VFI Archaeology – Enthusiasts Program

Volun-Touring in Israel

Volun-Touring is impactful travel in Israel that combines the joy of exploring new places and immersion in new cultures while volunteering your services with “hands-on” work. Whether you’re drawn by history, service, or cultural immersion, you’re in for an unforgettable experience.

Program Overview

This is a 11 day-10 night curated, small group, journey in which you will step beyond traditional travel and experience Israel in a way few ever do. The VFI Volun-Tour Program for Archaeology Enthusiasts is a unique, hands-on journey that combines ancient history, modern Israel, and meaningful volunteer work into one unforgettable experience.

Begin in Tel Aviv and Old Jaffa, where vibrant city life meets one of the world’s oldest ports. Visit the ANU – Museum of the Jewish People and explore Israel’s story from ancient times to today. Travel to the Gaza envelope region to connect with local communities and pay tribute at the site of the Nova Festival Massacre.

Journey across the country to iconic archaeological sites including Caesarea, Tel Megiddo, and Tel Hazor—each revealing layers of ancient civilizations. In the Galilee, visit Safed, the center of Jewish mysticism, and the ancient Kfar Bar’am Synagogue. Walk through the remarkably preserved Roman city of Beit She’an National Park.

In Jerusalem, experience the heart of history at the City of David, walk through Hezekiah’s Tunnel, and ascend the Pilgrim’s Path to the Temple Mount. Explore the Old City, the Mahane Yehuda Market, the Israel Museum, and key institutions such as the Knesset and the Supreme Court of Israel. Participate in hands-on archaeologyat the Temple Mount Sifting Project and “Dig for a Day” at Beit Guvrin National Park.

Complement your journey with meaningful volunteer work, including assisting on a farm and supporting Chamal Ben Yehuda 86.

Enjoy comfortable hotel stays in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Tiberias, beginning each day with a fresh Israeli breakfast

Ready to make a difference? Complete our email form to learn more about this program.

Dates and Fees

Program Dates

The VFI Archaeology Enthusiasts Program is a 11-day program in which there is a modest level of physical activity including steps and some uneven footing. Future dates for trips in the VFI Jerusalem Archaeology Dig Program are:

October 7 to 17, 2026
April 1 to 12, 2027

Program Fees

The all-Inclusive fee for this 11-day program bundles major costs including nights in big-city hotels, all transportation in an air-conditioned bus, most meals (food), all aspects of volunteering, all-day touring, entrance fees, private tour guide, archaeology support and tours, lectures, and gratuities.

For double occupancy at all hotels for the entire program: $3,540.  A supplement for single occupancy is $890.  Each fee is subject to hotel availability. It is based on a minimum group size of 6 and are subject to adjustment for fewer participants. 

As a non-profit organization, VFI is committed to offering  premium volun-touring experiences at the lowest possible price.  Due to fluctuations in the dollar-shekel exchange rate and other economic factors, it may be necessary to occasionally increase trip fees above those published at the time of your deposit.  We will make every attempt to ensure that fee increases are minimal and infrequent.

How to Register for the Archaeology Enthusiasts Program

Complete VFI Application and Submit Deposit

To reserve your space in a program, submit a completed application which includes making a $500 refundable deposit. This deposit will be applied toward the final cost. VFI is a 501(c)3 non-profit so part of your payment may be tax-deductible. Please consult your financial advisor.

Travel Documents

• Passport: Traveling in Israel requires a passport that must be valid for at least 6 months AFTER your arrival date
• NEW VISA Requirement: All non-Israeli visitors to Israel must have a valid visa or ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization) before they start their trip. The ETA-IL is valid for two years and multiple trips of 90 days or less. The cost is 25 NIS (about $7.00) per person and obtained by online application at: https://israel-entry.piba.gov.il/

Insurance

VFI requires individual medical coverage while in Israel. Medicare generally does not cover medical care outside the U.S., so you should confirm with your insurer whether your policy includes coverage for treatment in Israel. VFI strongly recommends obtaining trip cancellation insurance which may also include medical coverage*.

*For more information, see the Q&A on our Resources webpage.

Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis. Group size is limited, and a waitlist is maintained for fully subscribed programs.

Itinerary

Click on each day below to expand and view details of the complete 9-Day Archaeology

Day 1– Arrival and Welcome to Israel

Hotel check in. Welcome dinner. Overnight in Maxim Hotel Tel Aviv

Day 2– Orientation and Exploration

Breakfast at hotel

Explore Tel Aviv and Old Jaffa, a combination of modern, old and ancient

Visit the underground archaeological site in Old Jaffa focused on Hellenisticand Roman periods

Dinner on own. Overnight in Maxim Hotel Tel Aviv

Day 3 – Volunteering

Breakfast at hotel

Morning: Volunteer on a farm (farmers in Israel are still struggling with lack of workers) – it can be picking/sorting/planting/packing… nothing too physically demanding

Noon: Return to hotel, rest and shower

Afternoon: Volunteer with Pamela at “Hamal Ben Yehuda 86” – a Distribution Center supplying soldiers

Dinner on own. Overnight in Maxim Hotel Tel Aviv

Day 4 –Jewish Diasporas and Support

Breakfast at hotel

Visit Anu Museum – the Museum of the Jewish People

Volunteer with Pamela’s Support Bridge

Dinner on own. Overnight in Maxim Hotel Tel Aviv

Day 5– Dig for a Day and Bare Witness

Breakfast at hotel
Participating in a “Dig For a Day” at Beit Guvrin National Park
Visit Nova Festival Site and Memorial, and view the communities along Gaza Strip, which were attacked Oct. 7, 2023
Dinner on own. Overnight in Maxim Hotel, Tel Aviv

Day 6- King Herod the Great, King Solomon and the Sea of Galilee

Breakfast at hotel and check out

Visit Ancient Caesarea

Visit Megiddo (Armageddon), one of the most famous and excavated Biblical sites

Visit the tomb of Maimonides in Tiberias

Dinner and overnight in Tiberias by the Sea of Galilee

Day 7 –Spirituality, Art and Ruins

Breakfast at hotel

Visit Safed – cradle of Kabbala, ancient synagogues, and modern art galleries

Visit Kfar Baram National Park – ancient synagogue and an abandoned Maronites’ village

Visit Tel Hazor – the largest Biblical town in the Galilee

Dinner and Overnight in Tiberias by the Sea of Galilee

Day 8 – Jordan Valley and Welcome to Jerusalem

Breakfast at hotel and check out

Visit Jewish Pioneers’ Kinneret graveyard

Visit the first Date Palms plantation of modern times. Date tasting is mandatory

Visit ancient Beit Shean – a rich archaeological site, presenting 2000 years – from Old Testament to Early Muslim periods

Drive along Jordan Valley to Jerusalem

Dinner on own, Overnight in Jerusalem

Day 9 –Tuesday – Eternal Jerusalem

Breakfast at hotel
Visit Temple Mount

Explore the City of David including Hezekiah’s Tunnel, Pool of Siloam, and Pilgrim’s Route (if open)

Visit excavations at Givati Parking lot

Visit Davidson Archaeological Park

Dinner on own. Overnight in Jerusalem

Day 10 –The Old City and the Sifting Project

Breakfast at hotel

Volunteer in Sifting Project of the Temple Mount

Visit Mt. of Olives lookout by the Ancient Jewish Cemetery

Lunch in the Old City

Explore the 4 quarters of Old City and place a note in the Kotel Dinner on own, Overnight in Jerusalem

Day 11– Ancient artifacts and Contemporary Treats

Breakfast at hotel and check out

Visit Israel Museum focused on Archaeology Wing

View Knesset and Supreme Court

Visit Machane Yehuda Market to get some food and last-minute souvenirs

Farewell dinner at a local restaurant

Drop of at the airport or remain in Israel – Lehitraot and Beshana Habaa Beyerushalaim

Your Program Contacts

For more information, please feel free to email or phone either of the two contacts for the Archaeology – Enthusiasts Program. For more information about the trips in this program, please consult the Question-And-Answer section or feel free to contact our knowledgeable program leaders. Be sure to include your name, the program title, and your phone number.

Primary Contact: Larry Alssid
VFIARCHLA@gmail.com
516.680.2163

Other Contact: Lisa Bell
vfi.lisa9@gmail.com
954.298.7495

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