(Itinerary is suggested and tour stops will change to accommodate the group’s comfort and safety.)

DAY 1 - March 19   Trans-Atlantic Flight

Depart from North America to Tel Aviv, Israel. Meals will be served in flight. 

DAY 2 - March 20   Arrive Tel Aviv and transfer to hotel at the Dead Sea

Welcome dinner and a good night’s sleep. 

DAY 3 - March 21   Optional Tours or Spa Day

Choice of tour to Masada and Ein Gedi. Or enjoy the day at Yam HaMelach 

DAY 4 - March 22  

Morning study at the hotel. Depart for Ariel. Drive to Beer Sheva. Afternoon learning about Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. 

DAY 5 - March 23  

Visit Elon Moreh, an orthodox Jewish settlement, Shiloh, Mount Bracha and Shechem.

DAY 6 - March 24  

Departing Ariel to visit Caesarea and Carmel. 

DAY 7 - March 25

Visit Magdala, Tabgha, Capernaum, and the Mt. of Beatitudes. Enjoy a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. 

DAY 8 - March 26 

Travel to Northern Galilee and explore the beautiful Golan Heights. Overlook Kinneret and the area near the Valley of Tears. Herzliya area hotel.

DAY 9 - March 27

Learning and a visit to the Migdal-Arbel Prayer Center. Visit Yardinet and a possible visit to Beit She’an, traveling via the Jordan River Valley. Ascend to JERUSALEM! Enjoy the Shabbat of a lifetime for the whole group.

DAY 10 and 11 - March 28-29

In Jerusalem, we will visit the traditional Christian sites of Gethsemane, The Upper Room, and the Garden Tomb. 

We will also explore the Jewish sites in the Old City of Jerusalem such as the City of David, the Southern Steps, The Temple Mount and Kotel, the Jewish Quarter 

Enjoy a wonderful farewell dinner at the hotel.

DAY 12 - March 30  

Explore Modern Jerusalem, the Western Wall Tunnels, the Knesset, Yad Vashem (the Holocaust Memorial), the US Embassy and Bethlehem. 

Dinner and Transfer to the airport in Tel Aviv for your late-night flight back home. 

DAY 13 - March 31 

Arrive back in North America 

Return Flight to North America with many great memories.

Assisted Booking (Self-Booking instructions appear at the end of this section.)

Please follow the 4-Step instructions below to secure your flights. Klaus Biber, our travel desk agent, is ready to help you finalize the airline booking. Klaus will help you make your best connections from your home airport to Tel Aviv.  The tour begins and ends in Tel Aviv.

We urge all of our guests to fly EL AL for this tour. They are the only reliable carrier in the market for flights direct from the US to Tel Aviv at this time. Other airlines (United, American Airlines) are booking flights to Tel Aviv and then cancelling later, leaving our guests without flights. Rearranging flight plans with last minute ticket purchases is very expensive and inconvenient. 

Less expensive flights into Tel Aviv are available on European airlines. Those flight plans will require a stopover in Europe, which adds another flight to your journey. The savings are significant on these flight plans as compared to EL AL. 

Outbound flights- Flights should arrive in Tel Aviv between 8 AM and 12 PM on March 20, 2025.. 

Return flights - Flights should depart Tel Aviv between 11 PM on March 30 and 2 AM on March 31, 2025.

Transfers- Transfers will be available ONLY for guests following the flight plans above. 

Extra days - If you plan to arrive in Israel a day or two early or leave a day or two late - you will need to pay for private transfers. Please plan to take a taxi from the airport to your hotel. See the Extra Hotel Nights section for more information. 

Step One - Email your ticketing request to Klaus Biber at klaus@consolidatorwebfares.com with all of these details, for each guest flying with you:

Name as on the passport (First, Middle, Surname/Last Name, Suffix - such as Jr, Sr, III) 

Date of birth. (month, day, year)

Gender

Departure city of choice

Economy, Premium Economy, or Business Class seating

Step Two - Klaus will email you back with the price and booking on hold, which would hold for 24 hours. Klaus will provide information about how to reach him with your payment details. 

Seating Preference - Klaus can book and reserve seating at time of booking based on availability. The airlines set policy regarding advance selection of seating. These policies are subject to change. Sometimes seating is not available in advance of the flight date. 

Klaus can enter Frequent Flyer information, TSA information, and special meal requests at time of your ticket purchase.

Klaus will charge your credit card (without a service fee) for the full ticket payment.

Step Three - Klaus will email your eTicket confirmation to you. 

Print out your ticket and bring it with you. This is your airline ticket.

You may also present your mobile device with the eTicket confirmation number.

Submit your flight plan to tours@aliayhfoundation.org at least four weeks prior to the tour. Guests who do not submit a flight plan will not be included on the transfer bus roster.  

Step Four - Book your travel insurance if you have not already done so. 

Unexpected Airline Challenges

Airlines can and will make unexpected changes to travel itineraries due to weather, mechanical problems and staffing issues. Should your flight be delayed or canceled, it is up to the passenger to work directly with the airline to rebook flights to the intended destination. Aliyah Tours is not responsible for airline changes that cause delays, cancellations, late arrivals, baggage loss, and associated expenses. Group transfers are limited to the original arrival time and will not be available for rescheduled flights. (Air travel ticketing agents affiliated with Aliyah Tours are not responsible for rebooking your canceled or delayed flights.) Travel insurance is highly recommended to address all these challenges and the associated expenses for the traveler.  

Self-booking your flights  

You can self-book your flights, but plan to follow the schedule outlined above if you want to take advantage of the transfers provided in your tour package. Self-booking is required for guests who want to use points, miles or who are holding travel vouchers booked by another agent (not Klaus Biber).

Private Transfers for early and late arrivals, free transfers for arrivals between 8:00 AM and 12:00 PM on March 20, 2025.

If you arrive outside the window of time when transfers are provided to our guests, you will be required to take a taxi or other public transportation to our first hotel. Please see the instructions below for details on arranging a taxi.

Destination - Hotel on March 20, 2025.

Private Transfers - From the official website for Ben Gurion Airport (TLV):

Taxis to Ben Gurion Airport can be ordered from any taxi service in the country. Taxis can be found outside the Arrivals Hall where a dispatcher is on hand. Fares from the airport have legally fixed prices to every city. They fall into two categories depending on the time of day. Drivers can also charge extra for more than 2 passengers and luggage

Option 1 - Requires Cash - Shekels

Taxis to all areas of the country - CASH Shekels required.

Terminal 3 - (This will probably be the terminal for EL AL flights from JFK to TLV) A licensed taxi stand is at your service, located along the sidewalk on the ground floor at the exit from Gate 03.

Terminal 1 – Licensed taxis are at your service, located at the exit from the domestic flights’ Welcome Hall.

The service operates 24 hours a day. Payment of the taxi fare is by meter only.

Passengers getting to the airport by taxi are advised to make sure in advance from which terminal their flight is scheduled to depart – Terminal 3 or Terminal 1 – and ask the taxi driver to bring them directly to the relevant terminal.

Option 2 - Credit cards accepted - Order a taxi from a kiosk in the airport - Download the GETT Application or use advanced kiosks with service attendants to assist.

Whether the Gett application is installed on the mobile device or not, from now on the airport passengers will be able to sign up for the taxi transportation ordering service quickly and efficiently. Upon exiting the plane, passengers will be able to scan a Gett QR code, download the app and receive a code. After collecting the luggage, they will meet the usher, and give the taxi driver the code to travel to their destination. Passengers who choose not to download the application, will go to the kiosks scattered in the port area, and order a taxi in a similar procedure. Service attendants will assist passengers with tablet screens. 

You will need three things to enter Israel.

1. Passport - valid until September 20, 2025. Expedite renewals after January 9, 2025.

2. ETA-IL - For a fee - Obtain at least 72 hours before arrival in Tel Aviv.

3. Visa - Free - obtained upon entry. Nothing to do before you arrive in Tel Aviv.  

Passport information must be submitted to Aliyah Tours 6 weeks prior to the trip. There is a 17% VAT tax applied to any guest who does not submit passport details to Aliyah Tours prior to the hotel list being submitted. This is required by the government of Israel. 

Passports for this trip must be valid until 9/20/25. Airlines have been known to decline boarding if the passport has less than 6 months. US citizens will receive a visa upon entry into Tel Aviv. More information about Israel Entry requirements is available at this website: Israel Entry Requirements 2025: Rules & Guidelines - Tourist Israel. 

Security Screening: The Israeli Government may require security and police record checks for entry applicants. Some guests may encounter extended questioning from border officials. Answer questions calmly and quietly. This is a normal practice, and it is there for everyone's safety. 

ETA-IL - Complete this next step at least 72 hours BEFORE your tour. 

The rules for travel to Israel are changing. Starting in January 2025, visitors from visa-exempt countries are required to obtain an ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter the state of Israel. An approved ETA-IL indicates that you are allowed to travel to Israel and stay for up to 90 days per visit. 

Visitors From Visa Exempt Countries, Last updated: 5 December 2024

Until now, all citizens from a visa-exempt country wanting to visit Israel were not required to fill out any forms in advance or apply for any entry pass. Now, however, a little more is needed of these visitors, even those traveling from the United States. Like many other countries, Israel is now implementing an online application system to be filled out at least 72 hours before boarding the flight. A 25 NIS ($7) entry fee will also be associated with this. If you’re not sure if you’re eligible for this program, complete this online form to check and apply.

Once received, the ETA-IL will be valid for 2 years or less (exact length will be noted on your acceptance letter based on your nationality). With this, you may stay in the country for up to 90 days at a time.

Note: All travelers with Israeli citizenship are entirely exempt from this process.

When Will The ETA-IL Start?

The official program began on January 1st, 2025.

Why Is This Being Implemented?

Travelers should not be alarmed by this new Israel entry requirement. The application and fee are similar to those implanted by many other Western countries like the US and Australia. The main purpose of this clearance system is to screen out any potential threats easily or those who are likely to violate their visa restrictions. As noted, it is advised to complete this form at least 72 hours before traveling, but approval will likely be received within a few hours.

What If I’m not from a Visa-Exempt Country?

If you’re a citizen of a country that is not included in this visa-exemption program, you will be required to complete a more vigorous visa application process. Once granted, this visa will be valid for two years, with each visit limited to 90 days. We have more details in our “Do I need a Visa to Visit Israel” article.

Click on this link to get your ETA-IL now. 

Travel Insurance Comparison Tool 

• We strongly recommend that you buy travel insurance to protect your financial investment, as there will be no exceptions to the strict cancellation policy.  Click on this link: Get Travel Insurance here 

• At this time, many insurance companies are declining to cover tour costs for travel to Israel. If the tour is cancelled by Aliyah Tours, you will receive a refund for your tour costs minus the initial deposit. However, you still need insurance to cover the cost of emergency medical care, trip interruption, and baggage loss. These costs can add up to significant losses. You can price your insurance quote for emergency medical, trip interruption and baggage loss only. 

• If you have already purchased travel insurance, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with your policy.

• Print the policy number and the insurance company contact information.

• Save every receipt for purchases made due to flight interruptions or lost baggage (food, hotels, taxis, replacement clothing, flights). You will need these receipts when you file a claim with your travel insurance company.

Essential Paperwork

This is a list of essential paperwork you should carry with you when you travel to Israel. Fold and store these "In case of emergency" documents in your travel documents folder. Keep this in your carryon bag or purse.

1) Medical Form - Please download, print and fill out the Travelers' Medical Form. (One for each individual in your party.) 

This is for your  information only and Aliyah Tours will not collect this document. We ask that you have this on hand in case of a medical emergency during your trip.

2) Passport - Please make a photocopy of your passport(s). This will make replacement of your passport a little easier if the real passport gets lost or stolen. 

3. Flight Interruption - Action Plan - Print a copy of this document and place it in your document folder. If your flight is interrupted or you lose your baggage, please follow this action plan to manage your response. 

Flight Information:

• Print out your e-ticket that you were sent via email.

• Verify that the name on your e-ticket is exactly as it appears in your passport.

• If the name on your ticket is not identical to your passport name, contact your ticketing agent.

• Verify that the travel dates on your eTicket are accurate. 

• Store this with your travel documents. Do not pack in your checked bag.

Packing

We encourage all our guests to pack lightly. Plan to bring only one checked bag.

Click here to access two comprehensive packing lists Packing List for Women and Packing list for Men.

On this tour, you will be moving around to different locations and hotels, and you will be unpacking and repacking. Packing light will make your moves between hotels much easier. Consider using packing cubes to hold your clothing. 

Pro tips from our seasoned travelers:

• Clear zippered storage pouches work well for your smaller items and keep the chaos in your suitcase to a minimum. 

• Don't overstuff your suitcase because you will want room for souvenirs and gifts.

• Plan to wash your clothes in the hotel room sink. You can send out your clothes to the hotel laundry service, but that is a very expensive option. Choose to wash clothes in a location with a multi-night stay. 

• Bring easy-care clothes that can dry quickly.

• Bring modest clothing for the holy sites, which means skirts or pants below the knee and no sleeveless shirts. Women do not need to cover their heads, but men will be required to wear a cap at the Western Wall. 

• Pack an AirTag or Tile in your checked bag to assist in tracking luggage.

Prescription meds and supplements: Keep your meds in their original containers. If you use a daily pill-sorting tray, then set up your meds as usual and place them in a Ziploc bag along with a printed photo of your original pill bottles (with your name and the drug names visible). 

Baggage

Suitcases: 1 per person, not to exceed 50 lbs. for 1 bag. Each can measure up to 62 linear inches (length + height + width). Carry On Luggage: 1 per person, not to exceed 11 lbs. Each can measure up to 45 linear inches (length + height + width). Since all airline requirements differ slightly, please check the airline website for their specific luggage size and weight. 

Electronic Devices

Israel’s voltage is 220. Electric items used in the US will need to have a converter to work in Israel. Some items, like hair dryers, are dual voltage. They have a toggle switch that can be set to 220 or 110 voltage. These can be used in Israel. Devices that have USB chargers don't need converters. They have built-in dual-voltage capability. Converters and outlet adapters (Type H) and (Type C) can be purchased at Amazon.com, or from AAA Travel, luggage stores and department stores. Note: bathroom outlets are of lower power and meant for shavers, not curling irons, (buy cordless curling irons). Adapter plugs (Type H) are usually all that is needed for computer cords and battery chargers. These items are dual voltage. 

Weather 

Although the weather can be changeable, we have included average temperatures and weather conditions, along with packing guidelines to help you pack wisely.  Click here to access the weather overview in Israel: Temperatures in Israel. 

• Pro tip: Select these locations on your mobile phone Weather APP: Jerusalem, Tiberias, and Tel Aviv. Watch the weather for a week before your journey, and pack for the weather.

GUEST PREPARATION MEETING - MARCH 6, 2025 - ON ZOOM

Aliyah hosted a Guest Preparation Zoom Meeting for the Billye Brim March 2025 Israel Tour on March 6, 2025 at 3:00 PM, EST (2:00 PM Central Time). 

Please see your email from 3/12/25 for a copy of the slide deck for the Zoom Prep Session. 

Currency

Israel's currency is called the ‘shekel’. Shekels are abbreviated as either ILS, or more commonly NIS (which stands for New Israeli Shekel). Shekels are the best currency to use while in Israel, but US Dollars are widely accepted in the tourist areas. 

• One US Dollar is equal to about 3.7 NIS. 

• $10 USD is about 37 NIS.

Credit Cards

Use only credit cards that do not assign international transaction fees. When given the option, choose shekels for the transaction currency. Your bank will assign a more favorable rate of exchange than the merchant. 

In the era of credit cards, there is no need to exchange a lot of money for your trip to Israel.

Credit cards, and especially VISA and Mastercard are accepted just about everywhere in Israel. AMEX is not accepted in many locations in Israel. 

Cash - Where to Exchange Your Money

The shekel is a very strong currency by any worldwide standard.  Nevertheless, you will almost always get a better rate for shekels by exchanging in Israel rather than in your home country

After you land in Israel at Ben Gurion airport and leave the baggage area, there are ATM machines where you can withdraw funds using your credit card. The exchange rate is reasonable. There are also bank branches at the airport where you can exchange funds, but  the rate is typically less favorable than at an ATM.

There are two main types of ATM machines in Israel: those associated with banks and ATMs ‎that are privately owned by shops. Both are trustworthy and legitimate, but the private ATMs will charge a higher commission so banking ATMs are better.

If you brought cash with you and want to exchange it for shekels, you have 3 options: Exchange at:

• a bank

• the post office 

• or a licensed currency exchange shop. 

There are 3 other points worth noting:

• Before you arrive in Israel, make sure that your card PIN code has only 4 digits - you could run into ‎problems if it’s any longer. Most Israeli card terminals only accept 4 numbers.‎

• You might be given a choice to be charged in shekels or in your home currency. Always prefer the shekel currency which is cheaper, whether you are at an ATM or shopping. 

• Travelers' cheques are not recommended. They are not common in Israel and banks will charge a high commission and exchange rate. 

How Many Shekels Will You Need?

Assuming you will be using credit cards, you will need to have some shekels on hand for places that may not accept cards:

• smaller food places

• smaller shopping stalls 

• buying at open-air markets

• public transportation

• and for taxis - some of which do not accept credit cards.

Although most restaurants accept credit cards, you often cannot tip your waiter on the card, so you need to have Israeli currency for tipping.

Some people on Aliyah tours don't buy shekels at all, using US dollars or Euros for small amounts and a credit card for larger amounts. You will have ample opportunity to find an ATM in Israel. Don’t worry about getting Shekels ahead of time from a US bank. 

Aliyah travelers generally need about $400-$500 USD cash to spend on an average tour in Israel. Lunches will be available for purchase during our daily travels. Dinners and breakfasts are provided. 

COMMUNICATIONS:

One week before the tour date, we will share an invitation to join our WhatsApp chat for the Billye Brim Israel Tour. You will need to download WhatsApp from the Apple Store (iPhones) or Google store (Android phones) in order to use this group chat.

WhatsApp is our primary means of communication while we are in Israel. With WhatsApp on your phone, you can call home to other WhatsApp users for free. While we are in Israel, you will get notifications about meeting times, places and other important details. 

CELL PHONE SERVICE:

Check with your mobile phone service provider for information about international plans. Some carriers will switch over seamlessly to Israeli providers. For example, T-Mobile plans will automatically switch over to Israeli cell towers upon arrival in Tel Aviv. 

Wireless service is widely available for free and is compatible with WhatsApp texting and calling.  

E-Sims that run in parallel to your regular Sim card are available from Airalo at this website. These can be useful for international data service and calling for as little as $4.50.   

March 20-22, 2025  - Isrotel Dead Sea Hotel. 

March 22-25, 2025 - Magdala Hotel in Tiberias.

March 25-26, 2025 - Eshel Hashomron Ariel Hotel. 

March 26-30, 2025 - Inbal Hotel in Jerusalem.

If you would like to book extra nights pre- or post-tour, please contact Kathy Rogers at tours@aliyahfoundation.org. 

The Aliyah Team is not permitted to assign you a roommate, but you may request the assistance of Ruby Martin at Billye Brim Ministries for a roommate match. Roommate pairings are NOT guaranteed. The tour price is based on double occupancy. If you sign up for the tour without listing a roommate, then you will be assigned a private room with a single supplement fee of $2,300. This fee is due at the time of your final payment.  If you add on a roommate later, then the private room fee will be refunded to you.

Solo guests must be completely independent travelers without any additional support for personal care or mobility. Guests requiring assistance must travel with a caregiver. 

The Billye Brim Israel Tour has an Activity Level Rating of 3. 

Activity Level Ratings and Mobility Requirements

Level 3 - Moderate: Moderate tours require a reasonable level of fitness and stamina. They involve longer walks on varied terrain with some hills and uneven paths. Multiple flights of stairs are possible. Participants can expect activities like historical explorations or nature walks with moderate physical challenges. Stairs without handrails and cobblestone paths are common in areas of antiquity. Elevators and ramp access are frequently unavailable. The tour day may begin early and end late, lasting a full day. 

Moderate tours accommodate guests who are moderately fit and are comfortable participating in long days of activity. Some physical exertion is expected.

Additional Information and Mobility Concerns

Travel to and from the tour is not factored into our Activity Level Ratings. You should take into account your stamina when traveling long distances and/or with multiple flight changes. Also, you must be able to handle personal hand luggage independently throughout the itinerary. Guests should be able to move their larger checked bags for short periods of time without assistance. 

Guests with Limitations: Guests with mobility issues that require assistance devices (canes, walkers, wheelchairs, scooters), low vision, cognitive issues, or other limitations that limit independent travel must travel with a caregiver. Tour staff are not permitted to provide personal assistance when visiting restrooms and changing rooms. 

Determining Fitness Levels 

Guests are responsible for their own assessment of their fitness levels and it is recommended that guests make decisions based on their current fitness level, and not what they hope to be at the time of travel. 

Solo travelers need to have a higher level of independence. Do not overestimate your fitness level and plan to seek assistance from other guests. If you rely on family or friends at home to assist you in activities of daily living, you should not consider solo travel on a group tour. 

These Tour Activity Level descriptions are estimations only and actual physical activity on a tour may be more or less active than described. Itineraries can change (at the guides’ discretion) in response to crowd sizes, security, weather and other unexpected challenges. Aliyah Tours is not responsible for changes in the anticipated activity level due to unexpected itinerary alterations. Activity levels are subjective, and the tours are rated at the discretion of Aliyah Tours.

Holy Land Accessibility and Wheelchair Access Information is available at this link.

Opting Out

Guests may choose to opt out of a tour day only if the tour is not changing hotel locations on that day. Guests that opt out of a tour stop will not be able to stay on the bus alone, and should plan to wait in a public space with a companion or caregiver. No refunds will be given for any activity in which a passenger does not participate.

Buses

You will be assigned to a bus group when you arrive in Israel. Your travel partner or group will be assigned to the same bus and hotel. 

Each air-conditioned bus will seat approximately 45-55 people.

Buses will have water bottles for sale at a reasonable price. 

Buses have USB charging ports and WIFI.

Be prepared to alternate seats. No one may claim a particular seat on the bus, and everyone should have an opportunity to sit up front at some point during the tour. 

Buses will travel independently, but the bus groups will gather in a large venue once or twice a day for a teaching from Jonathan Cahn. Jonathan will not be on the bus with you. 

Restrooms

There are no restrooms on the bus, but there will be ample opportunities to make rest stops. Some public restrooms require small coins for use. 

Guides

Each bus will have its own English-speaking guide who will stay with you for the entire week.

Your guide will provide you with an audio receiver on a lanyard and an over the ear headset. You can set your own volume. These "Whispers" will allow the guide to speak at a normal volume and everyone will be able to hear. This tour does not include translators for non-English speakers. 

Food Allergies and Special Diets

If you have a food allergy or have other questions, please speak with your guide.

Speak with the head waiter or chef in the hotel restaurant for assistance in choosing your specific diet foods. Hotel restaurants can easily accommodate vegetarian, gluten-free and kosher diets. 

Your guide can assist with translation while dining out at lunch time. 

Extensions are not available on this tour. 

Tips for hotel restaurants, porters, housekeeping and front desk are included in your tour price. 

Guides' and Drivers' tips are included in your tour price, but it is customary to offer a little extra at the end of the week for good service. 

Dining-out on your own - a 10-15% tip is customary. 

Taxis - It is not customary to tip a taxi driver in the city.

Day tours/ Site guides - Tips are appreciated. 

Restroom attendants - Tips are appreciated. 

Tipping guide is available here.

When arriving in Israel: 

• Be sure to take all your belongings from the plane (retrieving your belongings later is hard to do).

• Follow the other passengers to Passport Control.  

• Visa opportunity 1 - Israel tourist visas are available from kiosks in the Passport Control hallway. Step up to the kiosk and follow the instructions. You will need to place your passport face down on the kiosk reader. Your visa will print out (small blue/white card). Tuck this in your passport.

• Visa opportunity 2 - The Israeli Passport agent will give you your visa card (usually green/white) when he reviews your passport. Tuck this in your passport.

• The Passport Control Agent will ask you a few questions about your time and purpose for visiting Israel. Your passport will be reviewed. You may be interviewed more extensively. In this case stay calm and collected. This is a normal screening procedure, particularly if you were born in Africa or the Middle East. 

Proceed to the baggage area - These instructions apply to guests arriving between 8 AM and 12:00 PM on March 20, 2025.

• You will be met by our representative just inside the baggage claim area, after passport control.

• You may take a cart and collect your luggage from the conveyer belt. Luggage carts may have an extra charge.

• Stay with the group and follow instructions from our representative. Wait for instructions before you change locations.  

• If you do not see the group, proceed to Aroma Espresso Bar in the Arrivals Hall. There will be a group representative there to meet you. 

Lost or damaged luggage

File a lost baggage claim before you leave the baggage claim area. It is the airline’s responsibility to deliver lost luggage to you, or compensate you for damaged luggage. If your luggage is missing, we will do our best to follow-up with the airline, but the responsibility ultimately rests with the airline. We strongly suggest you pack at least one change of clothes and have essentials in your carry-on bag.

Transfer to the bus

From this point on, you will be in the capable hands of your guide and driver. Relax and enjoy the adventure! 

• Your guide will lead us to the bus as we move our own baggage. 

• Do not leave the group unless it's urgent for you to do so, and you have notified one of the leaders.

• Identify your baggage to the driver if he asked. Assist in loading as needed. 

• Take your seat on the bus and settle in for the ride. The hard part of the journey is over!

NOTE - Guests arriving outside the window of time for bus transfers, will need to take a taxi or train at their own expense to their first hotel. Please contact tours@aliyahfoundation.org after October 10, 2024 for those hotel assignments. 

It has been a challenging season for the people of Israel since the October 7, 2023 terrorist attack. We understand that you may have concerns. Here's what we are doing in response to the ongoing situation. 

We have a team on the ground in Israel. They are very connected to the situation in the areas of conflict. We speak to them several times a week and they share their assessments with us frequently.  Each day of the tour, we look at the security of the site we plan to visit. We always have an alternate plan if a particular site is not optimal that day. Even in the days prior to the current conflict, we were flexible with our tour plans to accommodate crowds, bad weather, unexpected challenges and guest needs. That allows us to be responsive to our guests' safety and wellbeing.

We will not be entering Gaza or any other area that is engaged in the conflict. Your safety is of primary importance to us. 

Tour groups are a blessing to the people of Israel right now.  Our July 2024 tour guests were warmly welcomed. Tour sites and restaurants opened just for us. The sites were uncrowded and wait times were almost non-existent. 

Cancellations Requested by Guests: All cancellation requests must be made in writing by email to tours@aliyahfoundation.org or in writing, mailed to: Aliyah Tours, P.O. Box 74111, Richmond VA 23236). Guests acknowledge the inherent risks of travel and agree to proceed at their own discretion. Additionally, while guests may cancel their bookings at any time, there are penalties and fees associated with cancellations, depending on how close to the departure date the cancellation occurs. No guest should travel if they perceive that the tour exceeds their personal sense of risk. 

Cancellation Fees: 

• $500 Deposit is non-refundable. Contact tours@aliyahfoundation.org for the 2023 guest refund details. 

• Up to 4 months prior to departure date, the cancellation fee is the initial deposit plus 50% of other amounts paid.

• Up to 6 weeks prior to departure date, the cancellation fee is the initial deposit plus 75% of other amounts paid. 

Within 6 weeks prior to departure date, the cancellation fee is 100% of all amounts paid. 

Tour Cancellations:

If the tour is cancelled due to circumstances beyond the control of Aliyah Tours or our agents (including without limitation: acts of nature, terrorist activities, insurrection, flood, tempest, forceful wind, fire or accident, war or threat of war declared or undeclared, sabotage, civil disturbance, labor strikes, requisition, sickness, quarantine, government intervention, weather conditions, and unforeseen circumstances), then the full tour price will be refunded less the initial deposit of $500.  Additionally, if a tour is canceled, an alternative date may be offered. Aliyah may take up to 12 weeks from the date of an official tour cancellation to refund any tour payments as described in the above cancellation policy.  Bank fees assigned by the credit card processing platform are not refundable. 

Deviations:

Any change or substitution in a guest registration will result in the charge of $150 per change, per person plus any additional charges that may apply for revised air or land arrangements.

Tour Arrangements:

Land – All packages, including overnight hotel stays, are quoted based upon double occupancy, sharing a twin or double room with private facilities. Aliyah Tours does not arrange sharing for individual travelers. Single rooms are available at additional cost. Aliyah Tours reserves the right to substitute hotels, based upon availability, when necessary. Sightseeing and entrance fees are included as per itinerary. Individual passengers, and passengers arriving independently from a scheduled group, are responsible for their own transfers.

Flight Arrangements – Our travel desk can take care of all your flight requirements. However, if you choose to book your own flight, the cost of your trip would be $4,870.00 per person. You must submit your confirmed flight information to Aliyah Tours before February 5, 2025, which is six weeks before the tour.

To take advantage of our Airport Transfer, which is included in the tour price, your flight needs to arrive in Israel at the Ben Gurion airport (TLV) before 3:00 PM on March 20, 2025 and leave after 11:00 PM on March 30, 2025. If you do not arrive during these times, you will be responsible to get a taxi from the airport to the hotel at your own expense. 

Exclusions - Flights are booked separately and in addition to the tour price of $4,870. Other exclusions include airport taxis (required for private transfers outside of group transfer times), private optional tours, charges for passports, excess baggage charges, travel insurance, telephone and cable charges, laundry, meals not specified in the itinerary, liquor, items of a personal nature, and any items not specifically listed as included.

Passports/Visa - You will be required to provide Aliyah Tours with a copy of your passport before February 5, 2025, which is 6 weeks before the tour. It can take as long as 12 weeks to process a passport application in the USA. Please expedite passport applications submitted after December 1, 2025. Also note: The State of Israel requires that your passport have an expiration date valid for at least 6 months after your date of departure from Israel. There is no visa requirement for citizens of the United States traveling to Israel. Other nationals should contact their consulate for visa information. For other destinations, please contact Aliyah Tours.  Aliyah Tours does NOT process visa applications. No inoculations are currently required for travel to Israel. Please contact public health authorities for further information or other destinations.

Age Restrictions - All tour registrants must be aged 13 years or older at the time of travel. 

Disclaimer and Waiver

 This waiver applies to Aliyah Tours (Aliyah LLC), and/or its agents and representatives abroad, including Billye Brim, Billye Brim Ministries, and Prayer Mountain, along with their agents, representatives, and employees. By participating in this tour, you acknowledge and agree to the following terms and conditions:

1. Agent Role: Aliyah Tours and the aforementioned parties act only as agents for tour participants in arranging accommodations, transportation, tours, meals, and other services in connection with the itinerary. Reasonable care will be exercised in making such arrangements; however, Aliyah Tours and its agents do not assume any liability for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or irregularity arising from the services provided by hotels, carriers, restaurants, or other service providers.

2. Service Provider Liability: Any tickets, coupons, tariffs, rules, or contracts issued by a carrier, hotel, restaurant, or other service provider will constitute the sole contract between that provider and the tour participants. Aliyah Tours and its agents are not liable for any issues arising from actions or defaults of these third-party service providers.

3. Responsibility Limitation: All parties mentioned in this disclaimer, including agents and representatives abroad, are not responsible for any damage, delay, or injury due to:

   • Illness or theft

   • Labor disputes or equipment failures

   • Governmental actions or restraints

   • Acts of hostility, terrorism, natural events ("Acts of God")

   • Weather conditions or other causes beyond their control

   • Loss or damage to personal belongings, accidents en route, or illness requiring missed portions of the tour or early return

4. Carrier Responsibility: No carrier associated with the tour is responsible for any action, omission, or event occurring while tour participants are not on board its own conveyance.

5. Itinerary Adjustments: The tour program is planned in advance, but if circumstances beyond control necessitate changes, Aliyah Tours and its agents reserve the right to adjust itineraries, substitute components of tour programs, or alter arrangements as needed without penalty.

6. Right of Refusal: Aliyah Tours reserves the right to accept or decline any individual as a member of the tour.

By participating in this tour, you accept these terms and understand that this waiver limits Aliyah Tours’ liability in accordance with applicable laws.

Blessing Israel. Transforming lives. Bridging faith communities. www.aliyahfoundation.org

Aliyah Foundation is a non-profit organization of Jews and Christians who are dedicated to the physical and spiritual restoration of Israel. We aim to raise global support for Israel by promoting dialogue and understanding through Education, Advocacy, and Humanitarian Aid. If the Christian community connects to their shared roots in Judaism it will ignite empathy, understanding, and a desire for a relationship with Israel as a whole; Jews, Arabs, and Christians alike.

In Hebrew, to make an “aliyah” is to go up toward God, or more simply, “to rise, ascend.” Aliyah also refers to the journey of the Jewish people to the Promised Land.

Examples of Aliyah: “Return”

• Jacob returned from Laban Gen 31.

• Israel returned from Egypt

• Ezra returned from Babylon

• Zionism; the great modern return Ezekiel 36:24

Meaning:  TO ASCEND

• Songs of ascent Psalms 120 - 135

• Come let us go up to Zion

• Going Up to seek God