Achva Europe/Israel is an incredible tour of Western Europe and Israel for boys and girls finishing 10th grade. The Europe portion, lasting 13 great days, starts in magical Geneva, Switzerland including a look at the Jewish community, as you enjoy an uplifting Shabbos there. Then, travel along the French Alps into France on the way to beautiful Italy, featuring 8-9 days touring through great Italian cities including Venice, Florence, Pisa and Rome. Explore the world of ancient and modern Italy from its world famous attractions to its many sites of Jewish interest.

Then, from Rome, fly to Israel for a four week comprehensive tour of the Holy Land. From a mystical stroll along the alleys of Tzfat to hiking up Masada at sunrise, to snorkeling in Eilat, your summer will have it all. (Take a look at Achva Israel for more details as you will be joining with them for your amazing time in Israel.) All told, it's 40 fabulous days of friends, fun and memories that last a lifetime.

Featuring a theme of understanding ancient and mordern Jewish history, the tour is filled with fun, meaningful and historical sites. In addition, educational sessions and activities will be designed to increase your connection to Israel and her people. Shabbos will feature lively meals, a meaningful davening and a chance to relax after a busy week. Achva's talented and hard working counselor staff will guide you through Europe and Israel, ensuring you have the best summer possible.

Here is a tentative itinerary for 2008. Updates will be posted here as the summer approaches. A finalized itinerary will be mailed to all registered participants before the summer. Roll your mouse over links for additional comments about those sites.

Jul 9) Depart via New York for Switzerland
Jul 10) Arrival in Geneva, orientation, ice-breakers
Jul 11) Geneva Sites, Jet D'eau, Prepare for Shabbat
Jul 12) Group Shabbat in Geneva
Jul 13) travel through the French Alps
July 14) France, Specific Sites TBA, transfer to Venice, Italy
July 15) Venice Canals, Piazza San Marco, the Jewish Ghetto, Gam Gam Restaurant
July 16) Florence: Accademia, Piazza Nacionale, Ponti Vecchio and Ruth Restaurant, The Great Florence Synagogue
July 17) Leaning Tower of Pisa, Tuscany
July 18) Welcome to Rome, Boating on Lake, Prepare for Shabbat
July 19) Group Shabbat in Rome , meet members of Rome Jewish Community
July 20) Fast Day: Jewish Catacombs, Rome's Great Synagogue , Yotvata Restaurant
July 21) Roman Forum, Coliseum, Arch of Titus, more Rome sites
July 22) Depart Rome for Israel, arrive Tel-Aviv, Relax at Hotel
Achva E/I and Achva Israel join together...
July 22) Afternoon head to City of David, Davidson Center, Kotel Tunnels
July 23) Sde Boker, Rappelling, Machtesh Crater,
July 24) BaMidbar Experience (Majesty of the Desert)
July 25) Complete BaMidbar Experience, Prepare for Shabbat
July 26) Group Shabbat in Mitzpe
July 27) Red Canyon, Eilat Tayelet,
July 28) Eilat - Snorkeling, Parasailing, Banana Boating, Night Jeeps
July 29) Timna, Yotvata, Southern options
July 30) Masada at sunrise, Camals, Dead Sea Spa
July 31) Chessed Project, Paintball
August 1) Travel to Free Shabbat (or Kibbutz Lavi)
August 2) Free Shabbat, Kibbutz Lavi option
August 3) Regroup, Yad Vashem
August 4) Independence Hall, Rabin Square
August 5) Modern Jerusalem, Ammunition Hill
August 6) Sports Day vs. Other Summer Programs
August 7) Chesed Project, Jerusalem options
August 8) Burnt House, Machon Hamikdash
August 9) Group Shabbat in Jerusalem, Erev Tisha B'Av, Eicha,
August 10) Tisha B'Av, Kinot, Second Temple Model, Kotel
August 11) Travel North, Golan, Magrese Water Hike
August 12) Oz 77, Har Benthal, Naot Factory, Jordan River Kayaking
August 13) Tzfat, Meeting with Mystic Zefat Artists Quarter, The Ari's Mikvah
August 14) Golan Options, Return to Jerusalem
August 15) Har Herzl, Rechov Ben Yehuda Street, Shuk/Mea Shearim
August 16) Group Shabbat in Jerusalem, Banquet, Kumsitz
August 17) Jerusalem touring, Kotel
August 18) Goodbyes! Fly to USA via New York