...He Will Direct Your Paths
Things to consider in any trip to the Bible Lands…
1. When should I sign up? It is best to enroll in a trip sooner rather than later!
You can get in on the "Early Bird Discount" and be assured that your place in the
tour is reserved. Travel costs are increasing. In 2011, Israel set a new record
of over three million visitors in the year - the second year in a row!
2. Where will we stay? Individuals and groups can & do book a wide variety
of accommodations. We use only First Class and Superior hotels - places we have enjoyed before. These are comfortable, pleasant hotels, with private baths and modern amenities. English is spoken at the hotel desks and by many hotel staff.
3. Who plans and leads this trip? David and Marilyn Stokes are experienced tour hosts (January 2012 was David's ninth trip to Israel). We also lead tours visiting Greece, Italy, Jordan, Egypt and Turkey. David is your host throughout, and we have a respected and fun Israeli guide who leads us and explains what we are seeing along the way.
4. What is included and what is not? Great question! Most tours are priced out of New York and you have to get there from where you live (more expense.) Airfare from the midwest is included in our pricing, as is all land transportation on the tour (using a modern, air-conditioned motorcoach). Delicious breakfasts and dinners at our hotel dining rooms, admission to all sites per itinerary, study materials, portering of luggage at our hotels - all included! Your other expenses are for souvenirs, mealtime beverages, lunches (as you want them), bottled drinking water away from the hotels, postcards, snacks etc.
5. When will we travel? Seasons vary in the Bible Lands region. Summer is hot and a very busy "tourist" season. Winter is cooler and there is occasional snow in the higher elevation of Jerusalem! In the Galilee, winters are more comparable to north Florida - much milder than most of the USA, with occasional rain. Each season has its own attraction.
6. How much will it cost? Our January 2012 tour price of $2497 per person included transportation from Chicago, admission to all sites, all hotel taxes and fees. Other trips priced at hundreds of dollars more, don't include all that we do. Always read the "fine print" in any tour brochure for additional costs. Here are ours...
. Personal Travel Insurance is optional but always recommended! We'll be happy to send you a trip insurance brochure.
. As is customary, the tour price is based on two people per room. A private room is available in advance at additional cost.
. Airlines add airport and fuel surcharges. Beyond our control, these are spelled out in our brochure's "fine print" section.
. Breakfasts & dinners are included, but most lunches, and dinner beverages, are your personal expense. That's customary.
. Transportation from other airports can be arranged at very reasonable cost through Imagine Tours.
7. How safe is it to travel in Israel? Ask anyone who has been on one of our tours, including January 2012. While some who have never been there have concerns, no one can guarantee safety, whether we're at home, visiting a new city or simply going to the store! In any city or country (including the US), there are places one goes with confidence, and places one is wise to avoid. For example, In Israel, we don't go near Gaza. What most people don't know is that not one American group tourist has been killed there since Israel became a state in 1948. Really! That is much safer than popular tourist cities even in the US! (We used to live in Orlando!) Those who live in Israel love Americans and welcome you to their country. We'll be glad to send you a brochure about safety on our tours. FYI: The crime rate in Israel is much lower than it is in the USA.
Our tour members will tell you that they never felt in any danger on any of our Israel trips.
8. How will we travel? We use regular, scheduled airline flights and a modern, air-conditioned tour bus that is for our use only. No one has access to or rides on our bus who is not with our group. It is securely locked while we visit various sites.
9. What will the food be like? The variety and quality of meals on our tour 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 group? 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 will love it!
