What to Expect
- Physical requirements:
This adventure is not appropriate for travelers using wheelchairs or other mobility aids. You must be able to walk and/or hike for 3-5 miles unassisted over the course of each day, often over very rugged terrain. There are also a large number of steps to negotiate at the Western Wall tunnels and at other archaeological sites. You must also be comfortable participating in 6-8 hours of daily physical activities and sightseeing. We reserve the right for our Trip Leaders to modify participation, or in some circumstances send travelers home if their limitations are impacting the group's experience.
- Pacing:
5 locations in 16 days with 1 one-night stay. There are several overland drives, including an off-road excursion by Jeep into the Judean Desert along canyons and dry riverbeds.
- Climate & terrain:
The weather in Israel is often compared to the temperate climate of Florida or southern California, with warm summers and mild, balmy winters. As for the terrain in Israel, we’ll travel over several city streets, hike along rugged paths and trails, and walk up and down many stairs at various sites in Israel. There are also walks along sandy beaches and desert terrain.
- Transportation:
We travel via air-conditioned bus (no toilet on board), Jeep, by wooden boat for a lake crossing, and by cable car to reach Masada.
- Accommodations:
All accommodations are hotel-standard, with a variety of amenities and personal service, as well as private baths with hot showers and Western-style toilet facilities.
- Group size & leadership:
16 maximum with 1 Trip Leader
Visa Information
U.S. citizens will need a visa (or visas) for this trip. In addition, there may be other entry requirements that also need to be met. For your convenience, we’ve included a quick reference list, organized by country:
- Israel: No visa required.
- Jordan (optional pre-trip extension only): Visa required.
- Palestine (optional post-trip extension only): No visa required.
Travelers who are booked on this adventure will be sent a complete Visa Packet— with instructions, applications, and a list of visa fees—approximately 100 days prior to their departure. (Because many countries limit the validity of their visa from the date it is issued, or have a specific time window for when you can apply, we do not recommend applying too early.)
If you are not a U.S. citizen, do not travel with a U.S. passport, or will be traveling independently before/after this trip, then your entry requirements may be different. Please check with the appropriate embassy or a visa servicing company. To contact our recommended visa servicing company, PVS International, call toll-free at 1-800-556-9990.
Vaccinations Information
For a detailed and up-to-date list of vaccinations that are recommended for this trip, please visit the CDC’s “Traveler’s Health” website.