2024
UPCOMING TOUR DATES
ISRAEL
TBA
Registration is on pause for this tour.
ACTIVITIES
Go Back in Time
See what a synagogue from the time of Jesus would have looked like. Ride a donkey like in the days of Abraham. Eat freshly made goat cheese. See all this and more at a community that has been re-created to resemble what daily life was like during Biblical times.
Jesus' Footsteps
If you thought Jerusalem was impressive at street level, wait until we descend several meters below the modern city and get right down to the street level from the first century. The Western Wall Tunnels are one of those rare places where you can literally walk where Jesus walked.
Sail Galilee
Reading about the Sea of Galilee and the many miracles that took place there, has captured the hearts of believers for centuries. Not only will you see it, but you will embark on a boat and sail on its shores. We will sail past places like Capernaum and Migdal.
Walk Jerusalem
You will be treated to an epic panoramic view of the Old City as well as the chance to walk its ancient streets; you can ride a camel, and walk down the Mount of Olives along a similar path to when Jesus rode the donkey through the Eastern Gate.
The Dead Sea
The Dead Sea is Israel’s most unique natural feature. It is the lowest point on the planet and one of the saltiest seas in the world. This makes it possible for you to float on the water, even if you can’t swim. Its mud is also packed with minerals. It’s an experience that you will never forget.
VISIT:
Beit Shean | Caesarea | Capernaum | Jericho | Jerusalem | Jezreel Valley | Masada | Mount Carmel | Nazareth | The Dead Sea | The Sea of Galilee | The Garden of Gethsemane | The Garden Tomb | The Jordan River | The Judean Desert | The Mount of Beatitudes | The Mount of Olives | The Old City | The Pools of Bethesda | The Valley of Armageddon | The Western Wall & Western Wall Tunnels | Tiberias
OTHER ACTIVITIES:
Explore the Herodian Theatre and Hippodrome in Caesarea | Stand on Mount Carmel | Overlook the Valley of Armageddon | Be baptized in the Jordan River | Explore incredible historical ruins | Shop in the markets | Partake in Communion at the Garden Tomb
* Places and activities may vary from tour to tour.
See the individual tour itineraries for details.
PRICING & DEPOSIT
* Prices above are subject to change due to fluctuating currency. Price is in Canadian Dollars and is Per Person based on Double Occupancy out of Toronto’s Pearson International Airport (YYZ). You can purchase land-only (no flight) packages. Single Supplement is extra. See our registration forms for details. There is a 3% surcharge to pay by credit card.
Dates of travel and the itinerary are subject to change.
International Heritage Tours requires a deposit of $300 per person which is refundable up to 90 days before departure (less $150 administrative fees per person), less than 90 days before departure the deposit is non-refundable and final non-refundable payment of the balance is due 60 days before departure.
WHAT'S INCLUDED . . . WHAT'S NOT
• Round-trip air from Pearson Airport in Toronto, ON (YYZ)
• Meeting/assistance at the airport
• Return transfers to/from the Tel Aviv airport in Israel (TLV)
• Airport taxes
• Accommodations (double occupancy) for the duration of your stay in Israel
• Daily buffet breakfast and dinner
• Porterage at airport and hotels
• Air-conditioned tour bus (with WiFi when available)
• Licensed English speaking driver and tour guide
• All entrance fees to places of interest
• All hotel taxes and service charges
• Personal travel information kit
• Travel to and from departure city
• Daily lunches ($15 to $25 USD per day)
• Tip fee for driver, tour guide and porters ($160* USD) (to be paid at the orientation meeting on the first night in Israel)
• Personal insurance (optional) (please see next section for rates)
• If you would like a single room instead of sharing a double room, it is at an additional cost (see registration form for details)
* Subject to change due to any currency fluctuations between the U.S. and Canadian dollars.
• Round-trip air fare on Air Canada flying non-stop from Pearson Airport in Toronto to Athens
• Arrival and departure transfers from/to the airport
• 6 Nights at Hotels (Double Occupancy)
• 3 Nights on Cruise ship in Inside Cabins (Double Occupancy)
• Breakfasts and dinners in the hotels daily
• Breakfast, lunch and dinners on the cruise + Unlimited drinks (coffee, tea, sodas, beer, wine) on board the cruise ship during the meals only
• Full days of sightseeing as per your itinerary in Greece
• Shore excursions to Ancient Ephesus and Patmos
• Entrance fees to all places of interest
• Licensed English speaking tour guide in Greece and tour escort on the cruise
• Modern Air Conditioned motor coach
• Porterage of 1 piece of luggage per person for the airport and hotel
• Port taxes, Cruise Tips and Cruise fuel supplement
• Overnight Hotel Stay taxes in Greece
• Travel to and from departure city
• Daily lunches during the land touring in Greece ($15 to $25 USD per day)
• Tip fee for driver, tour guide and porters ($160* USD) (to be paid at the orientation meeting on the first night in Greece)
• Other tips to dining room staff, etc.
• Shore Excursions that are not included in itinerary (these may be purchased on board)
• Personal insurance (optional) (please see next section for rates)
• If you would like a single room instead of sharing a double room, it is at an additional cost (see registration form)
• If you would like a Standard Outside Cabin on the Cruise, it is at an additional cost (see registration form)
* Subject to change due to any currency fluctuations between the U.S. and Canadian dollars.
INSURANCE RATES
MAR/APR 2024 RATES
Rates include trip cancellation before departure, unlimited coverage for emergency medical and hospitalization, flight and trip interruption, out of pocket expenses, loss of luggage, baggage delay, flight and travel accident insurance etc.
Up to 59 yrs: $347
60-64: $420
65-69: $539
70-74: $716
75-79: $1,065
80-84: $1,365
Includes all the above except no Medical Insurance
Up to 59 yrs: $305
60-64: $346
65-69: $407
70-74: $465
75-79: $781
80-84: $978
Rates include trip cancellation before departure, unlimited coverage for emergency medical and hospitalization, flight and trip interruption, out of pocket expenses, loss of luggage, baggage delay, flight and travel accident insurance etc.
Up to 59 yrs: $409
60-64: $493
65-69: $629
70-74: $817
75-79: $1,219
80-84: $1,554
Includes all the above except no Medical Insurance
Up to 59 yrs: $366
60-64: $419
65-69: $497
70-74: $566
75-79: $935
80-84: $1,167
MAY 2024 RATES
Coming soon
SEPT 2024 RATES
Coming soon
Q & EH?
Q. What do I do when I arrive at Pearson International Airport (YYZ) before departure?
A. Please make sure to arrive 3 hours before departure. Go to the International Air Canada counter in Terminal 1. When you get to the area, please make sure to introduce yourself to Joe and Karen Amaral and to get checked in with them before going through the ticketing line. They will give you your name tag and travel pack. Your name tag will let the security team know you are traveling with our group. Joe and Karen will also give you further instructions before you go through to the gate of departure.
Q. What is a Land-Only Package?
A. Let’s say you have air miles and want to use them to pay for the flight portion of your trip or let’s say you want to fly in a day or two ahead of the group and you want to arrange your own flight to Israel. You can purchase a land-only package from International Heritage Tours and join us for the hotels, meals and sites. It includes everything a normal tour package does…just without the flight. (Please inquire with our tour agent at the time of reserving your spot for the price difference.)
Q. If I want to stay longer in Israel, can I do that?
A. Absolutely! If you’d like to stay longer, you can arrange with our tour operator beforehand to extend your stay and change your flight arrangements. This should be done at the time of registration.
Q. If I fly to Israel ahead of the group, how do I meet up with them?
A. Please speak with our tour operator. They can direct you to the name and address of the hotel where you can take a cab to. You can join us for dinner at the hotel at 7 pm and then for the orientation meeting after dinner.
Q. When will I receive my ticket and information package?
A. You will receive your ticket and info pack by email from International Heritage Tours 30 to 60 days before your trip.
Q. How much luggage am I allowed to bring?
A. You may bring one mid-sized case to check into the plane that may not exceed 23 kg (50 lbs) and you may bring one carry-on bag not to exceed 8 kg (17 lbs).
Q. What can I not bring with me on my carry-on bag?
A. For security reasons, you are not allowed to board with potentially dangerous articles such as scissors, cutters, Swiss army-type knives or tools and instruments for agricultural, scientific, sporting or industrial use and the like, nor can you board with any type of imitation or toy firearm. All liquids, gels, creams and aerosols must be in 3.4 ounce (100ml) or smaller containers.
Q. What kind of clothing/accessories should I bring?
A. Comfortable clothes that you would wear in the spring or summer. For religious sites (such as churches and sites deemed holy) women must wear modest clothing that covers their shoulders and knees at all times. We also recommend dressing in layers as the mornings and evenings are often much cooler than mid-day (especially in Jerusalem).
Q. What kind of footwear should I bring?
A. Comfortable shoes as we do a lot of walking. Steps and pathways are often uneven and you’ll want shoes that will keep you stable on your feet. It is also recommended that you bring water shoes or flip-flops for when we go to the Dead Sea and for the Jordan River Baptismal site. The sand at the Dead Sea is extremely hot and there are rocks at the edge of the water.
Q. Do I need to bring a swimsuit?
A. It is optional but recommended especially if you want to be baptized. There will also be a time to swim in the Dead Sea and to be baptized in the Jordan River. Each hotel also has a pool and/or is within close proximity to water.
Q. Do I need to bring dress clothes?
A. Yes. We will be at a Shabbat dinner and it is traditional to dress up for that evening.
Q. Are there any other recommendations?
A. We recommend bringing a hat and sunglasses with you along with some SPF sunblock.
See the WHAT TO PACK section below for our printable recommended packing list.
Q. What is the currency in Israel?
A. Shekels — although, U.S. Dollars are widely accepted. Canadian Dollars are not usually accepted.
Q. Do I need to get shekels here in Canada or will I be able to change my money in Israel?
A. You will find several places to change your money to shekels all over Israel.
Q. If I run out of cash, can I get more while I’m in Israel?
A. Yes. Your North American bank card should work in any ATM machine in Israel. You will receive the cash in local shekels. (There is usually a charge from your bank associated with doing this. If you plan to withdraw cash while in Israel, please inquire about the fee(s) at your local branch before departure.) We always recommend contacting your bank and/or credit card company to make them aware of your travel plans. This will help to ensure your bank card and/or credit card accounts are not frozen while you’re in Israel.
Q. How much should I expect to pay for lunches?
A. Approximately $15 up to $25 USD per person per day.
Q. When is the Tip Fee collected and what is it for?
A. We collect the tip fee on the first night at our orientation meeting in Israel. This fee is to pay the driver, the tour guide, and the luggage porters. If you want to tip the housekeeping staff or your meal servers, that is at your discretion.
Q. What is the food like in Israel?
A. If you like Mediterranean food, you’ll love the food in Israel! There are a wide variety of foods in the breakfast and dinner buffets to please everyone. There are a lot of fruits and vegetables.
Q. Is the food kosher?
A. At the hotels we stay at, breakfasts and dinners are kosher. At breakfast you won’t find any meat as there will be dairy products served and then at dinner, you won’t find any dairy products as meat is being served. For our lunches, it may vary between kosher and non-kosher restaurants.
Q. What can you tell me about the bus and bus driver?
A. Our bus driver is very friendly. In most cases our bus driver has purchased Wi-Fi for the bus so that you can Facebook, Tweet and Instagram all the pictures you just took at that amazing site you just visited! There is air-conditioning and comfortable seating with overhead storage for your bags. Other than the front row, there is no assigned seating and we encourage you to switch up your seat everyday.
Q. Is there a bathroom on the bus?
A. No. We will make rest-stops if our journeys are going to be extended.
Q. Is it safe to travel to Israel?
A. Joe Amaral has brought several groups to Israel including members of his family and it has always been safe. If there is any area of conflict, we always avoid it completely. Our tour guides are highly trained and know the areas to avoid if any conflict arises in Israel.
Q. Is my passport and are other personal items safe to leave in the hotels?
A. Every room has its own safe which you set and secure with your own protected code.
Q. Do I need to bring any medication?
A. As your body may be adapting to a new and different climate and water system or if you tend to have a sensitive stomach, it is not required but it is recommended that you bring Immodium (loperamide hydrochloride). It may also be helpful to bring items such as Advil (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Gravol (dimenhydrinate). If you have a medical condition and are on medication for it, please remember to bring it with you. Also, if you have a medical condition, please make us aware of it during the orientation meeting at the beginning of the trip.
Q. Do I need any vaccinations before I go to Israel?
A. No, there are no immunization requirements for Israel.
Q. Can I fly if I’m pregnant?
A. Most airlines will permit you to fly up until the end of the 35th week of your pregnancy. Starting the 36th week of the pregnancy, medical approval by an airline doctor is required. Due to medical considerations, pregnant women may not fly after the end of the 37th week of pregnancy.
Q. Do I need a voltage converter to plug in my electronic items?
A. That depends on your electronic item. The voltage in Israel is 220 V. Check your device (usually the information is listed on the plug itself)—it should say something like: Input: AC 100V – 240V. If your device is within the 100 to 240 volts range, then you can simply purchase a plug adapter at your local dollar store as the plug/outlet system in Israel is different from North America. If you need a voltage converter you can purchase them for a cost of about $15 to $25 at most retail stores. We’ve found it’s helpful to have one adapter and then bring a North American power bar to plug all your electronics into.
Q. Can I use my cellphone in Israel?
A. If your phone is unlocked, you can purchase a SIM Card at the airport in Tel Aviv and preload it with phone-call, texting and data capabilities for about $50-$60. If your phone is not unlocked, you can leave it in airplane mode and use Wi-Fi where available.
Q. Can I use my hairdryer in Israel?
A. We recommend you don’t bring your own hair dryer. Several people have burned out their hair dryers because the voltage in Israeli hotel bathrooms isn’t compatible with North American hair dryers. The voltage is set mainly for shavers. If you do bring your hair dryer along with an adapter, please remember to plug it into an outlet that is not in the bathroom to avoid frying your hair dryer. Most hotels have hair dryers and if you don’t see one you can ask at the front desk for one.
WHAT TO PACK
OTHER QUESTIONS?
If you don’t see the answer to your question above, please call Sara at International Heritage Tours at 1-877-999-8868 ext 391 or click the button to email her.
