Elevation Journeys

Elevate Your Faith

Whitney O'Halek

12 Days in Israel

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Below is a sample itinerary for a 12-day trip to Israel with Elevation Journeys. This is a dynamic itinerary that could change based on availability, holidays (including Shabbat), and other factors that come along with travel in Israel. Your actual itinerary may be organized differently. All of our itineraries are carefully curated with your best interests, efficiency, and convenience in mind.

Day 0: Arrival Day in Tel Aviv

Upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV):

Your group will be greeted by a member of our team and transferred to your accommodation in Tel Aviv. You will have time to settle in, enjoy dinner, go to the beach, or rest as needed.

Overnight in Tel Aviv

Day 1: Tel Aviv

Morning: Free Time

We’ll give you a few extra hours to defeat the inevitable jet lag and enjoy a slow pace on your first morning in Tel Aviv. Breakfast will be included in your stay for your convenience. Feel free to take a walk along the beach, find a trendy coffee shop, or simply take the time you need to feel refreshed and ready for the day.

Afternoon: Walking Tour of Tel Aviv

Meet your first local guide for a walking tour of the first modern Hebrew city. You’ll get your bearings and learn about the city’s history, architecture, and significance.

Overnight in Tel Aviv

Day 2: Old City Jaffa

Morning: Lunch and Walking Tour of Old City Jaffa

Your group will enjoy lunch together before heading out to Jaffa Old City for a walking tour. You’ll see one of the most famous mosques in the area, learn about the modern history of the Old City, and see the famous clock tower, and visit the site where Peter brought Tabitha back to life (Acts 9:36-43). The old port of Jaffa is the same port where Jonah set out to avoid his calling to the people of Nineveh and consequently spent three nights in a “big fish.” (Book of Jonah)

Afternoon: Free Time in Tel Aviv-Jaffa

Enjoy extra time in the Old City of Jaffa. You can explore the open-air markets, wander the historic streets and alleyways, or spend time at a cafe. If you’re interested in art, don’t miss the Ilana Goor art museum while you’re here.

Or, head back to modern and bustling Tel Aviv. Try a new water sport, spend time at the beach, or simply take a little extra time to rest and recover from jet lag before dinner. If you’re interested, take time to visit the Tel Aviv Museum of Art or HaYarkon Park.

Overnight in Tel Aviv

Day 3: Valley of Elah

Morning: Valley of Elah

Spend the morning at the Valley of Elah, where David fought Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. You will begin at Tel Azeka for a view of the valley below. Take an easy-to-moderate hike down into the valley to see ruins, as well as the stream where David selected five stones for the battle.

Afternoon: Food Tour of Tel Aviv

Spend the afternoon sampling the best food Tel Aviv has to offer. The city has a vibrant food scene that boasts everything from ultra-traditional to ultra-modern to every cultural cuisine you can imagine. Sample it all on a food tour to get a taste of Israel.

Overnight in Tel Aviv

Day 4: Caesarea and Haifa

Morning: Caesarea National Park

After breakfast at your accommodation, your group will be driven north to Caesarea National Park to see the ancient Roman aqueducts, theater, hippodrome, and more.

Afternoon: Haifa

Enjoy the afternoon in Haifa, Israel’s third-largest city. Famous for its beautiful Baha’i Gardens, you can also choose to visit the German Colony, Stella Maris Monastery and Elijah’s Cave, Haifa City Museum, or walk along its Haifa Beach Promenade. Your group will then be transferred to Galilee and your accommodations for the evening.

Overnight in Galilee

Day 5: Nazareth

Day trip: Nazareth, Mount Precipice, Cana

You’ll spend the day exploring the town of Nazareth where Jesus grew up. You’ll see the sites where Mary lived when the angel came to her, as well as Joseph’s workshop. You will also visit Mount Precipice, where an angry mob tried to throw Jesus off a cliff (Luke 4:29-30). On the way to Galilee, you group will stop at Cana, where Jesus performed his first miracle (John 2).

Overnight in Galilee

Day 6: Galilee Region

Morning: Sailing on the Sea of Galilee and Yigal Allon Centre

Spend the morning on a boat on the Sea of Galilee, where many of Jesus’ followers fished, and where Jesus walked on water. Continue the morning with a visit to the Yigal Allon Centre, where you’ll see an authentic first century boat similar to the type that people of Jesus’ time would have used.

Afternoon: Lunch, Capernaum, Mount of Beatitudes, Magdala

While in the Galilee region, your group will see where Jesus fed the 5,000 and visit the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). You will also tour Capernaum, where Jesus lived after being run out of Nazareth and performed many miracles. You’ll end the day in Magdala, the hometown of Mary Magdalene and an active archaeological site.

Overnight in Galilee

Day 7: Jerusalem

Morning: Transit to Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives

After breakfast, your group will be transferred to the Holy City. You’ll take in the view of Jerusalem from the top of the Mount of Olives and visit the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus went to pray many times.

Afternoon: Lunch and Old City Jerusalem Walking Tour

After lunch, you’ll take a walking tour of the Old City of Jerusalem. See where Jesus carried his own cross, the Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and more.

Overnight in Jerusalem

Day 8: Jerusalem Museum Day

Morning: Yad Vashem Holocaust Remembrance Center

After breakfast, your group will visit Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust Remembrance Center and Museum.

Afternoon: Lunch and Israel Museum

After lunch, you will have the opportunity to see the Dead Sea Scrolls and all the impressive and unique artifacts in the Israel Museum’s collections. When you’ve finished, you’ll be transferred to the airport to return home.

Overnight in Jerusalem

Day 9: West Bank Day Trip

Afternoon: Jericho and Baptismal Site

On a day trip into the West Bank, you’ll visit Qasr El-Yahud, where Jesus was baptized as well as the site where the Israelites crossed into the Promised Land. Next, your group will visit the oldest city in the world, Jericho. There, you will see where the “walls came tumbling down” (Joshua 6), as well as the site where Jesus befriended Zacchaeus.

Afternoon: Bethlehem

End your day in the town of Jesus’ birth. Your Palestinian Christian guide will show you the shepherd’s field, Jesus’ birthplace, and other sites associated with the birth and early life of Jesus.

Overnight in Jerusalem

Day 10: Qumran, Ein Gedi, Masada, and Dead Sea Day Trip

Morning: Qumran National Park, Ein Gedi, and Masada National Park

On a day trip from Jerusalem, you will have the opportunity to see Qumran National Park, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Next, you’ll come to the natural oasis of Ein Gedi Nature Reserve and admire the natural beauty, including a 120-foot waterfall. Round out the morning and take the cable car or hike up to Masada, an important site in Jewish history.

Afternoon: Lunch and Dead Sea Float

After lunch, your group can take time for a relaxing float in the Dead Sea and enjoy its many health benefits before returning to Jerusalem for dinner.

Overnight in Jerusalem

Day 11: Free Day in Jerusalem

Enjoy a free day in Jerusalem and surrounds. Take your time in the morning, explore the open-air markets, visit a museum, get a tattoo at the oldest tattoo shop in the world, or simply reflect on your time so far. If you would like suggestions for things to do or would like to add a specific excursion or activity here that is best experienced with a guide, please let us know.

Overnight in Jerusalem

Day 12: Free Time and Departure Day

Take your time on your last day in Israel. At the appropriate time, we will transfer you and your group to TLV for departure.

Transfer to Airport

If you prefer a longer trip, or if you would like to add on excursions to Jordan, Egypt, or both, please see our Itineraries Page for more options.

Click here to Contact Us with to start planning your faith-elevating trip to Israel and the Holy Land today.

10 Days in Israel

by

Below is a sample itinerary for a 10-day trip to Israel with Elevation Journeys. This is a dynamic itinerary that could change based on availability, holidays (including Shabbat), and other factors that come along with travel in Israel. Your actual itinerary may be organized differently. All of our itineraries are carefully curated with your best interests, efficiency, and convenience in mind.

Day 0: Arrival Day in Tel Aviv

Upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV):

Your group will be greeted by a member of our team and transferred to your accommodation in Tel Aviv. You will have time to settle in, enjoy dinner, go to the beach, or rest as needed.

Overnight in Tel Aviv

Day 1: Tel Aviv

Morning: Free Time

We’ll give you a few extra hours to defeat the inevitable jet lag and enjoy a slow pace on your first morning in Tel Aviv. Breakfast will be included in your stay for your convenience. Feel free to take a walk along the beach, find a trendy coffee shop, or simply take the time you need to feel refreshed and ready for the day.

Afternoon: Lunch and Walking Tour of Old City Jaffa

Your group will enjoy lunch together before heading out to Jaffa Old City for a walking tour. You’ll see one of the most famous mosques in the area, learn about the modern history of the Old City, and see the famous clock tower, and visit the site where Peter brought Tabitha back to life (Acts 9:36-43). The old port of Jaffa is the same port where Jonah set out to avoid his calling to the people of Nineveh and consequently spent three nights in a “big fish.” (Book of Jonah)

Overnight in Tel Aviv

Day 2: Caesarea and Haifa

Morning: Caesarea National Park

After breakfast at your accommodation, your group will be driven north to Caesarea National Park to see the ancient Roman aqueducts, theater, hippodrome, and more.

Afternoon: Haifa

Enjoy the afternoon in Haifa, Israel’s third-largest city. Famous for its beautiful Baha’i Gardens, you can also choose to visit the German Colony, Stella Maris Monastery and Elijah’s Cave, Haifa City Museum, or walk along its Haifa Beach Promenade. Your group will then be transferred to Galilee and your accommodations for the evening.

Overnight in Galilee

Day 3: Nazareth

Day trip: Nazareth, Mount Precipice, Cana

You’ll spend the day exploring the town of Nazareth where Jesus grew up. You’ll see the sites where Mary lived when the angel came to her, as well as Joseph’s workshop. You will also visit Mount Precipice, where an angry mob tried to throw Jesus off a cliff (Luke 4:29-30). On the way to Galilee, you group will stop at Cana, where Jesus performed his first miracle (John 2).

Overnight in Galilee

Day 4: Galilee Region

Morning: Sailing on the Sea of Galilee and Yigal Allon Centre

Spend the morning on a boat on the Sea of Galilee, where many of Jesus’ followers fished, and where Jesus walked on water. Continue the morning with a visit to the Yigal Allon Centre, where you’ll see an authentic first century boat similar to the type that people of Jesus’ time would have used.

Afternoon: Lunch, Capernaum, Mount of Beatitudes, Magdala

While in the Galilee region, your group will see where Jesus fed the 5,000 and visit the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). You will also tour Capernaum, where Jesus lived after being run out of Nazareth and performed many miracles. You’ll end the day in Magdala, the hometown of Mary Magdalene and an active archaeological site.

Overnight in Galilee

Day 5: Jerusalem

Morning: Transit to Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives

After breakfast, your group will be transferred to the Holy City. You’ll take in the view of Jerusalem from the top of the Mount of Olives and visit the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus went to pray many times.

Afternoon: Lunch and Old City Jerusalem Walking Tour

After lunch, you’ll take a walking tour of the Old City of Jerusalem. See where Jesus carried his own cross, the Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and more.

Overnight in Jerusalem

Day 6: Jerusalem Museum Day

Morning: Yad Vashem Holocaust Remembrance Center

After breakfast, your group will visit Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust Remembrance Center and Museum.

Afternoon: Lunch and Israel Museum

After lunch, you will have the opportunity to see the Dead Sea Scrolls and all the impressive and unique artifacts in the Israel Museum’s collections. When you’ve finished, you’ll be transferred to the airport to return home.

Overnight in Jerusalem

Day 7: West Bank Day Trip

Afternoon: Jericho and Baptismal Site

On a day trip into the West Bank, you’ll visit Qasr El-Yahud, where Jesus was baptized as well as the site where the Israelites crossed into the Promised Land. Next, your group will visit the oldest city in the world, Jericho. There, you will see where the “walls came tumbling down” (Joshua 6), as well as the site where Jesus befriended Zacchaeus.

Afternoon: Bethlehem

End your day in the town of Jesus’ birth. Your Palestinian Christian guide will show you the shepherd’s field, Jesus’ birthplace, and other sites associated with the birth and early life of Jesus.

Overnight in Jerusalem

Day 8: Qumran, Ein Gedi, Masada, and Dead Sea Day Trip

Morning: Qumran National Park, Ein Gedi, and Masada National Park

On a day trip from Jerusalem, you will have the opportunity to see Qumran National Park, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Next, you’ll come to the natural oasis of Ein Gedi Nature Reserve and admire the natural beauty, including a 120-foot waterfall. Round out the morning and take the cable car or hike up to Masada, an important site in Jewish history.

Afternoon: Lunch and Dead Sea Float

After lunch, your group can take time for a relaxing float in the Dead Sea and enjoy its many health benefits before returning to Jerusalem for dinner.

Overnight in Jerusalem

Day 9: Free Day in Jerusalem

Enjoy a free day in Jerusalem and surrounds. Take your time in the morning, explore the streets, visit a museum, or simply reflect on your time so far. If you would like suggestions for things to do or would like to add a specific excursion or activity here that is best experienced with a guide (i.e. The Valley of Elah-David and Goliath Battlefield), please let us know. We will be happy to help.

Overnight in Jerusalem

Day 10: Free Time and Departure Day

Take your time on your last day in Israel. Take a final walk through Jerusalem, take in the view from the Mount of Olives, or pay a final visit to your favorite site. At the appropriate time, we will transfer you and your group to TLV for departure.

Transfer to Airport

If you prefer a longer trip, or if you would like to add on excursions to Jordan, Egypt, or both, please see our Itineraries Page for more options.

Click here to Contact Us with to start planning your faith-elevating trip to Israel and the Holy Land today.

7 Days in Israel

by

Below is a sample itinerary for a 7-day trip to Israel with Elevation Journeys. This is a dynamic itinerary that could change based on availability, holidays (including Shabbat), and other factors that come along with travel in Israel. Your actual itinerary may be organized differently. All of our itineraries are carefully curated with your best interests, efficiency, and convenience in mind.

Day 0: Arrival Day in Tel Aviv

Upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV):

Your group will be greeted by a member of our team and transferred to your accommodation in Tel Aviv. You will have time to settle in, enjoy dinner, and rest as needed.

Overnight in Tel Aviv

Day 1: Tel Aviv

Morning: Free Time

We’ll give you a few extra hours to defeat the inevitable jet lag and enjoy a slow pace on your first morning in Tel Aviv. Breakfast will be included in your stay for your convenience. Feel free to take a walk along the beach, find a trendy coffee shop, or simply take the time you need to feel refreshed and ready for the day.

Afternoon: Lunch and Walking Tour of Old City Jaffa

Your group will enjoy lunch together before heading out to Jaffa Old City for a walking tour. You’ll see one of the most famous mosques in the area, learn about the modern history of the Old City, and see the famous clock tower, and visit the site where Peter brought Tabitha back to life (Acts 9:36-43). The old port of Jaffa is the same port where Jonah set out to avoid his calling to the people of Nineveh and consequently spent three nights in a “big fish.” (Book of Jonah)

Overnight in Tel Aviv

Day 2: Caesarea and Nazareth

Morning: Caesarea National Park

After breakfast at your accommodation, your group will be driven north to Caesarea National Park to see the ancient Roman aqueducts, theater, hippodrome, and more.

Afternoon: Nazareth, Mount Precipice, Cana

After lunch, you’ll explore the town of Nazareth where Jesus grew up. You’ll see the sites where Mary lived when the angel came to her, as well as Joseph’s workshop. You will also visit Mount Precipice, where an angry mob tried to throw Jesus off a cliff (Luke 4:29-30). On the way to Galilee, you group will stop at Cana, where Jesus performed his first miracle (John 2).

Overnight in Galilee

Day 3: Galilee Region

Morning: Sailing on the Sea of Galilee and Yigal Allon Centre

Spend the morning on a boat on the Sea of Galilee, where many of Jesus’ followers fished, and where Jesus walked on water. Continue the morning with a visit to the Yigal Allon Centre, where you’ll see an authentic first century boat similar to the type that people of Jesus’ time would have used.

Afternoon: Lunch, Capernaum, Mount of Beatitudes, Magdala

While in the Galilee region, your group will see where Jesus fed the 5,000 and visit the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). You will also tour Capernaum, where Jesus lived after being run out of Nazareth and performed many miracles. You’ll end the day in Magdala, the hometown of Mary Magdalene and an active archaeological site.

Overnight in Galilee

Day 4: Jerusalem

Morning: Transit to Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives

After breakfast, your group will be transferred to the Holy City. You’ll take in the view of Jerusalem from the top of the Mount of Olives and visit the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus went to pray many times.

Afternoon: Lunch and Old City Jerusalem Walking Tour

After lunch, you’ll take a walking tour of the Old City of Jerusalem. See where Jesus carried his own cross, the Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and more.

Overnight in Jerusalem

Day 5: West Bank Day Trip

Afternoon: Jericho and Baptismal Site

On a day trip into the West Bank, you’ll visit Qasr El-Yahud, where Jesus was baptized as well as the site where the Israelites crossed into the Promised Land. Next, your group will visit the oldest city in the world, Jericho. There, you will see where the “walls came tumbling down” (Joshua 6), as well as the site where Jesus befriended Zacchaeus.

Afternoon: Bethlehem

End your day in the town of Jesus’ birth. Your Palestinian Christian guide will show you the shepherd’s field, Jesus’ birthplace, and other sites associated with the birth and early life of Jesus.

Overnight in Jerusalem

Day 6: Qumran, Ein Gedi, Masada, and Dead Sea Day Trip

Morning: Qumran National Park, Ein Gedi, and Masada National Park

On a day trip from Jerusalem, you will have the opportunity to see Qumran National Park, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Next, you’ll come to the natural oasis of Ein Gedi Nature Reserve and admire the natural beauty, including a 120-foot waterfall. Round out the morning and take the cable car or hike up to Masada, an important site in Jewish history.

Afternoon: Lunch and Dead Sea Float

After lunch, your group can take time for a relaxing float in the Dead Sea and enjoy its many health benefits before returning to Jerusalem for dinner.

Overnight in Jerusalem

Day 7: Jerusalem Museum Day

Morning: Yad Vashem Holocaust Remembrance Center

After breakfast, your group will visit Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust Remembrance Center and Museum.

Afternoon: Lunch and Israel Museum

After lunch, you will have the opportunity to see the Dead Sea Scrolls and all the impressive and unique artifacts in the Israel Museum’s collections. When you’ve finished, you’ll be transferred to the airport to return home.

Transfer to TLV Airport for Departure

If you prefer a longer trip, or if you would like to add on excursions to Jordan, Egypt, or both, please see our Itineraries Page for more options.

Click here to Contact Us with to start planning your faith-elevating trip to Israel and the Holy Land today.

3-Day Egypt Add-on to Cairo

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Below is a sample itinerary for a 3-day add-on trip to Mt. Sinai and the Red Sea with Elevation Journeys. This is a dynamic itinerary that could change based on availability, holidays, and other factors that come along with travel in the Holy Land. Your actual itinerary may be organized differently. All of our itineraries are carefully curated with your best interests, efficiency, and convenience in mind.

Day 0: Travel Day

Travel from Israel to Cairo. We’ll take care of selecting the most logical and efficient route for you. Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your accommodation for check-in.

Overnight in Cairo

Day 1: Pyramids and Egyptian Museum

Begin your first full day in Cairo at the iconic Pyramids and Great Sphinx of Giza. They’re just as majestic as you imagine they will be. After lunch, spend the afternoon exploring the Egyptian Museum and its ancient artifacts.

Overnight in Cairo

Day 2: Coptic Cairo and National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC)

Begin your last full day with a morning in Coptic Cairo, where you will visit some early churches, including one commemorating one of the sites where Jesus, Mary, and Joseph hid while in Egypt. After lunch, your group will marvel at the royal mummies in the NMEC.

Overnight in Cairo

Day 3: Departure Day

Your group will be transferred to the airport at the appropriate time to begin your journey home.

Please see our Itineraries Page for more options.

Click here to Contact Us with to start planning your faith-elevating trip to the Holy Land today.

3-Day Egypt Add-on to Mt. Sinai and the Red Sea

by

Below is a sample itinerary for a 3-day add-on trip to Mt. Sinai and the Red Sea with Elevation Journeys. This is a dynamic itinerary that could change based on availability, holidays, and other factors that come along with travel in the Holy Land. Your actual itinerary may be organized differently. All of our itineraries are carefully curated with your best interests, efficiency, and convenience in mind.

Day 0: Travel Day

Travel from Israel to the Sinai Peninsula. We’ll take care of selecting the most logical and efficient route for you, which could be driving or flying, and will depend on the dates of your trip.

Transfer to and overnight at Red Sea Resort

Day 1: Mount Sinai and St. Catherine’s Monastery

Your group will have the opportunity to hike up Mount Sinai, where Moses received the 10 Commandments in Exodus 20. The hike is 6.8 miles round-trip and takes about 4.5 hours to hike and enjoy the view at the top. If the hike is not appealing, individuals in your group may choose to visit St. Catherine’s only or stay at the Red Sea Resort area for free time.

St. Catherine’s is a Greek Orthodox monastery dating back to the 6th century A.D. If the monastery is open to visitors, your group may see it for yourselves. We will try to work out your timing so that the monastery is open for your visit.

Overnight at Red Sea Resort

Day 2: Red Sea Resort Day

Spend the last full day of your trip truly relaxing at a luxurious resort on the Red Sea, the same body of water that Moses and the Israelites crossed in Exodus 14. Guests can relax on the beach, take a diving or snorkeling tour, or explore the Old Market. A full rest day is the best way to end such an epic trip to Israel and the Sinai.

Overnight at Red Sea Resort

Day 3: Departure Day

After breakfast, you group will begin the journey home. We will provide transportation from your resort to the airport.

Please see our Itineraries Page for more options.

Click here to Contact Us with to start planning your faith-elevating trip to the Holy Land today.

Recommended Reading Before Your Trip to Israel

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Ready to plan your trip to Israel? That’s great news! We are here to help you do just that. And to further help you prepare for your life-changing, faith-elevating trip to Israel, here are a few books to consider reading before you arrive. 

The Christian Traveler’s Guide to the Holy Land

by Charles H. Dryer and Gregory A. Hatteberg

This is a resource that covers all of the Holy Land, including sites in Egypt, Greece, Israel, Jordan, and Turkey. It includes a 40-day pre-trip Bible study as well, which many travelers may find helpful. Entries include both Old and New Testament sites, the vast majority of which are found in Israel. It’s an excellent introduction of the region from the Christian perspective. 

Walking the Bible: A Journey by Land Through the Five Books of Moses

by Bruce Feiler

This book includes Biblical sites both within and outside of Israel, from the first five books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. The author talks about his personal experiences visiting each of the places referenced in these books, which Jesus would have learned about as a Jewish child growing up in Israel. It’s an excellent resource for those seeking to understand Jesus’ faith and the history he learned growing up in Israel. 

Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth

by Noa Tishby

There are plenty of high-level, academic books about Israel, Palestine, and the conflict in the region. However, those are often challenging to read all the way through. This book, written by an Israeli actress who is also an American film producer, explains the conflict and complexities in an approachable way for non-Israelis. It’s a good introduction for anyone who does not live with the conflict in their everyday life, which is anyone who is living in neither Israel nor the Palestinian Territories. 

Jerusalem and the Palestinian Territories

by DK Eyewitness Travel

If you’re lookingfor short, concise information with lots of pictures to help give you a visual, this guidebook will provide that for you. It’s well-organized, giving readers both an overview of the sites and details where appropriate. Going beyond just the sites, this travel guide also explains some of Israel’s history, culture, food, and customs, as well as practical information such as language, money matters, safety tips, and religious holidays, which effect opening times for many businesses. 

The Bible

This one sounds obvious, but it’s still worth mentioning! There are many plans guiding readers through the entire Bible in a year, but if that’s a bit overwhelming, start with the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These four perspectives of the life of Jesus will take you through his birth, ministry, death, and resurrection from the point of view of four out of the twelve disciples. 

As you read through the Bible to prepare for your trip, you’ll start to recognize place names: Bethlehem, Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee, Jerusalem, the Mount of Olives, Gethsemane, etc. These are all places you can actually visit on your trip to Israel, and the Bible is the reason why we know so much about their significance. Does your Bible have footnotes? If so, each time you see a footnote in reference to scriptures in the Old Testament, go to that scripture and read it. This will give you a greater understanding of Jesus’ words and actions in the Gospels.

When you’re ready to begin planning your trip, please feel welcome to reach out to us directly and we’ll be happy to help you start the process of organizing your own life-changing journey to Israel and the Holy Land.

What to Pack for Your Trip to Israel

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We are so glad you’ve decided to come to Israel with us! One of the most common concerns about travel in Israel is what to pack for the trip. Israel is in the Middle East, and in most of the country, it’s appropriate to dress more conservatively.But Israel is also the most progressive country in the Middle East, and practically anything goes in Tel Aviv!

Here are a few guidelines and suggestions to keep in mind when you’re packing. And as always, feel free to reach out with questions or concerns you may have. We are here to help you have your best possible trip!

General Guidelines:

Comfort is Key

Your trip to Israel will include plenty of time in the sunny outdoors, lots of walking on uneven ground, and quite a bit of standing. Comfortable clothing is essential, especially when it comes to footwear. If an article of clothing is too tight, hard to walk in, or gives you blisters, it’s not going to be comfortable on your trip. Pack with comfort in mind. 

Natural Fabrics are Helpful

Summers in Israel, and even late spring and early fall, can be quite hot. This is definitely true in the Negev Desert, so if you’re planning a day trip to the Dead Sea, Masada, or Eilat, be sure to keep this in mind. Natural fabrics like linen and cotton will help you stay comfortable, even in the heat. It’s also a good idea to stay covered in the sun, so consider bringing along some long sleeves and pants for your trip. 

Winters are Chilly

You may expect that summers in the Middle East would be hot, but you may be surprised that the winter, early spring, and late fall can be brisk! While it doesn’t get truly cold in most of the country, temperatures can dip into the 50s Fahrenheit (10 Celsius), so pack accordingly. Layers are a good idea.

Suggested Items:

Close-toed shoes

Your idea of comfortable may include sandals or even flip flops, but neither is ideal for a trip to Israel. As previously mentioned, there will be a lot of walking on uneven surfaces, but also opportunities to hike (whether you really intend to hike or not!). You can plan to walk around 15,000-20,000 steps per day, so make sure whatever shoes you bring are equal to the task.  

Jacket or Scarf

Whatever season you might be visiting, you’ll want to bring a jacket or a scarf with you. Nights can be chilly, especially in the desert areas, but it’s also helpful to have a jacket or scarf to cover your arms and shoulders when appropriate. They will also come in handy on your flights to and from Israel as well. 

Bathing Suit

This is something you might not think to bring with you to a conservative, Middle Eastern country, but you’ll want one! If you’re planning a trip to the Dead Sea, Eilat, or the beaches in and around Tel Aviv, you’ll be glad you brought a bathing suit. It doesn’t have to be ultra-conservative, but a modest cover-up is a good thing to pack as well. 

Water Shoes

If you’re planning a trip to the Dead Sea, water shoes will be an essential item to pack. The salt deposits and sand can be rough on your feet, and if you get a cut, there will be literal salt in your wound. Avoid this altogether and bring a pair of water shoes with you!

Pepto-bismol (or similar)

Israeli food is some of the best in the world. The ingredients are fresh and high-quality, but if you’re unfamiliar with the flavors and seasonings of Middle Eastern cuisine, your stomach might experience a bit of a shock. It never hurts to bring along some Pepto, Imodium, or your preferred stomach-settling medication, just in case!

When you’re ready to begin planning your trip, please feel welcome to reach out to us directly and we’ll be happy to help you start the process of organizing your own life-changing journey to Israel and the Holy Land.

Seven Things to Expect on Your First Trip to Israel

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Israel is unlike any other travel destination on earth. Not only does it hold a cherished place in the hearts, histories, and beliefs of three of the world’s major religions, but visiting this tiny but beautiful country along the eastern Mediterranean coast is a top bucket list item for hundreds of millions of people across the world.

However, unlike other countries you and/or your loved ones may have visited before on your travels, Israel serves up unique and exciting surprises at every turn. Along those lines, here are seven things about traveling to Israel for the first time that are good to know about in advance of your journey.

 1. You will Do a Lot of Walking

What’s a lot of walking? Think 15,000-20,000 steps per day. You may think, “Well, it’s just walking. I can handle that.” And you certainly can. However, the terrain anywhere in Israel is not flat. There are cobblestones, uneven stairs, hills, etc., all of which will create more of a challenge than you may expect. Add to that the 300+ days a year of direct sunshine, and you’ve got a recipe for some exhausting touring days. Wear good walking shoes, and remember to hydrate!

 2. There is a Stark Contrast Between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv

Jerusalem is an undeniably holy city. It’s solemn, relatively quiet, and the definition of historic. It’s not a party city, it’s a reverent and conservative city. By contrast, Tel Aviv is bright, vibrant, and exciting. Tel Aviv is the place to go for an avant-garde art scene, fusion cuisine, beaches, nightlife, and watersports! It’s a bit of a shocking contradiction with just an hour’s drive between the two, but no matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find it in one of these two, world-famous cities. 

 3. People at Home will Tell You it’s Not Safe (but they’re wrong)

It’s true that present-day Israel has been in the midst of conflict since its inception, but it’s not true to say that Israel is an unsafe place to visit. One thing to keep in mind when you hear the (sometimes) well-meaning safety concerns of others is that usually, the person saying it has never been to the country in question, and probably not even the region. Israel is just as safe as anywhere in the United States, and generally even safer than many large cities around the world.

Don’t let someone else’s unfounded concerns talk you out of your trip of a lifetime to Israel and the Holy Land. 

 4. Everything Stops for Shabbat (and various other holidays)

Shabbat, or the Sabbath, is a day of prayer for the Jewish people. Practicing Jews are not allowed to work on Shabbat, which means that shops, restaurants, and other businesses will be closed throughout the country, particularly in Jerusalem and other more conservative areas. This is important for visitors because Shabbat begins at sundown on Friday and lasts through Saturday. It takes some forethought and planning to be in the country on a Saturday. 

You can plan to be in Tel Aviv for Shabbat, where you will find more open restaurants and businesses than other cities in Israel. Or, you can go local and use Shabbat as a day of rest for yourself as well. 

 5. Some Restaurants will only Serve Kosher Meals

You may start to notice that some restaurants keep kosher, while others do not. For a non-Jew or non-practicing Jew, this doesn’t make much difference, but you might be curious. “Kosher” means that the food has been prepared according to Jewish law. Meat and milk products are not mixed together, meats from non-kosher foods (pork, shellfish, rabbit, etc.) are not consumed at all, and all meats that can be eaten are butchered in a certain way. Plan to have a kosher meal while you’re in Israel, and feel free to ask questions if you want to understand more.  

 6. You will Learn New Things about Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

No matter how much you know about these three religions, there is a good chance that you’ll learn something new about one or all three while you’re in the Holy Land. The entire country holds special meaning to all three religions, but Jerusalem in particular is one of the holiest cities for each. As a result, there is a plethora of history to see, experience, observe, and learn about all three. 

 7. Your Visit will Grow Your Faith

A trip to Israel is often intended to deepen one’s faith. This is one case, however, where reality exceeds expectation. You can read up on the sites, learn about the history, and look at photos all day long, but the actual experience of walking the same streets as Jesus, standing in the Garden of Gethsemane and reading about his prayer there in Matthew 26, and sailing on the Sea of Galilee where he walked on water will all move you in unexpected, life-changing ways. 

The miracles you read about in the Bible will take on new meaning, and you’ll go home with a fresh understanding of Jesus’ sacrifice. It’s a feeling you can’t quite have until you visit for yourself. 

When you’re ready to begin planning your trip, please feel welcome to reach out to us directly and we’ll be happy to help you start the process of organizing your own life-changing journey to Israel and the Holy Land.