SHALOM SOUTH AFRICA
AUGUST 15-23, 2010
Register Here
EARLY BIRD SPECIAL PRICE IS ONLY - $ 1899 + air (until May 15, 2010)
after May 15, 2010 the price is $ 2099 + air
REFER A FRIEND AND GET ADDITIONAL $ 50 OFF!
South Africa is becoming and increasingly desired destination by international travelers. It's a country of numerous diversities: scenic, cultural, and of course, natural. Africans and Afrikaners, Muslims, Indians and Jews make up a mosaic that's crucial to understanding this newborn "Rainbow Nation."
Ezra USA, your number one source for International Jewish Youth Heritage trips is proud to present you a brand new trip Shalom South Africa!
Please be aware that this trip is on a first come first serve basis. Only 20 spots are available!
Trip Itinerary
SUN/ AUG 15 New York – Johannesburg
Depart New York on direct flight to Johannesburg.
MON/ AUG 16 Johannesburg – Port Elizabeth
Welcome to South Africa! (Welkom in Suid Afrika)
After arrival at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, the group will be met on arrival and assisted to Domestic Departures for onward flight to Port Elizabeth (PE). Arrive at PE and proceed to the accommodation. If time permits we will visit the Jewish Museum or the Oceanarium.
Stay over at Pine Lodge (www.pinelodge.co.za ). Nestled amongst the indigenous flora of the Cape Recife Nature Reserve, just a stone's throw from the ocean, these timber cabins perfectly merge with the coastal landscape. Pine Lodge Resort & Conference Centre combines aspects of camping with deluxe facilities. Offering you affordable chalets and cabins in a stunning setting, the resort is the ideal holiday destination if you are looking for nature’s beauty. Enjoy the many on-site activities on offer. Sport enthusiasts can play a round of tennis or go for a swim in the pool.
TUE/ AUG 17 Port Elizabeth - Natures Valley / Plettenberg Bay
After breakfast, the group will depart Port Elizabeth for the Garden Route. Travel through the magnificent Nature’s Valley and Bloukrans Pass and visit the “Big Tree”, an 800 year old Yellowwood.
Stop over at the Tsisitikama National Park for a look at Storms River Mouth. At the Storms River mouth there are several short lovely walking trails into the forest (depending on time).
Then this afternoon you can do a canopy tour in the Tsitsikamma Forest, an indigenous forest with giant yellowwood trees, lush vegetation and deep gorges. Enjoy the unequalled beauty of the indigenous forest high up on ten treetop platforms. Gently glide along in a harness, on steel cables 30 meters above the forest floor. Birdlife is abundant (including Knysna Loeries and the elusive Narina Trojan), and your guides will explain the ecology of the lush primeval forest. Safety is paramount, and the system has been built to the highest civil engineering standards. Maximum Weight Limit: 120kg. For those scared of heights they can do tubing or Mountain Biking as an option.
Then onto Plettenberg bay at Treehouse Lodge (www.treehouselodge.co.za) (here rooms are based on 3 p/room, but a request to have a double bed room is possible for an extra fee)
WED/ AUG 18 Plettenberg Bay - Knysna
The group will be up early this morning for a sunrise walk at Tenikwa Wildlife awareness Center. It starts at 7:30 am and ends at about 10:30 am. First there is a 1 hour guided walking tour to visit the wild cats of Tenikwa, where you are guaranteed to see all the lesser cats of South Africa. From Cheetah, Serval, Caracal, African Wildcats and the rare Black-footed Cat, this is a unique opportunity to get close to some amazing creatures. Thereafter you’ll join the Tenikwa Cheetahs on their daily exercise walks. This is a really unique opportunity to spend some quality time with an endangered creature, and an experience which will last a lifetime.
Then we will visit Knysna Elephant Park * and there will be a chance to ride elephants for those who wants to pay extra.
Thereafter proceed to Robberg Peninsula for a hike on one of the most spectacular reserves. The Robberg Peninsula is a nature reserve and national monument that lies about 8 km south of Plettenberg Bay, a prestigious coastal resort on South Africa's famous Garden Route. Visitors flock here to see the resident seal colony, rich birdlife and to explore the magnificent coastline. The reserve offers a choice of three circular routes of increasing difficulty with distance. The ecology of the Robberg Peninsula is similar to that of other rocky headlands on this coastline. 
It presents a fine example of how plants and animals adapt to the interacting influences of land and sea.
Then we are off to Knynsa. This town is built around a lagoon and is extremely popular. The name, Knysna, originates from the language of the Khoi people, locals often say its "Nice Nee" (meaning isn't it nice!). After lunchtime we will take a boat ride for a sunset cruise around the famous Knynsa Heads and past the oyster farms.
Overnight at Treehouse Lodge again (rooms are same as above)
THU/ AUG 19 Knysna – Oudtshoorn – Barrydale
Depart this morning for Oudtshoorn. Proceed over the spectacular Outeniqua Pass into the Little Karoo, a semi desert arid region, arriving at Oudtshoorn.
First visit CP Nel Museum (some Jewish interest here) and possibly meet with some people from the local Jewish Community.
Then onto a visit to the Ostrich Farm, (where you will have a chance do limited ostrich riding), as Oudtshoorn was known as the Ostrich capital of the world and you can visit the imposing sandstone feather palaces.
Then after lunch we visit the Cango Caves, an underground wonderland of stalactites and stalagmites.
After that we travel to Barrydale, about 2 hours away staying over at the Barrydale Karoo hotel, which was nominated for a World Travel Award in 2009 (www.thebarrydale.co.za ) and The Tradouw Guesthouse (www.home.intekom.com/tradouwguesthouse)
FRI/ AUG 20 Barrydale - Cape Town
Depart Barrydale early for Cape Town, arriving in the city via the famous Route 62, reputed to be the longest wine route in the world. The road follows winding and spectacular mountain passes that slowly unfold before your eyes, leading to lush green valleys hosting crystal streams and framed by the distorted geological shapes and colors of rock faces dating from hundreds of millions of years ago. Then there is the abundance of indigenous flora. No fewer than 500 
different species of succulents are to be seen along Route 62. Orchards and vineyards are there in abundance, too. The scenery is so diverse and you drive through some stunning mountain passes and get to the beautiful red mountains.
Do a tour of Robben Island in the late morning before Checking into a hotel in Cape Town for a 3-night stay, at The Ritz Hotel in Sea Point as its central and within walking distance to the synagogue.
SAT/ AUG 21 Cape Town: Free day
Enjoy the day as you wish. Spend the day relaxing at the hotel or enjoy the Cape Town on your own. Saturday night the dinner will be at the Kosher Steakhouse.
Overnight at The Ritz Hotel.
SUN/ AUG 22 Cape Town
The group will be collected this morning for a full day Peninsula tour and Table Mountain. (weather dependent). This 25 mile drive to Cape Point includes a stop at Hout Bay, a beautiful fishing village from where a boat trip is made to Duiker Island, to see the mass of seals. (weather permitting).
On the way to Cape Point, you pass through the 7750 hectare plant rich expanse of the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. This reserve is home to a variety of indigenous wildlife species including the Cape Mountain zebra, red lynx, caracal and a variety of antelope. In addition about five troops of chacma baboons frequent the area. There are also over 250 species of marine 
birds. While the reserve itself is stellar for its natural beauty, a trip to the peninsula is not complete without a visit to the massive and spectacular headland. Cape Point's trademark turbulent waters and 300 metre sheer cliffs encompass viewers who may be lucky enough to spot seals, whales and dolphins.
Leaving the reserve we drive along the False Bay coastline to Boulders beach, home of the largest Jackass Penguin colony in South Africa.
A stop can then be made at Simonstown a naval base; Kalk Bay, Cape Town’s new “in place” for arts and crafts. Then it’s back to the city via Boyes Drive and possibly Table Mountain.
Overnight at the Ritz Hotel.
MON/ AUG 23 Cape Town – Johannesburg - New York
This morning we will visit the Jewish Museum and Holocaust Centre. The South African Jewish Museum was officially opened by former president Mr Nelson Mandela in 2000 and is a major attraction in CT. It is situated on the heritage site of the beautiful Gardens Synagogue, the Cape Town Holocaust Centre and Gitlin library. The Museum narrates the story of SA Jewry from its early beginnings. Its entrance is situated in the Old synagogue that dates back to 1863. The museum is interactive and high-tech, providing a host of experiences that include audiovisual presentations, multimedia, reconstructed sets and interactive computers. Adjacent to the Museum is the Holocaust Centre. Then it’s a lunch at local Café.
An early afternoon the group will be dropped off at Cape Town Airport for a flight to Johannesburg. Check in for return Trans-Atlantic flight or continue for Safari Option (read information below)
THE ITINERARY INCLUDES:
· Meet and Greet at O.R. Tambo (Johannesburg Airport) and Port Elizabeth Airports, transfer to Cape Town airport.
· Transport in an Overland Truck/ Bus with Driver/ Guide and a specialist guide in Cape Town.
· 5 star Kosher meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Supper) and hotel/lodge accomodations for all nights listed above.
· All entrance fees and activities as listed in the itinerary and not marked * - The Tsisitkamma National Park, Cape Point, Robberg, The guided tour at Tenkiwa, CP Nel Museum, Boat trip on the Knynsa Lagoon, Canopy Tour, Visit to an Ostrich Farm, Visit and tour of the Cango Caves, Vist to Robben Island, Visit to the Jewish Museum, Cable Car at Table Mountain, Boulders Beach etc
THE ITINERARY EXCLUDES:
· Flights: New York-Johannesburg, Johannesburg – Port Elizabeth, Cape Town – Johannesburg, Johannesburg – New York (the cost of all 4 flights together are $ 1675 if you book it with us, but you are welcome to book it yourself or use your miles)
· Travel & Medical Insurance (We strongly recommend that all travelers take out comprehensive
insurance to cover medical, personal, baggage, cancellation and curtailment)
· Cell Phone Rental (optional, but we will arrange best plan for you, with free incoming minutes & free rental)
· Visa or passport Fees if needed (US Citizens do not need visas)
· Tips for guides and drivers.
· Non-scheduled attractions marked *
· Changes in air fares due to increase in fuel cost.
· Airport & security tax surcharges or Entry & Exit fees at some airports.
· All items of a personal nature including telephone calls, internet usage, laundry, anti-malaria Medication, excess baggage, curio purchases etc.
· All drinks and other bar purchases.
· Anything not listed in the itinerary.
Please NOTE:
- The Tour will take place only if at least 15 individuals register for and participate in the tour, so please do not take vacation from your jobs before May 15 and until you are confirmed for the trip.
- The price of the tour is based on current rates of exchange (if there is a significant change in the exchange rates then the tour operators and their agents reserve the right to alter the price)
- Cholera, contrary to reported news is not a problem in South Africa. However, we ask you to consult your physician before the trip and if suggested take a medication as precaution.
- In Port Elizabeth the chalets have 2 beds and a large sleeper couch in each Chalet.
- At the Barrydale Hotel the group will be split to stay at a guesthouse about 600 meters away due to the fact the hotel can’t accommodate the whole group.
- The bus has large luggage bins on board for luggage; the best option is for people to take a big soft bag, e.g a duffel bag. Suitcases could get ruined.
- All pre-paid kosher meals will be served as a group at the Hotels unless otherwise written. However you have a choice of getting your own food.
- Some rooms in Lodges have sharing Bathrooms.
- Rates are per person, based on two persons sharing a room. Single room supplement is extra.
- Activities or places that are marked * are not included in the itinerary and cost extra.
- It is the responsibility of the client to be in possession of a valid passport and a visa. U.S. citizens do not require a visa for South Africa. For further information contact the South African consulate. Telephone: (212) 213-4880 http://www.southafrica-newyork.net/
To secure a place for yourself, send your deposit in the amount of $ 1099 for land part of the trip to our Brooklyn Office.
Ezra USA
311 Sea Breeze Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11224
The first payment must be either a check or cash (no credit card or PayPal payments) before May 1, 2010 in order to get an early bird special price of $ 1899 + air.
Please write Africa in the memo section of the check. This deposit, less $ 99 p.p. handling charge, is refundable until May 15, 2010 (thereafter the deposits are not refundable but will be applied to the final payment for the trip due approx. 60 days before the departure day)
Please hurry up, spaces are limited.
For more information, please contact us (718) 701-1527 or via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
6 DAY EXTENSION OPTION FOR SAFARI
(Aug 23-29, 2010)
$ 1399
Register Here
MON/ AUG 23 Cape Town – Johannesburg
Arrive in Johannesburg and stay overnight at Garden Palace hotel. (www.gadenplace.co.za)
Tue/ AUG 24 Johannesburg - Kruger National Park (Safari)
Depart for Kruger National Park. (5 hours journey from Johannesburg) We will based at Hamiltons Park (apx 25 minutes from Park) (www.hamiltonspark.com). Half-day Safari to Park.
Wed/ AUG 25 Kruger National Park (Safari)
Half-day Panorama and Chimp Eden. Evening Safari to Kruger.
Thur/ AUG 26 Kruger National Park (Safari)
Full Day Safari
Fri/ AUG 27 Kruger National Park (Safari)
Return to Johannesburg for Shabbat. (kosher meals are in local Jewish families)
Sat/ AUG 28 Kruger National Park (Safari)
Return flight to USA on Saturday night, arriving in New York on Sunday August 29.
THE EXTENSION OPTION INCLUDES:
· Meet and Greet at O.R. Tambo (Johannesburg Airport) and transfer to Kruger National Park.
· Transport in an Overland Truck with Driver/ Guide and a special shef for kosher meals.
· 5 star Kosher meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Supper.
· All entrance fees and activities as listed in the itinerary and not marked * including evening Safari.
THE EXTENSION OPTION EXCLUDES:
- Flights: Cape Town – Johannesburg, Johannesburg – New York (the cost of all 4 flights during the main trip & extension together are $ 1675 if you book it with us, but you are welcome to book it yourself or use your miles)
PLEASE NOTE:
- Staying in the Kruger Park area at this time of year is very expensive thus the high costs!
- If Saturday night stay is required and returning on Sunday night add $ 215 per person for additional night, meals (breakfast and lunch on Sunday and ½ day Soweto Tour).
- The cost of the extension option is based on the group of 10 or more people, and in case the number of participants be lower, the extension option might not be available or will be at higher price.
SOUTH AFRICA ALL FLIGHTS ITINERARY
FLIGHT 1
Sunday 15 August 2010 South African Airways - Flight SA 0204
Depart: New York John F. Kennedy Int'l Airport, Terminal 4 at 11:15 AM (Mileage:7983)
Monday, August 16, 2010 Arrive: O R Tambo Airport at 8:40 AM
Travel Time:15:25 Airbus A340-300 Meal: Lunch
FLIGHT 2
Monday 16 August 2010 South African Airways - Flight SA 0417
Depart: O R Tambo Airport, Terminal B at 1:10 PM (Mileage:565)
Arrive:Port Elizabeth Airport at 2:50 PM
Travel Time:1:40 PM Aircraft: Boeing 737-800 Meal: Lunch
FLIGHT 3
Monday 23 August 2010 South African Airways - Flight SA 0334
Depart: Cape Town Int'l Airport at 12:50 PM (Mileage:788)
Arrive: O R Tambo Airport at 2:50 PM
Travel Time:2:00 Aircraft: Boeing 737-800 Meal:Lunch
FLIGHT 4
Monday 23 August 2010 South African Airways - Flight SA 0203
Depart: O R Tambo Airport, Terminal B at 8:00 PM (Mileage:4174)
Arrive: New York John F. Kennedy Int'l Airport on Tuesday, August 24, 2010 at 7:40 AM
Travel Time:17:40 Aircraft:Airbus A340-300 Meal:Dinner
Liability
Ezra USA acts only as an agent for the tour participants in making arrangements for hotels, transportation, touring, restaurant, or any other services in connection with the itinerary. We will exercise reasonable care in making such arrangements. However, we do not assume any liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity to person and property because of an act of default of any hotel, airline carrier, restaurant, company, or person rendering any of the services included in the tour. The right is reserved to cancel or change itineraries or to substitute comparable service without notice. The right is reserved to decline or accept or retain any tour passengers should such person's health or general deportment impede the operation of the tour to the detriment of the other tour participants.
Parents follow children
Родители вслед за детьми
Мы рады представить вашему вниманию наш новый проект - Jewish Parents Trip.
Jewish Parents Trip - это 10-ти дневное путешествие по самым интересным, уникальным и запоминающимся местам Израиля, которые уже посетили участники нашей молодёжной программы. За 10 дней вам предстоит посетить золотой Иерусалим и новый Тель-Авив, Хайфу и Кацрин, Цфат и Тверию, Мёртвое и Красное Моря, а также тёплый Эйлат. Профессиональные экскурсоводы с удовольствием ответят на все ваши вопросы и покажут самые изумительные места.
Проживание в 4-х звёздочных гостиницах
Дата поездки: 1-11 ноября.
Стоимость поездки: $1400 + авиа билет.
За более подробной информацией и для регистрации обращайтесь к:
Шуламит Леви 718-701-1527 or email : This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Shalom China
Oct 17 - Oct 25, 2010
EARLY BIRD SPECIAL only $ 1950 (till July 1, 2010)
after July 1, 2010 - $ 2250
International Journeys with your friends at Ezra USA is always an exciting & relaxing way to see the world & spend the time with your fellow young Russian Jews from North America. Ezra trips itineraries always include most important landmarks, tourist attractions and sites that have a Jewish history. There are no others trips that are exclusively for young Russian Jewish students and professionals like you, and we are happy to present our new project – Shalom China, a 9 day trip to an exotic China done Ezra style.
China – one of the world's oldest and continuous civilizations, consisting of states and cultures dating back more than six millennia. It has the world's longest continuously used written language system and is viewed as the source of many major interventions.
