Join us on our next tour to Israel! April 14-23, 2023.
Tentative Itinerary
Day 1: Depart the US (April 14)
On this day, you will board your plane for a flight to Tel Aviv.
Day 2: Arrive in Israel (April 15)
Upon landing in Israel late, we travel to the Mediterranean coast for our first-night hotel.
Day 3: Nazareth (April 16)
On our first day we will travel in our luxury motor coach to Nazareth, the boyhood home of Jesus. Here we will enter the Church of St. Gabriel, and Church of the Annunciation and you see the cave where Gabriel appeared to Mary. We will also visit the ancient ruins of Nazareth, Mary’s well, the site of Joseph’s workshop, and the synagogue where Jesus taught. Down the road a bit we will stop at Nain (Na-yeen), where Jesus resurrected the son of a widow. We will then arrive at our hotel along the shores of Lake Galilee.
Day 4: Galilee (April 17)
This day is filled with many adventures. We will start out visiting Kursi, where Jesus cast the demons into the swine. Afterward we will visit the Church of the Multiplication, where Jesus fed thousands. Then onto Capernaum, the town of Jesus, on the north shore of Galilee. (About one fifth of all stories in the Gospels took place in or around Capernaum.) We will also see the home where Jesus and Peter lived, and the synagogue where He preached. We will also visit the Church of Peter’s Primacy, where the resurrected Jesus told Peter, “Feed My sheep”. Then we will walk to the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount, and where He appointed His 12 Apostles. We will also visit Chorazim, one of the towns that Jesus cursed.
Day 5: Galilee (April 18)
First off we will board a worship boat (complete with a praise band) that will carry us across Lake Galilee to the Gennesaret Valley, where Jesus healed the sick. Here you will see a 2000-year-old boat, just like the one that Jesus and the Apostles sailed. We will also view Herod’s palace in Tiberias, where Salome may have danced for Herod’s party guests. We will also view Magdala, the hometown of Mary Magdalene. Then we will depart Galilee and head south through Samaria. On our way we will go to Jacob’s well, where Jesus met the woman at the well. We will have lunch in Sebastia, where John the Baptist was buried, and we will go into the Cave of the Ten Lepers. Our last stop will be to visit Bethany, and the Tomb of Lazarus. (You can actually go down into the tomb yourself!) Then onto our hotel for a fabulous buffet dinner.
Day 6: Jericho and Bethlehem (April 19)
On this morning, we will visit Qumran, the place where John the Baptist probably lived out part of his adult life. Then we will go east, to the site where the Jews first crossed over the Jordan River. There is little doubt that John baptized Jesus here, and you can even be baptized in the same place! Then we will go to Jericho, where Joshua fought his famous battle. You can even see the walls of Jericho (the ones that didn’t fall down)! We will then take a cable car up to the Mount of Temptation, where Jesus fasted for forty days. Lunch in Jericho is a delightful experience. We will then proceed to Herod’s Jericho palace, and even walk on the same Jericho road that Jesus traveled. This is where Christ met blind Bartimaus, and Zaccheus, the tree-climbing tax collector. It is also near the location of the story of “The Good Samaritan”. Then onto Bethlehem, the birthplace of Christ. Here you will see the Church of the Nativity (the oldest church in the world), and you can actually touch the spot where Jesus was born. From there we will go to the Milk Grotto, where Jesus was raised until He escaped from Herod’s murderous guards. Our last stop will be the Shepherd’s field, where the angels appeared on the night that Jesus was born, and where the shepherd’s were buried.
Day 7: Mount of Olives (April 20)
Today we will visit the site where Jesus ascended into Heaven. We will also visit the cave where it is believed that Jesus taught His disciples The Lord’s Prayer, and the Olivet Discourse (about the end times). We will also walk down the road that retraces Jesus’ Palm Sunday path to Jerusalem. The Garden of Gethsemane is our next stop, where you will see the traditional rock on which Jesus prayed to His father just prior to His capture. You will see the cave where He taught his disciples, and where He probably met Nicodemus. You will also walk down the Kidron Valley, where Jesus was lead away by the temple guards. Our day will end with a visit to the famous Garden Tomb, where some believe that Jesus was laid.
Day 8: City of David, Mount Zion, Jewish Quarter (April 21)
We will start this day by visiting the location of the Upper Room, where Jesus had His last supper with His Apostles. We will even celebrate the Lord’s supper here. Then onto the home of Caiaphas, the high priest who turned Jesus over to Pontius Pilate. You will also walk through the dungeon where Jesus may have stayed overnight. We will look upon the Field of Blood, the land that was purchased with Judas’ 30 pieces of silver. Then it’s on to the Pool of Siloam, where Jesus healed a blind man, and to the site of the synagogue where the healed man was expelled by the Pharisees. You will see the Valley of Gehenna, the site that illustrated Jesus’ many teachings on hell. Then it’s onto the Ophel archaeological excavations south of the Temple Mount. Here you will walk on the very streets that Jesus traveled on. It is here that Peter probably preached his Pentecostal sermon, where 3000 were saved. One out of ten stories in Jesus ministry took place on the Temple Mount, and we will go onto the Temple Mount, the site of the Second Jerusalem Temple. (The Temple Mount is safe, because we are accompanied by an Arab guide, and we are friends with the guards at this site.) We will spend time praying at the Western Wall, which is very close to the palace where Jesus stood before Herod Antipas during His trial.
Day 9: The Passion (April 22)
This entire day is spent mostly retracing the footsteps of Jesus on the day that He died. We will start by going to the Pool of Bethesda, where Jesus healed a paralytic, and to the birthplace of Mary. We will then proceed down the traditional Via Dolorosa. Along the way we will see the Prison of Jesus and Barabbas, the Courtyard of Flagellation, and several of the stations of the cross. Then onto the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, where we will give you a very complete tour. Inside this church you will see where the cross stood on Calvary. You will also go inside the tomb where Jesus was raised from the dead, and you will see the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea. As a special treat, we will go down into the mysterious caverns beneath the church, just discovered in the 1970‘s, to the oldest known chapel in the world. All of this is in a fascinating market place, where will give you some time for dining and souvenir shopping.
Day 10: Return Home (April 23)
On this day we transfer to the airport early this morning for our flight back to the US.
Itinerary subject to change while touring for the best interest of the group.
On this day, you will board your plane for a flight to Tel Aviv.
Day 2: Arrive in Israel (April 15)
Upon landing in Israel late, we travel to the Mediterranean coast for our first-night hotel.
Day 3: Nazareth (April 16)
On our first day we will travel in our luxury motor coach to Nazareth, the boyhood home of Jesus. Here we will enter the Church of St. Gabriel, and Church of the Annunciation and you see the cave where Gabriel appeared to Mary. We will also visit the ancient ruins of Nazareth, Mary’s well, the site of Joseph’s workshop, and the synagogue where Jesus taught. Down the road a bit we will stop at Nain (Na-yeen), where Jesus resurrected the son of a widow. We will then arrive at our hotel along the shores of Lake Galilee.
Day 4: Galilee (April 17)
This day is filled with many adventures. We will start out visiting Kursi, where Jesus cast the demons into the swine. Afterward we will visit the Church of the Multiplication, where Jesus fed thousands. Then onto Capernaum, the town of Jesus, on the north shore of Galilee. (About one fifth of all stories in the Gospels took place in or around Capernaum.) We will also see the home where Jesus and Peter lived, and the synagogue where He preached. We will also visit the Church of Peter’s Primacy, where the resurrected Jesus told Peter, “Feed My sheep”. Then we will walk to the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount, and where He appointed His 12 Apostles. We will also visit Chorazim, one of the towns that Jesus cursed.
Day 5: Galilee (April 18)
First off we will board a worship boat (complete with a praise band) that will carry us across Lake Galilee to the Gennesaret Valley, where Jesus healed the sick. Here you will see a 2000-year-old boat, just like the one that Jesus and the Apostles sailed. We will also view Herod’s palace in Tiberias, where Salome may have danced for Herod’s party guests. We will also view Magdala, the hometown of Mary Magdalene. Then we will depart Galilee and head south through Samaria. On our way we will go to Jacob’s well, where Jesus met the woman at the well. We will have lunch in Sebastia, where John the Baptist was buried, and we will go into the Cave of the Ten Lepers. Our last stop will be to visit Bethany, and the Tomb of Lazarus. (You can actually go down into the tomb yourself!) Then onto our hotel for a fabulous buffet dinner.
Day 6: Jericho and Bethlehem (April 19)
On this morning, we will visit Qumran, the place where John the Baptist probably lived out part of his adult life. Then we will go east, to the site where the Jews first crossed over the Jordan River. There is little doubt that John baptized Jesus here, and you can even be baptized in the same place! Then we will go to Jericho, where Joshua fought his famous battle. You can even see the walls of Jericho (the ones that didn’t fall down)! We will then take a cable car up to the Mount of Temptation, where Jesus fasted for forty days. Lunch in Jericho is a delightful experience. We will then proceed to Herod’s Jericho palace, and even walk on the same Jericho road that Jesus traveled. This is where Christ met blind Bartimaus, and Zaccheus, the tree-climbing tax collector. It is also near the location of the story of “The Good Samaritan”. Then onto Bethlehem, the birthplace of Christ. Here you will see the Church of the Nativity (the oldest church in the world), and you can actually touch the spot where Jesus was born. From there we will go to the Milk Grotto, where Jesus was raised until He escaped from Herod’s murderous guards. Our last stop will be the Shepherd’s field, where the angels appeared on the night that Jesus was born, and where the shepherd’s were buried.
Day 7: Mount of Olives (April 20)
Today we will visit the site where Jesus ascended into Heaven. We will also visit the cave where it is believed that Jesus taught His disciples The Lord’s Prayer, and the Olivet Discourse (about the end times). We will also walk down the road that retraces Jesus’ Palm Sunday path to Jerusalem. The Garden of Gethsemane is our next stop, where you will see the traditional rock on which Jesus prayed to His father just prior to His capture. You will see the cave where He taught his disciples, and where He probably met Nicodemus. You will also walk down the Kidron Valley, where Jesus was lead away by the temple guards. Our day will end with a visit to the famous Garden Tomb, where some believe that Jesus was laid.
Day 8: City of David, Mount Zion, Jewish Quarter (April 21)
We will start this day by visiting the location of the Upper Room, where Jesus had His last supper with His Apostles. We will even celebrate the Lord’s supper here. Then onto the home of Caiaphas, the high priest who turned Jesus over to Pontius Pilate. You will also walk through the dungeon where Jesus may have stayed overnight. We will look upon the Field of Blood, the land that was purchased with Judas’ 30 pieces of silver. Then it’s on to the Pool of Siloam, where Jesus healed a blind man, and to the site of the synagogue where the healed man was expelled by the Pharisees. You will see the Valley of Gehenna, the site that illustrated Jesus’ many teachings on hell. Then it’s onto the Ophel archaeological excavations south of the Temple Mount. Here you will walk on the very streets that Jesus traveled on. It is here that Peter probably preached his Pentecostal sermon, where 3000 were saved. One out of ten stories in Jesus ministry took place on the Temple Mount, and we will go onto the Temple Mount, the site of the Second Jerusalem Temple. (The Temple Mount is safe, because we are accompanied by an Arab guide, and we are friends with the guards at this site.) We will spend time praying at the Western Wall, which is very close to the palace where Jesus stood before Herod Antipas during His trial.
Day 9: The Passion (April 22)
This entire day is spent mostly retracing the footsteps of Jesus on the day that He died. We will start by going to the Pool of Bethesda, where Jesus healed a paralytic, and to the birthplace of Mary. We will then proceed down the traditional Via Dolorosa. Along the way we will see the Prison of Jesus and Barabbas, the Courtyard of Flagellation, and several of the stations of the cross. Then onto the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, where we will give you a very complete tour. Inside this church you will see where the cross stood on Calvary. You will also go inside the tomb where Jesus was raised from the dead, and you will see the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea. As a special treat, we will go down into the mysterious caverns beneath the church, just discovered in the 1970‘s, to the oldest known chapel in the world. All of this is in a fascinating market place, where will give you some time for dining and souvenir shopping.
Day 10: Return Home (April 23)
On this day we transfer to the airport early this morning for our flight back to the US.
Itinerary subject to change while touring for the best interest of the group.
Some Biblical Sites we will be visiting!
Our Typical Itinerary (It's all about Jesus, and all of the sites in our tours are referred to in the Gospels) . Current conditions may not allow us to visit all of these places during your particular tour.
- The actual site of the Sermon on the Mount (MT 5:1, 5:2-12, LK 6:17-26)
- The cave where Jesus prayed all night (MT 5:1b, MK 3:13, LK 6:12)
- Where Jesus appointed His Apostles (MT 5:1b, 10:2-4, MK 3:13-19, LK 6:12-16)
- The mountain of the miracle of the swine (MT 8:28-34, MK 5:1-21, LK 8:26-40)
- The site of the feeding of the 5000 (MT 14:13-21, MK 6:32-44, LK 9:11-17, JN 6:1-14)
- The site of the great catch of fish (MT 4:18-22, MK 1:16-20, LK 5:1-11)
- Peter’s home (MT 8:14-15, MK 1:29-31, LK 4:38-39)
- The Capernaum synagogue (MK 1:23-28, LK 4:33-37)
- Chorazim, the town that Jesus cursed (MT 11:21, LK 10:13)
- Herod’s palace in Tiberias (MT 14:6-12, MK 6:21-29)
- The home of Mary Magdalene (MK 16:9)
- A praise boat ride across Galilee (MT 14:22-33, MK 6:45-52, JN 6:15-21)
- The ancient Galilee boat museum (MT 14:34-36, MK 6:53-56)
- Jacob's Well, the site of the woman at the well (JN 4:4-42 )
- Jesus' boat dock at Gennesaret (MT 14:34, MK 6:53)
- The Mountain of Temptation (MT 4:1-11, MK 1:12-13, LK 4:1-13)
- Herod’s Jericho palace (MT 2:20)
- Jesus’ baptism site (MT 3:13-17, MK 1:9-11, LK 3:21-23)
- The birthplace of Jesus (LK 2:1-7)
- The infant home of Jesus (MT 2:9, MT 2:11)
- The shepherds’ field (LK 2:8)
- The shepherds’ caves (LK 2:20)
- The home of Mary (LK 1:30-38)
- The wedding chapel at Cana (JN 2:1-11)
- The Nazareth synagogue of Jesus (MT 13:54-58, MK 6:1-6, LK 4:16-30, JN 4:44)
- Ancient Nazareth (MT 2:23)
- Where John spent his life in the desert (LK 1:80)
- The Upper Room (MK 14:15, LK 22:12)
- The Via Dolorosa, and the stations of the cross (MT 27:31, MK 15:20b, JN 19:17)
- Mount Calvary (MT 27:33, MK 15:22, LK 23:33, JN 19:17)
- Jesus’ Tomb (JN 19:41)
- The Western Wall of the Temple (MT 24:1, MK 13:1, LK 21:5)
- The Temple Mount (LK 1:9)
- The Pool of Bethesda (JN 5:1-47)
- The Tomb of Lazarus (JN 11:38)
- The site of Jesus’ ascension (MK 16:19-20, LK 24:44-53, AC 1:4-12 )
- The road where Jesus rode the donkey (MT 21:8-9, MK 11:8-10, LK 19:36-40, JN 12:12-13, 17-19)
- Where Jesus taught the Lord’s Prayer (LK 11:1-4)
- The place where Jesus met Nicodemus (JN 3:1-21)
- The gate through which Jesus carried the cross (MT 27:31b, MK 15:20b, JN 19:17)
- The Pool of Siloam (JN 9:7)
- The synagogue, from which the man born blind was cast (JN 9:13)
- The palace of Caiaphas (MT 26:57, JN 18:24 )
- The Garden of Gethsemane (MT 26:36-46, MK 14:32-42, LK 22:39-46, JN 18:1)
- The Cave of the Ten Lepers (LK 17:12)
- The final path of Jesus after Gethsemane (MK 14:53, LK 22:54, JN 18:13)
- The stairs that Jesus ascended before His trial (MK 14:53, LK 22:54, JN 18:13)
- The rock of Christ’s agony in Gethsemane (MT 26:39, MK 14:35, LK 22:41)
- Sebastia, the burial site of John the Baptist (MT 14:12, MK 6:29)
- Bethphage, from which Jesus took the donkey (MT 21:2, MK 11:2, LK 19:30)
- Gabbatha, where Jesus was tried by Pilate (JN 19:13)
- The Potter’s Field (MT 27:7)
- The Mount of Olives (JN 8:1)
- The Tower of Siloam (LK 13:4)
- Gehenna (Hinnom Valley) (MT 5:22)
- The site where Jesus spent the first 27 years of His life. (LK 2:40)
- The site of Jesus post-resurrection fish breakfast at Galilee (JN 21:1-23)
- The un-excavated ruins of Capernaum (JN 2:12)
- The courtyard of flagellation (JN 19:1)
- The prison of Jesus and Barabbas (probably also John and Peter) (Acts 5:18-23)
- The crushed 1st-century street of Jerusalem (MT 24:2, MK 13:2, LK 21:6)
- The site of Peter's Pentecostal sermon (Acts 2:14-41)
- The road of escape for the Magi (MT 2:12)
- The Church of St. Gabriel, with the Spring of Mary (LK 1:26-28)
- The Chapel of the Holy Innocents (MT 2:16-18)
This is the only Holy Land tour in the world that is dedicated exclusively to the life of Jesus.
We specialize in only one thing - Holy Land Tours, and we do it very well.
We specialize in only one thing - Holy Land Tours, and we do it very well.
- Specific questions about this tour? Call Octagon Tours at 405-227-8243.
- Contact us via email. Click here.
Questions and Answers
What is the cost for this tour?It generally hovers around $4000 per person (double room occupancy). There is typically a single's supplement for travelers wanting to reserve a room for just one person).
What does the tour price cover?
It covers everything, including airfare to and from Houston, complete buffet breakfast and dinner (not lunches), hotel, guides, tips, and all entrance fees.
How much is the deposit? When is it due? When in the balance due?
The deposit is generally $300 per person. It is due three months prior to travel. However we don't recommend that you wait long to do this, since space on this tour is limited. You pay all of this to our tour provider.
I am single. Is it possible that I can room with another lone traveler to avoid the single supplement?
If this is your desire, we will try to make this arrangement. However, it is not guaranteed. To reserve a single room on this trip costs an additional .
Is there a discount for children under 12?
There usually is, but this is something that is negotiated on a case-by-case basis with Pilgrim Tours and our hotels and ground services company. If you interested, call Octagon Tours at 405-227-8243.
Who do I call if I have questions?
Start by calling Octagon Tours at 405-227-8243.
Do I have to be vaccinated against Covid 19 before I can travel to Israel?
At this point we don't know. The current rules are bound to change over time, and information about that will obviously be forthcoming.
Do I need a visa? What are the rules regarding passports?
You don't need a visa for traveling to Israel. Your passport needs to be valid for at least six months after your return date.
Is it safe in Israel?
It is probably accurate to say that one of the safest places in the world at any particular moment is on a tour bus in Israel. Everyone who lives in Israel loves tourists, for obvious reasons - Jews, Christians and Arabs alike. And besides, we never do anything that would be considered unsafe. Israel is one of the hottest tourist destinations, and the high level of security in every corner of the country means that everyone can relax and enjoy their pilgrimage.
How do I stay in touch with people back home?
Your phone will work anywhere we go. Check with your mobile provider about charges while traveling. In addition, we recommend using mobile or computer apps that allow you to communicate for free or cheap.
How different is this tour than other Israel tours?
Our travelers who have been to Israel before tell us that it's about 75% different than other tours. That's because we take you to places that are related to the life of Jesus, and this often takes us away from the typical tourist trail. Our goal is to put you into Jesus' three-foot circle as many times as possible.
How physically fit do I have to be?
We are very conscious of the fact that our travelers have different levels of mobility. For this reason, we design our tours with this in mind. They are not too strenuous, although we do occasionally walk up a small hill here and there. At most of our stops the bus will take us close to where we want to be. And, of course, there are many stairs in Israel. If you can keep up with a group of people who are walking at a casual pace, then you'll be good to go. There are also many rest stops and places to sit all along the way.
Can I fly a different airline and just purchase the land portion of the tour?
Yes. All you would do is pay the land portion of the tour, and arrange your flights separately. The thing you want to do is to schedule your arrival in Tel Aviv before our group flight arrives, so that we can all leave the airport on a bus together.
How long is the flight?
The total travel time is usually about 21 hours. There will be one layover, and the longest stretch (which is during your sleeping hours) will be about ten hours. Of course, these times are approximations.
What hotels will we be staying at?
We stay at 4.5-star hotels, but these change from trip-to-trip.
Should I get travel insurance? What about cancellation fees?
Travel insurance is always offered. Info will be available on our next tour.
What will the weather be like?
At this time of year, the weather is almost always identical to what it is in Dallas, Texas.
Can I come to Israel sooner, stay longer, or extend my trip to some other location?
Yes, and that's another issue that you can discuss directly with us when our tour is scheduled.
Can I upgrade my airfare to first or business class?
Yes. These arrangements can be made prior to travel.
Do you have a recommended packing list?
About two months before we depart we will send each traveler a travel tip sheet.
What about taking medical equipment or medical electronics on the plane?
We recommend that you get an official letter from your doctor. It is best to pack these items into checked luggage, but if you need them handy during travel, then this letter is a good thing to have.
What are the rules regarding luggage?
Airlines normally allow two checked bags for international travelers. However, for this tour we can only allow one checked bag. This is because our buses in Israel don't have the storage capacity for two bags per person. That being said, there are three types of bags that you are allowed on the plane.
What airline are you flying on this trip?
That changes from trip-to-trip, all depending on where we get the best fare and arrangements. Details will be available when we post the details of our next tour.
What does the tour price cover?
It covers everything, including airfare to and from Houston, complete buffet breakfast and dinner (not lunches), hotel, guides, tips, and all entrance fees.
How much is the deposit? When is it due? When in the balance due?
The deposit is generally $300 per person. It is due three months prior to travel. However we don't recommend that you wait long to do this, since space on this tour is limited. You pay all of this to our tour provider.
I am single. Is it possible that I can room with another lone traveler to avoid the single supplement?
If this is your desire, we will try to make this arrangement. However, it is not guaranteed. To reserve a single room on this trip costs an additional .
Is there a discount for children under 12?
There usually is, but this is something that is negotiated on a case-by-case basis with Pilgrim Tours and our hotels and ground services company. If you interested, call Octagon Tours at 405-227-8243.
Who do I call if I have questions?
Start by calling Octagon Tours at 405-227-8243.
Do I have to be vaccinated against Covid 19 before I can travel to Israel?
At this point we don't know. The current rules are bound to change over time, and information about that will obviously be forthcoming.
Do I need a visa? What are the rules regarding passports?
You don't need a visa for traveling to Israel. Your passport needs to be valid for at least six months after your return date.
Is it safe in Israel?
It is probably accurate to say that one of the safest places in the world at any particular moment is on a tour bus in Israel. Everyone who lives in Israel loves tourists, for obvious reasons - Jews, Christians and Arabs alike. And besides, we never do anything that would be considered unsafe. Israel is one of the hottest tourist destinations, and the high level of security in every corner of the country means that everyone can relax and enjoy their pilgrimage.
How do I stay in touch with people back home?
Your phone will work anywhere we go. Check with your mobile provider about charges while traveling. In addition, we recommend using mobile or computer apps that allow you to communicate for free or cheap.
How different is this tour than other Israel tours?
Our travelers who have been to Israel before tell us that it's about 75% different than other tours. That's because we take you to places that are related to the life of Jesus, and this often takes us away from the typical tourist trail. Our goal is to put you into Jesus' three-foot circle as many times as possible.
How physically fit do I have to be?
We are very conscious of the fact that our travelers have different levels of mobility. For this reason, we design our tours with this in mind. They are not too strenuous, although we do occasionally walk up a small hill here and there. At most of our stops the bus will take us close to where we want to be. And, of course, there are many stairs in Israel. If you can keep up with a group of people who are walking at a casual pace, then you'll be good to go. There are also many rest stops and places to sit all along the way.
Can I fly a different airline and just purchase the land portion of the tour?
Yes. All you would do is pay the land portion of the tour, and arrange your flights separately. The thing you want to do is to schedule your arrival in Tel Aviv before our group flight arrives, so that we can all leave the airport on a bus together.
How long is the flight?
The total travel time is usually about 21 hours. There will be one layover, and the longest stretch (which is during your sleeping hours) will be about ten hours. Of course, these times are approximations.
What hotels will we be staying at?
We stay at 4.5-star hotels, but these change from trip-to-trip.
Should I get travel insurance? What about cancellation fees?
Travel insurance is always offered. Info will be available on our next tour.
What will the weather be like?
At this time of year, the weather is almost always identical to what it is in Dallas, Texas.
Can I come to Israel sooner, stay longer, or extend my trip to some other location?
Yes, and that's another issue that you can discuss directly with us when our tour is scheduled.
Can I upgrade my airfare to first or business class?
Yes. These arrangements can be made prior to travel.
Do you have a recommended packing list?
About two months before we depart we will send each traveler a travel tip sheet.
What about taking medical equipment or medical electronics on the plane?
We recommend that you get an official letter from your doctor. It is best to pack these items into checked luggage, but if you need them handy during travel, then this letter is a good thing to have.
What are the rules regarding luggage?
Airlines normally allow two checked bags for international travelers. However, for this tour we can only allow one checked bag. This is because our buses in Israel don't have the storage capacity for two bags per person. That being said, there are three types of bags that you are allowed on the plane.
- One checked bag (23 kg, or 50.7 lbs, overall dimensions - 158 cm, or 62 inches).
- One on-board bag (8 kg, or 17.6 lbs, overall dimensions - 118 cm, or 46 inches).
- One personal bag, such as a purse, briefcase, computer case or backpack. We generally recommend the backpack solution, since there is no size or weight requirements for personal bags, and backpacks hold the most stuff.
- Of course you can also carry stuff in your pockets, and the more pockets you have, the better.
What airline are you flying on this trip?
That changes from trip-to-trip, all depending on where we get the best fare and arrangements. Details will be available when we post the details of our next tour.