• In addition, there are domestic flights linking Tel Aviv, Haifa and Eilat. • Special touring transportation includes de sert vehicles, jeeps, mule and camel treks, boat rides on the Sea of Galilee and along the Red Sea and Mediterranean coastlines. • Not to be forgotten is the traveler’s stand-by, always at hand - a sturdy pair of legs!
Israel is a colorful Mediterranean country that offers the visitor a myriad of holiday opportunities - beautiful beaches, vibrant cities, fascinating archeological and natural wonders, a warm, friendly population of rich cultural diversity, and, above all, the all-embracing blend of ancient and modern that adds an extra dimension every step of the way. Consultation with an Israel travel professional can be very useful in helping you decide upon the ideal length for the pilgrimage you or your groups are planning. Getting Around Israel’s location at the eastern edge of the Mediterranean Sea makes it a highly convenient gateway for regional tours. Regional packages are becoming more and more popular, combining visits to two or more destinations in the area - Israel, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Jordan and Egypt. Especially for travelers flying long distances, it may make economic and logistic sense to experience more than one country. The ancient world spread out across several different lands, and of special interest to pilgrims are tours highlighting places of biblical significance in the entire region.
Whenever possible, it is recommended to walk. There is no substitute for the intimacy and knowledge of a place acquired by the person that walks. For pilgrims in particular, following in the footsteps of Jesus is an unforgettable experience if one simply does that - follow in His footsteps. Accommodations Israel’s tradition of hospitality dates back to the time of the Patriarch Abraham, who welcomed three strangers into his tent (Genesis 18:1-8). Today, possibilities for accommodations are wide and varied, and still offered with the same warmth and welcome that Abraham demonstrated.
The overwhelming majority of visitors to Israel arrive by air, however, any number of cruises include Israel as a port of call, enabling passengers to include one-day guided bus tours to Jerusalem/Bethlehem and the Galilee on their itinerary, or even one-night stays - a growing phenomenon. Overland travel from Egypt and Jordan is one other option, and pilgrimage groups visiting Mt. Sinai and the Monastery of Santa Katarina in Egypt can cross the border into Eilat, the resort city at the southernmost tip of Israel. Israel has an excellent public transportation system, reaching virtually every corner of the country, though keep in mind that except for Haifa and Nazareth, buses do not operate on the Jewish Sabbath (from late Friday afternoon until Saturday evening after sunset).
The option to rest in a desert tent, or to pass the night in a sleeping bag under the stars, is still popular, especially with younger, more adventurous groups and individuals. But older travelers, too, can enjoy the experience of an open-air “thousand star” hotel, especially when followed by a comfortable night indoors! Israel features hotels of every grade and price range, ranging from super deluxe to those offering simple, basic accommodations. Some are managed by local chains or independently; others are affiliated with well- known international brands. Many feature conference facilities, both indoors and out, suitable for pilgrim group prayers and assemblies.
Other touring/transportation options in Israel include: • Luxury air-conditioned buses, mini-buses and vans, which may be hired with or without a guide. • Four, seven, or 11-seater vehicles driven by a licensed guide. This is the most flexible way for FITs to travel, as sightseeing is tailor-made to personal requirements. • Helicopter tours of the country (for those with the budget for such a luxury) • Rental cars • Private taxis and “sherut” vans (jitneys, or shared service taxis)
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