It’s time once again for a Beth El trip to Israel! This trip will take place June 20-30, 2016. It will be great for first-timers, as well as those who have visited in the past, mixing classic “must sees” with lots of new stuff. We will travel throughout the Holy Land and experience all of the classic sites:
- Praying at the Kotel (Western Wall)
- Shopping in the Jerusalem Shuk (market)
- Walking on top of Masada
- Bathing in the Dead Sea
- Honoring the Six Million at the Yad VaShem Holocaust Museum
- Walking on the Tel Aviv beach, etc.
There will be opportunities for social action, hiking through ancient sites, rafting down the Jordan River, experiencing Shabbat in Jerusalem, and even riding a camel or two. The trip is open to and accommodating for singles, couples, parents, grandparents, younger kids, older kids, extended families… everyone is welcome!
If you’re interested, email Israel2016@betheldurham.org and please let us know how many will be your party. No commitment necessary yet –just let us know you’re interested!
The itinerary (last updated August 20, 2015) is very flexible. Except for confirmed appointments, places of interest and the sequence of sightseeing might be changed, if necessary or desirable.
The deadline for registration is February 29, 2016! Click here to register on the mini-site of our fabulous tour company (Israel Maven).
For more information about pricing, click here.
Once you’ve registered, here are some things you can do before the trip:
- If you’re interested, email Israel2016@betheldurham.org and we’ll keep you updated on the latest information. No commitment necessary to join the list –just let us know you’re interested!
- Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after the departure date. This means the expiration date of your passport must be after December 30, 2016. In the past Israeli border officials stamped passports and, on request, agreed to stamp landing cards instead. Although the US State Department says that one blank page is required for the entry stamp, since January 2013 visitors have been given an entry card instead of an entry stamp on arrival. You should keep this card with your passport until you leave Israel. Note that this is pilot program and may be subject to change. Be prepared for anything!
- A tourist visa is required for travel, but is free and issued at entry. Yay!
- Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccinations.
- A polio vaccine up to 1 year before travel is recommended.
- If you elect to have a hepatitis A (HepA) vaccine, be aware that it is two doses scheduled six months apart. A three-dose combination vaccine is available for HepA and HepB: an initial dose followed by doses at 1 month and 6 months.
- Celebrate! We’re going to Israel!