If you are interested in joining the 2025 Israel tour, please fill out the form below. Currently the only information available are the dates of travel: June 17th, 2025 to June 27th, 2025
Itinerary
NOTE: Please keep in mind that due to circumstances beyond our control and the nature of this type of touring this itinerary is subject to modifications and/or changes. Sites may be altered, or substitutions may be made and is at the discretion of your group leader and the guide.
- Tuesday, June 17
- depart USA for overnight flight to Tel Aviv
- Wednesday, June 18
- arrive Ben Gurion airport, transfer to hotel
- dinner and overnight in Tiberias at David’s Harp hotel
- Thursday, June 19
- Caesarea, Aqueduct, Mukraka, Megiddo, Mt Arbel lunch @ Druze village
- dinner and overnight in Tiberias
- Friday, June 20
- Boat Ride, Mt Beatitudes @ 8:00, Jesus boat, Capernaum, Ein Gev (fish lunch), Yardenit
- Magdala dinner and overnight in Tiberias
- Saturday, June 21
- Tel Dan, Mt Bental, Banias/Caesarea Philippi, suggested Zippori, Hatzor, Susitta
- dinner and overnight Tiberias
- Sunday, June 22
- Bet Shean, Qumran, Ein Gedi overlook
- dinner and overnight Dead Sea
- Monday, June 23
- Masada morning, St George Monastery, Palm Sunday path, Dominus Flevit, Gethsemane,
- church of all nations
- Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem
- Tuesday, June 24
- Temple Mount, Church of St Anne, Via Dolorosa, Holy Sepulcher, Yad Vashem
- Wednesday, June 25
- Western Wall Tunnels, Southern Steps, Jewish Quarter, Israel Museum model, Garden Tomb
- Sadducees house
- Thursday, June 26
- day of leisure, late night departure to Ben Gurion airport
- Friday, June 27
- Early arrival into USA – customs clearance
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Holy Land
- Time Zone: 8 hours ahead of US Central Time Zone
- Language: Hebrew, Arabic, and English
- Currency: New Israeli Shekel (NIS) or Shekel for short
- Electricity: 220 volts
Air flight information
Our group flights are made with regularly scheduled air airlines such as United, Delta
- Not all groups fly together due to itineraries, touring and size of group. All groups will ultimately meet at the TLV airport.
Ticketing outside of Group Air may result in additional costs and adjustments to total tour price/inclusions/exclusions. Carefully review all documentation you receive in connection with your travel to be sure it matches the travel dates and times we provide.
Air tips
- Flight times are subject to change without notice; always re-confirm your flight times with the airline (we are not responsible for expenses incurred because of changes and/or delays). Consider downloading the airline’s app on your mobile device to see their most updated flight information.
- Arrive for your flight 3 hours prior to departure or as suggested by the departing airport.
- Report missed or cancelled flights to Teresa immediately; relay information concerning alternate flight information given to you by the airline.
- Seating has been completed by the airline. If you change your seating or make any other adjustments, please be aware that control of your ticket will no longer be with the company, but with the airline itself.
- Consider enrolling in the airline’s frequent flyer program.
- If you have a Known Traveler Number (KTN) issued by TSA, you can provide that to us and we will note it on your account.
Arrival information
- Go through customs and passport control, then collect your luggage.
- If you have missing or damaged luggage, fill out paperwork with the airline before leaving the baggage claim area.
- Exit baggage claim area and we will meet you. Guides will remain in the area to locate guests.
- Follow guide instructions for transferring to the bus and loading luggage.
Buses
Our deluxe touring buses are air-conditioned.
- Buses in Israel do not have bathrooms; however, frequent restroom stops are made.
- You may leave items on the bus during the touring day. Take all personal items with you at the end of each touring day.
- Bottled water is available for purchase for $1.00
Cell phones
- Confirm that your cell phone can be used internationally.
- Request international rates for Israel.
- Inquire about the activating and deactivating process.
- Keep in mind other technology and apps that may be available to you such as WhatsApp.
Clothing
- Comfortable walking shoes are a must.
- A jacket is recommended in Jerusalem.
- Some religious sites such as monasteries require your knees & shoulders be covered (applies to both men & women).
Tips
Prepaid gratuities are covered for the hotel staff (porters, dining, housekeeping, front desk).
- Tips are appropriate when eating out.
- Tips are appreciated when using certain restrooms (your guide will let you know when this is expected).
Hotels
Hotels are deluxe, first-class 4-star properties offering exceptional amenities for your comfort & enjoyment.
- Hotel Gratuities (porters, waiters, housekeeping, front desk) have been pre-paid for you.
- Most hotels offer laundry services at an additional charge (always verify the return date of your items).
- Electric current is 220; you will need a power converter to change current to 110 and an adapter to adapt the plug.
- Rooms have private showers, TV, phone, Wi-Fi (check with hotel concerning access & possible fees).
- Most hotels have blow dryers. Check the hotel website for details.
- Double Rooms are made up of either two single beds or one double bed.
- Single rooms are smaller than double rooms and have only one single bed.
Luggage
One carry-on and one small personal item (purse, laptop, etc.) are allowed.
- Carry-ons and personal items must fit under your seat or in the overhead compartments of the plane.
- Overhead compartments on the bus are much smaller than on the plane.
- Attach the color-coded luggage tag provided in your departure package.
- Typically, your checked luggage must weigh 50 lbs. or less.
- **Check with your airline for specific limits. Excess luggage charges will be imposed for any overages!** You can also find airline specific on their website.
Meals
Food and water are safe in the Holy Land. Bottled water is recommended while touring and can be purchased on the bus for $1.00.
- Breakfast
Hotel buffet includes a variety of American, European, and Middle Eastern breakfast foods, including coffee, tea and juice. (Eggs, deli meat, cheese, bread, cereal, yogurt, milk, and salads are offered). - Lunch
lunch is at your own expense. Your guide will choose a restaurant that will offer a variety of foods. You should expect $15 – $20 per person. - Dinner
Hotel buffet includes a variety of meat and vegetables. A salad bar, bread station and dessert bar offer seemingly limitless options. Beverages other than water are not included but can be purchased at a supplemental charge.
Medical Devices
Medical devices that require electricity will likely need an international adapter/converter. The adapter simply allows you to plug your appliance into the various wall plugs in foreign countries. The converter is used to step up or down the voltage to properly support the electrical appliance.
- Notify the airline of your intention to bring a medical device on board and if you intend to use it in-flight. (This includes CPAP machines.)
Medications
- Bring medication in its original container if possible.
- A written prescription of your medication(s) in generic form from your physician will assist in getting an emergency refill if needed while out of the country.
Mobility
Guests registering for this tour accept the responsibility for being in good health and able to walk and travel on the tour. Because many sites are not accessible to the physically challenged.
- Buses are not handicap accessible and do not have space for storing wheelchairs, motorized wheelchairs/scooters or other ambulatory assistance items.
- If you need assistance, you will need to bring a travel partner to help.
- On average, you can expect to walk 3-4 miles a day, climb stairs unassisted and uneven ground.
We ask that you please discuss the information listed above with us. We feel that it is important to take these matters seriously, for the comfort and well-being of all involved.
Thank you for your assistance in this matter. We trust that you will understand why we feel it is necessary to address this issue before your departure.
Money
ATMs are available; however, you will only receive the local currency. **Notify your bank or credit card company if you plan to make purchases with your debit or credit card.**
- ATM usage generally is subject to fees and daily withdrawal limits.
- The amount of cash you take on tour is a personal decision.
- Keep in mind lunch is not included.
- Smaller bills are suggested.
Passport
US Citizens – a valid passport is required.
- Passports MUST be valid for 6 months after your return to the USA.
- Passport copies need to be on file with the church.
Shopping
VAT (Value Added Tax) is a sales tax on most goods sold. It can be upwards of 19% or higher in Israel. The VAT is part of the price that is marked not added at the register. It is possible for visitors to claim back most of the tax & may be worth the trouble if you have purchased a high-priced item. Check with the retailer to see if they offer the voucher/paperwork needed to do this. You will receive a slip of paper at the airport upon arrival that you will need to show for this transaction.
Touring
Headsets are provided for your convenience so you can easily hear the guide.
- The amount of time touring and site sequence can vary according to the itinerary and local conditions. Most touring will be full days. Your guide will announce the schedule daily.
- Evenings are generally open for you to rest or explore on your own.
Travel Protection
WOC recommends that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans help provide coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Daley, Baggage Delay and more.
Vaccinations
None required at this time.
Weather
June is typically the hottest month of the year in Israel, with average temperatures in the high 80s–90s°F (27–32°C). Temperatures can vary in Jerusalem.