History of “ Les Clefs D’or “ Israel

Les Clefs D’or – Israel, was created in 1970 by Alfred Kahn, the founding father of the Israeli association and by the end of the year joined the UICH.
By that act the organization changed its basis from a European only organization to an International one.

Mr Alfred Kahn from “Dan Tel Aviv” hotel who was the founding father of the Israeli association served as its national president between the years 1970 to 1984, and is still well remembered world-wide.
Under his presidency in 1974, Israel hosted the first international congress in Tel Aviv.
Mr. Yossi Minerbo who replaced Mr.Kahn, served as the organization 2nd national president between the years 1984 to 1988 and organized the second International congress in Herzelia in 1986.
Mr.Albert Vivante who served as the 3rd Israeli national president between the years 1988 to 1996 organized the third International congress In Jerusalem in 1995.
Mr. Avi Varsano was the fourth Israeli association president from 1996 till 2011.
From 2011 until today Mr.Ronen Alkalay is the Israeli national president of “Les Clefs D’or-Israel” , or in Hebrew “Maftehot Ha-Zahav Be’ Israel”.
Today Israel has 26 full Internationals members who work in the top hotels in cities like: Haifa, Hertzeliya, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Eilat, and are prepared to give each guest the highest and finest service of hospitality.

Israel is an amazing country to visit with a lot to see, from ancient world historical sites to the most advance high tech industry.

Below you can find a list of Israel touristic highlights recommended to explore.

A 5 day trip through Israeli history and culture

This is a mere hint of the highlights of this diverse land, Israel.
But before you go, know that the sites of Israel are only half the story; the other half is told by its people: a friendly extended family that is nearly always interested in embracing new charter members. Under the guise of asking for directions or just looking touristy, it is easy – and worthwhile – to meet the locals.

Where to go:
If you’ve only got five days or less, choose no more than two overnight bases, or maybe only one. While Israel is one of the world’s smaller countries, it is long and narrow and not as navigable as you might think. Tel Aviv and Masada/Dead Sea are feasible day tours from Jerusalem; Haifa and much of the Galilee are doable from Tel Aviv. If your heart is set on visiting Eilat on the Red Sea, consider the 60-minute flight from Tel Aviv. Otherwise, the road trip south will eat up too much of your valuable time.
Perhaps a good way to divide your time is to spend two days in Jerusalem, two in Tel Aviv and one in either the north or the south.

Jerusalem

This city sends visitors on a time-warp romp through the pages of several religions’ Holy Scriptures in the Old City and beyond.
The first day will be devoted to the Old City and all things ancient: Start with the Temple Mount to view the Al Aqsa Mosque and Dome of the Rock (but first check opening times here and read the news headlines; the Temple Mount has been known to be a flashpoint for Jewish-Arab tensions. Jewish visitors should also note that there are some religious prohibitions from ascending the Mount, and all visitors should carefully note the strict rules for visiting the site, which can be read at the gate). Next on tap is the City of David, the ancient core of Jerusalem, much of which lies (and may be viewed) beneath the earth’s surface. Continue tunneling through history at the newly opened Givati excavations tunnel (read: Herod the Great’s sewer) and emerge at the Davidson Center directly onto the paving stones on which Passover pilgrims to the Temple walked 2,000 years ago. Stand at the Western Wall, venerated by the Jewish People as the last remnant of that Temple complex. By now it’s time for a late lunch. Who’s up for a bowl of world-class hummus? Consult our guide to food in the Old City of Jerusalem. For dessert, end your touring day on the Via Dolorosa, where Jesus took his final steps, leading to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, traditionally known as the site of crucifixion, burial and resurrection.
After a day like this, you deserve a shower and a nap, followed by a night out in Jerusalem. If it’s summertime, you’ll love the cool air. Here are a few solid restaurant recommendations.

Relax;
On the 2nd day start off with a coffee at any of these great cafes, then marvel at the Dead Sea Scrolls at the Israel Museum, before taking a walk past the Knesset (parliament) and Supreme Court buildings (both offer free tours). Take in the hustle-bustle at Mahane Yehuda market and grab some street food for lunch. Board the light railway to Mount Herzl station, where it’s a short walk to Yad Vashem, the Holocaust museum. (Along the way you’ll cross over Jerusalem’s spectacular new Santiago Calatrava bridge.) End the day back in the city center, where craftsmen’s shops and galleries are clustered along the narrow pedestrian streets off Zion Square.

Tel Aviv-Jaffa

Tel Aviv and its neighboring Jaffa to the south mean fascinating architecture, vibrant culture, and a great culinary scene.
On Day 3, walk along, gaze at, and swim in the delicious Mediterranean Sea, grab a chaise lounge on a sandy beach and share a plate of watermelon and Bulgarian cheese. Have lunch on the water at the ancient Jaffa seaport, wander through the alleyways off Mazal Dagim Street in the old city of Jaffa, make your way through the boutique shops in the tony south Tel Aviv neighborhood of Neve Tzedek, and eat dinner under the stars at the Jaffa flea market.
On Day 4, explore the hyper-laid-back “city that never sleeps.” Make your way up Rothschild Boulevard, stopping for a “cafe hafukh” (literally: “upside down coffee”) at one of the outdoor coffee shops before exploring the Bauhaus architecture of the ‘20s and ‘30s. Take yourself on a bike tour (consult our recommended route here) and end the day with dinner at one of the best restaurants in the city (as listed by our restaurant reviewer) and a Bat Sheva Dance Company performance. Or, if a stiff drink is what you’re after, hit up one of these bars.
For your last day in Israel, either head north – to the Mediterranean Coast and the Galilee – or south, to the Dead Sea and Masada (or, if you’re up for a long commute, Eilat on the Red Sea).

Galilee and the North

Christians will want to follow in the footsteps of Jesus in Nazareth (site of the annunciation to Mary and of Jesus’ childhood) and at the Sea of Galilee (especially Capernaum, where he spent his last years). Jews will be fascinated to learn about Kabbalah mysticism in its home town Safed, where they can tour the centuries-old synagogues and check out the vast and diverse art scene.
Both groups should take their lunch on the shores of the Sea of Galilee (you can find our recommendations in the food section of our guide to the area). The more active sorts can head to the nearby Golan Heights for a water hike at Nahal Zavitan or the Meshushim Pool; a bit more sedate is a trip to Rome, umm, to a Roman city – Caesarea, Beit She’an or Tzippori are all incredible, but the one you choose is going to be dictated in part by where you are planning to end the day.

Dead Sea and the South

Purists will start their day before sunrise with a climb on foot to the fortress of Masada, which sits on an isolated desert plateau and tells the last chapter of the Judean revolt against Rome. But there’s nothing wrong with taking the cable car up instead. See Herod the Great’s palace and one of the world’s first known synagogues.
From there, put on your bathing suit for a float in the Dead Sea and cover yourself from head to toe in mineral-rich mud. Round out the day with a quick hike at Ein Gedi, a lush Judean Desert oasis.
If you’d rather snorkel the coral reefs of the Red Sea, fly down to the leisure-centric port city of Eilat.

The Israeli concierge team and I are looking forward to welcome you as our guest!

In service through Friendship,
Ronen Alkalai
President, Les Clefs D’or Israel