Frequently Asked Questions

Itinerary and Travel Details

What will we see?
The full itinerary is posted on the Elias Tours website. Download the pdf there to read more. As we get closer, Pastor David will be sharing more about these sites and the Scriptural stories associated with them.

When are traveling?
We will fly out of Houston on July 5, 2023 and return on July 15.

What are the flight details?
As you know, airline and travel information is always changing. All flights will be booked by Elias Tours, and we will get flight information about three months out from the trip.

What if I don’t live in the Houston area?
Elias tours will work with you to either make plans to get to Houston or depart the US from another city. Please contact them.

What is the additional excursion?
For those who are interested, you can add a four day trip at the end of our pilgrimage to go to Petra in Jordan. This is an amazing historical site. See details and cost on the Elias Tours website.

What will the hotels be like?
We will stay in three or four different hotels. All of the hotels have all the modern amenities you are used to – they are about 3 or 4 star by US standards. Simple, but comfortable.

How will we travel once there?
We will be on a very comfortable, well-air conditioned coach as we drive across the country. Basically, a private bus.

 

Safety

Is it safe?
Short answer: Yes.
Longer answer: We will be traveling in both Israel and Palestine. It is best to think of it like traveling to any large city or tourist site in the US or elsewhere. Stay with the group, be mindful of your surroundings, and don’t give opportunities to pickpockets. We all know that from time to time there are clashes between the populations of Israel and Palestine. Our guides know this area and the places and times that are safest and most risky. They do a wonderful job at keeping the group secure wherever we go.

How much walking will there be?
We will be walking around the locations every day, and the terrain of Israel and Palestine is hilly but not steep. Most days, the “touring” portion of the day is 3,000 to 6,000 steps, with a couple of 10,000 step days. Around Jerusalem in particular, the roads can be uneven.

I have dietary restrictions
Let Elias Tours know as you book your tour, and also make sure that your tour leader (Pastor David) and tour guide know. At most meals, there is a very wide variety of food options, with something for everyone.

 

COVID Questions

The reality of COVID-19 transmission and infection rates around the world is an ever-evolving situation. Answers reflect what the situation looks like in May 2022. Travel conditions may change between now and July 2023.

Am I required to have a COVID 19 Vaccination?
When I traveled last month, the answer was yes. It appears with the latest updates to policy that this might not be the case any longer. If the spread of COVID-19 in Israel increases, this may change again.

Do I have to get travel insurance?
Yes! Those who are positive for CoronaVirus are currently not allowed entry to the US. That means if you catch COVID on the trip, you may have to delay your return. Travel insurance covers the change of flights and other expenses that are incurred if that happens. The Israeli government requires travel insurance of all visitors to the country.

What about Masks?
Most governments have dropped mask requirements for airlines – any mask requirement on the flight at this time would be an airline policy not a government requirement. Much like the US, you will find a mix of mask use and comfort level in Israel and Palestine.

 

Cost Questions

How much is the trip?
The cost is $3,690. This includes airfare, in-country travel, admission costs to parks and sites, hotels, and most meals.

How much is travel insurance?
Contact Travelex insurance for a quote – it is based on the total cost of the trip.

Do I have to share a hotel room?
No. If you would prefer to have a hotel room to yourself as we travel, there is an additional cost of $790.

What about tips?
Gratuity for the tour guide and driver are not included in the cost. Like tipping in a restaurant, these tips are both voluntary and part of how these individuals make their living. A general rule is to budget $8-15 per day for our tour guide and $5-10 per day for the driver.

Do I need to exchange my cash?
Throughout the trip you will be able to spend US Dollars, and in most places you can use your credit cards (you may want to call your credit card company ahead of time to let them know you are traveling internationally).

 

Packing Questions

What will the weather be like?
In the Galilee region, the average temperatures for July are 97 / 77. In Jerusalem as we get into the higher elevations, they are 85 / 66. Down in Jericho and the Dead Sea it will be back up to highs in the 95-100 range. In general, it will be sunny, hot, and dry. You will want sunscreen and cool layers.

Modesty
As we travel to religious sites, they often have expectations of a certain sort of modest dress. For both men and women this includes: Covering shoulders and knees. If you plan on shorts or skirts that are shorter than that, you will need to have something you can quickly put on or you will not be able to enter most of the sites we go to. Similarly, if you plan on wearing a sleeveless shirt that either shows your shoulders or cleavage, you will need an option to enter the churches and religious sites.

Power
Israel uses different power receptacles than the US. Plan on packing a power converter.