Highlights | Escorted Package Includes - Round trip flights NYC-Tel Aviv
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices - Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
- 13 nights First Class accommodations
- All transfers
- 18 meals: 13 breakfasts, 5 dinners
- Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
- Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
- Entrance fees per itinerary
Special Features - Jerusalem Old City and Western Wall
- Yad Vashem
- Shrine of the Book (Dead Sea Scrolls)
- Masada and the Dead Sea
- Beit Shean
Also Available
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Itinerary | 
DAY 1, Thursday - Depart the USA
Depart the USA for Israel. Your flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment for your journey DAY 2, Friday - Arrive in Tel Aviv and transfer to Jerusalem
Arrive in Tel Aviv and transfer to your hotel. This evening enjoy a welcome briefing
Overnight: Jerusalem
DAY 3, Saturday - Jerusalem Old City Tour*
This morning, begin your tour of Jerusalem with a view of the city spread before you from Mount Scopus, the campus of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Continue to Jerusalem's walled Old City, which is divided into 4 Quarters: Christian, Jewish, Armenian and Muslim. Stroll through the colorful winding alleys of the city. See the Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall, where Shabbat services will be taking place. Walk along the Via Dolorosa, and some of the Stations of the Cross en route to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Visit the Tower of David Museum that presents the story of Jerusalem, its history and its significance to three religions. Pass through the local bazaars. End your tour at Mt Zion, and visit the traditional burial place of King David. Balance of the day at leisure
Overnight: Jerusalem
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner DAY 4, Sunday - Jewish Quarter*
After breakfast, return to the Old City. Walk through the Jewish Quarter, which was reconstructed after the city was unified at the conclusion of the Six-Day War in 1967. A special point of interest is the "Cardo", meaning the "heart" of this ancient Byzantine City. View the unearthed main Roman thoroughfare and ancient marketplace lined with columns, once again a vibrant shopping street. See the "Broad Wall" which was part of the fortifications of Jerusalem during the First Temple Period. Proceed through the broad stone stairway down to the Western Wall, a remnant of the Second Temple. Visit the Davidson Center and the site of the southern Temple Mount excavations. Next, visit the underground Rabbinical Tunnels, the incredible excavation of the labyrinth of tunnels, arches, and passageways remained untouched for centuries
Optional: Half Day Jerusalem Herodian Mansions & Burnt House (PM)
Optional: Illuminated Jerusalem with Dinner
Overnight: Jerusalem
Meals: Breakfast DAY 5, Monday - Jerusalem New City Tour*
This morning, visit the Shrine of the Book at the Israel Museum, where the Dead Sea Scrolls are housed on a rotating platform. Following your museum visit, continue to Yad Vashem and visit Israel's memorial to the Holocaust. Next you will visit Mount Herzl Military Cemetery, where Israel's dignitaries are buried. The tour continues past the Knesset, Israel's Parliament Building, and the President's House. Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure
Optional: Half Day Bethlehem
Overnight: Jerusalem
Meals: Breakfast DAY 6, Tuesday - Masada, Dead Sea
This morning descend through the Judean Desert to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth at 1200 feet below sea level. Drive along the shores to Masada. A fortress built by King Herod, and later used by the Jewish Zealots as their last stronghold against the Romans. Arriving in Masada, ascend the mount via cable car to visit the excavations. Descend via cable car. Next, visit the Museum of Masada. The museum combines archaeological artifacts and a theatrical atmosphere, together with accompanying radio play and audio explanations, to create a meaningful guided tour of the Story of Masada. This evening enjoy dinner at your hotel in Dead Sea
Overnight: Dead Sea
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner DAY 7, Wednesday - Jordan Valley, Beit Shean
This morning, depart for a stop at Ahava Dead Sea Laboratories and observe first-hand how creams and lotions are made with minerals extracted from the Sea. Drive past Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in caves nearby. Continue north through the Jordan Valley to visit the excavations and Roman amphitheater of Beit Shean, a city mentioned in the Bible, later a Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine city which was destroyed by an earthquake in 749AD, rebuilt today as a modern Israeli city. Afterwards, proceed to Beit Alpha and visit the zodiac mosaic floor in the ancient synagogue. Continue to Galilee for dinner at the Kibbutz
Overnight: Galilee
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner DAY 8, Thursday - Full Day in Galilee
Enjoy a full day at leisure on the Kibbutz, a type of community unique to Israel
Optional: Full Day Golan Heights Tour with Lunch
Overnight: Galilee
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner DAY 9, Friday - Nazareth, Haifa and Caesarea Sightseeing
Drive south through the Galilean hills via Nazareth to Haifa stopping for a view of the picturesque Bahai Gardens. Proceed to the Mediterranean coast, and visit Caesarea. Tour the remains of the Roman and Crusader ruins and the impressive theatre. Visit the harbor and see ancient history come to life with the multi-media presentation. Drive south along the coastal highway to Tel Aviv. In the early evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight: Tel Aviv
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner DAY 10, Saturday - Day at leisure in Tel Aviv
This morning enjoy a hotel-operated walking tour of the Neve Zedak neighborhood located within a short walk from the hotel which is located on the old border line between Old Tel Aviv and Jaffa. The tour departs from the hotel lobby entrance at 11 am. (Sat) and will return within 2 hours
Overnight: Tel Aviv
Meals: Breakfast DAY 11, Sunday - Full Day in Eilat
Depart Tel Aviv this morning and journey south to Eilat. En route, you will travel through the Negev, first visiting Kibbutz Sde Boker, the final home and self-chosen burial site of Israel's first Prime Minister David Ben Gurion, and then on to Mizpe Ramon, where you will learn more about this fascinating, up-and-coming region. Continue to Eilat and check in to your hotel. Balance of the day at leisure
Overnight: Eilat
Meals: Breakfast DAY 12, Monday - Full Day in Eilat
Full day at leisure in Eilat
Optional: One Day Petra
Overnight: Eilat
Meals: Breakfast DAY 13, Tuesday - Full Day in Eilat
Full day at leisure in Eilat
Optional: King Solomon's Mines & Timna Park
Overnight: Eilat
Meals: Breakfast DAY 14, Wednesday - Drive to Tel Aviv
After breakfast, travel from Eilat to Tel Aviv
Overnight: Tel Aviv
Meals: Breakfast DAY 15, Thursday - Depart for the USA
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast *Please note that due to local events, the order of the Jerusalem sightseeing might be altered. Details will be provided locally by your Tour Manager. |
| | Gate 1 itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently. |
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Optionals | 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! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure. | Half Day Jerusalem Herodian Mansions & Burnt House | Day #4 |
01 Apr 2012 - 31 Mar 2013 $45
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This tour features two visits that take you back to the time of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, an era reaching back as far back as 515 BCE. Your first stop will be a 6 house compound known as the Herodian Mansions. These were the homes of aristocracy, most especially Temple priests and their families. The homes were designed in the Hellenistic Roman style popular at the time. The design of the dwellings, and the findings revealed during the excavations, bear witness to the residents' wealth and high standard of living. They allow us to observe the living conditions and way of life of the Jerusalem upper class on the eve of the destruction of the Second Temple. The last visit on this tour will be to the Burnt House, which was excavated in the 1970's. It was believed to have been set ablaze by the Roman legions in 70 AD. It was owned by the Kathros family, members of the wealthy Temple priest aristocracy. You will view an emotional video reproduction of the 2000 year old events, as they were appearing before your very eyes. Watch as they prepare their revolt against the Romans, the different political opinions of the family members, the storming of the city and the house, and the destruction of the temple and the torching of the house.
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| Illuminated Jerusalem with dinner 7:00 PM | Day #4 |
01 Apr 2012 - 31 Mar 2013 $61
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Jerusalem at night shows off her splendor. Drive by the walls of the Old City, and various other monuments to see the city in a new light. Continue to a local restaurant for dinner.
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| Half Day Bethlehem 2:00 PM | Day #5 |
01 Apr 2012 - 31 Mar 2013 $33
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Enjoy a half day tour featuring the Church of the Nativity, the oldest church in the Holy Land, still in use and commemorates the birthplace of Jesus Christ. Many restoration projects have occurred through the years. Presently the facade of the Church of the Nativity is encircled by the high walls of the three convents: the Franciscan on the northeast side, the Greek Orthodox and the Armenian Orthodox, on the southeast side. A shopping stop for local souvenirs and olive wood handicrafts is included. Please note that Bethlehem is located six miles south of Jerusalem in the West Bank and governed by the Palestinian National Authority.
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| Full Day Golan Heights with lunch | Day #8 |
01 Apr 2012 - 31 Mar 2013 $94
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Drive to Safed, a holy city in Judaism and the center of the mystical Kabbala. Stroll through the artists' colony and visit an ancient synagogue. Proceed to Golan Heights stopping at Mitzphe Gadot for a tour and lunch at Kibbutz Gadot. Continue to Har Ben Tal site of a former Israeli bunker. Next visit a kosher winery in Katzrin, the largest town in the Golan Heights. Return to your hotel.
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| One Day Petra 7:30 AM | Day #12 |
01 Apr 2012 - 31 Mar 2013 $296
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Petra was first established around the 6th Century BC by the Nabatean Arabs, a nomadic tribe who settled in south Jordan for more than 2000 years ago. The tour starts from the Tourist Center with a horseback ride to the entrance of the narrow (1 Km) Siq or gorge with towering rock walls soaring to 200 meters. Following a walk through the Siq, be confronted by the magnificent and dramatic facade of the most famous monument in Petra, the Treasury. Various walks and climbs reveal literally hundreds of buildings, facades, baths, funerary halls, soaring temples, royal tombs, markets, paved streets, as well as the 3000 seat theatre from the early 1st Century AD. After completing border formalities, transfer to your hotel in Eilat.
* Please note that a fee of $55, which includes border taxes and services fees, must be paid locally.
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| King Solomon's Mines & Timna Park | Day #13 |
01 Apr 2012 - 31 Mar 2013 $65
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Travel north of Eilat along the Arava to Timna Valley. Drive through the park and view the unusual rock formations, where centuries of wind have eroded the rocks into shapes that look like mushrooms and other formations. View the remains of the ancient copper mines, traditionally called King Solomon's mines. See the ancient Egyptian temple dedicated to Hathor, goddess of mining. See the multi-media exhibit telling the story of this fascinating place.
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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! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure. |
Rates & Hotels | Step 1: Select Your Featured Hotels Step 2: Click a Date to Book Online
OR: Click here to create your own flexible vacation |
*Not Included:
Optional tours and gratuities.
Additional Information:
Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers.
The Oct 11 departure may be accommodated at the Pastoral Kfar Blum hotel in Galilee. Oct 18 '12, Oct 25 '12, Jan 10 '13 and Mar 7 '13 departures will be accommodated at Rimonim Eilat in Eilat. Hotel check-in is 4:00 pm. If you have an early arrival and want to check-in prior to 4:00 pm you may pre-purchase an additional hotel night. Hotel check-out is 12:00 pm. If you have a late departure flight and want to depart later than 12:00 pm you may pre-purchase a hotel Day Use Room. Please note: Hotel checkout for a Day Use Room is 6:00 pm. If you have a flight which requires a longer stay, you may purchase a full post night.
Entry Requirements:
Passengers traveling abroad require a passport valid for six months beyond their travel dates. All travelers are responsible to check if a visa is required for all countries on their itinerary. For visa information,
check our Visas page.
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| 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. | | Passports and Visas | It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. IMPORTANT: Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies.
It is strongly recommended that passengers apply for visas before traveling, even where it may be possible to apply locally. Applying for a visa locally can be a lengthy process.
| | 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.
| | Making Telephone Calls from One Country to Another | When dialing a number from one country to another, you should proceed as follows: dial your country's Exit Code + destination Country Code + Phone Number.
For most countries, the exit code is 00. Exceptions include the USA and Canada (011), Hong Kong and Cambodia (001), Australia (0011), and Russia (8 Pause 10*). For Brazil, please consult with the local telephone company. If the international number you wish to call starts with a 0 (zero), you must drop this starting digit when dialing the number.
| | Health Information | Check with your personal physician for the latest overseas travel health information, or contact the Center for Disease Control’s travelers’ hotline at 800-232-4636, web site www.cdc.gov.
| Notice on Aircraft Cabin Insecticide Treatment - Please note that some countries may require aircraft cabin insecticide treatment for in-bound foreign flights. A list of such countries is available at:
http://ostpxweb.dot.gov/policy/safetyenergyenv/disinsection.htm.
| | Climate & Clothing | 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.
Israel Average Temperatures: http://www.gate1travel.com/weather/mediterranean/default.aspx#israel-weather
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| E-Tickets & Check-In Procedures |
Please review the flight itinerary included in these documents. 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.
If your flight itinerary displays a flight as “Operated By” another carrier, you should check-in at the desk of the “Operated By” airline. When you arrive at the airport, check the airport monitors for updated check-in desk listings.
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 or Flight Ticket 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.
If your tour program includes foreign domestic flights, and those tickets are not included together with the e-ticket itinerary in these documents, a separate voucher(s) confirming those services will be included. You will receive those tickets at your destination from a Gate 1 representative.
| | Airline Flights | Please check in at least three hours prior to the scheduled departure time to allow for security steps. Many airlines do not permit check-in less than one hour prior to the scheduled departure time. 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 as Gate 1 has no authority or control over airline activities and policies. Do not leave the airline check-in desk until an alternative itinerary has been confirmed for you.
Passengers are responsible to reconfirm their flights 72 hours prior to departure. Passengers are also recommended to reconfirm their flight schedule, seat assignments, special meal requests and frequent flier numbers, as applicable. In the event of an airline schedule change, Gate 1 will make every effort to inform passengers of the schedule change and new flight schedule prior to departure. Gate 1 is not responsible for schedule changes including, when applicable, changes in routing and/or the number of stops in the itinerary. Gate 1 is unable to provide compensation for schedule changes or cancellations implemented by an airline. In the event of any change in flight itinerary made directly between passengers and their airline, it is the passengers' responsibility to advise Gate 1 of amended flight details in writing to service@gate1travel.com. Gate 1 cannot be held responsible for land services, including arrival and/or departure transfers, if flights are changed without its knowledge.
| | 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, both inside and outside of the USA, typically on small aircraft, may differ. Therefore, we suggest that you check in advance if you are concerned about size or weight restrictions of hand and/or checked luggage. Most airlines apply charges for checked bags. For detailed information regarding your airline's checked baggage policies please visit http://www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. Airline policies vary and may change at any time. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for any excess luggage/ weight charges levied by an airline.
| | 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.
| | Frequent Flier Programs | Passengers are responsible to contact their airline directly regarding mileage eligibility and accrual. Airline frequent flier programs determine whether to award miles in part or total based on their own rules which are updated frequently. Some discounted or promotional airfares are not eligible for mileage accrual. Gate 1 Travel will record frequent flier numbers when provided by the passenger prior to travel documents being issued. However, the addition of frequent flier numbers to airline records does not guarantee mileage eligibility which is at the sole discretion of each airline.
| | 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 (eg: Delta), you may find that you are actually seated in a plane belonging to another carrier (eg: 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 or Gate 1 Travel for clarification.
| | Luggage | All Gate 1 land tour packages allow one piece of luggage per person, plus carry-on bag. Please refer to “Airline Luggage Restrictions” for guidance regarding airline policies and charges for checked bags. As Gate 1 will not be responsible for loss or damage to luggage and personal belongings, 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. See www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx for Important Baggage Information for U.S. Travelers.
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| 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 Gate 1 Travel 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 Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher.
| Israel - You will be met by our local representative after you have completed immigration formalities in the baggage claim area. Look for someone holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it, or your name might be paged to approach the Information Desk. If you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher.
Customers arriving from Eilat to domestic terminal #3 will meet the transfer car holding a Gate 1 sign outside on the sidewalk.
| | 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. Gate 1 Travel 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, providing you have purchased airfare from Gate 1 to arrive and depart on the scheduled tour dates. If you are traveling independently, you may purchase the transfers from Gate 1 or contract your own method of transportation to the hotel or cruise ship.
The cost of a transfer is more expensive than hiring a taxi, as a Gate 1 transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or 'dead-leg'. Often the places of call (airports, seaports, hotels) demand entrance and parking fees, where drivers may have to wait for up to an hour. Passengers comfortable hiring a taxi on their own and do not require assistance will save money
| | About Your Escorted Tour Participants in Israel | Please note that the number of participants may vary during your tour as we accommodate travelers at different points of the trip. All 11 Day and 15 Day passengers will begin their trip with the overnight in Jerusalem on Friday. At the end of the tour, 11 Day passengers will depart from Tel Aviv and fly home while 15 Day passengers will head to Eilat for an extended stay. Upon initial arrival to Jerusalem, you will be invited to join a welcome orientation with your Tour Manager and will meet your tour companions.
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| Hotels | Gate 1 Travel 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.
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| 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 Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for checkin. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents.
| | Shopping | Most people enjoy bringing home at least one souvenir from the countries they visit. However, some find any amount of shopping to be too much while others never find enough opportunities.
We have built into our Escorted itineraries a few shopping stops at recommended spots. These stops are designed to enhance your experience by providing an opportunity to see first-hand quality locally-crafted merchandise which you may not be able to find alone. Shops are checked to ensure the quality and authenticity of the products they offer, and we limit guides from visiting other locations. In some cases, we plan these stops to provide an opportunity to use clean bathrooms and to stretch your legs.
While shopping independently, 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!
About Tax-Free Shopping
Tax-Free Shopping (TFS) allows shoppers to reclaim the VAT (Value-Added Tax) or GST (Goods and Services Tax) they have paid on their shopping in some foreign countries. Currently, about 50 countries allow foreign visitors to have their taxes reimbursed. TFS is subject to national regulations such as minimum spend and restrictions on the types of products on which it can be claimed. TSF is currently available in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mexico, Morocco, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russian Federation, Singapore, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey and the United Kingdom. Eligible countries and their specific regulations are subject to change at any time including the % of VAT which is reclaimable and the minimum purchase amount restriction. When planning to shop in a country with Tax-Free Shopping and to reclaim VAT/GST taxes, we recommend that you check the current regulations prior to completing your purchase. In many cases, stores will display signage such as “VAT Refunds for Tourists.” Normally, you will need to present your passport and receive a VAT Refund Application form(s) from the store along with an explanation of how to claim your refund. Sometimes this is completed at the airport upon departure or later via mail from your home. Service fees may apply. Alternatively, you may choose to work with a fee-based VAT Refund Service.
| Israel - 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 | We suggest getting a small amount of currency for the first country you're visiting before you leave the U.S. It is a good idea to carry a chart with you to help you convert U.S. dollars to the local currency. It's also a good idea not to carry too much money. Many countries have ATM machines that accept most U.S. ATM cards, but be sure you know your ATM password in numbers-the keypads on foreign ATMs don't always have letters. ATM machines will only dispense cash in local currency. Check with respective consulates to learn current currency allowances and requirements. Use your credit card whenever possible. Should you decide to carry cash or travelers checks, exchange them at banks where the rate is more favorable than at hotels or exchange bureaus. Please note that many banks and most vendors will not accept or exchange $100 bills. We suggest to carry $20 bills or smaller.
| Israel - 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 Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information. http://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional
| | One Day Petra - Border Taxes & Fees | | Please note that a fee of $50, which includes border taxes and services fees, must be paid locally. | | 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.
Most US-issued credit cards rely on magnetic-strip technology rather than embedded microprocessor chips which are increasingly common overseas. These “chip-and-PIN” cards require users to punch in a personal identification number (PIN) instead of signing for a purchase. For example, many automated ticket kiosks, such as those commonly found at train stations, gas pumps and parking garages, don’t accept cards without a chip and PIN. Most cash registers are equipped to handle American cards but if you encounter difficulties, offer an alternative credit card or politely insist that the cashier keep trying to swipe the credit card. ATMs typically recognize and accept US issued debit cards. For travel to Europe, should you anticipate using ticket kiosks or purchasing train tickets locally, you may consider buying tickets and other basic purchases prior to departure.
| | Gratuities | This is a matter of personal discretion. You may use the following as a guideline:
General Suggested Tipping
- Tour escort (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide): $6 or $7 per person per day
- Tour escort helper (in some countries): $1 per day
- Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage) : $3 per person per day, $2 per half day
- Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program): $2 per person per half day of sightseeing, $3 per full day
Suggested Tipping: Hotels
- Porter: $2.00 per bag per person
- Wait staff: 5-10% of the bill (lunch or dinner)
- Chamber maid: $1.00 per person per day
Suggested Tipping: Sea Cruises
- Royal Caribbean: Standard gratuities (subject to change) are $9.75 per person per day including Stateroom attendant, Dining Room Waiter, Assistant Waiter, & Headwaiter ($12 per person per day for Suite guests)
- Louis Hellenic: approx $11 per person per day added automatically to the shipboard account
- Galapagos Islands: $8-9 per person per day
Suggested Tipping: River Cruises
- Europe: Crew: $10 per person per day, Gate 1 Cruise Director: $6 to $7 per person per day
- Russia & Ukraine: Crew: $8 to $10 per person per day
- Egypt: Crew: $5 per person per day
- China: Crew: $8 to $10 per person per day
- Ecuador: Crew: $12 per person per day; Ship's naturalist: $6 per person per day
- Peru: Crew: $15 per person per day
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 local office. Numbers have been provided in your documents for your convenience.
| Israel - 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 Gate 1 Travel to ensure your safety. However, it is important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while on your trip. Here are several tips which, if followed, will save much potential hardship:
- Be aware of potentially dangerous places and situations as you would be at home. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and carry your valuables concealed in inside pockets or hidden pouches. Your objective is to avoid drawing attention and to blend in with the crowd
- Don't put all your valuables (money, credit cards, passports, etc.) in the same place (in case one wallet is stolen, you should have other valuables and identification in another safe place)
- Do not 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
- Credit cards are generally accepted everywhere and are safer than traveling with large amounts of cash
- Do not pack valuables (cameras, computers, jewelry, etc.) in your checked luggage. Keep hard-to-replace valuables with you in your carry-on bag
- Keep wallets safely tucked into front trouser pockets and/or wear a money pouch inside your clothing
- Carry handbags close to your body, shoulder bags the cross-body method with the bag in front of your body.
If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel 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.
| Independent Activities - Gate 1 itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently and with due consideration. Gate 1 is not responsible for any activities not expressly included in its programs. Caution should be exercised when selecting certain activities that may require physical strength, coordination or exertion. Particular care should be taken when considering animal rides, such as on camels, mules or horses
| | Local Emergency Phone Numbers | Israel- Ambulance/Medical: 101
- Fire: 102
- Police: 100
| | Languages | Israel - Hebrew and Arabic are the local languages. English is generally spoken in tourist areas.
| | Electricity | Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances.
| 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 2011 | | Mar 20-21 | Purim | | Apr 19-25 | Pesach (Passover) | May 10 | Yom Ha'Atzmaut (Israel Independence Day) | Jun 8-9 | Shavu'ot (Pentecost) | Sep 29-30 | Rosh Hashana (New Year) | Oct 8 | Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) | Oct 13-21 | Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) | Dec 21-28 | Chanukah (Festival of the Lights) |
| | Holidays 2012 | | Mar 8-9 | Purim | | Apr 7-13 | Pesach (Passover) | Apr 26 | Yom Ha'Atzmaut (Israel Independence Day) | May 27-28 | Shavu'ot (Pentecost) | Sep 17-18 | Rosh Hashana (New Year) | Sep 26 | Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) | Oct 1-9 | Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) | Dec 9-16 | Chanukah (Festival of the Lights) |
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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 Gate 1 cannot make guarantees, every effort will be made to honor special dietary requests submitted in writing at least 72 hours prior to departure to info@gate1travel.com.
| | About Your Sightseeing | When travel dates coincide with religious holidays and national celebrations, some monuments and sites may be closed, sometimes without prior notice. On these occasions, escorted touring itineraries may be amended to reflect these closures. Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, and/or due to other unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions, there may be last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, which may affect the sequence of the tour and locations visited. National monuments and tourist sites regularly undergo renovations, which can obscure the monument's view. No tour will be canceled due to renovations, however Gate 1 will decide based on the conditions whether to amend an itinerary.
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