TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: It is necessary to have a valid passport for the duration of your time abroad. Visas to Israel are not required for persons from Australia, Canada, United States and Western Europe. If your travel involves excursion to another Middle Eastern country (Jordan, Cyprus, Sinai/Egypt,or Turkey) then you will need a "multiple entry" visa for Israel.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE INFORMATION: You should plan to arrive in sufficient time before the tour date in order to recover from travel fatigue and jet lag. Please let us know the date and time of your arrival as soon as your travel plans have been finalized. We need this information for palnning your accommodations and othe arrangements.
TRANSPORTATION FROM TEL AVIV (BEN GURION) AIRPORT TO JERUSALEM: As you exit the airport building turn right and head for the taxi stand to Jerusalem. There are three choices for transportation to Jerusalem: a.Service taxi: called a sherut (she root). Sherut is a shared taxi, it brings you directly to your hotel or where you're staying in Jerusalem. The sherut stand is located in front one of the exits and is clearly marked "Service Taxi to Jerusalem" in English. The price per seat US$11.00 or NIS45.00. this is subject to change. b.Private Taxi: Found in the same area. c. Private pick up: If you would like to have a private pick up, please notify us at laest two weks in advance so the arrangements can be made. The charge for this pick up US$--------NIS-----. The charge should be paid directly to the driver at time of pick up, the driver will be holding a sign with your name as soon as you claim your luggages and leave the arrival hall.
MONEY AND FINANCE: Currency in Israel is the New Israeli (NIS). You are advised to bring cash, personal cheques and credit card as some stores do accept them. You should always change dollars to NIS at a local money changer. The Shekel is 3.8 to the US $1.00 (subject to change). We suggest you bring $50’s in one-dollar bills for the Holy Land because US dollars are sometimes accepted in Holy Land as a currency.
IMPORTANT: Do not pack your passport or travel document in your luggage, as you will need them at the airport and at embarkation. Keep them, as well as prescription medication and any valuables in your carry-on bag, and keep your carry-on with you at all times while traveling.
ELECTRIC APPLIANCES: Remember you will need both an adapter (for the socket) and a converter (to convert the electric current). Both items must be purchased before you leave the Untied States. We recommend you carry as few electric items as possible, as they are occasionally confiscated by Israeli airport security upon your departure from Israel.
CLIMATE AND CLOTHING: SUMMER (Jun/Jul/Aug/early Sep): Temperatures in the high 80º's, 90º's daytime and nighttime from 35-40F. Tel Aviv, and Tiberias will be hot and humid (like New York or Miami). Jerusalem is hot and dry with cool nights. Masada and Eilat are extremely hot (110º+!)...but dry. There won't be a drop of rain.
SPRING/FALL (late Mar/Apr/May & late Sep/Oct/Nov): Daytime temperatures will be very pleasant: 60º-70º F in most of the country (still hot, though, at the Red and Dead Seas). Jerusalem will be in the 40º's, 50º's in the evening. There'll be some rain - nothing torrential.
WINTER (Dec/Jan/Feb/early Mar): Winter weather can fluctuate. Some winters are mild and sunny, some severe and overcast. There's often heavy rain and, in January and February, even snow sometimes. It'll probably be in the 50º's, 60º's most places, but in the 40º's in Jerusalem and the Galilee hills - and very cold at night. WHAT TO WEAR & BRING: you need the appropriate clothes for long bus rides, walking over rough terrain, (hiking shoes), swimming (flip flops are useful). In summer, sunglasses and a hat is essential. For Winter, bring warm clothes for indoors and outdoors. Buildings in jerusalem are all stone and tend to hold cold and dampness. Needing to maintain "modest dress" for Holy Sites, churches and dignitaries we will be meeting.
Women can wear skirts, slacks or capris (as long as your knees are covered). No tank tops, shorts or sleeveless blouses, please. Short-sleeves are fine, of course. (You might bring a pair of a walking shorts for a day in the Galilee). You will want to be able to dress up slightly for church on Sunday and for a couple of the nights when something special is planned. You will also need one sweater or light jacket for potentially cool evenings.
For the men, long pants will be necessary most days because of the kinds of places we are going. (Jeans, khakis, etc.) Do bring a pair of bermuda shorts, however, for an occasional day in the Galilee. You might want some long-sleeved shirts for our few special nights.
TELEPHONES: If you belong to MCI, SPRINT, or AT&T and have a calling card, bring your number and you can use this card to call back to the USA. Remember, telephone calls replaced from and billed to hotel rooms carry heavy surcharges.
MEALS: Remember that beverages during your evening meal are purchased separately from your waiter, so remember to bring some extra money with you to the dinner table. All varieties of soft drinks, mineral waters, beers, and wines are available.
LANGUAGE: English is understood and spoken widely in most tourist areas. Arabic and Hebrew are official languages in Israel.
INSURANCE: Travel insurance is not included in you tour price. It is your responsibility to arrange your own health insurance.
