TRAVEL INFO AND FAQS
TRIP PRICE: $3150 per person (land only)
Only One Person in a Room: Add $800 to the trip price.
3rd Person in a Room: Deduct $90 per person from the trip price.
See payment schedule on "Payment" page.
See inclusions and exclusions below.
YOUR TOUR INCLUDES
Your trip cost includes deluxe hotel accommodations, outstanding guiding services by a certified Israeli guide, admission fees to all sites on our itinerary, luxury motor coach, all tips, breakfasts, and dinners.
Your price also includes an optional opportunity to experience Friday night "welcoming in Shabbat" in the Old City of Jerusalem -- an unforgettable experience.
SECURING A FLIGHT
It is the trip participant's responsibility to secure airfare. There are many outstanding itineraries available from Dallas, including via American Airlines an their international partners (British Airways, El Al).
Trip participants must arrive Tel Aviv by 6 pm. Friday, November 8th. See the Itinerary page for more details.
Participants can leave for the US late night Friday, Nov. 15th, or spend an additional night (hotel cost already included) for an optional unguided free day on Saturday, Nov. 16th, until departing for Ben Gurion Airport for their flight back to the US.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Our Jerusalem-based travel company has secured deluxe accommodations for our group in Tel Aviv, Galilee, and Jerusalem. Hotel rooms in Israel are similar to Europe... smaller than American standards. But they are clean, comfortable, and feature outstanding Israeli hospitality.
The trip cost assumes two people per room. Options for 1 person and 3 people are available as well. Breakfast and dinner are provided by our hotels as well, with the exception of our "Farewell Dinner" on Friday, November 15th, which is held at a local restaurant.
PROFESSIONAL GUIDING
Certified guides in Israel complete a rigorous coursework in order to obtain their license, a process that has been compared to getting a Master's degree in Middle East history. Our particular guide has 20+ years of guiding experience in Israel, and is one of the most sought-after professional guides in the land. Your tour also comes with headphone sets that allow you to hear our guide clearly even if you are some distance away.
TRANSPORTATION
Your comfort is a priority, so we have secured an outstanding driver and a beautiful motor coach to get us around the country. Due to the small group size, we will have plenty of room to spread out on our motor coach comfortably.
Legacy Travel does not provide transfers to and from Ben Gurion Airport, but our local travel partner has outstanding companies that we can connect you with. Or take a Taxi for a quick and easy experience.
TRIP INSURANCE
Trip participants are highly encouraged to purchase trip cancelation / interruption insurance.
Popular carriers are Allianz Travel Insurance and Telex Travel Insurance, but there are many others.
FAQs
Let us answer your questions....
WHAT DOES THE TRIP COST INCLUDE?
The cost of the trip includes: hotel accommodations (double room); motor coach with professional driver; certified guide; entrance fees to all sites on the itinerary; breakfast; dinner; all tips.
WHAT DOES THE TRIP COST NOT INCLUDE?
The cost does not include airfare; airport transfers; lunches or snacks; shopping items; trip insurance; room upgrades; medical care; medical tests; passport fees; optional additions to the itinerary.
HOW DO I SECURE A SPOT?
A spot on the trip is officially secured by signing up on the "Sign Me Up!" page, agreeing to the Terms and Conditions, and paying the $450 per person deposit. Final payment is due by September 1, 2024.
IS IT SAFE TO VISIT ISRAEL?
In many respects, visiting Israel is safer than visiting some metropolitan cities in the USA. Security is of the highest concern in Israel, and their security protocols are emulated by other countries. Our Jerusalem-based operator is constantly apprised of any situations that may affect the safety of our group, and will take precautionary measures when warranted. For more information on the latest news regarding safety for travelers in Israel, please visit the State Department's website at www.Travel.State.gov.
WHAT ARE THE COVID-19 TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS?
Currently there are no vaccination requirements for US travelers to visit Israel.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED TO CANCEL PRIOR TO THE TRIP?
Please review the Terms and Conditions to see what fees are associated with canceling the trip. The entire trip must be paid for by September 1st. If the trip is canceled prior to October 24th, fees will apply. The trip is non-refundable after October 24, 2024.
WHAT KIND OF CLOTHING DO I BRING?
The weather in Israel is absolutely beautiful in early Fall -- temperatures in the mid 70's during the day, cooler at night.
Pants are required at some sites, shorts or short skirts are generally not culturally appropriate. Dressing in layers with a backpack to store extra clothing is ideal. And a hat!
A good pair of walking shoes or hikers is highly recommended. Flip flips should be avoided.
WILL I NEED SPECIAL VISA TO GET INTO THE COUNTRY?
American citizens only need a valid US passport. As medical travel protocols change monthly, we will update our travelers by email on the latest requirements.
WILL THERE BE ANY FREE TIME?
We stay fairly busy from breakfast to arrival back at the hotel, usually around 5 p.m. Some days may be shorter to allow some extra free time before dinner. The tour will also provide opportunities during the daytime at certain sites for self-guided shopping/exploring.
Participants arriving early in the day on Friday, November 8th may want to take a stroll along the famous Tel Aviv shoreline before our welcome dinner begins.
Participants taking flights back to the US on Saturday, November 16th will have an unguided free day in Jerusalem.
WHAT HOTELS HAVE BEEN RESERVED FOR OUR GROUP?
Our Tel Aviv hotel is the Metropolitan, just steps away from the beach and shopping. In Galilee, we are staying at Nof Ginnosar, right on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. In Jerusalem, we are staying at the picturesque Yehudah Hotel.
WILL WE SWIM IN THE DEAD SEA AS A PART OF THE TOUR?
We have it on our itinerary for Friday, November 15th. However, local conditions may prevent us from making this stop. If participants choose not to swim there is an outdoor restaurant/bar with excellent views of the Dead Sea.
WILL WE VIST BETHLEHEM?
It is not on our itinerary. Bethlehem is behind Israel's security fence, and entering Bethlehem requires a change of bus and driver. The site to visit is a church that is often crowded with hours-long waits for a brief look into a cave. We will, however, have a fantastic view of the "Shepherds' Fields" as a part of our tour. We have visited Bethlehem on previous trips and the overwhelming opinion of the travelers was negative.
I HAVE DIETARY RESTRICTIONS, CAN THAT BE ACCOMMODATED?
Israeli buffets are famous for being large and varied, featuring a healthy variety of meats, vegetables, and fruits. If you have a particular restriction, please let us know in advance and we will send those to our Israeli operator for details on alternatives.
CAN I INVITE MY FAMILY OR FRIENDS TO JOIN THE TOUR?
YES!
Be aware, however, that this trip requires much walking, sometimes over uneven payment (Dr. Herring has a story about that!) and up and down stairs without elevators / escalators.
The days are long and can be quite sunny. Staying hydrated is critical. It is important that participants understand this type of tour requires good overall physical health.
Children under 12 and adults in poor physical health (especially walking long distances) are not ideal candidates for the trip.
CAN I ARRIVE EARLIER OR STAY LATER?
YES, but any arrangements of that nature must be made by you.
The official tour begins at dinner in Tel Aviv at the Metropolitan Hotel on Friday, November 8th, and ends at our Jerusalem hotel, the Yehudah, after the farewell dinner on Friday, November 15th. The price of the tour includes overnight hotel at the Yehudah on Friday, November 15th, and breakfast on Saturday, November 16th. Tour participants will have an optional unguided "free day" on November 16th, with breakfast included, if they choose to leave on that day or later. The Yehudah Hotel concierge staff can assist with plans on your free day(s).
CAN I UPGRADE MY HOTEL ROOM?
Yes, our hotels have options for larger rooms, one bed only, etc. Let Legacy know what kind of upgrade you desire and we'll provide pricing.
WHAT IS DR. HERRING'S EXPERIENCE AS A TRAVEL LEADER IN ISRAEL?
Dr. Herring has toured Israel four times prior to this trip, and the largest tour he organized numbered 82 passengers from four different countries. He has also traveled the land solo, experiencing "nooks and crannies" in the Land that are not seen by large tour groups. Legacy Travel's last 2023 tour earned a unanimous 5* rating from the participant survey.
Dr. Herring's passion is making the Bible come alive. He brings his 30+ years of Pastoral and Seminary Professor experience to each site on our tour, with devotionals, reflections, group readings, group singing, and praying. Prior to departure you will receive a devotional guide to prepare you for the sites we will visit on our trip.
In addition to his US-based ministry, Dr. Herring has served as a guest lecturer for the Israel College of the Bible, teaching a course in Christian apologetics, and has been on mission trips to six countries. He has a strong interest in Middle Eastern history, politics, religion, and archaeology. His love for Israel is rivaled only by his love for Texas.