This comprehensive tour reflects Palestine and Israel, old and new of the three religions, Muslim, Christian and Jew and also touches on special populations Druze and Samaritans communities, and combines all the important and most popular sites in both.
10 days tour of a Comprehensive Sightseeing
9 nights Tourist class hotels (dbl occ.) accommodations
6 nights Jerusalem
3 nights Tiberias
Transfers from and to Ben Gurion airport / Jordan / Egypt
borders
DAY 1, Tel Aviv / Jaffa Arriving at the Ben Gourion airport, you will be welcomed by our guide, and drive to tour the old city of Jaffa, one of the ancient gateways to the Holy Land: Through its port the Cedar trees for Salomon's Temple (Bait el Muqqades) were brought, the prophet Jonas tried to flee God, and it was in Jaffa where Allah’s word began to be spread among the nations through Nabi Butrus. Today Jaffa's renovated alley-ways attract many artists, who have their galleries there. We now drive through the modern city Tel Aviv, to Maqam Sidna Ali, located on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The mosque was originally a 13th century Mameluk
construction built in honor of one of Saladin's Lieutenants who fought
bravely against the Crusaders and died in a battle on the hill on which the
mosque now stands. His shrine is now housed within the building. Later
enjoining from Israel's economic and cultural center of Tel Aviv. dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.
DAY 2, Jerusalem Breakfast at hotel, Today, we shall dedicate the first part of the day to visit and join the holy prayer and participate in the Hutba at the Al Aqsa Mosque. We will have a guided tour of the Haram esh-Sharif, learning about its historical & architectonical background, as well as the many legends told about the holy Al Aqsa Mosque & The Dome of the Rock, “whose precincts We did bless” – Al Qur’an el Kareem, Sura 17, verse 1. From here we continue along the colorful "Suq" (bazaar) to the Church of the Resurrection of Jesus, where the Khalif Omar met the Bishop Sophronius and prayed outside, in order not to desecrate the Holy City. We shall also visit the Omar Mosque, situated just outside the church and commemorating that event. Walk through the Jewish Quarter to see some of the archaeological excavations made there, such as the Roman Cardo, and then, if open to visitors, visit King David's tomb – a place holy for Muslims, Jews and Christians. We end the day at the famous Western ("Wailing") Wall, where we can see Jews from all over the world, in their different dresses, coming to pray near the last remnants of their temple. dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.
DAY 3, Jerusalem Breakfast at hotel, We start the day at the different Mosques on top of the Mt. of Olives. From here there is a panoramic view over Jerusalem's Old City, with the magnificent Dome of the Rock in its center. Then we walk/drive down to the marble-memorial of Mujir-e-Din al Hanbaly, a medieval philosopher, located just above the Tomb of Sitt Mariam (Mary) in the Garden of Gethsemane. Then we drive out of the city to visit Maqam e-Nebi Samuel, Tomb of the Prophet Samuel, which is holy for all 3 main monotheistic religions. There is a wide view towards the Holy City, Jerusalem, and towards the Mediterranean Sea from this historic place. We end the day with a short hike in the Masrek Nature Reserve, visiting the Tomb of Salman
el Farsi, who was the personal Barber of the Prophet Mohammed, peace shall
be upon him. Due to the holiness of the site, the goats were kept off it,
enabling some giant pine-trees to grow there. dinner and overnight in
Jerusalem.
DAY 4, Nablus / Ramalla Breakfast at hotel, Today we will visit in Nablus, The Old City: There are ancient religious shrines, which date back to ages and visit the old Palestinian market. We also visit Mount Gerizim: It is a well known sacred spot in the city. The history of the mountain dates back to the ancient periods. It is located by the side of the West Bank in Nablus city. The mountain is a very sacred spot for the people of the Samaritan communities. Then we drive to Ramallah, where we visit the “White Mosque” dedicated to Nabi Salach, one of the prophets who spoke against the infidels already before the time of Mohammed. The place is also famous for the underground “Arches Pool” nearby (currently not open). dinner and overnight in
Jerusalem.
DAY 5, Bethlehem / Hebron Breakfast at hotel, In Hebron (El Halil) we visit the holy Haram el Halil, burial place of Ibraim el Halil, Isaac, and Jacob (Nabi Yaakub) and their spouses. We will also seize this opportunity to pray at this holy place. Although we will make any effort to enable your visit at this so important site, this visit can be cancelled without prior notice due to the regulations of the authorities at the site. From here we continue to Bethlehem and see the Church of the Nativity, and below it the stable-cave of Jesus Birth. At the rest of the day we enjoining from the colorful of the city. dinner and overnight in
Jerusalem.
DAY 6, Jericho / Dead Sea / Masada Breakfast at hotel, We will visit the site of Nabi Moussa, where a medieval tradition places the tomb of Nabi Moussa (Moses). Until the time of the British mandate in Palestine this place was famous for “Ziyarat Nabi Moussa” that was held here during the spring, and included a colorful march from Jerusalem to this site, and a week of prayers and other festive activities. Drive to Jericho, where you will visit the magnificent "Hisham's Palace" – one of the most well preserved monuments of the Early Muslim Era in Palestine. This palace is mainly famous for its colorful and realistic mosaics that beautify the floor in the Palace's "Diwan". After drive to Masada, the last stronghold of the Jews after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 A.D. Ascend Masada by cable car and visit the food storeroom, water irrigation system and Herod’s Palace dinner and overnight in
Jerusalem.
DAY 7, Caesarea / Haifa / Akko / Tiberius Breakfast at hotel, Today we leave Jerusalem. Our first stop as we travel north will be Caesarea by the Sea, once capital of the Roman province, and see the Roman and Crusader remains and the harbor. We continue to drive along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea to Haifa, the beautiful city situated on the slopes of the ever-green Mt. Carmel. This place is famous for its view, including the view of the Baha'i Gardens, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Drive to the oriental city of Akko (Acre), an ancient, well-preserved port-city, full of controversies. After entering the Old City through the thick walls that symbolize the Islamic victory over the “Emperor” - Napoleon Bonaparte, we visit the very well preserved "Knights Halls" which were buried under the Muslim city. We will also visit the Turkish “Hammam” (Bath) where a state-of-the-art audiovisual show leads you through its chambers, and make the “good old days” come alive… All those sites are in, around, and under the living oriental Bazaar with its colors and odors of the East. We will not miss, of course, a visit and a prayer at the glorious Al Jazzar Mosque, which became one of the symbols of the city. The mosque is also famous for keeping some hairs of the Prophet's beard! . dinner and overnight in
Tiberias.
DAY 8, Tiberius / Baniass Breakfast at hotel, Near Tiberius, we will visit the archaeological park of the Tiberius Hot Springs, active from the Roman Era and until this very time!!! We will learn about the Roman Ghosts and the Arab Jinnys that apparently lived there… We continue along the Eastern Bank of the Sea of Galilee to Baniass, an ancient Greco-Roman city on one of the sources of the Jordan River, today a Nature Reserve, where you can walk in the dense wood along the sprinkling water, and enjoy the different archaeological findings ranging from the Greco-Roman period, to the times of the Crusaders and the Turks. On the cliff overlooking the Baniass you can see the Holy Site dedicated to the Prophet Al Hader. We climb even higher to Qala'at Namrud – a Muslim Fortress at the slopes of Mt. Hermon (Jebel-e-Sheikh), overlooking all of the Hula Valley, the Upper Galilee, and all the way to the Lebanon. This view made it the main Muslim stronghold that withheld the Crusader Kingdom from spreading further to the North. This fortress is so big; that legend has it that it was built by Namrud, the ancient giant who tried through this fortress to defy Allah himself!
dinner and overnight in Tiberias.
DAY 9, Tiberius / Sea of Galilee Breakfast at hotel, Our day will start with the "Horns of Hittin", overlooking the blue Sea of Galilee, where Salach-e-Din had his glorious victory over the Crusaders, we will visit the Tomb of Nabi Shuaib (Jethro) – The father-in-law of Nebi Moussa, who helped him in fighting the infidel Midianites, and fled from them to hide in this cave. This place is also a very holy place for the Druze. Continue to boat ride from Tiberius to Capernaum; there you will see an ancient synagogue and St. Peter's house, which was later converted, into a church. Also by the shore you will visit Tabgha with the Church of St. Peter's Primacy and the ancient mosaic of the Loaves and Fishes. Continue to the Mount of Beatitudes where the Sermon on the Mount is remembered.
dinner and overnight in
Tiberias.
DAY 10, Departure Breakfast at hotel, Transfer to the Ben Gourion airport for departure, we leave this land today with memories never to be forgotten.
Please note: You can change the program and add days tour and sites
throughout Palestine and Israel, it also possible to change the trip according to departure
and arrival
Optional
Book your Optional Tours
before you travel and see more, save time, save money, and protect
your investment. Tours purchased while traveling may cost an extra
10% or even more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment!.
Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure.
This tour is a comprehensive
sightseeing, so you do not need to spend money on optional
Know Before You Go
Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones.
Getting Ready to Go
Trip Preparation
A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas) are in order and that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock.
Health Information
Check with your personal physician for the latest overseas travel health information, or contact the Center for Disease Control’s travelers’
USA hotline at 404-332-4559, web site www.cdc.gov.
Climate & Clothing in Israel
Spring: 60°F-85°F, Summer: 70°F-90°F, Autumn: 60°F-80°F, Winter: 45°F-70°F. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather coat. In the heat of summer, bring sunscreen and a hat. Bring a bathing suit for tours visiting the Dead Sea. Some religious sites do not allow shorts or sleeveless shirts.
About Your Flights
Book Your Flight
Book your flights directly with your travel agent or with
www.expedia.com,
www.kayak.com, and begin your tour to Israel.
E-Tickets & Check-In Procedures
Print and carry a copy of the air itinerary which contains the record locator (airline reservation number) and e-ticket number(s). At check-in, be prepared to provide your government issued identification (valid passport) and your e-ticket itinerary/ ticket numbers to the agent in order to receive your boarding pass.
An e-ticket (electronic ticket) represents the purchase of an airline seat. This form of ticket has replaced almost all formerly provided paper tickets. The e-ticket exists only as a digital record in the airlines computers. In most cases your reservation will be confirmed solely on the basis of your government-issued identification. However it may still be necessary to present the e-ticket itinerary which contains your specific reservation code and ticket number(s). Once confirmed, your luggage will be checked-in and a boarding pass provided.
Advance online check-in is available on some airlines. If available, you may enter your airline confirmation number at the airline's website, and print the boarding pass on your home printer within twenty-four hours of departure. Airlines without advance online check-in require you to present your identification and e-ticket numbers at the airport self-service kiosk or check-in counter.
When e-tickets cannot be issued, you will receive paper tickets.
Airline Flights
Please check in at least three hours prior to the scheduled departure time to allow for security steps. Passengers connecting from another point within the USA may check their luggage through to their final destination, and although problems with lost luggage have been minimal, it is a possibility. Certain carriers do not allow baggage “interlining” and luggage must be checked separately for each flight. If you are connecting from a domestic flight which is delayed for any reason, causing you to miss your international flight, you must ask the airline for assistance in getting you to your destination. Since all airline tickets are issued on special fares which carry restrictions and penalties if changed, you must have the airlines responsible make alternate arrangements on your behalf. Do not leave the airline check-in desk until an alternative itinerary has been confirmed for you.
Flight schedule changes are common and may occur anytime until departure. Therefore it is the responsibility of each passenger to reconfirm their flights 72 hours prior to departure for all flights.
Airline Luggage Restrictions
Most international airlines are consistent with regard to the number and
weight of the pieces you may check and bring onboard. Domestic carriers
however, typically on small aircraft, differ. Therefore, we suggest that you
check in advance if you are concerned about size or weight restrictions.
Many airlines have begun to apply charges for checked bags. Please contact
your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your
airline's checked baggage policies. Airline policies vary and may change at
any time.
Airline Seats
Airline seats are confirmed whenever possible. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only. Even when seats are pre-assigned however, we recommend that you contact the carrier one to two weeks prior to departure to reconfirm your seats. In many cases there are equipment changes after your initial booking which can cause airplane seating reconfiguration.
Airline Tickets
Most airline tickets are issued using special fares which cannot be changed or canceled without incurring additional cost. Should you lose or misplace your tickets while traveling, you should immediately notify the airline. In most cases they will have you complete a Lost Ticket Indemnity Form, and for a fee, issue replacement tickets.
Code-share Flights
Many airlines participate in alliances and special agreements with other airlines which permit passengers to travel from one point to another using more than one carrier. While your ticket may indicate that you are flying with one carrier (e.g.: Delta), you may find that you are actually seated in a plane belonging to another carrier (e.g.: Alitalia). Please review your airline itinerary carefully to determine which airline you should go to for check-in; if your flight is operated by a carrier other than the primary airline indicated on the itinerary, your itinerary will state "Flight Operated by (Airline)". If you have any concerns regarding which airline to check-in with, you may contact the airline directly.
Luggage
You MUST report any loss or damage immediately at the time of the incident
and obtain a written report from the local authority for submission to your
insurance provider. If your luggage is lost or damaged by the airlines, a
baggage claim form MUST be filed with the carrier before leaving the
airport.
Arrival & Departure
Arrival Procedures
Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a
Levy Tours & Travels sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the
Levy Tours transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the
Levy Tours & Travels representative or phone the number on your voucher.
What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed
Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, overseas or in the USA, the better we can respond.
Levy Tours & Travels is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon your return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services.
Departure Procedures
If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally.
Transfers
Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date.
Escorted tour programs include transfers. If you are traveling independently, you may purchase the transfers from
LevyTours or contract your own method of transportation to the hotel or cruise ship. The cost of a transfer will generally be more expensive than hiring a taxi as the pre-arranged transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or a 'dead-leg'. Additionally the driver may have to wait at the collection point for up to an hour.
About Your Accommodations
Hotels
Levy Tours has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, food, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard rooms with two single beds and private facilities, unless you have specifically requested and paid for an upgrade. Room selection is strictly at the discretion of the hotel management. We reserve the right to make hotel substitutions with those of equal standard.
Hotel Check-in/ Check-out
Check-in time is usually 4pm or later. Check-out time is 12 noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later.
At Israel
Eco & Sustainable Tourism
We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel to and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs.
Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours)
Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from
Levy Tours should proceed directly to the hotel for check-in. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents.
Shopping
Shopping in
Israel can be a wonderful experience. We do include a few stops at recommended popular shops on every escorted tour, intended to enhance your cultural experience. As you explore the country independently, you may find fantastic, one-of-a-kind merchandise. You may get terrific bargains. However, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is!
Shopping hours: From Sunday to Thursday from 9:30 am to 7 pm. Sabbath is from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday. Because of this, most stores and businesses are closed on Saturday.
Most hotels and many restaurants throughout the country keep kosher (observe Jewish dietary rules) which means no mixing of meat and milk products in food preparation and not serving pork or shellfish. Non-kosher restaurants are open on Friday night and Saturday.
Currency
The Shekel is the currency of Israel. Also, many vendors will accept payment in U.S. dollars.
Purchasing Tours Locally
On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell
Optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them. Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below. This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see
Levy Tours Terms & Conditions for more information.
http://www.levytours.com/terms.html
Credit Cards
While credit cards are accepted in most destinations, it is advisable to carry local currency. Inform your credit card company that you are traveling to avoid your card being blocked for security reasons.
Gratuities
This is a matter of personal discretion. You may use the following as a guideline:
Tour escort (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide): $6 or $7 per person per day
Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage): $5 per person per day
Local Guide: $7 per person per
day
Hotel Porter: $1 per bag per person
Wait staff: $1.50 per person (breakfast or dinner)
Tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour escort or phone our office. Numbers have been provided in your documents for your convenience.
Although bills normally include a service charge, it is customary to tip in
restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. Taxi drivers do not
expect gratuities and rounding up to the nearest shekel is usually
sufficient.
Your Safety is Very Important
Every effort has been taken by
Levy Tours to ensure your safety. However, it is important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while you're on your trip. Be aware of potentially dangerous places and situations as you would at home. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and carry your valuables concealed in inside pockets or hidden pouches. Don't put all your valuables (money, credit cards, passports, etc.) in the same place. (In case that one wallet is stolen, you should have other valuables and identification in another safe place.) Don't leave valuables laying loose in your room-use the hotel safe. Keep copies of your passports, credit card numbers and travelers checks numbers in the hotel safe. If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local
Levy Tours representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your
Levy Tours vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities.
Israel Local Emergency Phone Numbers
Ambulance/Medical: 101
Fire: 102
Police: 100
Languages in Israel
Hebrew and Arabic are the local formal languages. English is generally spoken in tourist areas.
Electricity
in Israel
The voltage used is 230 volts. Israeli sockets are usually 3-pronged, and foreign-made appliances generally require an adapter.
Code of Conduct
Holidays - Israel
Holidays 2012
Mar 8
Purim
Apr
6 - 14
Pesach (Passover)
Apr 26
Yom Ha'Atzmaut (Israel Independence Day)
May 26 - 28
Shavu'ot (Pentecost)
Sep
16 - 18
Rosh Hashana (New Year)
Sep 26
Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement)
Sep 30 - Oct 8
Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles)
Oct 9
Simhat Torah & Shemini Atzeret (Celebration of Renewal and Thanksgiving)
Dec
8 -
15
Chanukah (Festival of the Lights)
The Jewish Sabbath (Shabbat - Day of Rest) is on Saturday. Shabbat begins at nightfall on Friday and ends at nightfall on Saturday. All public services are closed on Friday and Eve of Holy Day, as well as Saturday and all Holidays. Stores and some restaurants close at midday on Friday and Eve of Holidays and are closed on Saturdays and all Holy Days. There is no public transportation on Friday afternoons, Saturdays, Eve of Holy Days and observed Holy Days. Muslim and Christian holidays are also observed by the respective populations.
Food and Meals
As specified in each itinerary. Meals are based on the hotel's or restaurant's buffet or set menu. In general, beverages are not included, unless specifically stated. Although
Levy Tours cannot make guarantees, every effort will be made to honor special dietary requests submitted in writing at least 72 hours prior to departure to levy@levytours.com.
