Time Zone:    7 hours ahead of US Eastern Time Zone 

Language:     Hebrew, Arabic, and English 

Climate:         Temperate 

Currency:       New Israeli Shekel (NIS) or Shekel for short 

Electricity:       220 volts 

Economy:        Technologically advanced free market 

Government:    Parliamentary Democracy 

Religion:          Jewish, Muslim, Christian 

    Our group flights are made with regularly scheduled air using such airlines as American, Delta, Lufthansa, El Al, United, Turkish, Austrian, etc.  

·    Not all groups fly together due to itineraries, touring and size of group. All groups will ultimately meet at the first hotel. 

·    If you have an emergency which requires you to change your flight and have purchased our Travel Protection Plan, contact them first. They will be able to make the changes for you, properly utilizing the coverage provided in your plan. 

    If you are at the Airport and an issue arises regarding your flights, please head to the Airline counter for immediate assistance.  

·    Flight times are subject to change without notice; always re-confirm your flight times with the airline (we are not responsible for expenses incurred as a result of changes and/or delays). Consider downloading the airline’s app on your mobile device to see their most updated flight information. 

·    Keep receipt(s) of expenses related to delays or changes for possible reimbursement through your Travel Protection Plan (if purchased) when you return.  

·    Arrive for your flight 3 hours prior to departure or as suggested by the departing airport.  

·    Report missed or cancelled flights to our office immediately; relay information concerning alternate flight information given to you by the airline. Our emergency line operates 24/7. 

·    Seating has been completed by the airline. If you change your seating or make any other adjustments, please be aware that control of your ticket will no longer be with the company, but with the airline itself.  

·    Always verify your special request meal preference with the airline. 

·    Consider enrolling in the airline’s frequent flyer program. 

·    If you have a Known Traveler Number (KTN) issued by TSA, you can provide that to us and we will note it on your account. 

    Make sure you are wearing your name badge; this aids in identifying you with your group!   

·    Go through customs and passport control, then collect your luggage.  

·    If you have missing or damaged luggage, fill out paperwork with the airline before leaving the baggage claim area.   

·    Exit baggage claim area and watch for “EO” signs. Guides will remain in the area to locate guests. 

·    Follow guide instructions for transferring to the bus and loading luggage.  

    Our deluxe touring buses are air-conditioned/heated. 

·    Buses in Israel do not have bathrooms; however, frequent restroom stops are made. 

·    Buses are locked while you are touring. You may leave items on the bus during the touring day, but never leave valuable or perishable items. Take all personal items with you at the end of each touring day. 

·    Bottled water is available for purchase at a nominal fee. 

Staying connected while traveling is half the fun – share touring stories or just check in with family and friends. Cell phones are an excellent source for staying connected, but there are a few things you must check on with your cell phone provider before you travel. Here are some of those items: 

·    Confirm that your cell phone can be used internationally. 

·    Request international rates (note all countries being visited). 

·    Inquire about the activating and deactivating process. 

·    Keep in mind other technology and apps that may be available to you such as Skype, FaceTime, iMessage, WhatsApp. 

    Layer your clothing and keep it casual. No "dress-up" events are scheduled. 

·    Comfortable walking shoes are a must. 

·    A sweater or jacket is recommended. 

·    Some religious sites such as monasteries require your knees & shoulders be covered (applies to both men & women). 

    Currency in Israel is the Israeli shekel (NIS).  You WILL NOT need to exchange dollars to shekels.  The dollar is widely used and accepted. 

·    Go to https://www.xe.com/ or the XE app for the current exchange rate.   

·    Major credit cards are accepted in most locations. You should notify your credit card company of your travel plans before departing the US. 

    Prepaid gratuities are covered for the hotel staff (porters, dining, housekeeping, front desk).  

·    Additional tipping is appropriate for extra or special services requested from the hotel staff.  

·    Tips are appropriate when eating out.  

·    Tips are appreciated when using certain restrooms (your guide will let you know when this is expected).  

·    Voluntary Love Offerings for your guide and driver will be collected towards the end of your trip. Suggested amounts for love offerings are: 

·    Guide - $6 USD per person, per day 

·    Driver - $3 USD per person, per day 

    Rooms have private showers, TV, phone, Wi-Fi (check with hotel concerning access & possible fees). 

·    Most hotels have blow dryers.  Check the hotel website for details.  

·    Double Rooms are made up of either two single beds or one double bed. 

·    Single rooms are smaller than double rooms and have only one single bed.

    Hotels are deluxe, first-class 3 & 4-star properties offering exceptional amenities for your comfort & enjoyment. 

·    Hotel Gratuities (porters, waiters, housekeeping, front desk) have been pre-paid for you. 

·    Some hotels offer laundry rooms and/or ironing rooms.  

·    Most hotels offer laundry services at an additional charge (always verify the return date of your items). 

·    Electric current is 220; you will need a power converter to change current to 110 and an adapter to adapt the plug. 

    Due to limited space on the motorcoach, only one checked piece of luggage per person is allowed. One carry-on and one small personal item (purse, laptop, etc.) are also allowed. 

·    Carry-ons and personal items must fit under your seat or in the overhead compartments of the plane. 

·    Overhead compartments on the bus are much smaller than on the plane. 

·    Attach the color-coded luggage tag provided in your document package as well as your own luggage ID tag. 

·    IMPORTANT LUGGAGE NOTE 

·    Typically, your checked luggage must weigh 50 lbs. or less.  

·    Typically, your carry-on luggage must weigh 20 lbs. or less.  ​​​​ 

·    **Check with your airline for specific limits. Excess luggage charges will be imposed for any overages!** You can also find airline specific information at www.eo.travelwithus.com/travel-info/airline-fees 

·    Depending on your flight arrangements, you may need to recheck baggage during connections and additional baggage fees may apply. You should check with the ticket agent when you check-in for your flight. 

Food and water are safe in the Holy Land. Bottled water is recommended while touring and can be purchased on the bus for a minimal charge. 

·    Breakfast 
Hotel buffet includes a variety of American, European, and Middle Eastern breakfast foods, including coffee, tea and juice. (Eggs, deli meat, cheese, bread, cereal, yogurt, milk, and salads are offered). 

·    Lunch 
Unless otherwise noted in your itinerary, lunch is at your own expense. Your guide will choose a restaurant that will offer a variety of foods. Most lunch stops are cash only, and you should expect $15 - $20 per person. 

·    Dinner 
Hotel buffet includes a variety of meat and vegetables. A salad bar, bread station and dessert bar offer seemingly limitless options. Beverages other than water are not included but can be purchased at a supplemental charge. 

·    Food Allergies/Dietary Restrictions 
The chef will be happy to suggest foods on the buffet that can be within your dietary needs. However, please note that although the hotel will do everything possible to assist you, they may not be able to address each allergy or dietary concern. Always be prepared to supplement your meal as necessary. 

    Medical devices that require electricity will likely need an international adapter/converter.  The adapter simply allows you to plug your appliance into the various wall plugs in foreign countries. The converter is used to step up or down the voltage to properly support the electrical appliance. 

·    Notify the airline of your intention to bring a medical device on board and if you intend to use it in-flight. (This includes CPAP machines.)  

·    Check with TSA for allowances and restrictions at https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all-list. 

·    If you need distilled water, we will do our best to assist in finding locations for you to purchase it while on tour. 

    Most medications (prescriptions or supplements) are permitted for international travel; however, always check with TSA for current allowances and restrictions at https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all-list  

·    Bring medication in its original container if possible.  

·    A written prescription of your medication(s) in generic form from your physician will assist in getting an emergency refill if needed while out of the country.  

·    Notify our office ASAP if you have medication that requires refrigeration

    Guests registering for this tour accept the responsibility for being in good health and able to walk and travel on the tour. Because many sites are not accessible to the physically challenged, those needing oxygen, wheelchairs, or other ambulatory assistance will find the tour extremely limiting in their experiences. 

·    Handicap accessible facilities cannot be guaranteed for this tour destination. Non-US countries are not obligated to comply with our Handicap Accessible Regulations.  

·    Buses are not handicap accessible and do not have space for storing wheelchairs, motorized wheelchairs/scooters or other ambulatory assistance items.  

·    If you are needing ambulatory assistance, you will likely find travel on this program quite difficult and many sites inaccessible.  

·    If you need assistance, you will need to bring a travel partner to help. 

·    On average, you can expect to walk 1-3 miles a day, although this is typically not all at one time. 

·    Speak with your guide concerning the ambulatory difficulty at a touring site. You may either stay on the bus or sit nearby. 

    ATMs are available; however, you will only receive the local currency.  **Notify your bank or credit card company if you plan to make purchases with your debit or credit card.**  

·    ATM usage generally is subject to fees and daily withdrawal limits.  

·    The amount of cash you take on tour is a personal decision. 

·    Keep in mind the following items are NOT included: 

·    Shopping, lunches and love offering. You will need cash for most lunches. 

·    We suggest a minimum of $500 in cash. Smaller bills are suggested. 

    US & Canadian Citizens - a valid passport is required for short-term visits.  

·    Passports MUST be valid for 6 months after your return to the USA.  

·    Passport copies need to be on file with our office prior to your departure.   

·    Some countries may require your passport to contain 2 blank pages.   

·    TRANSIT VISAS – Non-US or Canadian citizens must also check for required Transit Visas for any country that you may pass through (transit) even if it is just to change planes.   

·    Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate location from your passport. This will greatly assist you should you lose your passport. 

    Make sure you have plenty of memory or the ability to download your pictures. 

·    Bring extra batteries or portable battery backup. 

·    Be aware that certain sites do not allow photography and/or video or may charge for the privilege. Your guide will keep you informed of such restrictions. 

·    Drones and tripods are prohibited. 

    Time is allowed for shopping during your touring day.  

·    Purchases made are at your own risk. 

·    US residents are allowed $800 in duty-free purchases. Visit the US Customs website for further information and restrictions.  

·    VAT (Value Added Tax) is a sales tax on most goods sold.  It can be upwards of 19% or higher in Europe & Israel.  The VAT is part of the price that is marked not added at the register.  It is possible for visitors to claim back most of the tax & may be worth the trouble if you have purchased a high-priced item.  Check with the retailer to see if they offer the voucher/paperwork needed to do this.  For more information, visit on-line sources for specific countries. 

    Headsets may be provided for your convenience so you can easily hear the guide.    

·    The amount of time touring and site sequence can vary according to the itinerary and local conditions. Most touring will be full days. Your guide will announce the schedule daily.    

·    Evenings are generally open for you to rest or explore on your own. Any optional touring will be noted in your itinerary.  

·    If you skip a tour day (itinerary permitting), please notify your Tour Guide. Missed sightseeing is not refundable.  

    You must always verify current requirements for your destination. For this information, we suggest going to https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel  

·    You may also wish to consult your physician for his/her personal advice for you. 

    Listed below are average temperatures for the Holy Land. 

·    Remember, temperatures can vary widely. Closer to your departure, check international forecasts for the area by going to weather.com or your favorite weather website. 

Average Temperatures (F) for the Holy Land 

Season    High    Low 

Spring          72    58 

Summer       83    72 

Fall               80    65 

Winter          65    51