Upon landing in Tel Aviv, gather your carry-on luggage, follow the crowd to immigration, and show your passport to receive a paper slip with a bar code. Use this slip to activate the exit gate leading to the luggage area.

Upon entering the baggage claim area, look for the tour representative holding a sign. Wear your name tag and check in with them before getting your baggage. Once your name is checked off, retrieve your luggage and return to the representative. After everyone has collected their luggage, we will proceed to board the bus, and the driver will handle loading the luggage underneath. You’re free to choose any seat on the bus.

Israel is a modern country. The hotel water is safe to drink. 

When traveling to Israel, remember that it’s 7 hours ahead of the Eastern time zone. To adjust your internal clock, ensure you’re well-rested before the flight and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water beforehand. On the day of the flight, opt for a light, healthy meal and avoid caffeine, as it can dehydrate your body during long flights.

Once onboard, set your watch to Israeli time after dinner is served. Try to get as much sleep as possible during the flight. Upon arrival, stay active to remain awake until at least 9 or 10 p.m. to adjust to the new time zone.

While the itinerary may change based on the flight’s arrival, we have planned a relaxed day in Joppa for the first day, with our hotel conveniently close to the Mediterranean Sea.

On the initial day, it’s a good idea to stay awake until 9 p.m. Our wake-up call will be at 6:15 a.m. for the next day’s adventures.

On board, after dinner is served – reset your watch to Israeli time. Try to sleep, as much as you can, on the plane. Once you arrive, keep active as much as possible to stay awake until at least 9 or 10 that first evening.

Although the itinerary may change depending on the flight’s arrival, we have planned a light day for the first day in Joppa. After stopping at the sights, our hotel is within walking distance of the Mediterranean Sea.

It is a good idea on the first day to stay awake the entire day, trying to stay up until 9 p.m. The wake-up call will be at 6:15 a.m.

Weather in Israel varies significantly in winter and spring, depending on the region. The Masada and Dead Sea experience daytime highs in the 70’s to 80’s (morning temperatures in the 50’s), while around the Sea of Galilee, it’s in the 50’s to 60’s.

Jerusalem tends to be the coolest, with daytime highs in the upper 40’s to lower 50’s. The mornings and evenings can be very cool, in the lower 40’s to upper 30’s. It’s best to wear layered clothing that you can adjust as the day warms up. Please note that temperatures in Israel are measured in Celsius.

During the summer, it gets hot. At the Masada and Dead Sea, daytime highs often reach the upper 90’s to triple digits. Around the Sea of Galilee, it’s in the upper 80’s to lower 90’s. Jerusalem is relatively cooler, with daytime highs typically in the upper 80’s to lower 90’s.

If you intend to be baptized in the Jordan River, you can rent a baptismal gown, towel, and use the changing facilities for around $10 US dollars. These facilities offer privacy for changing, showers, and bathrooms. Remember to bring your bathing suit or an extra set of travel clothes to wear under the baptismal gown, as it becomes transparent when wet. Additionally, wearing water shoes will enhance your comfort during the experience, including at the Dead Sea.

The tour usually reserves 4 or 5 star hotels which include breakfast and dinner buffets. Check your current travel information for addresses and phone numbers.

Travel light. One suitcase of up to 20kg (to check in free) and one cabin bag of up to 7kg will satisfy most airlines’ requirements for economy passengers. Some travel companies supply pilgrims with appropriate cabin bags and day bags.

Don’t fill your bags. Leave room for items you may buy on the trip.

Don’t take more than you can comfortably carry or trundle on wheels. Traveling light also makes it easier to keep track of your luggage when it is being loaded on and off buses, and in and out of hotels.

1. Suitcase: Clearly label your suitcase inside (name, home address, phone number, and destination) and outside (name and destination). Remove old labels. Put a photocopy of your itinerary on top of your clothes.  Attach a sticker, ribbon, or other identifiers to your suitcase to make it easier to spot.
2. Airline security regulations require that checked baggage be unlocked (unless you have approved locks that security personnel can unlock and relock).  Do not pack anything expensive, such as a camera, in your suitcase.
3. Cabin bag: Your carry-on bag should contain everything you will need on the way to your destination, such as essential medication or toiletries (but see below about liquids).
4. Day bag: A shoulder bag or backpack is extremely useful for a pilgrim. It can carry such items as your Bible (or New Testament), water bottle, any medication you need during the day, sunscreen, insect repellent, wet wipes, a small roll of toilet paper (travel rolls can be bought), hand sanitizer, a small torch, pen and notepad.
5. Be prepared for the possibility, however remote, of your checked-in suitcase getting “lost in transit” for a day or two.

NOTE:  Medically necessary injection needles require a doctor’s note for verification.

When traveling in Israel, keep in mind that it’s not a fashion show, but comfort is key.

During the cold/cool months, dress in layers as the temperature fluctuates between morning and afternoon. Jeans are acceptable, and casual, comfortable clothing is recommended. A coat will be essential for colder weather.

In the hot summer months, opt for short sleeves, capris, or knee-covering long shorts. Remember that for entering holy sites, shoulders and knees must be covered.

Comfortable walking shoes are a must, and water shoes will enhance your experience at the Jordan and the Dead Sea. Bring a swimsuit and a change of clothes for baptism or floating in the Dead Sea. Consider carrying a small bag for day trips, and don’t forget sunscreen, sun hats, and sunglasses.

For both men and women, light, loose-fitting, mix-and-match clothing is ideal, prioritizing convenience over fashion. Layered clothing, such as cardigans or stoles, can be handy. Women should cover their legs, cleavage, and shoulders (and arms in some mosques) when visiting religious sites, while men may need to cover their heads in mosques and synagogues.

Keep in mind that some Jewish sites may provide a kippah (skullcap) for free, and at Eastern Orthodox sites, women may need to cover their heads as well. A light shawl can serve as a wrap or headscarf, offering a useful modesty aid.

If you are on regular medication, bring enough for the whole trip and carry at least a week’s supply in your cabin bag. Bring a copy of a prescription as well. Medication should preferably carry pharmacy labels.

In addition, a basic checklist includes medication for:

Diarrhea, headaches, insect bites, stomach upsets and motion sickness, plus bandaids and possibly pressure bandages for ankle or knee.

Make sure your passport will not expire until at least six months after you return home.

In case documents get lost or stolen, make two photocopies of the following:

1. Photocopy the front pages of your passport and your travel documents
2. The first two pages of your passport
3. Traveler’s checks and credit cards
4. Airline tickets and itinerary
5. Travel insurance details

Leave one copy with a contactable friend at home and take the other with you (separate from the originals) or give it to a friend who is traveling with you.

US dollars are accepted everywhere. It is advisable to bring or use small US bills as you will usually receive your change in Shekels. Check for the current exchange rate, but the dollar is currently strong.

Let your credit card company know you will be in Israel. Credit cards and cash are best for purchases. ATMs are available, as well.

There may be a few restrooms that request 2 shekels (about 50 cents) for the restrooms (Mt. of Beatitudes, St. Anne’s Church, and Capernaum), so you may want to exchange a few dollars to have change.

– Sunglasses, sunhat and sunscreen.

– Small LED torch or pocket lamp and spare battery.

– Pens, notebook.

– Sleeping mask and ear plugs.

– Photocopies of all travel documents (and leave another copy with someone at home).

– Don’t forget a Bible (or at least a New Testament), preferably the light-weight traveling kind.

The electric current in Israel and Jordan is 220-volt AC, 50Hz cycles.

Sockets in Israel are round-pronged and three-pinned (though many can accept two-pinned plugs). In Jordan, they are round-pronged and two-pinned, though some square, three-pinned British sockets are also used. Adapters should be bought prior to departure.

If your appliance is for 120 volts only (as used in Canada and the United States), you will also need a transformer to avoid damaging your appliance.

Keep your passport with you at all times.  Never give your passport to anyone other than security officials at the airport, military personnel, or police officers in Israel.  We recommend you keep a photo-copy of your passport in your checked baggage in case you lose the original.  

Payment plan available at some additional cost-please inquire if necessary.

All prices are based on double occupancy, single supplement available.

A completed application and a $500 non-refundable, non-transferable deposit due 120 days prior to your tour, reserve your spot. FIRST COME FIRST SERVED-Sign up as soon as possible. 

Balance of payment is due as soon as possible, but is required no later than 90 days prior to your tour. If balance of payment is not received by the deadline, your seat is forfeited. If your trip must be cancelled within 90 days of departure, WLT is unable to refund any money. All cancellation claims must go through your travel insurance, which is not included in the cost of this trip. 

Deposit is non-refundable. If you must cancel at any time you have until 120 days prior to trip to receive a full refund minus deposit. After 120 days prior to trip, we are unable to refund any of your money. Any refunds or reimbursement should be handled by your chosen travel insurance company.

We highly recommend travel insurance.

***All the flights and ticketing are subject to the airlines.  Neither White Label Tours nor principals are responsible for weather or circumstances beyond their control.  IGT Tour Company takes over as we clear customs at the airport in Tel Aviv. You are responsible for navigating your way through the airport, checking in, passing through security and customs as required.  

This tour has a lot of walking to get to many of the sites we will enjoy.  Make sure you are in good health.  All related issues of health, medications, ability to keep up with the tour are solely your own.  We recommend you purchase travel insurance.  White Label Tours is not liable or responsible for any injury during the tour at any time.  You are responsible for your own limitations just as if you were traveling on your own.  The Tour Guide instructions on the land in Israel is regarded as the participants responsibility to follow.  The participant in the tour bears their own responsibility for their own behaviors.  A valid passport is required to visit Israel.  No shots are required for American Citizens.  A temporary visa will be provided and filled out on the plane.  If you are not an American Citizen, you may be required to obtain a valid visa and should contact the Israel Embassy nearest you to inquire about obtaining an entry visa for Israel.  Obtaining a passport and/or visa is the sole responsibility of the passenger.