Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is different about your tour? What is different from other tour groups?
A: One thing that sets our tour apart is that your guide is someone who literally digs Israel! Dale Cohen, aside from leading tours, also works on the archeological digs in the Land. He has been actively involved in several digs, and served as field supervisor at Kursi. While working as field supervisor, Dale Cohen worked under probably of the most well known archeologists in Israel and outside, Vassilios Tzaferris. Because of his experience and credentials, you will be taken into areas of Israel that tourists will not see or hear about for decade or so. We also strive to make sure that everyone on our tour is heard from. We understand that for many, this may be the only trip to Israel you take. That said, we make sure that we do everything possible to make your trip the best that it can be and better.
Q: What does the cost of the tour include?
A: The cost of the tour covers your hotel stay, tips for employees, breakfast and dinner, admission to sites, round trip airfare and much more. See the “Cost” page for more info.
Q: How safe am in Israel?
A: Safer than you are in the United States. It is very safe to travel to Israel. There is a very high priority placed on safety and security in the Land. I can promise you that if it were unsafe for us to travel to Israel, the Israeli government would prohibit our trip. Rather they are begging us to come! No matter what garbage the television is spewing, you are incredibly safe in Israel.
Q: What about my medications?
A: Going thru security with medications is not a problem. I suggest that if you put your medications is day planners that you wait until after you have arrived in Israel and you keep your medications in their original bottles with the name of the doctor, medication and dosage. This just makes it easier going thru security.
Q: What currency do they use in Israel?
A: In Israel we use the Israeli shekel. In many places where they are accustomed to having tourists you can pay with American dollars and in some of the stores you can write a personal check so make sure and bring your checkbook with you. The exchange rate fluctuates on a daily basis so as it comes closer to the time of departure I will send out an email letting you what the current rate is.
Q: How much money should I take?
A: It would depend on your spending habits, as well as your negotiation skills. You will need to plan for a minimum of $7 dollars per day for lunch and one day of $15 for lunch. Remember the old adage of taking half as much luggage and twice as much money. Some of the people that I have talked to have told me that on their next trip, that they save all their money until they get to Jerusalem.
Q: Can I use my credit cards in Israel?
A: There are places where you can use your credit cards with the exception of American Express. However, you will get a better rate if you pay with cash or with a personal check. Yes, that is right, they will accept a personal check from you in Israel and in fact many prefer that over a credit card. Most tourist places will accept American dollars; most credit cards are accepted and personal checks in some areas. If you wish to pay by credit card some of the merchant’s do not have merchant accounts with the credit card companies and have to take you and the credit card to the money changers which will charge them 10%. In most cases you will do better paying with either check or cash. As we travel and stop to eat lunch you will need to have some of the local currency as some of the restaurants do not accept foreign monies. We will give you opportunities to exchange money. In some of the hotels the front desk can exchange money for you although you do not always get the best rate. I would only exchange small amounts of money at a time.
Q: What about keeping in contact with my family at home in America?
A: The best way is to purchase a calling card when we get to the Galilee. The last card I bought was for 220 units and it cost $20 and I had time left on the card when I left Israel. I do not suggest that you buy the calling cards in the United States, wait until you get to Israel. It is best to buy these in Tiberias. I have used them without any problems however, there have been some people who found them hard to use. The hotels also offer internet services for a very small fee so that you can keep up with your family and friends via email.
Q: What meals are included in the price of the tour?
A: Both your breakfast and dinner is included in the price and are served at the hotel you are staying in. Lunch is not provided, however, we will stop around the lunch hour to buy lunch. I have found in the past that not everyone is hungry after having a large breakfast and there is no sense in charging people for a lunch that they do not eat. Instead either the bus driver or the guide will negotiate a price for lunch. Generally the lunch costs around $7 per person and includes a drink. The only exception is when we stop in the Galilee for fish lunch and then it is around $14 per person. Your meals on the international flight are also covered in the price of the tour.
Q: What foods can we expect to eat while in Israel?
A: Breakfast and dinner are all you can eat buffets. With every meal you will have fresh fruit, olives, salads, fish, cheeses, etc. Breakfast will have cereals, breads, fruits, cheeses, fish, olives, yogurts, and there is often a person that will make you omelets (no ham and cheese!). For lunch we will have the local cuisine of falafels, schnitzel, or shwarma. Dinner at the hotel will usually have things like beef, chicken, and lamb dishes, with a variety of casseroles and other ethnic dishes. And do not forget going out at night and having the ice cream!
Q: What is the weather like in Israel?
A: The weather in Israel in March is like it is in the southern part of the United States. March is at the end of the rainy season and there can be occasional showers. For this reason I suggest to bring a light weight jacket with you or rain suit. The northern part of Israel around Tel Dan and Banias will be cooler. Tiberias, around the Sea of Galilee will be in the 60’s- low 70’s. However, when we go to the southern part of the country near the Dead Sea most of the time the temperatures are around the upper 70’s – low 80’s, although there have been times when I was there that it was cool. I suggest that you pack to expect both cool and warm conditions.
Q: Can I wear shorts?
A: SURE! In fact in some places we are going you will want to have shorts on. However, there are some areas that are Holy Sites where you will not be permitted to wear any sort of unmodest clothing. I will let you know the day before you we visit these places so you can prepare.
Q: What should I pack?
A: Clothing- You will be touring in areas that are considered as holy sites so you need to dress modestly. Make sure to pack some modest clothing. There are several places that you will be going to that will not allow you to enter if you are not dress appropriately and no refunds will be given. When we go to the Dead Sea and Masada it is permissible to wear shorts and sleeveless blouses. I will let you know the day before if you need to dress for the holy sites. It is also wise to bring a light windbreaker especially for Jerusalem and walking at night around the Sea of Galilee. Because we are still in the rainy season be prepared for anything.
- Swimsuit – We will be going to the Dead Sea for you to experience floating in this amazing place. If you have never experienced this before you do not want to miss it. This is the only place on earth that you can experience this and I high recommend you try it if you have not been before.
- Insulated water container/hydration pack – this is of great importance. We want everyone to keep hydrated. Even on tours people can dehydrate very quickly. I like to use a camel back (a hydration unit that is worn like a backpack. It has pockets to carry your journals, cameras, bibles, etc.). We will have water available for purchase on the bus.
- Journal – especially if this is your first trip to Israel you will want to record as much as you can – your first thoughts upon seeing the land, your experiences, your questions, etc. There have been many people who did not bring this with them only to deeply regret it later.
- Camera – if you are taking a 35mm understand that any film over 400 speed can be affected by the x-ray machines. Digital camera work best traveling to Israel. I would make sure to bring extra storage cards. Some people have brought along camcorders to Israel. The problem is that the electric current is 220 instead of the 120 here in the US. If you bring a camcorder, please make sure you have an adapter and converter, even then there is no guarantee that it will not damage the charger. You bring a camcorder at your own risk.
- Sunglasses – the darker the better! The sun is very bright!
- Hairdryers – If you are bringing electric appliances such as razors, blow dryers, etc. you will need an adapter and converter for the Middle East. Most of the hotels already have hairdryers in the rooms.
- A bath sponge or wash cloth (most hotels in Israel do not furnish wash cloths)
- Batteries – camera, AA for micro cassette recorder
- Backpack – although not required, I like to carry along a backpack with me to store my camera.
- Medications
- Laundry detergent-I normally bring some laundry detergent along and use the shower and bath tub to wash my laundry. I do this even when laundry service is provided.
- Boat shoes- These come in handy when we get down to the beach at the Dead Sea and at the Mediterranean.
Q: Do I need a Visa?
A: Nope. If traveling from the US all you need is a current passport. It also has to be valid for up to six months from departure date.
Q: What do I need to do when I get to the Airport in Israel?
A:REJOICE!!! We are in Israel and our journey begins! Once our group has gotten off of the plane we will meet up and go through Israeli immigration. Nothing serious, just a stamp in your passport as a souvenier. From there we will meet with our driver and board our bus. It will be said several times more, but I’ll say it anyways, DO NOT GET ON THE BUS UNTIL YOU SEE YOUR LUGGAGE PUT ON THE BUS. After that, sit back, relax, your in Israel now!
Q: Will there be times to shop?
A: Of course there will! During the evenings after dinner we normally go back out again. This is the best time to go shopping. It is cooler outside, there are more people out and about, you really experience Israel. Through out the day we may stop in different places where we can shop also. A word of wisdom, there are very, very few things you will see that are not also in Jerusalem and much cheaper. There are certain items like Jewelery, hand cream, etc. that we buy from specific people. We will let you know ahead of time where the best place to buy things at are. We are more than willing to answer any questions and maybe even get you a better deal.
Q: Can I bring back spices from Israel?
A: Yes! America and Israel have an agreement that allows you to bring back as much coffee, tea, and spices as you can tax free. Great place to stock up is in Jerusalem.
Q: Do the rooms have blow dryers?
A: The hotels do have blow dryers in the rooms however, they are not strong. If you have long hair it will take a while.
Q: What electrical current do they use in Israel
A: The electric current in Israel is 220 instead of the 120 here in the US. This means that if you use an electrical appliance in Israel you will need to bring an adapter and convertor for the Middle East. Even with this you run a risk at burning something up. I try to avoid using any type of electrical devise while I am in Israel.
Q: Do I need to bring dress clothes?
A:It is not required but you may see several of the local Jewish people in the hotel dressed up a bit for Shabbat.
Q: Will we be going to a synagogue/church service?
A: . It is not in the itinerary. However, often times if there is enough of a request we can have a Shabbat service at the hotel on Friday night if we can get a room. Also when the Jewish people are at the hotels on Shabbat there is a synagogue at the hotel. The problem is that unless you speak Hebrew fluently you will be lost.
Travel Tip Get a hotel near the airport that will allow you to park your vehicle while you are in Israel at the hotel and has a shuttle to the airport. The cost for the hotel room is cheaper than paying for two weeks of parking at the airport.