Groups travel through the country in a bus with up to 50 seats. The same itinerary can be done by 4 different buses at the same time (traveling in parallel), with each bus with having its own tour guide. From 5 buses, and more the itineraries will be run in different sequence. The costs of a tour guide, and the bus are called ‘collective rates’.  These costs are shared by the number of participants, and this is the reason why the rates come down when a bus fills up

When you are choosing your dates, there are several elements that you should take into consideration:

1. Jewish Holidays

The prices of hotels are very high around the Jewish Festivals and it’s harder to obtain hotel rooms. In addition, there  are days that sites, museums and restaurants are closed. During the Jewish Passover holiday kosher hotels, shops & restaurants do not have leavened bread.

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2. Weather

Israel has a mild climate all year round, meaning there is not really a time to avoid visiting Israel. The summer months (July and August) are, however, generally very hot, with average temperatures over 35^o Celsius (95^o Fahrenheit).  While the winter months (December, January, February) can be unpredictable, with periodic rainstorms, often lasting a few days at a time, and even snow. From some time in March there is often pleasant spring-like weather. The best months for travelling to Israel are March, April, May and October, November. The best, and most beautiful time to hike is March and April, when the country is in bloom with the rebirth of spring flowers and blossoms. To experience this time of year from up close we highly recommend the Jesus Trek: www.thejesustrek.com

Many Jewish people observe Shabbat, starting at sunset on Friday, and ending at sunset on Saturday. Therefore nearly all shops, restaurants, museums and public transport are closing on Friday afternoon, and either re-open on Saturday night, or Sunday morning.  Arab and non-kosher establishments are however open, and taxis and sheruts (shared taxis) still operate . Nature parks and most Christian ‘Holy places are open on Saturday, but some of them are closed on Sunday.

Important:

we do NOT recommend planning check-in at any hotel on Saturday, due to the Shabbat (check-in is usually very late, approximately two hours after the Shabbat ends).

Location of the hotel will affect the price as well. For example close to the Old City of Jerusalem, Tiberias, Tel Aviv or specific views.

Including all meals creates a flow in the itinerary whereby everything is included. Including lunches in your quote will of course influence the price of your land package. Leaving out lunches gives participants the option to choose on their own, and to enjoy some local fast food. For larger groups of 40 and more  we do recommend including lunches logistical reasons. Sit-down lunches cost 20 US Dollar per lunch. Beverages are not included in the land package.

Please note that in general the buffets at hotels, both in the morning, and in the evening provide a large variety of food (appropriate for a variety of dietary requirements, such as gluten free, vegetarian etc. Please always indicate this need clearly before arrival).