FAQ

What to do when you arrive in Israel?

When your flight lands in Tel Aviv, you will gather your carry-on luggage, get off the plane, and follow the crowd to immigration. You will stand in line to show your passport. They will give you a little slip of paper with a bar code on it. You will need to use that paper to activate the exit gate to go to the luggage area.

Once you enter the baggage claim area, you will see a person standing with a TCRG sign. Be sure to wear your name tag. Before you get your baggage, check in with the tour representative holding the sign. Once they have your name checked off, get your luggage and return to the person with the sign. Once everyone has their luggage, we leave the baggage claim area and board our bus. The bus driver will load your luggage under the bus, and you can sit anywhere on the bus you would like.

Is there a lot of walking?

Although there is a lot of walking, those of you who are less active will still enjoy the trip. There will be a lot of walking and some stairs. There are often benches to rest, if needed; or, if the terrain is too rough or rocky, you can always stay in the bus for certain activities. Wear comfortable, broken in walking shoes.

Is the water safe to drink?

Israel is a modern country. The hotel water is safe to drink. ALSO, please note that the bus driver always has a cooler full of bottled water for you for $1 a bottle.

Any tips for overcoming jet lag?

Israel is 7 hours ahead of the Eastern time zone. A healthy body recovers more quickly to adjusting your internal clock to Israeli time. Be rested prior to the flight and drink a lot of water to help get hydrated prior to flying. On the day of your flight, eat a light, healthy meal and plenty of water. Long flights dehydrate your body, so water is suggested instead of caffeine.

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 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 wakeup call will be at 6:15 a.m.

What will the weather be like?

In the winter and spring, daily weather can vary greatly from day to day and depending on the part of the country. The Masada and Dead Sea daytimes highs are often in the 70’s to 80, (morning in 50’s). Around the Sea of Galilee, it is around 50’s to 60’s. Jerusalem is the coolest, with daytime highs usually in the upper 40’s to lower 50’s – however, the morning and evenings are very cool in the lower 40’s/upper 30’s. Wear layers that you can remove as the day becomes warmer. Temperatures in Israel are in Celsius.

In the summer, it is hot. At the Masada and Dead Sea, daytime highs are often in the upper 90’s to triple digits. Around the Sea of Galilee, it is the upper 80’s to lower 90’s. Jerusalem is the coolest, with daytime highs usually in the upper 80’s to lower 90’s.

What can I expect if I participate in the baptism?

If you plan to be baptized in the Jordan, you will rent a baptismal gown, towel and use the changing facilities for approximately $10 US dollars. The changing facilities give you a place for changing privately, showers, bathrooms, etc. MAKE SURE YOU BRING YOUR BATHING SUIT OR AN EXTRA SET OF TRAVEL CLOTHES TO WEAR UNDER YOUR BAPTISMAL GOWN. THE GOWN IS TRANSPARENT WHEN WET. Also, shoes to wear in the water (also at the Dead Sea) will make your experience more comfortable.

What will the hotels be like?

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.