Time of Celebration Ministries Church - Rev J.W.Flowers Sr. & Pastor J.T Flowers April 21-30 2025
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To book this package, please contact one of our reservation agents at tel: +1-215-572-7676.
*Not Included:
and airport taxes and fees
Additional Information:
Arrival & departure transfers will be accommodated for passengers who have purchased airfare independently and arrive/depart at the same group scheduled transfer time(s).
Passports & Visas:
Passengers are required to hold a passport valid for six months beyond travel dates, and are responsible to obtain visa(s) as needed.
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.
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.
- 9 nights accommodations at the following hotels:
- 1 nights The Ramada Hotel & Suite, Netanya , Israel
- 2 nights Gai Beach Hotel, Tiberias, Israel
- 6 nights Ramada Jerusalem-Deluxe Rooms- Jerusalem, Israel
- 18 meals, 9 Breakfast, 9 Dinner
- Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
- 1 Arrival & 1 Departure Group Transfer
- Services of English-speaking tour escort/manager from departure to return
- 2 bottle of water per touring day per person
- tips to guide/driver/hotel staff
- head sets for enhanced touring
- Entrance fees - Entrances to Isarel National Park Ticket, Cable Car Masada, Boat Ride on Sea of Galilee - Magdala, Yardenit Baptisim
Garden of Gethsemane, Garden Tomb Communion - Porterage of one piece per person on arrival and departure at each hotel
Additional Information:
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Cash Discount: If you should choose to pay by cash/check your final invoice will reflect a 5% discount.
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Not Included:
Airfare, Transfers, Insurance and gratuities and anything not mentioned in the Package Includes. -
Additional Information:
A $500 non-refundable deposit is due per person to create a reservation
Final payment date: 90 Days Prior to departure (Februaray 23, 2024) -
Cancel Terms:
Once a partial or full payment has been made, cancellations will only be accepted in writing. Cancellation terms will be applied based on the date that the written cancellation is received and based on the following dates prior to departure.
Up to 91 Days Prior to Departure (20 Jan 2025): $500 Per Person
90 to 61 Days Prior to Departure (21 Jan -19 Feb 2025): 50% of Land Cost & 100% of Air Cost
60 to 31 Days Prior to Departure (20 Feb -21 Mar 2025): 75% of Land Cost & 100% of Air Cost
30 Days or Less Prior to Departure /No-Show (22 Mar 2025: 100% of All Services
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Hotel check-in is 3 PM
If you have an early arrival and want to check-in prior to 3 PM, you may pre-purchase an additional hotel night. -
Hotel check-out is 11 AM
Passengers booked on PM flights will not have a hotel room for the duration of the day. -
If you wish to book a pre or post night, please contact our office. Price and availability are subject to change until booking.
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There is no refund for unused services.
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Monday - April 21, 2025
Depart from Houston - IAH:
Depart from the US to Israel (overnight flight). If you make your own flight arrangements, please make sure you arrive in Israel the afternoon of Tuesday, April 22th.
Tuesday - April 22, 2025
We arrive at Ben Gurion Airport. After passport control one of our airport representatives will meet you in the luggage area and they will assist us through customs. We will meet our guide and driver in the arrival hall and drive to Netanya, where we check in to the hotel and have dinner.
Overnight: Netanya
Meals: Dinner
Wednesday - April 23, 2025
After breakfast our first day begins with an orientation meeting. We will meet our tour leaders, guides, drivers and other believers who’ve joined us on the tour.
Today we start our Galilean excursion. On our way to Galilee, we will experience praise and worship at the 2000 year old theater in ancient Caesarea. Here at Caesarea by the sea we will see the Crusaders' castle, the Roman Amphitheater, and the seaport from which the Apostle Paul sailed to Rome.
We continue along the coast to Mount Carmel to see the site of Elijah's triumph over the prophets of Baal. Here we will hear a biblical message and experience this magnificent site. From here we continue to Megiddo on the Plain of Armageddon of latter day prophesies. We will see the remnants of the King Solomon's northern fortress's stables and its famous water supply system. We will continue to the Sea of Galilee for dinner.
Evening
Overnight: Tiberias
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Thursday - April 24, 2025
We start our day with a memorable boat ride across the Sea of Galilee. While cruising, we'll pause for a great praise and worship service and listen to the Word of God right on the Sea of Galilee. We are sure to remember the many miracles our Lord performed in this area.
After docking at Ginosar, biblical Genesseret, we will visit the Primacy of Peter to see the area where Jesus asked Peter, “Lovest thou me?” Then we'll proceed to Capernaum to see the remains of an early church, the ruins of Peter's house, and the ancient synagogue. We will gather on the Mount of Beatitudes to read the Sermon on the Mount while overlooking the Sea of Galilee and hear anointed teaching. We will also visit many of the places spoken of in the Bible concerning the ministry of Jesus, including the place of the multiplication.
Later in the afternoon we will meet at the Jordan River for a traditional Baptismal Service. After the baptismal service we will proceed back to our hotel for dinner.
Evening program in hotel
Overnight: Tiberias
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Friday - April 25, 2025
We will start our day with a visit to the little town of Cana where Jesus turned the water into wine at the wedding feast. Are you ready to renew your wedding vows here? We will have just the right pastor on hand...
We continue west to one of the world's most panoramic sites, a view of the entire city of Nazareth, the valley of Armageddon, Mount Tabor of the transfiguration and the Gilboa range. This great vista is from the top of Mt. Precipice - the cliff where Jesus was chased away as He was about to be thrown to his death by the worshipers at the synagogue.
From here we will drive through the Jordan Valley ascending to the City of the Great King - Jerusalem!
This evening we will partake in a reverent “Kabalat Shabbat” service - the receiving of the Sabbath service at the Western Wall.
Here we will mingle with thousands of Jerusalem Jews in praise & worship. This place is the only remnant of the temple atop Mt. Moriah.
Evening program in hotel
Overnight: Jerusalem
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Saturday - April 26, 2025
The Dead Sea - Masada and the Dead Sea Scrolls
We will experience Masada, atop the mountain over-looking the sea below. Masada was the last pocket of insurrection in the Jewish rebellion against the Roman Empire. 960 men, women and children defied the might of Rome and fought for three years after the destruction of Jerusalem. We will visit King Herod's Palace, the synagogue, the 2000 year old sophisticated water and irrigation systems. We will travel to the Jordan Valley via Jericho and visit the Dead Sea area where Jesus spent time in solitude, and the place of John the Baptist’s ministry. It is the deepest spot on earth at 1200 feet below sea level. We will visit Qumran where many of the Dead Sea Scrolls were found, and the surrounding wilderness where Jesus spent 40 days.
Later in the day a special treat awaits us as we go bathing in the heavy water of the Dead Sea.
Return to Jerusalem.
Overnight: Jerusalem
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Sunday - April 27, 2025
After breakfast we will start our day of touring with a view of Jerusalem from atop the Mount of Olives - what a sight!
Here we will pause to recite the pilgrim's traditional thanksgiving blessings and pray for the peace of Jerusalem. From the top of the Mount of Olives we will follow the traditional path of the footsteps of Jesus to Gethsemane.
At Gethsemane we will experience a great teaching along with praise and worship. After the service in Gethsemane we will proceed to Mount Zion to visit the Upper Room and the traditional Tomb of King David. In the afternoon we will make our way to Bethlehem. Here our guide will leave us and our driver will continue with us to the Palestinian side of the border. Who will then take us to Shepherd's Field and the Church of Nativity.
Overnight: Jerusalem
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Monday - April 28, 2025
We start our day with a special visit to the new site and excavations at the City of David.
Next we visit Yad Va'Shem, a museum built in memory of the six million Jews murdered by the Nazis in World War II. Our visit will include a commemoration of the righteous gentiles who by risking their own lives, rescued Jews from certain death.
Our last stop is a visit to the Israeli Museum where we will see the Shrine of the Book. This is the place where the Dead Sea scrolls are housed and on display. Here we will also visit the incredible model of the City of Jerusalem at the time of Jesus.
Evening program in hotel
Overnight: Jerusalem
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Tuesday - April 29, 2025
We will start our day with a rare visit to the top of the Temple Mount!
From here we will trace the footsteps of Jesus on His last day. We’ll pass on the way, the Pool of Bethesda, Stephen's Gate, St. Ann's Church, the Via Dolorosa, the Way of the Agony and the Stations of the Cross. This afternoon we visit also the Southern Wall excavations. This southern side of the temple was the main entrance for the common folk, whereas the Priests and Levites had their own entrance from the higher eastern side. Parts of the giant stairs, which led to the Temple Mount from the courtyard have been unearthed along with the purification pools. From here Jesus entered the Temple Mount and drove out the vendors and money changers who were exploiting the people. It is also likely that this is the place that Peter stood and preached and thousands were saved and baptized on the Day of Pentecost.
On our last stop we will gather at the Garden Tomb. This is Golgotha - the site of Jesus’ empty tomb. What a great place to celebrate communion, and have a time of praise and worship, devotion and prayers.
Evening Mission Grand Finale
Overnight: Jerusalem
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Wednesday - April 30, 2025
Early morning transfers to the airport.
Gate 1 Travel 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.
Ramada Hotel & Suites, Netanya
This first class hotel is located in the heart of Netanya, on Israel's Mediterranean coast.
Hotel Details
Gai Beach Hotel, Tiberias
Ramada Jerusalem, Jerusalem
This superior first class hotel is located in the western entrance to Jerusalem, about a fifteen minute drive from the Old City.
Hotel Details
Book your Optional Tours before you travel. See more, save time, save money.
- Tours purchased while travelling may cost an extra 10% or more
- Tours often sell out. Avoid disappointment
- Save your cash. Credit card processing may not be possible locally
- Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure
- Book Online or call to book these tours up to 1 week before your departure
- The day the optionals operate varies by the day of the week
| 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 |
| Passports and Visas |
| It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel 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. Passengers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has blank pages.
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| Traveling with Friends or Family? |
| If you are traveling with friends or family who are booked on another reservation, please make sure that we are aware. On occasion, we may operate more than one vehicle on your tour departure in which case we will ensure that guests will be assigned together. This is achieved by connecting your reservations before your departure. Once you arrive in your destination, it may not be possible to make assignment changes. To check that your reservations are linked, log into https://www.gate1travel.com/res with your email and password, select your reservation number, and check to see that your reservations are indicated as "Traveling With" at the top right side of the display. |
| 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, driver's license) are in order. Make sure also that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip and carry them with you in case your luggage is delayed. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost. Lost luggage is common. We strongly urge you to consider carry-ons instead of checked bags when possible, and when checking a bag is necessary, choose a bag color and identification that stands out. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, personal ID and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. You may also make a digital copy of your passport to keep a clear picture with the important details in your cell phone or digital camera photos. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills (especially when traveling outside of the USA and Western Europe). We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Due to security reasons, many museums have restrictions on the size of bags that can be taken inside and backpacks, carry-on bags or large purses may not be permitted. It is recommended to bring a small shoulder bag or purse to use in these situations instead. Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage. Airplane pressure can cause similar pressure in your body, most notably in ears, as well as liquid tubes and bottles. Your physician can suggest medication for decongestion. We suggest that you place liquid containers into Ziploc bags to catch any leaks. |
| Travel Safety Advice: The safety of our guests is Gate 1’s #1 concern. Before making the decision to reserve your vacation, we want you to be aware of potential situations which may impact your holiday. While most of the time our programs run precisely according to plans, on rare occasion force majeure events including weather, transportation mechanical issues, or uninhabitable accommodation, civil unrest and even criminal or terrorist activities will present themselves unexpectedly and with little or no notice. Gate 1 will make the decision to cancel a tour only after receiving verifiable government issued information. We are otherwise obliged to comply with contractual airline and vendor agreements and carry out the tour until or unless we are advised otherwise. In the event of such an occurrence anytime after your date of departure, Gate 1 and the local destination ground staff, in coordination with government advisories, airlines, hotels, cruise ships and other vendors, will make decisions with regard to your safety first. We strongly recommend that tour participants review the destination country's specific information at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html. |
| Travel Protection |
| Even the best-planned trips can be impacted by the unexpected. And that is why we recommend that you help protect yourself and your investment by purchasing Travel Protection for your Gate 1 trip. Travel Protection can help with medical coverage for illness or injury, trip cancellation and/or interruption, baggage loss, medical evacuation, and more. At any time before you complete Final Payment, you may choose to purchase Travel Protection. The protection plan premium is non-refundable after a 10-day review period. In addition, you must be medically able to travel at the time the premium is paid. For a summary of the plan details on coverages, benefits, limitations and exclusions, please refer to the Description of Coverage by visiting www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit (CFAR) is a non-insurance feature that allows you to cancel up to 72 hours before your scheduled departure for any reason not otherwise covered in the Travel Protection Plan. CFAR must be purchased at the same time as the Travel Protection Plan as well as within 21 days of the original booking date. Independent or escorted tour reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to the full cost of your trip, less the cost of initial deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. Sea or river cruise reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to 50% of the cost of your trip, less the cost of initial trip deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. All CFAR credits are valid for a period of two years from the original date of travel. CFAR Credits have no cash value and are not transferrable. Airline-assessed fees are generally $300 per person, but may be as much as fully non-refundable. Some non-refundable airline tickets may retain value, less airline-assessed fees. Your future air credit must be used to book with the same airline. Deadlines to rebook and complete travel vary by airline and may be as early as 12 months from when the tickets were originally issued (not the date of travel). For details, www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. This program does not apply to custom groups and Antarctica cruises. Residents of New York, Missouri & Minnesota may purchase this Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit separate from Travel Protection. Call to speak with a reservation agent for details. This Cancel for any Reason Wavier Benefit is not insurance and is provided by Gate 1 Travel. |
| Mobile Phones |
| Mobile networks differ from country to country. We recommend you check with your provider to see if your wireless plan will work in the destination(s) you are visiting. To avoid possible roaming charges, you may want to consider purchasing an international plan. With most major phone companies, for a modest fee, you will be able to use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances just like you do at home. If you can access the internet while you travel, you can also take advantage of services such as WhatsApp or Skype. |
| 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 (often indicated with a “+” sign), then the destination Country Code, then the 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 you are dialing from a mobile phone, you can enter a “+” instead of the international Exit Code (011, 001, 0011 or 00) by pressing and holding the 0 key. For most countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and South Pacific, if you are calling from a local phone to a number within the same country, you should drop both the exit and country codes and then add a leading 0 (zero). Exceptions include Spain, Italy, Hungary and Malta (no additional zero needed to dial locally). Example: To dial the following number in Germany (as listed on your voucher): +(49) 0555-555 From USA or your US cell phone: 011-49-555-555 From another country in Europe: 00-49-555-555 From a German phone within Germany: 0555-555 |
| WiFi Access |
| WiFi is available in most airports, hotels, and cruise lines, as well as on some flights, trains, and buses. There may be a fee for access and service quality and speed may vary greatly especially while on moving vehicles. Availability on cruises is also dependent upon its location while sailing through multiple countries. Please note that WiFi can be extremely slow, unreliable, and sometimes nonexistent in developing countries. |
| Staying Healthy While Traveling |
| All travelers should familiarize themselves with local conditions, such as high altitude or required immunizations, which could affect their health. We recommend you consult with your personal healthcare provider, the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations. There are several easy steps you can take to stay healthy while traveling which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.
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| 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://www.dot.gov/office-policy/aviation-policy/aircraft-disinsection-requirements. |
| Consideration for Tour Participants (Escorted Tours) |
For the benefit of all tour participants, we ask tour members to be considerate of their fellow travelers in the following ways:
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| Climate & Clothing |
| Israel - Spring: 60°F-90°F, Summer: 70°F-100°F, Autumn: 60°F-80°F, Winter: 45°F-70°F. Rainfall typically only in winter months/10 days maximum/year. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, bathing suit, clothes you can layer and an all-weather coat. In the heat of summer, bring sunscreen and a hat. Make sure to bring appropriate attire for religious sites (pants, shorts or skirts past the knee and no sleeveless shirts or blouses). Israel Average Temperatures: https://www.gate1travel.com/weather/mediterranean/default.aspx#israel-weather |
| About Drones |
| Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or “drone” technology has quickly become affordable and is increasingly popular with recreational users. While some countries have clear, established drone laws, others do not, or existing regulations are undergoing review and change. Travelers who wish to bring a drone on their trip are responsible to research and abide by the laws and regulations of the countries they are visiting, as well as to check with their airline(s) regarding their rules for transporting drones. Please note that tours are unable to extend the length of scheduled visits and stops to accommodate use of drones. |
| Preparing for Your Trip |
| Seat Assignments |
| As a courtesy service, complimentary airline seat assignments are requested on your behalf and, when available, are displayed in order of Passenger #1, #2 and so on. Assignments reflect the best available seats at the time of booking. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only; in which case the display shows “N/A”. Seats are subject to change by your airline(s) including, for example, when there is a schedule change or equipment change after your initial booking; this may cause seat assignments to be changed or even cancelled. Some airlines offer preferred seating for an additional fee; these seats may only be purchased directly from the airline. You will need your family name and the 6-digit airline “Record Locator” which is displayed with the flight details on your reservation. In the event that you change seat assignments directly with your airline, changes will not be reflected on your invoice or documents. At the time that Gate 1 travel documents are issued, the currently assigned seats will be listed based on the assignments stored in your airline reservation at that time. Should you have questions regarding your assignments, please write to us at www.gate1travel.com/contactus. |
| Luggage & Packing |
| Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62”), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23kg). Smart Bags with a USB charging port, GPS tracking device and other high-tech features are prohibited as checked or carry-on baggage unless the bag is made with removable batteries and the batteries are removed and stored separately. Many airlines charge for checked bags including flights which begin and end within the USA. The most inexpensive airfare options commonly known as Basic Economy airfares do not include any checked bags nor seat assignments before the day of departure. However, for some airlines, other airfare categories also do not include checked baggage. This will be clearly displayed in our airfare selection and on your invoice. Where available, we highly recommend selecting airfares which include at least 1 piece of checked baggage. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for checked bag fees, excess luggage or weight charges levied by an airline. Checked baggage allowances displayed on reservation details and invoices reflect the applicable allowance at the time of booking but are subject to change by your airline(s). For your airline’s requirements and fees, visit www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. For important baggage information, visit www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx. Avoid placing valuables in your checked luggage. Federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard the aircraft in your luggage, your carry-on or on your person. A violation can result in five years’ imprisonment and penalties of $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Examples: Paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radio-pharmaceuticals. There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in your luggage and certain smoking materials carried on your person. Check the Transportation and Safety Administration (TSA) website www.tsa.gov to find out the current list of acceptable items you may bring on a plane before packing. We recommend that you use brightly colored luggage tags, straps or other identifiers to help you locate you luggage upon arrival or to describe it in the event that it is lost. |
| Day of Departure |
| Flight Services |
| What to do if You Need Assistance |
Whether you purchased your airfare from Gate 1 Travel or from the airline directly, please bear in mind that Gate 1 Travel does not own nor operate the airline(s), nor the airport facilities where they operate. At times, flying can be a frustrating experience, especially when things do not go exactly as planned, and airline explanations can be confusing or even misleading. Should you face a problem, remain calm and seek assistance either from the airline directly or from Gate 1. Please be aware that in most cases, on the day of your flight(s), airlines pass responsibility for your reservation to their staff at the airport and it is not always possible for Gate 1 Travel to intervene on your behalf, either through our reservations system or directly with your airline. |
| Arrival & Departure |
| Arrival Procedures |
| Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities if necessary 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 collecting your luggage or 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. If you are delayed due to lost luggage, phone the number on the voucher or have a companion exit the Customs Area to advise the transfer representative. |
| Important: Israel B2 Stay Permit ("Electronic Gate Pass") Upon arrival in Israel at Passport Control, you will receive an Israel Border Control / B2 Stay Permit called an "Electronic Gate Pass". Issuance of the pass replaces the need to stamp your passport. The Electronic Gate Pass is your official form of identification in Israel and must be kept in your possession at all times, and will be relinquished once you depart the country. Escorted tour group guests should bring this pass to the Welcome Meeting as your Tour Manager must record information from it to facilitate express hotel check-in during your tour. Failure to provide this pass at check-in will result in mandatory tax. |
| 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, the better we can respond. Please refer to the Emergency Assistance instructions on this same document. 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 you 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. 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 Accommodations |
| Hotels |
| Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, food, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard twin-bedded (two single beds) rooms with private facilities. Special requests such as bed types, smoking preference and connecting rooms are subject to availability. Room selection in all cases, unless otherwise reserved, is strictly at the discretion of the hotel's management on a run-of-house basis. Triple rooms consist of standard twin beds or one double bed plus a sofa/folding bed or cot for third person except in the U.S. and Canada, where triple rooms often consist of two double/queen beds for three persons; where available, a fee may be charged by the hotel for the addition of a cot/rollaway. The number of persons accommodated does not dictate the room size. Although available at most 4 and 5 star hotels, the use of air-conditioning abroad differs greatly from the United States, and is often shut down at night and from the end until the start of the summer months. Some lodges and accommodations in remote regions may not have all of the amenities, such as hairdryer, alarm clock and room service, that you might find in a larger hotel located in a city center. |
| Hotel Check-in/ Check-out |
| Hotel check-in time is generally not before 4:00 p.m. and check-out time is prior to 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 Your Destination |
| 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 and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs. |
| Gratuities |
| Tipping is always a matter of personal discretion. For your convenience, please use the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or US dollar equivalent where accepted. Please be aware that 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 manager or phone our local office. Numbers are provided in your documents for your convenience. |
| Suggested Tipping: Israel |
Tour Manager: US $10 per person per day Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage) : US $5 per person per day, US $3 per half day Hotel porters and wait staff: Included |
| Israel - Restaurants (not included in package): Although bills normally include a service charge, it is customary to tip in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. 12% is customary for good service. |
| About Your Sightseeing |
| To ensure a pleasant and fair experience for passengers on our escorted tours, there is a mandatory seat rotation policy on our motor coaches which will be organized by your Tour Manager. On river cruises, color-coded group splits may be used for shoreside included and Optional tours. Some buses are equipped with toilet facility, however they are strictly intended for emergency use only and often require the vehicle to stop for safety reasons before use. 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. To respect the privacy of all tour participants, your tour manager will not organize a group photo or collect passenger email addresses for a group list. |
| 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 check-in. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents. |
| 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. https://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional |
| 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 |
| Israel - The Shekel is the currency of Israel. Also, many vendors will accept payment in U.S. dollars, however expect change in local currency. We suggest that you carry small denomination bills for tipping and shopping. |
| 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 on your own. 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. All shops want your satisfaction, and therefore in case of any misunderstanding they ask that you kindly submit your claim to us within one week of the item's receipt. Claims submitted later will be subject to each store’s policies. 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 allows shoppers to reclaim the VAT (Value-Added Tax) or GST (Goods and Services Tax) they have paid on their purchases in some foreign countries in accordance with restrictions and procedures as dictated by each country. Refund eligibility varies by country, but may require presenting a scanned copy of your passport at the time of purchase, a minimum amount spent, or providing original store receipts. For more details, check the respective country’s online website, with the shop salesperson, with your tour manager or at www.globalblue.com for specific country regulations and airport operation hours. Please keep in mind that you must apply for VAT refund in the airport of the country the items were purchased and allow enough time prior to your flight for the application. U.S. Customs & Shipping Charges You may carry items with a fair retail value totaling $800 into the U.S. Taxes may be applied to the next $1,000 worth of merchandise. U.S. Customs determines the value of your items, often honoring a genuine sales receipt. Items which are shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. (in addition to shipping charges). Some shops may offer to include shipping and duties in the price but this typically means shipping only to the customs facility closest to you and payment only of the export duties; you would still need to collect the item and pay U.S. import duties. Please be aware that it is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins. |
| 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. |
| Your Safety is Very Important |
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Prior to your trip, if you are traveling overseas, we strongly recommend that you visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov, specifically the section which addresses International Travel. You should read the tips for foreign travel and travel warnings for the country or countries that you plan to visit. It is also 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:
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. |
| Tourist Street Scams |
Pickpockets and thieves can destroy an otherwise wonderful holiday. Be mindful of these precautions to help avoid being scammed or robbed:
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| Local Emergency Phone Numbers |
Israel
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| Languages |
| Israel - Hebrew and Arabic are the official languages. English is generally spoken throughout the country. |
| 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 |
| Meals & Dietary Requests |
| Included meals are based on the restaurant's buffet or set menu. Beverages are not included, unless specifically stated. Although special diets like Vegetarian and Vegan are relatively commonplace in the USA, much of the world's menu options are more provincial. Please do not expect to find the variety of food selection outside of the local norm. Every effort will be made to honor special dietary requests selected no later than 5 days prior to departure in the passenger details section of your reservation. In addition, we recommend that you make preferences known to your tour manager upon arrival, and at each hotel/restaurant. Special requests are subject to local conditions and availability and cannot be guaranteed. |
| Holidays |
| On public holidays, there may be reduced public transportation, as well as limited hours or closures of attractions, shops and restaurants. |
| Holidays - Israel |
Holidays 2023 Mar 7: Purim Mar 8: Shushan Purim Apr 6-12: Pesach (Passover) Apr 18: Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Memorial Day) Apr 26: Yom Ha'Atzmaut (Israel Independence Day) May 25-26: Shavu'ot (Pentecost) Jul 27: Tisha B'Av Sep 16-17: Rosh Hashana (New Year) Sep 25: Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) Sep 30-Oct 6: Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) Oct 7: Simini Atzeret / Simchat Torah Dec 8-15: Hanukkah Holidays 2024 Mar 8: Shushan Purim Mar 23-24: Purim Apr 23-29: Pesach (Passover) May 6: Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Memorial Day) May 14: Yom Ha'Atzmaut (Israel Independence Day) Jun 11-12: Shavu'ot (Pentecost) Oct 3-4: Rosh Hashana (New Year) Oct 12: Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) Oct 17-24: Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) Oct 24: Simini Atzeret / Simchat Torah Dec 26-31: Hanukkah Please note that Jewish holidays are based on a lunar calendar, and exact dates depend on local sightings of the moon. Because of this, actual dates may vary from the dates given above. During local holidays, opening and closing times for historic and cultural sites can vary depending on the holiday. 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. Traffic congestion is common during Ramadan. Due to Friday prayers in the month of Ramadan, changes in the order of the sightseeing itinerary may be necessary. |
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