
WITH JOHN SODE-WOODHEAD
About the tour
Join the annual IEF International on this 8 day fully-guided tour of the land of the Bible from Saturday 11th – Sunday 19th November 2023!
The IEF DISCOVER ISRAEL TOUR is a unique blend of archaeological insight, Biblical sites and Israel’s beautiful culture. Each year the tour is freshly designed so that the travellers sees new places each year. As a biblical archaeologist and licensed tour guide who has spent much of his life in Israel, John will lead you on an journey you will never forget.
















More about the tour
Why Discover Israel?
Israel is a beautiful country full of rich history and Biblical significance. The land is full of variety and during the tour you will see beautiful vistas with mountains and valleys, deserts and waterscapes, ancient cities and new developments. The rich Jewish and Arab cultures are both very welcoming and traditional. You will enjoy the sites and flavours of two cultures living side by side in this Holy Land.
What makes this tour?
Each tour led by John, has a unique flavour. John carefully selects the itinerary in a way that each tour has a different focus and even if you have been to Israel before, you will experience something new.
IEF works alongside Immanuel Tours in Israel to make the tours possible. They have been welcoming tourists for more that 50 years and we love working alongside their team. They are responsible for booking the hotels and other tour related needs.
Cost for the tour: £1,675
This cost will reduce if we have more people joining the tour.
The IEF Discover Israel package includes
- Government licensed English speaking tour guide.
- Sightseeing according to itinerary, possibly subject to change. Travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach. Entrance fees are included.
- 8 nights hotel accommodation.
- Meal arrangements: Half Board (breakfast & dinner at hotels).
- Tips for hotels, guide, and driver.
- Immanuel Tours welcome kit: map, hat, backpack.
- Pilgrim certificate.
Rates do not include
- Flights to and from Tel Aviv.
- Medical coverage, COVID cover for testing or quarantine, travel insurance and all related matters.
- Expenses of a personal nature.
- Single room supplement.
- Lunches unless specified.
- Any required visa costs or arrangements (you get a visa upon arrival for UK and Swiss passports.) Please consult your countries embassy for more details.
- Any services not mentioned above.
Sat 11th – Travel to Ben Gurion Airport and spend your first night in Israel.
Sun 12th – Visit to the North West Coastline including Caesarea; Haifa and ‘Akko.
Mon 13th – Travel across to Upper Galilee along the northern border taking in sites and national parks such as Tel Dan, Mt Hermon, and Ramot Naphtali.
Tue 14th – Journey to Mt Precipice and see a first century replica village in Nazareth while seeing sights in the Galilee region such as Mt Tabor.
Wed 15th – Around the Sea of Galilee area take a sail on the sea, visit Arbel, Magdala and Capernaum.
Thu 16th – Drive up to Jerusalem take in the Yad VaShem museum and visit the Mt Olives.
Fri 17th – Start this Erev Shabbat at the Garden Tomb and visit Jerusalem before the Sabbath begins.
Sat 18th – Voyage to the lowest place on earth, find some hidden gems as you tour around the Dead Sea and take a moment to float on the salty waters on the final full day in Israel.
Sun 19th – Head to Ben Gurion Airport and on to your home.
Subject to change.
Participant Registration
Registration is now open:
REGISTER HERE
Spaces are limited
To ask any questions relating to the tour please click here to contact us
Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Visa
UK and Swiss citizens receive a visa on arrival in Israel. If you have any other passport it is your responsibility to ensure you have the right visa arrangements in place. You are responsible to make sure you have at least 6 months left in your passport on the date of your return to the UK or Switzerland.
Insurance
You must have full travel insurance covering COVID-19, cancellation, loss of personal effects, and most importantly medical costs. Evidence of this must be provided along with final payment.
Safety
UK Foreign and Commonwealth office, and the Swiss Foreign Ministry guidance will be consulted as necessary and any actions consequent on this will be reviewed with Immanuel Tours. Tour Participants will be kept informed. Issues will be handled according to recommendations of the UK Foreign and Common Wealth office and the Swiss Foreign Ministry.
The weather in early November is very comfortable at around 15-20C. You may find the odd shower or two, so layers are advisable.
You will visit many different sights, so it is important to pack comfortable clothes and shoes for walking (some of the trails will be uneven). On this discovery tour, you will need to be physically able to access sites by uneven trails and walk for some distance to ensure you get the most out of your time in Israel. Please note some of the religious sights will require you to cover your shoulders and knees.
In Israel, people dress casually. There may be some occasions when you might get wet during the day, so please bring appropriate footwear and clothing.
Swimming will be possible in different locations, so please do bring swim wear and a towel. We do advise layers as the weather can be changeable.
Please feel free to ask any questions about what to bring.
The cost for the tour is:
£1,675
Following your registration, please pay your £100 deposit to secure your space on the trip.
Each person is responsible for their own flights. We are willing to advise on flights, and particularly to enable you to travel with others from your country.
We ask that you register and pay a deposit as part of your registration. Upon registration you will receive a confirmation email that will give you the details for bank transfer. Please let us know if you have any questions or if you do not receive this email.
If you are travelling alone and wish to share a room, there are double and triple rooms available. There are a small number of single rooms, you would need to add a single room supplement (cost set by the hotels) to your cost should you prefer to have a room on your own.
The overall cost for the tour may reduce if more people join. Please share and invite your friends to join you on a tour that you will always remember!










Overall, the tour was very well organized, very inspiring and intensive. The way the route, the overnights
and the sites were planned, brought a maximum of learning in the available time. The balance between
historic and nature parks was wise - it catered to different ways of soul and mind.
Israel Tour
2022