Help a n00b experience what Israel has to offer.

[JTZ]

It is no longer a question of if but when. It will be for DW and I. First I want to thank everyone that has helped so far!!!
Time frame will be anytime after 8/1. Can fly on any day. 
Will leave from ORD. Would like business/first flight with easy connection and not to long of a layover. Been looking at Swiss and Turkish so far.
Have MR, UR, HGP, UA, and AA. Can generate anything else except SPG.
Would like to be centrally located to see the sites.
DW loves to shop. She can spend all day at a mall. She also wants to float in the Dead Sea.
Open to any and all suggestions.

[Emkay]

For how long?

[as2]

Cash flights are often cheaper Saturday, so if you book Amex that's an option. Any religious background? Are you interested in any part of the country in particular? Historic? Nature? As your Itinerary comes to fruition we can all give you our experienced (professional?) 2 cents

[JTZ]

For how long?

I was thinking 7-10 days. I am not big on staying in one place to long. Family vaca's to PVR/MBJ are 7 days.

[Moshe123]

Wow

[JTZ]

Cash flights are cheapest Saturday, so if you book Amex that's an option. Any religious background? Are you interested in any part of the country in particular? Historic? Nature? As your Itinerary comes to fruition we can all give you our experienced (professional?) 2 cents

The cash option is on the table.
Catholic and DW loves old churches. Historic yes, nature so so.

[as2]

The cash option is on the table.
Catholic and DW loves old churches. Historic yes, nature so so.

So the churches are where some of us are a bit less experienced but there are so many historic areas in Israel. Honestly dead sea is only for some. Been there once and haven't had an interest to go back. Its something you need to do at least once though. While youre down south by the dead sea you may want to hit up Ein Gedi. A bit nature-y but very nice. Lots of water and waterfalls and some nice scenery

[Emkay]

I was thinking 7-10 days. I am not big on staying in one place to long. Family vaca's to PVR/MBJ are 7 days.

Assuming you want to see it all, I would prob head counter clockwise. Land in the morning and drive to Eilat for day and a half with stops (Ramon crater is nice).
Then drive to Dead Sea for a day, no need for a night. Jerusalem then for 4 days. Golan for a day then Rosh hanikra, Akko, Caesarea.
Stay last night in Tel Aviv.
Need more info what interests you for more details.

[Dan]

Can you do 2 weeks? Really tough to see all the sights in 7-10 days for the first time.
I did a month my first time and it wasn't enough...

Have a Biz Plat card?

[JTZ]

Can you do 2 weeks?
Have a Biz Plat card?

Yes/yes but our dogs will miss us. 

[Emkay]

Time frame will be anytime after 8/1.

Whens the latest?

[as2]

If you're looking to really get around the country, Eilat is beautiful too. Nice shopping scene on the boardwalk and a great nightlife. Some pretty solid hotels down there as well. Lots of water sports activities if that's up your alley. Scuba diving, snorkeling, boating, jet skis etc.

[JTZ]

Whens the latest?

End of Oct or it would have to next year after the 1st.

[Dawie]

Assuming you want to see it all, I would prob head counter clockwise. Land in the morning and drive to Eilat for day and a half with stops (Ramon crater is nice).
Then drive to Dead Sea for a day, no need for a night. Jerusalem then for 4 days. Golan for a day then Rosh hanikra, Akko, Caesarea.
Stay last night in Tel Aviv.
Need more info what interests you for more details.

hit these near Ramon Crater
http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Archaeology/byznegev.html

[Redbull3]

This is awesome.

[Emkay]

End of Oct or it would have to next year after the 1st.

OK great because I personally don't think  Aug is a good idea.


Because I won't be there then...Or maybe then it's a great idea.

[JTZ]

I am not looking to cover the whole country in this one visit. There can always be a return visit.

[JTZ]

If you're looking to really get around the country, Eilat is beautiful too. Nice shopping scene on the boardwalk and a great nightlife. Some pretty solid hotels down there as well. Lots of water sports activities if that's up your alley. Scuba diving, snorkeling, boating, jet skis etc.

I love water activities but the DW doesn't as she is not an expert swimmer like me. 
If my kids were with us then water activities would be a must. A boat cruise or day at the beach works.

[Redbull3]

The wall and "tunnel tours"

[ExGingi]

It is no longer a question of if but when. It will be for DW and I. First I want to thank everyone that has helped so far!!!
Time frame will be anytime after 8/1. Can fly on any day. 
Will leave from ORD. Would like business/first flight with easy connection and not to long of a layover. Been looking at Swiss and Turkish so far.
Have MR, UR, HGP, UA, and AA. Can generate anything else except SPG.
Would like to be centrally located to see the sites.
DW loves to shop. She can spend all day at a mall. She also wants to float in the Dead Sea.
Open to any and all suggestions.

Since you can fly any day, award space is usually more available on flights that operate on or very close to Shabbos.

As I have posted elsewhere on these forums, if you prefer nocturnal flights, then coming back from TLV your options are DL, UA and LY.

Since KSML is non-issue for you, I thought that the TK chef in J seems really interesting.