Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to travel to Israel?
Yes, it is! You may be surprised to learn that statistic records show that Israel is one of the safest countries in the world for tourists to visit. Every year around 3 million travelers are visiting the land of Israel, from which half million visitors are form North America, and the numbers are keep growing. It will be very hard to find travelers who experienced any kind of difficulty on their Israel tour.
So why do we hear that traveling to Israel is not necessarily safe?
There is a huge gap between what people perceive Israel to be like and what Israel really is. Today's media rarely portray the reality in Israel. What is the reality? First, that millions of people in Israel live perfectly normal lives: they send their children to school, go to work, eat in restaurants, go to movies, meet with friends - in short, they live lives just like yours. You will discover that visiting Israel is in fact a safe, enjoyable and uplifting experience. Just ask someone who has been to Israel recently - and then come and see for yourself. Over the years we have noticed that after a first visit one can realize that Israel is more than safe to tour. Therefore, after a first visit we will never be asked about security issues any more.
How many people are visiting Israel on average every year?
According to the Israeli Ministry of Tourism, in 2009 54% of the 2.7 million visitors to Israel were Christian. Jewish tourists accounted for 39%. Revenue from tourism in 2009 totalled $ 3.3 billion. In 2010, tourism constituted 6.4% of the country's GDP with over 3.45 million visitors.
What can I expect from a Holy Land Tour?
Barely 21,000 square kilometers (Equivalent to the size of New Jersey) - Israel, the land of Milk and Honey, is a travel destination like no other. Not like any other destination a tour to Israel is a life changing experience. Visiting the Holy Land is more than a vacation; it's a spiritual and emotional journey one will never forget. While visiting Israel's biblical sites, from Beersheba in the south to Dan in the north, you can walk the same land where most of the major biblical events took place. The bible will "come alive" as you see and touch the places of which you read in the bible every day. As a Christian, visiting Israel is literally tracing the footsteps of Jesus. In Israel you can walk where Jesus walked and visit the sites where He was born, lived, healed, ministered, died and resurrected.
Which biblical sites one can visit on a standard Holy Land Tour?
You will be amazed to discover that in just 5-10 touring days one can see most of the biblical sites in Israel. The land is so small and accessible that during a week visit one can see the following biblical sites (just to mention few): Old city Jerusalem, Temple Mt., Mt. of Olives, the Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Garden Tomb, City of David, the Room of the Last Supper, Via Dolorosa, Bethlehem, Mt. Carmel, Mt. Tabor, Masada, Dead Sea, Qumran caves, Megiddo and the valley of Armageddon, Sea of Galilee, Tabja, Mt. of Beatitude, Capernaum, Caesarea, Golan Heights, etc, etc. Learn more about our Holy Land Tours here.
Will we have a Christian guide?
We do employ several Christian guides, but this is not guaranteed. Our guides are very familiar with our devotional, scriptural, historical and cultural information requirements. This coupled with our choice of devotional leaders provides an atmosphere that is exceptional even for the person who has been to this region on prior occasions.
Do we have the same guide for the entire tour?
If your tour is in one country for the entire time, you will have the same guide throughout. When you cross to another country, we generally hire a new guide, bus and driver from that country.
Is there free time?
There is a very limited amount of free time. Time will be provided for shopping on occasions, but this is not a primary concern. You will also have a couple of hours at the end of the schedule to shop if you wish.
How much walking is required?
We do not recommend our tours for persons who cannot walk a mile at a moderate pace. If this is not possible, you will miss some of the sightseeing that is scheduled. Our guides must keep to a schedule for the benefit of the average tour member. Our Public Tours do not make provisions for persons with wheel chairs and walkers.
Are children allowed on the tours?
We suggest that children be 10 years of age or older. Some younger "well behaved" children are allowed if parents accept the responsibility to make sure the children will not be a disruption or hindrance to the tour quality.
Will you find a room-mate for me?
We will accept your reservation as a "single requesting a share." If another person of the same sex is interested in a room-mate, we will allow the two of you to correspond and agree to share a room. We will not automatically assign a room-mate. If a room-mate cannot be found, the passenger will be responsible to pay the single supplement charge.
What types of meals are included?
Most tours include buffet breakfast and dinners. There is generally a choice of 3 or 4 meats and a variety of vegetables, salads, starches, breads, deserts and beverages. Some ethnic foods are included, but there will always be options that will be similar to your regular diet.
Can I take food from the breakfast buffet for lunch?
Most hotels will not object to your taking a fruit or bread and lunch meat snack from the breakfast buffet. Ask your guide if this is acceptable. For those who choose to purchase a more substantial lunch, expect to pay $9-10 each.
Is water provided at meals?
Table water is available in Israel and this is drinkable. Bottled water should be purchased in Egypt and Jordan.
What is the group size?
The average group size is between 10 and 35 persons. We do take as many as 40-44 persons on some occasions.
Are hairdryers available in hotels?
Hairdryers and irons are available at most hotels.
What do I wear?
Casual, comfortable, wash and wear clothing.
Can I be baptized on the tour?
This is possible at the Jordan River Baptismal Site.
See also the General Information page for more information about Israel, Jordan and Egypt.
Places to see in the Holy Land
or click "Contact us" for more contact details