Info for traveling to the Holy Land
SAFETY
A current U.S. passport valid at least 6 months after travel and with at least one blank passport page is required. Tourist Visas are required to enter Israel but these will be obtained free of charge at the point of entry. We recommend that U.S. citizens carry their passport and some form of photo identification with them at all times. Carry copies of passport, driver’s license and credit cards in your possession (stored separately from the originals).
Airport security for flights to and from the Middle East is very thorough. You may be subjected to extensive questioning by Israeli security agents, some of which may seem pointless and intrusive. Do not give an attitude, show irritation or make jokes, accept that this is for your safety. Israelis have a saying “You screen things. We screen people.”
You will at times see armed soldiers or civil guards, some in uniform, some not. This does not mean something untoward is happening. It is just a fact of life in Israel. Many hotels and museums or other public places will have security at the entrance that will check your bag, perhaps your ID, and you.
Always be alert to your surroundings, don’t be distracted looking down at maps, guides, etc. Walk with your head up and with confidence. When exploring on your own, go in pairs or groups. Stay away from public demonstrations and crowds and refrain from political comments and discussions.
The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Israel is 100 for the police, 101 for an ambulance, and 102 for the fire department. If any emergency occurs notify Allianz Global Assistance (if coverage purchased) at 866-840-0837 and your Cruise Planner agent at 877-672-1511 as soon as possible.
We advise that you register your overseas trip with the U.S. Department of State’s STEP program.
ACCESSIBILITY
This trip will involve a fair amount of walking and many of the sites we’ll visit are a bit difficult to get around. None of the sites are handicapped accessible. You should be able to walk at a normal pace and be able to take walking tours that will come in 1-3 hour segments, ½ mile or more at a stretch. Some of the walking is optional, but if you don’t do the walking there are things you will miss. You should also be able to enter and exit tour bus multiple times a day.
FLIGHTS
Unfortunately, flights have become solely a means of transportation instead of an exciting part of the trip as in past days. Airlines have limited the availability of economy seating and all group seating assignments are under airline control. Every effort will be made to seat companions together; however, any further requests would need to be made with the gate agent the day of departure.
LUGGAGE
You are limited to one checked suitcase (no more than 50 pounds) and a carry-on bag. Your carry-on bag should contain any valuables and what you will need on the way to your destination, such as essential medication, overnight necessities and a change of clothes. It is also advisable to bring a day bag/backpack style bag for tour days to carry such items as your Bible, water bottle, any medication you need during the day, sunscreen, insect repellent, wet wipes, etc. You should not bring more bags than you can carry/pull yourself at one time.
Clearly label your suitcase inside (name, home address, phone number and destination) and outside (name and contact number). Put a photocopy of your itinerary on top of your clothes. Attach a sticker, ribbon or other identifier to your suitcase to make it easier to spot.
As you move from hotel to hotel you will place your main suitcase outside your hotel room door for collection and delivery to the bus. You will only be responsible for moving your carry-on/personal items.
CURRENCY
Israel’s currency is the Israel New Shekel, abbreviated ILS, the currency symbol is ₪. Est. conversion at time of writing is $1.00 USD = ₪3.77. There are 100 agorot (agora in singular) in each shekel. Bank notes are in denominations of 20, 50, 100, and 200; coins are in denominations of ₪10, ₪5, ₪2 ₪1 and 50 and 10 agorot. You will have time to visit the ATM machine to withdraw shekels upon arrival at the airport. You simply insert your card, instructions flash up in English, and you enter in the number of shekels you want to withdraw. While it is a good idea to have some currency, Visa and MasterCard credit cards are widely accepted. For security purposes, it is advised to carry cash and credit cards in different areas. If traveling with a spouse, consider having one spouse carry a card for one account while the other carries a card for a separate account. This way if one card gets lost or stolen and the account has to be frozen you still have funds available on the other account.
TIPS AND BARGAINING
Tips for Hotel housekeeping and breakfast and dinner meals are included in your pre-paid package price. Also included are tips for your driver and guide. You should not feel the need for additional tipping unless you wish to recognize exceptional service. At other meals a 12% tip is standard if it is not already included on the bill.
An essential part of experiencing Middle Eastern culture is bargaining with traders in the open-air markets. It is expected by merchants — and it is necessary to get a realistic price. Never accept the first price; often an item in a bazaar can be purchased for almost half of the asking price
WEATHER
Temperatures will average from lows in the 60’s to highs ranging from the upper 70’s to mid 80’s. Days visiting the areas around the Sea of Galilee and Dead Sea could reach 90’s+. Don’t forget to drink lots of water on hot days. You’re dehydrating more than you think because, particularly in the drier interior, you won’t feel sweaty.
DRESS
Plan for casual, light, loose-fitting, mix-and-match clothing. When touring most holy sites knees and shoulders must be covered, for both men and women.
For women, that means skirts, dresses or capris that fall below the knee or long slacks, and a shawl or light shirt or jacket that can be thrown over a sleeveless blouse or dress.
For men at religious sites, have long pants and shirts that cover shoulders and upper arms. Men will also need to cover their heads when entering a Jewish holy site, either with a hat or a kippa, also called a skullcap (English) or yarmulke (Yiddish). This is true whether or not the men are Jewish. Cardboard ones are always available. You can also buy an inexpensive kippa on the street in Jerusalem, so even if you’re not Jewish, you could pick one up. But a ball cap or other hat is adequate; you simply need to cover your head.
Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers with rubber soles are best. Leather or plastic soles can slip on smooth stone surfaces. Choose footwear that is easy to take off and put back on. Both men and women must remove their shoes before entering mosques (the reason is not religious, but simply to protect the carpets).
Take lots of sunscreen, sunglasses, a swim suit and a sun hat. Also pack water shoes if you planning to visit the Dead Sea.
FOOD
Breakfasts and dinners will normally be in your hotel. (Drinks additional) Breakfasts are usually buffets with a mix of Middle Eastern and western foods. Dinners usually include a buffet of meat, fresh vegetables and more. Typically, you will stop for lunch as a group at an area along the route. Budget for ₪40 to ₪60 ($10-$15) per person.
INTERNET AND CELL PHONES
Most hotels will have complimentary wireless internet, however, it is possible that some may have a charge. Cell phone coverage will be limited and expensive. Check with your cell phone provider for rates and options.
ELECTRICAL
The Israeli power supply is single phase 220 volts at 50 Hertz.​ Most power sockets in Israel have three pin holes, but many of them will work with double-pin plugs. Labels on current American electrical devices should indicate an acceptable voltage range to use just an adapter. If the device does not fall in the above range you will also need a power converter.
SHABBAT (JEWISH SABBATH)
Beginning at sundown on Friday evening (Erev Shabbat) and ending with the spotting of the first stars on Saturday evening (Motzei Shabbat), everyday Israeli life slows down—and even shuts down to some degree—for Shabbat. Sirens sound at sundown Friday throughout Jerusalem. In the most observant Jewish areas you can expect to see that many restaurants (and all kosher-certified ones) close for Shabbat and do not reopen until after darkness falls on Saturday. Banks are closed, and so are many venues of public entertainment, such as movies. There is no public transportation on Shabbat except in Haifa or Arab areas, though taxis and sheruts do still operate. Many observant Jews will not answer their telephones. Hotel elevators and some lighting might be set to operate automatically. Most of the national parks, many museums and most Christian and Muslim sites are open. The tours for you will be arranged with this in mind.
TOUR ETTIQUETE
Time management is an important factor of group travel. The guide or group leader will give instructions for meeting times and locations. Please pay attention and be prompt to report as instructed. Once gathered, be quiet and courteous while the group movements are explained. When loading the bus, secure your items and move out of the aisles as quickly as possible, when unloading, do not step into the aisle until you are ready to proceed off the bus. Each person taking an extra minute in this process alone can lose more than an hour a day.
MISC
Time difference is 7 hours ahead of EST, 8 hours ahead of CST.
It is not advisable to photograph Muslim Arabs or ultra-Orthodox Jews without asking for permission since many view photography of people as a violation of the commandment against graven images. Always be respectful and discreet while photographing on Shabbat (the Sabbath) at the Western Wall or in very religious Jewish neighborhoods. Do not try to photograph soldiers or military installations without permission.
While we have tried to include as much info as possible, CP is not responsible for any inaccurate or missing information. If you have any other questions or need further assistance, contact Laura Johnson at 615-672-1511.
