...He Will Direct Your Paths
Things to consider in a trip to the Bible Lands…
1. When should I sign up? It's best to enroll in a tour sooner rather than later.
One can be assured of your place reserved in the tour. Travel to the Holy Land
region is really growing. In fact, January-March (2010) saw record numbers of
visitors to Israel - 9% over the highest "first quarter" ever (2 years ago). We'd
love to have you come with us on our next trip to visit where it all happened!
2. Where will we stay? Individuals and tour groups stay in a wide variety of accommodations. We carefully select only First Class and Superior hotel properties - usually places we know and have stayed before. These are all very pleasant and comfortable hotels with private baths and modern amenities.
3. Who plans and leads these trips? David and Marilyn Stokes are experienced tour hosts (they just completed his seventh trip to the region). We've led tours including Greece, Italy, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey and Israel. In partnership with
Imagine Tours and Travel, we request and receive confirmation for specific hotels throughout. We've planed an enhanced itinerary for our upcoming FAM trip, a "complete," high-value tour for Christian Ministers. David is your host throughout, and respected, informed, local guides also explain what we see and experience all along the way.
4. What is included and what is not? Great question! Most tours are priced departing from New York and you have to get there from where you live (more expense.) Airfare from the midwest is usually included in our pricing, as is all our land transportation on the tour (in modern, air-conditioned motorcoaches), delicious breakfasts and dinners throughout, admission to all sites per itinerary, study materials, portering of luggage at our hotels, and personal service. It's all included! Your extra expenses on the FAM trip will be for souvenirs, mealtime beverages (besides water and morning coffee), lunches (if you want them), bottled water throughout the day, postcards etc.
5. When will we travel? Seasons vary greatly in the Bible Lands region. Summer is hot and a very busy "tourist" season. Winter is cooler andwe've actually seen snow in the higher elevation of Jerusalem - as you know it's on a mountain! March is like an early springtime in Florida, and winter is quite mild compared to much of the US.. Each season has its own special attraction.
6. How much will it cost? Our published price includes transportation from the USA, admission to all sites, all hotel taxes and fees. We work hard to make it an outstanding value! Many tours priced at hundreds of dollars more, do not include all that we do on our tours. But it is always important to check the "fine print" in the brochure. For example:
. Personal Trip/Travel Insurance is optional & always recommended! We'll be happy to send you a trip insurance brochure.
. Breakfasts and dinners are included but lunches are a personal expense, as are beverages at dinner, and while touring..
. Transportation to and from your choice of airport is your responsibility.
7. How safe will we be? No one can guarantee safety, whether you are at home, visiting a new city or going to the store! Whatever city or country one may visit (including here at home), there are places one goes with confidence, and places one would and should avoid. For example, we never travel near Gaza or Hebron. As an example of safety, not one American tourist has ever been killed in Israel since Israel became a state in 1948 - that is so much safer than popular tourist cities in the USA! We have a brochure that discusses this question, and the steps that are taken to assure it. We'd be happy to send it to you. Our passengers, younger and older will tell you that they never feel they are in any danger during our visits in Israel.
8. How will we travel? We use regular, scheduled flights, and our modern, air-conditioned tour bus is for our use only. Noone rides on our bus who is not with our group. It is securely locked by our driver while we visit various sites.
9. What is the food like on these trips? The variety and quality of food is excellent. Breakfast and dinner each day are in our hotel dining rooms where you will find both familiar and exotic dishes. Mealtimes are fun, relaxing and enjoyable.
10. What will be the atmosphere in the tour group? Believe me, we have a great time! Members of our group become like family - encouraging and helping each other. You'll make new friends for a lifetime as we share incredible experiences. We'll have joyful worship, warm fellowship, stirring Bible talks, quiet personal reflection and lots of laughter! You'll love it!
