El Al flight departs JFK Terminal 4. Overnight flight to Ben Gurion; bring snacks, entertainment and a car seat for Renee if using the seat on board. Flight crosses time zones—plan to try to get some sleep.
Arrival at Ben Gurion (Airport Road 1, Lod). Complete passport control and baggage claim; meet private driver for transfer to Jerusalem. Allow time for immigration and stroller access.
Private transfer to Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem (26–28 King David St). ⚠️ Confirm driver and car seat for Renee before departure; drive ~45–60 minutes depending on traffic.
Early, simple family-friendly dinner at Café Gan Sipur near Gan Sacher (stroller access and kid options). Keep choices light; cafe usually open through evening but check hours.
Drive (~40 minutes each way) to Beit Shemesh to visit Daddy’s kever at Eretz HaChaim Cemetery. ⚠️ Need driver for round trip; plan for a quiet, respectful visit and travel time.
Weather call: pick the Biblical Zoo (Teddy Kollek Rd; typically open ~8:30AM–4:30PM) if sunny and active; choose the Israel Museum (11 Ruppin St; usually 10:00AM–5:00PM; closed Mon) if chilly or you want indoor exhibits. Both are family-friendly—check opening hours and buy tickets in advance.
Explore Machane Yehuda (Jaffa & Agripas streets) for fresh produce, snacks and lively stalls—open broadly from morning into evening, but individual stalls vary. Great spot for quick bites and pictures.
Hands-on chocolate workshop at Galita Chocolate Farm in Kibbutz Tzuba (Jerusalem Hills). Fun for kids and adults; confirm workshop booking and that kids’ kits/instructions are available in English.
Dinner in the Mamilla area (Mamilla Avenue)—options like Mamilla Rooftop or Joy Grill for pleasant family dining. Book a table with stroller access if needed.
Stroll the Geula / Meah Shearim area for shopping; markets and small stores open in the morning—wear modest attire and be respectful in ultra-Orthodox neighborhoods.
1:30–1:45PM family photoshoot (⚠️ Confirm whether Yemin Moshe or the Old City). Plan 45–60 minutes for family shots; coordinate meeting point and permit if required.
Pickup from Waldorf Astoria for a Judean Desert jeep tour (Kfar Adumim area). Expect off-road driving, short hikes, Bedouin tent tea, camel viewing and family-friendly stops. Confirm seats, child safety measures and duration in advance.
Train from Yitzhak Navon (224 Jaffa St) to Herzliya; double-check timetables the night before and arrive early for tickets and stroller assistance. Travel time about one hour.
Morning on Herzliya beach (Acadia / Sharon Hotel area) for sand and sea—bring sunscreen and shade for Renee; beaches are open generally daytime but check local conditions.