Jerusalem + The West Bank Extension
Jerusalem
June 2-4, 2022
Join us for a three-day retreat extension in Jerusalem to explore history and happy hour in one of the world’s most renowned cities.
For many, it’s hard to imagine a trip to Israel without deep diving into Jerusalem. Considered sacred by Jews, Muslims and Christians alike, it’s impossible to have a conversation about Middle Eastern peace or politics that doesn’t lead back here. Start to unravel the mysteries of this region with an extension focusing on both the ancient and modern wonders of Jerusalem and the surrounding regions of Israel and Palestine.
We’ll browse a famed market, take a local hummus making workshop, learn how to say cheers in Hebrew over locally brewed beers, and take unique custom tours of both the city itself and the surrounding area, allowing you the options to explore famous destinations like the Dead Sea, The West Bank, and beyond.
The Details
The Jerusalem Extension takes place from June 2-4th, 2022, immediately following Wander Women Israel: A Yoga + Adventure Retreat and prior to High Flying Israel: An Aerial Retreat. The cost is $750 for shared rooms and $1,100 for single rooms.
What’s Included
• Two nights accommodation at a chic boutique hotel in Jerusalem
• Daily breakfast and a private hummus making workshop
• A private, two perspective walking tour of Jerusalem
• Tasting at a Jerusalem brewery
• A Choose Your Own Adventure! Opt between a day tour exploring The West Bank or one hopping Dead Sea sights like a cable car ride up Mount Masada, a walk though Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, and a float at the mineral-rich Kalia Beach
• Transportation to or from the start of the retreat you are extending
What’s Not Included
• Flights or airport transfers (optional upgrades available)
• Additional meals, alcohol or activities not specified in the itinerary
• Site entrance fees on tours
• Mandatory travel insurance
The Itinerary
Subject to change, and expect surprises, but here’s the general idea.
Day 1 : Welcome to Jerusalem, a surreal and storied city. We’ll dive headfirst into learning about the culture and conflicts that surround the city in a private Two Perspective Tour led by two guides — one Israeli and one Palestinian, giving you a unique insight to better understand the complex political conflict and realities of daily life in Jerusalem. At night we’ll enjoy dinner out with bar hopping in the Old City to follow!
Day 2: Today is a signature Choose Your Own Adventure Day! Opt between two tours of the areas surrounding Jerusalem: one exploring the Dead Sea Region; the other, the West Bank sights and cities.
Down for the Dead Sea? Hop on a bus through the desert, including a cable car ride up the east side of Mount Masada and wander around the famous historic fortress; a hike through Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, a literal oasis in the desert; and chill time at Kalia Beach, where you can slather yourself in black North Dead Sea mud or sit back for a surreal float in one of the saltiest bodies of water on earth. Don’t miss a drink at the lowest bar on Earth — 1,388 feet below sea level!
Want to go West Bank? Hop between three of the highlights of the region – Bethlehem, Jericho and Ramallah – an unforgettable insight into the history and culture of Palestine. You’ll visit major historic and religious sites, as well as sites of natural beauty, and modern-day culture, like the famous Banksy-painted walls of Bethlehem.
With both groups reunited back in Jerusalem, we’ll break bread (or pita!) at our version of a traditional Shabbat dinner — a hummus making workshop. According to native Israelis, you’ve never even tried hummus if you haven’t had it locally made. After, cheers to an amazing trip with a flight from the city’s favorite local brewery.
Day 3: It’s time to say shalom to Israel — for now! Not ready to fly home? You’ve got options! Continue on to our Wander Women Jordan Extension, or join our High Flying Israel: Aerial Retreat!
Where We’ll Stay and What We’ll Eat
We’ll stay in a stylish, central boutique hotel hotel walking distance from the best of Jerusalem! Need to unwind after a long flight or an active trip? Onsite treatment rooms mean you can schedule a massage without even stepping outside. Shared rooms have two twin sized beds while private rooms have one large bed. Of course you can room with a friend but if you’re traveling solo, fear not, so are many of our guests! We’ll do our best to pair you with someone we think you’ll click with — and we’ll all leave as besties anyway.
Every day, breakfast will be included. Israeli cuisine is beloved worldwide, not only for being delicious but healthy and balanced. We’ll eat well and feel great — and yes, there will be plenty of hummus along the way. For the non-included meals of the day, we’ll bring you to a favorite spot where you can order at your own expense, or branch off and do your own thing. All diets can be accommodated.
Meet Your Hosts
On this trip you’ll be traveling with Wander Women Retreats founder Alexandra Baackes and High Flying Retreats founder Brenna Bradbury as your hosts. Alex fell in love with Israel’s hospitality, culture, and adventures immediately upon her first trip in 2018 and loved it so much she’s been back countless times since.
Brenna and Alex have hosted retreats together in the US, Mexico, and now the Middle East!
Join Us
The cost is $750 for shared rooms and $1,100 for single rooms. A $250 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your spot. The same payment timeline and terms and conditions of your retreat apply to any extensions you may book. Don’t hesitate to email us at retreats@alexinwanderland.com with any and all questions regarding this extension!
Israel Jerusalem Extension // June 2-4
$750.00 – $1,100.00
F.A.Q.
How do I get to or from Jerusalem?
Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) is only 45 minutes by car or train from the city center of Jerusalem. Costs range from around $10-$100 depending on your budget and your preferred mode of transport. Airport transfer upgrades will be available.
Who exactly will be traveling on this extension? How large will the group be?
This extension will be available to guests from Wander Women Israel: Yoga, and High Flying Israel: Aerial! While Wander Women Retreats are women-only, High Flying Retreats are open to all — so this extension will be, too.
I want to extend my trip to explore more of the region. Any suggestions?
Of course! First of all, consider joining more of our retreats and extensions.
Beyond that, check out our destination page for our posts about the Dead Sea, Eilat, Jerusalem, Negev Desert, Tel Aviv — and feel free to email us for more info and ideas! Alex has traveled Israel extensively. We offer an hour of complimentary consultation on expanding your trip, after which we will offer our hourly consulting at a special retreat guest rate.
How much money will I need to bring?
Israel is one of the most expensive countries in the world! Entertainment-wise, we’ll be busy, and just wandering the streets of Jerusalem is free entertainment. However, you can expect to spend a minimum of 50NIS ($15USD) for lunch or 100NIS ($30USD) for dinner, depending on where you go and what you order.
