Day by Day Itinerary

DAY 1: Thursday, February 27 – NEW YORK / HALIFAX, NS – We depart from a New York gateway (or Halifax, NS, for an additional fee) to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. Dinner and breakfast are served on board.

DAY 2: Friday, February 28 – TEL AVIV – We arrive at the airport in Tel Aviv, meet Gabriella, our guide, and transfer to our hotel in the area for dinner and overnight. (D)

DAY 3: Saturday, March 1 – CAESAREA MARITIMA, MOUNT CARMEL, NAZARETH – We head to nearby Caesarea Maritima, built by Herod the Great in 22 BC. We’ll visit the theater, Herodian port, the prison where Paul was kept, and the aqueduct. This is the city where Cornelius was baptized by Peter and where Paul was tried before Felix and Festus (Acts 23-26). We travel from Caesarea Maritima past Tel Megiddo, on to Mt Carmel, where Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18). From here we head to Nazareth to tour a replica of the 1st century town and the Church of the Annunciation, the largest church in the Holy Land. We end our day with dinner and overnight at our hotel at the Sea of Galilee. (B, D)

DAY 4: Sunday, March 2 – SEA OF GALILEE AND CAESAREA PHILIPPI – We begin with a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, then view the “Jesus” boat, preserved from the first century A.D. We continue to the Mount of Beatitudes, then on to Tabgha where we view the ancient mosaic fashioned to commemorate the feeding of the 5000. After this we’re on to Capernaum, Jesus’ Galilean headquarters. There we see the ancient remains of the synagogue and Peter’s house. After a visit to Magdala, home of Mary Magdalene, we take a beautiful drive through the Huleh Valley to Caesarea Philippi where Peter confessed his faith in Jesus as Messiah. We then return to our hotel at the Sea of Galilee for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

DAY 5: Monday, March 3 – BEIT SHEAN, BAPTISM, AND JERUSALEM – We begin our travels at Beit Shean, a city whose extensive ruins relate to both Old and New Testaments. We also visit the ancient synagogue at nearby Beit Alpha. A drive along the Jordan River valley brings us to the traditional baptismal site of Jesus. Here those who want to be baptized or reaffirm their baptismal vows may do so at a site of great significance. From the Jordan River, we ascend past ancient Jericho and drive to Jerusalem, stopping for a panoramic view of the city from Mt. Scopus. Then on to our hotel in Jerusalem for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

DAY 6: Tuesday, March 4 – JERUSALEM – This morning, we visit some of the special places in the Old City of Jerusalem, including the Temple Mount/Dome of the Rock, St. Stephen’s (Lion’s) Gate, the Pool of Bethesda and St. Anne’s Church, the Via Dolorosa and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Our afternoon will be spent in the Jewish Quarter, including the Menorah, Cardo, and “Wide” wall built by Hezekiah, then to the Davidson Archeological Centre (Ophel) and Western Wall. After dinner, we visit the incredible scale model of 1st century Jerusalem and the Shrine of the Book, containing the Dead Sea Scrolls and other remarkable objects. We then head back to our hotel in Jerusalem. (B, D)

DAY 7: Wednesday, March 5 – BETHLEHEM, JERUSALEM – We begin our day with a trip to Bethlehem, birthplace of Jesus. We visit the Church of the Nativity and Shepherd’s fields, and learn more about the daily lives of modern Palestinians. The afternoon is free time, with the opportunity to tour the holocaust museum, Yad Vashem, wander the streets of the Old City, or engage in other leisure activities. After supper, we visit the Garden Tomb for a meaningful time reflecting on the life, death, and resurrection of Christ and participating in communion. We then return to our hotel in Jerusalem. (B, D)

DAY 8: Thursday, March 6 – JERUSALEM, QUMRAN, EIN GEDI, MASADA – Today begins with a visit to the Garden of Gethsemane and Church of All Nations on the Mount of Olives. From there we drive the road from Jerusalem to Jericho, well-known from the Parable of the Good Samaritan, passing by the famous St. George Monastery. We visit Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found in 1947, then on to the beautiful oasis, Ein Gedi, site of an ancient synagogue. Our next stop is magnificent Masada, site of one of Herod the Great’s most amazing palaces and last battle ground for the Zealots. Our day ends at our hotel on the shores of the Dead Sea. (B, D)

DAY 9: Friday, March 7 – DEAD SEA, ARAD, BEERSHEBA – This morning begins with an optional float in the Dead Sea, then on to Arad, where we tour water works from the Canaanite period, and an Israelite fortress, including a unique temple. Then we travel to Beersheba, southernmost point for ancient Israel. Those who choose the Egypt extension will return to overnight at the Dead Sea hotel while the rest head to Tel Aviv in preparation for their flight home on Day 10. (B, D)

DAY 10: Saturday, March 8 – NEW YORK / HOME – Today our journey ends with incredible memories as we head home. We transfer to Ben Gurion airport and head back to New York. Passengers with connecting flights depart from New York.

Optional Egypt Extension Itinerary

DAY 10: Saturday, March 8 – DEAD SEA/MT. SINAI – We head south through the Negev Desert to Solomon’s southern port city of Etzion Geber, known today as Eilat on the Red Sea. We then continue to the border to cross over into Egypt. (B,D)

DAY 11: Sunday, March 9 – MT. SINAI/CAIRO – For those who wish, an early wakeup call starts our journey to climb Mt. Sinai following in the footsteps of Moses. After a view of the sunrise and beautiful desert vistas, we descend to visit the monastery of St. Catherine, the oldest on earth. Here monks have been witnesses to the Christian faith since the fifth century AD. Our motor coach then travels through the Sinai Desert over the Suez Canal to our Cairo hotel for dinner and overnight. (B,D)

DAY 12: Monday, March 10 – CAIRO – Today our sightseeing includes the great Pyramids at Giza and the world-renowned Sphinx. You will even have an opportunity to ride a camel! We visit the Egyptian Museum which contains incredible artifacts from ancient times, including mummies and the treasures of King Tut. Our day also includes a visit to the Citadel, the Mohammed Ali Mosque which offers a panoramic view of Cairo and the Nile, and exciting bazaars where you can bargain for your own treasures. Then we head back to our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

DAY 13: Tuesday, March 11 – CAIRO – We continue our tour of Cairo with sites important to early Christianity, such as the famous Hanging Church, and to Judaism such as the Ben Ezra Synagogue. (B, D)

DAY 14: Wednesday, March 12 – CAIRO/USA – Today our journey ends with great memories and life-changing insights into Scripture. We say farewell to Egypt as we are transferred to the Cairo Airport for our flight home

* (B,L,D) = Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Is it safe to travel to Israel and Egypt?

Yes! While no travel is ever risk free, the places we’ll be visiting are far from points of tension. Groups who have visited Israel and Egypt in the past few months have had great experiences without incident. Should the situation deteriorate and travel be prohibited, deposits will be shifted to a future trip or refunded.

You’ll notice the attention to safety in the pre-flight questions during a security interview. On the streets of Israel you will see soldiers everywhere. Tourism is one of Israel’s major sources of income, so they go out of their way to protect us. Non-violent crime (e.g. pickpocketing) does happen, but common sense is your best defense. I use a money/passport pouch that is hidden under my clothing since passports need to be with us at all times.

How much money should I bring?

This is entirely up to you, but you will have few in-country expenses for this trip (e.g. lunch, souvenirs).

We recommend purchasing items with local currency or a major credit card.  You may be able to pay with US dollars at some places, but you will not get a good exchange rate.  We don’t recommend traveler’s checks.

Credit cards are best for larger purchases.  You’ll pay a small fee, but it is worth it for the convenience.  As for which credit cards, Visa and MasterCard are your best options; we have found fewer establishments accept Discover or American Express.  You may want to let your bank know you will be traveling in Israel.

Don’t worry about getting Israeli currency before you leave home.  It’s better to wait until you arrive.

Where is the best place to get local currency?

Sometime after arriving in Israel, plan to obtain Israeli currency for incidental purchases.  Israel uses the new Israeli shekel (NIS).  Currently, the exchange rate is NIS 1 = .26 USD or $1 USD = NIS 3.85.

The best place to exchange currency is at an ATM using your debit card.  You will pay a service charge, but it will probably be lower than what you would pay at a bank or a currency exchange shop.  These might advertise “no commission,” but you will get a less favourable exchange rate.

ATMs in Israel don’t allow PIN codes with more than four digits.  If yours has more than four, change it before you leave home.  As a security measure, your bank may limit how much you can extract each day.  You can ask your bank to raise that daily amount.

What do things cost?

At the current exchange rate, you can buy a cup of coffee in Israel for NIS 12, about $3.12 USD.  A small bottle of water will cost about NIS 7 ($1.82 USD) and a can of soda NIS 8.50 ($2.21USD).

What will the weather be like?

Early March is late winter in Israel.  Expect daily temperatures to average about 12°C (54°F) in Jerusalem and the Galilee, a bit warmer in the Dead Sea region.  We may also get some rain.

What clothes should I pack?

Bring long pants and long-sleeved shirts.  You will probably also be glad for a sweater.  A light jacket and umbrella will be helpful, in the event of rain.

If you plan to take a dip in the Dead Sea, you’ll want your swimsuit.  Holy sites require modest dress, which means no bare knees or shoulders.

What are we going to see?

We’ve prepared a day-to-day itinerary which you can find on this website and Facebook page.  You can also view our “Virtual Trip to Israel” videos at these same sites.

What is the biblical significance for the sights we’ll see?

We’ve included biblical references for each of the sights on the day-to-day itinerary located on the Facebook page.

How should I prepare myself?

We suggest familiarizing yourself with the day-to-day itinerary located on this website and Facebook page.  You should also plan to view the “Virtual Trip to Israel” videos on-line.

You can also check out the following websites:

https://www.seetheholyland.net/

goisrael.com

parks.org.il

For online news from Israel:

www.jpost.com/

www.haaretz.com

www.timesofIsrael.com

How long is the flight from North America to Israel?

The flight from the New York City area to Tel Aviv (Ben Gurion airport) should be about 11 hours.  Those traveling from Canada will have a longer flight, depending on their departure airport.

Other than clothing, what else should we pack?

We recommend bringing your Bible, a small notebook, and your camera.  Make sure you pack your prescription medicines in your carry-on.  It is also important that you bring comfortable walking shoes. You will be glad you brought a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.  Bring credit cards and your debit card for in-country purchases along with a money/passport pouch.  Consider packing headphones for in-flight entertainment or you may buy them in flight.  Also consider bringing a portable charger for your cell phone so you don’t lose charge mid-way through the day.

What about cellular service?

You should check with your cellular provider about international options.

Will we have internet access?

Most hotels have wi-fi, though some might charge.  You can also find internet in cafes, in some urban areas, and in the airport.

What is the VAT tax?

The Value Added Tax (VAT) of 17% is charged by Israel on all purchases paid in foreign currency (including credit cards).  The good news is that you can get a refund if:

Your purchase was made at a participating store (look for the “tax refund for tourists” sticker);

Your purchase cost more than NIS 400 (about $104 USD);

Your purchase is being taken out of the country and is for personal use (i.e. not commercial);

Your purchase is not food, drink, or tobacco;

You have your receipt for the purchase (ask the store clerk for a special tax-refund invoice which contains the printed name of the store); and

You present the invoice, receipt, the item (i.e. not in your checked bag), and the tourist visa you received upon entering the country to the tax refund desk at the airport (Terminal 3) when we depart.

Will I need a special adapter for my electrical devices?

The electrical current is 220 volts, 50 cycles alternating current.  Most outlets will be type H and will have three round holes (right).  You may find some type C outlets (as in Europe) (left).  You can purchase an inexpensive adapter at Amazon.

Do I need a passport and visa to visit from the USA or Canada?

You won’t need a visa but you will DEFINITELY need a passport that is valid for more than six months after your travel dates.  When you enter the country, you’ll receive a “gate pass” which serves as your identification while in-country.  You should keep this document and your passport with you at all times.

Do I need any special vaccinations?

Please check the Israel tourism website for the latest requirements.

Is it safe to drink the tap water?

Yes, tap water is potable.  You may want to bring a refillable water bottle.

What if I forget to bring something?

Israel is a very modern country where you can purchase just about anything you might need.

What are the best souvenirs?

You will find this is a great place to purchase olive wood carvings, such as nativity sets.  Bethlehem is a great place for this.  You can also find lovely jewelry and pottery.

What is the time difference?

During our trip, Israel will be seven hours ahead of New York City and Montreal.

When are payments due?

• Register by June 27, 2024 for $100 discount.​
• Register by August 27, 2024 for $50 discount.
• Final payment is due 60 days from the beginning of the tour – December 30, 2024.
• If booking within 60 days of tour, a late fee of $50 is assessed, and final payment is due at the time of booking.

What about my airline tickets?

All documents and tickets are issued within three weeks of departure.  All payments must be received prior to issuing of tickets.

Our tour cost covers departures from New York City, NY.  Tickets from Halifax, NS are an additional $300 USD.  You will need to arrange your own travel to and from New York or Halifax although these flights may be purchased through Journeys Unlimited.  If you are making your own arrangements to fly to NYC, your flight must arrive at least four hours prior to our flight to Tel Aviv.  Before booking connecting flights, give Debbie a call at 888-432-4444 to confirm final details.

What should I take for luggage?

We recommend that you take along no more than one suitcase per person with a maximum weight of 50 pounds, plus one carry on with maximum dimensions of 9” x 14” x 22”.  Airlines also have their own baggage restrictions; please check with the air carrier prior to your departure.

Should I purchase travel insurance?

Travel insurance is available through Journeys Unlimited for US travelers and must be purchased within seven days of your booking and deposit. We suggest that Canadian travelers purchase travel insurance through their preferred provider.

What is the land-only price?

What if I have other questions?

You can post your question on our Facebook page or call Debbie at 888-432-4444.

“What we liked most about this trip was sharing this amazing experience with a fantastic group of new friends.  The history and information shared by Steve, Joel and Gabriella, our guide, was top notch and really enhanced every site we visited, very meaningful.  Lots of fun too!”

“Seeing in person what I have read and preached about for so many years and hearing Dr. Lennox and Pastor Joel share was so enriching to me.”

“We loved seeing the land, learning the history, experiencing the archeology, and the wonderful fellowship!”

“Scripture was read at most of the places we visited.  This made the places come alive to me.”

“History and pulling it back to the Bible – outstanding.”

https://youtu.be/d1No8HCghug