DAY 1, Arrival to Israel Arrival at Ben Gurion Airport. Met and welcomed by a Levy Tours representative and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Tel Aviv.
DAY 2, Jaffa / Caesarea / Mount Carmel / Mukhraka where St. Peter
had his vision on the rooftop of the House of Simon the tanner (Acts 10:32),
raised Tabitha from the dead (Acts 9:36); Jonah set sail to Tarshish (Jonah 1:3) and King Solomon built his
port (2 Chron. 2:16) on the Mediterranean.
Caesarea
– the magnificent ruins of Herod’s showcase port city continue the
story of St. Peter, with his conversion of Cornelius’ household
(Acts 10:24). Caesarea is also the scene of St. Paul’s imprisonment
(Acts 23:35), his appearance before King Agrippa and his departure
for Rome (Acts 25:13-26:32). It figures centrally in the history of
early Christianity as home to the Church father Eusebius.
The Carmelite
Monastery of Mukhraka
– where
Elijah called down fire from Heaven (1 Kings 18:19-39). After this
miracle, a great drought ended with the appearance of a small cloud
over the sea (1 Kings 18:44), a pre-figuring of St. Mary.
Possible venues
for Mass: Church
of St. Peter in Jaffa, Carmelite Monastery of Mukhraka.
DAY 3, Around the Sea of Galilee A boat-ride
across the Sea of Galilee in a wooden vessel reminiscent of Jesus’
day. The Ancient
Galilee Boat
– a
wooden vessel dating back to the days of Jesus in a fascinating
display.
Mount of
Beatitudes –
where Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5), and one of
many sites where Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II prayed.The Tabha
Benedictine Monastery Multiplication of Loaves and Fishes
– the
site of the feeding of the 5,000 (Matt. 14:13-21).
Church of the
Primacy of Peter
– site of
the miraculous catch of fish (John 21:6), where Jesus appeared to
the disciples after the Resurrection (John 21:7), and of St. Peter’s
reconciliation to Jesus (John 21:15-19). Capernaum –
scene of many miracles and teachings, and known as Jesus’ “own town”
(Matt. 9:1), including: The House of St.
Peter –
(Mark 1:29) and the Memorial of St. Peter.
The Ancient Synagogue – built over the site
where Jesus preached (Mark 1:21). Tiberias –
built by Herod Antipas (Luke 13:31) during Jesus’ ministry, Tiberias
is the contemporary capital of the Sea of Galilee, with many
reminders of Bible days. Possible venues
for Mass:
Mount of Beatitudes; Peter’s Primacy; Memorial of St. Peter in
Capernaum, St. Peter’s Church in Tiberias.
DAY 4, From Armageddon to Nazareth
Megiddo –
with ramparts, temples, dwellings and a water system that made it
one of the greatest cities of the ancient Near East, Megiddo became
a regional capital of King Solomon (1 Kings 9:15), and is the New
Testament’s Armageddon (Rev. 16:16). Cana –
on the outskirts of Nazareth, here Jesus performed the first
miracle, changing water into wine (John 2:1-11), with the Wedding
Church and the Church of Nathanael (John 21:2). Nazareth –
beautiful churches now grace Jesus’ boyhood home, including Mensa
Christi in an old residential quarter, the Synagogue Church in the
market, St. Gabriel’s Church over the ancient spring, the Church of
St. Joseph, and the jewel in the crown, the Basilica of the
Annunciation, with its magnificent representations of Mary from
around the world. Possible venues
for Mass:
the Basilica of the Annunciation, the Church of St. Joseph, Cana.
DAY 5, Upper Galilee: From Bethsaida to Dan
Bethsaida
– home of Sts. Peter, Andrew and Philip (John 1:44), where Jesus
healed a blind man (Mark 8:22), with remains of a fisherman’s
house, a grape-grower’s house and a street from Jesus’ day, and the
huge gateway of the biblical city of Geshur, home of David’s wife
Maacah (2 Sam 3:3). A place for prayer and Mass overlooking the Sea
of Galilee has been set up here for pilgrims by the Archdiocese of
Omaha, Nebraska. Caesarea
Philippi (Banias)
– at the headwaters of the Jordan, where Jesus asked his disciples
“Who do men say that I am” (Mark 8:27) and gave St. Peter the keys
to Heaven (Matt. 16:19). Banias also features the ruins of temples
built by Herod and his son Philip (Luke 3:1), and a thundering
waterfall. Dan
– a treasure-trove of Old Testament history dating back to Abraham
(Gen. 14:14) in a magnificent natural setting that brings alive the
biblical verse “a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs”
(Deut. 8:7). Domus
Galilaeae– some pilgrims may want to visit this center of the
Neo-Catechumenal Way. Possible venues
for Mass:
Bethsaida, outdoors at Caesarea Philippi, Domus Galilaeae.
DAY 6, Jerusalem – The Mount of Olives and Mount Zion
Mount of Olives – a
magnificent vantage point of the Holy City, with many important
churches marking biblical sites, including: Paternoster –
where Jesus taught the Our Father prayer (Luke 11:1-4). The Dome of the
Ascension
– the site where Jesus ascended to Heaven (Acts 1:11). Bethphage –
where Jesus began the triumphal entrance to Jerusalem on Palm Sunday
(Luke 19:29). Dominus Flevit –
where Jesus wept over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41). The Garden of
Gethsemane –
with its ancient olive trees where Jesus was arrested (John
18:1-12), next to the Church of All Nations, named for the
contributions made by Catholics from around the world. The church
overlooks the Kidron Valley (John 18:1), and is also known as the
Basilica of the Agony, as here Jesus sweated blood in fervent prayer
(Luke 22:44). Mount
Zion,
including: St. Peter in
Gallicantu– with
its beautiful mosaics and bronze statuary, built over the ruins of
the house of Caiphas (Matt. 26:57), the stone pit where tradition
says Jesus was held, and the Sacred Staircase, which for centuries
has led here from the Kidron Valley. The Coenaculum– or Room
of the Last Supper, built over the site of where Jesus and the
disciples celebrated the first Eucharist (Mark 14:24). Dormition Abbey –
marking the site of the Dormition of Mary, where Mary was taken up
to Heaven. Possible venues
for Mass:
Pater Noster, Dominus Flevit, Church of All Nations, or the
Dormition Abbey; St. Peter in Gallicantu, Bethphage.
DAY 7, Jerusalem New City – Bethlehem* After breakfast, drive to the spectacular Model of Jerusalem as it was at the time of the Second Temple in Jesus’ time. See the views that he would have seen whenever he came to Jerusalem to celebrate the Sabbath or holidays. Proceed to Yad Vashem, the Memorial to the victims of the Holocaust, and then
drive to the Israel Museum with its Shrine of the Book, where the Dead Sea scrolls are kept, then see the the Knesset (the Israeli Parliament) and the Supreme Court. From here we proceed to Bethlehem to visit the Church of the Nativity (Luke 2: 1-7). Return to the hotel for overnight. *This is subject to local conditions at the time of the tour
DAY 8, Jerusalem – the Via Dolorosa and Ein Karem
Via Dolorosa – following the Stations of the Cross from the Chapel of the
Flagellation, and the Sisters of Zion Convent, through the streets
of Old Jerusalem to the Judgment Gate and the Tomb of Jesus in the
Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Pools of
Bethesda
– where Jesus healed a paralytic (John 5:2). Church of St.
Anne
– built over the home of Anne and Joachim, the parents of Mary.
Ein Karem
– the “city of Judah” (Luke 1:39), which was birthplace of John the
Baptist, including: Church of the
Visitation
– where Mary met Elizabeth and uttered the Magnificat (Luke
1:46-55). Church of St.
John –
where John the Baptist was born. Possible venues
for Mass:
The Franciscan Chapel in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher; the
Church of the Visitation; the Church of St. John.
DAY 9, Dead Sea / Masada
The Judean
wilderness– where
John the Baptist preached (Matt. 3:1) and where Jesus fasted for 40
days and nights (Matt. 4:2). Inn of the Good
Samaritan
– traditional site of Jesus’ parable (Luke 10:30-37). Qumran –
where the Dead Sea Scrolls where discovered. Massada –
the dramatic mountain fortress built by Herod the Great where the
Jews made their last stand against the Romans in the Great Revolt.
The Dead Sea
– The lowest, saltiest body of water on earth; the Salt Sea, or
Eastern Sea of the Bible (Josh. 15:5; Ezek. 47:18). Possible venue
for Mass:
Open-air at Qumran.
DAY 10, flight home We enjoy our final meal and continue to the airport for our flight home. Returning home with unforgettable memories and new friends that are forever
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 Catholic 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.
