limitations and, needless to say, the religious traditions and beliefs of the group. A visit to the model of the wilderness Tabernacle at Timna in the Negev Desert may be essential for certain Evangelical groups, while Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulcher is a must for Catholics. Other matters to take into consideration: make allowance for the length of your flight: trans-Atlantic flights or those from the Far East may justify a longer stay and a more relaxed pace. Check that everyone in the group has proper insurance for the trip. Some Israeli companies have become very proficient in designing special insurance policies for pilgrimage groups, and even very elderly participants can be insured. Also, take into account one free day per week for rest or individual pursuits. Most pilgrims undergo an intense emotional experience and absorb a great deal of information. A common request is simply for “time to think, reflect and absorb.” The length of a pilgrimage tour may be determined by a group’s special interest, which could lead to the addition of a number of extra days. A farming group may plan to combine a pilgrimage with an agricultural study tour. Music lovers may include one of the many secular or ecclesiastical music festivals in their touring program, or if they are a performing group, may even consider giving concerts during their stay. (The Israel Ministry of Tourism can help organize such events). Some groups may decide to combine the pilgrimage experience with regular touring and vacation time or as part of an incentive program, or even explore medical tourism opportunities in Israel, based on a medical infrastructure that is among the best in the world, at rates lower than in most Western countries. In any case, it is a good idea to take in at least a few of the “secular” sights. 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. 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).
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