Price Range
From -/- per person
**Limited to one bus**
Trip cost: $5,180 per person, based on double occupancy **land only**
Single occupancy supplement: $2,500
Highlights
• Experience the Story of Israel @ 75
• Private winery tours
• Cooking workshop with Adeena Sussman
• Luncheon and chat with Knesset Members
• Visits to prominent Israeli tech companies
FAQ
Is there someone who can assist with booking flights?
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If you are interested in assistance with flight booking, please refer to our travel partner, Riverdale Travel, for direct bookings. Flights for Experience Israel 2023 will be available to reserve beginning June 1, 2022. If you have any questions or would like to book your flight, please contact Kathy at [email protected]. You may also purchase travel insurance by clicking here.
**Flight costs for Experience Israel 2023 are not included in the trip costs, and are paid for separately and directly to the airline or travel agent at the time of booking.
What is the cancellation policy?
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Please click here to see our cancellation policy.
How much do I tip my driver and tour guide?
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For all groups ranging from 2-6 people, it is suggested that you tip the tour guide $70 -$100 (from the group) per day. For groups larger than 8, it is recommended to tip $8-$12 per person, per day + 50% for your bus driver.
Tips are not included in the cost of a tour and are always at your discretion.
What's the weather like in Israel?
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It is always best to check the weather forecast beforehand as the weather during the Spring seasons can be unexpectedly warm or cold. From late March through May, daytime temperatures are generally very pleasant - around 65-70°F, though it can still be hot in some areas (such as the Dead Sea and Eilat). There is a slight chance of rain, but it doesn't happen often. It can be cooler in the evenings in the North and Jerusalem - approximately 45°F.
Weekly weather forecast
Weekly weather forecast
What is the local currency? How much cash should I bring with me? How do I change money?
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The local currency is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS). It’s not advisable to walk around with large amounts of cash anywhere in the world. $50-$100 in local currency is more than enough to cover small purchases and meals. You can always change cash into local currency fairly easily at the airport or at ‘change points’ located all across the country. Or, with the Via Sabra touch, just tell us how much you need, and our staff will have cash waiting for you when you arrive, to save you valuable time. Just remember to mention it to us before your trip.
What clothes should I bring?
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Israel is a very informal country and the most formal you'll have to be is "business casual". Religious sites require long pants for the men and clothing that covers the knees and shoulders for the women. Men and women may be requested to cover their heads at Jewish and Muslim religious sites, while at Christian sites men are usually required to remove their hats. It's important to have comfortable walking shoes for the touring days. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are highly recommended as well. For warmer days, natural fibered clothes are best. We recommend bringing clothing that can be layered, as the night and day temperatures can vary greatly, regardless of season. Bring long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, a warm jacket/raincoat, as well as T-shirts.
TALK TO US TO FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT OTHERS BY DONATING YOUR COAT AT THE END OF YOUR TRIP.
Can I use my cell phone in Israel?
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Yes. You can use your cellphone in Israel if it is unlocked, or if you have roaming services on. Your mobile carrier should be able to unlock your smartphone for you. Alternatively, your carrier may offer international services for a daily or monthly fee. Please make sure to check the rates for international cellular usage before your trip so you don’t incur any unnecessary charges.
It is possible to purchase a pre-paid SIM card including data, text message, calls in Israel and a US/Canadian number for people back home to contact you. You can do this on your own, or request that we arrange to have one available for you at check-in. Please make your request, in writing, by sending an email to [email protected] no later than March 15, 2023.
What happens if I need medical attention while I'm in Israel?
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The level of medical care provided in Israel, as well as the facilities available, rank up top with the very best in Europe or the United States. There are excellent hospitals in all the major cities and many hotels have a doctor on call. It is required to purchase insurance that includes coverage for medical emergencies (including COVID-19 coverage). For more information about and to purchase travel insurance, please click here.
Is it safe to travel in Israel?
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Yes! It is safe for you and your family to travel in Israel. There is a very low rate of street crime in Israel. But your security is of the utmost importance. Via Sabra, our tour operator, receives regular updates from Home Front Command regarding any critical updates, be it security related, or even about the weather. On the off chance there is a need to do so, we will be able to adjust our itinerary based on relevant information and recommendations.
Is everything closed on Shabbat in Israel?
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Shabbat (the Sabbath), the Jewish holy day of the week, starts at sunset on Friday and ends shortly after sundown on Saturday evening. All public offices, banks and many stores are closed on Shabbat. Museums, national parks and most art galleries are open. Restaurants (not supervised kosher) and entertainment spots are open. On Shabbat, buses and trains do not run in every city, but taxis do. Airports are open as well. Naturally, cities differ from each other. For example, while Tel Aviv is mostly open on Shabbat, Jerusalem will mostly be closed. But there is still lots to do around the country, even on Shabbat. Just ask us for some recommendations!
Terms of Payment
Deposit is due immediately to secure the booking.
Balance for the trip is due no later than 45 days prior to first day of trip.
Please refer to our full Terms and Conditions here.
Cancellation Policy
Bookings can be cancelled within 48 hours, with a full refund.
Should it be necessary to cancel or postpone the tour due to force majeure circumstances, or Israeli government-imposed/air flight restrictions related to COVID-19, a full refund may be possible, minus a $200 per person service fee.
For cancellations made:
- Up to 45 days prior to departure, any payments made above the deposit towards the tour will be refunded. The deposit is non-refundable
- 45 to 30 days prior to departure, 50% of the total tour cost per person will be refunded
- 29 to 8 days prior to departure, 25% of the total tour cost per person will be refunded
- 7 to 0 days prior to departure, the client will incur 100% of the cost of the tour
Should members of a group booking cancel their participation, their deposits cannot be applied to the balance payment of other group members.
All cancellation requests must be made in writing.
What’s Included
A private, licensed, English speaking tour guide
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Meals as listed in the itinerary
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Bottles of water, as needed, and snacks
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Fees for sites and activities listed
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Transportation throughout the trip to all programmed activities
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Group transfers to & from the airport
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Airfare
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Tips for tour guides and drivers
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COVID-19 health insurance coverage (required)
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Travel Insurance (recommended)
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VIP services upon arrival & departure
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Testimonials
“Not only was the experience reflective of top-notch quality and superb attention to detail, you were treated like family.
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“Via Sabra has provided me with exceptional care and arranged creative, fun, educational and innovative tours! I recommend them unconditionally!
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“In 1968, I spent 2 wonderful months in Israel, and in 2018, with Via Sabra's invaluable help, I went back They helped us plan our 2-week trip, made hotel and even dinner reservations -- some amazing restaurants! -- and arranged 3 terrific one-day guides. Avihai Tsabari and his team made my return everything I had hoped it would be -- and more!
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Know before you go
Helpful articles from our Israel travel blog
