Tour Overview
At times, Israel can seem like a country obsessed by spirituality. In Jerusalem, you may hear the Muslim call to prayer competing with the clanging of bells from Christian churches and the prayers of Jews before the Western Wall. In other parts of the country, you'll find yourself walking in the exact places where the events of the Bible unfolded. Everywhere you turn, you'll see reminders of the three religions - Islam, Judaism and Christianity - that have shaped this part of the world.
The Holy Land is about the size of New Jersey in the USA or Wales in the UK. It is quite a small country. The main features are a coastal plain including Haifa and Tel Aviv. Parallel to this runs a range of mountains with Jerusalem and Bethlehem, rising to about 750m or 3000 feet. This is followed by the rift of the Jordan Valley, dropping to around 400 m below sea level.
Day 01: Tel Aviv, Israel
Arrive Tel Aviv International Airport and transfer to your hotel for check-in and overnight.
Overnight: Tel Aviv
Day 02: Tel Aviv - Tiberias
Full day tour en route to Tiberias. Drive north along the Mediterranean coast to Caesarea, once the capital of the Roman Province, to visit Roman and Crusader remains and the Roman Theatre. Continue to Nazareth, see the Basilica of Annunciation and Joseph's Workshop. Next stop is Haifa for a panoramic view of the port city the Bahai temple and Mediterranean coast and proceed to Tiberias for overnight.
Breakfast
Overnight: Tiberias
Day 03: Tiberias & the Golan Heights
Full day of sightseeing in and around Tiberias. Visit the Mount of Beatitudes, site of the Sermon on the Mount; the ancient synagogue and St Peter's House at Capernaum; and the early mosaic of the Loaves and the Fishes at Tabgha. In the afternoon visit the Golan Heights a strategic cross-roads for centuries. Stop at Banias also known as Caesarea Phlippi and return to Tiberias this evening.
Breakfast
Overnight: Tiberias
Day 04: Tiberias - Jerusalem
Full day tour en route to Jerusalem. Leave Galilee down the Jordan Valley visiting the Roman town of Bet Shean and the Crusader castle at Belvoir. Stop at Jericho, the oldest known city and then head to Jerusalem via Wadi Kelt to see the desert oasis there and the lovely monastery. Hotel check-in and evening at leisure in Jerusalem.
Breakfast
Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 05: Jerusalem
Full day of sightseeing in Jerusalem. From Mt. of Olives have a panorama of Jerusalem and the Judean Hills. Visit the Garden of Gethsemane and the Kidron Valley, and take a walking tour in the Old City to see the Western Wall. View the Temple Mount and Dome of the Rock. Walk the Via Dolorosa and Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the bazaars, the Jewish Quarter, the Cardo and Mt Zion. See David's Tomb and view the Upper Room and Dormition Abbey. Drive to Bethlehem and see Rachel's Tomb and the Church of the Nativity.
Breakfast
Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 06: Jerusalem
Full day tour to the Dead Sea. Drive past the Good Samaritan Inn, and along by the Dead Sea to Massada. Take the cable car up to the last stronghold of the Zealots and see Herod's palaces, baths, etc. On the way back dip in the Dead Sea, weather permitting, and stop at Qumran where the Dead Sea scrolls were found. Return to Jerusalem for overnight.
Breakfast
Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 07: Jerusalem
Full day tour of the new city. Visit to Yad Vashem, memorial to the Holocaust and the Shrine of the Book where the Dead Sea scrolls are kept. Visit the fascinating Model of Jerusalem as it was at the time of the 2nd Temple, view the Knesset (Israel's Parliament).
Breakfast
Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 08: Jerusalem - Depart
Transfer to the Tel Aviv airport for your departing flight.
Breakfast
Departure Dates
Departures on request, please call for details.
Prices
2009*
Based on Dan Hotel, Tel Aviv, Rimonim Galei Kinnerth in Tiberias and King David Hotel in Jerusalem:
January 1 to February 20, 2009
$5,175 per person, double occupancy, based on two persons traveling together
$4,275 per person, double occupancy, based on four persons traveling together
$1,725 single room supplement
$7,995 solo traveler
February 21 to December 30, 2009**
$5,295 per person, double occupancy, based on two persons traveling together
$4,495 per person, double occupancy, based on four persons traveling together
$1,895 single room supplement
$8,295 solo traveler
August 1 to 31 and December 24- 31, 2009
$5,675 per person, double occupancy, based on two persons traveling together
$4,895 per person, double occupancy, based on four persons traveling together
$2,150 single room supplement
$8,525 solo traveler
Based on Dan Panorama Hotel, Tel Aviv, Kibbutz Nof Ginosar, Maagan or Ron Beach in Tiberias and Dan Panorama, Regency or Olive Tree in Jerusalem
January 1 to February 20, 2009
$4,095 per person, double occupancy, based on two persons traveling together
$3,295 per person, double occupancy, based on four persons traveling together
$850 single room supplement
$6,595 solo traveler
February 21 to December 30, 2009**
$4,395 per person, double occupancy, based on two persons traveling together
$3,595 per person, double occupancy, based on four persons traveling together
$1,000 single room supplement
$6,995 solo traveler
August 1 to 31 and December 24- 31, 2009
$4,495 per person, double occupancy, based on two persons traveling together
$3,695 per person, double occupancy, based on four persons traveling together
$1,095 single room supplement
$7,195 solo traveler
Inclusions:
· Meet and assist at Ben Gurion Airport BEFORE PASSPORT CONTROL
· 7 nights hotel accommodation as indicated in the itinerary(on bed and breakfast basis)
· Meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
· Transport by deluxe vehicle
· All guiding and entrance fees
· Sightseeing as per suggested itinerary
· Porterage at hotels and airport in Israel
· Tips to hotel and restaurant staff
· Mineral Water provided on vehicle during sightseeing
Exclusions:
· Airfare and airport taxes
· Border and Departure taxes if applicable
· Personal items and drinks with meals
· Tips to GUIDE and DRIVER
· All lunches and dinners
· Holiday surcharges
*Above rates valid from January 1- December 30, 2008 EXCLUDING the following periods:
Pessah: April 20-28, 2008
Shavuot: June 9-11, 2008
Rosh Hashanna: September 29 - October 2, 2008
Succoth: October 13-22, 2008
During the above dates, peak season surcharges and mininum night stays will apply. Please call for an exact quote.
These trips are priced assuming two travelers. Surcharges for solo travelers and discounts for groups, if any, will be applied. Prices assume itinerary is purchased "as is". Minor changes to hotels or hotel add-ons to the beginning or the end of the existing itinerary can be made at no extra charge. Any customization requiring us to start with a new base itinerary will require a non-refundable upfront planning fee of $250 that is creditable towards the final trip price.
Group Discounts
The more people you bring on your next iExplore adventure, the more you save. Learn how with iExplore Group Discounts.
All prices are in US dollars and do not include international airfare, unless otherwise noted.
Prices displayed are based on the lowest season base price and assume double occupancy. Prices are shown in U.S. dollars and may or may not include administrative fees, taxes, meals, airfare (where applicable) and Single Supplements. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.
Options & Upgrades
Jordan & Pilgrimage:
Through our local office in Amman, we can show you the fascinating and varied sights that Jordan has to offer. Jordan is a very hospitable and easy country to visit; combining up to date facilities with ancient wonders such as Petra, “the rose-red city half as old as time”. Jordan is a perfect extension to your trip to the Holy Land. It is rich in important biblical sites, such as Mt Nebo where Moses viewed the Promised Land for the first time and Madeba with it ancient mosaic map with Jerusalem at its center.
Biblelands:
The Bible Lands section covers tours to Egypt, Greece, Turkey and Italy, visiting sites of general interest as well as sites of Christianity. With our associate offices in all the various countries, we have many years of experience in organizing tours in the region and you can rely on us to take care of all the details. We know how to get the best for our clients as well as saving you the inconvenience of dealing with more than one office. We have included a sample tour but please contact us for your requirements.
Catholic Pilgrimage:
In a Catholic pilgrimage, you will visit the holiest sites of Christianity, following in the footsteps of Christ and stopping for daily Mass at chosen sites. We have a staff of carefully selected Catholic guides who together with your Priest will lead the tour, making the tour a truly inspirational journey of Faith. We draw on the great Catholic Pilgrimage traditions that have evolved over the centuries, such as Holy Hour at Gethsemane and Solemn Entry to the Holy Sepulchre. See our detailed itinerary and Catholic highlights which can be customized to each tour’s requirements.
Church Tours:
For Evangelical Christian tours, we bring the Bible to life, visiting the sites of the Old and New Testament. Our guides are born and bred in the Holy Land and are chosen for their unique insights into the Biblical way of life, both Jewish and Christian. We put emphasis on creating memorable moments such as a prayer service on the boat on the Sea of Galilee, Worship at the Garden Tomb, taking part in a Seder meal (Last Supper), renewal of marriage vows in Cana, and a Baptismal service in the Jordan River.
Please call for a further details and a custom quote.
Trip Information
Visas:
Visitors from Europe, the USA and Canada only need a valid passport to visit the Holy Land. These should be valid for at least six months. A visa of up to three months is given on arrival at the port of entry. Regulations for other countries vary and you should contact us for information.
Health:
There are no vaccinations or immunizations required for entry.
Time Change:
The time in the Holy Land is GMT plus two hours or Eastern Standard Time plus seven hours. Summer time has the clocks move forward one hour.
Electrical Voltage:
The electric current is 220 volts single phase, 50 Hertz.
Money:
The currency in the Holy Land is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS). This is divided into 100 Agorot. Bank opening times are daily from 8.00 am to 1.00 pm Sunday through Thursdays. Some banks have occasional afternoon opening hours. Banks are closed on Fridays and Saturdays. In addition to banks and hotels, there are many licensed money changers around the country. ATMs are prevalent through the country. Major credit cards are widely accepted.
Weather:
The Holy Land enjoys mild Mediterranean weather year round. It has four seasons:
Spring: (mid March through May)
The average temperatures range between 20 °C (60 °F) and 30 °C (75 °F). The coastal area is generally very pleasant. In Jerusalem and the hilly areas, the temperature can drop in the evening and warmer clothes are needed. Occasionally, especially earlier in Spring, rainy and colder weather can come in, so you should be prepared.
Summer: (June through September)
Temperatures can run in the high 20s °C (80s °F) and mid 30s °C (90s °F). The coastal plain and Tiberias can be humid. The Negev desert, Jordan Valley and Eilat are hot and dry. Evenings in Jerusalem and the hills can be cool and a light sweater or jacket is needed.
Autum: (Late September through November)
The weather is like Spring. The average temperatures range between 20 °C (60 °F) and 30 °C (75 °F). The coastal area is generally very pleasant. In Jerusalem and the hilly areas, the temperature can drop in the evening and warmer clothes are needed. Occasionally, especially later in the autumn, rainy and colder weather can come in, so you should be prepared.
Winter: (December through early March)
The weather fluctuates alternating between sunny pleasant days and wintry colder weather. Temperatures are generally around 10-15 °C (45 – 55 °F) but can drop with cold fronts coming in.
Hotels:
The quotation is based on the hotels listed or similar. If the hotels listed are not available, we will look for the best alternative. The final hotels used will be the ones confirmed by us. If hotels of the quoted price range are not available we may have to charge a supplement for more expensive hotels.
During busy times or high seasons hotels may request non-refundable deposits to maintain reservations.
Single Rooms are subject to availability. Note that there may be a limited number of single rooms available n hotels especially in the high season. Hotels sometimes limit the number of single rooms to 10% of total rooms booked. Single Room Supplement is charged by hotels regardless of the reason for the single.
Most hotels provide twin beds in twin and double rooms.
Triple Rooms usually consist of a fold-up bed added to the room or a mini-sofa bed that opens up into a bed. These may not be as comfortable as the regular beds. Hotels generally give a minimal reduction for a triple share.
Most hotels do not have non-smoking rooms.
Some Jewish hotels only allow check-in after Shabbat is over on Saturdays and Jewish Holidays. This is especially the case in resort areas such as the Dead Sea, Tiberias, the coast and Eilat.
Nearly all hotels in the Holy Land are Jewish hotels and are Kosher.
Half Board packages are based on special Half Board (HB) hotel prices. All breakfast and dinners are at the hotels unless otherwise stated otherwise. Many hotels do not offer a reduction or refund for forgone breakfasts and dinners with this special HB rate.
Porterage at hotels is included and is paid for to the hotel. It is a service fee. Most porters at hotels also ask for tips in addition to this and additional payments are at the client’s discretion.
Air Conditioning:
Most hotels have one set of pipes for heating and air conditioning. This means that hotels cannot provide heating and air conditioning simultaneously. Hotels usually do a switch over from air conditioning to heat in the Fall and from heat to air conditioning in the Spring. The switchover is a major operation and takes 2-3 days. There is little that can be done about this as most hotels here operate in this manner. Only a few of the 5 star deluxe and expensive hotels have a dual piping system and can provide both air conditioning and heat.
Transportation:
Transportation is via fully licensed tourist vehicles that comply with government regulations.
Gratuities and Tips:
Tips are not included. Note tips are customary in the area and we have the following recommended tipping schedule:
Guide: $3-$5 per person per day
Driver: $2-$3 per person per day
Hotels: $1-$2 per person per day
Restaurants (lunches and dinners outside the hotels) : $0.5 per person per restaurant
Though Porterage at hotels is included and paid to us directly to hotels, porters often ask for an additional tip. It is up to you if you would like to give one.
Itineraries:
Lunches, if included, are based on regular restaurants. Special meals or specific restaurants may be more expensive. The itinerary is based on an afternoon/evening arrival and morning departure unless otherwise stated. No sightseeing is included on the first and last day unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Any itinerary discussed with this quote is considered a guideline rather than a contract. Often the sequence of the itinerary is changed due to local conditions, but we strive to visit every site in the itinerary. Sometimes force majeur means that not all sites on the itinerary can be visited. With so many factors to consider (Muslim, Christian, Jewish holidays, national holidays, Eastern and Western Churches, political events) it is difficult to plan for everything. Generally all sites mentioned in the itinerary are visited though possibly with a changed sequence.
Certain services, such as the Tunnel, Yad Vashem, Masses, High Mass, Solemn Entry, etc, get fully booked and are subject to availability. The Tunnel visit should be booked 6 months in advance. The time allocated for the visit is allocated by the management of the Tunnel and is not flexible. It is not rare for visits to be very early in the morning or late at night.
Also, Masses, High Mass, Solemn Entry reservations are not opened to reservations till 2-4 weeks ahead of time, and are not necessarily given on a first come first serve basis. They are set by the Christian Information Center. We cannot guarantee them.
Shopping:
VAT refunds: Some stores offer this facility. Not all stores offer this and no stores in Bethlehem or Jericho offer this. It is the client’s responsibility to check if this is available at a store and to arrange it. We cannot assume any responsibility for any problems with VAT refunds.
