VFI Private Group Volun-Tour Program

Discover Israel’s rich history and make a meaningful impact with VFI’s Volun-Tour Custom Private Program, ideal for both adults and seniors, first-time and experienced visitors. Spend an immersion week or more with meaningful volunteer opportunities. Also enjoy private all-day guided touring of Israel’s compelling historic as well as not so familiar sites. No Hebrew required! A comprehensive volunteering and learning experience that creates memories. Ready to apply? Goto our online VFI application here

At Volunteers for Israel, our mission since 1982 is simple yet profound: to connect Americans to Israel through meaningful volunteer service. Here’s what sets us apart:

1. Customization: We tailor each Volun-Tour to fit your group’s unique style and preferences. Whether you’re a family, a corporate team, a special interest group, or from a church or synagogue, we jointly create an itinerary that resonates with you, highly customized for time, content, subject matter, depth, stated interests, etc.
2. Meaningful Impact: Volunteering isn’t just an add-on—it’s at the core of what we do. You’ll actively contribute to Israeli communities and causes while efficiently exploring the beauty of the land.
3. We Prioritize Affordability: Quality doesn’t have to break the bank. Our Volun-Tour opportunities are designed to be All-Inclusive and budget-friendly, ensuring your group gets the most out of their experience while not straining their wallets.

So, whether you’re passionate about healthcare, archaeology, farming, the army, touring, ancient history, the bible, or repairing, join us in Israel and make memories.

CLICK HERE to view a sample itinerary for this program.

Program Activities

Meaningful Volunteer Work:

Roll up your sleeves and engage in hands-on volunteer projects alongside Israelis.  Your custom program may include tending to agricultural fields, archaeology site work, direct IDF support, repair in the Gaza envelop, assisting in a rehab center, museum or botanical works, or supporting educational initiatives.  Your work will be memorable and your impact will be tangible.

Experience the joy of giving back while forging bonds with locals who embody Israel’s resilience and spirit.

Guided Exploration:

Explore Israel’s iconic sites, hidden gems, and off-the-beaten-path wonders. From the ancient streets of Jerusalem to the serene shores of the Sea of Galilee, each day brings new discoveries.  VFI’s expert licensed Israeli guides will lead you through history, weaving tales of kings, prophets, and modern pioneers.

Pricing a Novel All-Inclusive Experience:

VFI’s fee for Private Tour Volun-Tour programs is flexible and may provide partial coverage as mutually arranged.  Alternatively it may be All-Inclusive which means your accommodations, all transportation, most meals, all program costs, and gratuities are covered.  

The final fee will depend upon the customized program that we plan together.  Enjoy comfortable stays, authentic cuisine, and leave the logistics to us!  Responsibility for airfare, visas, required medical insurance, and optional trip insurance remain with the volunteer.

Why Consider VFI For Your Group?

1. Legacy of Solidarity:
   Since 1982, VFI has connected Americans to Israel through volunteer service. Our roots lie in saving crops during the first Lebanon war, later volunteer service with the IDF, and today, we continue to stand with Israel in peace and challenge with broad programs.  Join a legacy of goodwill and friendship that spans generations.
2. Tailored for Private Groups:
   Whether a synagogue or church group, professional society, corporate retreat, or celebrating a family reunion, gather your friends, family, or colleagues for a customized Volun-Touring experience. Celebrate milestones, strengthen bonds, or simply embark on a life-changing adventure together.  Private groups allow flexibility in custom focus, levels of immersion, scheduling, activities, and shared memories.  See the group examples below.
3. Impact, Immersion and Inspiration:
   Witness Israel’s resilience firsthand. Hear stories of survival, innovation, and hope.  Return home not only with souvenirs but also with a heart full of gratitude and a deeper profound understanding of Israel’s complexities.
4. Pricing a novel all-inclusive experience:
   VFI’s fee for Private Tour Volun-Tour programs is flexible and may provide partial coverage as mutually arranged.  Alternatively it may be All-Inclusive which means your accommodations, all transportation, most meals, all program costs, and gratuities are covered.  The final fee will depend upon the customized program that we plan together.  Enjoy comfortable stays, authentic cuisine, and leave the logistics to us!  Responsibility for airfare, visas, required medical insurance, and optional trip insurance remain with the volunteer.

Book Your VFI Group Volun-Touring Adventure Today. Ready to make a difference while exploring Israel’s wonders? Contact VFI to create a personalized Volun-Touring itinerary for your private group.  Whether it’s a bar mitzvah celebration, a corporate retreat, affinity group, or a family reunion, let VFI turn your journey into a transformative Volun-Tour experience.

Itinerary

Our goal is to plan a customized Itinerary for your group that provides:

• 9 days or more of leisure with action for experiencing Israel in a meaningful way.

• 4 days or more of meaningful volunteer activity merged with 5 days exploring Israel’s sacred sites and biblical history.

• Residence in comfortable hotels with daily transportation to volunteer activities and sightseeing spots.

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Sample Itinerary for a 12-Day Trip With 10-12 Participants

Right Click on Each Day to Reveal Details**

Day 1: Arrival -Welcome to Israel

We will meet you at the airport, transfer you to your hotel in Tel Aviv. Then rest.

Overnight in Tel Aviv. Recommended hotels: Maxim hotel, Beach House Tel Aviv by Brown, Orchid Hotel. These hotels are close to one another.

Day 2: Explore Tel Aviv

Breakfast at Hotel.

We will visit Hostages’ Square, and the wonderful Anu Museum (especially meaningful during “Yom Hashoa”, the Holocaust Remembrance Day). We will: Explore the beautiful little alleys of Old Jaffa; visit Rothschild Blvd, the cradle of Tel Aviv where Israel’s Independence was declared; and also visit a very special and little-known museum dedicated to Josef Bau , a holocaust survivor, the hero of the “Bau – Artist at War” film (https://www.baumovie.com). “

Overnight in Tel Aviv

Day 3: Volunteer & Time to Explore

Breakfast at hotel.

You will VOLUNTEER YOUR SERVICES FOR HALF A DAY, in a Hamal (Supply Distribution Center) sorting and packing supplies for soldiers. Spend the balance of the day on your own exploring Tel Aviv.

Overnight in Tel Aviv

Day 4: Caesarea, Zichron Yaaqov and Haifa

Breakfast at your hotel and check out.

We will drive north along the Coastal Plane.  Visit Caesarea, a beautifully situated ancient Roman port city, with a rich Jewish and Christian history.  Explore Zichron Ya’akov, a little charming community located south of Haifa, one of the very first pioneering farming Jewish communities of the end of the 19^th century. We will also visit the Aaronson Museum, dedicated to the Nili espionage organization fighting against the Ottomans during WW1.

We will enjoy wine tasting in Amphorae Winery in route to Haifa. In Haifa, ascend to the upper level of the Baha’i Gardens overlooking the gardens and the entire northern coast all the way to Lebanon.

Overnight in Colony hotel, Haifa.

Day 5: Acco and Rosh Haniqra grottoes

Breakfast at hotel and check out.

We will explore Acre (Akko), famous for its impressive Crusader fortress and its beautiful seaside location. We will visit the ancient Ramhal Synagogue and Visitor’s Center. We will also explore the Rosh Hanikra grottoes, natural caves and artificial tunnels. If by chance it is open, we will visit the Mosaic Synagogue (Or HaTora).

Travel to the Sea of Galilee. Dinner in Ginosar. Overnight in Nof Ginnosar hotel in Kibbutz Ginnosar.

Day 6: Tzfat and the Golan Heights

Breakfast at your hotel.

We will visit Tsfat, historical, romantic, charming, and sacred. One of Israel’s four holy cities, well known for its artists and Kabbala mystics. We will then drive to the Golan Heights, visit a Druze community, and take a look at Syria (from a safe distance).

Overnight in Nof Ginnosar hotel in kibbutz Ginnosar.

Day 7: Dead Sea and Masada

Breakfast at your hotel and check out.

Today we have a long drive along Jordan Valley, which will take us all the way from north to south. We will be driving along the Israeli-Jordanian border at the footsteps of Samaria and Judea Hills. We will visit Masada, the last Jewish stronghold against the Roman legions, a place which is synonymous to heroism and willingness to choose death over slavery.

Afterwards, we will float and relax in the Dead Sea. We then keep driving all the way to the center of kibbutz Sde Boker in the heart of the Negev Desert.

Dinner in Sde Boker and overnight in Kibbutz Mashabei Sadi.

Day 8: Sde Boker and Ramon Crater

Breakfast at hotel.

We will visit Ben Gurion’s Tomb near kibbutz Sde Boker, overlooking the majestic Zin Valley. Then go to the Ilan Ramon Visitors Center, dedicated to the memory of Israeli’s first astronaut and the Ramon Crater. Finally, we will experience a jeep ride through the crater itself, which is the largest in Israel. You will see some amazing views, geological formations, colors, and if you are lucky, some desert wildlife as well.

Dinner in Sde Boker and overnight in Kibbutz Mashabei Sadi.

Day 9: Beer Sheva and Jerusalem-here we come!

Breakfast at hotel and check out.

Today we start making our way to Jerusalem! En route, we will visit Beer Sheva, Abraham’s home which developed into the modern capital of the Negev. Stop at the Valley of HaEla, the biblical battlefield between David and Goliath. Reading the Bible and the very location described, picking up a stone which might be similar to the one picked by David…those are special memories to take home with you!

Finally, it’s off to Jerusalem, stopping for a small “We Have Revived and Sustained” blessing ceremony. Overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 10: The Glory of the Old City of Jerusalem

Breakfast at Hotel

We will visit some of the iconic landmarks of the Old City: the Jewish Quarter including Hurva Synagogue; and the Cardo Maximus, a busy market street back in the Roman and Byzantine days. The artisan shops are still flourishing around it now. We will place a note in the Western Wall.

Within the Christian Quarter we will visit the Church of the Holy sepulcher, a church built on the traditional site of Jesus’ Crucifixion, burial and resurrection. We then leave the Old City and explore the City of David, an important site of biblical archeology including the Hezekiah’s tunnel (or the alternative dry tunnel). We will view the Dome of the Rock, and more…

Overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 11: Volunteer and Visit the Israel Museum

Breakfast at hotel.

We will visit the Israel museum, focusing on the most meaningful archaeological finds. We will also visit the Shrine of the Book, housing the Dead Sea Scrolls collection.

Then, you will VOLUNTEER YOUR SERVICES FOR HALF A DAY at the Tachlit/Pantry Packers in Jerusalem.

Overnight in Jerusalem

Day 12: Yad Vashem, Machane Yehuda market, and Farewell

Breakfast at hotel.

We will visit Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance campus which explores the history of the Holocaust thematically and chronologically. We will also explore the Machane Yehuda Market, the largest market in Jerusalem with over 250 vendors selling everything from fruit and vegetables, to specialty foods, to clothing to Judaica.

We will gather for a farewell dinner in Jerusalem, and then be dropped off at Ben Gurion airport

** Please be aware that all tours and volunteer activities are subject to change depending on the weather and security situation in Israel. If something has to be changed, a replacement activity/ site will be offered, which will hopefully make all happy.

Also note that the level of physical exertion in this program depends on the particular volunteer activities that are planned.

Your Program Contacts

For more information about the trips in this program, please consult the Question-And-Answer section or feel free to contact our knowledgable program leaders.