||
| |||||
Premium Sedan | 2 Passengers | | $265 | $495 | $545 |
| 2 Suitcases1 | ||||
Trolley | |||||
Mercedes S-Class | 2 Passengers | | $470 | $580 | $950 |
| 2 Suitcases | ||||
1 Trolley |
- Prices above indicate point-to-point transfers and do not include wait time, or multi-stop transfers, which must be calculated on an ad-hoc basis
- Prices in the table above for transfers or transportation are valid for either direction
- Unfortunately, it is not possible to combine multiple flight arrivals into one transfer
- For intra- and inter-city transfers, please contact us for a price quote
- On arrival at BGN airport driver’s waiting-time that will exceed 1 hour, (time will be calculated from the expected final landing time) will cause further charges. On pick-ups from requested addresses – 30 minutes.
- Please see table below for vehicle makes & models (all pictures are for illustration only and except for the Mercedes S-Class, your vehicle may not be the exact make and model shown)
Frequently asked questions
About the Mission
Beit Issie Shapiro is Israel’s pioneering leader and innovator in the field of disabilities, impacting 500,000+ people in Israel and around the world each year. Its mission is to create a more inclusive society where people with disabilities have equal rights and opportunities. Through its proven model of innovation, research, and scalable solutions, the organization develops life-changing services, pilots new approaches, evaluates their impact, and shares best practices globally. With over 45 years of expertise, Beit Issie Shapiro is internationally recognized for leadership in early intervention, hydrotherapy, multisensory (Snoezelen) environments, assistive technology, inclusive education, mental health services, and family-centered support. Reflecting its global impact, the organization has received more than 20 international awards, holds Special Consultative Status with the United Nations, and was among the first to receive Israel’s MIDOT Seal of Effectiveness. Since October 7, 2023, it has further adapted its expertise to meet urgent national needs, supporting families and injured IDF veterans through assistive technology, therapeutic programs, and expanded rehabilitation services. To learn more, visit beitissie.org.il/en
The mission is carefully curated by Beit Issie Shapiro friends and leaders, hosted by Steve and Erin Collis, and Jules and Stephanie Trump. You will always be accompanied by a Ministry of Tourism-licensed tour guide, field logistical coordinator and armed security guard.
The Mission begin at the Opening lunch on November 15 and concludes after dinner on November 19. If you wish to reserve any services such as extra hotel nights, VIP arrival or VIP departure services, or transfers, please click here.
Registration & Payment
Click here: https://wkf.ms/4rFK8mr
Yes. A $1,500 USD deposit per person is required at the time of registration to secure your spot on the Mission. On clicking “Submit” on your registration form you will automatically be redirected to a secure site to make your deposit payment.
Your balance payment is due by September 25, 2026; we will be in touch with you to help you through this.
Before You Travel
It depends on your nationality. Citizens of many countries — including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and most EU states — don’t need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days, but most must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) online before flying. Travelers from other countries need to apply for a visa in advance. Your passport should be valid for at least six months, and entry is always at the discretion of Israeli border authorities. Apply for the ETA-IL and check current rules for your nationality here: https://israel-entry.piba.gov.il/. We recommend confirming before you travel — and our team is happy to help with any questions.
Please navigate to this link for a printable packing list: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TxbeYfoXw0gh8-7AaZf0GkpHhtZLk5do/view?usp=sharing
Currently there are no special vaccinations required for travel to Israel. Participants should be in good general health.
Accommodations, Meals & Transportation
You will be staying at the The David Kempinski in Tel Aviv, and at the Waldorf Astoria in Jerusalem.
We will be using a high-level VIP coach, featuring luxurious reclining leather seats, individual climate controls, a fully stocked beverage station, advanced audio-visual entertainment, complimentary Wi-Fi
Yes, all meals are included, this is a full-board program
All food and beverages provided will be kosher certified. Be sure to note any special dietary needs as part of your registration. We will coordinate with our hotel and restaurant meal providers to arrange special accommodations as necessary. We make a good-faith effort to accommodate food allergy considerations; however, we cannot make absolute guarantees on behalf of our meal-providing partners.
Safety, Insurance & Accessibility
Israel is one of the most visited destinations in the world; Authentic Israel works with experienced local partners and licensed guides to ensure a safe and well-organized travel experience. Your safety is and always will be our number one priority.
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, interruption, and security related disruptions, as insurance is often the best protection for circumstances outside anyone’s control. Authentic Israel works with Travel Insured International; please search here for information and to obtain a quote that works best for you: https://www.travelinsured.com/agency/
We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive medical insurance that covers emergency care, hospitalization, and medical evacuation, as specialized health coverage is the best protection for unexpected health needs while traveling in Israel. Authentic Israel partners with Harel, a leading Israeli insurance provider, to offer local health insurance that covers treatment and medication in Israel. To learn about the policy please navigate to this link: https://www.authenticisrael.com/marketplace/medical-insurance/#more
Participants should be comfortable walking moderate distances and navigating urban and rural sites, stairs, and uneven terrain. The itinerary is designed to balance exploration with rest.
Participants should be able to walk, board buses, and navigate all sites independently. If assistance is needed, participants should bring a companion who can assist them.
Tlalim Group — Authentic Israel
9 Hanafat Hadegel St., Nes Ziona, Israel, 60200
Phone: 03-6306324 · Email: iand@authenticisrael.com